City Council - Regular Meeting

That's what I Sometimes Yes.

The chief is looking at his watch saying it's time to start. Oh, it was it was Commissioner Iverson. Welcome, Commissioner Iverson, right here in the front. Thank you for being here. Um let's go ahead and get started um with our city council meeting tonight. Uh we're going to get started right with the Reverend Celeste Lassich. Did I say that right? Uh with the Good Sheeperd Presbyterian Church here to give us our invocation.

Thank you. on behalf of the interfaith council. This is uh something that's very dear to all of us is to be present and to um ask God's blessings on the work the important work that you do and all of the interests that are represented in this room. And so we pray, almighty and gracious God, we give thanks for the many blessings of this day and this glorious place where we live. And so we pray for your wisdom and discernment on this council as they consider issues of care for community needs, for insight and sensitivity and long-term planning for the good of the region. And Lord, we pray for all those who are gathered here um representing and advocating the interests of their communities. These are complex and weighty subjects and you've called us to be faithful stewards of precious resources for generations yet to come. So as this council meets to discern and govern, we give thanks for the gifts of their time, talent, and commitment. We pray that whatever burdens or distractions they may have brought into this time may be set aside in your tender care. And Lord, this day we pray for our nation, for service members, all those in harm's way, for protection, wisdom, and discernment. Give us your peace, oh God, that we may rejoice in your goodness to us and to all your children and be thankful in your love revealed. I pray all this and more in Jesus name. Amen.

Thank you, Reverend, and thank you for reminding me of the interfaith council. We appreciate them and all they do. Um we'll go ahead and uh have our pledge. Um Councilwoman Tanner, would you like to do that fresh back from a an exciting life event of having a new baby? So, welcome back.

Yep. Three weeks old today. So, I have not slept in three weeks. So, don't mind me if I uh am a little bit incoherent up here. [laughter] Please stand and repeat the pledge after me. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all. [clears throat]

All right. Thank you. Um we're going to go ahead and uh get started. We have a couple of pre-aggenda items if that's okay. Oh, is there was I missing something? You're looking at me like I'm missing something. No, I just want to mention that item number nine will not be heard this evening.

Perfect. So, as far as our agenda goes, just so you know, item number nine has been withdrawn from the agenda. So, if anybody's here for item number nine, know that. Thank you, John. Um, so let's go ahead and get started with the proclamation. Um, and Steve, would you like to read this proclamation for us? Sure. Whereas autism spectrum disorder, [clears throat] ASD, affects individuals and families in St. George and throughout southern Utah, influencing communication, social interaction, and sensory experiences in diverse and unique ways. hand. Whereas the mission of Walk with Autism is to promote acceptance over awareness, inclusion over isolation, and community over stigma, ensuring that individuals with on on the autism spectrum are valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. And whereas this event honors not only individuals with autism, but also the parents, siblings, caregivers, educators, therapists, medical professionals, and advocates whose [clears throat] dedication and compassion strengthen our community each day. And whereas Walk with Autism provides birth space for connection, celebration, education, and support, reminding families that they are not alone and affirming that every voice matters. And whereas the city of St. George is committed to fostering a community where differences are embraced, barriers are reduced, and all residents are given equitable opportunities to succeed. Now, therefore, I, Jimmy Hughes, mayor, along with the city council of the city of St. George, Utah, to hereby proclaim April 11th, 2026 as Walk with Autism Day in the city of St. George encourage all residents to stand in solidarity with all individuals on the autism spectrum and their families by promoting

kindness, understanding, advocacy, and meaningful inclusion. Thank you, Stephen. And I think we have here uh Glenn and Kenzie Bean, are you here? Come on up. Do you guys want to say something or and we want to present this proclamation?

Thank you very much for the proclamation. This is very exciting for us. We are just a local foundation here in St. George. Our event um that will take place on April 11th is out at Rocky Vista University. Um it begins at 9:30 a.m. goes till 100 p.m. and we do have a short onem walk. Um last year we did have 900 people in attendance. We had about 65 information booths of local resources that families, caregivers, educators, the list that you listed, um that people may or may not know about. Um it's a great opportunity to engage with the autism community to to meet them. Um my question is, how many of you know or love someone with autism? It's it it's quite prevalent. Um, we walk with autism every day. We have a little guy that's eight years old on the spectrum. Some days he's a ball of joy, some days not so much.

But it's it's always an adventure. And this is a way for um the isolation people sometimes feel with raising children on the spectrum for them to get out, get active, get busy, and meet the community. So, thank you. Thank Thank you so much. Thank you. And we want to get a picture right up here in the front. I'll I'll bring this around and present it to you. Is there any other questions or comments? You have a council. I get a copy of the proclamation. What's that? I get a copy of the proclamation. the original.

And then All right. Thank you for that. Okay. Um, next up, um, let's see. Yes, Cody, you're doing this. Come on up. Mayor, council, we just want to take a few minutes to recognize some really great achievements that our recreation division has achieved in the past uh, six months. Um, in just last year in the fall in 2025 in New York, uh, the city of St. George was awarded a prestigious award for the USA outstanding facility award at the US Open. And that's a prestigious award. Um, we couldn't have done it without Wayne and the facilities that we have here at the city. We want to thank the council to for supporting not only our programs but maintaining such a high quality facility. This is the award that we were presented at the USA at the US Open. It reflects um outstanding exceptional programming and

what he deliver well what Wayne delivers year after year is the USA tournaments, the leagues, the programs and invitationals and so that ongoing support. So we want to present this to the city council. And then there's another recognition that we just received recently. Wayne has received uh the professional uh pickle ball registry award as professional of the year and that's a national award also and that recognizes Wayne's endless passion and hard work to grow the game of pickle ball through uh quality instruction programming and strong commitment to education and as head tennis and pickle ball pro. Wayne has helped build one of the most successful municipal programs in our area. I know the Utah um pro um those individuals up at the Utah um association always rely on Wayne for his information, his professional expertise. And so we just want to recognize Wayne and the facility that we these awards that we just achieved. So thank you.

