THE STATE OF UTAH COUNTY OF SEVIERCITY OF RICHFIELD
At the City Council In and For Said City
September 9, 2025
Minutes of the Richfield City Council meeting held on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, 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.
- CALL TO ORDER
- OPENING REMARKS
- PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE by invitation
- ROLL CALL
- MINUTES APPROVED
- EXPENDITURES APPROVED
- BUSINESS
a. Wreaths Across America.
b. Indian Hills Drive group home.
c. Planning Commission Report
d. 1800 South bike path project.
e. Micklane Farmer on Vialitics.
f. Corey Winkel request for City to purchase a right-of-way - OTHER BUSINESS
- EXECUTIVE SESSION
a. Discuss the character, professional competence, or physical or mental health of an individual(s) to serve on the Library board
b. Potential litigation.
c. Purchase of property. - OPENING REMARKS – Offered by Kip Hansen
- PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE led by Elaine Street
- ROLL CALL – Present: Bryan Burrows (Not voting), Brayden Gardner, Kip Hansen, Elaine Street, Tanner Thompson, Michele Jolley (Not voting). Excused: Kendrick Thomas, Rob Jenson.
Also, Jared Barton, Alan Christensen, Sarah Conder, Devan Wilson, Tyson Hansen, Eric Peterson, Sharlene Peterson, Sue Peterson, Mike Snow, Lacey West, Robin Henrie, Andrew Chappell, Micklane Farmer, Jim Holt, Chelsia Holt, Keith Mogan. - MINUTES APPROVED – Consider a motion to approve the minutes of the meeting held on August 26, 2025. Motion: Approve the minutes of August 26, 2025, Action: Approve, Moved by Brayden Gardner, Seconded by Kip Hansen.
Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 4).
Yes: Brayden Gardner, Elaine Street, Kip Hansen, Tanner Thompson.
Excused: Kendrick Thomas. - EXPENDITURES APPROVED – Consider a motion to approve the warrants and cash disbursements for June and July 2025. Motion: Approve the cash disbursements for June and July 2025, Action: Approve, Moved by Brayden Gardner, Seconded by Elaine Street.
Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 4).
Yes: Brayden Gardner, Elaine Street, Kip Hansen, Tanner Thompson.
Excused: Kendrick Thomas. - BUSINESS
a. Sue Peterson to discuss the Wreaths Across America program to place wreaths on the graves of veterans in the Richfield Cemetery. Wreaths Across America puts wreaths on the graves of all veterans. Sue has donated to this cause in the past. Her grandson is in the ROTC, and would place the wreaths on the gravesides. It’s a volunteer program with more than 3 million throughout the United States who help place the wreaths. Sue said she needs a list of all the veterans buried in our cemetery. Once they have a complete list, they will set a goal of raising funds in order to pay for wreaths for each grave. December 13 is the national event. She would also like to have the flame lit that day.
Eric Peterson stated that the program started back in the 90’s in Maine. The founder had left over wreaths and he wanted to make a difference, so he took them to Arlington. It grew from there to reach cemeteries across the nation. The mission is to remember all of our veterans and their families, honor those who serve and teaching the younger generation the value of veterans and other patriotic values. Eric is Mona Peterson’s grandson. She loved Richfield and our country as well as her family legacy. Without veterans, we wouldn’t have the lives and blessings we have. This is about being thankful, remembrance and teaching the next generation.
Councilmember Thompson asked what the wreaths look like – are they similar to a Christmas wreath. Eric said they are, but they are a non-denominational decoration. They get shipped out throughout the country. Each wreath sponsorship is $17, which includes the cost of shipping and the production of the wreaths. The organization has also teamed up with other veterans’ organizations and over the past 30 years has been able to contribute some $28 million to other veteran causes. People can donate or sponsor wreaths through the local chamber website. There would be a 15-minute ceremony preceding the laying of the wreaths.
Councilmember Gardner asked if they have contacted the VFW. He indicated he could help with that.
Mayor Burrows said the program sounds great and asked what the City needs to do in order to help.
Eric said promoting the chamber’s link to the donation page, as well as the list of veterans in the cemetery. Sue said the hope is after the first year, that it will continue to grow as people see the wreaths.
Councilmember Thompson suggested the City could also consider donating to the program.
Eric said Leeroy Michael Jensen was the first veteran to die in a war in service of the country in the Richfield Cemetery. He died during World War I. It would be something cool to highlight him this year and maybe someone else next year.
b. Neighbors on Indian Hills Drive to discuss the location of a group home at 888 North Indian Hills Drive.
