HomeMy Public PortalAboutMIN-CC-2018-03-20MOAB CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
March 20, 2018
Regular Meeting & Attendance: The Moab City Council held its Regular Meeting on the above date in
the Council Chambers at the Moab City Center, located at 217 East Center Street, Moab, Utah. A
recording of the meeting is archived at http://www.utah.gov/pmn/index.html.
Pre -Council Workshop: Mayor Emily Niehaus called the Workshop to order at 6:00 PM. In attendance
were Councilmembers Rani Derasary, Mike Duncan, Tawny Knuteson-Boyd, Karen Guzman -Newton and
Kalen Jones. Also in attendance were City Manager David Everitt, City Recorder/Assistant City Manager
Rachel Stenta, City Attorney Chris McAnany, Records/Project Specialist Eve Tallman, Communications
Director Lisa Church, Public Works Director Pat Dean, City Treasurer Jennie Ross and Police Chief Jim
Winder.
The Workshop involved a discussion regarding Ordinance Code Revisions to Moab Municipal Code
Chapter 2. The Council and Mayor reviewed changes by paragraph regarding roles, procedures and
duties of City Council including the Mayor, and the appointment, powers and duties of the City
Manager, Assistant City Manager/Recorder, City Attorney and Planning Commission.
Regular Meeting Called to Order: (1:00 on recording)
Mayor Niehaus called the Regular City Council Meeting to order at 7:00 PM and led the Pledge of
Allegiance. Thirty-three members of the public and media were present.
Mayor and Council Reports:
Mayor Niehaus reported she attended a meeting with the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT)
that reviewed the bypass topic. Niehaus also noted she had accepted an appointment to the Utah State
University (USU)-Moab steering committee.
Councilmember Duncan mentioned he had also attended the USU-Moab steering committee meeting.
Councilmember Derasary reported she attended a meeting of the Canyonlands Health Care Special
Services District where work on the bylaws occurred.
Councilmember Guzman -Newton reported on meetings of the school board and with the
superintendent of schools.
Councilmember Knuteson-Boyd reported on her recent trip to Washington, DC regarding the Uranium
Mill Tailings Remedial Action (UMTRA) Project funding: During the week of March 13th-17th 2018, Mary
McGann, County Council Chair and Chair of the UMTRA Steering Committee, Joette Langaniese, UMTRA
Steering Committee and she traveled from Moab to Washington DC to respectfully request that
Congress appropriate increased funding for the UMTRA project. She reported that McGann had
provided a handout for each representative the team visited with, and as Chair of both County Council
and the Steering Committee took the lead in speaking. Langaniese, because she had worked on the
UMTRA project for many years, provided extensive background information about the project to each
aide, intern and staff member as well. Councilmember Knuteson-Boyd indicated she went as a
representative for the City of Moab, in Rani Derasary's place as Derasary had been the City Liaison to the
UMTRA Steering Committee for a couple of years and unable to make the trip this year. Knuteson-Boyd
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said she was also able to fill in some historical information regarding the tailings pile and City and
County efforts over the past 15 years or so. The delegation met personally with Rep John Curtis, and had
a breakfast meeting with him for about an hour. They also met with Paul Gosar of Arizona for a brief
meeting in his office, and they were able to briefly meet Senator Lee and Representative Grace
Napolitano from California. The following Senators and Representatives made their staff members
available to the Moab team: the entire Utah delegation, including Senators Orrin Hatch and Mike Lee,
Representatives John Curtis, Mia Love, Chris Stewart and Rob Bishop, as well Senators Jeff Flake and
John McCain of Arizona and Diane Feinstein of California, and Representatives Grace Napolitano and
Duncan Hunter of California and Tom O'Halleran, Raul M. Grijalva, Ruben Gallego and Paul Gosar of
Arizona. She added a meeting with several Department of Energy (DOE) officials was also scheduled and
included Doug Little, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Intergovernmental and External Affairs, Stephan R.
Tetreault, Strategic Communications Specialist for the Office of Environmental Management, and Roger
A. Jarrell II and Kenneth G. Picha, Jr. both Senior Advisors for the Department of Energy.
She reported the team was asking all the members of Congress and the DOE to fund the UMTRA project
at 45 million dollars yearly; she stated if they were to do so it is estimated the project would be
completed by 2025. Knuteson-Boyd concluded her report by stating that she received emails from
Representatives Curtis, Love and Stewart that a request for funding was sent to the Appropriations
Committee. The delegations of the down river users also indicated that they would support the request
in their appropriate committees. She said that she felt that the Moab group was successful and did what
they were tasked to do and thanked the Council for their confidence in her as a representative of the
City of Moab, and noted it was an honor and a privilege.
