HomeMy Public PortalAboutMIN-CC-2020-03-06
Page 1 of 7
February 9, 2019
MOAB CITY
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP
MARCH 6, 2020
Call to Order and Attendance:
The Moab City Council held a Special City Council Workshop on the above date in the Moab Arts
and Recreation Center (MARC) located at 111 East 100 North Street. An audio recording is
archived at http://www.utah.gov/pmn/index.html. Mayor Emily Niehaus called the meeting to
order at 8:27 AM. In attendance were Councilmembers Rani Derasary, Tawny Knuteson-Boyd,
Karen Guzman-Newton, Kalen Jones and Mike Duncan. Also in attendance were City Manager
Joel Linares, Assistant City Manager Carly Castle, City Attorney Laurie Simonson, City Finance
Director Rachel Stenta, Assistant City Treasurer Marcy Mason, Human Resources Director
Danielle Guerrero, Human Resources Specialist Stephanie Haycock, City Recorder Sommar
Johnson, Deputy Recorder Kerri Kirk, Communications and Engagement Director Lisa Church,
City Planner Nora Shepard, Code Compliance Specialist Mona Pompili, Senior Projects Manager
Kaitlin Myers, Building Inspector Barry Ellison, City Engineer Chuck Williams, Police Chief Bret
Edge, Recreation Assistant Rhett Grosskreuz, MRAC Director Terry Lewis, Arts and Special
Events Manager Liz Holland, Arts and Special Events Assistant Makeda Barkley, Film
Commission Director Bega Metzner, Sewer Superintendent Obe Tejada, Water Superintendent
Levi Jones, Streets Superintendent Jeff Galley, Parks Superintendent Mike Huts, Facilities
Superintendent Chace Gholson, and Executive Administrative Assistant Carmella Galley. One
member of the press attended.
Workshop to Discuss Setting Goals and Priorities for Calendar Year 2020:
City Manager Linares introduced the general agenda for the day. He also stated that many
departments were restructured last year, and the staff will need to focus on education and
training. City Manager Linares said that other objectives for this year are quality of life, water
resource protection, land use infrastructure and development (i.e. parking plan and 5-year
capital improvements plan), infrastructure maintenance and operations, and Walnut Lane
affordable housing progress.
Senior Projects Manager Myers stated that Architectural Squared was selected for the Site
Planning, Architectural and Engineering Services Requested for Walnut Lane Apartments. She
said that this is for the planning stage, and it will be a while before construction begins on the
project.
Finance Director Stenta and Assistant City Treasurer Mason presented the Finance/Treasurer
Department’s goals: online business license renewal, one stop new business registration,
professional development, utility customer assistance program, audit water accounts,
operational and capital revenue development, capital project prioritization, continued fiscal
analysis (debt capacity), rate and impact fee analysis and revision, and council, staff, public
outreach and education of city finance. Finance Director Stenta also mentioned goals for 2021-
2025: sustainable revenue development, develop a ten-year financial plan for operations and
capital, annual rate and impact fee analysis and revisions, streamlined customer processes for
utility billing and business licensing, and succession planning. She also stated that the City
doesn’t have any capacity for new debt at this time; in fact, the City will need to cut $1.2 million
from fiscal year 2021’s budget to break even. Finance Director Stenta reviewed the fiscal year
2021 budget process.
Human Resources Director Guerrero and Human Resources Specialist Haycock presented their
departmental goals: finalize and adopt the Personnel Policies and Procedure Manual, complete
Page 2 of 7
February 9, 2019
transition from ADP to Caselle software, continue risk management and TARP (Team
Appreciation Recognition Program), local pre-employment testing (drug and psychological), set
days and times for closed-door meetings to accommodate all employees, continue the wellness
program, and safety measures. Human Resources Director Guerrero stated that the 3-5 year
goals are keeping health insurance rates low by both education and wellness incentives and
expand education and resources for employees.
