Council approves development agreement framework for High Desert Park improvements with modification requirement

The Snowflake Town Council on May 5 authorized Resolution 2026-07, which sets the town’s terms for a development agreement with Green Gable Estates, LLC and Paradise Property Development LLC for improvements to High Desert Park.

Town staff told the council the resolution supersedes an earlier December approval because required easements were not obtained. Brian Richards said the resolution would authorize the town to spend funds under the agreement but that final development agreements and contract language still need to be completed and accepted by the other parties. Deputy or contract staff member Rodney States said the terms have been negotiated between parties but must be reviewed and made contractual by the other parties.

Councilmembers debated whether the town should wait for signatures from the private parties before approving. Travis Kay said he preferred the other parties sign the agreement first; Mark Sheen said approving council terms clarified the town’s position. Reid Stinnett noted the council cannot speak for other parties and recommended including a requirement that any modifications come back to the council. Byron Lewis moved to approve Resolution 2026-07 with the stipulation that any modifications be returned to council for review; Mark Sheen seconded. The motion passed unanimously with Cory Johnson absent.

The adopted resolution establishes the town’s authorization to proceed under the terms described but does not bind the private parties until final contracts are executed; any changes to terms must return to the council for approval.