Tasha Lowery, Draper City Council

06/03/2026

City Council Summary: 6.2.26

1- We continued a discussion around a potential zoning and subdivision code update. This would consider new state code, and organize and clarify existing city code.

2- We continued our discussion around short term rental properties within Draper and how to best regulate them. We have had multiple issues with homes being rented by the night in residential areas and then used as party venues that have gotten out of hand, with several resulting in incidents requiring law enforcement. We are considering requiring STR’s to register for a business license, have a minimum stay, have a limited number of guests, and various other requirements to mitigate negative impacts on surrounding neighbors.

3- We discussed parking and traffic flow issues in the area around Oak Hollow Elementary. The Traffic Committee will review this matter and come back with a recommendation.

4- We reviewed the proposed property tax increase. The proposed budget includes a 25% property tax increase, which would be approximately $8.66/month on a home valued at $807,000. This increase would help the city to fully cover operational expenses, in particular police and fire expenses which are the largest portion of the budget and critical to the wellbeing of our city.

5- Jordan Valley Water has proposed a 4.5% water rate increase. This will cover rising water and infrastructure costs. They will hold a truth and taxation hearing in August.

6- We heard public comment on the fiscal year 2026-2027 Interim Budget. You can review the budgets here: https://granicus-aasmp-peak-files.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/attachment/pdf/4145297/Fiscal_Year_2026-27_Tentative_Budget.pdf?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Credential=AKIATHOFOHMMEOCNXD2W%2F20260603%2Fus-east-1%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260603T045742Z&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&X-Amz-Signature=a52cc77443e592181f2a9817626958eadb969a099e8e12382fcf53c283a820ed

7- We reviewed the amended budget for 2025-2026. This included funds for emergency repairs to Pump Station 2, a new traffic signal at 13800S and 300 E and at Highland Drive and Rambling, funds for a storm water master plan update, funds for city beautification, and funds for sidewalk repairs and completion of missing sections of sidewalk.

06/02/2026

Another opportunity to be prepared for fire season:

05/26/2026

Draper, please be aware that ticks are out in force this year.

Our mild winter apparently agreed with them, unfortunately. Remember to use Deet or permethrin and shower within a few hours of hiking. While we do see Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Alpha-gal is is also on the rise in Utah.

We are seeing an uptick in ticks. Phil Cowley shared why this year is so different, symptoms to watch for and how to prevent tick bites.

05/25/2026

Please join us this afternoon.

05/20/2026

Property taxes- and how they trickle down to city funding:

I’m frequently asked why the city doesn’t have more money when property values have gone up. Valid question. It’s important to know that increased property values do not result in your local government collecting more money.

First of all, the property taxes you pay are shared between multiple entities- the school district, the county, the water providers, the library system, and the city, with the largest portion by far going to the schools. If any one of those entities raise their tax rate, your property taxes will increase.

In addition, in Utah, cities do not receive more property tax money when home values rise. Instead, Salt Lake County adjusts the tax rate each year so the city collects the same amount of revenue from existing homes as it did the year before (if property values go up, the rate goes down). This is good and bad- it gives us a stable amount we can count on year after year but it also does not account for inflation. As costs rise- as they have in everything from police and fire salaries to asphalt to fire trucks, the city must either make cuts in the services and amenities offered- fewer officers on duty, reduce maintenance on parks and trails, reduce rec programming-or raise taxes through a process called Truth in Taxation, which is where we find ourselves this year.

Draper did not raise taxes for 17 years. When we finally did an increase two years ago, we did the lowest increase we could to make it work a few more years because we know tax increases are not only wildly unpopular but a true hardship to many residents. That increase did help significantly but as costs have continued to rise, to maintain the high quality of life we enjoy in Draper, with good roads, highly qualified public safety officers, amazing parks and trails and rec programs, and thousands of acres of protected open space, we have to find ways to cover those expenses. Draper also has one of the most complex water systems in the state, pumping hundreds of thousands of gallons up a mountain, and some of the highest levels of wildfire risks because of our proximity to the mountains.

Even with the proposed rate increase, we will still be third lowest in taxes of all the cities in the valley- we truly do make the most of every penny that we collect from residents.

05/20/2026

City Council Summary: 5/19/26

1- We began a discussion around short term rental properties within Draper and how to best regulate them. We have had multiple issues with homes being rented by the night in quiet residential areas and then used as party venues that have gotten out of hand, with several resulting in incidents requiring law enforcement. We are considering requiring STR’s to register for a business license, have a minimum stay, have a limited number of guests, and various other requirements to mitigate negative impacts on surrounding neighbors.

