All present included Mayor Hart,
Council Member Scott,
Council Member Smith,
Council Member Barton,
Council Member Gillespie,
and
Council Member Anderson.
STAFF:
City Manager/Attorney Dale Coulam,
and
City Recorder Kari Jimenez.
EXCUSED: None.
Audience: Wayne Pennington, Laurie B. Tuttle, Chris Haddad, Debbra Wheatley, Patti O'Rorke, Ted Asmus, Mitchel Roper, Gwen Harrington, Kim Wheatley, Maunen Michael Lee, Pat Johnson, Bryan Johnson, Charlie Tatarian, Becky & Chuck Warren, Louis Baldwin, Dan & Debi Clarkson, Lynne Mackechnie, James Barden, Karen Kushner, Carrie Wilson, Kamal Khan, Gerald Kranis, Liz Fortney, Sharon Kelly, Ed Andrechak, Shirley & Ken Wentzel, Perry Brown, Ginamarie Faglia, Kim Launer, Terre & Vicki Wilson, Gwenn Davies, Lois Diehl, Sally O'Neill, Cheryl Collins, Cindy & Brent Smith, Mary Bolton, Jon Calure, John Bude, Karry Rathje, Rob Halin, Gail Fulde and others who did not sign in.
| A. |
Acknowledgement of Quorum |
Mayor Hart acknowledged that there was a quorum present.
Council Member Anderson disclosed that he was part of meetings early on with the Water Conservancy District discussing this reservoir and that was approximately more than a year ago. He has not been part of any other meetings since then. There were no other disclosures or conflicts of interest with items on this meeting's agenda.
| A. |
Discussion to identify impacts and appropriate mitigation strategies associated with Dry Wash Reservoir |
Mayor Hart called the meeting to order, acknowledging an unusually large attendance due to high interest in the Dry Wash Reservoir. He emphasized the meeting's focus was on discussing the commitments made by the City to mitigate issues associated with dust, insects, and security concerning the potential construction of this reservoir. It was clarified that the purpose of the meeting was not to debate the desirability of the reservoir, but to ensure that any potential problems are identified and addressed. There will also be a requirement for a conditional use permit in the future.
The Mayor and City Council initiated a discussion on identifying and addressing potential impacts and mitigation strategies for the Dry Wash Reservoir. Mayor Hart indicated that within the last couple of years, the City Council authorized the Washington County Water Conservancy District to proceed with planning and testing work that needed to be done, anticipating that they may build a reservoir at Dry Wash. In the discussion with the Mayor and City Council, various concerns were raised, such as the management of dust, the threat of valley fever from airborne toxins, as well as concerns about insects, especially gnats and midges. An extensive dialogue occurred regarding technical aspects of controlling insect populations and mitigating dust emissions. In addition to health considerations, the potential chemical residue from treated water and associated safety were discussed. Dr. Ginamarie Foglia, a board-certified Internal Medicine medical professional, provided insights on the potential health risks presented by valley fever due to dust in the community. Dale Coulam detailed the procedural requirements for the required Conditional Use Permit, and the potential legislative and administrative actions involved in granting a permit, emphasizing the City Council's role in evaluating and mitigating potential adverse consequences. There were concerns regarding the issue of Tamarisk trees as an invasive species, the potential need for dredging and silt management, loss of open space due to the reservoir, the challenge of access via roads, and the broader concerns of enduring maintenance costs. Wayne Pennington, a Geophysicist, presented an alternative reservoir model which he indicated could serve as a more effective mitigation strategy for dust problems and also cater to concerns including trail accessibility, less disturbed open space, and the dam's overall safety. Those in attendance expressed the importance of evaluating long-term impacts on the environment and adjacent residential areas as it related to the Dry Wash Reservoir. The Mayor and City Council thanked those in attendance and recognized the depth of concern that the residents have regarding the reservoir and that is why the Council held the Work Meeting, otherwise the Mayor and City Council would tell the Washington County Conservancy District to do what they want because the City Council previously authorized the District to do so.
| B. |
Continued discussion regarding the Planning Commission’s recommendations on updating the General Plan |
Draft changes
Due to time constraints, there was no discussion on this agenda item.