City Council Meeting - ARCHIVED

SOUTH JORDAN CITY CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 6, 2026 Present: Mayor Dawn R. Ramsey, Council Member Patrick Harris, Council Member Kathie Johnson, Council Member Don Shelton, Council Member Jason McGuire, City Manager Dustin Lewis, Assistance City Manager Jason Rasmussen, Assistant City Manager Don Tingey, City Attorney Ryan Loose, Police Chief Jeff Carr, Director of Administrative Services Melinda Seager, Director of Human Resources Teresa Robinson, CFO Sunil Naidu, Fire Chief Chris Dawson, Director of Recreation Janell Payne, Director of Planning & Economic Development Brian Preece, Director of Engineering/City Engineer Brad Klavano, Director of Public Works Raymond Garrison, PIO/Communication Manager Rachael Van Cleave, GIS Coordinator Matt Jarman, City Recorder Anna Crookston Absent: Council Member Tamara Zander Other (Electronic) Attendance: Brown & Seelye Attorneys Other (In-Person) Attendance: Elena Barron, Grant Howarth 7:29 P.M. REGULAR MEETING A. Welcome, Roll Call, and Introduction - By Mayor Dawn R. Ramsey Mayor Ramsey welcomed everyone present and introduced the meeting. B. Reading – By Resident, Lorri Ann Arthur Lorri Ann Arthur offered the following reading, I grew up watching a great comedian as well as a statesman, Mr. Red Skelton. I would like to share his words, delivered in 1969, which have resonated in my soul for over six decades. ‘I, me, an individual, a committee of one, pledge and dedicate all my worldly goods to give, without self-pity, allegiance, my love, and my devotion to the flag, our standard. Oh, Glory, a symbol of freedom. Wherever she waves, there is respect because of your loyalty that has given her a dignity that shouts freedom. That freedom is everyone’s job. Of the United, this means we all have come together, States; individual communities that have united into forty-eight great states, now fifty, individual communities with pride, dignity, and purpose. All divided by imaginary boundaries, yet united in common purpose and love of country. To America, and to the Republic; a state in which sovereign power is vested in representatives chosen by the people to govern, and government is the people. It is from the people to the leaders, not from the leaders to the people. For which it stands; one nation, meaning so blessed by God, indivisible, incapable of being divided, with liberty, which is freedom; the right and power to live one’s own life without threats, fear, or retaliation; and justice, the principle or quality of dealing fairly with others. For all, which means boys and girls, it is as much your country South Jordan City 2 City Council Meeting January 6, 2026 as it is mine. The Pledge of Allegiance, under God. Wouldn’t it be a pity if someone said that is a prayer, and so it would be eliminated from our schools?’ Rest in peace, our beloved friend.” C. Pledge of Allegiance – By Assistant City Manager, Jason Rasmussen Assistant City Manager Rasmussen led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. D. Minute Approval: D.1. November 18, 2025 City Council Study Meeting D.2. November 18, 2025 City Council Meeting D.3. December 2, 2025 City Council Study Meeting D.4. December 2, 2025 City Council Meeting Council Member McGuire motioned to approve the November 18, 2025 City Council Study Meeting; November 18, 2025 City Council Meeting; December 2, 2025 City Council Study Meeting; December 2, 2025 City Council Meeting as published. Council Member Harris seconded the motion. Vote was 4-0, unanimous in favor; Council Member Zander was absent from the vote. E. Mayor and Council Reports: Council Member Don Shelton reported that he had recently met with the Executive Director of the Jordan River Commission and participated in a meeting of the Legislative Policy Committee during the past month. He stated that these were the primary activities he recalled for his report. Council Member Patrick Harris reported on recent activities, including participation in council- related events and a meeting with the Jordan Basin Sewer District. He stated that operations were proceeding as expected and that no issues had been identified. He also noted ongoing interactions with residents and neighbors and described the past month as productive. Council Member Kathie Johnson reported that she met with the Youth Council and stated that they held a productive Christmas activity. Council Member Jason McGuire expressed appreciation to city staff and volunteers for their work on the Light the Night event, noting it was a successful family-oriented activity that attracted residents from South Jordan as well as surrounding communities. He stated that the event showcased the city’s ability to host high-quality seasonal programming and thanked those involved in its planning and execution. He also reported attending the Giving Machine debut in South Jordan with other council members and thanked community partners, including The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Larry H. Miller Group, for their support. He noted that the event helped activate the downtown Daybreak area and encouraged charitable giving and expressed hope that the city would be able to host the event again in future years. Additionally, he reported attending a holiday event hosted by the city’s state legislative delegation, including Representatives and Senators. He stated that the event provided an opportunity to strengthen South Jordan City 3 City Council Meeting January 6, 2026 relationships with state leaders and engage in early discussions ahead of the upcoming legislative session regarding