Copy of the City of Ivins record for City Council, preserved by
OwnUtah.com Ivins Meetings. Official source: City of Ivins Granicus archive.
IVINS
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
November 6, 2014
MAYOR AND COUNCIL: The meeting was called to order at
5:30 p.m. and announced there was a quorum present.
All present included
Council Member Elwell,
Council Member McDonald,
Council Member Mendenhall,
Council Member Roberts,
Council Member Densley,
and
City Recorder Kari D. Jimenez.
STAFF:
City Manager/Attorney Dale Coulam,
Parks and Recreation Director Benny Sorensen,
Public Safety Director Bob Flowers,
Finance Director Wally Ritchie,
and
Planning and Zoning Administrator Kevin Rudd.
EXCUSED: None.
McDonald
McDonald
Mayor Hart referred to agenda item 5)A and indicated that the City received a letter late this afternoon from Terry Marten. He read the following letter "Dear Mayor Hart and City Council Members, Your City Staff and Planning Commission have been graciously deliberating on the General Plan Amendment Application regarding several parcel numbers. I would like to thank everyone involved for the patience and consideration offered to all opinions in this matter. At this time however, due to the divisiveness of this issue, I respectfully withdraw this application. I have always attempted to sponsor proposals which support and enhance the properties of the Kayenta Community and the greater Ivins area. I apologize for not providing a clear vision to the Kayenta residents for this property early in this application process, causing concern and fear to some of our residents. Additional discussion with our community will be required to find the appropriate use for this land. Councilman Roberts suggested a Medium Density Land Use might be more appropriate as a transition between the existing Resort Commercial and a Low Density Residential. My door has always been open and I am willing to listen to suggestions. I work hard to make Ivins a place we can all be proud of. I will continue to explore options that support the vision of a destination community of Kayenta and Ivins City. I am still very confident that the concept of the resort project I presented fits within the vision of the Kayenta Concept and the vision for Ivins City. Similar proposals will be pursued as an addition to the general area."
There were no disclosures or conflicts of interest with items on this meeting's agenda.
Parks and Rec Report
Public Safety Report
Benny Sorensen provided a written report to the Mayor and City Council, a copy of which is available by request through Ivins City Hall. He reported that basketball registration is going on now; Trick or Treat at City Hall went well; there are baseball tournaments that will be held at UNITY Park on November 14 and 15, 2014; there was a Scout troop that rode their bikes to UNITY Park from St. George, did a cleanup of the park, camped overnight and then left early the next morning for a 50 miles bike ride; there were two (2) burials in October; and there were no serious problems with vandalism. Council Member Roberts inquired how many individuals participated in the Community Garden this year. Benny Sorensen indicated approximately twenty (20).
Bob Flowers provided a written report to the Mayor and City Council. A copy of the report is available by request through Ivins City Hall. He reported that they hired Vince Wood as the new EMS Coordinator. Mr. Wood was the EMS Captain in Springdale.
No meeting was held due to the General Election on November 4, 2014.
Presentation
Financial Report
Wally Ritchie referred to the Fiscal Year 2015 First Quarter Financial Report. A copy of the report is available by request through Ivins City Hall. He reported that there is steady growth in the local economy; the unemployment rate is down to 3.9% in Washington County; building revenue is stable and there have been a few events that have impacted Ivins' budget, both negatively and positively. The negative impacts were the storms and floods and new projects resulting from that. The positive impacts were the approval of the Sentierre and Family Dollar projects; Ivins building revenue is stable and building permits that have been issued are right in line with what has been projected. Council Member Roberts stated he noticed the property tax rate is climbing faster than the building permits and inquired why that was. Wally Ritchie indicated there is a delay in the property tax because the things that were built last year are not collected until this year. Council Member Densley inquired if Ivins will see anything this year from the recently passed "RAP" tax (Recreation, Arts & Parks). Wally Ritchie stated that it will be at least a year before they see anything; also, the election was close on that issue and the County still has to count the absentee ballots. He concluded by indicating that Revenue and Expenditures are as expected through the 1st quarter. He intends to keep the City Council updated regularly with monthly and quarterly reports and he anticipates that the second quarter budgets will meet the same expectations. Mayor Hart clarified that City budget is on a fiscal year calendar so the City is in the first quarter of their budget year.
