Loading...
HomeMy Public PortalAboutMIN-CC-2018-09-10MOAB CITY COUNCIL MINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER io, 2018 Call to Order and 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. In attendance were Mayor Emily Niehaus, Councilmembers Kalen Jones, Rani Derasary, Mike Duncan, Tawny Knuteson-Boyd and Karen Guzman -Newton. Also in attendance were City Manager David Everitt, Recorder/Assistant City Manager Rachel Stenta, City Attorney Chris McAnany, City Planner Jeff Reinhart, Development Services Manager Sommar Johnson, Communications Director Lisa Church, Treasurer Jennie Ross, Deputy Treasurer Chantel Lindsay, Senior Project Manager Tracy Dutson, City Engineer Chuck Williams and Records Specialist Eve Tallman. Workshop: Mayor Niehaus called the workshop to order at approximately 5:15 PM. The workshop consisted of a discussion on the subject of municipal code revisions regarding conditional uses. Council and Planning Staff reviewed and edited the code for the C-1 zone. A discussion of sororities and fraternity houses ensued, as well as a conversation about whether to allow Bed and Breakfast establishments or other forms of overnight lodging in certain zones. Affordable housing was debated, including residential units located on the ground floor in commercial zones. Parking requirements were mentioned and it was noted these would be addressed in a future meeting regarding the Parking Plan. A future code workshop was planned. Regular Meeting: Mayor Niehaus called the Regular City Council Meeting to order at 7:oo PM and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Twenty-five members of the public and media were present. Approval of Minutes: Councilmember Duncan moved to approve the minutes of the August 17, 28, 29 and 31, 2018 meetings. Councilmember Jones seconded the motion. The motion passed 5-o aye with Councilmembers Jones, Derasary, Knuteson-Boyd, Guzman -Newton and Duncan voting aye. Councilmember Derasary noted she did not attend the August 17 meeting and Councilmember Guzman -Newton noted she was absent for the August 31 meeting. Mayor and Council Reports: Mayor Niehaus introduced the topic of a joint meeting with the County Council. Agenda items proposed included the Transient Room Tax (TRT) and the assured housing policy. The date was to be determined. Mayor Niehaus reported she attended a meeting of the Utah State University (USU) steering committee and also announced she had been invited to the White House for a meeting of female mayors from across the country. She indicated she accepted the invitation. The mayor went on to report on the ArtTrails program. She stated there is a new installation of public art sculptures and that Peter Hazel's sculpture "The Hatch" had won this year's People's Choice award. Mayor Niehaus concluded with a report of a field trip to Johnsons Up On Top with City consultant Dr. Ken Kolm and members of the City's Water Conservation Board to learn about the area's hydrogeology and water issues. Councilmember Derasary reported she attended the August 31 briefing by USU staff regarding the proposed Moab campus, and she noted USU's commitment to providing educational opportunities that meet the community's needs. Derasary reported on a meeting she attended for the Emergency Medical Services Special Services District where bylaws and other establishing documents were adopted. Derasary mentioned she joined the water field trip. Page 1 of 5 September 10, 2018 Councilmember Duncan also mentioned his work on water -related topics and noted it could be another year before the City receives the finalized groundwater report from the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Duncan mentioned evidence that Kens Lake is leaking and the leaks may be supplying water to wells in Spanish Valley, including the newly -drilled well designated to supply water to future developments in San Juan County. Duncan described a workshop he attended about the Living Building Challenge that covered performance standards for buildings. Councilmember Knuteson-Boyd reported on a Faith -Based Coalition meeting where the City's sewer rates were discussed. Councilmember Guzman -Newton reported Canyonlands Field had surpassed a threshold with io,o32 enplanements in the year, which qualified Grand County for $1 million in federal aid. Councilmember Jones reported he attended the USU steering committee meeting as well as the Living Building Challenge workshop. He also mentioned his attendance at a Housing Task Force meeting at which the high -density housing overlay was discussed. He mentioned that assured housing was getting some negative feedback in the community. Jones concluded with a mention of a Dark Skies meeting he attended with Deb Dull and other staff from Rocky Mountain Power (RMP). He noted eighteen other communities are now interested in the lighting improvements proposed by the Dark Sky program being established by RMP engineers. Administrative Report: City Manager Everitt reported he also attended the Faith -Based Coalition meeting. In addition, he mentioned an upcoming budget opening planned for the Fall. He brought up a joint workshop on the Downtown Plan and the Parking Plan. He concluded with a remark about the fire fuels reduction planning for the City's riparian areas. City Treasurer Jennie Ross announced her retirement on October 15. She mentioned she had some questions about the Finance Director position and indicated the Deputy Treasurer, Chantel Lindsay, had worked with her for eight years of the 17 she had served as