THE STATE OF UTAH
COUNTY OF SEVIER
CITY OF RICHFIELD
At the City Council
In and for said City
April 14, 2026
Minutes of the Richfield City Council meeting held on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Richfield City office building located at 75 East Center, Richfield, Utah. Mayor Bryan L. Burrows presiding.
- OPENING REMARKS
- PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
- ROLL CALL
- MINUTES
- EXPENDITURES
- CONFLICT OF INTEREST
- BUSINESS
a. Cove Junction Impact Fees
b. Street Light Upgrade
c. Service Line Warranties
d. Planning Commission
e. La Quinta Approval - OTHER BUSINESS
- Executive Session
- Adjournment
- OPENING REMARKS – Andrew Chappell offered the opening remarks.
- PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Led by Rob Jenson
- ROLL CALL – Present: Bryan Burrows (Not voting), Kip Hansen, Kendrick Thomas, Michele Jolley (Not voting), Rob Jenson (Not voting), Andrew Chappell, Brayden Gardner, Kevin Arrington. Also in attendance: JJ Lund, Trent Lloyd, Keith Mogan and David Anderson.
- MINUTES APPROVED – Approval of the minutes was tabled due to a missing page.
Motion: Table approval of the minutes of the March 24, 2026, neeting until the next council meeting, Action: Table, Moved by Brayden Gardner, Seconded by Kip Hansen.
Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 5).
Yes: Andrew Chappell, Kendrick Thomas, Kevin Arrington, Kip Hansen, Brayden Gardner. - EXPENDITURES APPROVED – Consider a motion to approve the warrants and cash disbursements for March 2026.
Motion: Approve the expenditures and cash disbursements for March 2026, Action: Approve, Moved by Kendrick Thomas, Seconded by Brayden Gardner.
Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 5).
Yes: Andrew Chappell, Kendrick Thomas, Kevin Arrington, Kip Hansen, Brayden Gardner. - CONFLICT OF INTEREST – Mayor Burrows declared a possible conflict due to his employment with Rocky Mountain Power on item B in the business.
- BUSINESS –
a. Consider approving an adjustment to the impact fees for Phase II of the Cove Junction Apartments similar the adjustment made or Phase I.
City Administrator Jolley explained during phase one, they were able to demonstrate the units they would build have a lower usage than what the City uses in its impact fee schedule. According to the information provided, these apartments only use approximately 5,000 gallons of water a month, while a typical home uses over 8,000. It was allowed to be reduced last time.
Financial director Jenson stated that the impact fee would be $448,250 for 40 units. If adjusted, the city would give him a reduction of some $98,250, which would fit into within his budget. There is a formula for how Richfield figures its impact fees.
The $350,000 is actually based on the $672,000 for 60 units, said JJ Lund, representing the project. If he builds fewer units, his ratio would be less. His tax credits would be $150,000. This will be two and a half buildings.
Mayor Burrows said this would be less of a discount than originally proposed.
Lund said from a tax credit level at state and federal, the first phase was a great success. One the applications, they come in and help with the projects. The goal is to bring in some $10 million for this project. The state gives better points on applications if the City can come in and help financially. The easiest way to do that without creating a burden on the City is to ask for a reduction. It allows for more money to be put into the project, which means better amenities and dwelling units. The more amenities they can get into the project, the higher the points on their application. If this doesn’t happen, the project may not happen. This is a competitive application with other projects throughout the state, but not in the local area.
Financial Director Jenson said if the City’s investment is a reduction of impact fees with a reduction of $98,000 in impact fees, that’s a pretty good buy-in from Richfield City.
Mayor Burrows said the first phase has been managed very well, which has reduced the number of problems experienced at them.
Councilmember Chappell asked when the City approves reduction of impact fees, as the City generally has to come up with the difference.
However, in this case that would not be required due to the type of project it is, Administrator Jolley said. He meets the threshold of 50 percent of AMI [Area Median Income], which makes this project one of the few where that wouldn’t be required.
Councilmember Chappell asked about the methodology to reduction of impact fees.
Mayor Burrows said it has only been for larger, low-income projects like this.
Councilmember Chappell asked about the waiting list of 50 people and how many of them are local.
Lund stated that all of those on the list are local. The 50 people on the list are those that are certified that could move in tomorrow. He said this request is the bare minimum they would ask.
Councilmember Gardner asked about the denial of an impact fee reduction at the last meeting. That was a request for a waiver, Administrator Jolley said.
Councilmember Thomas clarified that the reduction would be $150,000.
