HomeMy Public PortalAboutMIN-CC-2021-08-10
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August 10, 2021
MOAB CITY COUNCIL MINUTESREGULAR MEETING
August 10, 2021
The Moab City Council held its Regular Meeting on the above date. An audio recording of the
meeting is archived at http://www.utah.gov/pmn/index.html.
Executive (Closed) Session:
Councilmember Kalen Jones moved to enter an Executive (Closed) Session to discuss
reasonably imminent and/or pending litigation. Councilmember Tawny Knuteson-Boyd
seconded the motion. The motion passed 5-0 aye with Councilmembers Jones, Rani Derasary,
Knuteson-Boyd, Mike Duncan and Karen Guzman-Newton voting aye. Mayor Emily Niehaus
opened the Executive Session at 6:09 p.m. Councilmember Derasary moved to close the
Executive Session. Councilmember Guzman-Newton seconded the motion. The motion passed
5-0 aye with Councilmembers Jones, Derasary, Knuteson-Boyd, Duncan and Guzman-Newton
voting aye. Mayor Niehaus closed the Executive Session at 6:52 p.m.
Regular Meeting Call to Order and Attendance: After a short delay due to technical
difficulties, Mayor Niehaus called the Regular City Council Meeting to order at 7:13 p.m. In
attendance were Councilmembers Guzman-Newton, Knuteson-Boyd, Duncan, Derasary and
Jones. City staff in attendance included Manager Joel Linares, Assistant Manager Carly Castle,
Recorder Sommar Johnson, Senior Project Manager Kaitlin Myers and Finance Director Ben
Billingsley Joining the meeting via electronic means were Engineer Chuck Williams, Planner
Nora Shepard and Attorney Laurie Simonson. A video recording is archived at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLKAv0BI3eA. Mayor Niehaus led the Pledge of
Allegiance. There were five members of the public and press in the audience.
Citizens to be Heard:
Steph Davis spoke as a homeowner and stated there was a huge level of interest in the property
tax question. She said people are upset and angry and that she was not happy about the
proposed property tax. She suggested that the tax would impact affordable housing and said that
if each of the three million people who pass through Moab annually paid one dollar, the City’s
needs could be met. She said the burden should not be on property owners.
Ian Mitchard stated he works at the hospital. He mentioned the extreme financial burden to live
in Moab due to housing costs. He said property tax is an archaic and old-style solution and
added there could be creative solutions to collect revenue and suggested a balanced budget and
making sure that all the expenses are actually needed.
Helene Rohr stated she was still awaiting answers to property tax questions she submitted the
prior week. She spoke about the concept of community and stated that by increasing the tax rate
during these challenging times the community could be divided into social and economic classes
and political wings, ultimately introducing hierarchy which is based upon division and therefore
possibly initiating a path to the community's complete demise. She said diversifying revenue
stream is a good idea but useless when the worker bees can no longer afford to live in their hive.
She added that all of us who call Moab our home are so incredibly lucky to be able to be part of
such a magnificent community. She said the majority of the people who took their time and
energy to be heard last week were against the proposed tax increase. She said that a 1956 a
magazine article described Moab as the richest town in the U.S.A. and concluded by stating the
uranium mine times are over but Moab is still sitting on a hugely profitable mine called tourism
and asked to find a way to keep the tourism dollars in the city instead of asking the miners to
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August 10, 2021
pay for the operation of the mine.
Aaron Davies spoke about the proposed property tax. He said the property tax is exactly
contrary to affordable housing and that Moab has a housing problem and suggested the city
needs more lower-end units, including apartments. He asked Council to not raise the taxes and
stated he understands the City is trying to do good work but asked that more creative solutions
be found without raising taxes. He said a lot of people can’t afford it although some can, and said
that doesn’t mean we should do it, even if other cities are doing it. He said most people are in
Moab because they choose to be here and can come forward to creatively look at what is needed
rather than what is wanted. He concluded by saying we could have four tax increases in three
years and the tax increase now seems like the timing is just not right. He volunteered to help
find solutions without raising taxes.
Trish West said the people of Moab are being asked to fix problems and put broken pieces
together. She cited inoperable street lights and suggested police officers should report lights that
are not working. She said she is a stickler for liability and noted people are upset about the
expensive lawsuit situation with the former City administrator. She volunteered to help with
solutions. She asked if the sales tax rate is at its limit and if local residents can get a rebate to
offset property taxes. She said rents will be raised and she questioned staff compensation.
