During a recent Draper City Council meeting, discussions ranged from the introduction of a new police canine to public concerns about local housing and tree management.

Officer Ricks introduced a new narcotics detection dog, emphasizing that while the dog is trained for biting, its primary role will be narcotics detection. The council welcomed the dog, highlighting its importance to community safety.

Public comments were initiated by resident James Longstaff, who expressed concerns regarding the agreement between the city and Canyon School District for a new school at the former eBay building. Longstaff urged the council to consider the potential for dense housing development in the area, citing a significant parking lot that often remains empty. He emphasized the ongoing housing shortage affecting younger residents and suggested loosening restrictions to facilitate more housing options.

In response, council members noted that the area is already zoned for high-density development, but market forces ultimately dictate what gets built. They encouraged Longstaff to direct his concerns to the Canyon School District, which controls the property.

The council also addressed several consent items, including the appointment of Mike Barker as the new city manager and the renaming of the Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee to the Community Engagement Committee. All items were approved unanimously.

Another significant topic discussed was the management of trees affected by anthracnose disease. Council members acknowledged the ongoing issue of sick trees along Vestry and the challenges posed by limited park strip space for tree roots. Suggestions included replacing diseased trees with more resilient species and considering xeriscaping as an alternative. The council agreed on the need for a comprehensive plan to address the tree health crisis and to explore options for maintaining the aesthetic of the area while ensuring public safety.

The meeting concluded with a reminder to residents about the ongoing maintenance of city streets and the importance of transparency in the council's decision-making processes regarding road treatments.