Tasha Lowery, Draper City Council

10/08/2026

I will miss Chief Clint Smith dearly. He welcomed me into Draper leadership from the very beginning, helping me to understand so much about public safety and the critical role it plays in how cities work. Clint built an amazing, award winning fire team from scratch, and his department has only grown stronger over the years. I wish him all the best in his retirement and I am grateful for all that he has given to Draper city. Thank you, my friend.

Draper City Fire Chief Clint Smith announced he is retiring at the end of November. Clint has spent 31 years in the fire service as both a firefighter and a paramedic. His career is impressive in every regard.

In 2017, the city council decided to start a Draper City Fire Department. I knew immediately who I wanted to appoint as chief. Clint is the son of former Mayor Darrell Smith. Darrell is a mentor and friend and is one of the hardest-working people I have ever known. I knew Mayor Smith and his wife Loni had instilled a strong work ethic in Chief Smith.

I remember he asked me why I wanted him to be the chief, and I told him because I knew he knew how to work, and forming a new department was a monumental task.

Chief Smith was appointed in 2017, and he went from being the only fire department employee to a fully staffed, functional fire department in only nine months. It was nothing less than amazing work. The fire department has been a powerful addition to the community, delivering top-level fire protection and emergency medical services.

Under Clint’s leadership, the fire department has rapidly evolved into a modern, well-trained, and very respected department. Clint modernized the fire apparatus fleet, established an exceptional wildland firefighting division, implemented seasonal wildland crews to proactively manage open-space fire risk, added community safety programs, and expanded training and opportunities for our dedicated fire personnel.

Not only is Clint a leading professional, but he's also a fantastic person. It has been an honor to have had him as our first chief and an even greater honor to call him my friend.

We will miss you, Chief Smith. Mission accomplished. Thank you for your service and the dedication you have shown to our community.
May your retirement be filled with proud memories of your work and service.

10/07/2026

City Council Summary: 10/6/26

1- Please join us! The Draper City Historic Preservation Commission will host an event at the Widowmaker Hill Climb site near the SLCO Flight Park on Saturday, October 10, at 10:00 AM to commemorate the motorcycle competitions that were held on Steep Mountain, primarily from 1964 to 1988. Signage educating the public about the historic site has been added.
Members of the Bee's Motorcycle Club and other racers will share stories, memorabilia, and motorcycles.

2- We heard a quarterly financial update from Finance Director John Vuyk.

3- Our Director of Communications, Linda Peterson, was recognized for her outstanding work as a leader in her field and her expertise and excellence in getting the “right information to the right people at the right time” by the UT Public Information Officers Association. We are so grateful for Linda and the tremendous work she has done to make communications in Draper effective, transparent, timely, accurate, and accessible. This was one of my priorities when I first ran for office and I am so thankful to see how far we have come under Linda’s leadership.

4- We administered Oaths of Office for five Master Officers in the Police Department, one Engineer and two Paramedics in the Fire Department. We are so glad to see our trusted staff advancing in their careers with Draper City.

5- We approved a zoning map amendment for approximately 1.35 acres of land located at 960E New Hope Dr in Draper. This will change the zone from RA1 to RA2 (1 acre lots to 1/2 acre lots), which matches the surrounding zoning and neighborhood.

6- We amended the land use and development code related to signage in the Karl Malone Auto Center Commercial Special District to change the number and heights of various signs to accommodate the new Rivian dealership which will be moving in shortly. We are very excited to welcome Rivian to Draper!

10/05/2026

This is an awesome opportunity to have a personal conversation with Chief Ferguson regarding any concerns, questions, suggestions or feedback you may have. One of the benefits of being a close community and a smaller city is that we can offer these personal touches to residents so you truly feel heard and so we can be more responsive. One more great thing about living in Draper! 💛

Draper City Police Chief Rich Ferguson will host a community meeting on Saturday, October 17, at 10:00 AM. This is an opportunity for Draper residents to meet with the Chief and discuss anything related to the police department in a small-group setting. Space is limited. Those who would like to attend should call the Police Administration office at (385) 296-7039 by Friday, October 9, to reserve a spot.

09/29/2026

As a former elementary teacher and reading specialist, I am so glad to see this program coming to our community! Reading is not only a critical life skill, it also opens up new worlds for our children. What a gift to have this program available to our Draper families.