Administrative Reports:
City Manager Everitt noted the budget process continues. He reported he had attended a UDOT meeting
in Springdale. Everitt also mentioned the near -completion of the Wattsmart program as prepared by Dr.
Russo, the City's Sustainability Director.
Councilmember Duncan asked about the process for considering funding requests from non -City
agencies, and Everitt replied there would be a public hearing in May.
Student of the Month: Mayor Niehaus presented Nash Francom with the Mayor's Student Citizenship of
the Month Award for March, 2018 for Moab Charter School.
Citizens to be Heard: (1:12 on recording)
Chuck Nichols stated he was the owner of the Poison Spider building and he spoke against having the
Main Street parking lane eliminated. He added he believed a bike lane would be dangerous there. He
said there had been no dialog or information from the City regarding the proposed parking change. He
cited loss of revenue, layoffs, less tax revenue for the City, and diminished property values due to the
proposed construction. Nichols suggested reducing the speed limit to 30 miles per hour at the Colorado
River bridge. He also suggested a draft plan for a bike lane on the west side of town that is not on Main
Street. He requested the Council to listen to the North Main Street business owners and emphasized
Moab should be a stakeholder with UDOT. He concluded with comments about the option ten years ago
for a bypass, which was declined.
Sara Melnicoff spoke in favor of the Arches Reservation System. She expressed that the Park should
preserve what we're asking people to come and enjoy.
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Dorothy Byrd spoke in favor of approving liquor licenses, more events in Swanny Park, preserving
parking on Main Street, adding entrances to Arches National Park, and creating a direct link from Arches
Park to Deadhorse Point State Park.
Sandy Norton stated she operated a real estate office on North Main Street which relies on Main Street
parking. She recommended one southbound lane into town and two northbound lanes exiting Moab.
She added that cars parked along Main Street give a buffer to pedestrians, and also recommended a 30
mile per hour speed limit. She mentioned the Council and impact on UDOT.
Chuck Schildt of the Hogan Trading Post submitted written comments: "Hogan Trading Post at 100 South
Main is against eliminating any parking on Main Street in the downtown area. We sell lots of large items
that visitors take with them. We are not a t-shirt shop. Our visitors need parking on Main Street. We also
get lots of deliveries from UPS and FedEx and where will they park? We sell furniture and need parking
to load and unload our products."
Carol Hilgenfeld stated that North Main and any Main Street parking is vital. She added that downtown
will lose a lot of business if Main Street parking is taken away.
Pam Schocknmyer said there was a lot of business lost on Main Street during the recent construction.
She added that the potential for parking structures is great but don't take away existing parking.
Tony Lema spoke about the proposed loss of parking on Main Street. He stated he was against taking
away parking and was not opposed to parking structures. He added that side street parking will cause
great congestion and cited a huge loss of business over the winter due to construction. He said the loss
of business meant loss of tax revenues for the City. He stated that a truck bypass will also affect locals
due to the narrow valley. He requested all contact information for the entities involved in the proposed
highway widening project. He suggested a survey of business owners and better communication.
Walt Dabney spoke in favor of the Arches Reservation System. He mentioned he is the former
Superintendent of Arches and mentioned $35 to 50 million in improvements made to the Park during
the 1990s and now visitation has doubled. He added that the Park at that time looked at a
transportation system and said it was difficult and expensive and cited the example of Zion. He said
reservations are common in National Parks. He noted reservations are required by the Bureau of Land
Management, the White House, and more. He expressed that the reservation system could extend the
season. His written comments added: "We need to try the proposed reservation system and see if that
works for all. The status quo is not workable and is frustrating many visitors."
Jack Meyer spoke about carbon pricing and climate change. He said a solution could involve carbon
credit. He requested Council to consider a resolution to request action by the state legislature.
Student of the Month: Mayor Niehaus presented Delanie Davis with the Mayor's Student Citizenship of
the Month Award for March, 2018 for Helen M. Knight School.
SPECIAL EVENTS/VENDORS/BEER LICENSES:
Transrockies—Approved
Motion and Discussion: Councilmember Jones moved to approve a Reconsideration of TransRockies
5th Annual Moab Rocks three-day Mountain Bike Race Festivities April 13 to 16, 2018 including Approval
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of Special Event Application, Approval of Special Use of Swanny City Park, and Approval of Special Event
Beer License. Councilmember Derasary seconded the motion. Councilmember Guzman -Newton recused
herself and left the chambers. Councilmember Jones stated he was in favor of the event and it was a
good addition to shoulder -season activities. Councilmember Knuteson-Boyd stated the applicant made
concessions. Councilmember Duncan noted complaints from the community regarding use of the Park.
Vote: The motion passed 4-0 aye with Councilmembers Jones, Derasary, Knuteson-Boyd and Duncan
voting aye.
