Minutes for July 22, 2024

The Ogden City Council met in Special Session on Monday, July 22nd, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. Mayor Mark Trueblood presided. Members present were Councilman Aaron Crane, Councilman Brian Reimers, Councilwoman Lori Anderson and Councilwoman Margaret Liston. Absent: Councilman David Ohlson. City staff present were City Administrator Emily Clausen and City Clerk Allison Frazier.

School board members in attendance were Kelly Merritt, Matt Van Sickle, Pete Thomsen, Pete Bergstrom, Earl Taylor, and Board Secretary Melissa Atwell. Superintendent Joshua Heyer, MS/HS Principal Derek Carlson and Elementary Principal Amy Krause.

Liston made a motion, Anderson seconded to approve the agenda as presented.
Ayes: All Present, Motion Carried.

General Discussion for updates from both the city council and Ogden school board.

Emily Clausen started the discussion with updates on the old Howe school property. An engineer from FOX/Strand is developing a plan to be presented soon. Additionally, plans for a softball field, new concession stand, more parking, moving rec soccer to this property, turning basketball slab to a pickleball area, walking trail, picnic area, and hopefully some improvements to the fields that tend to get standing water.

Mayor Trueblood expressed concern with parking at the middle school/high school during large events. The city and school will be working together to try to alleviate the congestion in the future. He also asked about activity passes and if they would be more available in the future. Heyer stated that there are many different packages available, and it will be more advertised in the future.

All city and school officials expressed their gratitude to Chief Bailey and the work he is doing to keep the school a safe place while still being available to the students, staff, and citizens of Ogden. The school looks forward to having Bailey as the SRO this year.

Joshua Heyer, Ogden School Superintendent, presented the council with their future plans for recruitment of new teachers and teacher retainment. There is a plan to work with the city to complete a flyer/brochure to explain the tax abatement process for people moving to town. The school system is also working on a four-part program for the upcoming year.  Achievement, Culture, Growth, and Resources. This program is structured to present a happy environment for classrooms and staff.

A plan to meet once a year for future discussions was made for next July.

Motion by Crane, second by Liston to adjourn at 7:30 p.m.
Ayes: All Present, Motion Carried.

Mark Trueblood, Mayor
Attest: Allison Frazier, City Clerk

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