HomeMy Public PortalAboutMIN-CC-2017-05-23MOAB CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
MAY 23, 2017
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 David Sakrison called the Workshop to order at 6:00 PM. In attendance
were Councilmembers Rani Derasary, Heila Ershadi, Tawny Knuteson-Boyd, Kyle Bailey and Kalen Jones.
Also attending the workshop or regular meeting were City Manager David Everitt, City Attorney Chris
McAnany, Public Works Director Pat Dean, City Treasurer Jennie Ross, Planning Director Jeff Reinhart,
Interim City Engineer Eric Johanson, Planning Assistant Sommar Johnson, Recorder Assistant Eve
Tallman, and Film Commission Director Bega Metzner.
The Workshop consisted of a review of the General Plan. Specific discussion focused on Chapter Four, the
Community Vision. Councilmembers and staff jointly edited and enhanced the bullet points in the draft
document. Among the topics considered were housing opportunities, promoting downtown, planning
for compact development, and enhancing the resiliency of the economy, namely by providing
living -wage jobs and year-round employment opportunities for a skilled and educated workforce. Moab's
surrounding public lands and night skies were noted, as well as managing resources and infrastructure.
Discussion turned to Chapter Five, which outlined the Nine Elements of the General Plan. The draft
elements included economic development, environmental sustainability, land use and growth, housing,
parks and recreation, arts and culture, transportation and circulation, public works, and civic services and
facilities. Councilmembers discussed the Downtown Plan, which will amend the General Plan in 2018.
Moab's parking plan was mentioned, as well as exploring mechanisms for historic preservation, and
ground -floor residences in commercial zones. Councilmember Jones mentioned his concern with
downtown becoming predominated by hotels, and encouraged an aim for a balance with services and
shopping opportunities. Also discussed was the financial responsibility connected to new development
with regard to infrastructure improvements. Councilmember Knuteson-Boyd stated she feels the draft is
a good document which needs minor edits. Council and staff agreed that the goal was to have a
substantial draft ready for a vote on June 13.
Regular Meeting Called to Order: Mayor Sakrison called the Regular City Council Meeting to order at
7:00 PM and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Twenty members of the public and media were present.
Approval of Minutes: Councilmember Derasary moved to approve the minutes of the April 17 and May
9, 2017 meetings with corrections. Councilmember Jones seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0
aye, with Councilmembers Bailey, Ershadi, Jones, Derasary and Knuteson-Boyd voting aye.
Citizens to be Heard: (1:01 on recording)
The following Citizens were heard:
Michele Blackburn requested more time for public input on the Proposed 2017-2018 Budget.
Page 1 of 7
May 23, 2017
Theresa King stated she enjoys the online audio recordings of the meetings. She thanked the Council for
their work and their support of the Moab Arts Festival and the arts in Moab.
Proclamations: Mayor Sakrison read a proclamation signed by Governor Herbert in honor of Public
Works Week. He also proclaimed June 2, 2017 to be Gun Violence Awareness Day, and encouraged
citizens to wear orange on that day.
Mayor Sakrison next read a letter of praise for two Moab law enforcement officers, Bret Edge and Larry
Velasquez, for outstanding service during an emergency response involving Grand County Search and
Rescue.
Presentation of Student of the Month: Mayor Sakrison presented Myron Litsue with the Mayor's
Student Citizenship of the Month Award for May, 2017 for Helen M. Knight School.
Public Hearing: (1:15 on recording)
At 7:15 PM, Mayor Sakrison opened a public hearing to receive Public Input on Proposed Resolution
#28-2017, A Resolution Adopting the 2017 City of Moab General Plan as Referred to Council by the
Planning Commission. Following a brief presentation by City Planner Reinhart, the following citizens were
heard:
Sara Melnicoff discussed the need for the General Plan to address issues of homelessness, and she also
noted that wildlife should be addressed in the Plan; she stated that wildlife belongs in the City as much
as people do. Melnicoff stated that she would like recycling and trash cleanup to be incorporated into
the Plan. She requests the City to maximize the promotion of recycling with new bins and signage.