City Recorder Johnson and Deputy Recorder Kirk presented their department goals: increase
department training and cross-training, transition from Pelorus to Caselle software for accounts
payable, obtain Certified Records Officer Certificates for Deputy Recorders, expand records
repository, and continue education. City Recorder Johnson stated that the 3-5 year goals are:
complete records repository for all legal documents, complete the Certified Municipal Clerk
designation, and begin Certified Municipal Clerk designation for Deputy Recorder Kirk for
succession planning.
City Planner Shepard presented her department goals: complete master planning for Walnut
Lane, review and amend PAD and Assured Workforce Housing Provisions of the City Code to
make them more effective, develop standards to allow for new overnight accommodations in
commercial zones, increase effective public engagement, training and education of staff, and
funding for software (i.e. iWorq Development Module and Blue Beam).
Building Inspector Ellison presented his department goals: work with various City departments
regarding building maintenance, construction-related issues, and business licenses, streamline
the building permit process, provide more information to the public by adding pages to the
City’s website and creating a brochure, provide training for staff, and maintain a positive
relationship with the residents of Walnut Lane.
Code Compliance Specialist Pompili presented her department goals: ensure alignment and
continuity throughout the City Code, restructure process for improved response time, continue
to focus on nuisance abatement properties, coordinate community outreach with
Communications and Engagement Director Church, obtain iWorq Code Compliance online
complaint modules, continue education and training, and recruit an intern for 4-8 hours a week.
Police Chief Edge presented his department goals: achieve and maintain maximum capacity
staffing, stabilize vehicle fleet, develop reserve police officer program, update interlocal
agreements, and enhance department capabilities through specialized training. For the 3-5 year
goals, he wants to develop grant writing and management capabilities, implement the
Southeastern Utah Major Crimes Task Force, mitigate the firearms range lead, and focus on a
wellness program (mental, physical, and financial) for officers. He stated that the budgetary
priorities are to minimize overtime, mitigate unplanned vehicle fleet and maintenance expenses,
continue employee training, focus on firearms range clean-up, and update/acquire critical
equipment (i.e. laptops, rifle plates, and spike strips).
City Engineer Williams presented his department goals: provide support to multiple City
departments regarding construction-related issues and development/building applications,
coordinate with UDOT on the Highway 191 widening project, provide plan reviews in
compliance with the State requirements, expand internal technical expertise through training,
support implementation of the 5-year capital improvement plan, and utilize public engagement
with assistance from Communications and Engagement Director Church. He also stated that his
department will manage the following projects: 400 East over Mill Creek Bridge widening,
roundabout at 400 North and 100 West, and the Spanish Valley Water Tank.
Page 3 of 7
February 9, 2019
Communications and Engagement Director Church presented her department goals:
incorporate public engagement as part of every initiative and expanding outreach by listening
and responding to the community.
Recreation Assistant Grosskreuz presented his department goals: implementing rate increases
for all programs, renovating entryway to accommodate a front desk area during non-program
hours to collect fees, continuing education by attending the URPA conference, expanding
recreation opportunities/programs for lesser targeted groups (i.e. senior citizens and toddlers),
formalizing a “scholarship system” to assist in registration costs for low-income households, and
develop proper storage for large outdoor equipment. For the 3-5 year plan, he said that the
department will partner with various local entities to fund construction of new outdoor
pickleball courts, and to begin planning for a new gym facility.
Arts and Special Events Assistant Barkley presented the Moab Arts and Recreation Center’s
goals, which are to increase the number of grant applications, expand educational
programming, continue the annual fundraiser, increase rentals, renovate and rebrand, add more
opportunities for arts education, partner with various City departments and Council to integrate
the arts into infrastructure, and create a public art map.
