HomeMy Public PortalAboutMIN-CC-2018-05-01MOAB CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
SPECIAL WORKSHOP MEETING
MAY 1, 2018
Special Meeting & Attendance: The Moab City Council held a Special Workshop 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.
Special Workshop Meeting: Mayor Emily Niehaus called the meeting to order at 12:10 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 Engineer Chuck Williams, Records Specialist Eve Tallman, Sustainability
Director Rosemarie Russo, Streets Superintendent Jeff Galley, Facilities Superintendent Chace Gholson,
Administrative Assistant LeighAnne Reinhart, Water Reclamation Facility Superintendent Greg Fosse,
Moab Recreation and Aquatics Center Director Terry Lewis, Parks Superintendent Mike Huts and Parks,
Recreation and Trails Director Tif Miller. There were two members of the media and public in the
audience.
Budget Workshop for Proposed Fiscal Year 2018-2019 Annual Budget:
City Manager Everitt began with an introduction to the Class C Road Fund, describing it as a separate
fund with state revenues. He explained that when the economy is strong, the revenue flow is also
strong. He described allowable uses for Class C funds and also explained that a new transportation tax
levied by the legislature has increased the fund significantly. Councilmember Jones asked if non -paving
items such as lighting and sidewalks were allowed expenses and Everitt confirmed, and added that
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant sidewalk ramp upgrades were also covered.
Everitt next provided an overview of the capital projects fund. Mayor Niehaus asked if the City's annual
work plan is adequately reflected in the capital projects budget. Everitt replied that it should be so, and
noted most items in the work plan do not involve capital projects.
Everitt next reported on specific line items. Councilmember Guzman -Newton asked about the
Permanent Community Impact Board (CIB) priorities as determined by the City earlier in the year. City
Engineer Williams explained the Transportation Master Plan will assist with long-term planning for roads
and transportation infrastructure. Street Superintendent Galley explained long-term reconstruction
plans for roads is costly and Everitt added bonding may be required for these large projects.
Miscellaneous items presented by Everitt included a vehicle lease, debt service on the Utah State
University (USU) infrastructure agreement, computer replacements, video displays, dark sky street light
replacements and other items.
Recreation capital projects were next presented by Everitt. Councilmember Guzman -Newton brought up
the retrofit of shower heads for water conservation at the Recreation and Aquatic Center (MRAC).
Mayor Niehaus suggested that water conservation is a priority for the Council. MRAC Director Lewis
stated homeless local residents are not shower customers and almost all users are tourists. Daily
admission fees were discussed. It was determined that adding $15,000 to $20,000 for shower retrofit
should be proposed. Lewis explained a list of building maintenance and repair expenses that are
anticipated. Everitt also touched on retrofits of lighting at the gym and ball fields as well as other
improvements to the parks. Guzman -Newton asked about shade structures near playgrounds and Miller
Page 1 of 2
May 1, 2018
explained the cost estimates he had gathered to date. Guzman -Newton also asked about upgrades to
the skate park and Miller reported on a study of options. Discussion ensued about the nature of
upgrades needed and inviting a vendor to make an estimate versus paying to study what is needed.
Everitt suggested setting aside monies for future skate park improvements. Miller explained
complications of expanding the skate park including potential damage to tree roots. Jones asked about
trees at Swanny Park and asked if there was a succession plan for some of the older trees. The mayor
asked if there were plans for restroom upgrades at Swanny. Terry mentioned crowds using restrooms at
the MRAC and noted that for the car show the portable toilets and park restrooms were inadequate.
Huts answered questions about heavy use of restrooms at Swanny Park. The Mayor brought up safety
concerns about the public restrooms at the Park. Discussion ensued regarding overall expenditures for
recreation. Jones asked about other community funders for arts in public spaces.
The next budget category Everitt shared was debt service. Councilmember Guzman -Newton asked about
paying for the City Center building and Everitt noted the remarkably low debt level of the City. He
explained certain debts such as the MRAC are covered by revenue sources such as the recreation
district. Mayor Niehaus asked what percentage of the budget reflects a typical debt ratio and Williams
offered it is typically about five to ten percent of a budget.
Mayor Niehaus asked about the remaining budget process schedule and procedures after the public
hearing. An additional workshop meeting was considered for May 14. A final discussion involved salary
and benefit funding levels for staff. The meeting closed with a brief outline of what would be covered at
upcoming meetings.
Adjournment: Councilmember Jones moved to adjourn the meeting. Councilmember Guzman -Newton
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 1:25 PM.
APPROVED: ATTEST:
Emily S. Niehaus, Mayor Rachel E. Stenta, City Recorder
Page 2 of 2
May 1, 2018