HomeMy Public PortalAboutMIN-CC-2018-10-30MOAB CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
SPECIAL JOINT CITY COUNCIL AND COUNTY COUNCIL MEETING
AND TOWN HALL MEETING
OCTOBER 3o, 2018
Call to Order and Attendance: The Moab City Council and Grand County Council held a
special joint Meeting on the above date in the City Council Chambers at the Moab City Center,
located at 217 East Center Street, Moab, Utah. A recording of the meeting is archived at
hap://www.utah.gov/pmn/index.html. In attendance were Mayor Emily Niehaus,
Councilmembers Kalen Jones, Rani Derasary, Mike Duncan and Karen Guzman -Newton.
Councilmember Tawny Knuteson-Boyd arrived at 5:39 PM. Also in attendance were City
Manager David Everitt, Recorder/Assistant City Manager Rachel Stenta, Assistant City Manager
Joel Linares, Senior Project Manager Tracy Dutson, Communication Director Lisa Church,
Treasurer Chantel Lindsay, Public Works Director Pat Dean, Assistant City Engineer Eric
Johanson and Records Specialist Eve Tallman. Representing Grand County were Council Chair
Mary McGann, Jaylyn Hawks, Curtis Wells, Evan Clapper, Greg Halliday, Terry Morse and Rory
Paxman. Also in attendance from Grand County were Council Administrator Ruth Dillon and
County Clerk Diana Carroll.
Meeting called to order: Mayor Niehaus called the meeting to order at 5:04 PM. During this
meeting and the following Town Hall assembly, 69 members of the public and media were in
attendance.
The meeting began with a discussion regarding quality growth. Consultants for the Utah
Department of Transportation (UDOT), Lynn Jacobs and Jon Nepstad of Fehr and Peers
Transportation Consultants, presented their Draft Main Street (US Highway 19i) bypass study.
They emphasized the heavy truck impacts on Moab's downtown and noted a bypass could
relieve congestion. Jacobs stated 35 percent of traffic on Highway 191 is semi -trucks and only 20
percent of those trucks stop in Moab. The consultants pointed out the noise impacts of the
trucks which need to be mitigated to address quality -of -life issues. They briefly presented route
options and proposed costs for a tunnel or sound walls.
City Manager Everitt continued the meeting on the topic of quality growth by pointing out the
number of permanent residents in Moab has stayed about the same for several years and greatly
increased tourist visitation impacts residents. He suggested that it is the rate of change and the
kind of change that most affects the community, and he asked the councils what they considered
to be the role of local government with regard to change and posited it could be encouraging,
agnostic, moderating or stopping change. Everitt brought up workforce housing, limits on hotel
size, the northern San Juan County master plan, water, a regional transportation plan including
a possible bypass, the coordination of land use and building code, and community visioning.
Councilmember McGann noted that after the November election, a coordination meeting with
San Juan County should be planned. Councilmember Guzman -Newton noted that carrying
capacity is a concern, and that local residents are losing purchasing power, especially with
regard to housing. She mentioned capping visitation to the Power Dam area, yet was cautious
due to local resistance to limiting visits to Arches National Park. She supported responsible and
sustainable tourism. Councilmember Morse concurred that the finite resources should be
defined including water and infrastructure as it relates to carrying capacity. Councilmember
Jones noted there is a well -documented housing shortage. He stated that resiliency is a goal and
that economic diversification gets harder with time. He suggested limiting the lodging industry
and gave examples of communities that have limited lodging to certain districts. Councilmember
Paxman said that tourism is the area's number one income and it is important how visitors are
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treated so they aren't turned off. He expressed his opinion that a corridor should have been
established years ago. Councilmember Wells suggested adoption of a local transportation plan
to show prioritization to the state transportation commission. In a show of hands, there was not
a majority affirming the notion of a bypass. Councilmember Jones stated there is work to be
done. Councilmember Clapper brought up that the local tax rate is one of the lowest in the state,
and residents could pitch in to protect quality of life.