2- We discussed a zoning and subdivision code update. This will consider new state code, and organize and clarify existing city code.

3- We administered the oath of office to several Draper Firefighters, one of whom has recently added his paramedics certification. We appreciate our highly qualified and well trained public safety officers!

4- We recognized the 2025 and 2026 Miss Draper Royalty. These amazing young women give an incredible amount of time in service to our community, showing up to countless events over the course of the year. Thank you!

5- We appointed EJ Jeong as the new City Treasurer. She has been with us for 8 years and she has earned this position with her hard work, commitment and talent.

6- We approved local consent for a full service restaurant license for Kompas Taqueria.

7- Mayor Walker, as the official Budget Officer for Draper City, presented the tentative budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 and we approved the tentative budget as a Council. The proposed budget includes a 25% property tax increase, which would be approximately $8.66/month on a home valued at $807,000. This increase would help the city to fully cover operational expenses, in particular police and fire expenses which are the largest portion of the budget and critical to the wellbeing of our city.

Currently, property taxes cover less than 50% of public safety expenses, and we are reliant on sales tax revenue to cover the gap. Sales tax revenue fluctuates from month to month, and is an unreliable revenue source.

The increase would also help to cover rising expenses in everything from fire trucks to road maintenance materials, playground, trails, and park maintenance. The increase would allow the fire department to be fully staffed and not dependent on overtime, while continuing their important work in our large area of wild urban interface to reduce our high fire risk. The proposed budget would work to mitigate our dependence on our fund balance (basically the city’s rainy day fund) to cover budgetary gaps.

The proposed increase would potentially move Draper from having the second lowest property taxes in the valley to the third lowest.

We will review the tentative budget again and hold a public hearing at the next council meeting, June 2nd, and a Truth in Taxation meeting, tentatively scheduled for August 12th at 6pm at Draper City Hall.

05/06/2026

FYI-

Law enforcement agencies in Utah and nationwide are frequently responding to issues with youth operating e-motorcycles illegally and often recklessly. Draper is no exception. There has been a rise in accidents and property damage involving e-motorcycles. The Draper Police Department is very concerned for the safety of young people driving these vehicles and those who may be harmed by their actions.

In the 2026 legislative session, the Utah Legislature made some changes to state law regarding these vehicles. These changes take effect today, May 6, 2026. Please be aware of the following definition of an e-motorcycle and related legal requirements, and make sure that if you own such vehicle(s), you discuss appropriate use with all operators.

An e-motorcycle:

• Has a power rating of more than 750 watts; or
• Can exceed 20 MPH using the power of the electric motor alone

Operators of an e-motorcycle must meet all the requirements applicable to a motorcycle, including the following:

• Must be 16 years or older
• Must have a valid driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement
• The vehicle must be registered and carry auto insurance
• If under age 21, the operator must wear a Department of Transportation-approved helmet
• Must yield to emergency vehicles

Owners of e-motorcycles who allow minors to operate them can be held liable for the vehicle being driven illegally and for any destruction of property or personal injury caused.

E-Motorcycles are not allowed on ANY Draper sidewalks, paths, park property, or trails. They may be ridden on city streets, if properly registered, or in approved off-road areas, and must follow the same traffic laws as motorcycles, including speed. This will be enforced by Draper PD.

Anyone who observes the illegal operation of an e-motorcycle can report it to police dispatch at 801-840-4000. If there are concerns of immediate harm, call 9-1-1.

Changes in state law related to scooters and e-bikes are also taking effect. We will follow up with information about those types of vehicles soon.

04/29/2026

City Council Summary: 4/28/26

1- We heard a report from Scott Cooley, Director of Public Works and Head of the Draper Traffic Committee. The traffic committee is comprised of subject-matter experts from our Engineering, Public Works, Operations, Police, Fire, and Legal departments. The committee meets once per month to review comments from residents regarding traffic. They follow the guidelines from the National Traffic Safety Standards and MUTCD or Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, and strive to make our city as safe as possible by following the proper steps and protocols.

If you reach out to a councilmember with a traffic issue, we will likely refer your concern to the traffic committee, as we defer to their expertise and experience in these sometimes complex issues. The Committee will study and evaluate the issue, do a traffic analysis, research the accident history in the area, and decided if action is merited and what it should be.

