Citizens to be Heard:
Public concerns about Planning Commission Resignation Request
Multiple citizens expressed serious concerns about agenda item #8, which requested the resignation of a Planning and Zoning Commission member without naming the individual or providing background information in the agenda packet. Several speakers, including former planning commissioners, argued that the lack of transparency violated the Utah Open and Public Meetings Act and that Planning Commissioners should be able to express their views outside their official role. See full story
[01:54:00–02:48:00]
Kane Creek Development Concerns
Grand County resident John Walden shared his belief that his 90-year-old grandfather was misled when selling property to the Kane Springs developers. He stated the buyers had promised to build a cancer research center and not evict existing residents, but did the opposite after acquiring the land. [02:48:00–03:16:00]
Support for Arena Upgrades
Representatives from Canyonlands PRCA Rodeo provided strong support for the Old Spanish Trail Arena upgrade project, citing safety issues with current facilities and increased event participation. They noted the rodeo has experienced significant growth, including 42 barrel racers in 2024 (up from 3 in 2022), and is now part of a 10-rodeo circuit offering a $20,000 trailer prize and $10,000 purse. [03:16:00–03:35:00]
Housing Task Force Update
Kaitlin Myers, Moab City Councilmember and chair of the Moab Area Housing Task Force, expressed support for the High Density Housing Overlay discussion and offered the task force’s assistance with comprehensive housing policy work. [03:35:00–03:50:00]
Presentations
Rim to Rim – Community Wildfire Defense Grant
Staff from Rim to Rim Restoration presented updates on a $5.2 million federal grant for wildfire prevention, including a partnership with Team Rubicon, funding an urban weed specialist position in the Grand County Weed Department, and outreach and educational materials are being developed for landowners. While their funding was paused in February due to the federal government’s freeze, funding was restored on March 20.
[00:46:31–00:57:01]
Quarterly Financial Report
Finance officer Steven Vowles presented data showing tax receipts are over $186,000 below forecast for the first quarter, the fourth straight year of declining revenues in the area. While changes to state guidelines on the distribution of transient room taxes will take effect July 1, commissioners expressed concern about the need for potential budget cuts if negative trends continue.
[00:57:10–01:15:41]
Public Hearings:
General Rezone of McKnight Subdivision
A request to rezone 19.27 acres in the McKnight Subdivision on Resource Boulevard from Multi-Family Residential to General Business. The property was originally zoned General Business when approved in the late 1960s as an industrial park. Applicant Brian Ballard stated they intend to develop mixed-use commercial/residential properties. Public hearing remains open until April 9, 2025, at 5 p.m.
[02:01:02–02:11:31]
Action Items:
Old Spanish Trail Arena Outdoor Arena & Pen Project
A proposal to spend unbudgeted funds to make repairs including new equipment in the indoor arena and repurpose current indoor equipment for outdoor use. Previous safety incidents included two bulls escaping onto the highway due to equipment failure. Two bids received: $175,000 for complete outdoor replacement or $160,000 for the indoor/outdoor switch. Special Recreation Board granted $85,000; request was for additional $75,000 from county.
Motion passed 6-1, with Commissioner Hadler opposed.
[02:11:31–02:35:12]
Professional Services Relating to the Airport Director Position
The commission approved engaging ADK, an aviation-specific firm, to provide vetting services for the airport director position at Canyonlands Regional Airport. Service will cost under $9,000 to screen applicants and provide recommendations.
Motion passed 6-0 with Commissioner McGann abstaining.
[02:35:12–02:38:35]
Approving Letter to the State of Utah Regarding Billboards Located at 1863 N. Hwy 191
Jamie Evans of Evans Billboards requested modification to a county letter regarding billboard permits. The commission approved removing language stating the billboards “maintained state issued permits.”
Motion passed 6-0 with Commissioner McGann absent.
[01:44:55–01:55:52]
Resolution Changing the Name of Canyonlands Health Care Service District
The commission unanimously approved adding the word “Special” to the official name to correctly reflect its status as a Special Service District rather than a regular Service District.
Unanimously approved.
[01:55:52–01:57:14]
Amending the Pre-Authorized Expenditure List
Commissioner Martinez proposed allowing tourism office spending without commission approval, including $100,000 from paid media/tourism funds authorized for summer and fall advertising campaigns. Current policy requires commission approval for advertising over $10,000.
Motion passed 6-0 with Commissioner McCurdy abstaining.
[02:38:35–02:41:35]
ALJ Contract Approval
The commission unanimously approved a contract for Ken Law PC to provide Administrative Law Judge services at $250/hour on an as-needed basis. The ALJ will handle appeals of employment matters rather than bringing them to the commission. The contract is likely to cost “a few grand every year” according to County Attorney Stephen Stocks.
Approved unanimously.
[01:57:14–02:00:30]
Consideration of a Request for Resignation of Planning and Zoning Commission Member
After lengthy and heated debate, the commission voted to request planning commission member Laura Long’s resignation.
Motion approved 4-2 with commissioners Hadler and McGann opposed and Commissioner Hedin abstaining.
[02:41:35–03:07:14]
Consent Agenda
- Approval of Meeting Minutes for March 18, 2025
- Ratification of Payment of Bills ($946,637.57 with payroll of $606,625.85 for a total of $1,553,263.42)
- Approval of Letter of Support for Senator Curtis’ Congressional Legislation for the UMTRA Project Transition Act of 2025
- Appointment of Two Applicants to the Grand County Fair Board
- Approval of Independent Contractor Agreement for the 2025 Grand County Fair for Adam Calvert
- Ratification of Contract – Mud Springs
- Approval of Fixed Asset Disposal – SAR Vehicles to be Scrapped/Sold at Auction
Approve 6-0 with McGann absent.
[03:07:14–03:09:40]
Discussion Items:
High Density Housing Overlay Possible Revisions
Commissioners McCandless and McCurdy invited local housing professionals to present issues with the High Density Housing Overlay. The key problems they identified included employment requirements being too restrictive, an inability to secure Federal Housing Administration loans for HDHO properties, alarming enforcement language, and ownership vs. occupancy requirements that could prevent family members from buying and renting to working relatives.
[03:09:40–04:00:42]
Appreciate the coverage? Help keep local news alive.
Chip in to support the Moab Sun News.