Councilmember Knuteson-Boyd noted that wildlife is addressed in the Plan, and Councilmember
Derasary noted the Council is updating the parts of the Plan concerning these topics. Melnicoff
concluded with a comment that silence is a sought-after attribute in the City.
Nate Rydman stated that the City's water supply is finite. He suggested that developers won't be
surprised about development limitations if the scarcity of water is stated in the General Plan. Mayor
Sakrison mentioned that he had received an update from Marc Stilson about the United States Geologic
Survey (USGS) water study due in September, and was informed there is not as much water as previously
thought.
Carol Mayer requested that the City specifically define what is meant by references to being
"sustainable."
Special Events/Vendors/Beer Licenses:
Vision Relay — Approved (1:28 on recording)
Motion and Discussion: Councilmember Jones moved to approve a Special Business Event License and
Special Use of Swanny City Park for Vision Relay (Formerly Rockwell Relay) —June 8 to 9, 2017 with
conditions including use of a public-address system before 8:00 AM. Councilmember Bailey seconded
the motion. Councilmember Ershadi asked about the appropriateness of the venue. City Manager Everitt
stated that, as pointed out at a prior meeting, it is too late to move the event for this year. He noted that
Page 2 of 7
May 23, 2017
the location would be reviewed for future events. Councilmember Jones noted that his research
indicated the charity was for a good cause. Councilmember Derasary asked if the promoters could
accomplish the management of the event without a public-address system. Councilmember Jones noted
he proposed an 8:00 AM time for amplified sound, and noted the City should review post -event
feedback.
Vote: The motion carried 4-1 aye, with Councilmembers Bailey, Ershadi, Jones, and Knuteson-Boyd
voting aye. Councilmember Derasary voted nay.
Thelma and Louise —June 2017 — Approved
Motion and Vote: Councilmember Derasary moved to approve a Special Business Event License on June
2, 2017 for the Thelma and Louise Half Marathon Road Running Event Expo. Councilmember Jones
seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0 aye, with Councilmembers Bailey, Ershadi, Jones, Derasary,
and Knuteson-Boyd voting aye.
Moab Brewers Manufacturing Liquor License — Approved
Motion and Vote: Councilmember Jones moved to grant Local Consent for a Manufacturing Liquor
License for Moab Brewers, LLC, doing business as Moab Distillery Located at 690 South Main Street.
Councilmember Knuteson-Boyd seconded the motion. Public Works Director Pat Dean was asked about
concerns regarding dregs in the sewer system, and Dean replied that the concern was about hot waste in
the pipes and he noted the licensee has a mechanism for cooling the effluent. The motion passed 5-0
with Councilmembers Bailey, Jones, Knuteson-Boyd, Ershadi, and Derasary voting aye.
Consent Agenda — Approved (1:34 on recording)
Motion and Vote: Councilmember Jones moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Councilmember
Knuteson-Boyd seconded the motion. The motion passed 5-0 with Councilmembers Bailey, Jones,
Knuteson-Boyd, Ershadi, and Derasary voting aye. Councilmember Jones asked about traffic calming
measures with regard to improvements on 100 South, and Councilmember Derasary thanked Interim
City Engineer Eric Johanson for his work. The following items were approved:
1) Award and Approval of the Animal Shelter Remodel Project and Contract to Guerrero
Construction in an amount not to exceed $42,948; the project is financed by donated funds.
2) Award and Approval of the Recreation Photographic Concessionaire Contract to Frank
Mendonca.
3) Approval of Task Order 380.10.100 with Hansen, Allen & Luce (HAL) Engineers for Design
Services for Improving 100 South Street from Main Street to 200 East Street with a corrected Fee
not to Exceed $67,500.
4) Annual Certification of 2017-2018 Utah Retirement System Employer Contribution Rates.
