All present included
Council Member Mehr,
Council Member McDonald,
Council Member Johnson,
Council Member Roberts,
Council Member Densley,
and
City Recorder Kari D. Jimenez.
STAFF:
City Manager/Attorney Dale Coulam,
Director of Finance Wally Ritchie,
and
Public Works Director/City Engineer Chuck Gillette.
EXCUSED: None.
Audience: Sean Amodt, Sara Dupre, Gwen Harrington, Curren Christensen, George Stoddard, Lance Anderson, Brandee Walker, Sue Skudlarczyk, Robert Beck, Ed Haworth and others who did not sign in.
Mayor Hart acknowledged there was a quorum present.
Council Member Densley led the Flag Salute
Council Member Densley gave the Invocation
There were no disclosures or conflicts of interest with items on this meeting's agenda.
Sean Amodt, Manager of the SouthWest Mosquito Abatement and Control District (SWMACD) provided information to the Mayor and City Council regarding the SWMACD. A copy of the information is available by request through Ivins City Hall. The District was established in 2002 to survey potential health threats from mosquitoes. Mosquito season is March through November and there are 21 different species of mosquitoes in Washington County. Standing water like retention ponds and storm drains can be problematic because a couple hundred eggs can hatch within three (3) days. Council Member Roberts inquired about trapping. Sean Amodt stated that they collect mosquitoes by using a CO2 trap, a light and a fan. The mosquitoes are attracted to that, captured, frozen and processed at the laboratory to determine if they have the West Nile virus. There were no human or animal cases last year and only 5 pools in Washington County were positive for the West Nile virus. Three (3) years ago there were 50 pools that were positive for the West Nile virus.
Dale Coulam stated that this subdivision was formally Villas at Bellagio. This is Phase 1 and is a conventional subdivision with a lot averaging overlay. An amendment to the recorded Development Agreement will be required. The recorded agreement runs with the land and when a certain number of homes are built, a right hand turn lane is required, as well as an acceleration lane onto Highway 91. The other phase is anticipated to be a Subdivision Enhancement Overlay. They would use the same open space that the prior developers of Bellagio had proposed, as part of their open space requirement for the Subdivision Enhancement Overlay. This first phase has 46 lots. The current zoning is RE-15 Single Family Residential, minimum 15,000 sq. ft. There is a three (3) acre portion that falls into sensitive lands that will remain undisturbed open space. The proposed improvements and lots appear to be in compliance with City ordinances. Council Member Roberts inquired what happens to the open space as far as ownership. Dale Coulam indicated that there are a couple of options. The developers of Bellagio anticipated dedicating that to the City. In Kayenta, the open space becomes part of the lot. Kevin Rudd favors that because the City would not be obligated to maintain that open space. The developers of Bellagio had also anticipated a trail head but it is unknown if the new developers would retain that. Council Member Densley inquired if the infrastructure had already been done. Dale Coulam stated that it was close to being done at one time but things may change because the new developers have to go through the whole subdivision process.
Staff Report
Concept Application
Concept Map
Mayor Hart indicated that Kevin Rudd is excused but a report was provided in his absence. A copy of the report is available by request through Ivins City Hall.