The Councils then stated their legislative priorities for the upcoming session. The priorities
mentioned included off -highway vehicle rules, local control of land use, water, short-term
rentals, Transient Room Tax, hate crimes legislation, sale of stronger alcohol in retail stores,
Medicaid expansion, workforce housing affordability, local control of schools, local control for
smaller municipalities, funding Utah State University Extension for the new campus, travel
council membership criteria, City funding of emergency medical services and fire departments,
fire policy including taxation across the County and limiting development in expectation of a
bypass.
Next, Airport Manager Judd Hill gave an update on the growth of Canyonlands Field and
described upcoming projects. Councilmember McGann congratulated Hill on his hard work to
get the improved airport reopened on -time in May.
Town Hall: (1:44 on recording)
The following Citizens expressed questions and concerns to the joint Councils:
Joe Kingsley spoke about the prospect of passenger rail service and progress with UDOT. He
thanked the County and City for their support and noted a five -person committee had been
appointed to study the potential train service. He added that he hoped other citizens would
support the prospect of getting some of the vehicles off the road.
Randy Mason expressed concern about filing a code complaint and the potential six-month wait.
Councilmember Jones responded that the code enforcement specialist did respond to Mr.
Mason and he shared his concern about the City's ability to enforce code and the specter of a six-
month response time and he explained initial response may occur sooner although resolution
may drag out depending on merit of complaints and responsiveness of offending parties. Jones
asked if City staff could follow up. Mayor Niehaus reiterated City concern for code compliance
responsibility and noted the enforcement position was just recently created.
Randy Day spoke about affordable housing and expressed the approach was not correct; he
disagreed with punishing the lodging sector. He expressed his opinion that new impact fees
should be charged proportionately. He also expressed that imposing an overlay on people's
property will make people mad. He stated that zoning for affordable housing is hard because
people will not want it next door. Councilmember Duncan mentioned the nexus study and
commented that hotels will still be built. Mayor Niehaus thanked Mr. Day for his comments and
noted that she disagreed with him. Councilmember McGann acknowledged that it is difficult
and stated it is the job of the Council to create balanced policies and to protect neighborhoods
and provide housing. Councilmember Wells stated Day's words are not lost on him and noted
his concern with the assured housing policy. He stated it is an aggressive public -driven approach
and the high density overlay is market -driven and will be more effective. Wells appreciates the
tourism economy and yet he has grown less sympathetic to the tourist sector, in particular cheap
hotels. He mentioned the opportunity to preserve economic development in commercial zoning
and stated he weighs this against private property rights and potential of upward mobility for
the community's commercial property owners. Councilmember Duncan added the problem
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concerns building market rate versus assured housing and stated it is tricky. He said we are
trying to grow and provide workforce housing at the same time market -rate housing is in high
demand and is more profitable for developers.
Jim Webster acknowledged he is a member of the board of education and spoke as an
individual. He stated the school district is growing and has tremendous issues. He mentioned
property tax wealth versus income dearth and tourism that impacts on schools are real.
Councilmember Clapper offered that he is interested in hearing about legislative topics of
concern to the school district. McGann concurred that coordinating efforts regarding the
legislature could be a good idea.
Paige Holland referred to the County's general plan and expressed that it didn't appear to
inform the future land use plan regarding the high density housing overlay and number of
homes per acre. She stated it seems extreme to go from about 3.2 or 3.4 homes per acre to 35.
She stated that the rural residential zoning of her neighborhood with one house per acre made
her feel like she had a target on her back and she asked if the Council takes these things into
consideration. McGann said that she and Councilmember Clapper had attended many Planning
Commission meetings and said it was far from a done deal. She said she doesn't support some of
the negative impacts. Clapper said he refers to the general plan regularly. He acknowledged the
County has changed a lot and the general plan needs to be a living document. He stated the
overlay is an incentive plan and he would be amazed if more than three property owners took
advantage of the overlay. Wells stated he doesn't agree with McGann and Clapper. He said he is
more optimistic and likes the requirement of housing local residents better than deed
restrictions. He brought up the disruption of neighborhoods. He said that rarely will you find
counties out in front of issues and that governments are reactive not proactive. He brought up
blocked views and property values and raised the question of whether developments could be
taller than three stories. He mentioned incentivizing development and noted it is hard to
increase density and not disrupt neighborhoods. Morse indicated there is serious debate ahead.