issues that may impact the city and its residents. Council Member Harris read a statement on behalf of Council Member Tamara Zander, who was unable to attend the meeting due to a personal milestone. The message extended congratulations to Mayor Dawn R. Ramsey, Council Member Don Shelton, and Council Member Jason McGuire on their re-election. Council Member Zander expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve alongside them, noting their integrity, commitment, and respect for public service, and stated her gratitude for working with leaders dedicated to the residents and future of South Jordan City. Mayor Ramsey provided an overview of recent community events, noting participation in various school and city activities in December. She highlighted South Jordan’s first Hanukkah celebration, which was well attended and part of an effort to expand Hanukkah celebrations beyond Salt Lake City. Additionally, she briefly reported on her attendance at the Colorado River Water Users Conference alongside the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District and representatives from the seven Western states. She discussed the challenges facing water management in the region, emphasizing the importance of the Colorado River to South Jordan’s water supply, as the city relies entirely on water purchased from the district, with 70% sourced from the Colorado River and its tributaries. Mayor Ramsey noted that the existing cooperative agreement among the states expires in 2026, and highlighted ongoing efforts to reach a new agreement, stressing the complexity of water issues and the need for conservation. F. Public Comment: Mayor Ramsey opened the public comment portion of the meeting. Elena Barron (Riverton City Resident) - I am not from your city; I am from Riverton City. The reason I am here is because on December 24, at approximately 6:00 or 6:30 p.m., a car hit my vehicle and did not stop. I followed the driver because I was not going to let her leave. She drove about half a mile, and we stopped at a pharmacy. She became nervous and started yelling, so I called the police. She asked me not to call the police because she wanted to pay me, but I told her we needed to call the police. When I was on the phone, the police officer told me she could hear the other driver screaming and yelling and advised me to return to my car so nothing would happen. I did so, and later the officer came to speak with me after completing the paperwork. This involved the South Jordan Police Department, which is why I am here. The officer told me it was the other driver’s fault, that I had the right to follow her, and that she would receive a ticket. She also stated the driver did not have insurance and did not have the right to drive. This can happen to any of us because people drive without insurance. I have also seen situations where police allow uninsured drivers to leave. How do we know that person will not do it again? It feels like they are laughing in our faces. My brother experienced the same thing. This has to stop, or you need to figure it out. Car insurance is the issue. I am the victim, not the person who hit me, yet my insurance went up. The same thing happened when my car was stolen from my driveway. Young people, about 25 or 30 years old, used my new truck to steal from people, including firearms and businesses. The police pursued them, and this happened about two years ago. You may have seen it on the news. The police caught them and called me at two or three in the morning, telling me they had my truck and I could come get it. There was no way I was going to pick it up in that condition. However, South Jordan City 4 City Council Meeting January 6, 2026 through all the confusion, the insurance company listed me as the driver. The police completed their report incorrectly, and my insurance increased significantly because of it, even though I had nothing to do with it. My question is whether the city is involved in this. If people do not have insurance, they should not be driving. She added that she can go and search and take her time. She stated that she is a grandmother and emphasized that they have been affected because of insurance issues. She expressed concern that some people do not understand or follow the rules. She noted that she has respect for the police department but feels that sometimes the officers do not enforce the law fully and then return the car. She questioned what would happen if that person drives the car again with the same insurance and hits someone else and asked when these issues will stop. Mayor Ramsey thanked Ms. Barron and clarified that the issue does not lie with the city. She explained that any stronger authority for the police department would require action by the state legislature to pass laws granting such powers. Ms. Barron added that if she were a police officer, she would grab them and take the car back because she feels these people do not listen to the authorities. Mayor Ramsey explained that changing state law would be required to address the issue. She noted that many legislators were present at the meeting and expressed optimism about the upcoming legislative session, though it might be too late to introduce a bill this year. She offered to personally contact the legislators to share Ms. Barron’s story and concerns, acknowledging that her points are valid and promising to communicate them to lawmakers who have the authority to act. She noted that, depending on where she lives in Riverton, her state representatives could include Candice Pierucci, Tracy Miller, or other legislators representing the area. Ms. Barron