Motion: Approve the request for a reduction of impact fees of $150,000, Action: Approve, Moved by Kip Hansen, Seconded by Kendrick Thomas.
Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 5).
Yes: Andrew Chappell, Kendrick Thomas, Kevin Arrington, Kip Hansen, Brayden Gardner.
b. Consider converting street lights owned by Rocky Mountain Power to LED for a cost savings of approximately $36,305.40 annually, and consider funding the project in the upcoming budget for fiscal year 2026-27.
City Administrator Jolley said the City was provided with a quote that would estimate how much it would save to convert all the public streetlights to LED. The numbers provided projected an annual savings of $36,305.40, while the project would cost $154,368.69 to complete. The savings would be ongoing. It is something the council would have to budget for in the next fiscal year.
Mayor Burrows added if the City has the money available, it could budget for this upgrade.
Councilmember Chappell asked if it would affect the maintenance costs the City pays. It wouldn’t. Chappell asked what the effect would be on the type of light provided. Mayor Burrows said it would be a whiter light.
Councilmember Hansen said just doing the upgrades would save the City on maintenance, and could be more substantial than the projected four-year return on investment. It seems like an easy decision if the City can find money in the budget for it.
Councilmember Gardner asked what it being done as lights need maintenance in town. Are they currently being replaced with LED or are they being replaced with the new LEDs.
Mayor Burrows said the sodium vapor lights are being phased out with the new ones.
Councilmember Arrington asked if the new lights require new fixtures. They do not.
Councilmember Chappell asked if the City were to just wait, wouldn’t the lights eventually be replaced anyway. Mayor Burrows said it could take up to 60 years. Some of the lights along Main Street have been in place for up to 40 years.
Financial Director Jenson said the City may have to postpone some other projects to accomplish this one, if the council decides to pursue it. However, there are some projects that would take priority over the streetlights.
Councilmember Hansen said it may be a good idea to put off doing this until the next fiscal year.
Mayor Burrows said some of the City’s upcoming projects are tied to grants, which the City is committed to match, and they would have to take priority over the streetlights.
Financial Director Jenson asked whether the streetlight project would qualify the City for any rebates for energy conservation. When the ballfield lighting project was completed, there were some rebates offered due to the more energy efficient fixtures and bulbs. Mayor Burrows said he wasn’t sure if this project would qualify or not.
Councilmember Gardner said it goes back to the substation discussion. If the City needs another substation, energy conservation should be a priority.
Mayor Burrows said the project probably wouldn’t be started until 2027.
Motion: Approve proposal to upgrade the City’s streetlights to LED, with funding in the 2026-27 fiscal year, Action: Approve, Moved by Kip Hansen, Seconded by Andrew Chappell.
Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 5).
Yes: Andrew Chappell, Kendrick Thomas, Kevin Arrington, Kip Hansen, Brayden Gardner.
c. Consider implementing a program with Service Line Warranties of America to allow residents to participate in a service line warranty program, as discussed by Ashley Shiwarski.
Shiwarski addressed the council via Zoom. She stated that her company partners with communities in marketing infrastructure supplemental insurance. This would cover items such as waterline breaks or sewer line breaks on the property owners’ side as well as interior plumbing issues – depending on the policy purchased. The company would sent out mailers and marketing material mentioning the City as a partner. The City would receive 10 percent of the sales made within its borders.
Councilmember Hansen asked if the Utah League of Cities and Towns has made a policy statement concerning this company and program, and also if there is a cost for any local tradesmen who could be called out to service policy holders.
Shiwarski said the League hasn’t made a statement and there isn’t a charge for local service providers.
Councilmember Chappell asked if this is legal. He voiced concern about selling residents’ data to the company. Shiwarski said the City would not have to provide a mailing address and that they could obtain it through other public records means. Chappell asked if there has been any legal challenges concerning this, and municipalities unlawfully sharing data. In this case, the City would be giving this company resident data for financial consideration, allowing it to market to people using Richfield City’s logo and name. He asked if a sample of the mailer could be looked at prior to committing.
Shiwarski said it could be reviewed prior to being mailed out.
Councilmember Chappell asked when Richfield City’s logo is used for private companies’ marketing, and if it is licensed by other private companies for their marketing.
Mayor Burrows said with the county, college and trails. It’s something the City would be saying it’s available, but not endorsing.
Councilmember Hansen asked Public Works Director Keith Mogan about the value of the proposed warranty program. Mogan said he can see the value in it, as he tells residents every day that everything on their side of the meter is their responsibility. People are paying anywhere from $500 to several thousand dollars to do these types of repairs. There is 65-miles of sewer line and approximately 80 miles of waterline.
