The Mill Creek Alternatives Study presentation at the Moab City Council on January 28 focused on mitigating flood risks along Mill Creek, following the damaging floods of recent years. Engineering consultants from Bowen Collins & Associates provided detailed recommendations, supported by a state-funded study. The study’s central recommendation involved seven major project alternatives.
Key proposals included the construction of a detention basin on Bureau of Land Management land to control floodwaters by slowing their release. This plan, however, faces bureaucratic challenges and may take years.

Other solutions being pursued include channel expansion, structural improvements like bridge replacements, and the installation of levees to increase capacity along critical creek sections.
Council members expressed particular concern about immediate infrastructure risks near the 300 South and 100 West areas, where floodwaters have breached existing structures multiple times in the past years.
Some alternatives, such as property buyouts in flood-prone areas, were mentioned as potential long-term solutions that would require FEMA funding.
City Engineer Mark Jolissaint and others provided updates on ongoing projects funded through the NRCS and FEMA programs, including riprap installation and streambank stabilization at multiple creek crossings.
An upcoming $10 million bridge replacement at 300 South was highlighted, though additional funding is required to complete the project.
Some projects, like the 500 West and 400 East stabilizations, are already under construction. Bridge and pathway upgrades are expected to begin this year, with major components such as the 300 South Bridge requiring longer-term efforts and extensive public engagement.
The council acknowledged the importance of public consultation, particularly as proposed projects could significantly alter Moab’s landscape and affect both residents and businesses along the creek. Plans involve partnering with engineering consultants to create a robust public engagement process.
Additionally, the city is coordinating with fire and land management agencies to address sediment and debris issues, as deadfall and sediment buildup were identified as significant contributors to flooding problems.
“These are projects and plans that were started after the floods two and a half years ago,” said City Manager Michael Black. “It’s a long process, unfortunately, to get things into a place where we can start doing construction. We are trying to move as quickly as we can.”
Moab City Council Meeting at a Glance
January 28, 2025
Public Comments
[Timestamp: 2:15]
Consent Agenda
Approval of the Appointment of Jason Taylor as the 2025 Mayor Pro Tem, Approval of the Appointment of Colin Topper to Review the City’s Bills in 2025, Ratification of City Council Board and Committee Assignments, Ratification of a Letter of Support for the Matheson Wetlands Spring Delivery Project, Consideration of Approval of Resolution 02-2025: A Resolution Designating City of Moab Depository Signers for Mountain America Credit Union, Approval of Minutes for December 10, 2024, Regular Meeting, January 8 Special Meeting, and January 9 Special Meeting; Approval of Bills Against the City of Moab in the Amount of $3,598,140.74
Vote: Unanimous (5-0).
[Timestamp: 6:05]
Presentations
Mill Creek Alternatives Study
No vote or action taken.
[Timestamp: 14:09]
General Business
Presentation and Acceptance of the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Annual Audit of the City of Moab
The audit confirmed the city’s financial records were accurate but noted a $1.6 million unfunded liability related to employee retirement. Council agreed on the need for better budget planning to prevent unapproved expenditures.
Vote: Unanimous (5-0).
[Timestamp: 57:57]
Consideration of Approval of Resolution 03-2025: A Resolution Exchanging Real Property
Approved an exchange of land easements with a private property owner to facilitate stormwater management on Kane Creek Boulevard.
Vote: Unanimous (5-0).
[Timestamp: 1:01:14]
Consideration of Adoption of Ordinance 2025-01: An Ordinance Amending Moab Municipal Code, Title 17, Chapter 17.93 Sign Code, Section 17.93.060 Roof Signs
The ordinance allows business owners to mount primary signs on roofs under the same regulations as freestanding signs. Business owner Will Peischel explained the need for this flexibility to enhance downtown aesthetics and signage placement.
Vote: Unanimous (5-0).
[Timestamp: 1:13:56]