During their two meetings since the start of February, West Bountiful’s city council has held discussions about a myriad of topics ranging from park rentals to reauthorizing the RAP tax. Here’s a highlight of what they’ve recently done:

Resolution 566-25 to help reauthorize RAP Tax

On March 4, West Bountiful’s city council approved a resolution to provide the Davis County Commission with a notice of intent regarding the reauthorization of the RAP Tax. Used to “fund cultural facilities, recreational facilities, and zoological facilities and botanical organizations, cultural organizations, and zoological organizations” in a city or town, according to UCA 59-12-1402(1), the tax supports a variety of items including park and recreational improvements as well as projects from groups such as the arts council.

Voters enacted the RAP tax in 2008 and reauthorized it in 2015. With an expiration set for March 2027, the city is wanting to call for votes before that year’s municipal election.

According to the city council’s agenda from March 4, the tax imposed takes 0.10% of local sales. With the ordinance passed, the city will await a response from the county. Once that’s been received, a ballot question will be drafted for the November election.

Park rental discussions occurring

During their meeting on Feb. 4, the council discussed making potential updates to their current reservation system, specifically involving the boweries at West Bountiful City Park. As events have begun to extend past the pavilion area, city officials hope to craft answers for how gatherings such as car shows should be organized, as well as to establish processes for food trucks. 

Concerns addressed by the council also included whether commercial events would be appropriate to host, as well as how to ensure that city resources like restrooms should be properly maintained. 

While these discussions didn’t continue during the March 4 meeting, a new agenda item was brought forward about potentially moving the city’s rental application process online. Currently relying on paper applications, those present addressed the limitations of the system in place, especially regarding the reservation of fields for baseball teams.

Staff recommendations suggested that the city use a software known as Sportsman, which charges a $3,800 service fee as well as up to a $2,000 one-time implementation fee – charges they believe could be offset with additional reservations. 

According to their March 4 meeting agenda, park reservations accounted for $9,500 of the city’s income during fiscal year 2024. While discussions have been held, decisions and resolutions are yet to be made.

Front yard fence and rear yard setback ordinances made

Making changes that were influenced by the needs of specific residents, West Bountiful passed ordinances 497-25 and 498-25.

An amendment designed specifically for the R-1-10 zone, ordinance 497-25 was championed by the Schilling family, who sought to extend their property past the then-rear yard setback. During a meeting on Dec. 3, neighbors of the family attended a public hearing to voice their support of the ordinance. On Jan. 21, the council approved the rear yard setback change in the area – moving from 30 feet to 20 feet.

Two weeks after the setback decision was made, West Bountiful passed ordinance 498-25, which was brought forward by resident Todd Willey. The amendment allows those in the A-1 zone to create a 6-foot, non-chainlink fence against a sidewalk – a change from the former 4-foot restriction. 

West Bountiful City Council meetings are traditionally held on the first and third Tuesday of each month. To view their agenda database, visit https://wbcityut.gov/agendas-minutes/