Former Taylor Canyon Elementary site purchase

Every hearing and vote

1. December 2, 2025 · City Council

   Resolution 2025-23: intent to purchase former Taylor Canyon Elementary property

   Approved · 6-0-1

   The Council declared the city's intent to purchase 4.23 acres of surplus Ogden School District land where Taylor Canyon Elementary stood until its 2022 demolition. The resolution is a notice of interest, not a purchase agreement; the city and district would each appraise the land and average the results. Community Development Director Jeremy Smith said the state-required window closed Dec. 2 and the site is zoned R-1-6. Council Member Dave Graf cited the lack of price, redevelopment and maintenance figures; Council Member Angela Choberka questioned an open-space-only commitment while the appraisal would reflect residential zoning; Vice Chair Richard Hyer suggested an interlocal arrangement like the Mount Lewis Park one; Mayor Benjamin Nadolski said the aim was a consolidated neighborhood open space. Chair Marcia White abstained, saying she had only weeks left on the Council and was uncomfortable making a decision with long-term financial implications for future councils.

   • Acres: 4.23
   • Zone: R-1-6

   Moved by Council Member Richard Hyer, seconded by Council Member Dave Graf. Vote: 6-0; White abstained

2. December 2, 2025 · City Council

   Amendment to Resolution 2025-23: strike open-space clause

   Approved · 6-1

   Vice Chair Richard Hyer moved to strike a clause saying the mayor and Council had determined strong community support for keeping the property as open space, saying members were uncomfortable that it limited future options. Council Member Shaun Myers opposed, saying keeping the land as open space matched community interest.

   Moved by Council Member Richard Hyer, seconded by Council Member Angela Choberka. Vote: 6-1; Council Member Shaun Myers voted no

3. January 6, 2026 · City Council

   Administrative update: Taylor Canyon site, Mount Ogden Golf Course trail, Lester Park

   Discussed

   Mayor Benjamin Nadolski said talks with the Ogden School District on the Taylor Canyon Elementary site were productive and the city was in a 60-day statutory phase that might be extended; no appraisal had been ordered yet. He preferred open space, with the decision resting with the Council; Council Member Angela Choberka said she could support a mixed-use area and worried about large fields. On the golf course trail, the mayor said he would keep the original plan of the loop going around the course, citing safety, an evenly split survey, golf participation and vandalism during the closure, and golf finances. Council Member Kevin Lundell questioned the survey's wording and late responses; Council Member Ken Richey suggested off-hours access as a compromise. The city has $2 million set aside of a $4 million need for Lester Park, with work planned for spring.

4. February 5, 2026 · City Council work session

   City and school district communications on surplus property

   Discussed

   Chair Richard Hyer said recent communications on the Taylor Canyon Elementary property had gone 'sideways'. Superintendent Rasmussen said the district had understood the city was not interested and proceeded with the surplus process. Mayor Benjamin Nadolski said neighborhood input on open space shifted his view. District Business Administrator Zane Woolstenhulme said the city has until March 2, 2026 to make an offer, and suggested memoranda of understanding for park arrangements like Edison Elementary. A board member stressed transparency; another said the district's role is education. The mayor committed to put a proposal before the district.