Ogden council strategy session reviews resident survey, strategic plan timing and public comment rules
April 22, 2025 · Fire Station #3, 450 North Street, Ogden
The council's 4:00 p.m. strategy session at Fire Station #3 covered results of a 170-response FlashVote survey, when to update the 2019 strategic plan, options for changing public comment rules, budget priorities and the council executive director's goals. No votes were taken.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
| Item | Result |
|---|---|
| Public comment rules | Discussed |
| Budget priorities, executive director goals and council comments | Discussed |
Agenda, item by item
Presentation
FlashVote survey results and strategic plan update
Discussed
Kevin Lyons said the quick FlashVote survey drew 170 responses, compared with about 2,000 in the process that produced the 2019 Strategic Plan, and members discussed whether the sample is large enough to represent the city. Communications Director Brandon Garside said safety was the top concern (79 percent), recreation was the highest-rated strength (87 percent), and respondents raised worries about apartment growth, blight and code enforcement. Glenn Symes said moving to a new plan is on hold until the General Plan, a financial sustainability plan, staffing studies, a parks utilization study and updated RDA policies are further along.
City code
Public comment rules
Discussed
Senior Policy Analyst Steve Burton said staff reviewed the rules of 16 other cities: 12 take public comment at the start of the meeting, most allow one opportunity per person outside public hearings, and most allow three minutes. The City Attorney's Office offered optional language letting the chair shorten time limits and set cumulative limits on a topic. Council staff will draft amendments to the Rules and Norms based on members' feedback.
Budget
Budget priorities, executive director goals and council comments
Discussed
Symes shared the presentation he gave at the administration's budget retreat, stressing that council members want more updates on projects. Executive Director Janene Eller-Smith distributed a handout on her performance evaluation process and goals. Council Member Graf asked whether the administration is discussing how the city could support residents facing deportation; Council Member Myers cited examples of local residents affected.