Jim Holt said he is concerned a business that have moved onto his street. It is a group home. Sara Condor said she has serious concerns. This facility was introduced by Rise Services without notice or city approval and without opportunity for neighbors to ask questions. While federal law allows for group homes for people with disabilities, it doesn’t justify bypassing transparency or community engagement. Conder stated the group she represents cares deeply for the neighborhood and the children who live in it. Right now, there is no clear way to report complaints or get answers from Rise – you must go through the state, which seems distant and ineffective. The property’s ownership is convoluted, with ties to multiple LLCs and a private equity firm in Arizona. This makes accountability nearly impossible. Speeding and smoking near homes have already been observed, but there is no clear person to contact. Richfield’s zoning laws require these homes to be licensed, maintain a residential feel and limit the number of residents. Yet within ¼ mile there are already congregate living homes. What prevents this company from purchasing more homes on the street and turning it into a corridor of group homes. The company lacks a business license for this location. As a contracted provider, DHHS contract, they are required to comply with all local laws. Operating without a license may violate both City code and state contract terms. At a recent open house, it may be a long-term rental. It needs to follow the same laws as everyone else, but the company is selectively applying laws to suit its business model. The core concern is safety. We support equal opportunity and inclusive housing, but not at the expense of public peace or safety. She request that the council compel the company to comply with all local zoning ordinances, spacing, licensing and oversight. Insure they maintain compliance with the DHHS oversight and inspection requirements. Require a designated point of contact or committee to address concerns as they arise.
Jim Holt said they are not opposed to it being there, they just want to know who to contact in case of issues. Right now they don’t, they feel like they’ve just sneaked in.
Mayor Burrows said he understands the concerns. The only thing they’ve done wrong is not go through the process. He doesn’t know why they chose to not do so, perhaps they thought since they have a business license in the City already, maybe they felt it covers this location as well, which is doesn’t. We are in the process of getting them in the do the business license.
Jim Holt asked about the conditional use permit.
That is one step in getting the business license, Mayor Burrows said. The City can’t deny it, but they still need to follow the process.
Sara Conder said they are not saying deny the permit, just provide an avenue to issues to be addressed if they arise. If there was an issue with an employee, such as the smoking issue, who do we contact? They have no vested interest in the neighborhood. For the first 30 days, yes the complaints have been minimal, but what about down the road? Want something more proactive than relying on the existing codes and ordinances. She wants someone to talk to if someone is speeding through the neighborhood.
Councilmember Hansen said the speeding is a separate issue.
Conder said how do you address issues?
Holt asked how to make sure they have only four people in there? What happens if more than the limit is placed there.
Mayor Burrows said call the City and report it. If there is a speeding issue of a particular car, write down the license plate and call the City police. It would be better for us to deal with it than people in the community.
Alan Christensen said his concern is they didn’t go through the license process. Ordinances and rules are there for a purpose. They should have to follow the same process as everyone else. We’re not against mentally challenged people being there, but what stops them from using it as a halfway home for drug abusers or sex offenders. If they come in and are licensed for mentally disabled, that puts a limit on it. They haven’t abided on the law. It appears that they don’t care and feel like they are above the law and the City ordinances.
Mayor Burrows asked what the suggestion is.
Christensen said he would like the City to set a date for them to come in and tell them the concerns, have them go through the process, and if they refuse, shut them down. They’ve had opportunities. They should be accountable to the City for what they’re going.
Mayor Burrows said that is the process the City is engaged in currently.
Councilmember Thompson asked if there had been any good faith communication.
City Administrator Jolley said there has been communication between their attorney and the City’s attorney. She said when Zoning Administrator David Anderson was approached by Rise, he explained the process and was told the City was being discriminatory. At that point he got the City attorney involved. The City attorney told them they still have to comply with the ordinance, at which point they still refused.
Councilmember Hansen said there is nothing discriminatory about it as the City requires a conditional use permit for all kinds of home-based businesses. It’s not a unique requirement.
Conder said she believes the reason they are arguing discrimination is that they think you can’t make them do anything any other household with three unrelated individuals would be required to do. She said she wants some type of recourse. It’s a broad spectrum that can include rehab situations, where alcohol/drug addiction is considered a disability. You would have the same issue if that kind of home came in.
Jim Holt said the fact that they refuse to do anything is a red flag and makes it seem sketchy. Why is the City doing to address it?
Councilmember Thompson said it seems like a simple solution. Come to planning commission, get the approval and move on. The fact that they won’t do that seems odd. As a business owner, it would be embarrassing if they were faced with getting a citation.