I'm glad for that because Yeah. Give him a hand. [applause] I was going to say behind any outstanding facility, there's got to be an outstanding person. And when I saw Wayne come up, I knew that was it. So, I'm glad there was an award for him as well. So, Wayne, how long have you been here, Wayne? Oh, man. Uh 14 15 years. That's it. Seems like a long time. So, he he's done a great job with both uh tennis and pickle ball. So, excellent. Um we probably need a picture with them, too, don't we? Okay, Hillary, will you come up, please? And Emerson.

Yeah, just real quick, too. Thank you guys so much. I do want to thank my staff. I cannot do this without the staff. They are the best. Unfortunately, Hillary's the only one that can be here because the rest of them are on the court teaching. [laughter] They're not working. But anyway, thank you. Thank you. [laughter] What's your number? got so excited. Um, okay. Let's see. We do have uh one not on the agenda. Um, I'm on a roll today and doing things I shouldn't do. So, here we are. Um, Natalie, we have a just a little special presentation.

The Lions Club of the City of St. George has presented this beautiful gold and silver belt buckle to be put in our art collection. So, I don't know if Shane wants to receive it, but they would like it displayed during the rodeo. But, and the good news is the bleachers have been numbered. So, rodeo tickets should be being sold if you're one of those people that gets reserved seats. But it's a beautiful commemorative buckle that they had made last year and they wanted to give it to the city. Do you want to hand Natalie? I think you should go down and take the picture. Okay, I'll do it.

Besides, I was tired of walking down there. Natalie's been uh kind of our point person on the council on the Sun Bowl project, and it's come along really well. Um, we only had one requirement on that project and that that it be done so we have a rodeo in September and she's making sure that happens. Nice. The made the a cut above. That's our local company that made the buckles.

Come in. If you haven't driven by there, you can drive by and see all the fun stuff that's happening there at the Sumble. So, okay. Anything else pre-aggenda? Okay, we're down to this is the uh first meeting of the month, which is our uh we have our open and public comment forum. Uh pretty simple. Um we want you to be able to talk about whatever item you want. You do need to be a resident of St. George. You uh let's see. We don't want you to talk about any agenda item or pending land use or application. Comment should relate to city business. The speaker shall be courteous. That shouldn't be need to be said, but and show respect. Comment shall not include obscene or profane language nor contain attacks on any individual. I do have if you have come to give public comment and you haven't filled out one of these, they're over on this table over here. If you would want to fill one out so that we know um who you are. Okay. So, I have a couple here. We're um asking you to keep your comments to three minutes if you can and we'll go ahead and get started here. Soup. Lily White, come on up. Everybody knows Soup.

Where's it?

Thank you. I'm going to read mine this time so it actually makes sense. So, okay. Um, as local recreationalists and open space users, we deeply appreciate the city working on establishing a committee to do what it can to protect the greater Mos Valley area. We'd love to start working with the members of that committee to share what we know about the area and do our part to help protect it. We also care deeply about the other open space and recreation areas in our area. The threats to the greater Mos Valley area have made us realize that as St. George continues to grow, access to and the preservation of other beloved areas will be threatened as well. And we recognize that it's impossible for the city to know about all the threats to these areas or protect them without help. We want to do our part and to help the city in those efforts. Accordingly, we have created a committee of concerned organizations and individuals to help with that effort. We have representatives from the local chapter of Backcountry Horsemen, the Trail Association of Southern Utah, the Southern Utah Climbers Alliance, the St. George Climbers Coalition, Conserve Southwest, Conserve Southwest Utah, local OB users, the Southern Utah Homebuilders Association, and archaeological and cultural preservation experts. We're hoping to identify other user groups and and include them as well. All of us cherish open space and recreation areas in St. George and believe that these areas are one of the biggest things that make southern Utah so special. It's why people love living here. It's why people want to move and visit here. We are committed to doing our part to help the the city preserve these special areas. We hope that the city will appoint a liaison to meet with us once a month so we can easily share with the city council what we are working on and how we'd like to help. Thanks again for everything that you do

and for helping us make St. George a wonderful place to live. Thank you, Tyler Webb.

So, I'm also here today to talk about Mo Valley. And uh so, Mos Valley is a really special place for me personally and for our community. that brings together climbers, mountain bikers, hikers, nature lovers, wildlife advocates, and indigenous communities who all value its beauty and its access to nature close to the city. [clears throat] So, I also support creating the open space preservation committee that Soup's talking about and hope that it would include a broad mix of these user groups and environmental voices. And [clears throat] also, the upcoming St. or the Mos Valley Climbing Festival. It's going to be happening on March 28th and I'd [clears throat] like to use this opportunity to invite any of the city council members or the mayor or anybody who would like to speak at the event. Uh then they could attend and speak and connect directly to any of the community members that are going to be there enjoying the space and the uh climbing festival that day. So,

say that date one more time. It's on March 28th. So, the last Saturday of this month, and that's going to be from like one o'clock till 7 o'clock, something like that. And we'll have live music, climbing, mountain bikers are uh going to be doing a trail ride out there on that day and just lots of fun stuff. So, we'll be having some more information about that and we'll be sure to share more of the details with you guys. But would be great if anybody from the mayor or any of the city council members would want to speak or be there to speak directly to the constituents. I think it would, you know, share how much you guys care about this space as well. So anyway, thank you very much.

