Council approves Kimball Arts Festival plan and lot size rules 5-0, passes historic temporary structures ordinance 4-1; majority backs water rate option three
May 23, 2024, 2:30 p.m. · City Council Chambers, 445 Marsac Avenue
On May 23, 2024 the council approved the 2024 Kimball Arts Festival supplemental plan and an ordinance on maximum residential lot size in the Recreation Commercial zone, both 5-0, and an ordinance on temporary structures in historic districts 4-1 (Council Member Jeremy Rubell opposed; his motion to allow yurts died for lack of a second). The consent agenda, approved 5-0, included fiber conduit, a Fourth of July drone show and water system electrical contracts. In discussion without votes, a majority favored a water rate option with a 4.5 percent increase, a $4 million grant and billing of city facilities; members gave direction on e-bike policy, supporting a 15 mph pathway limit and exploring helmet rules; and a utility study put the cost of undergrounding a transmission line at about $6.6 million for option A.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Item Closed · Other
Motion to close the meeting to discuss property
Approved · 5-0
Closed session ran from 2:30 to 3:50 p.m.
Item Work1 · Contract
Public service contract recommendations
Discussed
Proposed FY26 budget of $620,000: $420,000 for public service contracts and $200,000 for emergent community needs grants, with a five-member independent nonprofit services advisory committee and no council liaisons. Rubell, Parigian and Ciraco supported removing liaisons; Toly opposed. No vote.
- Budget$620,000
Item Work2 · Parks
City-owned agricultural open space parcels: water for McPolin Farm, Richards Ranch and Peterson parcels
Discussed
Ciraco, Parigian, Toly and Rubell supported keeping water flowing; Ciraco and Dickey supported the city paying for the water as a community benefit. Staff will draft an agreement and look at a separate rate structure for recreational water use. No vote.
Item II.3 · Roads and utilities
Transmission line underground study (Rocky Mountain Power)
Discussed
Option A costs about $6.6 million and reduces visual and wildfire risk; option B costs about $5.6 million. Rubell supported option A; Dickey wanted more information and the city manager asked for cost recovery options. A decision is needed by July. Presentation only.
Item VI · Contract
Consent: fiber conduit, drone show, water system electrical contracts, Arbor Day
Approved · 5-0
A construction agreement for fiber conduit and junction boxes; a three-year Fourth of July drone show agreement with a possible two-year extension; water system electrical service contracts with two firms; and Resolution 09-2024 proclaiming June 5, 2024 Arbor Day and the 31st year as a Tree City USA.
- Contract$222,789 to Black & McDonald L.L.C.
- Contract$135,000 to Skyworx Drone Shows, LLC
- Contract$218,400 to Skyline Electric Company Inc.
- Contract$364,000 to Total Power & Controls LLC
Item VII.1 · Taxes and fees
Water fee study update
Discussed
Option one (10 percent increases) was viewed by staff as most secure but council did not select it. Option three (4.5 percent increases with a $4 million grant and billing of city facilities) gained majority support; the minutes do not clearly reconcile the 3 percent and 4.5 percent figures. Staff will bring data on a 4.5 percent increase on June 6 and June 20, plus a single-family tier structure. No vote.
Item VII.2 · City code
E-bike community survey and potential ordinance
Discussed
Responses to staff questions: a 15 mph pathway speed limit was supported by most members, with Parigian wanting lower; on a pilot for additional e-mountain bike trails, three members supported a single connection to Lower Deer Valley's east side and Dickey and Toly opposed; Rail Trail and Wag'on Trail enhancements were supported; most members supported helmet regulations; council supported dedicating resources to education and certification. Staff will return with options for amending the ordinance. No vote.
Item VIII.1 · Other
2024 Kimball Arts Festival supplemental plan and Level Five special event permit
Approved · 5-0
Changes cover spirit garden hours, a fire lane adjustment and parking rates. The Kimball Art Center asked to stop paying city service fees and sought compensation for booth revenue lost to dining decks; Rubell asked that the long-term dining deck issue not be decided that night, and the 2024 arrangement includes the $2,000 payment agreed in March.
Item VIII.2 · City code
Ordinance 2024-10: residential maximum lot size in the Recreation Commercial zoning district
Approved · 5-0
The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval.
Item VIII.3 · City code
Ordinance 2024-11: temporary structures in historic districts (code sections 15-13-10 and 15-15-1)
Approved · 4-1
Rubell moved to approve with an amendment to allow yurts; the motion died for lack of a second. Rubell called the yurt ban overregulation. Parigian clarified that existing permits can apply for a five-year permit; staff said dining decks are not covered and globes are allowed.
What residents said
Water ratesE-bikes on trailsDining deck fees
A resident asked that Bonanza Park be demolished, shared photos of hazards and Dickey requested an inventory; another raised drought concerns; speakers on agricultural parcels supported keeping the land green; speakers on e-bikes both supported and opposed trail pilots.