The November 7 public hearing was announced.
Michael Liss mentioned he and others are talking about buses and transit and referred to the
high density housing overlay and indicated it could increase the buildout to 78,00o people. He
referred to a new urbanism and creating new neighborhoods and striving toward quality growth.
He referred to the unfortunate attitude of growth as loss rather than growth as something
beautiful. He mentioned the US 191. corridor and the potential for quality growth.
Councilmember Jones mentioned the City's participation in the nexus study and the struggle for
affordable housing development to pencil out and referred to the economic driver for density.
He mentioned project buffering for neighborhoods from high density developments. Mayor
Niehaus stated her concern that more lots may just mean more expensive lots.
Gerrish Willis spoke about the concept of geopolitical subdivisions defined by watersheds. He
stated he was in favor of working with San Juan County to coordinate and plan for growth.
Mayor Niehaus stated the City is looking at density and affordability differently than the County
and rather than a high density overlay, the City is looking at the Planned Area Development
(PAD), ensuring that density comes with affordability. Wells referred to San Juan County and
stated discussions are happening and inferred that San Juan County doesn't want to be told
what to do. Curtis said that was tough because it is the same valley. He suggested that
formalizing discussions would be helpful. He said the UDOT hotspot funding discussions
coincide with San Juan discussions regarding access to the highway for development and
suggested those discussions could expand to discuss growth. He mentioned that Jerry McNeely,
former County councilmember works for San Juan County. McGann stated there would be effort
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made to have open dialog with San Juan County's commissioners. Councilmember Guzman -
Newton stated she did not think discussions about buildout should be conducted unless there is
real data for water and quality of life. She stated she felt it was a foolish step to discuss density
for density's sake without data on water. Mayor Niehaus stated the United States Geological
Survey (USGS) would roll out a final water study report.
Jim Englebright brought up bunkhouses in neighborhoods and wanted an update.
Councilmember Derasary stated there was an upcoming workshop to discuss occupancy. Mayor
Niehaus reiterated there is a workshop November 5 regarding PAD, workforce housing,
occupancy, code compliance and occupancy implications. Councilmember Duncan spoke about
eliminating conditional uses, the family/household debate, and the external impacts of
occupancy regarding noise, trash and parking. Mayor Niehaus spoke about the possibility of
rental property licensure to address accountability to neighbors.
Audrey Graham stated everything is connected and there will be bunkhouses until there is more
affordable or dense housing. She indicated this is not ideal and we need to decide where and
how to do this. She continued that the water situation is terrifying and suggested water should
be saved for people who live here, curbing hotels. She said this takes political will and homes
will be worth more. Councilmember Duncan commented on the PAD and said there is no
minimum lot size and could make way for very small units and explained details of deed
restrictions and suggested neighbors could bend but not break.
Bruce Louthan stated he lives next to Walnut Lane and he expected development. He asked
about what footprint for a proposed affordable development the City had in mind. He concluded
that he was glad the City is thinking globally and acting locally. Mayor Niehaus indicated
residents could contact Tracy Dutson, the City's Senior Project Manager, for more information.
Vicki Webster asked Council to not forget about commercial use in the R-2 zone. She stated she
did not appreciate a prior comment referring to residents moving to get away from the changing
nature of neighborhoods. She urged Council to limit density and occupancy. Councilmember
Derasary indicated this topic would be discussed on November 5.
