HomeMy Public PortalAboutMIN-CC-2018-05-08MOAB CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
MAY 8, 2018
Regular Meeting: 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.
Regular Meeting Called to Order & Attendance:
Mayor Niehaus called the Regular City Council Meeting to order at 7:00 PM and led the Pledge of
Allegiance. 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, Police Chief Jim Winder, City Engineer Chuck Williams,
Records Specialist Eve Tallman, City Treasurer Jennie Ross and Communications Director Lisa Church.
Twenty-seven members of the public and media were present.
Approval of Minutes: Councilmember Duncan moved to approve the minutes of the April 24 and May 1,
2018 meetings. Councilmember Jones seconded the motion. Councilmember Derasary noted
corrections. The motion passed 5-0 aye with Councilmembers Jones, Derasary, Knuteson-Boyd, Guzman -
Newton and Duncan voting aye.
Mayor and Council Reports:
Mayor Niehaus reported that she attended the Utah League of Cities and Towns (ULCT) meeting in St.
George. She also informed the Council that she met with representatives from the Utah Department of
Transportation (UDOT) during their annual visit. She also mentioned her attendance at a Trail Mix
meeting and a meeting of a focus group concerned with the Power House area.
Councilmember Duncan reported that he also attended the ULCT meeting and noted his appreciation of
the session conducted by the ULCT General Counsel, David Church.
Councilmember Derasary noted that she attended the rural caucus of the ULCT and was pleased to
connect with other rural Utah representatives. She reported she attended a local Faith -based coalition
meeting on behalf of the Mayor and noted a discussion about the gap in local services with the demise
of the Moab Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). Derasary also reported she attended UDOT
meetings, the Trail Mix meeting and mentioned a discussion regarding an effort to support active
transportation and in -town bike routes.
Councilmember Jones stated he had attended a meeting of the Housing Task Force at which
intergovernmental collaboration was discussed; he added that the same type of collaboration was
discussed at a Dark Skies meeting. Jones mentioned he had met with the consultants working on an
economic analysis for the National Park Service regarding the impact of a reservation system for Arches
National Park. He stated the consultant said he had a due date of the analysis in early June.
Councilmember Guzman -Newton reported that she attended the ULCT meeting and noted upcoming
legislative bills that ULCT was working on, specifically regarding federal and state funds for roads. She
described a County Council meeting she had attended where the local federal lands manager reported a
32 percent growth in usage. She mentioned the Trail Mix meeting she attended at which urban trails
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and better in -town signage was discussed. Guzman -Newton continued with a report of a meeting to
discuss parking plans on the north end of Main Street as well as a bike lane. She added an update on the
opening of the improved airport. She said the most recent flights had record -breaking numbers of
passengers and announced an open house from 9:30 AM till 2:00 pm on June 2. She concluded with a
mention of the Power House focus group meeting she attended.
Councilmember Knuteson-Boyd reported she attended a Housing Authority meeting and she also
reported on the progress on the La Sal Mountain Loop Road construction. She said paving was
scheduled to begin on or around May 15 and could result in 30-minute delays.
Administrative Reports: City Manager Everitt spoke about a meeting he attended regarding the future
uses of the Uranium Mill Tailings Remediation Act (UMTRA) site.
Everitt asked police Chief Winder to update the Council on the recent April Action car show. Winder
praised the Rotary Club for their management of the event. He said that efforts were made to mitigate
impacts on nearby residents. He mentioned a concern about dogs at the event including an incident
involving a dog leash that damaged a show car. Winder noted there was very little exhibition driving and
described police patrols on bikes. He estimated there were 10,000 to 12,000 attendees at the event.
Councilmember Guzman -Newton asked about traffic issues and hiring more law enforcement officers.
Winder agreed there was a lack of Main Street patrols and described efforts to improve. Councilmember
Jones asked about the Sunday exodus after the car show on northbound Highway 191.
Students of the Month: Mayor Niehaus announced Seventh Graders Trenton Nelson and Lexie Patterson
and Eighth Grader Madison Munger as recipients of the Mayor's Student Citizenship of the Month
Awards for May, 2018 for Grand County Middle School.
Citizens to be Heard: There were no citizens to be heard.
Public Hearings: (:27 on recording)
At 7:27 PM, Mayor Niehaus opened a public hearing to receive public input on Proposed Ordinance
#2018-08 — An Ordinance Amending Chapter 13.25 of the Moab Municipal Code with a Schedule
Adjustment for the Sewer Impact Fee. A brief presentation was made by City Engineer Williams. There
were no citizens to be heard and Councilmember Jones moved to close the hearing. Councilmember
Duncan seconded the motion. The motion passed 5-0 aye with Councilmembers Jones, Derasary,
Knuteson-Boyd, Guzman -Newton and Duncan voting aye. Mayor Niehaus closed the hearing at 7:32 PM.