09/16/2026

City Council Summary: 9/15/26

1- We heard a summary of Draper Days. We had a total of 35,000 attendees over Friday and Saturday nights, with over 60% from the Draper and Sandy areas. The rodeo was sold out both nights. The drone show was well received and we had positive feedback on the new layout. We are excited to see everyone back next summer!

2- We approved a development agreement for 2.15 acres of land located at 14068 S and 145 E. This is the final piece of undeveloped land at the Wadsworth Office Park. The proposed project will match the existing structures and have similar architectural features. The new building will be home to Rincon Research, a high-tech defense and intelligence company that develops advanced software, digital signal-processing systems, and communications technology. Recently, Rincon partnered with the University of Arizona to track NASA’s Artemis II Orion spacecraft during its journey around the Moon, collecting data that helped NASA evaluate and strengthen deep-space communications and navigation. This new business will bring approximately 125 new job opportunities to Draper- highly skilled scientists and engineers.

3- We amended the adopted budget for FY 26-27. This included sewer line repairs at the Rotary Park, accepting grant money for the fire department, funds for water pump improvements, storm drain repair, and funds for a detention basin in anticipation of the work to be done on Fort Street.

4- We disposed of surplus property. Primarily, these were related to the former waste management program.

09/02/2026

City Council Summary: 9/1/2026

1- We reappointed Geneva Woodmansee as a member of the Draper City Parks and Trails Committee, Laura Fidler as a member of the Planning Commission, and Drew Martinez as an alternate member of the Planning Commission. Thank you for your service!

2- We authorized Mayor Walker to execute a quit claim for property in the Suncrest Development. This is a private drive that should have been owned by the Owners Association but was improperly recorded as City property during the acquisition from Zion’s Bank.

3- We amended the City Code on government records and access to remove outdated language and align with state code.

4- We approved a participation agreement with Nexcore Healthcare for the development of a medical office building in the Lone Peak Hospital area. This new facility will offer state of the art cancer and orthopedic care and employ approximately 150 medical professionals.
This partnership with Nexcore and the Crescent Reinvestment Agency will allow the City to reinvest tax increment generated in specific areas back into those areas, helping attract new businesses, improve infrastructure, and strengthen the local economy. Using these dedicated CRA funds to bring businesses to Draper is a positive for residents because it creates jobs, services and amenities, expands the commercial tax base, and generates additional economic activity that helps support City services over the long term.

08/19/2026

City Council Summary: 8/18/2026

1- We heard a report from the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District and the Office of the Great Salt Lake Commissioner. Draper has done a fantastic job this summer of reducing water use—we are down 11% from last summer. Thank you! Water levels in the Great Salt Lake continue to be extremely low, and we are coming off the lowest snowpack on record. While much is being done to try to add water to the lake, it remains a critical issue.

2- We heard a report on Community Reinvestment Agencies throughout Draper and how these can be used to support economic development and make needed infrastructure improvements in the area.

3- We performed the Oath of Office for 65 new members of the Draper Mayor’s Youth Council. We are so glad to have these amazing kids involved in local government. Their service makes our awesome community events, such as the Tree Lighting and the Egg Hunt, possible. They learn about local and state government and what it means to be a public servant. We are glad to have the largest Youth Council in the entire state, with 110 active youth members and amazing parent and community advisors.

4- The Draper Library will be closing for approximately three months, from the end of August to the end of November, in order to renovate the HVAC system and complete necessary maintenance and repairs. Please feel free to use the Sandy Library while ours is unavailable.

5- We amended City Code to clean up and clarify code regarding residential units in the Town Center. This will allow properties under 1/2 acre to have a single residential unit added to an existing property.

6- We adopted the annual budget for 2026–2027. This included a 25% increase to the City’s portion of the property tax rate for the 2026–27 fiscal year—not a 25% increase to residents’ total property tax bill. The increase was necessary because property taxes currently cover less than half of Draper’s police and fire costs, while inflation has significantly increased the cost of emergency vehicles, equipment, roads, parks, and other essential services. The additional revenue will primarily help provide stable, long-term funding for police and fire services, while reducing the City’s reliance on reserves and unpredictable sales tax revenue. For the average Draper home, now valued at about $941,000, the increase is approximately $9.75 per month in the City portion of the property tax. You can see the budget in its entirety here:

https://www.draperutah.gov/media/wvymrio2/final-version-interim-budget-fy27.pdf

7- We amended Municipal Code regarding the structure and procedures of the Planning Commission as required by state law and to come into compliance with Senate Bill 284, which establishes the process and grounds for removing a Planning Commissioner from office.

