Council reappoints two Planning Commission members, rejects a third nominee 2-3 and weighs water conservation and winter transit options
July 28, 2022, 2:30 p.m. · City Council Chambers, 445 Marsac Avenue
At a July 28, 2022 special meeting the council reappointed John Kenworthy (3-2) and Laura Suesser (4-1) to the Planning Commission and appointed John Frontero (5-0), but a motion to appoint Bryan Markkanen failed 2-3. Members also discussed a turf-removal incentive, conservation water rates, a possible water district annexation on Snows Lane and winter 2022-23 transit options costing up to $1.69 million more.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Item 1 · Taxes and fees
Landscape Reduction Incentive Program
Discussed
Staff reported a 50 percent water reduction per single-family home from the existing program and estimated conversion costs of $1 to $9 per square foot. Funding options ranged from $1 million (about four acres of turf, up to a 5 percent rate increase) to $50,000-$100,000 initially; staff proposed $100,000 for year one, and a $5 million state program was in development. Rubell and Dickey opposed a deed restriction. Council consensus was to start small and bring a refined program back in winter for a spring start. No vote.
- Budget$100,000
Item 2 · Taxes and fees
Conservation water rate structure
Discussed
Rates would be redistributed by usage with no net revenue increase: single-family rates fall, irrigation rises moderately and commercial rises significantly. There are 179 irrigation accounts. Doilney asked for analysis of multi-family units, noting many are nightly rentals; Toly asked whether bills could be discounted by residency; rates would take effect in January. No vote.
Item 3 · Annexation
Potential petition to annex Snows Lane properties into the Park City Water Service District
Discussed
One landowner served by surface water has a pending application to move water rights underground to drill a well, which the city is protesting. Five properties are unserved, four outside district boundaries, with no hydrants. Staff supported annexation with the owner paying for an engineering study and a system built to city standards; the owner said he would drill a well regardless. Rubell wanted further discussion on annexing into the district versus the city. No vote.
Item 4 · Roads and utilities
Winter 2022-23 transportation operations
Discussed
Option one needs $1,399,585 in additional funding and option two $1,688,609; microtransit with High Valley Transit would cost $350,000. Staff recommended option two with 15-minute frequency and a budget amendment. The mayor said all members supported the High Valley Transit microtransit contract and a majority supported route changes. Rubell and Dickey wanted resort funding commitments before the city spent its own money; the city manager said the plan relies on one-time funds. Staff will return in October with a peak-day plan.
- Contract$350,000 to High Valley Transit
- Budget$1.69 million
Item Appt 1 · Appointment
Planning Commission: reappoint John Kenworthy (one-year term)
Approved · 3-2
Dickey, Rubell and Toly voted yes; Doilney and Gerber voted no.
Item Appt 2 · Appointment
Planning Commission: reappoint Laura Suesser (three-year term)
Approved · 4-1
Doilney voted no.
Item Appt 3 · Appointment
Planning Commission: appoint John Frontero (four-year term)
Approved · 5-0
Approved unanimously.
Item Appt 4 · Appointment
Planning Commission: appoint Bryan Markkanen (four-year term)
Denied · 2-3
The motion failed. Doilney and Gerber voted yes; Dickey, Rubell and Toly voted no. The mayor said the vacant seat would be reopened and recommended a September code amendment requiring one seat with architecture or construction expertise; Gerber suggested two such seats.
What residents said
Water ratesTurf conversionWinter transit funding
The only public participation recorded was a landowner who spoke on the Snows Lane annexation item.