MRAC Director Lewis presented her department goals: begin repairs of the natatorium interior
walls and exterior building panel cladding, prepare for a rollover of cardio equipment in the
fitness center, continue to develop a long-term maintenance plan, explore installation of
outdoor showers on the pool deck to reduce locker room crowding, continue succession
planning, implement fee increases, review outreach program, and contribute to the capital
reserve fund. She stated that the department’s long-term goals are to refinish moisture-damaged
laminated wood beams in natatorium, construct storage for outdoor equipment, develop a plan
for construction of a snack bar on outdoor pool deck, and continue to assess user fees.
Film Commission Director Metzner presented her department goals: Moab Showdown 49 Hour
Short Film Competition becomes an annual event, maintain local community outreach and
events, continue to facilitate film, TV, commercial, and online content productions in the area,
maintain relationships with film production companies and local land use agencies, become a
Certified Film Commissioner (CFC), travel to necessary networking events, continue local youth
outreach, and MMVFC (Moab to Monument Valley Film Commission) Reel Scout database
updates and additions.
Sewer Superintendent Tejada presented the Sewer Collections department goals: maintain
current cleaning and inspection rates, continue in-house capital sewer line replacement and
point repairs as needed, increase grease testing and enforcement, increase sewer rates, construct
a building for the combination truck, and obtain both a remote-controlled trench compactor and
excavator. He also presented the Waste Reclamation Facility (WRF) goals: implement a
preventative maintenance plan, increase testing of the WRF, cross-training for collections and
reclamation employees, install a cover on the equalization basin, investigate sludge hauling in-
house, and purchase additional laboratory equipment.
Water Superintendent Jones presented his department goals: continue abandonment of failing
infrastructure between 200 North-400 North, construct new infrastructure, continue
replacements of fire hydrants and water meters, verify that Well #7 discharge line is operational
and connected to transmission line, replace pump and add a chlorine station at Skakel Spring
well house, and install fence around #10 well house. The department wish list is to lease a mini
Page 4 of 7
February 9, 2019
excavator, obtain a vacuum trailer with valve exerciser and a new service truck.
Streets Superintendent Galley presented his department goals: develop a pavement preservation
plan, track each surface maintenance treatment, update sidewalk survey, develop ADA
transition plan, develop a plan to repair/upgrade sidewalks, and identify trees that are
damaging sidewalks/curb and gutter and replace with City-approved trees. He prioritized streets
that may need repair sooner than others. He also discussed improvements for storm water and
storm drains.
Parks Superintendent Huts presented his department goals: renovation of the Old City Park
pond and restrooms, renovation of the Ball field club house, update the Ball field for LED
lighting, additional concrete work around the Swanny Park restrooms, add shade structures at
all city playgrounds and above the boulder wall at Lions Park, resurface around the Lions Park
bathrooms to provide traction, replacing the fall material at the playgrounds to rubber material,
and replacing aging playground equipment at both Rotary and Swanny Parks.
Facilities Superintendence Chace Gholson presented his department goals: installation of an
ADA lift at Center Street Gym and improvements for the Center Street Gym, MARC, City Hall,
and Scout House.
Assistant City Manager Castle reviewed the Sustainability department goals: continue City
engagement in HB 411 negotiations, update Moab’s water conservation plan, implement water
conservation strategies to achieve a 20% reduction by 2030, explore and pursue solar
opportunities, develop a Dark Sky compliance path for municipal facilities, complete a Green
House Gas (GHG) Emissions inventory, identify energy efficiencies in municipal operations, and
foster a culture of sustainable practices in departmental operations.
Executive Session:
Councilmember Knuteson-Boyd moved to take a five-minute break and then enter an executive
closed session to discuss the Character, Professional Competence, or Physical or Mental Health
of an Individual or Individuals. Councilmember Derasary seconded the motion. The motion
passed 5-0 aye with Councilmembers Jones, Derasary, Knuteson-Boyd, Guzman-Newton and
Duncan voting aye. Mayor Niehaus convened the executive closed session at 12:55 PM.
Councilmember Jones moved to adjourn the closed session. 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 ended the executive closed session at
2:00 PM.