Chuck Gillette referred to mini-roundabouts and reported that he did some research and found that they are not as inexpensive as was thought. The majority of Ivins crosswalks are aligned on the corner of the sidewalk. The circle of the roundabout goes into that area where the crosswalks are currently. In order to maximize that circle, the minimum diameter needed is 50 feet to allow a passenger car or truck to be able to make that circle. Without moving curb and gutter, the City wouldn't be able to maintain the crosswalks where they are currently. There is also the expense of moving the handicap ramps, which would require curb cutting. He indicated that Mayor Hart found one intersection where the City could try a painted version of a mini-roundabout on Mesa Vista Road and Puerto Drive. There have been complaints of high speeds on that road and a painted mini-roundabout would be to calm traffic. There are no sidewalks, curbs or ramps to move. He reported that there are several Master Plans that are in the process of being completed. He hopes to report at the next meeting regarding the Impact Fee Analysis for the Storm Drain and then proceed with approval in February. He reported that Congress passed a funding bill for the EWPP (Emergency Watershed Protection Program). That program is managed by the NRCS (Natural Resource Conservation Service) and Ivins debris basins in Kayenta are on their priority list. The NRCS has indicated that there is a very high likelihood they will have enough money to fund that project. It is 75% funding with a 25% match and if the property owner donates the land to the City, that may cover the match. If the funding comes through, the City could be under design as early as April, 2016. The Public Works employees poured 36 yards of concrete and did a great job. Council Member Roberts referred to the bus ridership report and inquired if next month he could provide a report that compares years. Chuck Gillette indicated he will do that and stated that it was one (1) year ago today that the bus service routes in Ivins started. He clarified that he provides the bus ridership report quarterly. Council Member Densley requested data for ridership on Saturdays as well.
Wally Ritchie reported that the City has storm water bonds that have the potential to be refinanced to save money and to possibly address nine (9) of Ivins Priority One projects. Information regarding the bonds will will be coming forward to the City Council.
Code Enforcement
Public Works Summary of Operations
Engineering Report
Suntran Report
Budget
Wally Ritchie stated that the economic conditions for the United States shows employment growth but the short term outlook for the Country could affect Utah because growth has slowed nationwide since the previous quarter, partly due to oil prices, the global economy and the strength of the dollar. In the State of Utah, consumer confidence and the housing market are up while inflation and unemployment are holding steady. In Washington County building permits are up slightly and retail sales are strong but business investment has slowed down. For Ivins City, in the General Fund approximately 60% of budgeted revenue has been received to date. Part of the reason for that is the City received the bulk of the property tax money in December and Ivins building permits are up a little bit. Last year the City issued 83 building permits. The City budgeted for 90 this year and is on pace to issue 94. Council Member Densley referred to projects that will be coming on-line in the near future and inquired what the City will do with the money received for those projects. Wally Ritchie clarified that the City can use those funds for projects that are impact fee eligible in the Master Plan and gave the example of the water tank project, street projects and storm drain projects. The City has to use impact fees funds within six (6) years of receipt. The City can use Park impact fees to pay on the bond for UNITY Park. Mayor Hart inquired as to the time frame to pay off the UNITY Park bond. Wally Ritchie indicated approximately 11 years. Capital Projects include a Bike Path, Highway 91, Park & Trail improvements, 200 East improvements, Tuacahn Centerpiece/Roundabout, Fire Station remodel, UNITY Park Skate Park and Animal Shelter improvements. Enterprise Funds are as anticipated and all three (3) funds have more revenue than expenditures. That will shift somewhat when the City builds the water tank because that's a huge expense. Council Member Roberts inquired if the City re-opens the budget if expenditures go over 100%. Wally Ritchie clarified that the City can make line item adjustments and if the total budget is over 100%, the City can make adjustments at the end of the year when the budget is re-opened. Council Member Jenny Johnson inquired as to how EMS (Emergency Medical Services) overtime works. Wally Ritchie stated that EMS is paid time and a half for working a holiday and part of the calculation is how the holidays fall within a budget year and budget a percentage of the total payroll. He clarified that the Public Safety Department on the law enforcement side is similar because it is hard to judge how much overtime they are going to have based on the number of cases they may have. Council Member Johnson referred to the stipend for the fire department and inquired why the figure is considerably lower than what was budgeted for. Wally Ritchie clarified that part of that is paid out based on trainings, number of calls on fires and how many fires they respond to. Council Member Johnson referred to the cost of living raise for the City Council going towards Heritage Days and inquired how that will be shown in the budget. Wally Ritchie stated that when the budget is done for next year, it will be shown in the July 1st budget as an increase. The same would be true for the animal shelter regarding donations.