5) Request to Send Proposed Ordinance #2017-24 — An Ordinance Adopting the City of Moab Pay
Plan Schedule and Adopting the Exempt and Elected Officials Salaries for Fiscal Year 2017-2018
to a Public Hearing on June 13, 2017 at approximately 7:15 PM.
Old Business: (1:40 on recording)
Fiscal Year 2017-2018 Budget — Approved
Motion and Discussion: Councilmember Bailey moved to approve Proposed Resolution #31-2017 — A
Page 3 of 7
May 23, 2017
Resolution by the Moab City Council Adopting the Fiscal Year 2017-2018 Budget with amendments
presented by City Manager Everitt, which included adjusting the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for
City Staff from three percent to two percent; inserting a line item for consulting services for fiscal
forecasting; and converting a current lease to purchase of a backhoe. Councilmember Derasary seconded
the motion. Councilmember Bailey noted than any fee increases for City services are approved by
separate motions. Councilmember Ershadi asked about changing the timeline for approval, and City
Manager Everitt explained that the budget had been reviewed at several public meetings and feedback
was solicited from the public. In order to meet the implementation deadline of July 1, the City Council
was expected to move toward approval. With regard to the amendment lowering the COLA percentage,
consensus was reached by Councilmembers in favor of scaling back, since the staff salary survey had
recently been implemented. With regard to funding economic forecasting, Councilmember Ershadi
stated her support and Councilmember Jones asked if this had been done at the staff level before. Everitt
stated it had been, but there is a need for outside expertise at this time. Also noted by City Manager
Everitt was a survey Human Resources had conducted of municipal elected officials in Utah and their
compensation; he stated it was widely varied from town to town. Councilmember Jones thanked Everitt
for his work. It was noted that currently the Mayor receives health insurance but this will not be a
benefit in the future because the position is part-time. Councilmember Derasary asked if street calming
and flashing speed limit signs will be covered in the new year's budget and the reply was that there is
funding.
Councilmember Ershadi asked about a line item of $10,000 for "Buy Local First" It was clarified that any
particular expenditure for that program would need to be approved but it is in the budget.
Councilmember Jones asked if an emphasis could be placed on online commerce. Kristen Lavelett of
Local First Utah spoke about the work her organization does for local businesses at no charge. Theresa
King spoke from the audience and suggested that the line item be renamed "economic development"
since there are many efforts focused on buying locally that are not specifically tied to Lavelett's
organization.
Councilmember Jones asked for clarification regarding which positions are funded and whether there is
an updated organizational chart. City Manager Everitt explained some positions are in flux with one
being converted. Everitt explained he was working on the job description for the process improvements
specialist. City Attorney McAnany noted that organizational charts aren't set by ordinance in Moab, and
that usually the organizational chart is delegated to City Manager.
Vote: The motion passed 5-0 with Councilmembers Bailey, Jones, Knuteson-Boyd, Ershadi, and Derasary
voting aye.
Small Scale Planned Unit Developments — Not Approved (2:03 on recording)
Motion and Discussion: Councilmember Ershadi moved to approve Proposed Ordinance #2017-12 — An
Ordinance to Amend Moab Municipal Code Section 17.66.020, Small Scale Planned Unit Developments,
For Planned Unit Developments (PUDs). Councilmember Derasary seconded the motion. City Planner
Reinhart and Planning Assistant Johnson made a presentation of the proposal. City Attorney McAnany
acknowledged he had reviewed the proposed ordinance and made suggestions for changes.
