Meeting at a glance: Grand County Commission, Nov. 28, 2023

Workshops

Regional Flood Hazard Mitigation Project Alternatives Discussion

Grand County Building Official Bill Hulse, and County Engineer Dan Stenta presented proposals to prevent flooding and protect hundreds of properties.
One option is to apply to the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC)/FMA grant.
Acquisition of land (13 million in easements), or possible land swaps with SITLA is the biggest cost.
$33,142,000 is estimated for the project to alter the floodplain; 25% is requested for in-kind matching funds, totaling $8 million from the county if the grant is won.
Discussion began at 0:00

Budget Workshop

Presented by County Clerk/Auditor, Gabe Woytek

Consideration of Proposed New Position, Reclassifications and Cost of Living Adjustment for 2024

Presented by Renee Baker, Personnel Services Director
County Sheriff Jamison Wiggins advocated for a new position of County Security Chief to build threat assessments, report back to the state, and oversee “Guardians” to be compliant with Utah House Bill 61. It was suggested that the school district pay for part of this new position’s salary. This was approved based on the idea that this is a mandate from the state.
All reclassifications were approved, except for the library services position reclassification decision which was postponed. An additional dispatch position will be reassessed at the start of the new year.
The other 4 lowest-ranked positions: a paralegal, code enforcement evidence tech, deputy recorder, and an additional Weed Operation coordinator position were not approved, with the hope that if additional funds were found, they would be reconsidered.
An increase of a COLA at 3.2% for all county non-elected employees would cost $451,000 and keep up with inflation. County Attorney Steven Stocks suggested waving the COLA for the County Attorney’s office.

$67,000 was recovered based on a budget software glitch that was rectified along with other adjustments.
The remaining deficit from the general department cuts is $311,759. Predictions from conservative to aggressive were presented, with a mid-range approach balancing out the deficit.
The Solid Waste Conservation District made a request for additional tourism tax funds for an improved building at the Klondike Landfill, road improvements, and the purchase of a water truck for dust suppression, which is important at the Moab Landfill because of new developments nearby. Currently, the SWCD is funded at $400,000 by Grand County.
Planning Director Elissa Martin presented a request of $80,000 for the completion of the general plan with the help of consultants. “The land use chapter of the general plan is the most important and critical chapter and it trickles down to everything in terms of growth and development for the next 10-15 years,” she said.
A re-evaluation of budget items at 6 months into the next year was proposed.

Thompson Springs Special Service Fire District Board Meeting

Meeting began at 4:08:50

Presentations

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) presentation on Lithium Mining in Grand County

Dave Pals, Moab Field Office presented in the current exploration of old and gas wells to test for potential lithium deposits.
Discussion began at 4:15:45

General Reports

General Business- Action Items- Discussion and Consideration of Approval

Tax forgiveness for parcel 01-0MWA-0115

Debby Swasey gave background on this: The owner bought the house as a secondary residence and missed the deadline of 45 days to change to a primary residence. Granting the tax abatement could set a precedent for others who miss the deadline. The tax amount is $1,765.97
Discussion began at 5:39:07; revisited at 5:59:59; motion denied unanimously

BRIC/FMA Grant Fund Commitment Letter for Pack Creek Flood Control Basin and Channel Improvements

Commissioners were cautious about the project’s cost, with Commissioner Kevin Walker referring to it as a “Ferrari flood mitigation plan.”
Would be payable in fiscal year 2025
Discussion began at 5:40:07; motion postponed to wait for Chris Kauffman passed unanimously

Interlocal Agreement for Dispatch Services

Represents a cost-share agreement that all agencies that use dispatch services (City of Moab, Grand County Emergency Medical Services, Moab Valley Fire Protection District, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Thompson Springs Special Service Fire District, and Castle Valley Fire Protection District
“It’s the fairest and equitable way for every entity to provide funding for the services that the county foots,” according to Mallory Nassau, commission administrator.
Discussion began at 6:12:42; motion passed 6:1 with Commissioner Clapper in opposition

Ordinance: Rezone – 2560 Spanish Valley Drive – Parcel No. 02-0021-0001

Jenna Gorney from Grand County Planning and Zoning presented this “spot rezone”
The lot is currently zoned as a large lot residential for 5 lots; the land owner is requesting a rezone as a small lot residential for subdivision and single family lots; 9 lots are requested
The 2012 general plan approves a rural center that increases residential density by up to 3.2 units per acre if it includes : a) 50% open space; b) 25% affordable units; c) multimodal transportation; d) Half of the acres are multi-family. While a, b, or d are not proposed, construction of a multimodal transportation at the Spanish Valley and Spanish Trail intersection, which is designated as a potential emerging commercial and neighborhood node. The owner, Sara Kimmerle, said she is not planning a subdivision right now.
Future Land Use Map planning started in the fall of 2022 and the Grand County Planning and Zoning advises applicants to wait for this new map.
Discussion began at 6:27:00; motion failed with Walker, Hedin and McGann and Hadler in opposition.

Adopting a Grand County Easement Acquisition Policy

Transient Room Tax (TRT) Report to State of Utah

Proposed Ordinance Establishing the 2024 Consolidated Fee Schedule and Repealing and Replacing Ordinance No. 669

Manti La-Sal National Forest Plan Letter of Comment

Jacque Hadler presented the Forest Service plan that was last updated in 1986. General use plans are a 20-year plan. Motorized Trail and Trail Mix committees commented. Grand County is a partner with the Manti-La Sal and is simply commenting on the National Forest Plans and the part of the forest that is near Grand County in San Juan County. “This has generated a lot of passion in the community. La-Sal is deeply personal to the residents here. It’s of great value to all of us.”
Discussion began at 6:48:48; motion passed unanimously

Consent Agenda

Approval of Meeting Minutes for October 19, 2023, and November 2, 2023
Ratification of Payment of Bills
Ratification of 2nd Amendment to the Better Destinations Independent Contractor Agreement
Ratification of Chair’s Signature on UDOT Agreement
Ratification of the Letter of Comment regarding the Mud Springs Trail System