Highland council allows a veterinary urgent care clinic in the CR zone 4-1 and adopts e-bike rules for trails and sidewalks 5-0
September 15, 2026, 6:03 p.m.
Highland's City Council voted 4-1 on Sept. 15 to add 'small animal veterinary clinic and urgent care' as a permitted use in the CR zone, with only urgent care allowed on Sundays; Council Member Doug Cortney voted no over the process of widening the urgent-care hours exemption without explicit notice, not the clinic. The council voted 5-0 to adopt e-bike rules that allow Class 1 and 2 e-bikes on city trails and sidewalks and prohibit Class 3, and 5-0 to approve a modified parkway design along 6800 West for a subdivision. It also heard a $63,500 net-cost report on the 2026 Highland Fling and a presentation on traffic-monitoring software. The minutes are labeled approved.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 30, 2026.
In brief
4 items came up for a decision or discussion: 3 approved and 1 discussed.
1 vote was not unanimous: Small animal veterinary clinic and urgent care as a permitted use in the CR zone (4-1).
This write-up links 2 source documents.
6 members were present.
The next one was on October 6, 2026: Highland council approves a trimmed $148,084 Mitchell Hollow Trail change order and two right-of-way deals, 5-0
Decisions at a glance
| Item | Result |
|---|---|
| Small animal veterinary clinic and urgent care as a permitted use in the CR zone | Approved · 4-1 |
| City code amendments on electric bikes and similar devices | Approved · 5-0 |
| Ricks Subdivision: parkway detail modification along 6800 West | Approved · 5-0 |
| 2026 Highland Fling financial overview | Discussed |
Agenda, item by item
Item Ordinance · Development
Small animal veterinary clinic and urgent care as a permitted use in the CR zone
Approved · 4-1
City Attorney Rob Patterson said vet services were not explicitly addressed in the code but fit the zone's allowance for human medical uses and pet grooming and retail. The clinic, proposed for a former ice cream shop site, would be open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week, with 28 parking spaces against 16 required and retail under 1 percent of business. A motion by Cortney to continue the item and amend the business-hours code first failed 2-3. The council then adopted the ordinance 4-1 with a requirement that Sunday service be urgent care only, with no advance appointments for routine care. Two residents spoke in support.
- Hours proposed: 8 a.m.-8 p.m., seven days
- Sunday: urgent care only
Item Ordinance · Other
City code amendments on electric bikes and similar devices
Approved · 5-0
The ordinance allows non-motorized, Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes on city trails and sidewalks, prohibits Class 3 e-bikes there, bans motor vehicles in parks and bans e-bikes in the bike park, with all users bound by state law and signage. Electric personal assistive mobility devices such as wheelchairs are allowed. Police Chief Gwilliam said helmets are required under 21 and enforced as a secondary violation. Council Member Campbell raised safety concerns about e-scooters on trails.
Item Action · Development
Ricks Subdivision: parkway detail modification along 6800 West
Approved · 5-0
Staff supported a straight sidewalk and blending xeriscape with some turf, since over half of 6800 West was built without the required parkway detail. The developer argued the requirement conflicts with the general plan's rural character; Cortney said removing the requirement would need a text amendment. The council adopted findings allowing a straight sidewalk and lawn transitions at both ends and directed staff to work with residents on maintenance agreements.
Item Report · Budget
2026 Highland Fling financial overview
Discussed
Civic Events Coordinator Brooke Boyd reported expenses over $87,000 against revenue near $24,000, for a net city cost of about $63,500, roughly $500 over budget.
- Expenses: over $87,000
- Revenue: nearly $24,000
What residents said
Two residents spoke in support of the veterinary clinic at the hearing.