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Council explores vacant‑building fee model and music series grant partnership
Summary
Council members discussed studying a vacant‑building registration/fee modeled on Ogden and Smyrna, Delaware, and reviewed Culture Connection event plans; the Levitt Series grant requires a 501(c)(3) partner because municipalities are ineligible.
Council members discussed using a vacant‑building fee or registration to encourage reoccupation of long‑vacant properties. Speaker 2 said that under some state law interpretations municipalities cannot levy arbitrary fees, but that Ogden City has a statutory framework for a vacant‑building fee that requires owners to register, submit a re‑occupation plan, and make progress or face fines. Speaker 2 suggested staff (Nick) review which elements could be adapted locally and asked for sample materials to be circulated.
On events, staff described Culture Connection and summer music programming, including a plan to host a concentrated music weekend and weekly Thursday music nights. Speaker 2 noted the Levitt Series grant does not fund municipalities directly and recommended using a 501(c)(3) partner to apply: "They do not give any money to municipalities," Speaker 2 said of Levitt, noting nonprofits can apply on a city's behalf.
Council members requested staff follow up with legal and finance reviews on the vacant‑building model and to explore nonprofit partners for grant eligibility. No ordinance or fee structure was adopted at the meeting.