City Council Discussion of Goals and Priorities for Calendar Year 2020:
Mayor Niehaus stated that each councilmember will share their individual goals and priorities,
and then there will be discussion.
Councilmember Derasary stated that she wants to review the budget to decide which goals are
feasible, focus on public works and safety, look at capital improvement items, focus on
sustainability, implement a community vision, follow up on consultant expenditures, and
support staff improvements (such as City Code updates). She also stated that she wants to follow
up on citizen questions such as: time-limits for parking on Main Street, lower speed limits, and
Dark Sky lighting limiting visibility at night for senior citizens. She wants to ensure that people
feel welcome at all City buildings due to high levels of customer service.
Councilmember Guzman-Newton’s goals are customer service, promote small businesses in
Page 5 of 7
February 9, 2019
Moab, improve water conservation, define and implement a community vision, focus on grant
writing to achieve additional funding, and increase focus on downtown safety through the Police
Department.
Councilmember Jones thanked departments for their presentations today. His goals are to
improve appropriate driver behavior in Moab and increase cross-departmental cooperation.
Regarding sustainability, Councilmember Jones stated that he wants to follow up on the plastic
bag ban by encouraging people to use reusable bags versus paper bags. He also stated that the
Waste Hauling Franchise Agreement needs to move toward transparency regarding recycling
when it’s renewed in 5 years. He wants to review renewable energy goals and transportation
networks with Rocky Mountain Power.
Councilmember Duncan stated that his goals are aimed towards the bigger picture. He said that
Moab has entered a “mature” phase where exponential growth is not feasible. He wants to keep
the town vibrant and healthy by having slower growth.
Councilmember Knuteson-Boyd thanked City Manager Linares for bringing Council the
information today. She commended staff for their time, effort, and professionalism on achieving
the goals set by Council. She stated that staff has earned Council’s support and respect.
Councilmember Knuteson-Boyd’s goals are to ensure a safe community, provide information to
the public that is accurate and factual, update planning procedures, and verify that staff is doing
their best.
Mayor Niehaus said that she used the SWAT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats)
analysis for her priorities. She said that the City’s strengths include staff capacity to address
issues, the beauty of Moab, having a diversified Council, and City Manager Linares’ dedication
to the City. The City’s weaknesses include not having a diversified revenue and communication.
The opportunities are improving professional development, building upon assets like Old City
Park and the MARC, and improving relationships with the legislature and private sector. The
threats for the City are a drop in sales tax revenue due to the Coronavirus which could result in a
decrease in operations funding, failing infrastructure (like water and sewer), and a loss of
institutional knowledge due to many new staff and Council members. Mayor Niehaus also stated
that she is grateful for City Manager Linares and all City staff. Councilmember Duncan thanked
staff for being on the frontlines of the Council’s decisions.
Mayor Niehaus stated that the discussion would proceed to priorities and details. She stated that
the Blue Beam application is a great way to move forward in the planning department. She
wants to incentivize people to build ADU’s (accessory dwelling units) to aid in the housing
shortage. Councilmember Knuteson-Boyd wants clarification about community vision.
Councilmember Derasary states that she agrees with Councilmember Guzman-Newton
regarding water resources. Councilmember Duncan wants to focus on the overnight
accommodations process and maintaining the downtown area’s character.
Councilmember Jones stated that community vision statements need to go through a process
with the public to be created. Councilmember Derasary wants to hire a local consultant to assist
in the creation of the City’s community vision. Councilmember Jones said that the value is in the
process itself. City Manager Linares stated that the process leads to ownership. Mayor Niehaus
asked Councilmember Derasary for the contact information of the consultant that assisted
UMTRA with their vision statement. Councilmember Derasary stated that a consultant doesn’t
provide services for free. Mayor Niehaus and Councilmember Knuteson-Boyd both stated that
people in the community may want to volunteer for this project. Councilmember Guzman-
Page 6 of 7
February 9, 2019
Newton suggested a non-profit group from Colorado called Community Builders that could be
beneficial. City Manager Linares asked if this task should be city- or county-based.