Antica Forma —Approved
Motion and Vote: Councilmember Duncan moved to approve a Class II Beer License for Jody Smith,
doing business as Antica Forma, Located at 267 North Main Street. Councilmember Jones seconded the
motion. The motion carried 5-0 aye, with Councilmembers Derasary, Jones, Knuteson-Boyd, Duncan and
Guzman -Newton voting aye.
Councilmember Duncan moved to grant Local Consent for a Full -Service Restaurant Liquor License for
Antica Forma, Located at 267 North Main Street. Councilmember Derasary seconded the motion. The
motion passed 5-0 aye with Councilmembers Jones, Derasary, Knuteson-Boyd, Guzman -Newton and
Duncan voting aye.
Josie Wyatt's—Approved
Motion and Vote: Councilmember Jones moved to grant Local Consent for a Hotel Liquor License for
Josie Wyatt's LLC, Located at 51 North 100 West. Councilmember Knuteson-Boyd seconded the motion.
The motion passed 5-0 aye with Councilmembers Jones, Derasary, Knuteson-Boyd, Guzman -Newton and
Duncan voting aye.
Moab Kitchen —Approved
Motion and Vote: Councilmember Duncan moved to approve a Private Property Vendor License for
Helene Rohr, doing business as Moab Kitchen, LLC, Located at 239 West Center Street for a term of
March 27, 2018 to March 26, 2019. Councilmember Guzman -Newton seconded the motion.
Councilmember Jones amended the motion to include wording regarding additional seating.
Councilmember Guzman -Newton seconded the motion. Rohr stated she was offering vegan fare. The
motion passed 5-0 aye with Councilmembers Jones, Derasary, Knuteson-Boyd, Guzman -Newton and
Duncan voting aye.
Miguel's Baja Grill —Approved
Motion and Vote: Councilmember Derasary moved to approve a Class II Beer License for Juan Jacobo
Flores, doing business as Miguel's Baja Grill. Councilmember Jones seconded the motion. The motion
carried 5-0 aye, with Councilmembers Derasary, Jones, Knuteson-Boyd, Duncan and Guzman -Newton
voting aye.
Councilmember Jones moved to grant Local Consent for a Full -Service Restaurant Liquor License for
Miguel's Baja Grill Located at 51 North Main Street. Councilmember Knuteson-Boyd seconded the
motion. The motion passed 5-0 aye with Councilmembers Jones, Derasary, Knuteson-Boyd, Guzman -
Newton and Duncan voting aye.
Old Business: (1:51 on recording)
Support for Arches National Park Reservation System —Tabled
Discussion: Councilmember Duncan mentioned that the resolution was tabled three weeks prior and the
Chamber of Commerce offered to host a public meeting between the Park superintendent and local
business owners. Subsequently, Duncan said, the Chamber withdrew that offer. He added that in the
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last few days, the National Park Service (NPS) hired a consultant to conduct an economic impact study of
initiating a reservation system for the Park. He concluded that he wanted to table the motion of support
until after the study.
Mayor Niehaus spoke about listening to business owners and stated she appreciates the leadership of
the NPS. She also mentioned the forthcoming economic impact study.
Councilmember Derasary stated the reservation system is the best potential step forward and there is
no need to wait on the resolution stating support.
Councilmember Knuteson-Boyd stated there is nothing in the resolution that binds the NPS to anything.
She added the economic study results will be integrated into whatever the Park decides. She added that
good points have been made, and it is not in the NPS mission to support neighboring economies. She
cited her recent visit to Glacier National Park, where the crowded conditions caused her to curtail her
vacation and leave the area. She mentioned that tabling the Council motion becomes absurd. She
stated she is in support of the resolution.
Councilmember Jones stated he encourages the NPS to interact with stakeholders. He added that
delaying is not beneficial. He added that the impact of phasing will be softer and he is ready now.
Councilmember Guzman -Newton stated she is for the reservation system. She mentioned her
disappointment that businesses didn't engage sooner. She added the NPS had extended the comment
period. She concluded by saying that, in light of the economic study, she prefers to wait.
Mayor Niehaus proposed an added paragraph.
Councilmember Duncan expressed his opinion that, if the economic impact is adverse, the City can
change its stance. He added that more data is useful.
Councilmember Knuteson-Boyd asked how long do we let this go? She cited many comments based in
fear and unknowns. She expressed her concern about having a hard date for reconsideration in the
event of a motion to table.
Motion and Vote: Councilmember Guzman -Newton moved to table Proposed Resolution #14-2018 — A
Resolution Supporting the Proposed Arches National Park Reservation System. Councilmember Duncan
seconded the motion and then amended the motion to table until an independent study can be
completed in a timely fashion or a recommendation can be made in time to impact the decision
regarding implementation of a reservation system for Arches National Park, whichever comes first.