| 3) |
CITIZEN REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Any person wishing to bring an item not otherwise on the Agenda to the attention of the Mayor and City Council may address the City Council at this point by stepping to the microphone and giving his or her name and address for the record. Speaker forms should be filled out in advance and given to the City Recorder. Remarks should be limited to no more than two minutes, unless the Governing Body allocates additional time. The Mayor and City Council will take no action this evening. |
Kevin Rudd reported that the property is the former Villas of Bellagio subdivision located on the south side of Highway 91. The new plan shows a higher density towards the highway and lower density towards the back of the property. There is a small corner of the property that is in Sensitive Lands. Mayor Hart opened the Public Hearing. Terry Marten stated the infrastructure is approximately 90% complete and if the zone change is approved, they will pick up between 16 and 18 lots in the front of the property. They are considering single family residential rentals with the total property consisting of approximately 100 lots on 40 acres. He would like to match the densities of this property with the surrounding properties. Kathy Barth resides in Ivins and recalled some of the property being in Sensitive Lands. She inquired if the new project will contain the same reduced foot print that didn't include the land in the sensitive lands. Mayor Hart clarified that the same Sensitive Lands requirements remain in place. There being no further comments, Mayor Hart closed the Public Hearing.
Zone Change Ordinance
Staff Report
Planning Commission Minutes re Zone Change
Site Map re Zone Change
Council Member Elwell indicated he thought that the Planning Commission's recommendation was appropriate. The other City Council members agreed.
MOTION: Council Member Mendenhall moved to approve Ordinance No. 2014-23, an Ordinance of Ivins City, Utah, regarding a Zone Change from RE-20 (Residential Estates - minimum lot size 20,000 sq. ft.) to RE-15 (Residential Estates - minimum lot size 15,000 sq. ft.) located on the south side of Highway 91 at approximately 700 West
SECOND: Council Member McDonald
VOTE: The motion carried unanimously.
| Council Member Elwell |
AYE |
| Council Member McDonald |
AYE |
| Council Member Mendenhall |
AYE |
| Council Member Roberts |
AYE |
| Council Member Densley |
AYE |
Roll call vote. All Council Members voted in favor.
| A. |
Continued discussion on the Planning Commission’s recommendation and consider approval of Ordinance No. 2014-22, an Ordinance of Ivins City, Utah, Amending the General Plan to change the Land Use Plan from Low Density Residential to Commercial Resort located adjacent to and north of the Coyote Gulch Commercial Area in the Kayenta Development (Parcels I-7-1-25-3200, 3201, 3202 as modified to 4.2 acres rather than the requested 7.67 acres) |
Ord No 2014-22
This agenda item was addressed at the beginning of the meeting. Please see comments made by Mayor Hart above.
Resolution 2014-08R
Dale Coulam indicated this is a formality that occurs every year so that he is authorized to sign the contract documents. The City will have the same plan through Altius as the year previous and the City hopes to stay with that plan for one (1) more year and then may have to switch plans.
MOTION: Council Member Densley moved to approve Resolution No. 2014-08R, a Resolution of Ivins City, Utah, Maintaining Level of Employee Core Benefits
SECOND: Council Member Roberts
VOTE: The motion carried unanimously.
| Council Member Elwell |
AYE |
| Council Member McDonald |
AYE |
| Council Member Mendenhall |
AYE |
| Council Member Roberts |
AYE |
| Council Member Densley |
AYE |
Roll call vote. All Council Members voted in favor.
Resolution 2014-17R
Dale Coulam clarified that the change simplifies the employment of relatives definitions and requirements to be consistent with State law. He has found that Ivins has excellent employees and excellent employees often have relatives who would make excellent employees as well. The City has experimented in two (2) cases where relatives of employees have been hired and the experience has been positive. State law would allow employment of relatives as long as they aren't supervised by the relative and that relative does not have a say over their wages. The proposed policy also requires that the applicable Department Head and City Manager jointly agree that hiring the relative would be in the best interest of the City. Council Member Elwell stated he is extremely pleased with this move and felt the policy was way too restrictive when it was originally adopted.
MOTION: Council Member Mendenhall moved to approve Resolution No. 2014-17R, a Resolution of Ivins City, Utah, amending the Ivins City Employee Handbook regarding employment of relatives
SECOND: Council Member McDonald
VOTE: The motion carried unanimously.
| Council Member Elwell |
AYE |
| Council Member McDonald |
AYE |
| Council Member Mendenhall |
AYE |
| Council Member Roberts |
AYE |
| Council Member Densley |
AYE |
Roll call vote. All in favor.