Commissioner Lance Anderson reported that the Planning Commission discussed a Concept Plan for Indigo Trails. Commissioner Jeff Loris was not present to discuss the subdivision ordinance and process for preliminary plans and final plats so that discussion was tabled. Dale Coulam referred to the RV resort and reported that Jon Graf was in the audience at the Planning Commission meeting and Dale and Kevin Rudd met with Jon Graf's RV Resort expert previously. The expert was very knowledgeable and will be providing sample ordinance language and material to the City in the next couple of weeks. Once that occurs, that discussion will be on a Planning Commission agenda.
Dale Coulam stated that the request is for High Density Residential. It has been difficult for commercial projects on that property because it doesn't front Highway 91 and is located next to Rider's Mountain View Tire shop and the cell tower. With the announcement of Rocky Vista University, there has been more interest in high density and multi-family uses. The Planning Commission recommended to make most of the property high density with a small bubble of 1-2 rows of homes being medium density residential as a buffer. Mayor Hart opened the Public Hearing. Curren Christensen with NAI Real Estate stated he is the agent for the owner of the property and confirmed that the property has been difficult to sell as a commercial property for the reasons stated and felt that the highest and best use of the property would be as requested. Dale Coulam indicated that the Planning Commission received and read into the record, a letter from a property owner, Allan Carter, that referenced a Settlement Agreement with the City. There is a binding agreement for the property to the south even though the lawsuit has been dismissed. There being no other comments, Mayor Hart closed the Public Hearing.
Council Member Johnson indicated that the Planning Commission's recommendation was a good idea and that the transition makes sense. Mayor Hart stated that the proximity of the property to Rider's shop, Highway 91 and the eventual high school and middle school, the uses of that property point the direction of what has been asked for. The property that Allan Carter is referencing is an entirely different property with different conditions. Council Member Densley inquired as to the timing of the schools being built. Dale Coulam indicated that the School District would have liked to have found a different site because that area is difficult and expensive to develop but they weren't able to do that. As Kevin Rudd reported at the Planning Commission, we have to assume there will be a school or schools on that property. Council Member Densley did not want to lose a commercial area but if the school goes in, it makes sense to have residential there. Mayor Hart stated that a commercial area is going to be responsive to traffic and the big disadvantage to this piece of property is it has no access from Highway 91. Council Member Roberts inquired if the property north of Rider's shop is large enough for more commercial. Council Member McDonald clarified that Rider's own that whole corner. Dale Coulam indicated that the Planning Commission also discussed the plans of Fitness Ridge, now Movara, hotel/condo units in the area just to the east of this property.
Ordinance
Staff Report
Planning Commission Minutes
MOTION: Council Member Ron Densley moved to approve Ordinance No. 2016-05, an Ordinance of Ivins City, Utah, amending a Land Use from Community Commercial to a mix of High Density Residential and Medium Density Residential.
SECOND: Council Member Jenny Johnson
VOTE: The motion carried unanimously.
| Council Member Mehr |
AYE |
| Council Member McDonald |
AYE |
| Council Member Johnson |
AYE |
| Council Member Roberts |
AYE |
| Council Member Densley |
AYE |
Dale Coulam stated that the original plan was for ten (10) two-story eight (8) plexes totaling 80 units. The majority of the infrastructure had been installed. There was some objection voiced by Red Mountain Resort and The Reserve residents regarding the units being two-stories. When Encacnto opened their sales office, they found that potential buyers did not want two-story units. Encanto is now proposing 60 rental units of primary living space and an attached casita. The change will require approval of a Development Agreement. The overall concept has been received more favorably than the two-story concept. Mayor Hart opened the Public Hearing. Brandee Walker with Bush & Gudgell was present representing Walt Plumb. There were no comments. Mayor Hart closed the Public Hearing.
