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HomeMy Public PortalAboutMIN-CC-2017-10-04MOAB CITY COUNCIL MINUTES SPECIAL JOINT MOAB CITY COUNCIL/GRAND COUNTY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 4, 2017 Special Meeting & Attendance: The Moab City Council held a Special Joint City/County Council 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 www.utah.gov/pmn/index.html. Special Meeting Called to Order: Grand County Council Chair Jaylyn Hawks called the Special Joint City/County Council Workshop Meeting to order at 12:03 PM with Governor Gary Herbert, State Senator David Hinkins, Utah House Representative Patrice Arent, and members of the Governor's staff. In attendance were Moab City Councilmembers Rani Derasary, Tawny Knuteson-Boyd and Kalen Jones, Mayor David Sakrison, City Manager David Everitt, City Recorder/Assistant City Manager Rachel Stenta, Special Projects Director Amy Weiser, Sustainability Director Rosemarie Russo and Recorder Assistant Eve Tallman. Also in attendance were Grand County Councilmembers Jaylyn Hawks, Mary McGann, Curtis Wells, Greg Halliday and Evan Clapper, County Council Administrator Ruth Dillon, Community Development Director Zacharia Levine and County Clerk Diana Carroll. Forty-five members of the public and media were present. Economic Development and the 25,000 Jobs Initiative Update: Governor Gary Herbert spoke about the high quality of life in Utah and the robust Utah economy, and also noted his concern about economic development in rural Utah. He expressed his interest in hearing from the assembled group for ideas regarding economic development. Grand County Councilmember Curtis Wells opened the discussion by commending the 25K jobs initiative. Proposed Short -Term Rental Amendments - HB 253: Wells next moved to the topic of short-term rental legislation. He mentioned the City/County opposition to the bill proposed in the Utah legislature last year. Next, Mayor Sakrison spoke on this topic. Governor Herbert asked for clarification about how nightly rentals in residential areas impact the affordable housing issue. The Governor stated his support for the economic philosophy of supply and demand. Wells stated that nightly rentals in residential neighborhoods degrade the quality of life in those neighborhoods, and also excludes that local working class from the housing market. Wells stated he believes short-term rental zoning should be under local control. The Governor reiterated his support for private property rights, and added that local entities should be able to determine appropriate local zoning codes. State Senator David Hinkins mentioned the confusion of charging primary residence taxes on second homes if they are rented, even as vacation rentals. Governor Herbert gave an example of Provo changing zoning to cut down on student housing in residential neighborhoods. Utah State University -Moab (USU-Moab) Campus: Councilmember Wells stated that Moab's number one export is its children. He explained the concept of USU-Moab as a destination campus and noted local support for the proposed campus. USU-Moab Executive Director Dr. Lianna Etchberger spoke Page 1 of 4 October 4, 2017 about raising revenues for the new campus by touting the destination campus theme plus supporting a workforce. The Governor asked what would be requested from the State. Dr. Etchberger stated that money is needed for the new campus, to support new programs, and to hire new faculty. The Governor explained that Moab's needs must be addressed by the college president and board of trustees, and also the State -level regents. He then suggested approaching the legislature, with specific requests for earmarks, programs, and hiring assistance. Councilmember Wells gave an overview of progress on the USU-Moab plan, including Mayor Sakrison acting to secure a Permanent Community Impact Board (CIB) loan for an access road and infrastructure. Dr. Steve Hawks, former USU-Moab Dean, noted the amazing support of the community. The Governor noted that Mike Mower, the Governor's representative on the School and Institutional Trust Land Administration (SITLA) advisory board, voted yes on USU-Moab. $100 Million Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) Appropriation - 58 277: Councilmember Wells stated the $100 Million appropriation for the Utah Department of Transportation to support congestion mitigation in key outdoor recreation corridors is a good direction for the state, signifying outdoor recreation is doing its job in Utah's economy. Wells outlined the dilemma of Highway 191 serving as Moab's Main Street. Wells noted that Moab is seeking $300,000 for planning for congestion mitigation and related economic development issues. City Manager David Everitt noted he is grateful for partnership with UDOT staff, including Carlos Braceras and Rick Torgerson. The Governor also praised UDOT and urged Moab and Grand County to pursue the appropriation funding and noted the return on investment in Grand County is high. He added that, if Utah doesn't get a handle on transportation infrastructure, the economy will suffer. Transient Room Tax (TRT) Law and Collection Issue: Councilmember Wells noted there has been a healthy debate locally. He added that promotion of tourism has enabled the economy we now have, and stated that Moab is now a mature tourism destination. He stated that there are now only two months of "off season." The flip side, he added, is that visitation volume has doubled. Kate Cannon, Superintendent of the Southeast Utah Group of the National Park Service, stated that Arches National Park has had 1.6 million visitors per year. Councilmember Wells stated that it is important for the local governments to assume the ability to mitigate impacts of tourism using the TRT revenues. He mentioned that the percentage of revenue that must be used for more publicity should be reduced. He stated the issue surrounds the equitable use of revenues for mitigation including infrastructure, emergency services, and police versus more promotion. Governor Herbert encouraged local officials to have this conversation with the Utah Association of Counties (UAC) regarding amendments to the law for mitigation versus promotion. Wells next introduced the issue regarding the local ability to collect TRT. He reiterated the local control issue. He noted that six years ago, the