Ogden council adopts engineering standards and starts bond process for Forest Service building purchase, both 7-0
February 18, 2025, 6:00 p.m. · City Council Chambers, 2549 Washington Boulevard, Ogden
The council voted 7-0 to adopt updated engineering standards for public improvements and 7-0 to approve a sales tax pledge for bonds to buy the U.S. Forest Service building at 507 25th Street, setting a public hearing on the bond parameters for March 18. The mayor's progress report on the Weber Housing Authority project drew sharp comment from residents who said it offered too little. The meeting also included a joint work session on the city audit and financial report and a Special Redevelopment Agency meeting.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Item WS · Presentation
Fiscal 2023-24 audit and annual financial report (work session)
Discussed
Auditor Jeff Miles of HBME reported no significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in internal control, clean single-audit results and low-risk auditee status, with two state compliance findings: the general fund balance equaled 39.42 percent of revenue against a 35 percent legal maximum, and the Weber Morgan Strike Force fund spent $53,698 more than appropriated. Assistant Finance Director Korahle Jensen noted $61.4 million in capital asset investment and $127.21 million in new bond debt for the Wonderblock development. Members asked about controls to prevent repeat findings and the purpose of past interfund loans.
- Bond$127.2 million
Item WS · Presentation
Strategic plan report: city image and fiscal sustainability; Visit Ogden annual report (work session)
Discussed
Staff reviewed metrics for city image and fiscal sustainability, including bond ratings in the AA to AAA range, general fund debt (sales tax debt of $23.5 million outstanding through 2049 for the Marshall White Center and $64.2 million in RDA debt through 2058 for the Wonderblock joint venture) and two audit findings for fiscal 2024. Visit Ogden's president described the organization's goals and results.
Item 3a · Other
Weber Housing Authority project: administration progress report
Discussed
Mayor Nadolski reported that options include getting an appraisal of the building at 2325 Madison Avenue, which Weber Housing Authority bought in 2022, so the city could consider buying it and making the authority financially whole. The administration also favors relocating the project, preferably to another city in Weber County. Chair White proposed a work session; the council agreed to discuss on March 11 with possible action March 18. In public comment, several residents, including Robert Hunter, Kevin Lundell, Heath Satow and Brooke Barragan, said the report gave too little information, that grant funding was at risk and that the council had never voted. Chair White said the council has heard from supporters and from an equal number of opponents and must weigh both. Mayor Nadolski said any purchase would follow neighborhood stabilization policies and that many residents with concerns fear speaking publicly.
Item 3b · Presentation
Lotus Company recognition of police, fire and ATF for Citywalk fire response
Discussed
Jim McQueen of The Lotus Company thanked city police and fire and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for their response to the Jan. 25 fire at the Citywalk project site and presented plaques. He said the project, underway for seven months, will take time to restart but that the company is committed to providing affordable housing in Ogden.
Item 5a · City code
Engineering standards for public improvements (Ordinance 2025-7)
Approved · 7-0
The council adopted updated engineering standards covering a 15-business-day variance process with defined approval criteria, traffic impact studies for projects generating 100 or more daily trips, 50 or more dwelling units or 30,000 square feet of building, and revised sewer, storm drain, water and utility boring rules. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval Nov. 6, 2024. The minutes number this ordinance 2025-7, the same number the Feb. 4 minutes give to the Chief Administrative Officer ordinance.
Item 6a · Taxes and fees
Sales tax pledge for Forest Service building purchase (Resolution 2025-4)
Approved · 7-0
The council approved a form of interlocal sales tax pledge agreement and the issuance of a city obligation as a backstop to Redevelopment Agency tax increment for buying the U.S. Forest Service building at 507 25th Street, and set a public hearing on bond parameters for March 18, 2025 at 6 p.m. The Agency board approved the $3.6 million purchase on Dec. 10, 2024, with a $600,000 budget amendment for earnest money and maintenance, and the earnest money was paid in December. A financial advisor from Lewis Robertson Burningham presented. The Special Redevelopment Agency board adopted Resolution 2025-1 authorizing the sale of the agency's sales tax and tax increment revenue bonds, 7-0, per the meeting results.
- Land deal$3.60 million to U.S. Forest Service (seller)
- Budget$600,000
What residents said
Weber Housing Authority project timeline and city purchase optionTraffic safety at 29th Street and Polk AvenueAging water mains and water qualityFinancial literacy
Sarge Morielli asked for a four-way stop at 29th Street and Polk Avenue after a crash, offered stop signs she bought, and urged higher police and fire pay. Laura Lewis described discolored water and asked about replacing old water mains; Council Member Richey relayed that the city is currently drawing no well water and the supply is safe. Karece Thompson of the Utah State Treasurer's office and Jaime Wadman of PATH Forward Utah asked for an April Financial Literacy Awareness Month resolution. Several residents criticized the handling of the Weber Housing Authority project.