Council Member Mehr asked for clarification regarding the casitas and rooftop count. Dale Coulam indicated that there would be 30 structures and 60 keys. An owner could live in the primary residence and rent out the casita or the primary living space. It gives the owners flexibility. Council Member Mehr inquired what the shortest and longest lengths of stay are. Dale Coulam stated that has not been specifically addressed but will be in the Development Agreement. Brandee Walker indicated that the developer is working out the time frame but represented that Walt Plumb's thinking is that if the owner ends up staying for a longer time and not renting out the primary residence, the owner would pay a transient room tax. Mayor Hart stated that the critical thing to remember is that the project was approved for the transient room tax and he would personally struggle with anything that came forward that minimized that tax. Council Member Mehr inquired if the infrastructure, setbacks and similar have been approved. Dale Coulam indicated yes, those were previously approved. Council Member Densley inquired who polices collecting the transient room tax. Dale Coulam stated that it is all paid to the Utah State Tax Commission. Council Member Densley inquired if the amenities are the same. Dale Coulam indicated they were, with the addition of a pickle ball court.
Preliminary Plat
Planning Commission Minutes
MOTION: Council Member Mehr moved to approve the Planning Commission's recommendation to approve the Preliminary Plat for Encanto Resort
SECOND:
VOTE: The motion carried unanimously.
| Council Member Mehr |
AYE |
| Council Member McDonald |
AYE |
| Council Member Johnson |
AYE |
| Council Member Roberts |
AYE |
| Council Member Densley |
AYE |
Chuck Gillette stated that the MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization) did not approve funding for this sign because it was not included in the original request. Mayor Hart inquired if Santa Clara included a sign in their request to the MPO. Chuck Gillette stated no but indicated that the MPO gave Ivins funding for some extra landscaping and streetlights. Mayor Hart indicated that the pressure was off to hurry and come up with a design. He would like to pass this onto the new Arts Commission for their review and recommendation. The City Council members agreed.
MOTION: Council Member Jenny Johnson moved to table Discussion regarding entrance sign on Highway 91 until after the Arts Commission has had a chance to review.
SECOND: Council Member Steven Roberts
VOTE: The motion carried unanimously.
| Council Member Mehr |
AYE |
| Council Member McDonald |
AYE |
| Council Member Johnson |
AYE |
| Council Member Roberts |
AYE |
| Council Member Densley |
AYE |
Ivins Application
Kayenta Desert Arboretum Foundation Application
Wally Ritchie stated that the City received two (2) applications, one from the Kayenta Arboretum and one from Ivins City. Both applications meet submission requirements. This year is only a partial year for the funding so there is six (6) months worth of funding. Kayenta Arboretum is asking for $9,000. The Arts portion of the funding is already spent between Tuacahn and the Kayenta Arts Foundation, which leaves $24,302.00 for parks and recreation projects. There are over $700,000.00 in Ivins projects and a portion of those projects are budgeted for. Ivins City is contractually obligated to start the Desert Rose Park and approximately half of that money is budgeted for this year. Council Member Roberts inquired if Benny Sorensen has prioritized the projects in his application. Wally Ritchie indicated they are not prioritized on the list but he knows that the trail going up to Tuacahn from Snow Canyon Parkway would be a priority. Dale Coulam stated that from a legal perspective, the Desert Rose Park needs to be considered a priority because the City is contractually obligated to put that park in. He was concerned that the City would be in breach of the Development Agreement if that isn't done. Council Member Mehr inquired how many people use the arboretum now and if it's intended for use by Kayenta residents only or open to others. He also inquired as to the process for looking at applications. Mayor Hart stated that previous discussions led the Council to the idea that the applications would be accepted up until the first meeting of January because we need to have the money first in order to support any project. David Beck resides at 1743 Wintook Drive representing the Arboretum answered Council Member Mehr's question regarding the use of the arboretum. He