Thank you, [clears throat]

Freddy Dunn. Hi, I'm Freddy Dunn with Backcountry Horseman, which sounds like something that would be applicable to a city type um thing that we're talking about, but we are interested in being part of the open space uh and recreation preservation uh committee because we're a service organization, as I put on my form, we're a 5013C3 here in St. George and we for example on Saturday we're going to be attacking tumble weeds up in at Red Mountain Trail Head. So being part of a multi-group committee so that we can lend our expertise and our volunteerism that needs to be with any committee. Um we just think it's important to support other groups and to help maintain open space for all recreation in St. George, thank you.

Thank you, Stacy Whitik. Is it Whitik? Yeah.

Mayor, city council members, thank you. Um, I just here uh in the same likeness to give a resounding and fullthroated support of the open space uh coalition, especially since it's going to be a broadly engaged and uh um supported through individuals and and other groups like the Backcount Horsemen. Um, I grew up in a dusty Nevada small town and without open spaces I never would have been able to pretend that I was a pretty palamino pony for most of my childhood. It's important. Three reasons that uh I want to share why I think that you all should support this and not all support it but really endorse it and participate in it. One, it's good for us. Uh studies overwhelmingly show that access to trails and parks and open spaces prevent chronic diseases, make our children smart and good-looking, um and create social cohesion. It's just right. It's just the right thing to do. Um as extraordinary as our national parks and monuments are, they're not always accessible to everyone. Not everyone has the resources to pay for a park uh pass or a uh ability to to enter a park. Not everybody has mass transit, but open spaces are always there. They're in our backyard. Third, we deserve it. Over and over again, Newtons have said this is what they want. This is why they moved here. This is why they live here. It's for the access to trails. It is good for business. It is good for our pleasure. And it's our duty to protect and preserve these spaces. And we want to be a part of it. In the shadow of Zion, it's sometimes hard to recognize how important trail systems are, especially the ones that are right outside our door in our backyard. Where we might visit Zion once a month, maybe once every couple of months, we're more likely to go out on our trails and trail run and go to our parks and engage in in activities and

our social spaces and our community green spaces every day. They matter very much. It may be more of a mild thing than a wild thing to do, but it's very important. So, I hope you guys will all support it. Thank you. Thank you, Jordan Bracken. Did I say that right? Yep.

All right. Um, I'm also here as um a recreational user to talk about Open Space Committee. Um, I am from here. I grow up here and my business is built around recreation in St. George. Um we I own a bike shop with my wife and my kids. We have a great staff and we um I've traveled across the nation um learning about different open spaces and how they have utilized their bike trails. I am also part of the Trail Association of Southern Utah where we're building more trails and maintaining trails. Um, and it is crucial to most communities to have something where community members can come and discuss certain problems in their area to um have a a way of venting, a way of describing and we could make lists and and come to the city with problems and issues that we might have throughout. Um, this committee already has a good list of issues that we have seen around the city and we would like to share those lists with you guys and to have that open conversation to show you guys kind of what's going on around the city and how we think that the city and the recreational users can come together and um do better with with that. So that's it. Thank you,

Lynn Hokana. Good afternoon. I'm also with the Backcountry Horseman. I'm here with Freddy Dunn. I want to start with a question. I heard I'm not sure, Mayor Hughes, are you an equestrian? Do you have horses? seven. And they eat lots of hay. Yes, they do. And get don't get ridden nearly enough. Well, we can help out. Yeah. [laughter] So, Backcountry Horseman, I don't know if you know who if you're aware of who the group is. Freddy introduced it a little bit. Do you know about them?

Just a little bit.

So, it's a service organization. We're not a riding club. It's national. There's 31 states that have chapters. It was established about 52 years ago. There are 11 chapters in Utah. The Southwest chapter here in St. George is the largest of you in Utah. We're service organization. One of the missions of our mission statement is to work to ensure the public lands remain open for recreational stock use. So, we're here to support the open space recreation preservation committee. There may not be a whole lot of trails within the city limits of St. George, but we want to be part of the process of considering where development goes, there potential where there not trails now or maybe the development would include trails. We want to be here to help support that. We've done um input at like the Grapevine Crossing when they redid the trail head. We were part of the planning process of the spaces, how to design the trail head. So, we are an active group. We're a service organization and um we have about a hundred members in St. George. So, we just want to make you aware that we're here and we're very active. We have fundraisers. We are working at replacing the corral that were burned in Pine Valley Equestrian Campground. So, we're very active and we want to be involved and we're supporting what Soup is putting together, trying to establish. So, that's who we are. So, thank you for your time.

Perfect. Thank you and thank you for the service that your club does. [clears throat] That was our last comment. Uh just a little bit of followup on on some of that. We've been working uh on meeting with several people coming up with some framework and trying to come up with a way uh what what a open space committee would look like. Uh one of the things that we don't want to do is create a committee that's ineffective uh or is just a feel-good. So, we've been trying to make sure that we have a good idea of what we want to do before we move forward. So, know we and I know I've had some conversations with some of you all and some other members of the community. So, we are working on that. Stay tuned. In the meantime, those issues that you do have a notice, don't feel like you need to hold on to them. Please bring them forward. You do have elected officials here that would be would love to know your concerns until we get that established. So don't don't feel like you don't have an avenue at the current moment and we are working um that's been my commitment to try to work towards that. So I appreciate that. With that I think that concludes our pre-aggenda items. So John, you want to take us away on the agenda minus item number nine?

