2026-10-20 Council Work Session

Cottonwood Heights City Council work session, October 20, 2026: Consultants presented the Old Mill engineering and development analysis. Estimated costs were about $7.5 million to stabilize the structure, $34–$51 million (midpoint $43 million) to repair and restore it, and $37–$55 million (midpoint $46 million) to rebuild in its historic form; the estimates exclude site work and utilities. The analysis found a potential private-development shortfall even when the Old Mill is considered within a larger development. No decision was made: the Planning Commission is still reviewing the owners’ demolition application, which would later return to the Council. The Council also discussed Butlerville Days contracting and costs; staff said the carnival vendor currently generates about $32,000 for the city, while replacing the carnival with other attractions could require substantially more city spending. The discussion leaned toward retaining a three-day carnival, with parade timing and other event details still to be resolved. The proposed budget amendment includes $2.1 million in grant revenue for a public-safety training range, $225,000 in expenses, and $70,000 in donations, leaving a planned $155,000 gap. A council member moved to table the range agreement for further consideration; no vote outcome is provided in the transcript.

Public Works reported urgent stormwater repairs planned for the winter: approximately $950,000 for Scottish Drive, $875,000 for Keswick Road, and $75,000–$300,000 for Crestwood Park, with design and procurement steps still underway. Staff said the projects could exceed available stormwater funds; the proposed amendment would use $757,000 in carryforward and add $500,000 in expenditures, leaving the fund with no year-end balance, while a further estimated $100,000–$350,000 gap remains for the identified repairs. The Council discussed longer-term funding and maintenance needs, but made no decision on financing. The public-safety range item was deferred amid concerns about location, noise, environmental effects, and costs, with further analysis and community engagement requested.