08/05/2026

Grateful to our community for making it possible to have top of the line equipment to keep our homes and families safe. Fires are scarier than ever these days, and our hearts are with all the communities in Utah and across our country who are living through horrific fires right now. We are proud of our Draper City Fire Department who have been on scene in Spokane. 🙏

08/05/2026

City Council Summary- 8.4.26

1- We heard a report from the Historical Preservation Commission regarding ongoing projects. Currently Draper is being surveyed for homes that have historical value, including structural integrity. Some of these homes can be recommended for the National Registry of Historic Places. We are also planning a plaque and a ceremony to recognize the importance of the Widowmaker Hill Climb.

2- We discussed City Beautification. Funds have been set aside in the new budget to make improvements to the entrances to Draper. We would like to add new signage welcoming people to our city and adding to our sense of place.

3- We continued a proposal to amend the Official Zoning Map of Draper City for approximately 1.67 acres located at approximately 12430 S. 700 East. The land is currently zoned as RA1 and RA2, one acre and 1/2 acre lots. The request was to switch to RA4, quarter acre lots. Although the land is bordered on one side by 1/4 acre lots, the majority of the surrounding property is 1/3 acres. We would like to see a more complete plan and proposal from the applicant.

4- We authorized the filing of an eminent domain action to acquire real property for the improvement of the LonePeak Parkway Project. This is for a small portion of land necessary in order to make important improvements on Lone Peak Parkway. These improvements are necessary for traffic and for line of sight safety.

5- We amended Titles 6 and 9 of the Draper City Municipal Code related to short-term rentals. This ordinance will require STR’s to have a business license and a short term rental permit. STR’s will be required to have a minimum stay of 2 nights, a local host who can respond promptly, an occupancy cap, and consequences, including the loss of the license to operate, if requirements are not followed. The goal is to protect the character of existing neighborhoods and improve public safety through clear rules of operation.

07/22/2026

City Council Summary: 7/21/26

*** After consulting with Draper Fire Chief Clint Smith and reviewing the dangerous fire conditions across our community, including our thousands of acres of vulnerable Open Space, we have made the difficult decision to petition the State Forester to continue the fireworks closure in Draper.

Recent fires have shown how quickly one small spark can threaten homes, strain emergency resources, and put our firefighters and residents at risk. We have had terrifyingly close calls in the past, with neighbors evacuated as the fires crept closer and closer. While this may not be the most popular decision, it is the right decision for the safety of our city.

We encourage everyone to celebrate the upcoming holiday safely, spend time with family and neighbors, and help us protect this precious and amazing community we all call home.

1- We received our annual ethics training from City Attorney Traci Gundersen.

2- We reviewed proposals for a new park in Suncrest in the Hidden Canyon area. We have set aside funding to add a much needed park to this area, which has been growing rapidly with families and young children. The park would likely include a playground, a paved trail, a grassy area, and a pavilion.

3- We reappointed Jamie Pogue to the Parks and Trails Committee- thank you for your longstanding commitment to and support of our community!

4- We approved a limited service restaurant license for Black Bear Dinner. This will allow them to sell b**r and w**e and mimosas on the weekends for brunch!

5- We approved an amendment to the official zoning map for approximately 1.1 acres located at 265E 13275S. This changes the property from RA1 to RA2 and matches the surrounding zoning and land use.

6- We continued a request for a land use and zoning map amendment for .31 acres located at 273E 13800S at the request of the applicant.

7- We continued a text amendment regarding short term rentals to allow staff time to make s various technical edits. This ordinance will require STR’s to have a business license and a short term rental permit. The goal is to protect the character of existing neighborhoods and improve public safety through clear rules of operation.

8- We adopted the Draper City Short Term Rental Good Neighborhood Guidelines. These reinforce city noise standards, parking requirements, having a local host who can be at the property in under 30 minutes, disallows larger gatherings above the occupancy capacity, etc.

9- We amended the consolidated fee schedule to include STR fees and reflect the updated waste management contract.