Conder said when she looked on the DHHS website to make sure they are a registered site, they were not when she checked. Then the concern becomes you have two mentally disabled individuals, so where is the oversight for those individuals.
Councilmember Hansen said he agrees. The lack of following the procedure is the primary issue. He said he had a situation in high neighborhood in Cedar City where the same issue arose. A home came up for sale and was sold to one of these group homes. At first he had some heartburn with the situation, but in 10 years of living in that situation, the only impact he saw was that some of the people who lived in it began attending church with him. As far as what the business is proposed to be, if it’s done upfront, it’s not a blight on the neighborhood or concern for safety or anything. The use isn’t a problem, it’s how they’ve chosen to do it.
Conder said Lacey West has intimate conduct with people, including her brother, who have intellectual disabilities. It can be very innocent, but there are times that it can be dangerous. They may not know right from wrong. That’s where our concern is.
The rules need to be clear and have to be enforced.
Mayor Burrows said we need to start down the road. However, some people don’t care if they get cited, they just pay the ticket and continue the same behavior.
Councilmember Thompson said if they get cited every day, it would eventually become a burden.
Alan Christensen said if they don’t have a business license, they need to be shut down. The City has the duty to enforce what’s already on the books. They’ve had plenty of opportunity.
Mayor Burrows said that is what the City is working on doing. However, it is surprising how much the City can be beat up in court over things even when it is in the right.
c. Planning Commission Report Planning Commission Chairman Josh Peterson presented the planning commission report.
There was a conditional use permit issued to allow Cory McGee to extend a non-conforming use, which would enclose his carport into a garage and extend it. The non-conforming part was how close it was to the property line, it would still sit behind his house and the neighbor’s house. There would still about approximately 12 feet from the neighbor’s house to his structure. The commission looked at fire safety, as well as coverage of the lot. It was approved.
Richfield pediatric dental, reviewed the staff report. The planning commission approved it with the conditions that they address the items pointed out in the staff report, including clarifying parking, signage and a Geotech report.
Next the commission discussed a proposal from Kelly Magleby to build an enclosed storage building, which doesn’t fit with the zoning of the downtown use.
Councilmember Thompson asked if it would be for Magleby’s own vehicles or if it would be for rent.
Peterson said from it would be for Magleby personally as well as spaces that could be rented to other people.
The commission also hosted a public hearing for an update to the development standards. There was no public. They also discussed the updates, and recommended approval of them. Peterson also recommended that the ADA sidewalk ramp specs be updated with the latest federal guidelines as the ones in the document are dated 2023.
Mayor Burrows asked what McGee’s concern was.
Peterson said it is primarily a setback issue.
d. Jared Barton and Devan Wilson to discuss funding for the 1800 South bike path project. The project was tabled a few weeks back. The project needs another $47,600 additional to move forward. This is a draft letter for UDOT.
Councilmember Thompson asked how much the City has spent so far on the project.
Barton said it’s expended some $80,000, accounting for 85 percent of the design. If additional funding is approved, the Mayor would have to sign the draft letter letting UDOT know the City’s committed, so the right-of-way process can be started and the design can be completed.
Mayor Burrows said this will go up another 7-8 percent by the time it is advertised.
Devan Wilson said extra contingency has been built into it at this point, so hopefully there won’t be a need to come back for more funding. Barton said there is approximately 17 percent contingency in it at this point.
Councilmember Thompson asked to clarify that $372,000 would be the City’s portion, $80,000 of which is already spent. Likely another $300,000 would need to be done. He feels the City is in this too deep. He thinks we should cut our losses and not proceed with this project. Maybe do it on the City’s own for a lot cheaper than using the UDOT funds.
Andrew Chappell stated that as a resident that lives there he sees a lot of pedestrian traffic. The amount will only increase with time and something needs to be done. The City is selling alcohol at that golf course, so something needs to be done for pedestrian safety. He would like to have a plan in place before the City cuts this project.
Councilmember Gardner agreed with Mr. Chappell. He has a lot of the same thoughts as Councilmember Thompson. Something is needed, but he does not think that we should spent an additional $300,000 because we have spent $80,000. There is also some parcels along the path that will likely sell and be developed in the next couple of years, which would be required to put in sidewalk. There are options.
Councilmember Thompson said that if it was not a federal project we could go to the property owners and ask them for an easement and get it for free as the project would enhance to value of their property. The federal rules are what’s bloating it at this point. There is just as much of an opportunity to build it across the street on the property the City already owns.
