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March 11, 2021
MOAB CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING
March 11, 2021
Moab City Council held a Special Meeting on the above date. Consistent with provisions of
the Utah Open and Public Meetings Act, Utah Code Ann. § 54-2-207(4), the Council Chair has
issued written determinations supporting the decision to convene electronic meetings of the
Council without a physical anchor location. Due to the health and safety risks related to the
COVID-19 pandemic, Moab City Council held this meeting by electronic means. An audio
recording is at http://www.utah.gov/pmn/index.html; a video recording is archived at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhpX7PbRsuE.
Moab City Council Strategic Planning 2021-2022 Continuation
Mayor Emily Niehaus called the Workshop to order at 6:21 p.m. Participating remotely were
Councilmembers Rani Derasary, Karen Guzman-Newton, Tawny Knuteson-Boyd, Mike Duncan
and Kalen Jones. City staff participating remotely were Manager Joel Linares, Assistant
Manager Carly Castle, Attorney Laurie Simonson, Engineer Chuck Williams, Public Works
Director Levi Jones and Recorder Sommar Johnson.
The session began with a discussion about the state of the City’s sidewalks. Councilmember
Duncan briefly described his project to survey City areas without sidewalks. Councilmember
Jones suggested designating areas of pavement for pedestrians and bikes.
Assistant Manager Castle provided an update on Hotspot projects and funds from the Utah
Department of Transportation (UDOT). Attorney Simonson described a proposed “complete
streets” and “green streets” program to include updating existing ordinances. Manager Linares
asked about combining the sidewalks project with the complete streets program.
Engineer Williams reviewed capital water projects. Assistant Manager Castle presented a water
resource management timeline and project list. Discussion ensued regarding water resources for
the greater Spanish Valley area.
Assistant Manager Castle gave an overview of the City’s sustainability programs. Mayor Niehaus
brought up integrating the existing draft sustainability plan into the General Plan. The role of
the new Sustainability Director was considered and Mayor Niehaus emphasized development of
policies, resolutions and ordinances. Councilmember Derasary mentioned noise as an element
of sustainability, and Councilmember Jones concurred. Councilmember Duncan didn’t agree,
and suggested standards for nightly accommodations and water use were of concern. Mayor
Niehaus brought up carbon offsets. Councilmember Jones mentioned sustainable practices in
the City’s procurement policy. Councilmember Guzman-Newton suggested emphasizing car-free
options. Councilmember Jones mentioned the importance of charging stations for private
electric vehicles. The question of a budget for sustainability programs was discussed.
The overall City budget was discussed, emphasizing a possible municipal property tax.
Adjournment: Mayor Niehaus adjourned the meeting at 9:03 p.m.
APPROVED: __________________ ATTEST: ___________________
Emily S. Niehaus, Mayor Sommar Johnson, City Recorder