Yes. So the uh item number three is the consent calendar. Um there's seven consent calendar items this evening. Staff has reviewed each of these items and recommend approval. Um, however, if the city council like to remove any of these for specific consideration, we can accommodate that. Otherwise, staff recommends approval. Council, any discussion or concern or a motion? Are you ready for a motion? Absolutely. If there's I [clears throat] will move to approve the consent calendar as presented. I'll second. We have a motion by Michelle, second by Steve. There's no further discussion. All in favor say I.

I. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. Item number four, a public hearing in consideration of resolution number 2026-004R to re review and approve amendments to the fiscal year 2025 26 budget. And Jared will present this item.

Wonderful. Thank you, John. Good afternoon, mayor. Good afternoon, council members. Uh we're happy to discuss two items today on the agenda. And so number one is going to be staff requesting to amend the budget for the installation of security cameras at Town Square and Vernon Worthing Park. Um after an evaluation of security needs across the city's parks, trails, and facilities, these were two areas that were identified as high use and high priority locations that could use higher levels of security because of the high activity. And so the funding is available in the general capital project fund fund balance for this project and staff request to amend the budget in the amount of $110,000 to add security cameras at these locations. Are there any questions about item one?

I would just like to comment that we're not here to spy on anybody. These are because of the activities that have happened in our park sadly. um with vandalism that we're just trying to, you know, keep that in order and not that we have it's not we're not trying to spy on anybody. That's not our intent. It's just a matter of security and keeping our our parks from being vandalized, unfortunately. Any other questions for Jared? Do you have more items on the amendment? Yeah,

I do. Yes. And then item two, the parks and community service department request to add funding for the Middleton trail project located north of the existing trail that ends at Royal Circle. In November 2023, voters approved a 29 million general obligation bond to fund trails, parks, and park facility improvements throughout the community. The Middleton Trail is a geo bondf funed project that will construct a pro approximately one mile of trail connected to Middleton neighborhood to the city's broader trail system. Due to anticipated cost, the project was originally planned in two phases. However, staff recently received bids for the full project which came in significantly lower than the original estimate. As a result, staff recommends proceeding with both phases, allowing the project to be completed more efficiently. Funding for this project is available through savings realized from the Canyon Softball Complex project and by re reallocating funds from the Seek Miller Canal Trail Project. Staff request to amend the budget in the amount of $800,000 to reallocate funds for the Middleton trail project. And those are the two items that we um have amendments for.

Any questions? Okay. Those are the only two items. That's it. Okay. I'll entertain a motion. I'll make the motion to approve resolution 2026-00. Mayor and council, this is a public hearing. Oh, yeah. That's why we have you here, Robert. Thanks, See Jared. It doesn't matter if you're new or not, you still mess up. That was on that was on me. I'll take it. I'll take it.

Um, we This is a item requiring a public hearing. So any who are here to speak to item number four, um the I open the public hearing at this time. Seeing none, I'll go ahead and close the public hearing and come back to you, council, for your motion. I'll make an a motion to approve resolution 2026-00004R to review and approve amendments to the fiscal year 2025 2026 budget. I'll second.

We have a motion by Natalie, a second by Austin. This is a resolution requiring a roll call vote starting with Austin. Austin Anderson I. Steve Kemp I. Natalie Larson I. Michelle Tanner I.

Motion carries unanimously. Item number five is to consider approval of ordinance number 2026-018 amending the city's general plan by adding R1 zone to the responsible growth element of the general plan. Um staff is also requesting to do item number five and item number six together um because they relate to each other. Item number six is consider approval of ordinance number 2026-019 amending portions of title 10 of city code to create a new single family zone to be known as the R1 zone and amend the requirements for minimum floor area for a home. Okay, thanks John. Excuse [clears throat] me. Um you may recall a couple of months ago we had some discussion on creating a new zone. we had an application that came forward to create an R14 zone and at that uh at that city council meeting um discussed the possibility of uh eliminating the four altogether in other words not having a minimum lot size. So uh we took that back uh worked with the applicant and this is what we came up with. Uh we do have a couple of checks and balances to make sure that it's not just a free-for-all, but uh that minimum lot size does go away in this proposal. So, uh we're proposing to call it just the R1 zone. So, there is no uh the four would typically stand for the 4,000 square foot um like the 6,000 or 7 that we have. Um so, just kind of going through this chart here. Uh R1 zone density would be tied to whatever land use you have. So that's one of the checks we have. So if the land the underlying land use is low density then you would be restricted to that 0 to four um dwelling units per acre. If you have a

medium density you'd be restricted to that 5 to9. Um so that's one way that that it'll give flexibility to the size of the lots but not nec but the density would still be in check so that you have uh cohesive neighborhoods uh you know adjacent to each other and so forth. Um lot area that's that would not be applicable. So there wouldn't be a minimum lot size. You may be able to do anything from a 3,000 square foot lot if you wanted to um up to whatever whatever works for you. Um the minimum lot width, this is another one of those checks that we put in. So the LDR you'd require a 60 foot minimum lot width uh or frontage and uh otherwise in the other um land use categories it would be a 40 foot width. Um and then setbacks. Uh this mimics very closely the RCC zone. In fact, a lot of this mimics the RCC zone which is uh prominent downtown. So 15t to the front, 20 to the garage. So we want to make sure we have that set back to the garage. Um the exception would be if they want to do an open porch, we would then allow them another five foot setback into that front. Uh so really creating a 10-ft setback to that porch. Um side setbacks would be five. Uh if there's a need for a utility easement along the side, uh that would go up to eight. And then the rear setback would be uh 10 consistent with uh other other zones. Um this is the use list for the uh proposed R1 zone. Um in blue on the left, you'll see the proposed uses. Um we tried to keep these consistent with the R16 and R17 zones um as they are

