After taking a hiatus from meetings in March, the West Bountiful City Council held a meeting April 7 to discuss future projects and make decisions. Here’s a recap of what went on:

FrontRunner 2X presentation

Spreading information about their new railroad initiative, the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) showed the City Council their plans for the FrontRunner 2X project. From 2027 through 2030, the organization plans to expand double lanes in key areas – allowing them to decrease train pickup frequency times from 30 minutes during peak hours to 15.

Construction is expected to impact traffic on 500 South as well as 400 North. UDOT has informed the city council that they will not work on both roads at the same time, and that measures will be taken to leave quiet zones unaffected.

Charnell Pocket Park discussion

After exploring the possibility of developing an open-ended, nature-based playground at Charnell Pocket Park (known also as Child’s Park), the West Bountiful City Council reviewed renderings brought forward by Garrett Parks and Play as well as Big T Recreation.

Bids for the play area concept – which would feature nature-inspired structures in place of traditional big toy items – ranged from $46,266.66 to $88,988.44. A space that’s used primarily by residents near it, council members like Julie Thompson expressed concerns about spending an amount that high on a project that would impact a niche group of individuals.

During the discussion, Lauren Wallentine, the resident who pitched installing an open-ended, nature-based playground, spoke at the podium alongside her neighbors to talk about the features of the park, as well as why certain elements should be included. City Administrator Duane Huffman and the council decided to set a new target expenditure cap, and assess more options. 

Concrete and asphalt projects

Following their Charnell Pocket Park discussion, the city council decided to award JMR Construction both their Charnell Pocket Park concrete project as well as their miscellaneous concrete replacement project.

Additionally, West Bountiful has decided to work with Preferred Paving to handle their asphalt work at Lakeside Golf Course – which will affect cart paths, the area south of the club house and the maintenance shed. The organization has been chosen to oversee projects on 1450 North, 1100 North and 2200 North this year as well.