City Manager Everitt made a presentation regarding the budget process. He gave an estimate of
projected revenues, stating an 8.5 percent increase was expected based on trends. He explained the City
is unique in the state in that there is no City property tax and noted the sales tax basis of the major
portion of the City's funding could be potentially volatile in a fluctuating economy. Everitt explained the
principles behind the recommended budget, and discussed staffing resources, capital expenses
planning, a recreation supplement, and outlined departments and proposed new positions and overall
proposed funding changes. He concluded by reviewing the City workplan based on Council priorities.
At 7:54 PM, Mayor Niehaus opened a public hearing on Proposed Resolution #23-2018 — A Resolution
Adopting the Fiscal Year 2018-2019 Annual Budget for the City of Moab. Citizens speaking about the
budget were:
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Saxon Sharpe, who spoke regarding the Humane Society's request for funding. She stated the Humane
Society provided essential spay and neuter services.
Madeline Logowitz requested funding for Grand County Trail Mix. She stated the group was previously
operated by volunteers and now consisted of paid staff. She said Trail Mix provided an economic asset
due to creation of mountain bike trails beyond Moab. She stated Trail Mix had received a new truck and
office space and requested $30,000 from the City.
Ben Riley requested funding for the Southeastern Utah Housing Authority and the Housing Task Force.
He noted letters presented to the Council. He spoke about the Assured Housing Policy, the Moab Area
Land Trust, and the nexus study. Riley stated that affordable housing funding needs more than one
percent. He concluded that the City's public works yard site would be a good location for more housing.
Rhiana Medina requested funding on behalf of the Moab Valley Multicultural Center. She described
benefits provided by the Center including language services, working with law enforcement, animal
control, registering youth for City recreation programs and assisting local residents with business
startups. She mentions the increasing need and noted there were six bilingual advocates on staff. She
referred Council members to her letter requesting funding.
Zacharia Levine, Grand County's Director of Economic and Community Development, spoke in favor of
funding initiatives of the Housing Task Force. He requested that the City add to the budget as presented
to infuse cash into projects that would result in affordable housing units. He spoke in favor of funding
Trail Mix as an advocate for tourism.
Aaron Lindberg spoke in favor of Trail Mix. He stated he works at Poison Spider bike shop and he has
full-time work because of Trail Mix, which he said was a huge economic driver.
Maddy Fisk thanked the Council for its continuing support of Seekhaven. She mentioned a plan to
increase the services Seekhaven provides to the community and noted a project decreasing lethality risk
for domestic violence victims to collaboration with law enforcement agencies.
In addition to spoken comments, the Council received on written comment from J.D. McClanahan, who
wrote in support of the Moab Area Housing Task Force's proposal to increase the allocated amount to
the City's affordable housing fund from $150,000 to $250,000 and to allow the funds to compound and
roll over year-to-year.
Councilmember Jones moved to close the public hearing. Councilmember Derasary seconded the
motion. The motion carried 5-0 aye, with Councilmembers Derasary, Jones, Knuteson-Boyd, Duncan and
Guzman -Newton voting aye. Mayor Niehaus announced that citizen comments were still welcome and
closed the public hearing at 8:12 PM.
SPECIAL EVENTS/VENDORS/BEER LICENSES:
Humane Society —Approved
Motion and Vote: Councilmember Jones moved to approve a request by the Moab Valley Humane
Society for an Amplified Music Event at Old City Park (Annual Dawg Days of Summer) on June 2, 2018.
Councilmember Knuteson-Boyd seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0 aye, with
Councilmembers Derasary, Jones, Knuteson-Boyd, Duncan and Guzman -Newton voting aye.
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Weely Cool —Approved
Motion and Vote: Councilmember Duncan moved to approve a Residential Neighborhood Street Vendor
License for Dennis Dresslar, doing business as Weely Cool to conduct a power pedal powered tricycle
selling pre -packaged treats for a term of June 1 to September 30, 2018 and April 1 to May 31, 2019.
Councilmember Derasary seconded the motion. Derasary asked about upcoming changes to the
business licensing process and City Manager Everitt noted working to revise Chapter 5 of the City Code
was ongoing. The motion carried 5-0 aye, with Councilmembers Derasary, Jones, Knuteson-Boyd,
Duncan and Guzman -Newton voting aye.
Spoke Brewery —Approved
Motion and Vote: Councilmember Jones moved to grant Local Consent for an Alcohol Manufacturing
License and a Package Liquor Agency License for the Spoke Brewery Company, doing business as the
Spoke LLC, located at 5 North Main Street. Councilmember Duncan seconded the motion. The addition
of a brewery was discussed with owners Zack Bynum and James Lemon. The motion carried 5-0 aye,
with Councilmembers Derasary, Jones, Knuteson-Boyd, Duncan and Guzman -Newton voting aye.