kind of the smaller zones as well. Um so you'll see that that basically mimic the uses in those R16 and R17 zones. Um this nothing here is set in stone. There's certainly room for discussion um on whether some of these uses may or may not be appropriate uh etc. This is the L. So this is a general plan portion. In order to do this um because it we base some of this on the general plan, we need to add the R1 to the general plan. So we've added it to the LDR, to the MDR, and then to the uh traditional neighborhood and connected neighborhood areas downtown. Um, so, um, you know, the one that we kind of toyed with, but in the end didn't go, uh, didn't add it to is the MHDR, which allows up to 15 units per acre. Kind of discussing some of that with some of the developers. Um, they might be able to do something on the lower end of those, maybe in the 10, maybe the 11 um, dwelling unit per acre range. Um, if you want to add that, that's certainly uh up to you um to do that. But for now, we're proposing the LDR and MDR and um and then those two downtown as well. This is a cleanup item. This is removing the square footage requirements for um for homes in various zones. There are four zones. You have single family zones. This is a mobile home zone, gravel and grazing, and then agriculture. all have a minimum lot uh minimum square footage for uh for a home. And so we're proposing to remove those from the code. This is just an example of what a 4,000 foot uh lot would look like just to give you a visual of of what we're thinking. And then uh planning

commission held public hearing on both of these items, two separate hearings, um and recommend six to zero on both of those in favor of the changes. So, if you have any other questions, I'm happy to answer those. The applicant is here as well. Uh, if you have any questions for them

questions, council, I know I had some questions about this particular zone and and met with staff. Um, [clears throat] I think John was involved in some of those conversations and Carol and the the guard rails of the land use uh answered my questions about, you know, were we going to, like I say, have a free-for-all where people are just cramming things into places they don't fit. And and so I got comfortable that way with this without this lot size minimum. Uh because these other issues will regulate just because just by a factor of you need this much on this side, this much on this side, this in the front and the back and the fire and easements. Um it makes sense. I know that uh we had some discussions about large subdivisions and what they would look like as opposed to my original understanding was that this would be kind of mostly be used in infill areas. Um, but again with the direction and the understanding I received from staff related to the the natural, as you said, guard rails that sit around it based on land use and those things. Um, that that got me to where this made sense for me.

Do you know I concur with what council member Kemp just said. I think the thing that gives me comfort is that these people actually own the dirt around their homes versus just owning a town home. That they'll actually be able to can have the feeling they control their own lot, the 40 foot and the 60 foot lot width. You know, it will appear to make it look more cozy and homelike to me. Um the the thing is is I you know, it's up to developers and I guess the market to determine whether whether we are making headway with affordable housing because it goes back to if a developer or a contractor wants to put a million-dollar house depending on where the lot is, they could do that with upgrades and everything else. I think the city is really putting its best foot forward leading the way in the state with a lot of what we're doing down in particularly St. George to help our housing our housing issue we have going. But our economy is robust. So, we keep attracting people with more jobs. Um, and and it's like where where does that catch up? I don't know where that catches up because people do want to live here. You just heard the individuals talk about keeping open space moving here which causes this pressure of developing is in places that I'm the old one here in places that I never thought would be touched including the a belt where I live are now are now developed lots and we're not seeing the horse trails. We're not seeing any of those things. So I think this is a good step forward. It gives me a little bit of heartburn, but I know we have to create housing for our residents or opportunity, but we cannot control the price. The market dictates the price.

Good comments. Any other questions or comments? Prepare to make a motion if you're ready. Yep. And we're talking about item five and six. So, yes, two different. [clears throat] Thank you. Go ahead, Mayor. I'd like to make a motion that we approve item number five, uh, ordinance number 2026-018, amending the city's general plan by adding the R1 zone to the responsible growth element of the general plan. You want to vote on these separately? Second.

So, that we have a motion by Steve, second by Natalie. This is u an ordinance requiring a roll call vote. Starting with Michelle. Michelle Tanner. I Natalie Larson. I Steve Kemp. I Austin Anderson I. Motion carries unanimously. Item number six. Mayor, I'd like to make a motion that we approve item number six, ordinance number 2026-019, amending portions of title 10 of the city code to create the new single family zone to be known as R1 zone and amendment requirements for minimum floor area for a home detailed throughout the presentation.

Second motion by Steve and second by Michelle. This is also an ordinance requiring a roll call vote starting with Natalie. Natalie Larson I. Steve Kemp I. Austin Anderson I. Michelle Tanner I. Motion carries unanimously. Item number seven, consider approval of ordinance number 2026-020 to zero amending the city's general plan from LDR to commercial on approximately 109 acres located generally on the east side of Highway 18 between approximately 3,000 north and 3800 north.

Okay. Thank you. Um, as John just mentioned, this is a general plan amendment. Um, you can see on the map before you two outlines. One, one is blue. It's a larger area. And then outlined within that is, uh, some areas in red. It's the area that's in red that we're talking about today. But I wanted to just [clears throat] be clear that that entire blue area is the the entire 335 acres that the that the uh, property owner uh, owns. So that's the entire trails what was at one point the trails development and what they hope to to uh develop. Um today [clears throat] the land use the general plan calls for LDR or lowdensity residential and the zoning on the entire property is gravel and grazing. Um this is uh the map showing the areas that they want to uh to change. You'll see those again in red. 89 acres. There's this larger parcel on the south. So, north is facing left, by the way. You have the highway here going this way. Rusty Cliffs that you saw a little while ago, about a month ago, is this area right here. And then, uh, another commercial pod right here for retail office use uh here closer to the uh closer to the highway. Um, this is an illustrative plan. This basically shows kind of what they're looking at and why they're requesting this commercial um ch this change uh to commercial in the general plan. Um this is a hotel resort area. Um and then again like I said this would be a a retail um office area. This over here is, and again, we're kind of getting into the weeds a little bit, but um we [clears throat] wanted to be clear what

