All present included
Council Member Mike Scott,
Council Member Sharon Gillespie,
Council Member Sharon Barton,
Council Member Dillon Hurt,
Council Member Wayne Pennington,
and
City Manager Chuck Gillette.
STAFF:
Director of Finance Cade Visser,
Public Works Director and City Engineer Tom Jorgensen,
Deputy City Recorder/Subdivision Coordinator Sharon Allen,
and
City Recorder Kari D. Jimenez.
EXCUSED: None.
Audience: Bonnie Kline, Michael & Maureen Lea, Dori Pack, James Barden, Gwen Brewton, Gail Fulde, Al Turnbridge, Jerry Armstrong, Lydia Bigner, Dave Appel, Charlie Tatarian, Suzy Appel and others who did not sign in.
Mayor Kevin Smith acknowledged there was a quorum present. Council Member Dillon Hurt was in attendance via the Zoom application. All other Council Members were in attendance in the Council Chambers.
Council Member Sharon Gillespie led the Flag Salute
Council Member Sharon Gillespie gave the Invocation
There were no disclosures or conflicts of interest with items on this meeting's agenda.
BACKGROUND and RECOMMENDATION: The Santa Clara-Ivins Police Department provided an update regarding the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grant program. The report highlighted victim advocacy services provided throughout the region, including crisis intervention, safety planning, assistance with protective orders, coordination with the Division of Child and Family Services, and support for victims of domestic violence, child abuse, stalking, and other crimes. The grant currently funds approximately 75 percent of the Victim Services Coordinator position and continues to remain in good standing with all reporting requirements. Although the grant experienced a significant funding reduction, victim services have continued without interruption through efficient use of available resources and increased community outreach efforts. The Mayor and City Council expressed appreciation for the valuable services provided through the program. The report may be accessed at time stamp 00:03:16.
Building Department Report
Public Works Summary of Operations
Engineering Report
Finance Report
The Building and Zoning Administrator Rob Dalley was excused. Electronic reports are available as attachments to this agenda and verbal reports given by Deputy City Recorder/Subdivision Coordinator Sharon Allen on behalf of Building and Zoning Administrator Rob Dalley, Public Works Director and City Engineer Tom Jorgensen and Director of Finance Cade Visser, may be accessed at the following time stamps:
Deputy City Recorder/Subdivision Coordinator Sharon Allen on behalf of Building and Zoning Administrator Rob Dalley: 00:08:02
Public Works Director and City Engineer Tom Jorgensen: 00:10:12
Director of Finance Cade Visser: 00:16:44
A report was provided to the Mayor and City Council. The report provided by Chairperson Perry Brown may be accessed at time stamp 00:17:34
The Motion may be accessed at time stamp 00:19:58.
Ordinance
BACKGROUND and RECOMMENDATION: The Mayor and City Council discussed the distinction between cost-of-living adjustments and merit increases, employee retention, market competitiveness, fiscal responsibility, and compensation practices within municipal government, as well as the purpose of annual cost-of-living adjustments to maintain employees' purchasing power during periods of inflation. It was explained that merit increases recognize employee performance, growth, and increased proficiency. They discussed the City's compensation study, salary ranges, employee recruitment and retention, and the financial impact of turnover compared to retaining experienced employees. One City Council Member expressed support for the cost-of-living adjustment but opposed the merit increase, citing concerns regarding public perception following the recent Truth in Taxation process. The other City Council Members expressed support for both adjustments, noting the importance of recognizing employee performance and maintaining competitive compensation. The discussion may be accessed at time stamp 00:39:56.
MOTION: Council Member Sharon Gillespie moved to approve Ordinance No. 2026-14, an Ordinance of Ivins City, Utah, approving Fiscal Year 2027 salaries and/or salary ranges for elected officials, statutory officers and department heads as provided to us
SECOND: Council Member Sharon Barton
VOTE: The motion carried.
| Council Member Mike Scott |
AYE |
| Council Member Sharon Gillespie |
AYE |
| Council Member Sharon Barton |
AYE |
| Council Member Wayne Pennington |
AYE |
| Council Member Dillon Hurt |
NAY |
The Motion may be accessed at time stamp 00:49:12. All Council Members were in attendance. Four (4) Council Members voted in favor and one (1) Council Member voted in opposition.
Resolution
BACKGROUND and RECOMMENDATION: The Finance Director explained that adoption of the Certified Property Tax Rate is required annually and does not constitute an increase in property taxes. He explained that the certified tax rate is calculated by the Utah State Tax Commission and adjusts to ensure the City receives the same property tax revenue from existing properties, exclusive of new growth. Although the certified rate increased due to declining assessed property values, the overall revenue generated from existing properties remains unchanged. The Mayor and City Council discussed how the certified rate is established and clarified that the City does not determine the certified rate unless it chooses to go through the Truth in Taxation process. The discussion may be accessed at time stamp 00:50:32.
MOTION: Council Member Sharon Barton moved to approve Resolution No. 2026-11R, a Resolution of Ivins City, Utah, approving the Certified Property Tax Rate for Calendar Year 2026
SECOND: Council Member Wayne Pennington
VOTE: The motion carried unanimously.
| Council Member Mike Scott |
AYE |
| Council Member Sharon Gillespie |
AYE |
| Council Member Sharon Barton |
AYE |
| Council Member Dillon Hurt |
AYE |
| Council Member Wayne Pennington |
AYE |
The Motion may be accessed at time stamp 00:52:28. Roll call vote. All Council Members were in attendance and voted in favor.
Resolution
BACKGROUND and RECOMMENDATION: The Finance Director presented the Fiscal Year 2027 Final Budget, noting revisions due to lower-than-expected sales tax revenue resulting from a reduced population by the State, partially offset by higher property tax revenue. The budget includes funding for the Fire Station Remodel and Expansion, additions to fund balance and roadway reserves, planned sewer and storm drain rate adjustments, and several capital improvement projects. The discussion may be accessed at time stamp 00:53:34.