Councilmember Derasary asked if the questions raised by Councilmember Jones at the previous regular
City Council meeting had been addressed. Councilmember Jones voiced concern with allowing
apartments in the R-2 zone. Planner Reinhart expressed confusion about why apartments are not
viewed as appropriate in PUDs. Councilmember Jones stated that he felt the density bonus related to
Page 4 of 7
May 23, 2017
ownership. Councilmember Derasary asked if this motion creates inconsistencies in the code. City
Attorney McAnany noted the Council denied the upzone for the project in question, so the PUD concept
is being proposed. He noted there are very few PUDs in Moab. He recommended a revision of the PUD
ordinance. Councilmember Jones also expressed concern with inconsistencies in code created by this
motion. Councilmember Derasary stated she wants to see density bonuses related to affordability
expressed by deed restrictions. Councilmember Knuteson-Boyd noted that the motion seems to be a
step in the right direction. City Manager Everitt clarified that the Council was looking for PUDs with deed
restrictions related to affordability. Councilmember Jones noted that the economic nexus study would
give data regarding what density is appropriate for Moab. He added that it is easier to give away than to
take back. City Attorney McAnany pointed out that usually a PUD allows greater density, but not in this
case. Councilmembers asked that the planning staff and Planning Commission prepare a revision to this
proposed ordinance.
Vote: The motion failed with Councilmember Knuteson-Boyd voting aye and Councilmembers Bailey,
Jones, Ershadi, and Derasary voting nay.
Affordable Housing Goals — Approved
Motion and Vote: Councilmember Derasary moved to approve Proposed Resolution #37-2017 — A
Resolution Recognizing the Affordable Housing Goals Agreed Upon by the City Council for the 2017-2018
Fiscal Year. Councilmember Ershadi seconded the motion. The motion passed 5-0 with Councilmembers
Bailey, Jones, Knuteson-Boyd, Ershadi, and Derasary voting aye.
Rules of Procedure for City Council Meetings and Hearings -- Approved
Motion and Vote: Councilmember Knuteson-Boyd moved to approve Proposed Resolution #38 -2017 —
A Resolution Adopting Rules of Procedure for City Council Meetings and Hearings with changes.
Councilmember Bailey seconded the motion. The motion passed 5-0 with Councilmembers Bailey, Jones,
Knuteson-Boyd, Ershadi, and Derasary voting aye.
New Business: (2:41 on recording)
Mill Creek Drive and US 191 Intersection Project — Approved
Motion and Vote: Councilmember Jones moved to approve a Task Order with Parametrix Engineering for
Supplemental Design Services for Further Expansion of the Mill Creek Drive and US 191 Intersection
Project Facilitated by Additional Construction Funding Provided by the Utah Department of
Transportation (UDOT) and the City of Moab with a fee not to exceed $37,920. Councilmember
Knuteson-Boyd seconded the motion. Mayor Sakrison asked how the truck traffic might be slowed on
the northbound hill. Interim City Engineer Johanson stated it was a touchy subject that would require
changing the speed limit. It was clarified that a signal is proposed to be installed at the intersection when
the new college campus opens. The motion passed 5-0 with Councilmembers Bailey, Jones,
Knuteson-Boyd, Ershadi, and Derasary voting aye.
Susy Subdivision -- Approved
Motion and Vote: Councilmember Jones moved to approve Proposed Resolution #36-2017 — A
Resolution Approving the Susy Subdivision, a Two -lot Minor Subdivision, of Property Located at 848
Huntridge Drive and Vacation of Lot Lines in Lot Three at 5 Dogwood Avenue as Referred to Council by
the Planning Commission. Councilmember Derasary seconded the motion. The motion passed 5-0 with
Page 5 of 7
May 23, 2017
Councilmembers Bailey, Jones, Knuteson-Boyd, Ershadi, and Derasary voting aye.
Backhoe Purchasing Exception —Approved
Motion and Vote: Councilmember Knuteson-Boyd moved to approve a Request for Purchasing Exception
as per Moab Municipal Code 2.28.110 (E) with Honnen Equipment to Convert an Existing Lease to
Purchase a John Deere 310 SL Loader Backhoe. Councilmember Jones seconded the motion. The motion
passed 5-0 with Councilmembers Bailey, Jones, Knuteson-Boyd, Ershadi, and Derasary voting aye.