Letter
Agreement
Dale Coulam indicated that there is an agreement that provides what Ivins would contribute as its proportionate share for direct operating expenses. Staff believes the agreement excludes repairs or replacement costs from such reimbursement by the City. Ivins City received a bill from the City of St. George that includes a line item for total Operating Expenses as well as for Improvements & Equipment. Ivins City agrees it needs to pay its percentage share for operating expenses but not for Improvements and Equipment. Also, the future replacement of the existing roof would be an improvement that should not be allocated to Ivins. Santa Clara takes the same position and has capped the amount they're allowed to pay every year so their outstanding balance keeps growing. Ivins and Santa Clara would like to remit payment for their percentage of the operating expenses only and then engage St. George in a discussion concerning their understanding that the agreement excludes reimbursement for other improvements, equipment, and replacements-specifically a roof in the future. The party that came out really well on this agreement was the Washington County School District. They paid a little more up front but pay nothing on an annual basis and yet they use the pool more than anybody. Ivins City would hope that St. George would negotiate with the school district and would receive some additional contribution from them for the amount of use that they use. Before Ivins took this approach, however, he wanted Council approval. Santa Clara would do the same thing with their Council. Council Member Elwell referred to paragraph numbered "4" and agreed that it is very clear and the City should stand steadfast. Council Member Densley inquired how long the current agreement will be in place and Council Member Roberts inquired if there was any way to get out of the current agreement. Dale Coulam stated he doesn't see a stated term in the agreement or a termination provision. Council Member Densley would like someone to approach the Washington County School District about this because they use the facility more than anybody and should pay their fair share and be accountable and make sure they understand that. Dale Coulam indicated he thought that St. George realizes that and they may have already opened a line of communication and if not, they're getting ready to. The Mayor and City Council agreed to submit what is clearly owed and then clarify the agreement. Mayor Hart stated that when the discussions commence, he would like St. George to be reminded that if the RAP tax is adopted, there is a disproportionate share per capita going to St. George City based on point of sale and that's something he has argued against because the additional costs that come to a community to support road maintenance, law enforcement and so forth, to have commercial properties is covered in the original tax and thought the RAP tax should have gone solely based on population and that disproportionate share could be invested in a new roof.
| A. |
Approval of Meeting Minutes for October 16, 2014 |
MOTION: Council Member Densley moved to approve the Consent Agenda
SECOND: Council Member McDonald
VOTE: The motion carried unanimously.
| Council Member Elwell |
AYE |
| Council Member McDonald |
AYE |
| Council Member Mendenhall |
AYE |
| Council Member Roberts |
AYE |
| Council Member Densley |
AYE |
| 7) |
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION |
Council Member Densley inquired about the Public Meeting/Open House at the VA Center on Monday, November 10, 2014 regarding the Ivins Reservoir. Mayor Hart stated he would provide information about that in his report. Council Member Densley praised Wally for the report that he provided.
Council Member Roberts no report
Council Member Mendenhall no report
Council Member McDonald reported that he attended a meeting for the Weed Board. There is a project that where they are experimenting on targeting and killing specific weeds. He has a form for the City to fill out to obtain money to assist with controlling noxious weeds. There is also a workshop for those that have a spray license and residents can contact Dale Gubler to obtain a 25% discount on weed spray.
Council Member Elwell referred to Council Member Roberts comment at the previous City Council meeting regarding Ivins being identified as a destination community in the General Plan and inquired if he found what he was looking for. Council Member Roberts stated "yes" but indicated that verbiage is not in the Vision and Goals section of the General Plan. Mayor Hart stated the destination community goal represented an immense amount of discussion when the General Plan was adopted. Council Member Roberts suggested that verbiage he a part of the Vision and Goals section if that is the intent.
Mayor Hart provided a map of the Ivins Reservoir to the City Council members for the meeting on Monday, November 10, 2014 at 5:30 p.m. at the Southern Utah Veteran's Center. He clarified that the meeting was not a Public Hearing but was a Public Meeting/Open House where suggestion forms will be available for the public to fill out and turn in. The issue will eventually go before the City Council for discussion. Council Member Roberts inquired if the boundary of the reservoir was going to be fenced. Mayor Hart indicated it is not intended to be, due to there being a significant slope in that area. He attended a Community Education Channel meeting recently. There is a lot of movements towards and involvement by high school students and Dixie State University sports. His thought is that Ivins could benefit much more than it has from what the Community Education Channel has to offer in filming events, meetings and similar.
Dale Coulam reported that the City is in the process of reclaiming rights-of-way and has reclaimed one that went through litigation. The City is going to have to replace computer servers this fiscal year and since we are currently experiencing problems without-dated and over-loaded servers, the Council will see this on the next City Council agenda. The City has tentatively scheduled Ivins' staff Christmas Party for Thursday, December 11, 2014 in the banquet room at Santa Clara City Hall.
Council Member Roberts inquired if the Council needs to update their Disclosure Statements. Dale Coulam indicated that should be done at least annually and whenever anything significant has changed. The City Recorder should be contacted to update their Disclosure form.
MOTION: Council Member McDonald moved to adjourn
SECOND: Council Member Mendenhall
VOTE: The motion carried unanimously.
| Council Member Elwell |
AYE |
| Council Member McDonald |
AYE |
| Council Member Mendenhall |
AYE |
| Council Member Roberts |
AYE |
| Council Member Densley |
AYE |
The meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
Respectfully,
Kari D. Jimenez, MMC
Ivins City Recorder