they they intend to come forward with. Um this is kind of a mixed use sort of a they have some higher density residential, a little bit of commercial, um town home, single family, and so forth. But the bulk of the property would remain single family. Um you [clears throat] can see on this map these this is the uh slope analysis. They're showing that they're really trying to stay out of the slopes uh that are on the property. And that's why the that's why you have this kind of uh abnormal shaped um you know request for this this commercial area is they're really trying to kind of stay out of those slopes and just uh stay to the area that are within the 20% or less. And again, not to get too much into the weeds, but they did want to give you kind of a flavor of what they're looking at doing. So, these are just some, you know, types of of developments that have happened, resorts, uh, that they think that they're drawing their inspiration from. Again, this is the resort area is more is more like two to two to three years out, something like that. Is that right, Larry? Yeah. Um, that's that's what they're kind of projecting. uh if this gets approved.

So again, not to get too hung up on these photos. They again just wanted to kind of give you a flavor of of what they what they're looking at. Um Dan Dan, just interrupt you. Typically, we don't see this detail. We don't see the pictures. We see none of this stuff. And so I'd be very cautious on, you know, putting any weight or anything on any any of these pictures that they're showing because we're really just looking at the general plan.

Thank you. Yeah. Um, planning commission held a public hearing and they recommended approval again with a six to zero vote on the change to commercial. We looked at it um also discussed it with the um water and sewer that the different utilities felt they could serve this power um got good uh access via uh highway 18 and also the the side road that's being connected or that's being built right now. movie rock road. So he felt that the transportation uh the would be able to handle the the load of of the additional uh traffic that this would bring. Um yeah.

So when you say think, does there need to be more investigation when you say think lightly be able to handle that? Does there need to be a traffic study? disc yeah in discussing that with um with the public works with with engineering um we did come up with some numbers um and and discussing it with Cameron discussed uh kind of some of the numbers that we have right now already at least as of 2024 um up near the ledges you have around 8,000 average trips per day um or average daily trips excuse me Um and uh so yeah 8,000 just to compare it to Desert Color around SR7 that had around 9600 and then SR7 uh at N at River Road had about 9100. So

So is that coming just out of the ledges? It's not going to Enterprise and Pine Valley. That's just exiting the ledges area. That's that's or just traffic on 18. That's that traffic on 18 going past going up going up north and south. So it could be neither of the people living there. Could be just traveling on 18. Right. Right. And what about that's my understanding. Correct. Cameron. What about sewer and water? Yeah. Um talked to um Scott and he he run he ran the numbers said that we have capacity to serve. And then when you talk about the slope,

are they is that something they could cut into without I mean, we've had areas where you cannot cut into slope that people have cut into slope. Is that something that is protected or

Yeah, they've they've produced the slope analysis. This will have to go to the hillside review board uh for a hillside uh permit. So, that'll go that'll come back to you as part of a reason as well. Um, so we'll look at that more in depth with that hillside permit, but the initial um, uh, review that they've done, analysis that they've done, they've really tried to stay out of those slopes at all. Um, there's a little bit there that they just, you know, particularly in here. In here, you see they've actually carved out and not put lots in this little area right here. Uh, same with up in here. They've notched out some areas that are a little more sloped. So, I think they've been pretty sensitive, but there are going to be some areas that that um they just can't avoid. And so, we'll have to go over that with the Hillside Review.

But again, to John's point, this is just a general plan is we're not actually looking at this. Absolutely. What? It's probably best just to refer back to the bubble map because that's really what the council's looking at. Y

any other questions? Are you ready for a motion? Love one. I move that we approve ordinance number 2026-020 amending the city's general plan from LDR to commercial on approximately 109 acres located generally on the east side of Highway 18 between approximately 300 north and 3800 north. I'll second a motion by Michelle, second by Austin. This is an ordinance requiring a roll call vote starting with Steve. Steve Kemp I. Austin Anderson I. Michelle Tanner I.

Natalie Larson I. Motion carries unanimously. So we won't be hearing number nine tonight. And so number 10 is consider consideration of resolution number 2026-00005R approving and amended. And we skip eight. Sorry. Thank you for correcting me. No, I'm not the only one tonight. See, I was trying to get redemption.

Item number eight, consider approval of ordinance number 2026-021 amending the Desert Color Plan development TNZ zone on approximately 58.68 68 acres located southwest of Painted Ridge Parkway, west of Desert Sage Parkway, and west of the previously approved Sage Heaven phase phases to develop the next residential phase of Sage Heaven.