Treasurer. She praised Lindsay's capabilities and stated she had been planning for the transition. Citizens to be Heard: Jason Ramsdell spoke in support of the plastic bag ban. He stated there were a lot of problems in the world such as global warming and speculated that this step in Moab may not make a difference but it is a gesture. He stated that it sends a message that Moab does care. Sara Melnicoff stated she disagreed with Mr. Ramsdell because she felt the bag ban does make a difference. She mentioned that everyone she knows in the community supports the ban. She noted the ripple effect of recycling the bag ban and felt it was going in the right direction. Audrey Graham spoke in support of assured housing. She cited her involvement with policy efforts starting before 2009. She also noted she is in favor of the bag ban. Liz Ballenger submitted a written comment indicating she is in support of the plastic bag ban. Presentation: Students of the Month: Mayor Niehaus awarded the Mayor's Student of the Month Award for the Grand County Middle School for September 2018 to Eighth Grader Kyson O'Donnal. She also mentioned Seventh Grader Sadie Groene, who was not present for the award. Page 2 5 September 10, 2018 Special Events/Vendors/Beer Licenses: Quesadilla Mobilla Approved Motion and Vote: Councilmember Jones moved to approve a Private Property Vendor License for Steven Lucarelli and Carrie Finn, doing business as Quesadilla Mobilla located at 95 North Main Street for a term of October 1, 2018 to November 3o, 2018 and March 1, 2019 to September 3o, 2019. Councilmember Knuteson-Boyd seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-o aye, with Councilmembers Derasary, Jones, Knuteson-Boyd, Duncan and Guzman -Newton voting aye. Cafe Italiano--Approved Motion and Vote: Councilmember Derasary moved to approve a Private Property Vendor License for Huseyin Deniz, doing business as Cafe Italiano, located at 83 South Main Street for a term of September ii, 2018 to September io, 2019. Councilmember Guzman -Newton seconded the motion. Councilmember Jones asked if staff had confirmed adequate space for the vendor. The motion carried 5-o aye, with Councilmembers Derasary, Jones, Knuteson-Boyd, Duncan and Guzman -Newton voting aye. Old Business: Prohibiting Distribution of Single -Use Plastic Bags Approved Discussion: City Manager Everitt said slight edits had been made to the version presented for approval. Councilmember Derasary clarified the ordinance would take effect on January 1. Mayor Niehaus clarified there would be warnings issued to violators and then fines could be imposed for up to $250. Councilmember Derasary asked if the outreach plan would be as proposed and Mayor Niehaus brought up a future town hall meeting as well as other outreach efforts. There was consensus that there had not been any serious concerns expressed regarding the proposed ordinance. Councilmember Derasary referenced several historic actions taken by Council that reinforced the Council's proposed ordinance, including the pride the City has taken with regard to being the first wind -powered city, the resolution establishing renewable energy goals, and the Sustainable Moab Plan. She mentioned the City's interest in fostering a cleaner, healthier environment as well as lessening negative impacts on the environment, including waste minimization and maximizing the lifespan of the landfill and preserving viewsheds. Mayor Niehaus asked City Attorney McAnany if he had any legal concerns. McAnany acknowledged the wisdom of the graduated rollout of the plan. He explained the governing body has the authority to regulate businesses and to regulate solid waste operations for public health and safety. He indicated there was some potential for higher jurisdictions to usurp the authority of the City, and he remarked he found it doubtful the plastic bag industry would protest. Councilmember Jones referenced the impacts single -use plastic bags have on the solid waste district and mentioned the cooperation assured by the manager of City Market. Duncan and Guzman - Newton mentioned plastic pollution in the ocean and noted plastic does not biodegrade. Motion and Vote: Councilmember Jones moved to approve Ordinance #2o18-17 — Prohibiting Distribution of Disposable, Single Use, Carryout Plastic Bags. Councilmember Guzman -Newton seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-o aye, with Councilmembers Derasary, Jones, Knuteson-Boyd, Duncan and Guzman -Newton voting aye. Community Contributions Guidelines and Procedures Approved Discussion: Mayor Niehaus thanked staff for their efforts. Councilmember Derasary requested Special Event Sponsorships be added to the title of the resolution. Councilmember Guzman - Newton asked for clarification regarding the amount available for 2018. Councilmember Jones mentioned his apprehension about an increased impact on the budget due to the change from fee waivers to cash awards. It was mentioned that the deadlines and programs could be mentioned at the upcoming town hall event. Page 3 of 5 September 10, 2018 Motion and Vote: Councilmember Jones moved to approve Resolution #35-2018 — Adopting Guidelines and Procedures for Community Contributions and Event Sponsorships. Councilmember Knuteson-Boyd seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0 aye, with Councilmembers Derasary, Jones, Knuteson-Boyd, Duncan and Guzman -Newton voting aye. New Business: UMTRA Site Futures Approved Presentation: Russ von Koch, the Chair of the Site Futures Committee presented plans for the Uranium Mill