During the regular Sept. 12 City Council meeting, the council celebrated international “Welcoming Week” with a proclamation of welcoming and wellbeing.
“Moab City affirms that our community’s success depends on making sure that all residents feel welcome and that all people, regardless of race, nationality, gender, disability or religion, bring fresh perspectives, new ideas, business and a valuable diversity of life,” Mayor Joette Langianese read.
Councilmember Tawny Knuteson-Boyd said she fully supports the proclamation, but also wanted to remind residents that the best way to have a healthy community is to accept different identities.
“It’s important that we all bring something to the table,” she said.
The council passed a water-efficient landscaping code amendment, which has been in the works since August 2021. Since then, the city and planning commission have held various workshops to discuss the ordinance. The ordinance will define requirements created with the intention of using less water for both landscaping and interior use; existing developments and residential units will have to come into compliance with the ordinance when undergoing significant remodeling projects.
Councilmember Jason Taylor said he supports the ordinance, but asked about enforcement of it: many homes in Moab aren’t in compliance with existing landscaping requirements (which state that at least 70% of a yard must be landscaped and free of weeds and trash), so how will the city enforce this new ordinance?
“If we can’t enforce the ordinance that we currently have, why are we adding to it?” he said.
Planning Director Cory Shurtleff said nearly every property in Moab has an existing code violation. Enforcing this particular ordinance will come into effect when the property is brought to the attention of the city, such as when the property changes ownership or when owners request a permit to remodel. In those instances, the city will check that the property’s landscaping—and interior water fixtures—are in compliance with the code.
The city also hired a new parks, recreation, and trails director: Briana Bowker will start in the position at the beginning of October.
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Department Head Update
Finance Department Update
- David Everitt, the City’s interim finance director (who has previously served as the interim city manager, and currently owns Back of Beyond Books), said the department will get “back on track” submitting monthly profit/loss statements to the council. There will also be quarterly financial statements.
- (Discussion began at 17:15)
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Consent Agenda
Approval of minutes from the August 22, 2023 meeting; Approval of bills against the City of Moab in the amount of $1,562,038.04
- (Discussion began at 21:47, passed unanimously)
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General Business
Public hearing to allow public input regarding the a) issuance and sale of not more than $4,500,000 aggregate principal amount of sales tax revenue bonds; and b) any potential economic impact that the project to be financed with proceeds of said bonds may have on the private sector and all related matters.
- This agenda item is in regards to the Kane Creek Boulevard upgrade project
- Zero people attended the public hearing
- (Opened at 22:23)
Consideration of the contract award to Legrand Johnson for the 2023 roadway chip seal coat project
- According to the agenda summary, “Public Works budgeted money for the chip seal and striping of roads impacted by the soon to be completed Mill Creek Waterline Improvement Project.” The contract is in the amount of $346,977; according to City Engineer Chuck Williams, this project came in under budget. Work will begin within the month.
- (Discussion began at 23:31, passed unanimously)
Consideration of adoption of amendments to the 1082 S. Hwy 191 Shumway pre-annexation agreement
- The pre-annexation agreement was approved at the previous City Council meeting on August 22. However, the agreement was changed: the new agreement does not include any proposed residential units, only retail commercial and office space.
- (Discussion began at 25:12, passed unanimously)
Consideration of adoption of an ordinance amending the text of the Moab Municipal Code to add water-efficient landscaping standards with review and approval procedures
- (Discussion began at 26:58, passed unanimously)
Consideration of the 2023 electric vehicle charging station site agreement with PacifiCorp for Lion’s Park
- PacifiCorp is proposing six to eight fast chargers with six to eight designated stalls; the company would install and maintain equipment. Councilmember Jason Taylor said he talked with local electric vehicle owners who all said they would’ve liked to see electric vehicle chargers closer to town; because of that, he voted against the agreement.
- (Discussion began at 1:14:18, passed 4-1)
Consideration of approval of a settlement agreement with Ensign Hospitality and Moab Hospitality
- (Discussion began at 1:35:54, passed unanimously)
