Council endorses outside attorney as appeal authority; schedules workshop to revise mixed‑use zone

Hyde Park City Council members expressed support for retaining an external attorney to serve as the city’s appeal authority and agreed to work with the planning commission on changes to the city’s mixed‑use zone.

Staff presented Christian Hansen as a recommended impartial, legally trained appeal authority used by neighboring cities. Staff said Hansen would be engaged on a per‑case basis and that North Logan and other nearby cities have used him. Staff characterized his hourly cost as higher than an internal option but acceptable given infrequent need; no standing contract was presented and staff said the city would contact him only when an appeal arose. Council voiced assent during the meeting; staff said they would list Hansen on the city’s contact matrix.

Separately, the planning commission requested a joint workshop to clarify direction on mixed‑use code changes. Staff said the commission is willing to work on whatever sections the council identifies but asked for specific bullet points or code sections the council wants reviewed. Councilmembers and staff discussed holding a joint workshop soon and asked staff to coordinate with the planning commission chair to identify a date that works for both bodies.

Ending: Staff will add Christian Hansen to the city’s appeal authority contact list and will circulate potential dates and agenda topics for a joint planning commission–council workshop on the mixed‑use zone.