This meeting was held on February 9, 2016 at the Harrisville City offices. Mayor Richins called the meeting to order and welcomed all visitors. Ethan Brewster, from Troop 694, led the pledge of allegiance at the request of Mayor Richins.
Mayor Richins wanted to have a casual discussion on economic development. He welcomed the planning commissioners in attendance. Other surrounding cities have paid positions over economic development. This has been talked about as a possibility for Harrisville City. Discussion and comments were welcome.
There are a few potential occurrences happening within the City. The LDS Church is building a cannery behind the Deseret industries. At this time there is no known date as to when the cannery will begin construction. Council Member Murtha pointed out the cannery will not generate revenue for the City. The City has tried to develop the corridor where Highway 89 connects onto Wall Avenue for awhile.
There is also potential for development activity surrounding GreenWood Charter School. This would eliminate the area around SPS up toward the charter school. The Weber County Posse grounds would have to relocate to a more beneficial location. There were issues when the UDOT median was installed trying to get their big rigs in and out of that area. Some of the developments would include new restaurants with light commercial development. The back area would be a 50-60 one level cottage-style residential area.
Both Jeff and Ruth Pearce would like to see more development with the land surrounding Walmart. There is a high asking price for this vacant land. Ruth Pearce would also like to encourage more development and work with UDOT to give access to new businesses. Mayor Richins said the best possibility for new access would be frontage roads.
Council Member Murtha said he noticed there is a fitness incentive for the police department. He would like to work some kind of deal with a local gym, if the numbers line up, to allow for access to a full gym. Council member Robinson said his company gives a discount or money towards a gym membership.
Mayor Richins announced that Austin Teuscher is going to be a parent volunteer for the Youth City Council. He said that years ago Mayor Hendrix encouraged having a parent volunteer oversee this program. Mayor Richins is anticipating great things.
Mayor Richins was also going to meet with UTA in regards to Proposition One with the implementation of the new sales tax use funds. One item being considered is future improvements to bus stops. Council Member Jeff Pearce suggested another bench be added to the stop on Washington Boulevard at Walmart. Mayor Richins said the bus stop in front of the Deseret Industries on Wall Avenue should be improved.
A brief update on the status of the North Ogden Library was brought up by Mayor Richins. The main problem is lack of parking for what is required and this will be a huge obstacle to overcome. He has seen several designs. One in particular would be to use some of the front lawn to create more parking stalls. Unfortunately, this still will not provide enough parking.
Council Member Murtha asked about the proposed library branch in Farr West. Mayor Richins pointed out there is property donated for this cause. Bill Morris said he understood it is near the new Wahlquist Junior High. Council member Murtha said the North Ogden Branch is the highest used library and he would like to see another one in this area. Council Member Robinson said there are no funds on the bond for that. Bill Morris said the proposal for the new library is from the general fund.