stated that it's open to the public and there is ample parking. He clarified that it's educational because of the xeroscaping and desert plants that do not take a lot of water. They have a small kiosk with a brochure that describes the different species and all the plants are labeled and the maintenance is all done voluntarily. Council Member Roberts inquired where the matching funds would come from. Mayor Hart stated the Washington County Water Conservancy District. Gwen Harrington resides at 712 N. Yucca Court and indicated that tour buses stop and the people visit the arboretum. Council Member Johnson inquired if the Arboretum doesn't receive the full amount that they are requesting from the City, will that affect the matching funding. Gwen Harrington clarified that they could still receive funding but that it would be limited. Council Member Johnson inquired if they would receive the matching funds and Gwen Harrington stated no. Council Member Roberts inquired if they could receive matching funds next year. Gwen Harrington stated that it depends on what's available. Council Member McDonald inquired what evidence there was of the County providing the matching funding. Gwen Harrington indicated that she was not part of that discussion. Mayor Hart stated it would be a condition to provide that agreement if this was approved. Council Member Densley inquired if this falls under Parks or Water Conservation when it comes to the 1/3 portion of RAP Tax. Mayor Hart indicated that funding coming from the water fund may be appropriate. Dale Coulam clarified that the funding does not appear to be all or nothing. From the documentation provided, the match appears to be for whatever is otherwise raised and it is the Division of Water Resources that is granting the match. Council Member Roberts inquired how much money would be needed to start the Desert Rose Park. Wally Ritchie stated that it would be close to $100,000 and that is what is in the budget. Council Member McDonald had a concern with the City giving more funds to the organization than the organization itself. He felt that it should be half of what the organization is putting in. Mayor Hart clarified that the organization is not asking for support for administration, maintenance and similar. Council Member Johnson inquired if there were any other applications. Mayor Hart indicated no. Council Member Densley requested that Wally Ritchie put together information for Desert Rose, the RAP tax and Benny Sorensen's priorities and then have the Council look at it. Chuck Gillette was not opposed to having some money from the water system go to the arboretum because of the water conservation plan that Ivins submits to the state. He would like to look at that during the budgeting process. Council Member McDonald inquired if the group advertises for the Arboretum. Gwen Harrington stated currently there is no advertising but they would like to be able to do that. Council Member McDonald suggested that if the City donated money, he would like to see the City advertise the project in the newsletter, website and similar. Dale Coulam indicated that Wally Ritchie could come back at the next meeting and show what's available and then prioritize Benny Sorensen's projects. The Mayor and City Council would like Benny Sorensen to be present, as well as someone from the Kayenta Arboretum that can answer their questions. Council Member Mehr stated that in general the project is a good thing. He was not comfortable giving more than what the group is giving and suggested $6,000 be given to the arboretum. Mayor Hart suggested $4,000 from RAP tax and $5,000 from the Water Fund for educational purposes.
MOTION: Council Member Steven Roberts moved to table approval of applications for RAP Tax funding
SECOND: Council Member Jenny Johnson
VOTE: The motion carried unanimously.
| Council Member Mehr |
AYE |
| Council Member McDonald |
AYE |
| Council Member Johnson |
AYE |
| Council Member Roberts |
AYE |
| Council Member Densley |
AYE |
Staff Report
Sewer System Management Plan
Chuck Gillette acknowledged Boy Scout Pack Number 497 in the audience. He indicated that this report is required by the State as part of the Sewer System Management Plan Act. The plan has an Operation and Maintenance Plan, Design and Performance Provisions, Sewer Overflow Response Plan and a Grease Control Plan. Council Member Densley inquired if ordinances supercede the plan. Chuck Gillette stated yes.
MOTION: Council Member Ron Densley moved to approve adopting the proposed Ivins City Sewer System Management Plan.