MOTION: Council Member Wayne Pennington moved to approve Resolution No. 2026-12R, a Resolution of Ivins City, Utah, adopting the Final Budgets for Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2027
SECOND: Council Member Mike Scott
VOTE: The motion carried.
| Council Member Mike Scott |
AYE |
| Council Member Sharon Gillespie |
AYE |
| Council Member Sharon Barton |
AYE |
| Council Member Wayne Pennington |
AYE |
| Council Member Dillon Hurt |
NAY |
The Motion may be accessed at time stamp 00:59:06. Roll call vote. All Council Members were in attendance. Four (4) Council Members voted in favor and one (1) Council Member voted in opposition.
Resolution
BACKGROUND and RECOMMENDATION: The Washington County Water Conservancy District increased its regional wholesale culinary water rate by $0.11 per 1,000 gallons. The proposed resolution would pass that increase directly through to customers without implementing any additional increase to the City's culinary water rates. The discussion may be accessed at time stamp 01:00:14.
MOTION: Council Member Sharon Gillespie moved to approve Resolution No. 2026-13R, a Resolution of Ivins City, Utah, adopting the pass-through of the increase in the Washington County Water Conservancy District's Regional Water Rate
SECOND: Council Member Sharon Barton
VOTE: The motion carried unanimously.
| Council Member Mike Scott |
AYE |
| Council Member Sharon Gillespie |
AYE |
| Council Member Sharon Barton |
AYE |
| Council Member Dillon Hurt |
AYE |
| Council Member Wayne Pennington |
AYE |
The Motion may be accessed at time stamp 01:03:04. Roll call vote. All Council Members were in attendance and voted in favor.
Memorandum of Understanding
BACKGROUND and RECOMMENDATION: A representative from Utah Tech University referred to a Memorandum of Understanding relating to operation of the region's Public, Educational and Government (PEG) Channel. The agreement authorizes Utah Tech University to administer the PEG Channel funding received through existing cable franchise agreements with TDS. Discussion included the history of the PEG Channel, the transition of administration from the former Community Education Channel, future programming opportunities, student involvement through Utah Tech University, and the potential for participating municipalities to provide locally produced educational and governmental programming. Staff noted a correction to the channel numbers identified within the Memorandum of Understanding prior to execution. The discussion may be accessed at time stamp 01:05:18.
MOTION: Council Member Sharon Gillespie moved to approve the Utah Tech University Memorandum of Understanding entered into and between Utah Tech, a political subdivision and an institution of higher education of the State of Utah and Ivins City, a Utah municipal corporation and a political subdivision of the State of Utah, with the change that the channel number is not 22, it is 999 and 998
SECOND: Council Member Sharon Barton
VOTE: The motion carried unanimously.
| Council Member Mike Scott |
AYE |
| Council Member Sharon Gillespie |
AYE |
| Council Member Sharon Barton |
AYE |
| Council Member Dillon Hurt |
AYE |
| Council Member Wayne Pennington |
AYE |
The Motion may be accessed at time stamp 01:10:32.
Agreement
BACKGROUND and RECOMMENDATION: The Mayor and City Council discussed a proposed extension to the Memorandum of Understanding between Ivins City and ENLAW LLC regarding completion of improvements associated with the Western Corridor and Hamlin Parkway. A representative from Black Desert Resort explained that additional time is needed to complete the required roadway improvements due to project timing and coordination with adjacent development. The extension would continue to allow certificates of occupancy for completed homes within North Village while deferring completion of a portion of Hamlin Parkway until the adjacent development is prepared to complete its segment. It was explained that completing only a portion of the roadway would result in a roadway terminating without public access and would create operational and public safety concerns. Staff also noted that the City is protected by an existing completion bond securing the required improvements. The discussion may be accessed at time stamp 01:11:56.
MOTION: Council Member Wayne Pennington moved to approve an extension of a Memorandum of Understanding and Agreement between ENLAW LLC as the developer of Black Desert Resort and Ivins City regarding the Western Corridor through May 31, 2027
SECOND: Council Member Dillon Hurt
VOTE: The motion carried unanimously.
| Council Member Mike Scott |
AYE |
| Council Member Sharon Gillespie |
AYE |
| Council Member Sharon Barton |
AYE |
| Council Member Dillon Hurt |
AYE |
| Council Member Wayne Pennington |
AYE |
The Motion may be accessed at time stamp 01:18:50.
BACKGROUND and RECOMMENDATION: There were no significant updates regarding this agreement. The City of Santa Clara has requested additional time to evaluate available options before making a decision regarding participation in the agreement. The Mayor and City Council agreed that it would be appropriate to continue working collaboratively rather than establishing a deadline at this time. The discussion may be accessed at time stamp 1:19:34.
Petition
Concept Plan
Plat
Annexation Policy Plan 2025 Adopted April 2025 Ordinance-No-2025-09
BACKGROUND and RECOMMENDATION: The work meeting provided valuable information and identified several issues requiring additional evaluation before the project proceeds. A list of questions and comments received from residents have been consolidated and provided to the applicant for response. Additional review of affordability provisions, development agreement requirements, and revisions to the proposed concept plan based on feedback received during the work meeting needs to occur at a future meeting after the applicant has had an opportunity to respond to questions and further refine the proposal. The discussion may be accessed at time stamp 1:21:18.
BACKGROUND and RECOMMENDATION: Progress is being made toward project funding, design, and fundraising efforts. Work continues on project planning and additional information will be presented to the Mayor and City Council as the design process advances and fundraising efforts continue. The discussion may be accessed at time stamp 01:30:20.