The Moab City Council meeting on December 10, 2024, focused on sustainability and budget adjustments, with decisions poised to significantly impact residents and businesses.
The council awarded a $1.9 million energy performance contract to McKinstry, an engineering firm specializing in sustainability. The project includes comprehensive upgrades to city facilities, such as converting streetlights to LEDs, weatherizing buildings, and upgrading mechanical systems at the aquatic and animal shelters.
The upgrades promise annual savings of $107,000 in utility costs and a reduction of 437 metric tons of carbon emissions. To save $600,000 in interest, the council opted for an upfront payment using available funds.
The Moab Recreation and Aquatic Center will receive updates as part of the contract, including installing a chlorine generator for the MRAC pools rather than transporting the substance from Salt Lake City, purchasing pool covers and adding weatherization upgrades to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Budget Adjustments: Practical Impacts
The council approved several amendments to the 2024–25 fiscal year budget, including $300,000 allocated from federal American Rescue Act funds for water system upgrades and $350,000 for city sidewalk improvements along with some adjustments to reflect the energy upgrades and other minor changes in fund distribution.
“These amendments ensure our budget aligns with community priorities and maximizes existing resources,” explained former City Manager David Everitt, now administrative services director.
Discussions also covered structural concerns at the Moab Recreation and Aquatic Center and the Mill Creek watershed restoration project, which aims to mitigate flooding risks.
Additionally, the city increased its annual contribution to the Grand County Active Transportation and Trails department from $30,000 to $35,000 to support trail maintenance and operations. However, council members expressed concerns over how GCAT funding is sourced [see County coverage below. -ed.] and emphasized the need for equitable funding arrangements between the city and county.
At a Glance: Key Decisions from Moab City Council Meeting
Kaitlin Myers was absent from this meeting.
Approval of Consent Agenda items: 2024 meeting schedule, holiday calendar, July–November financials, November 12 meeting minutes, $2.8M in city bills.
Approved unanimously (4–0). (00:03:30)
Appointments to Planning Commission: Reappointed Kaya Marienfeld and Jill Tatten.
Approved 3–0 (Wojciechowski abstained). (00:05:30)
Appointments to RAP Tax Committee: Approved Zoe Huston (reappointed) and Ben Alter.
Approved unanimously 4–0. (00:06:30)
Appointments to Audit Committee: Appointed Didar Charles.
Approved unanimously 4–0. (00:07:30)
Energy Savings Contract with McKinstry
$1.9M for energy efficiency upgrades; Council approved upfront payment to save $600K in interest.
Approved unanimously (4–0). (00:26:30)
Budget Amendments
Approved unanimously (4–0). (00:43:00)
Subdivision and Lot Line Adjustments
Dragon Fly Trail Lot Line Adjustment (658 Dragon Fly Trail and 664 Dragon Fly Trail), La Dolce Vita Minor Subdivision (808 & 812 S. Main), Lot Line Adjustment for 588 Rose Tree and 591 E. Nichols Drive.
Approved unanimously (4–0) for all petitions. (00:53:00)
Ordinance Updates to Subdivision Procedures
Streamlined processes as mandated by state legislation.
Approved unanimously (4–0). (01:00:00)
The next council meeting will take place on January 28, 2025, at Moab City Hall. Residents can participate in discussions by attending or providing comments in advance. Visit moabcity.org for meeting details.
