Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Finance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
River Heights plans Forsgren impact-fee study for parks, water, sewer and roads; mayor to sign proposal
Summary
Mayor Blake Wright said he intends to sign a $13,500 proposal from Forsgren to conduct an impact-fee analysis covering parks, wastewater, potable water and roadways; councilors handling related departments were asked to review the proposal before the mayor signs.
River Heights City Mayor Blake Wright told the council he intends to sign an updated fee proposal from Forsgren to complete an impact-fee study covering parks and recreation facilities, the wastewater collection system, the potable water system and roadway systems. Forsgren’s written proposal presented to the council lists a fee of $13,500 for the analysis, slightly under a previously quoted verbal amount.
The mayor asked council members responsible for the affected departments—Council members Chris Melbinks, Janet Matthews and Lance Pitcher—to review the proposal within a few days so staff can authorize the work quickly. Craig, the city engineer, and Forsgren staff explained the study will include public engagement and a public hearing at the end of the process; Forsgren indicated the study typically takes about three to five months and must meet State of Utah impact-fee requirements for how fees are calculated and what capital projects are eligible to be funded with impact fees.
Council members asked practical questions about how impact fees are collected and used. Staff explained impact fees are assessed when a building permit is issued for new construction; the fees feed impact-fee budgets earmarked for growth-related capital projects, not routine operations. Staff also noted that impact fees are distinct from water-rate studies and rate increases, which are used to cover operations, maintenance and other capital needs that are not growth-restricted. The council discussed whether impact fees could apply to pending developments; staff said fees generally cannot be applied retroactively to developments that have already submitted formal applications, but they would apply to future submittals such as the parcel behind the church if an application is filed after the update is adopted.
No formal vote was recorded; the mayor said he would sign the proposal later in the week if departmental reviewers do not object.
