Council adopts FY2026 budget amendment and authorizes right-of-way steps for 4000 North/Harmon project

At the meeting the council took several formal steps on budget and projects.

Resolution: Council member (speaker 6) moved to approve Resolution 3-10-2026 c, a fiscal year 2026 budget amendment that included a modest fee increase intended to partially offset rising public-safety costs. Another council member seconded the motion and a majority voted in favor. The motion carried.

Right-of-way authorization: Staff presented a template packet to negotiate acquisitions with approximately 30 landowners (five of those properties inside Cedar Hills) needed for a roadway project on 4000 North and Harmon Boulevard. The council moved to authorize the mayor and staff to use the template, negotiate minor terms (landscape replacement, driveway restoration) and sign agreements necessary to proceed; the motion passed.

Interim prosecutor: The council reviewed an interim proposal from Tracy Cowndell to provide city prosecution services through June 30 at $175/hour (the same rate as the prior firm) with the intent to request bids for a longer-term contract. Council asked staff to clarify contract language on anti-poaching, termination provision and projected annual costs (staff estimated prior annual prosecution costs between $10,000 and $15,000).

Next steps: Staff will finalize documentation for the road right-of-way outreach, incorporate council edits to the prosecutor contract language and, where applicable, return to council for any required formal approvals.