Mayor Burrows asked if it would be Bacon Davis wages, and if that is added into this number. It is according to the engineers.
If the City decides not to go through with the process, the work that has been done doesn’t go to waste. The design that’s been done so far could be provided to the city, according to Wilson.
Mayor Burrows said he appreciates the work that has been done and the drainage in the area is a challenge. However, as property in the area develops, the drainage will change.
Barton said some tail water drainage has been designed, but not necessarily a full subdivision. Wilson said there is a gravel swell between the sidewalk. It has been designed with curb and gutter for the future.
Councilmember Hansen said there is almost always one person that wants to hold a project hostage when it comes to right-of-way. Even if the City has to do that, the difference in cost makes it more feasible for the City.
This project has been victim of inflation and increased costs, which is the fault of no one, Mayor Burrows said.
Mr. Chappell said if the $300,000 is spent now, the City will have the benefit in the future and it will cost $340,000 in another year or two. The City should be financially responsible.
Councilmember Thompson said in his discussions with Public Works Director Keith Mogan, this is something the City is capable of doing on the golf course side of the road for a lot less money.
Mayor Burrows asked how hard it would be to port the design from the north to the south side.
Wilson said the main concern is near the golf course club house, where there is a step hill. There are requirements for sidewalk slopes. Parking lots may also contribute to it being tricky. It could be an achievable hill to put a sidewalk on, but the road is very narrow in that area.
Councilmember Hansen said he agrees with what Councilmember Thompson said – the City shouldn’t be held hostage by the $80,000 that’s already been spent.
. Motion: Cancel the current form of the 1800 South bike path project and look into how to complete it as a self-contained, City funded project, Action: Approve, Moved by Tanner Thompson, Seconded by Brayden Gardner. Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 4).
Yes: Brayden Gardner, Elaine Street, Kip Hansen, Tanner Thompson.
Excused: Kendrick Thomas.
e. Micklane Farmer to discuss a software program, Vialytics, and the cost associated with the continued use by the City.
Vialytics is a pavement assessment and work order management software. The City public works have been using it fulltime for about nine months. There are two parts, the pavement assessment and the second is the work order management. It’s $8,500 per year based on the mileage of the roads. It can be used by the City staff. The imagery data can be updated and picks up all of the cracks and potholes, manholes, fire hydrants, etc.
One the work order side of things, it can track all the work being done by the public works department.
Councilmember Thompson asked whose vehicle the camera is attached to.
Public Works Director Keith Mogan said it can be attached to any of the City’s trucks, but there is only one at this point. It gives a score to each road, and is more precise than previous methods. The objective scoring measure allows for better evaluation of City roads. It’s all good information. Mayor Burrows asked if you can click on it and get the waterline size.
Farmer said it can also be used to create work orders and assign them. This allows the City to track all the work it does on infrastructure. You can also track Blue Stakes on it.
Mogan said the City is using it currently to track all Blue Stakes.
Councilmember Hansen – is the cost $8,500 year over year or is that just the cost of the first year of the program. How long can they anticipate that type of program.
Farmer said generally the price holds for approximately three years. Jones and DeMille partnered with Vialytics to pilot this software.
The cost would go up $160 per mile of new road added to the City.
Councilmember Gardner asked if the data can be exported.
Farmer replied that it can be exported.
Councilmember Thompson asked if there is competitor for this type of program.
Farmer said he has worked with others. This is more of an inhouse type of program.
Thompson asked if its something that the public works can’t live without it at this point and if it’s a challenge to get people to use it.
Mogan said its fairly user friendly. It’s something that’s important to have to track repairs.
Mayor Burrows said the important thing is to make sure that the program is being used.
Mogan said it takes about 30 seconds to log items into the system.
Gardner asked if there is any negatives to using the program.
City Administrator Jolley said it has been helpful to the public works department. Mogan said it has allowed him to track the nearly 1,200 things they’ve dealt with since November of last year. One example is the employee who sprays weeds. Every day he can be tracked as to where he has sprayed. Employees can also make notes on the program detailing issues or concerns that arise.
Councilmember Hansen said this could also be used in instances of vandalism, tracking incidents and damage caused.
Mogan said he likes the use of the program. A huge part of it is tracking the road projects, how much was spent and what was done.
Motion: Approve the purchase of the Vialytics software, Action: Approve, Moved by Elaine Street, Seconded by Tanner Thompson.
Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 4).
Yes: Brayden Gardner, Elaine Street, Kip Hansen, Tanner Thompson.