Old Business: (1:19 on recording)
Proposed Budget —Discussion:
City Manager Everitt led a discussion about the proposed budget. The proposed Cost of Living
Adjustment (COLA) for staff was considered. Health insurance costs were reviewed. A proposed
employee housing stipend was debated. Septage charges and proposed upcoming changes were
considered with regard to estimating revenues for the coming year. Councilmember Jones mentioned
building renovations and spoke in favor of a set -aside for future projects. Councilmember Derasary
mentioned her interest in creating an energy efficient building as reconstruction of the public works
shop is deliberated. City Manager Everitt stated he felt a net -zero building with power generated on -site
would be possible. Mayor Niehaus stated her interest in exploring whether the current public works
shop location might be a better site for housing. A proposal to offer health insurance to elected officials
was discussed. Fees for a land use code consultant was described and Councilmember Knuteson-Boyd
questioned whether the proposed funding level was adequate. The hiring of a lobbyist was reviewed
and Councilmembers noted their assent for funding such an effort. Budget matters related to energy
efficiency at the Moab Recreation and Aquatic Center (MRAC) were considered.
Next, the Council discussed funding requests from community organizations. The desire for an expanded
funding application process was mentioned, including a letter of need in view of an organization's
overall budget. Councilmember Jones brought up the legal mandate to provide fair value for
contributions. Funding categories for services and economic development were proposed. Whether the
grants would be competitive was considered. Councilmember Derasary asked for clarity regarding what
information had already been requested of the requesting organizations, and Mayor Niehaus suggested
the process could be expedited for July.
The Affordable Housing fund was examined. Mayor Niehaus noted the effort to have a Housing Director
on staff and also noted the proposed funding level was arbitrary. The off -balance contributions of the
City, at the $150,000 to $250,000 level was compared to the $10,000 from the County. The City's
investment in human capital was mentioned. Councilmember Knuteson-Boyd brought up a shared
position with the Housing Authority. Mayor Niehaus noted efforts to impose deed restrictions on
developments. Councilmember Jones noted a carryover of $90,000. Councilmember Derasary spoke of
the Council's priorities including visioning sessions for the community and expressed an aspiration to
produce results faster. City -owned properties were discussed, as well as impact fees.
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New Business: (2:52 on recording)
Fourth of July —Discussion:
Mayor Niehaus spoke about an idea to celebrate the Fourth of July with activities that consisted of more
than fireworks. Councilmember Guzman -Newton described a celebration for local residents at the ball
fields with live music and vendors. Councilmember Knuteson-Boyd stated her disinterest in such a plan,
Councilmember Duncan stated he was interested in learning more, and Councilmember Jones expressed
support.
Planning Commission Appointment —Confirmed
Motion and Vote: Mayor Niehaus explained that Joe Downard had resigned from the Planning
Commission. She recommended Kya Marienfield to replace Downard. Councilmember Derasary moved
to confirm Kya Marienfield as the Mayoral Appointment to the Moab City Planning Commission.
Councilmember Duncan seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0 aye, with Councilmembers
Derasary, Jones, Knuteson-Boyd, Duncan and Guzman -Newton voting aye.
City Council Rules of Procedure —Discussion
Mayor Niehaus brought up a proposed change to the Rules of Procedure regarding Citizens to be Heard.
She requested the change be made to allow Citizens to speak to items on the agenda as well as
unrelated topics. Councilmember Derasary moved to approve the change, and Councilmember Guzman -
Newton seconded the motion. After discussion with City Attorney McAnany and City Recorder/Assistant
City Manager Stenta's request for clarification regarding the need for a resolution to revise the existing
rules of procedure, Derasary withdrew her motion. City Attorney McAnany agreed to present a revised
resolution for the Council's consideration. Councilmember Duncan expressed concern about mixing
controversial items with general comments and the time limits on public comments.
Riparian Partnership Presentation
Kara Dohrenwend of the South Eastern Utah Riparian Partnership made a presentation about efforts
over the years to mitigate tamarisk and Russian olive infestation. She described revegetation projects
and beetle monitoring programs. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was mentioned and
Dohrenwend noted it was expired. She requested the MOU be renewed. She noted the partnership of
multiple agencies, the more than $750,000 of work conducted surrounding Mill Creek and added the
recreation -related impacts of the work. She concluded with a mention of the collision between
recreation and restoration in the areas surrounding Mill Creek and the Colorado River.
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 $257,331.50. Councilmember Derasary seconded the motion.
The motion carried 5-0 aye, with Councilmembers Derasary, Jones, Knuteson-Boyd, Duncan and
Guzman -Newton voting aye.
Executive Closed Session
Motion and Vote: Councilmember Derasary moved to enter into an executive closed session to Discuss
the Character, Professional Competence, or Physical or Mental Health of an Individual. Councilmember
Jones seconded the motion. The motion passed 5-0 aye with Councilmembers Jones, Derasary,
Knuteson-Boyd, Guzman -Newton and Duncan voting aye. The Executive Closed Session was entered into
at 10:16 PM.
At 10:52 PM, Councilmember Derasary moved to end the Executive Closed Session. Councilmember
Knuteson-Boyd seconded the motion. The motion passed 5-0 aye with Councilmembers Jones, Derasary,
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Knuteson-Boyd, Duncan and Guzman -Newton voting aye.
Adjournment: Councilmember Knuteson-Boyd moved to adjourn the meeting. Councilmember Derasary
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 10:52 PM.
APPROVED: ATTEST:
Emily S. Niehaus, Mayor Rachel E. Stenta, City Recorder
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