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Council approves parks priorities, adopts URS auto‑enrollment and hears resident complaint about hospital tree removals
Summary
The council unanimously approved a 0–5 year parks capital priority list and Res. 26‑02 to auto‑enroll new employees at 2% into a URS 457 plan; during citizen comments a resident criticized recent tree removals at the hospital site and staff said the city had not ordered clear‑cutting.
Washington Terrace — At its March 3 meeting the Washington Terrace City Council approved its parks capital priority list for projects in the next five years, adopted a personnel policy change to automatically enroll new hires in a URS 457 savings plan at 2% (with an opt‑out), and heard an emotional public comment about large tree removals at a nearby hospital property.
Parks and Recreation Director Carlos Grava described the city’s 0–5 year parks priority list as a planning tool that improves grant competitiveness and department budgeting. "Council approval of the priority projects helps me plan a framework within the department," Grava said. Council Member Jeff West moved to approve the list as to priorities; Council Member Michael Thomas seconded and the motion carried unanimously (5–0). The approval is for priorities only; each project will return to council when funding is available.
On personnel policy, City Recorder Amy Rodriguez explained the proposed amendment to the Policy & Procedures Manual to adopt the Utah Retirement System automatic‑enrollment option for newly hired employees. Under the change, 2% of a new employee’s paycheck would be withheld and placed in a 457 savings plan unless the employee opts out. Rodriguez said staff would notify new hires prior to paperwork and that there are no city fiscal impacts because the city does not match contributions. The council approved Resolution 26‑02 by unanimous vote (5–0); a roll call vote was recorded.
During public comment resident Kathleen Craynor criticized removal of trees on the hospital property near homes, saying the result left the area "like a warzone," removed wildlife habitat, eliminated shade and increased intrusive lighting into homes. She told the council she believed the city should feel guilty for the outcome. In administrative reports City Manager Tom Hanson and staff said the city’s code‑enforcement officer had documented fire hazards and recommended vegetation maintenance; Hanson said the city did not mandate a full clear‑cut, that no fines or citations were issued, and that the hospital property is private and its owner made the removal decision.
Hanson also reported Recreation Director Grava’s RAMP grant application for the Pickleball Phase 4 project received a unanimous recommendation from the County RAMP Commission. The council closed the meeting at 7:23 p.m. after a unanimous motion to adjourn.
What happens next: Each parks project will return for funding approval as grants or budget items are identified; HR staff will implement URS auto‑enrollment procedures and notify new hires as described; staff will continue to work with the hospital and with residents on messaging about tree work and fire‑hazard mitigation.