Currently the traffic committee is reviewing traffic issues around Channing Hall and APA Draper 2, and on the intersection of Rambling and Highland, where a traffic light has been recommended.

2- We had a discussion around the current water supply outlook- which is not great. We are now at a Drought Level 2, which is a severe water shortage. The Jordan Valley Water District is asking all stakeholders- including Draper City and our residents- to reduce water consumption by 10% and to wait to turn on sprinklers until May 15. Secondary water will be available from May 15 to Sept 15 this year.

3- We performed the oath of office for two of our highly qualified Draper City Police Officers. Please join us in congratulating Officer Robert Barlow and Officer Devin Sorensen on their promotions to Master Officer. Both have demonstrated exemplary leadership, effort, and dedication in their various roles within our department and throughout their law enforcement career. 👏

4- We reappointed Keri Brown to serve as a member of the Draper City Parks and Trails Committee. Thank you for your service!

5- We approved local consent for a special use manufacturing license for Jade Bloom. This is local business that makes aromatherapy sprays, essential oils, and perfumes.

04/08/2026

City Council Summary- 4.8.2006

*I was not in attendance for this meeting as it is spring break and I am traveling with my family. Please excuse my absence- I do my best not to miss meetings but this trip was long planned and much anticipated.

1- We appointed Lindsay Simons as a member of the
Draper City Community Engagement and Events Committee and Shanda Gonzalez as a member of the
Draper City Historic Preservation Commission. Thank you for your service!

2- We approved the Openshaw Corner Development Agreement for approximately 1.44 acres of property located at
approximately 207 East 13800 South. Staff recommendations to language in section 2.5 will be required, and sections 2.9.2 and 2.93 will be amended to show parking lot landscaping islands be provided in addition to the 10% overall landscaping. Mayor will not sign Development Agreement until the cross access agreement is signed and executed.

3- We approved the Bangerter Crossroads
Development Agreement for approximately 17.88 acres of property located
at approximately 13782 South 300.
Recommendations by staff mentioned in the presentation must be included, a porkchop island on 300 E access be provided and staff will consider ways to mitigate truck access to 300 E. The sidewalk will continue from 300 E into the site on the north side, and if a HAWK signal is warranted the developer and city will share costs equally. The fuel canopy will be painted a dark color to match anchor building accent color, and canopy lighting will be limited to 51 fc, 8’ wall for all buffer areas, 300 E berm and fence equal 8.5’, buffers next to residential will all be in compliance with code, and the cross access agreement will be signed and executed prior to the mayor signing the DA. All deed gaps/overlaps of properties will be resolved with site plan. In addition landscaping with the largest trees possible that have the best longevity will be installed on the property.

4- We approved Ordinance #1715 amending the text of the Land Use and Development Code of the Draper City Municipal Code relating to private
school. This will allow Juan Diego to use the land immediately north of their property off Kimball’s Lane as a teaching garden.

5- We approved Ordinance #1712 adjusting the common boundaries between Draper City and Alpine City. This is for a small and narrow sliver of land.

03/04/2026

City Council Summary: 3/3/2026

1- We heard an update on major road improvement projects from Scott Cooley, director of Public Works. A new signal has been installed at State and 12150 S to improve safety in this area. Sidewalk repairs are being completed in Zone 4 of the City. A new storm drain has been installed at 1700 East. Water Pump Station 3 will receive significant upgrades. Pioneer will be resurfaced from 700E to 1300E. Sidewalk and storm drain work will go in on 700W from 114th to 123rd. Missing sections of 13400 will be installed to allow for better connectivity and emergency access. Fort Street will be widened with curb, gutter and sidewalk (2027).

2-We heard an update on Parks from Rhett Ogden, Director of Parks and Recreation. Phase 3 of Jensen Farm Park is underway, which includes a new soccer field and pickleball courts. The Porter Rockwell trail will go over the UTA bridge at 1300. Maple Hollow and Ann’s will get a flyover crossing.

3- Draper Fire presented on progress with wildfire protection in the wildland urban interface and grant funding they have received to do more fire prevention. The fire department will continue to work with residents in higher risk areas to create defensible space and reduce risk.

4- We approved an agreement with Salt Lake County to be a vote center.

5- We moved .25 acres of land from the Draper Land Use and Zoning Map and placed it into Highland boundaries as part of the boundary adjustment.