law changed, giving the State control of collecting TRT. The Governor affirmed this was due to a lack of trust in the accountability of some local governments. Moab Area Travel Council Director Elaine Gizler stated the County paid $158,000 to the State to collect TRT fees on behalf of Grand County. The Governor recommended working with UAC to change the law. Senator Hinkins added that some local jurisdictions wanted the State to take on this tax collection. The Governor recommended a discussion that may result in legislation providing more flexibility in how TRT revenues can be spent, specifically for infrastructure and roads. He noted that a successful economy in Utah is due to diversification, and TRT monies should be Page 2 of 4 October 4, 2017 able to be used to diversify the economy. Future considerations: Superintendent Cannon provided an update on Arches National Park. She stated that visitation at Arches is booming and that a reservation system is proposed to create a manageable pattern of visitation. She stated that the current usage pattern resulted in forty percent unused capacity. The added that the Park seeks to provide a quality experience for visitors. She pointed out the rehabilitation of the park's roads is happening for the first time in fifty years, with a plan to finish in November. Councilmember Wells concurred that it is a real challenge with tourists spending one to two hours in line to enter the Park for this world-renowned resource, and lacking quality of experience. Senator Hinkins brought up former Congressman Chaffetz's recommendation to add another entrance to the Park. Superintendent Cannon responded that a second entry wouldn't be a solution, since Delicate Arch and the Windows area are gridlocked destinations. Cannon added that the reservation system is proposed to ensure a steady stream of visitors throughout the day, and throughout the year. Governor Herbert stated that there may not be a need for a second entry. He added that people don't like to hear it, but a reservation system might be best. Senator Hinkins praised the Governor for providing funding to open the Park during a recent federal government shutdown. Councilmember Knuteson-Boyd asked the Governor to reconsider the recently -legislated blood alcohol limit due to it having a negative impact on businesses, and also asked the Governor to comment on the State's stance on public lands. Councilmember Derasary requested input about how to communicate about Moab's housing needs, including short-term rental legislation, and legislative control over Utility Transport Vehicles (UTV/ATVs) on local thoroughfares; she also advocated support for the upcoming victim targeting bill. Councilmember Jones mentioned the 25,000 jobs is a great metric, and in Moab we have a problem of quality of jobs paying a living wage. He also mentioned the need for local governments to manage lands within municipalities. Councilmember McGann also noted the UTV/ATV issue as well as affordable housing. Councilmember Wells praised the Governor's approach to the Bears Ears designation. Wells noted the need for a balanced plan and respect for the local culture. He noted environmentalists were influencing tribes. Councilmember Halliday suggested UTV/ATV muffler requirements could be a solution to the noise concerns. He added that the Castle Valley Volunteer Fire Department was having a tough time getting volunteers and hoped the State could come up with incentives. Councilmember Clapper mentioned the divisiveness locally surrounding the public lands issues, and noted his relief that clean water as a priority for the Governor. He added that clean air in the area's national parks is an issue. He stated that clean air is important for all Utah citizens, and he supports the Environmental Protection Agency's efforts. Closing Remarks: Governor Herbert addressed the Councilmember concerns in his closing remarks. He stated that change is a constant. He lamented the distortion of messages from right and left. He stressed that he wants to understand clearly what local governments want. On the blood alcohol level issue, he stated the new law is not about drinking, but about impaired driving. He suggested that perhaps the lowest blood alcohol level should have different penalties. He stated that, with regard to public lands, divisiveness is bad. He mentioned his impression of the Page 3 of 4 October 4, 2017 mischaracterization of the State's position. He said it is clear we are a public lands state, but he wants to optimize management of public lands. He stated he agrees with Councilmember Wells on Bears Ears. He stated it is a myth that the State wants to develop energy in the Bears Ears region. He stated that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has the ability to regulate areas even more than a monument status, including limiting access to archeological sites. He stated it is tougher to privatize public lands in Utah than elsewhere. He noted the profit would go to federal government anyway. He urged attendees to communicate with Mike Mower regarding the housing issues, or the constituency services office. He discussed the irony of the Off -Highway Vehicle (OHV) issue. He stated that perhaps the approach is to tweak the law regarding acceptable noise levels. He said that different sides need to come together regarding the upcoming hate crimes legislation. He went on to say that, with regard to job quality, the living wage idea is not part of the free market place. He urged the local governments to work together to develop a plan and to broaden opportunity and incentives. With regard to zoning and local control, the Governor stated he supports that. On the topic of volunteer fire departments, he noted that Utah leads the nation in volunteerism. He raised the question of paying the fire fighters, and added that it is not a State issue. He defended his stance on clean air. He said that the State needs to balance jobs with clean air. He confirmed that the public wants sustainable, clean, affordable energy and noted that most pollution is from vehicles. Adjournment: Councilmember Clapper moved to adjourn the meeting. Councilmember Derasary seconded the motion. County Council Chair Hawks adjourned the meeting at 1:48 PM. APPROVED: ATTEST: David L. Sakrison, Mayor Rachel E. Stenta, City Recorder Page 4 of 4 October 4, 2017