Council OKs letter of intent for Empire Pass land exchange with Redus, 3-0

Decisions at a glance

Agenda, item by item

1. Item II.1 · Appointment

   Appointment of Dalton Gackle to the Historic Preservation Board

   Approved · 3-0

   The council appointed Dalton Gackle to fill a board vacancy through May 2025.

   Moved by Council Member Ryan Dickey, seconded by Council Member Ed Parigian. Vote: 3-0; Council Members Bill Ciraco and Tana Toly excused

2. Item VIII.1 · Development

   Letter of intent with Redus Park City for Empire Pass land exchange

   Approved · 3-0 · Empire Pass, west of Marsac Avenue

   The council authorized the mayor to sign a nonbinding letter of intent with Redus. Redus would seek approval of seven dwelling units in Empire Pass through an amendment to the Flagstaff Development Agreement, with no rezone, on 1.5 acres west of Marsac Avenue (four units in a three-story building) and four acres by the water tank. In exchange it would convey about 310 acres to the city, including three trailheads, historic structures and water rights, plus the fire station parcel. The reinvestment fee would rise from 1% to 1.5%. Redus said it has restored historic mining structures worth $1.3 million. Speakers Sally Wintzer supported the proposal; Mark Fischer and John Kenworthy said the city should obtain ownership of Twisted Branch Road. Council Members Rubell, Dickey and Parigian supported it for land protection, water rights and open space. Redus would then apply to the Planning Commission.

   • Applicant: Redus Park City
   • Units: 7
   • Land to city: about 310 acres

   Moved by Council Member Ryan Dickey, seconded by Council Member Jeremy Rubell. Vote: 3-0; Council Members Bill Ciraco and Tana Toly excused

   Follow Redus Empire Pass land exchange in the development tracker →

3. Item IX.1 · Presentation

   Sales tax and property tax overview

   Discussed

   Budget staff said the combined sales tax rate is 9.55%; resort tax brings in about $26.8 million a year, transient room tax about $4.5 million and the municipal mass transit tax about $5 million. The city's share of property tax is declining and retirement of a general obligation bond will save $2.3 million over two years. Assessed value is about $20 billion. Council Member Rubell said residents' property taxes have doubled in recent years, largely from the school district levy. No vote.

4. City code

   Council communications: Bonanza Park code changes and vested rights

   Discussed

   The planning director said draft Bonanza Park code amendments, including a new zoning district, go to the Planning Commission February 12. Council Member Rubell asked whether the changes would revive a development application; she said the applicant decides and the project is vested under current code.

What residents said

Twisted Branch Road safety and ownershipProperty tax increases

Sally Wintzer, Mark Fischer and John Kenworthy spoke on the Redus proposal; a student asked about Sundance traffic.