Administrative Reports:
City Manager Linares reported on the reinstated mask mandate at City Hall due to COVID-19.
He stated the filing period for the upcoming municipal election is open till August 17. He
reported on meetings he attended related to the recent flood and redistricting. He said he met
with officials from the Department of Workforce Services (DWS) and the Governor’s Office
regarding workforce housing. He mentioned an upcoming Town Hall meeting with
Congressman John Curtis.
Mayor and Council Reports:
Mayor Niehaus reported she participated in a call with Senator Romney about the infrastructure
bill. She indicated her message was to fix existing infrastructure rather than creating new
projects. She said she had been talking with constituents about the proposed property tax and
she reported on the housing meeting with DWS and the Governor’s staff and other local entities.
She announced the police officer’s appreciation event the next day at Swanny Park with free
swimming and hot dogs. She concluded with a note about an upcoming event for the twentieth
anniversary of 9/11 hosted by local religious organizations.
Councilmember Derasary reported she had been talking with constituents about the proposed
property tax. She stated she participated in the Truth in Taxation hearing on August 4 and the
well site tour on August 6. She mentioned the League of Women Voters has materials available
to educate residents about Ranked Choice Voting.
Councilmember Duncan thanked staff for the well site tour.
Councilmember Knuteson-Boyd announced Grand County’s website for flood damage
information and stated there could be forthcoming relief from the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA).
Councilmember Guzman-Newton reported on a meeting of the Chamber of Commerce board
regarding the proposed implementation of a reservation system at Arches National Park. She
said Senator Mike Lee invited members of the Chamber to visit Washington, D.C. at their own
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August 10, 2021
expense to discuss rural economic issues. She announced that local resident Colin Fryer was
being inducted into the state’s tourism hall of fame. She said she was looking into Ecobox
Fabricators, a manufacturer of container-style buildings. She said the airport director would
report on the economic impact of the airport and announced the Senate had passed the
infrastructure bill. She thanked community members who had commented on the proposed
property tax and she concluded by thanking the water department staff for their work and tour.
Mayor Niehaus announced Travel Council Director Elaine Gizler had won a national award for
the “Do It Like a Local” advertising campaign and added that Gizler had announced her
resignation from Grand County.
Councilmember Jones reported on meetings of the housing task force and the group of
communities pursuing alternative energy solutions.
Mayor Niehaus mentioned the history of a painting owned by the City is being explored.
Approval of Minutes:
Motion and Vote: Councilmember Duncan moved to approve the minutes for the July 27,
2021 Regular Meeting. Councilmember Derasary seconded the motion. Councilmember Duncan
stated he and Councilmember Derasary had sent clarifications to the Recorder. The motion
passed 5-0 with Councilmembers Derasary, Jones, Guzman-Newton, Knuteson-Boyd, and
Duncan voting aye.
Presentation:
Airport Director Andy Solsvig reported to Council about a recent economic development study
conducted by the State. He said the last one was completed in 2005. He reported on the direct
and indirect economic impacts on the community by airport activities. He mentioned the jobs
created and sustained by the airport and noted that 88 percent of flight plans involved out-of-
state destinations. Councilmember Guzman-Newton asked for information regarding the many
grants the airport had received and Solsvig said more than $3 million in stimulus funds were
secured. Councilmember Duncan asked about federal subsidies and reliance on those funds.
Old Business:
Adoption of Fiscal Year Budget and Property Tax—Tabled
Discussion: Council and staff discussed frequently asked questions from the community and
common misunderstandings of constituents. Tax valuations were mentioned, as well as second
homes and the valuation range set by state statute. City staff salaries were brought up. Growth of
the City and resulting growth of services were mentioned, along with the City’s consistently
balanced budget. Various tax relief remedies were brought up. Finance Director Billingsley
clarified the budget must be passed by August 31. Councilmember Derasary stated she looked
into utilizing the County’s budget surplus and she said County Commission Administrator Chris
Baird indicated there was no surplus. Different uses for the Transient Room Tax (TRT) were
touched on. Moab’s sales tax rate and the lack of a property tax were discussed. The lack of
impact fees due to the hotel construction moratorium was mentioned. Councilmember Jones
brought up the potential transfer of the Film Commission to the County and proposed budgeting
the Film Commission for the next six months only. Councilmember Knuteson-Boyd clarified the
water reclamation facility is not obsolete nor at capacity and the swimming pool construction
debt is still being paid. Councilmember Duncan thanked Finance Director Billingsley for his
explanations. He asked about the Recreation, Arts and Parks (RAP) tax and asked about road
improvements. He suggested a lower tax rate than proposed and noted the inevitability of
property taxes. Councilmember Derasary mentioned she had line item questions on the
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proposed budget as well as RAP tax questions. Councilmember Knuteson-Boyd proposed
further consideration should be moved to the next meeting. Councilmember Guzman-Newton
mentioned the rainy day fund, police department expenses and infrastructure. She mentioned
her concerns about the infrastructure projects list. She also noted that any property tax
abatements would be passed on to the rest of the community. She noted her concern regarding
the community’s recent emergence from the pandemic as well as upcoming sewer and water rate
increases. Councilmember Jones suggested a workshop to address budget questions.