SECOND: City Council Member Cheyne McDonald
VOTE: The motion carried unanimously.
| Council Member Mehr |
AYE |
| Council Member McDonald |
AYE |
| Council Member Johnson |
AYE |
| Council Member Roberts |
AYE |
| Council Member Densley |
AYE |
Ordinance
Dale Coulam stated this is a change to the fire code adoption. The question came up at TRC (Technical Review Committee) if the City needs 96' diameter cul-de-sacs. Chief Randy Hancey drove a few cul-de-sacs and concluded that an 80' cul-de-sac was adequate for access roads. Council Member Mehr inquired if anyone knew the history as to why the diameter is 96'. Dale Coulam indicated that it was originally in the appendix that Ivins adopted but it's not known exactly how that was determined. Council Member Johnson stated that she was a fire apparatus engineer and if there were no cars parked in the cul-de-sac, there would not be an issue; but if cars are parked in the cul-de-sac, that becomes a problem. If the City reduces the size of the cul-de-sac, the City needs to limit the right to park in the cul-de-sac. Mayor Hart stated that a 96' cul-de-sac is massive. Council Member Jenny Johnson inquired if Chief Hancey drove the cul-de-sac with cars parked in the cul-de-sac. Dale Coulam stated that was unknown. Council Member Johnson requested this item be tabled for Chief Hancey to report back on that.
MOTION: Council Member Steven Roberts moved to table Ordinance No. 2016-03, an Ordinance of Ivins City, Utah, amending the Appendices section of Chapter 14.06 of the Ivins City Code entitled "Fire Code"
SECOND: City Council Member Cheyne McDonald
VOTE: The motion carried unanimously.
| Council Member Mehr |
AYE |
| Council Member McDonald |
AYE |
| Council Member Johnson |
AYE |
| Council Member Roberts |
AYE |
| Council Member Densley |
AYE |
Ordinance
Photos
Dale Coulam indicated that the City had grandfathered in an existing use of bamboo for screening. He showed photos of bamboo debris from the last storm, a copy of which are available by request through Ivins City Hall. The City knows the fire risk of bamboo and now the debris from the bamboo is clogging the storm drain inlets on 400 South when it rains. Chuck Gillette has asked to clearly state that the property owners are responsible for the immediate cleanup or the city will bill them for the clean up. The language also makes it clear that the responsibility for any damages caused by leaving the bamboo is on the property owner and not the City. Council Member Roberts stated bamboo is an invasive plant and the City put the grandfather clause in because the City has a lot of this plant in Ivins. He agreed with include the additional language. Council Member Densley inquired if anyone has talked to the landowners and asked them for their input as far as code enforcement. He did not want to change the ordinance until someone discussed this with the property owners. Council Member Mehr agreed and indicated that he could not support this as it is written. Mayor Hart clarified that the City is all about the health, welfare and safety of Ivins residents and stated that bamboo isn't just a nuisance. The City has paid money to place the storm drains and for them to be rendered useless because of the bamboo crosses the line. It is the City's obligation to look at something that is a potential hazard. Council Member Densley indicated that he would like to go with Code Enforcement and talk to the property owners. Council Member Roberts clarified that when the City adopted this ordinance, the City could have banned all invasive plants and made the property owners remove the bamboo but the City gave them the benefit of the doubt and grandfathered it in. Council Member Johnson suggested the City talk to the property owners and let them know what the City Council is consider and forewarn them but not make it a choice because it's something that needs to be done. Mayor Hart stated that the City is in a liable position. The Mayor and City Council requested this item be tabled for Code Enforcement and Council Member Densley to talk to the property owners.
MOTION: City Council Member Dennis Mehr moved to table Ordinance No. 2016-04, an Ordinance of Ivins City, Utah, amending vegetation used to screen personal property
SECOND: Council Member Jenny Johnson
VOTE: The motion carried unanimously.