Mayor Burrows said one thing that is never accounted for is when a water upgrade is completed, the meter sets and service lines often need to be replaced as a result. Most of them are galvanized.
Councilmember Chappell said he’s been on the other end of this and understands the need for it.
Councilmember Thomas asked if this is a product that could be purchased by another source. It can, home warrantees really depend on the provider, said Councilmember Gardner. In many cases, they may not cover these specific types of repairs.
Councilmember Chappell said he is open to it as long as the City has some control on the trade dress of the marketing materials, and emphasized that he doesn’t want the City to share its residents’ data.
Councilmember Hansen said he would like to contact other communities utilizing this contract. Councilmember Chappell agreed and added it would be beneficial to have the City attorney look at the contract as well.
Motion: Table implementing the program with Service Line Warranties of America for two weeks until the City has had an opportunity to look at the trade dress, has had a chance for the City Attorney to look at it, and has had a chance to conduct more due diligence, Action: Approve, Moved by Andrew Chappell, Seconded by Brayden Gardner.
Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 5).
Yes: Andrew Chappell, Kendrick Thomas, Kevin Arrington, Kip Hansen, Brayden Gardner.
d. Planning Commission Report.
Deputy Clerk David Anderson provided the Planning Commission report. The Planning Commission hosted a public hearing on the proposed updates to RM-11 standards, which the council discussed in its last meeting. There were no comments offered that would change the ordinance.
Rustyn Riddle was approved for a short-term rental at a home located at 373 West Center in Richfield. The Commission also recommended approval for the use of the La Quinta Inn hotel. As a C-2 use the Commission recommends and the council approves. This is conditional upon completing the technical review. The Commission also approved a short-term rental for Natalie Call in the basement of her home located at 1109 North 500 East in Richfield. Newell Zitting was also approved to locate a small-scale woodshop at 458 South Main, the old Whittaker Chiropractic office. Zitting plans on remodeling the front of the building for a beauty salon, while the rear would be used for the woodworking. The commission also approved the 88 Building subject to completion of the City engineer’s technical review. The 88 Building is a multi-business building proposed to be constructed east of Richfield Floral’s location.
The Commission also reviewed two annexations. One was proposed by Mark Enberson at 1000 W and 1800 South, which is an island of county land just north of the golf course. An annexation of property requested by Corey Winkle was also reviewed, with that land being located at just north of 1770 North. The Commission felt both properties were logical candidates for annexation.
The Commission also discussed amending the Richfield City Code as it relates to flag lots. Currently homes built on flag lots have to have a pressurized fire suppression system. It’s a regulation that most communities don’t have. The Commission decided it wanted to talk to the Fire Chief and get his thoughts on removing the requirement prior to making any moves toward doing so.
Mayor Burrows said the flag lot at the end of Center Street that is under construction is a terrible development due to its two-story nature and the effect it has on the neighbors.
e. Consider approving conditional use for a La Quinta Inn hotel to be located at approximately 1150 South and College Avenue [parcel number 3-317-1], a C-2 Use in a CG Commercial General zone.
Motion: Approve the conditional use for a La Quinta Inn hotel to be located at approximately 1150 South and College Avenue, Action: Approve, Moved by Kip Hansen, Seconded by Brayden Gardner.
Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 5).
Yes: Andrew Chappell, Kendrick Thomas, Kevin Arrington, Kip Hansen, Brayden Gardner.
- OTHER BUSINESS – Police Chief Lloyd is working with the Utah Department of Transportation to resolve issues with the traffic signal at Center and Main.
Councilmember Arrington said the planning of the City’s annual Independence Day celebration is moving forward. - EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion: Adjourn from the open public meeting and reconvene in a closed session, Action: Adjourn and reconvene, Moved by Kip Hansen, Seconded by Brayden Gardner.
Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 5).
Yes: Andrew Chappell, Kendrick Thomas, Kevin Arrington, Kip Hansen, Brayden Gardner.
a. Discuss the character, professional competence, or physical or mental health of an individual(s) to serve on the Planning Commission.
b. Purchase of property.
- ADJOURNMENT
Motion: Adjourn the meeting, Action: Adjourn, Moved by Kendrick Thomas, Seconded by Brayden Gardner.
Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 5).
Yes: Andrew Chappell, Kendrick Thomas, Kevin Arrington, Kip Hansen, Brayden Gardner.
PASSED and APPROVED this * day of * 2026.
Michele Jolley
Richfield City Recorder