Councilmember Guzman -Newton seconded the amended motion to table. The motion to table passed
3-2 aye to table with Councilmembers Knuteson-Boyd, Guzman -Newton and Duncan voting aye and
Councilmembers Jones and Derasary voting nay.
New Business: (2:09 on recording)
Arches Area Hotspot Project —Approved
Discussion: City Manager Everitt described the downtown master planning project and indicated the
City was in a position to obtain funding to help solve recreation -related traffic congestion. He shared
information provided by consultants hired by UDOT as part of the exercise to help the local committee
with the process. He noted there was a lot of confusion surrounding the plans. He added that the city
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was hiring consultants to assist with the downtown plan. He predicted the City could get five to ten
million dollars to relieve traffic congestion. He reported that UDOT estimates there are 16,000 vehicles
per day traveling through downtown, and that 65 percent are automobiles and the rest are large trucks.
He described options being considered for the Hotspot project, including parking structures, dispersed
parking lots, Main Street parking, bike routes, and a bypass. Councilmember Guzman -Newton asked if it
was free money from the legislature, and Councilmember Duncan asked if the City could define its
priorities. City Manager Everitt stated the proposed plans are very preliminary. He added that if the area
receives funding there should be flexibility regarding how the money is spent and the City is under no
obligation to have it be spent. Councilmember Duncan said he wanted to hear from the public. Mayor
Niehaus stated there would be ample public input which would include businesses. Councilmember
Knuteson-Boyd said she was on the hotspot committee and that the plan includes the Moab area and
some of the plan area is outside the city limits. She said there is an April 13 deadline to apply. There was
discussion about the downtown planning process and the relationship with this hotspot project, as well
as discussion about the length of Main Street beyond the downtown area. A survey on the City's
website was suggested. Councilmember Jones read part of the resolution and stated his desire to move
forward with the resolution. Councilmember Derasary asked for clarification on the alternatives. City
Manager Everitt stated that the alternatives need to meet the criteria for the project. He expressed his
opinion that UDOT has evolved their opinion and that their aim is not only to move vehicles through
Moab safely and efficiently but they also consider the quality of life. Councilmember Knuteson-Boyd
suggested the City ask UDOT to engage the public more.
Motion and Vote: Councilmember Jones moved to approve Proposed Resolution #19-2018 — A
Resolution in Support of the Utah Department of Transportation's (UDOT) Request for Funding for
Arches Area Hotspot Project. Councilmember Knuteson-Boyd seconded the motion. The motion passed
4-1 aye with Councilmembers Jones, Derasary, Knuteson-Boyd and Guzman -Newton voting aye and
Councilmember Duncan voting nay.
Grand County Emergency Medical Services —Approved
Motion and Vote: Councilmember Jones moved to approve Proposed Resolution #20-2018 — A
Resolution Regarding Participation in the Grand County Emergency Medical Services Special Service
District (EMS SSD). Councilmember Derasary seconded the motion. The motion passed 5-0 aye with
Councilmembers Jones, Derasary, Knuteson-Boyd, Guzman -Newton and Duncan voting aye.
Assured Housing —Discussion
Grand County Community and Economic Development Director Zacharia Levine briefed the Council on
the Assured Housing Study. He outlined the results of the inquiry into the feasibility of imposing a fee on
business to create an assured housing fund. He stated it was found that the only viable category would
be tourist lodging. He added that if a policy was in place to levy such a fee since 2010, it would have
generated the equivalent of 23 affordable housing units. He said the next step was for the NEXUS study
to evaluate further options. He outlined his role with regard to policy development, data analysis, the
affordable housing plan, facilitating the public process. Levine requested a vote of support from the
Council to move forward.
Budget Process —Discussion
City Manager Everitt presented a Budget Process Orientation for Fiscal Year 2018-19 and Review of
Fiscal Year 2017-18 to date. He outlined key dates and stated the revenues projected by the financial
forecaster were very close to what he had estimated. He stated that work was ensuing to ensure the
City met its balanced budget requirement.
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Approval of Bills Against the City of Moab: Councilmember Guzman -Newton moved to pay the bills
against the City of Moab in the amount of $155,185.85. Councilmember Jones seconded the motion.
The motion carried 5-0 aye, with Councilmembers Derasary, Jones, Knuteson-Boyd, Duncan and
Guzman -Newton voting aye.
Adjournment: Councilmember Derasary moved to adjourn the meeting. Councilmember Knuteson-Boyd
seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0 aye, with Councilmembers Derasary, Jones, Knuteson-
Boyd, Duncan and Guzman -Newton voting aye. Mayor Niehaus adjourned the meeting at 9:36 PM.
APPROVED: ATTEST:
Emily S. Niehaus, Mayor Rachel E. Stenta, City Recorder
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