All right, thank you. Um, Sage Haven phases 22 through 23 is on your screen [clears throat] outlined in red again. Um, in between here, these these uh parcels that you see lots that have been created and this red outline, there is an approved um several phases that just haven't recorded yet. So, there is connection between the two. Uh, I just wanted to make sure that that was that was understood. Um, land use map calls for a PD just to remind us that this is in a PD. And then the zoning map is PDF. It's actually PDTNZ to be exact. Um this is the um this is the proposal and you can see those lots that I was just alluding to here. Uh this connects to the ones that you saw on the parcel map over over here. So everything does flow together. Um they're proposing 260 units here. Um the breakdown is 149. um town homes, 91 um single family homes, and then 20 larger larger single family homes. Those are these ones down here in green. [clears throat] Um what we're looking at primarily tonight is the elevations of the of the town homes that are being proposed or the multifamily. Um this is Vision Homes Homes and Visionary are the two builders. Sorry, let me get back there. Uh, these are the homes homes areas that will be provided. They they try to sell them so that they're not building exactly next to each other, but they're kind of clumped so you get different architecture spread throughout the the development at Desert Color. So, um, we have two different types, uh, that Holmes is proposing. They have the,

um, let's see, these are the mansions. Uh we've seen these in other areas of desert color, but these are a um these are a more modern style of the mansions. So that's what they would look like. And then they are also proposing the skyline. Uh this is the forplex. This is a new um architecture, a new build out there um again by homes. And then visionary. These are the areas that Visionary will be taking. Um, you have the they have three styles. They're basically the same thing, but you have the the desert territorial, the modern, and then a cottage style. So, uh, just going through those. These are the this is the modern, this is the territorial, and then this is the uh the cottage. That's in keeping with the zone plan and the development agreement uh of Desert Color. So, planning commission recommended approval of the um after a public hearing recommended approval of the PD amendment uh with a six to zero vote. The applicant is here if you have any questions for him or I can help answer those as well.

Questions for Dan or the applicant? The only question I have is does it meet the terms of the development agreement for Desert Color? Yeah. Okay. Any other questions? Not. I'll entertain a motion. Mayor, I'll uh make a motion that we approve ordinance number 2026-021 amending the Desert Color Plan development TNZ zone on approximately 58.68 acres located southwest of Painted Ridge Parkway, west of Desert Sage Parkway, and west of the previously approved Sage Haven phases to develop the next residential phases of Sage Haven. Second.

We have a motion by Austin, a second by Natalie. This is also an ordinance requiring a roll call vote. Starting with Michelle. Michelle Tanner. I. Natalie Larson. Steve Kemp. I. Austin Anderson. I. Motion carries unanimously. Now you can go on to number 10. Number 10. Oh, by the way, Dan, you look very nice today wearing the tie and all nine yards. And look, everything you presented got approved. and the tie works. Thank you.

Uh item number 10, consideration resolution number 2026 D- 005R approving an amended and restated power polling agreement with the Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems for the pool project. Sorry, you guys are moving fast. I appreciate it. you know what you're doing. So this agreement is we've been in the pooling agreement with with U Amps as a partner for since 1980 and essentially the pooling agreement allows us to use Uamps as our backend between bilateral agreements. They help with the tagging and all these things. This year with the implementation of the energy markets that were being moved into um we have to update the pooling agreement to allow us to buy and purchase on the market altogether. And essentially that's what this does. We've spent number of months going back and forth on this agreement making sure that it's an equitable way where we're not paying more than we have to. There's ways for us to review it. We've worked with our legal and we've brought an outside council that specializes in power trading. So, we feel very comfortable with this version. And if there's any questions, I could answer.

Questions for Brian? I I went to a meeting. This is really quite complicated and they weren't really sure six or seven months ago how it was going to flush out. So, I'm glad that we've had a lot of outside counsel and counsel and you've done your homework. So, thanks for what you're doing. You're welcome. Yeah, we worked really closely with a lot of other utilities in the state to not only talk through our concerns, but theirs. And it was really nice working with places like Heber and Lehi and Washington and Santa Clara and Hurricane to really say, okay, what's going to work for the utilities individually and us as a whole? And I think we've really come to an elegant solution to something that can be longterm

because the little bit what I did understand they really changed the dynamic of how we are going to buy power through amps. Yeah. And it's really Pacificore and wet that made those changes but it should be a lot better. It really unlocks a lot of market principles on this as well. So, it makes it better that we have more potential to save money, make money, or you know, it it should help the uh prepared and we're pretty prepared. Any other questions for Brian? Motion.

Not. I'll entertain a motion. I'll make a motion to approve a resolution 2026-00005R approving amended and requested power pooling agreement with Utah Municipal Power Systems for the pool project effective May 1st, 2026. I'll second motion by Natalie, a second by Steve. This is an ordinance requiring a roll call vote starting with Austin. Austin Anderson I Steve Kemp I Natalie Larson I Michelle Tanner I motion carries unanimously.

Item 11 consider approval of ordinance number 2026-022 amending titles one and two of the city code and Jamie Bracken will present this item.

I don't know if it matters which microphone I use. Good afternoon, evening. Um, council members, as you know, this is this is a proposed change to our city code in titles one and two, specifically dealing with the difference between appointed personnel and merit personnel. uh these changes were necessitated because there have been some changes to the Utah State code and quite frankly our internal policies and codes were not consistent with each other necessarily or with the practice of the city of St. George. So what we tried to do is is make everything consistent, make everything match and make everything compliant. And that's what's before you today. So you have in title one, specifically in chapter 7, you've got section two, three, and four that have some changes. Uh section two has changes just addressing when there are midterm vacancies in uh elected office, which recently happened. So we wanted to make sure that was updated. Um, it also addresses the which department heads, which city employees are in fact appointed employees. Those that are appointed by the mayor. We also have employees in the police department that have been appointed by the chief of police. That's been the practice, but it's never been part of our code. So, we added that to the code to make that official. And then um in section three we have again talking about which are appoint just appointed officers rather than calling out which ones we we made it general um and and tried to clean that language up. And then in section four,

one of the changes that we discussed with the council members a few years ago was when should the appointments occur? Traditionally, uh they have been done early in January right after um the new newly elected officers take office. Um it was believed that it would probably be better to do these a few months later on honor before July 1st. Um that way the new city council members can work with the appointed positions before they have to make a decision whether or not they want to keep them. So, we've changed that appointment time to July 1st. Um, and we've again listed out which positions are those appointments. In chapter 2 of the city code, um, in title, chapter 2, there were a couple of changes again with who are the appointees versus the merit employees. We have cleaned that up and I don't have a PowerPoint. Hopefully, you have your packet before you. Um and then and then also we wanted to um clean up and clarify what the process is if an employee is terminated, a merit employee is terminated, what the process is to appeal and give that give the employees much more clarity on what that process is. Um so we've presented that be before you in a work session I believe in December if I'm not mistaken. Um, we've made some changes based upon that conversation and we're hoping now that you will adopt the changes to the code.