explained that she was told to come to this meeting by the South Jordan Police Department and wanted to know who is in charge and where to go. She added that many people stay quiet in situations like this, but she is not a quiet person and believes she has the right to speak. Mayor Ramsey suggested that staff obtain Ms. Barron’s contact information to determine her legislative district. She stated that they would connect her with her legislators so she could speak with them directly, noting that the legislators are the ones with the authority to pass any necessary laws. Ms. Barron stated that she has many ideas and asked how she can help. She suggested involving the insurance industry or requiring a visible symbol or marker on vehicles to show proof of insurance, noting that people without insurance would not have that indicator. Mayor Ramsey stated that she appreciates Ms. Barron’s input. She asked for her contact information so staff could determine her legislative district and connect her with her state legislator. She explained that state lawmakers are the ones with the authority to introduce and pass any bill to address her concerns, and that she should communicate directly with them, as the city does not have the authority to make those changes. Ms. Barron expressed hope that action will be taken, noting that she was not expecting a large turnout and had simply planned to attend a meeting to explain the problem. She congratulated South Jordan City 5 City Council Meeting January 6, 2026 those present and encouraged them to take meaningful action, not only for South Jordan but broadly. She concluded by thanking everyone. Mayor Ramsey closed the public comment portion of the meeting. G. Action Item: G.1. Resolution R2026-01, Proclaiming January 16, 2026 as Religious Freedom Day in the City of South Jordan. (By City Manager, Dustin Lewis) City Manager Dustin Lewis presented a resolution for council consideration to designate January 16 as Religious Freedom Day, similar to resolutions passed in previous years. He provided background, noting that this observance has been promoted annually through the efforts of citizen Grant Howarth. The resolution recognizes the importance of every individual’s right to practice religion freely. City Manager Lewis also noted that, following South Jordan’s example, other cities including Draper City and Herriman City are adopting or considering similar resolutions. He encouraged the council to approve the resolution and offered to answer any questions. Mayor Ramsey read Resolution R2026-01 (Attachment A). Council Member Johnson motioned to approve Resolution R2026-01, Proclaiming January 16, 2026, as Religious Freedom Day in the City of South Jordan. Council Member Harris seconded the motion. Vote was 4-0, unanimous in favor; Council Member Zander was absent from the vote. H. Public Hearing Item: H.1. Ordinance 2026-01, Vacating a portion of Rosary Way right-of-way east of Kitty Hawk Drive. (By Director of Planning & Economic Development, Brian Preece) Director of Planning & Economic Development Brian Preece introduced the item regarding the vacation of Rosary Way right-of-way, located near 11300 South Kitty Hawk Drive. The applicant is Larry H. Miller Real Estate, and the property owner is the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City. He explained that the right-of-way originally ran through the middle of the property as shown on the map (Attachment B), but the Diocese plans to purchase the property for a church, priest housing, and other uses, and requested to move the right-of-way to a new location. A plat reflecting this change is currently under review and approval. Staff recommended that the council approve the vacation of the right-of-way. Mayor Ramsey opened the public hearing for Ordinance 2026-01. There were no comments. Mayor Ramsey closed the public hearing. South Jordan City 6 City Council Meeting January 6, 2026 Council Member Shelton motioned to approve Ordinance 2026-01, Vacating a portion of Rosary Way right-of-way east of Kitty Hawk Drive. Council Member McGuire seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote Council Member Shelton - Yes Council Member McGuire - Yes Council Member Harris - Yes Council Member Johnson - Yes Council Member Zander - Absent The motion passed with a vote of 4-0 in favor; Council Member Zander was absent from the vote. Mayor Ramsey noted that the ordinance was approved and thanked staff. She added that the proposed Catholic Church will be the first in South Jordan and expressed her anticipation of welcoming the church to the city. I. Staff Reports and Calendaring Items: City Manager Dustin Lewis provided several reminders for upcoming events. He noted the budget meeting scheduled for the following evening at 5:00 p.m., with light refreshments available prior to the session. He also reminded the council that the Legislative Policy Committee meetings will resume on January 12 at noon and highlighted the State of the City event on January 13 at 7:00 p.m. at the ballpark, encouraging attendance. He concluded his report, noting that no additional updates were received from other directors. Council Member Johnson motioned to adjourn the January 6, 2026 City Council Meeting. Council Member Shelton seconded the motion. Vote was 4-0, unanimous in favor; Council Member Zander was absent from the vote. ADJOURNMENT The January 6, 2026 City Council Meeting adjourned at 8:03 p.m. This is a true and correct copy of the January 6, 2026 City Council Meeting Minutes, which were approved on February 3, 2026. South Jordan City Recorder ATTACHMENT A ATTACHMENT B