Council reviews $237K landscaping plan for city event center; members ask for plan and return on investment detail

PERRY, Utah — The council reviewed a proposed landscaping overhaul for the city event center May 15, including tree replacement, terracing a steep hillside for safer maintenance, and aesthetic improvements intended to support rentals and publicly available outdoor space.

Staff said the project uses a mix of grant funds and general fund dollars; the packet lists about $237,000 from general fund and additional grant coverage for a large portion of the work (the presenter later referenced a $305,000 outdoor recreation grant for the parks line and said the landscaping is partly grant‑funded). Staff reported robust bidder interest: more than 20 attendees at the pre‑bid meeting and seven or eight bidders submitting proposals.

Proponents argued the event center is underused and that improved outdoor amenities (pergolas, photo areas, lighting, replacement trees, terracing for maintenance and ADA access improvements) could increase rentals and offset the investment over four to eight years; staff said event revenue trended from about $21,000 last year toward a projected $44,500 this year. Skeptical councilors asked for a copy of the plan and clearer evidence of projected returns and suggested exploring phased improvements or fundraising partners (for instance, a veteran or 9/11 service group that had offered to fund a flagpole).

Council direction and next steps: staff will distribute the landscaping plan to council members, meet individually to walk through details if requested, and present specific bid documents and phasing options. Council did not approve the project at the meeting; members asked staff to return with the plan and with a clearer cost/benefit timeline.

Ending: Staff will email the full landscaping plan and schedule a review; council asked staff to explore grant, donor, or phased approaches to reduce near‑term general fund impact.