Jessica O'Leary brought up quality of life and quality of neighborhoods. She stated she has
concerns about shifting definitions from families to households and stated her concern with
enforcement. She lamented that Cinema Court is not walkable from town. She cited Edwards,
Colorado as an example of a walkable town. Councilmember Jones brought up the City's efforts
at code enforcement and explained it is a complaint -driven process and noted that
complainants' identities are protected unless the complaint goes to court. He also cited the
Small Area Plan for the Powerhouse area. Councilmember Clapper brought up the County's
proposed new parks department. Councilmember McGann mentioned planned bike paths to
Ken's Lake. Councilmember Derasary explained the City's new definition regarding household
versus family, and clarified the old definition regarding unrelated persons living together is no
longer legal. Mayor Niehaus brought up the former conditional uses that omit bed and
breakfasts from residential zones.
Solona Sisco brought up not -in -my -backyard attitudes in low -density areas in Seattle and was in
favor of dense development with corresponding transit stops and access to bike paths. Sisco also
expressed that bunkhouses are good and is in favor of them and the non-nuclear families
therein. Councilmember Duncan mentioned that high density housing should be close to the
center of town and thanked Councilmember Derasary and Mayor Niehaus for their work on the
Walnut Lane property.
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Kelland Brewer spoke about the plastic bag ban and did not look forward to the resulting
potential long lines at City Market. Councilmember McGann talked about adding the bagless
notice to the travel council website and noted Kroger planned to ban plastic bags anyway.
Councilmember Knuteson-Boyd mentioned shopping in off hours and the impacts on the
environment caused by plastic bags. Councilmember Derasary mentioned education efforts.
Judy Powers stated her worry about losing neighborhoods. She mentioned nightly rentals in
neighborhoods and that the market is driving doctors and dentists to move out of town and
indicated she is so sorry about the development called Entrada. She mentioned low income
residents have trouble with transportation and stated the need for density. Knuteson-Boyd
concurred about Entrada. Jones noted the code that allowed Entrada has since been changed.
Tom Moreau referred to the water study and wants to limit use by requiring low -flow showers.
Mayor Niehaus brought up Sustainability Director Rosemarie Russo's Green To Gold initiative
and her work to promote low -flow fixtures and referred to mandating action versus incentivizing
participation. Councilmember Duncan mentioned that low -flow in hotels is important but also
mentioned culinary water used for residential outdoor watering. He noted Ken Kolm's
forthcoming safe yield report and said water will become more expensive. McGann said we are
not mining our aquifer yet. She said the USGS study will show how much water there is.
Councilmember Wells said the water special service district has a draft report and monitoring of
water is needed. He said there could be disagreement on climate but water quantity is necessary.
He said it is not an emergency yet and we should limit unnecessary use.
Adam Fleming stated he works in the tourism industry and he wants to be able to stay year-
round and noted it is hard to find housing. Mayor Niehaus referred to the bounce effect that
happens when workers come to fill a need and they can't find housing. Joe Kingsley noted a
teacher commuting from Grand Junction. Mayor Niehaus talked about easing licensure for
contractors.
Mallory Nassau introduced herself as the school district community coordinator. She brought up
the key leader board and the collective impact model. She noted the bike mechanic training
program. Jim Webster stated his interest in Nassau's position with an eye toward breaking down
barriers to better integrate the school district with city and county councils. He also spoke about
the increase in students in the school district, funding mechanisms for schools,
intergenerational poverty, building a new middle school, and tax revenues used for education.
Carol Mayer spoke about the toxic emissions from the asphalt plant and lamented that her trash
has doubled since recycling was suspended. She also brought up USU as a golden cow and asked
how many jobs would really be created by a new campus, and what diversity would result.
Councilmember McGann stated the recycling center is still open and she listed items still
accepted. She agreed that the center is in a transition period. She brought up reducing, reusing,
repurposing and refusing materials. Councilmember Jones stated the landfills have about eight
to 12 years and mentioned the City is revising its waste hauling contract which will likely
integrate recycling. He added that he hoped the international recycling situation will improve.
Duncan explained new jobs due to the USU project and the Community Reinvestment Area.
Adjournment: Mayor Niehaus adjourned the meeting at 9:oo PM.
APPROVED: ATTEST:
Emily S. Niehaus, Mayor Rachel E. Stenta, City Recorder
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