Tailings Remedial Action (UMTRA) site. He outlined historic proposals for hotels, a commercial zone, an ice rink and federal offices which he said now had less support and that new interests include affordable housing and resident -friendly uses. Traffic congestion was mentioned as a concern. von Koch outlined plans for trails, a convention center, food court, artist village, and mentioned committee member Norm Boyd is Charlie Steen's nephew and interest in an interpretive exhibit about uranium mining. Prospector Park is the tentative name for the development. Mayor Niehaus clarified that Grand County is proposed to be the future steward of the land with no plan for annexation into the City. Councilmember Derasary thanked von Koch, and lauded Councilmember Knuteson-Boyd's efforts in Washington, DC to ensure Congressional funding to continue the site cleanup and Derasary also acknowledged committee members Saxon Sharpe, Norm Boyd, Jason Johnson and Tony Mancuso. Motion and Vote: Councilmember Duncan moved to approve Resolution #42-2018 — Supporting the 2018 Update to the Community Vision for Future Uses of the Moab UMTRA Project Site. Councilmember Jones seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-o aye, with Councilmembers Derasary, Jones, Knuteson-Boyd, Duncan and Guzman -Newton voting aye. Water Board Appointment Approved Motion and Vote: Councilmember Duncan moved to confirm the Mayoral Appointment of Dr. Denver Perkins to the Water Conservation and Drought Management Advisory Board for a term ending 12/31/2o2o. Councilmember Knuteson-Boyd seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-o aye, with Councilmembers Derasary, Jones, Knuteson-Boyd, Duncan and Guzman - Newton voting aye. Assured and Affordable Housing —Discussion Planning staff made a brief presentation regarding the Planned Affordable Development (PAD) timeline for deliberation and consideration for approval. City Attorney McAnany briefly explained the content of the proposed assured housing ordinance and the timeline for Planning Commission review before Council discussion. too West Task Order Approved Motion and Vote: Councilmember Duncan moved to approve a ioo West Construction Management Task Order with Bowen Collins and Associates for an amount not to exceed $90,441.00. Councilmember Derasary seconded the motion. Councilmember Jones noted a correction in the billing and Councilmember Duncan asked if the consulting services were a better value than hiring more staff. The motion carried 5-o aye, with Councilmembers Derasary, Jones, Knuteson-Boyd, Duncan and Guzman -Newton voting aye. Finance Director Position Approved Discussion: City Manager Everitt explained the funding for the position was approved in the budget and state statute required an ordinance to create the position, which is a mayoral appointment confirmed by Council. Everitt briefly described the roles of Finance Director, Treasurer and a proposed Billing Clerk. Councilmember Guzman -Newton remarked on the role of the City Manager regarding financial planning and noted the expense of adding high level 4 5 September 10, 2018 staff positions. Everitt explained his shifting duties and his aim to be more involved in personnel management and other obligations. City Recorder/Assistant City Manager Stenta brought up the work that had been done by consultants on financial forecasting and how much more could be done. Guzman -Newton asked if adding the position was sustainable. Everitt described the need for increased sophistication and contended the proposed staffing model was sustainable. He explained there are many tools at the City's disposal in the event of a recession, including layoff, hiring freeze, pay freeze and deferred maintenance. Stenta noted it was a team effort that resulted in the proposed new position. Motion and Vote: Councilmember Jones moved to approve the establishment of the Position of a Finance Director. Councilmember Knuteson- Boyd seconded the motion. The motion carried 4-1 aye, with Councilmembers Derasary, Jones, Knuteson-Boyd and Duncan voting aye and Guzman -Newton voting nay. William Hansen Annexation Petition Accepted Motion and Vote: Councilmember Guzman -Newton moved to accept the Annexation Petition to Proceed with the Certification Process from Sponsor William Hansen for 58.90 Acres located at Approximately 1248 South Highway 191. Councilmember Derasary seconded the motion. Councilmember Duncan asked for clarification regarding whether accepting the annexation petition does not mean the City agrees with the requested zoning. Councilmember Derasary asked for clarification regarding service providers for utilities. The motion carried 5-o aye, with Councilmembers Derasary, Jones, Knuteson-Boyd, Duncan and Guzman -Newton voting aye. Townhall Meeting in October 2018—Discussion Dates and topics for a proposed Town Hall meeting were reviewed. Approval of Bills: Councilmember Guzman -Newton moved to approve payment of bills against the City of Moab in the amount of $126,587.20. Councilmember Knuteson-Boyd seconded the motion. The motion passed 5-o aye with Councilmembers Jones, Derasary, Knuteson-Boyd, Guzman -Newton and Duncan voting aye. Adjournment: Councilmember Knuteson-Boyd moved to adjourn the meeting. Councilmember Jones seconded the motion. The motion passed 5-o aye with Councilmembers Jones, Derasary, Knuteson-Boyd, Guzman -Newton and Duncan voting aye. Mayor Niehaus adjourned the meeting at 9:45 PM. APPROVED: ATTEST: Emily S. Niehaus, Mayor Rachel E. Stenta, City Recorder Page 5 of 5 September 10, 2018