Councilmembers Guzman-Newton and Derasary stated that the project should have a broader
view and be county-based.
City Manager Linares reiterated Council’s focal points to confirm understanding: finalize the
downtown plan, improve community outreach, create a community vision, improve water
conservation, review and update the City Code, finalize the budget for fiscal year 2021, discuss
taxes, review rates and impact fees, create a plan for electric transportation by 2030, and
emergency preparedness. Mayor Niehaus also stated that she wants a strategy for
councilmembers when they receive concerns from the community. Communications and
Engagement Director Church led a discussion about the differences between a town hall
meeting, public hearing, press conference, and focus group. She said that town hall meetings are
to receive input from the community on an issue prior to being presented before Council. These
meetings must be recorded, but they don’t require a structured format. She said that press
conferences are for things that are extremely important, such as when urgent information needs
to reach the public. For a small town, it may only be necessary to have three press conferences a
year. Communications and Engagement Director Church said that focus groups do not require
minute-taking, since they are not sanctioned by Council. It is an informal group of people
bouncing ideas off each other. City Manager Linares said that focus groups can be recorded and
broadcasted. Communications and Engagement Director Church stated that she likes utilizing
neighborhood meetings, because the people involved are invested in the topic. Mayor Niehaus
requested clarification between public hearings and town hall meetings. Communications and
Engagement Director Church stated that a public hearing is required for Council meetings
regarding a specific topic. Councilmember Jones would like a plan to know which tool is best for
each topic. Communications and Engagement Director Church stated that Council needs to
create an engagement plan. Councilmember Jones wants to utilize an online survey program to
get the pulse of the town regarding some topics. Communications and Engagement Director
Church stated that online surveys are a great tool and have high levels of participation.
Mayor Niehaus expressed concerns about the possible decrease in international tourism this
year due to the Coronavirus. She asked Council if they should meet to discuss a City property tax
to increase revenue. Councilmember Jones said yes. City Manager Linares said that a property
tax in a small amount can still raise a lot of revenue. He knows that many people with second
homes located in Moab are not paying taxes to the City for their properties. This means that
these homeowners are not contributing to the costs of the City while reaping the benefits. He
also mentioned the RAP tax that is in progress as another revenue source. He stated that Zions
Public Finance will present to Council ways to improve the financial standing of the City.
Finance Director Stenta said that the City does not currently have a revenue stream for roads.
She stated that the property tax could create revenue for the road improvements. However, once
the property tax is set for a specific purpose, the funds can’t be redirected anywhere else (i.e.
operations). Councilmember Jones said that forward-looking communication will be essential
because taxes are never popular. Councilmember Duncan proposed a delay in discussing the
property tax with the public. He stated that, if the City shows that it has cut $1.2 million in
funding first, it may make the property tax more saleable. City Manager Linares said that we are
the only City in the state that doesn’t have a property tax. Mayor Niehaus asked Council if the
direction to staff is to come up with a communication plan for the property tax. Councilmember
Duncan said that he is not in agreement yet. City Manager Linares said that staff will put
together a plan for implementing a property tax. He said that, in a few months, the information
will be provided to Council. Mayor Niehaus requested that the property tax plan remain off
Council agendas for at least a year. Finance Director Stenta stated that the topic won’t get the
Page 7 of 7
February 9, 2019
same level of buy-in if it’s only being discussed by staff. City Manager Linares said that staff will
create a plan and review it with Council in April. Mayor Niehaus said that she wants the plan
discussed informally and not as an agenda item.
Adjournment: Councilmember Duncan moved to adjourn the meeting. Councilmember
Guzman-Newton seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Mayor Niehaus
adjourned the meeting at 4:01 PM.
APPROVED: __________________ ATTEST: ___________________
Emily S. Niehaus, Mayor Sommar Johnson, City Recorder