Councilmember Guzman-Newton cited a lack of strategic vision and leadership and reiterated
her concern that it was unclear what the proposed property tax would be used for and stated it
must be made clear. She also took issue with a pamphlet distributed at the public hearing.
Councilmember Derasary thanked staff for information regarding the budget details, bonding
and interest rates. She suggested residents should be asked what is needed and if it can be
afforded. She indicated she was not ready to choose a taxation level. She said she ran for office
with a pledge to improve infrastructure.
Motion and Vote: Councilmember Knuteson-Boyd moved to table consideration of proposed
Resolution 22-2021, a Resolution Adopting the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Budget and adoption
of a property tax. Councilmember Jones seconded the motion to table. The motion to table
passed 5-0 aye with Councilmembers Jones, Derasary, Knuteson-Boyd, Duncan and Guzman-
Newton voting aye.
Employee Housing Short Term Work Plan—Discussion
City Planner Shepard updated Council on possible actions regarding workforce housing.
Councilmember Guzman-Newton asked why collaboration with businesses on the Walnut Lane
project was considered a low priority. Councilmember Duncan asked for clarification regarding
seasonal allowed uses of recreational vehicles and camping as emergency housing.
Councilmember Derasary asked about changes pertaining to accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
Shepard explained the Planning Commission is addressing the Council’s top priorities. Mayor
Niehaus brought up increased density in the R-2 zone and Councilmember Derasary stated she
may be opposed to that consideration. Councilmember Jones mentioned increased density
across residential zones with density tied to requirements for primary residences.
New Business:
Lot Line Adjustment At 54 North 300 East and 68 North 300 East—Approved
Motion and Vote: Councilmember Derasary moved to approve Resolution #27-2021 – A
Resolution Approving the Lot Line Adjustment of property located at 54 North 300 East, and 68
North 300 East, Moab UT. Councilmember Duncan seconded the motion. The motion passed 5-
0 aye with Councilmembers Jones, Derasary, Knuteson-Boyd, Duncan and Guzman-Newton
voting aye.
Federal Aid Agreement for Design and Construction of Roundabout—Approved
Presentation: Engineer Williams presented conceptual drawings of a roundabout planned for
the corner of 400 North and 100 West. Councilmember Derasary asked about bike routes and
Williams explained the plan is preliminary. Councilmember Duncan noted the potential loss of
shade trees in Swanny Park. Councilmember Jones noted access to Emma Drive from the east
looked problematic. Councilmember Derasary asked about the agreement stipulation that the
City pay for cost overruns. Mayor Niehaus noted the project would correct the dip in 100 West.
Councilmember Guzman-Newton asked if correcting the dip would solve flooding issues.
Motion and Vote: Councilmember Guzman-Newton moved to approve a Federal Aid
Agreement for a Local Agency Project with the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) for
Design and Construction of a Roundabout at the Intersection of 400 North and 100 West in the
amount of $78,329. Councilmember Duncan seconded the motion. The motion passed 4-1 aye
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with Councilmembers Jones, Knuteson-Boyd, Duncan and Guzman-Newton voting aye and
Councilmember Derasary voting nay.
Approval of Bills Against the City of Moab:
Motion and vote: Councilmember Knuteson-Boyd moved to approve the bills against the City
of Moab in the amount of $225,224.11. Councilmember Jones seconded the motion. The motion
passed 5-0 with Councilmembers Jones, Duncan, Guzman-Newton, Derasary, and Knuteson-
Boyd voting aye.
Adjournment: Councilmember Knuteson-Boyd moved to adjourn the meeting.
Councilmember Derasary seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously and Mayor
Niehaus adjourned the meeting at 9:52 p.m.
APPROVED: __________________ ATTEST: ___________________
Emily S. Niehaus, Mayor Sommar Johnson, City Recorder