Questions? Council for Jamie? One question. Yes. Is the assistant city manager position listed as an appointed position? It is not. Oh, but we that's that was a It is not. And the question is, do you want it to be? Well, it is now an appointed position and so we probably need to add that. And so any if the council chooses to approve that, they may be uh we can we can add in the assisted city manager as an appointed position to all of the language if that's what the if that's the motion of the council

which which any mo motion to approve should include that. Yeah. Yeah, mayor. I'll uh I'll make a motion uh that we approve ordinance number 2026-022 amending titles 1 and two of the city code and also adding the assistant city manager as an appointed position. Second. We have a motion by Austin, second by Natalie. This is an ordinance requiring a roll call vote. Starting with Natalie. Natalie Larson. I Steve Kemp. I Austin Anderson. I Michelle Tanner. I

Motion carries unanimously. Thank you. That takes us to the very end. So I don't know who do we have back here. Is that part of our youth city council? Awesome. Why don't you come on up here and introduce yourselves to the microphone since you've taken the time to be here? I think it's the mayor. Nice. Yeah. Come and introduce yourself, what school you go to, and what your office is. I thought I recognized some of you hiding. So, I'm the manager. The mayor is not here today. Um, I'm Cushi Patel. I go to Dixie High School.

I'm communications director. I'm Yash Patel and I go to Dixie High as well. My name is Maya Pulver and I go to Dixie Middle. My name is Dev Patel and I go to Desert Hills Middle School. Awesome. Welcome. Glad you guys were here. Thank you. Kushi is also an intern in the city attorney's office and she was in my office as the city manager and John came in my office and I had two city managers and I almost lost it. Yeah, I remember your head exploded. All right, that's tough. Thank you.

Okay. Um, we don't have any appointments. Um, so reports reports. How's the baby? Baby is good. Three weeks old today. And thank you all and the community. I mean, I've just had so much support and random meals dropped off at my house and baby gifts. So, it's definitely an exhausting time, but a very exciting time and super grateful for all the support. Natalie,

we already reported on the Sun Bowl, which is going phenomenally. I wish Shane was here, but but we're on schedule. They're pouring concrete. Mayor Hughes did a great job this morning at Switch Point Pantry as we received the first donation by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I think it was 15 pallets, but I don't How much food was that? It was a lot of food and foods that they don't normally get. Some dry goods that they don't normally get. So,

and Carol was there. Um, I I can't say enough for our community and how we take care of our homeless. Um, I feel like our our city is the one who really carries our county and it's our and we really we are the backbone of that system. I know you just stepped off of that council and council member Tanner did. I just wish we would get more support from our county and our other members of other communities in stepping forward and helping with this worthy cause. But I would like to add Echo Police. They could not say enough about those members of our police department who know our homeless population, who treat them with dignity and respect and are so welcome at that shelter because they really are a great partner in that whole in that whole thing. And I heard that more than once today about our police department.

[clears throat]

I'm a member of the legislative policy committee and um every Monday we have a legislative policy committee meeting in a zoom. Uh the the meeting on Monday uh this is where the Utah League of Cities and Towns uh staff along with all of our elected officials that are on the LPC and others get together. Uh we had over 200 people online. Over 150 I believe were in the room. And I was struck as they were going through the bills. There were bills talking about uh homelessness. There were bills talking about um affordable housing and and ADUs. And I I realized that we're ahead of the curve. A lot of these things that they're trying to talk about doing statewide, we already have got done in St. George. So, I want to applaud our our planning staff and John and his and his people for uh being forward thinking and previous city council members for being forward thinking and letting us uh lead the way in the state of Utah on these issues.

And may I add Sean Guzman into that into that because Sean has been at the front of carrying the load for our city and does an amazing job. Mayor, I don't have anything to report today.

Great. Just a little followup on on that event today. Um, we we got to be the first of what I think they've designated as 250 semi- loads of food to be delivered as part of the America 250 project. And to answer your question, I think it's about 20 tons of food that were there today at the Switch Point pantry. So, which I went in and talked to some of the pantry staff, which are mostly volunteers. Some great people. They're they're having way too much fun there for being volunteers at a food pantry, food pantry. But, um, they were super grateful to get the food. Couldn't wait for the people that were starting to come in so they could see all the choices they had. And it was it was a good advance. So, um,

well, in and in talking with the people who put that together quickly, they said it was by no accident that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints started in St. George because Switch Point, the city has done such an incredible job. And so, I think that's hats off to everybody who has been on that board and Michelle who steps up to that seat who's who's made that happen.

Yeah. Uh the gentleman I talked to and I can't remember his name from the church said usually this takes it takes us quite a while to get approval. They had approval for this food delivery in like two days. So which he said was unprecedented. And then we got to be the first which again like Natalie said was no accident. So uh thank you. Uh anything else? Anything else John? There's nothing else. I'll entertain a motion. Do we have any need for a close session? Even better. I'll need a motion. Mayor, I'll make a motion we adjourn. Second. Motion by Austin, second by Steve. All in favor say I. I. We stand a journ.