Information provided by Dr. Arch
Dr. Ellen Arch, a seasoned clinical geneticist and developmental pediatrician with 17 years of service in Washington County, provided insights regarding the proposed Dry Wash Reservoir. Drawing upon her extensive medical expertise, Dr. Arch articulated significant concerns pertaining to potential health risks associated with the reservoir development, particularly focusing on the accumulation and dispersion of toxins from wastewater. She underscored the absence of precedence for a reuse water reservoir within a residential setting and highlighted the likelihood of toxin concentration, including heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, plastics, and "forever chemicals," potentially including carcinogens and neurotoxins. Dr. Arch referenced scientific literature linking such contaminants to various health conditions, including autism, Alzheimer's, ADHD, Parkinson's, and cardiovascular diseases, among others. From a Pediatrician's standpoint, Dr. Arch emphasized the dangers posed by prolonged exposure to those toxins, heightened vulnerability of children, young families, and elderly individuals residing in proximity to the reservoir. She cautioned against overlooking the long-term health implications and stressed the importance for comprehensive analyses of soil and wastewater contents, alongside independent medical assessments. Dr. Arch also shared correspondence with experts working on similar projects. Addressing comparisons to existing wastewater usage in the region, she expressed the importance of the evolving nature of scientific understanding, cautioning against complacency in light of emerging research. Dr. Arch urged the council to prioritize thorough risk assessments and informed decision-making to safeguard public health. A copy of the information Dr. Arch provided is available as an attachment to this agenda.
There were also concerns regarding potential odor emissions from the reservoir, particularly during dredging activities or instances of lake bed exposure. The suggestion was made for the Council to investigate measures to mitigate odor and reduce its duration, emphasizing the importance of maintaining sufficient water levels to prevent lake bed exposure.
Mayor Hart indicated that following the last meeting, the concerns were provided to the State Division of Water Quality, the Water Conservancy District, and project engineers. He assured continued consideration of relevant matters as responses were received. Regarding concerns raised by Dr. Arch regarding potential contaminants in the water, he emphasized the distinction between general dust-related ailments and the specific risks posed by potential concentrated toxins resulting from the reservoir's operation and acknowledged the existing dust issue in the region. He emphasized the need to differentiate between commonplace dust-related illnesses and distinct medical risks associated with concentrated toxins. He reaffirmed the council's commitment to addressing concerns diligently and the importance of informed decision-making amidst ongoing deliberations.
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Transportation Chapter
Mayor Hart commented that they are continuing to work through updating the General Plan. He proposed a revision to the foreword for clarity. There was clarification regarding the usage of "General Plan" or "the Plan" interchangeably throughout the document. Council Member Anderson referred to attractive street and multi-use trail lighting and inquired what that meant. Mayor Hart clarified that was referring to the bollards and specifications for street and trail lighting. The Mayor and City Council agreed to clarify that because the presence of trail lighting is not currently installed throughout the City. Council Member Barton noted that the Council received an email from a resident suggesting the inclusion of historical aspects in the General Plan, specifically referencing ed Emma Fife's book, "History of Ivins: Our Home Beneath the Red Mountain," and proposed incorporating a brief statement from it under the introduction. Mayor Hart commented that the book offers valuable insights into Ivins' development and suggested that the historical content may be better suited for a separate history section within the document. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a general focus in the introduction to provide readers with a broad understanding of Ivins. Council Member Scott indicated that the Planning Commission previously prepared a comprehensive history section, intending to include it as an appendix in the document. Council Member Anderson referred to Ivins growth trajectory and commented that they should clarify or add something in the plan so that it is clear that this isn’t the first time that the City Council is reviewing or discussing growth. He then referred to infrastructure and referencing water, sewer, storm drains and roads as part of infrastructure and indicated that they need to include the internet or electronic communications capability as part of infrastructure.
Mayor Hart referred to the moving to Transportation, Mobility and Streetscape chapters. Council Member Scott clarified that there are several more chapters that they will be reviewing and they all have numbers but who knows what chapter where wind up where and suggested that they wait until they have all of the chapters and then the Council can put them in the order that they want.
Council Member Anderson referred to the Plan referencing that Snow Canyon Parkway and Old Highway 91 provide the only vehicular access routes to Ivin's from St. George and commented that Highway 91 gets people out of town as well and thought that needed to be noted. He referred to the Plan saying that traffic on old Highway 91 is increasing due to more adjoining residential and commercial developments and clarified that traffic is also increasing because it is used more often as an alternate route into St. George from Nevada, bypassing the traffic congestion on Interstate 15 and the Virgin River Gorge. There is also commercial, residential and other endeavors to the west of Ivins on the Shivwits Reservation with the soccer fields, the gas station and accessing Gunlock State Park.
Chuck Gillette referred to the Plan talking about the Western Corridor being 20 to 30 years out but it ought to mention that in the short term where the Western corridor could connect to Gap Canyon Parkway within a 10 year timeframe. Mayor Hart stated that it should also reference that the City of Santa Clara has named that portion of the road as Hamblin Parkway instead of calling it the Western Corridor. Chuck Gillette suggested that they keep in mind that will be Hamblin Parkway but at some point, there's going to be a future intersection where it would change from Hamblin Parkway to Gap Canyon.
Council Member Barton suggested moving community preferences up to the second paragraph to align with the transportation plan's focus, highlighting topics like roundabouts, survey results, and common solutions early in the document. Mayor Hart expressed uncertainty about that, noting that the first section focuses on historical context. Council Member Scott suggested that the community preferences be its own section. The Plan starts with an overview and progresses from there.
Council Member Barton expressed concern about the language used to describe the City's transit service, particularly regarding its cost-effectiveness and usage. Mayor Hart acknowledged that while the City could operate a more cost-efficient service independently, SunTran serves a crucial role in providing transportation for those with mobility limitations. Council Member Gillespie suggested rephrasing the description to indicated a cost to the City rather than labeling it as expensive. Council Member Scott clarified that while SunTran may not be economical for the City, it provides an affordable option for users. Chuck Gillette referred to additional funding received through a sales tax increase, alleviating some of the financial burden on the City. Mayor Hart acknowledged the current limitations of the transit service but expressed optimism about its future expansion and increased ridership.
The Mayor and City Council discussed the requirement of bike racks at new commercial businesses with sufficient traffic to warrant them. They agreed that the City would consider updating the City code to require bike racks at new commercial businesses with sufficient traffic to warrant them.
Council Member Anderson referred to the scope of traffic management measures, questioning if they should exclusively focus on tourist-related developments or encompass all traffic. Mayor Hart clarified that the intention is to address traffic impacts from both resorts and other tourist-related developments, as well as general traffic. The Mayor and City Council agreed to address all traffic concerns.
Council Member Anderson suggested considering the cost of maintaining asphalt and mentioned that many cities are narrowing their cross sections as a cost-saving measure and Ivins should consider that.
Chuck Gillette and Mayor Hart proposed including a reference to low-impact development, which works to reduce impervious surfaces and capture runoff before it reaches the river. Council Member Scott suggested collaborating with Chuck to refine the wording for this inclusion. He also noted the ongoing review process for the plan and indicated that they would focus on incorporating the suggested changes in the next review session.
Mayor Hart expressed concern about the potential introduction of a traffic signal in the city, citing its adverse effects on the night sky. He emphasized the significance of maintaining the City's unique characteristics and suggested including that in the transportation section of the General Plan. Council Member Scott proposed incorporating a statement about Ivins' identity into the Plan to better reflect Ivins values and heritage.