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Salem Council adopts ADU and plat ordinances, awards $18.3M Arrowhead Park contract and approves property purchase
Summary
At its May 6 meeting the Salem City Council unanimously adopted two ordinances (including changes to comply with Utah Senate Bill 284), awarded the Arrowhead Park Phase 2 construction contract to Kenny Seng Construction for $18,291,036.40, and approved purchase of 1 acre of Carl James property to realign Highline Canal; council also approved minutes and bills totaling $1,624,185.97.
The Salem City Council on May 6 unanimously approved a package of ordinances, a major park construction contract and a property purchase during its regular meeting.
City Planner Lisa Webster presented an ordinance amending Salem City Code chapters related to detached accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and land-use administrative procedures to comply with Utah Senate Bill 284. Webster told the Council the City must adopt the ordinance by May 6, 2026, to remain compliant with state law and that the City will need to appoint a consultant to receive complaints required under the statute. Councilperson Craig Sacco moved to approve the ordinance and Councilperson Cynthia Deveraux Rees seconded; the motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
Engineering Director Bradey Wilde presented an ordinance amending Salem City Code requirements for final plats and water transfers, including an amendment to Title 13, Chapter 3, Section 110 to require that “Prior to receiving final plat approval, the subdivider or developer shall convey to the City the water rights for each lot or residential equivalent unit as set forth herein.” The ordinance also prescribes valuation of irrigation company shares by reliable diversion volume. Councilperson Paul Taylor moved to approve the ordinance; Councilperson Craig Sacco seconded and the motion passed 5-0.
City Manager Matt Marziale recommended awarding the Arrowhead Park Phase 2 construction contract to Kenny Seng Construction based on submitted bids. Staff reported Salem has committed $32 million in impact fees toward park funding; Kenny Seng’s base bid was $18,291,036.40 with an additional $3,395,343.00 identified for field lighting, a score tower and concrete work. Council voted 5-0 to award the contract to Kenny Seng Construction. Staff estimated construction will take about 14 months and said project costs will be financed through a Public Improvement District (PID). The proposal also includes hiring an additional full-time staff member to support operations at Arrowhead Park.
Marziale also presented a proposal to purchase 1 acre of property from Carl James at Oak Hills Stables to facilitate straightening the Highline Canal piping and resolve conflicts between Salem City pressurized irrigation ponds and Bureau of Reclamation land. Salem will fund $158,818 of the purchase using PI impact fees; SESD will contribute $104,544, bringing the total to $261,360. Council approved the purchase 5-0.
The Council also approved the April 15, 2026 meeting minutes (motion by Councilperson Tim De Graw) and approved bills for payment in the amount of $1,624,185.97 (motion by Councilperson Delys Snyder), both by unanimous votes.
What’s next: staff will return with any required contract documents and implementation steps for the park project and with the consultant proposal and resolution language associated with the budget and ordinance actions.