| Council Member Mehr |
AYE |
| Council Member McDonald |
AYE |
| Council Member Johnson |
AYE |
| Council Member Roberts |
AYE |
| Council Member Densley |
AYE |
Mayor Hart indicated that he and Dale Coulam had a conversation about the practical realities regarding this. Dale Coulam stated that the only new park in the future is Desert Rose Park, otherwise the City only has existing parks. He referred to Ivins City Park and indicated that it would be difficult to put something in that park because it's the highest vandalized park. There may be some area in UNITY Park near the playground area. You wouldn't want to put a wall up front at the top of the detention basin in Desert Rose because that was designed to be open for safety reasons. There are options for benches but you can only place a name on benches. He reported that he saw a piece that Lehi City contracted for that was going into a portion of their cemetery so the Ivins cemetery may also be an option. Council Member Densley referred to the blocks at Tuacahn that have people's names on them and suggested that it be a memorial brick or block. Council Member Johnson indicated that she researched and found the same thing where a lot of the memorials are done with paved sidewalk blocks and those can go just about anywhere. Council Member liked those ideas and preferred to see them in a Park and not a cemetery. Mayor Hart stated that it is approximately $50 to engrave a paver and he assumed that cost would be born by the family. Dale Coulam indicated that if it could be done fairly inexpensively and to take that burden off the family, the City could cover that cost. Council Member Johnson suggested lining a sidewalk with pavers that aren't engraved along with a portion of the sidewalk that are engraved. Dale Coulam stated that if someone donated something to the park, the City could recognize that and still have the memorial like anyone else. Mayor Hart suggested a sculpture and encircle the sculpture with the engraved pavers. Council Member Roberts indicated that he knows a sculptor in Ivins that has lost a son. He will contact him and have a conversation regarding that. The Mayor and City Council discussed the cut off age for a child. They agreed that it should be 12 years old or younger. Mayor Hart suggested that the Arts Committee review this and report back to the City Council with their recommendations. The Council Members agreed.
Council Member McDonald was excused at 8:30 p.m.
Council Member Densley reported that he and the Mayor attended a meeting on the Snow Canyon Advisory Board. The Mayor wrote a letter to Representatives Snow and Ipson encouraging the approval of funding to widen the Snow Canyon Road. The Mayor gave a talk for the dedication at Tuacahn and Tuacahn is moving forward on their expansion. Mayor Hart indicated that Tuacahn is very appreciative of Ivins City for leading the charge in obtaining funding and that Ivins understands that Tuacahn is a community asset.
Council Member Roberts - no report
Council Member Mehr - no report
Council Member Johnson - no report
Mayor Hart reported that he would like to name a portion of Center Street "Medical School Drive" and not just because of Rocky Vista University but also because of the vistas in Ivins. He reported that he was invited by the Utah State Economic Coalition, which are civic and business leaders from around the state that meet quarterly. He met with them and was asked as well as the Washington City Mayor and the Mayor of St. George City, to make presentations on their Cities. Ivins is a remarkable little place and has systematically translated Ivins vision into ordinances.
Dale Coulam reported that he contacted the foundry today to get an update on the centerpiece. They are still missing a few pieces and have not begun to assemble anything until they get all of the pieces. They have not seen the sculptor since before Christmas. Every week the sculptor promises to bring them the remaining pieces but nothing has happened. What has been delivered has been poured and when they have all of the pieces, they will begin tack-welding the statue together. There will be an overage cost but the foundry cannot estimate that yet because they are not anywhere near done. Staff will continue to contact them for status reports and report back to the Council. The City has spent approximately $158,000 to date on the centerpiece so it is hard for the City to walk away. Mayor Hart stated that he has seen the last of the pieces and he goes to see the sculptor every week and the remaining pieces are almost done. He reported that the sculptor has committed to him to take those pieces to the foundry this week and will be staying up there to put it together.
Dale Coulam indicated that the Planning Commission is discussing text amendments on Ivins zoning ordinance, specifically the process where Public Hearings are held on Conditional Use Permits and subdivisions and have an overlay component that would affect density. The statute does not require a Public Hearing on any of those items; if the City were to nevertheless require a public hearing, where should that public hearing be held - at the Planning Commission level or at the City Council level? That is a discussion that will be on a future City Council agenda. Mayor Hart stated it would be interesting to see what other cities are doing. If City City is holding Public Hearing where the City's hands are already tied, the City is inviting a lot of frustration.