Excused: Kendrick Thomas.
f. Consider a request by Corey Winkel for the City to purchase a right-of-way for a future roadway.
City Administrator Jolley said this is the continuation of the topic Winkle visited with the council about two weeks ago. Winkle has changed the layout of what he’s asking for. Jolley explained Winkle’s new proposal, the purchase of approximately ½ acre of right of way.
Councilmember Gardner said without it, Winkle would likely come in with a cul-de-sac when he develops.
Councilmember Thompson said a cul-de-sac may be too long in that instance. He’s not against it and it makes sense to have a road in that area connect 500 East to the highway. But he doesn’t follow Winkle’s logic.
Mayor Burrows said the county had it valued at $33,000 an acre.
Councilmember Gardner asked why the City would buy it. Winkle is going to try to maximize his development. This seems like he wants the City to purchase the land just to help him do what he wants to do. A cul-de-sac, even without going into the fire access issue, would be complex. This is going to be roughly the best density for Winkle to maximize his profit. It makes sense that he would want to do it himself. One concern is would Richfield City be required to put in the improvements in the future if it owns the right-of-way?
Councilmember Thompson said he doesn’t want to jeopardize the future of the connection between 500 East and the highway. He doesn’t understand why Winkle wants Richfield City to do this unless there is something he is not telling the council.
Councilmember Gardner asked if it would be worth the money and time have an engineer look at it and do some preliminary design work beyond the base drawings that Winkle himself drew.
Councilmember Thompson feels like he doesn’t want to lose the road, but Winkle would have to do it himself either way.
Councilmember Gardner agreed. He would phase it. His issue is he can’t put lots on both sides of the road he proposing Richfield City purchase the right-of-way for, which makes that a higher cost lot.
Michael Snow asked why the City would do this. The next developer down the line is going to ask why the city did this for Winkle, but not for them.
Councilmember Gardner said the reason is that it’s a master plan road, and it would prevent him from developing it in a way that stopped that road.
Mayor Burrows said he’s not even putting the road in the way the master plan calls for.
Councilmember Thompson said the point of this project is to have the road be one long shot to the highway. Otherwise, this idea is no better than the cul-de-sac. Need to have it so that future building of the town can happen.
Councilmember Gardner said there will be a jog in the road regardless.
City Administrator Jolley suggested on option to lessen the jog.
Gardner asked if an engineer could be hired to do an overview of it. If he has something more formal with the dimensions that our engineer could verify, it would help.
Councilmember Thompson said this could be an important road.
Mayor Burrows said the county has asked in the past for which roads Richfield City thinks would be of best benefit to develop using county road funds. He pointed out that one of the dirt roads in the area is already the responsibility of the City.
Councilmember Thompson doesn’t understand why Winkle thinks the City should be responsible to purchase this to avoid a cul-de-sac, because the cul-de-sac would likely be too long under city ordinance.
The dimensions of the roads in are a little bit odd in that area, so it does make sense, Councilmember Gardner said.
Councilmember Thompson said if the long straight shot is on the line, the City should spend the money. However, he doesn’t understand why that’s the case.
Planning Commission Chair Josh Peterson said he doesn’t see why the City wouldn’t follow its master transportation plan.
Administrator Jolley said if the City requires a road to go where it determines, by law the City does have to pay for the right of way. He’s saying he doesn’t need the connection to 500 East to develop.
Councilmember Gardner said there is another option, and if Winkle went with that, it would jeopardize the connection to 500 East.
Administrator Jolley said Winkles plans are to subdivide the former Keisel home and sell off the property it sits on, and the portion the city needs for a right of way is part of that property.
Motion: Table this to a time when Winkle can bring a better drawing and dimensions so we have more information, Action: Approve, Moved by Brayden Gardner, Seconded by Kip Hansen.
Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 4).
Yes: Brayden Gardner, Elaine Street, Kip Hansen, Tanner Thompson.
Excused: Kendrick Thomas.
- OTHER BUSINESS – Councilmember Gardner talked about an email Matt Mills sent that has AI component to it. Would be able to pull up data fast and could be very useful.
Councilmember Hansen stated it would be interesting to see how the fires have affected the ATV jamboree.
Councilmember Gardner said the Diesel in the Mountain event is this weekend.
- EXECUTIVE SESSION Motion: Close the regular session and move into executive session, Action: Adjourn, Moved by Brayden Gardner, Seconded by Kip Hansen.
a. Discuss the character, professional competence, or physical or mental health of an individual(s) to serve on the Library Board.
b. Potential litigation.
c. Purchase of property. - ADJOURNMENT