Council retreat sets strategic priorities, hears Rocky Mountain Power line options and Gordo site park-and-ride concepts
September 21, 2023, 9:00 a.m. · City Council Chambers, 445 Marsac Avenue
At its semi-annual strategic planning retreat on September 21, 2023, the council reviewed strategic objective survey results, long-range planning options for a new General Plan and a Historic Park City area plan, and a Rocky Mountain Power proposal: a roughly $9 million phase one to bury a power line near Boot Hill and a roughly $50 million phase two for a new substation, with a feasibility study of $300,000 to $500,000. Staff described soil remediation costing $3 million to $4 million and a park-and-ride concept at the Gordo site with a rough cost estimate of $31.8 million. The only vote was 5-0 to approve the 'for' argument for the $30 million recreation bond ballot.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
| Item | Result |
|---|---|
| General Plan update | Discussed |
| Potential Historic Park City area plan | Discussed |
| Rocky Mountain Power infrastructure near Boot Hill | Discussed |
| Winter peak traffic mitigation update | Discussed |
| Gordo property feasibility | Discussed |
| 'For' argument for the $30 million general obligation bond on the November 21, 2023 ballot | Approved · 5-0 |
Agenda, item by item
Item III · Presentation
Strategic objectives prioritization and update
Discussed
A prior non-statistical survey covered seven impact areas: housing, recreation, equity, transportation, environment, organizational infrastructure and resort economy balance. Scores above 4 are priorities, 3 to 4 return to council and below 3 are excluded from the budget process. The mayor's multicultural committee idea ranked poorly with council. No vote.
Item IV.1 · General plan
General Plan update
Discussed
Staff recommended an RFP for a consultant and said the Bonanza Park studies finish in March 2024. Dickey favored meeting only statutory requirements; Rubell suggested having bidders price both options. No vote.
Item IV.2 · General plan
Potential Historic Park City area plan
Discussed
About $20 million was invested in the area over 20 years. Infrastructure needs include waterlines, sewer lines, China Bridge parking maintenance and waste management contracts. Dickey preferred folding the work into the General Plan; Doilney wanted Bonanza Park to stay the current focus; staff will narrow the scope and return. No vote.
Item IV.3 · Roads and utilities
Rocky Mountain Power infrastructure near Boot Hill
Discussed
Phase one (about $9 million) routes the Snyderville line underground to the base of Boot Hill; phase two (about $50 million over 5 to 10 years) adds a new substation and undergrounding. A feasibility study would take up to six months and cost $300,000 to $500,000. Members expressed support for phase one and the feasibility study; Doilney hoped the utility would share costs. No vote.
Item VII.1 · Roads and utilities
Winter peak traffic mitigation update
Discussed
Sixty-six peak days are on the calendar, 27 fewer than last year; traffic is rerouted on 14th and 15th Streets for the full season, with temporary right-turn restrictions on three holidays. No vote.
Item VII.2 · Presentation
Regional transportation convening and emerging disruptors committee
Discussed
Ideas included a non-stop airport bus, a one-way loop, gondolas from park-and-rides to resorts and vehicle-free streets. Doilney and Rubell questioned whether the traffic problem justifies these solutions. Findings go to council in November. No vote.
Item VII.3 · Development
Gordo property feasibility
Discussed
The site has contaminated soils, a Public Works recycling operation and a surplus UDOT parcel acquired in 2016. Remediation is estimated at $3 million to $4 million, with $4 million set aside. A park-and-ride study estimated a rough cost of $31.8 million, with over 800 surface spaces or a structure that could allow 200 affordable housing units. Dickey said commercial uses were not needed; Doilney said some commercial would improve the arrival experience. Consensus: staff will return with concepts. No vote.
Item VIII.1 · Budget
'For' argument for the $30 million general obligation bond on the November 21, 2023 ballot
Approved · 5-0
Council first removed the item from the consent agenda 5-0 on a motion by Rubell, seconded by Toly. Rubell said aquatics and MARC remodel language was confusing and needed to make clear those projects are not part of the bond; Dickey preferred noting they were already approved using general funds. The city received one request to write the pro statement. Approved as amended by the city manager as needed.
- Bond$30.0 million
What residents said
Substation near Boot HillGordo site useTraffic and parking
Speakers supported burying power lines near Boot Hill and moving the substation; others questioned a Gordo park-and-ride, urged housing only there, or called a parking structure with housing outdated.