Public Comments
No public comments.
Timestamp: (1:27 – 1:51)
Presentations
Moab to Monument Valley Film Commission Upcoming Film Production
Bega Metzner presented on a film shooting in Moab currently bringing significant economic impact: 3,600+ room nights, $1M+ lodging spend, $2.5-3.5M total impact. The film, which is not currently being named, will close parts of downtown on July 30. Metzner said the production has hired 20+ local crew and 70+ local extras, including two recent Grand County high school graduates.
Timestamp: (1:51 – 8:28)
Department Updates
Sustainability Update
Alexi Lamm introduced new grants management staff member Savannah Thomas-Rigo and provided updates on McKinstry energy projects, including a completed pool cover and chlorine generator at MRAC, ongoing HVAC work at city center and animal shelter, and upcoming weatherization improvements across city buildings.
Timestamp: (9:31 – 14:07)
MRAC Update
City Rec Director Patrick Trim reported excellent results from new chlorine generator. “That unit can produce up to 120 gallons of chlorine a day just using residual salts found in the pool through hydrolysis, so it’s really cool technology,” Trim said, noting that the process saves the city $15-20K annually on funds that formerly paid for cholrine. Trim said that an expanded summer schedule and swim lessons, improved water quality, and new staff hires have improved resident’s experience at the center. He also addressed some community questions about progress on updating the Swanny City Park skate park, saying that they are still exploring grant funding and design options but the project is currently not top priority.
Timestamp: (14:13 – 23:00)
Engineering Update – 100 East Roadway Improvements
City Engineer Mark Jolissaint and Assistant Engineer Didar Charles reported that construction on Uranium Avenue & 100 East is on track for school reopening, as the construction is immediately in front of Margaret L. Hopkin Middle School. Challenges included unexpected concrete utility infrastructure and some tree root exposure. The streets are expected to be completed by the end of September, the lighting by late October. Jason Taylor asked for a clarification on the costs for a drinking fountain included in the project: the fountain itself was clarified as a $5,935 cost, with a higher $18,000 including the fountain and related infrastructure.
Timestamp: (23:00 – 41:35)
Consent Agenda
- Approval of July 8, 2025 Minutes
- Approval of Bills – $3,710,564.05
Vote: Approved unanimously 5-0
Timestamp: (41:35 – 42:36)
General Business
Consideration of Change Order for Solar Panels on City Center
McKinstry presented $565,234.96 change order to replace 2010 flat roof solar panels (245W) with new 570W panels, reinstall 2017 pitched roof panels, and upgrade inverter system. Project includes 30% federal tax credit (~$170K), guarantees $14,270 annual energy savings, 14.5-year payback period, and 30% reduction in city center energy consumption. Jason Taylor opposed due to concerns about sunk costs and long payback period, calling it a “financial rabbit hole.”
Vote: Approved 4-1 with Jason Taylor opposed.
Timestamp: (42:36 – 1:17:14)
Consideration of Contract for Lobbyist Services by Bennett Group DC
Tim Stewart and Ryan Levitt presented their firm’s qualifications and services. Contract allows up to $6,000/month (capped at $72K annually) for federal lobbying services. Kaitlin Myers opposed, viewing it as a “want” rather than “need” and questioning city’s readiness for federal lobbying. Mayor and others argued it’s essential for UMTRA project and accessing federal funding opportunities.
Vote: Approved 4-1 with Kaitlin Myers opposed.
Timestamp: (1:17:14 – 1:50:07)
Mayor and Council Reports
Timestamp: (1:50:07 – 2:06:07)
Appreciate the coverage? Help keep local news alive.
Chip in to support the Moab Sun News.