Utility Accounts to be Written off of the Accounting System —Approved
Motion and Vote: Councilmember Bailey moved to approve Proposed Resolution #35-2017 — A
Resolution of the Governing Body of the City of Moab Authorizing Delinquent, Terminated Utility
Accounts to be Written off of the Accounting System. Councilmember Knuteson-Boyd seconded the
motion. It was explained that delinquent accounts are pursued by a collection agency. The motion
passed 5-0 with Councilmembers Bailey, Jones, Knuteson-Boyd, Ershadi, and Derasary voting aye.
Culinary Water and Wastewater Treatment System Provisions — First Reading
City Attorney McAnany presented the First Reading of Proposed Ordinance #2017-25 — An Ordinance
Repealing Certain Provisions of Title 13 Pertaining to the City of Moab Culinary Water and Wastewater
Treatment System and Enacting New Provisions. Councilmember Derasary noted the suggestions for
allowing innovations and graywater infrastructure submitted by Jeffrey Adams. Councilmember Jones
suggested the City should accommodate the state language with some flexibility. City Attorney McAnany
stated he would revised the wording for the second reading.
Mayor and Council Reports: (2:56 on recording)
Councilmember Derasary noted she had attended a meeting of the land trust and asked about the
Uranium Mill Tailings Remedial Action (UMTRA) project and Mayor Sakrison suggested she opt out of
going to Washington DC because progress toward full funding had been made.
Councilmember Jones attended a solid waste meeting and noted the difficulties surrounding the
economics of recycling. He hoped to tie recycling into the City renewable and greenhouse gas goals. He
noted that engaging a citizen recycling initiative could be cost -neutral. Mayor Sakrison added that
requiring mandatory trash pickup throughout the County would generate enough revenue to improve
the Solid Waste District's bottom line. Councilmember Jones noted that recycling should be considered
waste management, and Councilmember Ershadi added that some municipalities distribute recycling
bins to residences and businesses. Councilmember Derasary asked about the possibility of a variable rate
structure for trash pickup. Councilmember Ershadi asked about a composting pilot and Councilmember
Jones confirmed that a chipper is being sought. Councilmember Jones noted he also attended a planning
commission meeting.
Mayor Sakrison listed various items he had worked on, including a trip to Utah State University to meet
with officials about the differing visions of the Moab campus. He also noted his impression that Moab's
culinary water rate is very low compared to other agencies, where water bills average $90 per month. He
shared that the proposed federal budget aims to cut the Essential Air Service at Canyonlands Field; he
noted other cuts as well. He also reviewed the recent all -terrain vehicle (ATV) event and Councilmember
Page 6 of 7
May 23, 2017
Jones noted the County has a formal post -event feedback mechanism for citizens to voice their concerns
with the event. Mayor Sakrison stated he would meet with officials from the Bureau of Land
Management (BLM) to review the event. There was also discussion about presenting a resolution
regarding net metering in the coming months.
Approval of Bills Against the City of Moab: Councilmember Derasary moved to pay the bills against the
City of Moab in the amount of $522,480.49. Councilmember Jones seconded the motion. The motion
carried 5-0 aye, with Councilmembers Bailey, Ershadi, Jones, Derasary and Knuteson-Boyd voting aye.
Executive Session: At 9:15 PM, Councilmember Jones moved to enter an Executive Closed Session to
Discuss the Character, Professional Competence, or Physical or Mental Health of an Individual.
Councilmember Ershadi seconded the motion. The motion passed 5-0 with Councilmembers Bailey,
Jones, Knuteson-Boyd, Ershadi, and Derasary voting aye.
Councilmember Bailey moved to end the Executive Closed Session and enter into open session.
Councilmember Jones seconded the motion. The motion passed 5-0 with Councilmembers Bailey, Jones,
Knuteson-Boyd, Ershadi, and Derasary voting aye. The Executive Closed Session ended at 9:41 PM.
Adjournment: Mayor Sakrison adjourned the meeting at 9:41 PM.
APPROVED: ATTEST:
David L. Sakrison, Mayor Rachel E. Stenta, City Recorder
Page 7 of 7
May 23, 2017