August 12, 2009
1. CALL TO ORDER – ROLL CALL – Mayor Dan McGuire called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. The following members of the Rockville Town Council were present: Jeff Ballard, David Hatfield, Pam Leach, and Megan Honer-Orton. See attached list for others present. Town Clerk, Elaine Harris, recorded the meeting.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Mayor McGuire led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. DECLARATION OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST WITH AN AGENDA ITEM – No conflicts of interest were declared.
4.
DISCUSSION
AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM – JOHN
CROFTS, TECHNICAL COORDINATOR, NFIP – Mayor McGuire introduced John Crofts, the NFIP
Coordinator for FEMA. Mr. Crofts clarified that he is not a FEMA
employee but rather, a
Mr. Crofts reported that about 41 years ago there were problems with homes being built in flood prone areas. Cities were unhappy and insurance companies stopped offering flood insurance. Banks were also harmed because they could not protect assets in flood prone areas. At that point the federal government intervened and named the predecessor as the NFIP, which was originally under the Department of Housing. Communities were able to voluntarily join the NFIP and in exchange agreed to prohibit development in the flood plain. In the beginning, few communities chose to participate. The decision was next made to offer grants to communities where they would be covered in the event of a disaster as long as they were participants in the program. Pressure was being put on homeowners and communities to participate.
Mr. Crofts indicated that last year 19,000
communities participated in the National Flood Insurance Program while today
there are over 20,000. He explained that there is a negative effect to
not joining the NFIP. At this point joining is voluntary; however, there
is an issue in that there is a flood plain in
Mr. Crofts stated that joining the NFIP costs nothing and requires only three forms be filled out consisting of an application, a resolution, and an ordinance. If the Town were to adopt the resolution, Mayor McGuire asked how often it should be updated. Mr. Crofts responded that it should be updated once every five years. He offered to periodically visit with the Town’s Flood Plain Administrator and review the ordinance to ensure that the Town is in compliance. Mr. Crofts stated that changes are allowed to be made. When joining the NFIP, the community regulates development within the flood plain. Mr. Crofts added that he would also serve as a resource for Flood Plain Administrators.
David Hatfield asked about the logistics and responsibilities of the Flood Plain Administrator. He commented that in reading through the materials, there are numerous requirements to be met. He commented that most larger communities typically have a director of planning on staff. Rockville, however, does not and employs only one half-time employee. To put the responsibility on a volunteer would possibly impose a hardship. He questioned the logic of burdening a volunteer with such a task and asked how other small communities handle the situation. Mr. Crofts stated there are communities smaller than Rockville that participate. The annual report for example, takes 20 to 30 minutes to complete. It would also be necessary to ensure that building does not occur in the flood plain. He remarked that a Flood Plain Administrator is not a full-time position and the required duties do not add significantly to staff’s responsibilities. He did not expect that the time necessary to meet the requirements would total more than three hours of work per month.
David Hatfield commented that the Planning Commission is responsible for reviewing all plans for new construction and they also look at flood plain issues. Mr. Crofts described the basic duties of a Flood Plain Administrator. Mayor McGuire expected the Flood Plain Administrator to be a member of the Town Council.
The Mayor asked about liability if the Flood Plain Administrator approves something and problems result. Mr. Crofts responded that he cannot make flood plain determinations and that most cities require developers to conduct a flood determination. He explained that the program will not protect the Town from liability. If the Council were to decide not to participate in the NFIP and development were allowed to occur in a flood plain, the Town could potentially be liable. Mayor McGuire clarified that construction can take place in the flood plain; however, certain provisions must be met. It seemed to Megan Honer-Orton that the requirements will be difficult for a Town like Rockville to meet. Mr. Crofts stated that someone who wants to build in the flood plain will be required to comply with the necessary requirements. Flood insurance issues were discussed.
The Mayor invited questions from the audience. Citizens participating in the discussion included Bob and Tracy Jones, Allen Brown, John and Marlene Farrand.
One citizen stated that his house is not in the flood plain but his detached garage is. He refinanced his home earlier in the year and had to obtain flood insurance. Mr. Crofts stated that there are three major flood determination companies that exist. He suggested the citizen contact him by phone the following week.
Flood insurance issues were discussed. Mr. Crofts explained that currently landowners are forced to purchase flood insurance. One citizen stated that he pays $2,375per year for flood insurance.
Pam Leach reported that she received a letter from her lender indicating that she has to obtain flood insurance. She contacted FEMA and asked them what their determination was based on. She was unable to get anyone to provide her with elevation information. She expressed frustration that she could not get answers to her questions and stated that her neighbors and nearby homes are not in the flood plain while her home is. Mr. Crofts stated that most likely her property is in an Approximate A Zone, which does not have base flood elevations and cross sections. He explained how flood plain determinations are made and stated that they typically follow the topographical lines.
Pam stated that the primary difference between NFIP coverage and private insurance is cost. Private flood insurance can cost over $2,400 while the NFIP can provide the same coverage for about $380. Mr. Crofts explained that a property owner outside the flood plain is not required to purchase insurance, although that is an option for those who are interested.
Mr. Crofts stated that the flood plain map for Washington County was completed in April 2008 and is the most modernized map in the State. He suggested that the next step be for Rockville to contact his office and ask to be placed on their list of municipalities with unmet needs.
Mayor McGuire clarified that by joining the NFIP, the Town is not purchasing insurance but will make individual property owners eligible to purchase it. Mr. Crofts explained that after studying the materials, the Council will understand that the program is voluntary but they should join the NFIP to protect residents who own property in the flood plain. He went on to state that if any portion of a property touches the flood plain, a surveyor must be hired to perform additional studies. If no structures are located in the flood plain area, a property does not have to be insured.
Megan Honer-Orton stated that while it is free to join NFIP, there are administrative costs passed on to the Town of Rockville for administering and adopting the ordinances. Mr. Crofts stated that there are some indirect costs but there are also some direct resources that are offered. He suggested the possibility of recruiting a retired geologist in the community to volunteer to serve as the Town’s Flood Plain Administrator.
Megan asked about the timeframe for applying for NFIP. Mr. Croft expected it to take one week if there are no problems with the application. If there are problems, however, the process can take several months. For that reason he likes to review the flood plain ordinance before submitting the application.
Timing and procedural issues were discussed. The matter was to be included on the September agenda for public hearing. Town Clerk, Elaine Harris, recommended Mr. Crofts review the ordinance prior to conducting the public hearing.
5. PUBLIC COMMENT – There was no public comment.
6.
REPORT
AND ACTION, IF NECESSARY, ON RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION –
PLANNING REPRESENTATIVE – Planning Commission Chair
Megan Honer-Orton MOVED to approve the paragraph added to the Zone 2 Fire Suppression Information and Building Permit as presented by the Planning Commission. Pam Leach SECONDED the motion. A roll call vote indicated all those present VOTED in favor of the motion.
Chair Hatfield stated that the Home Occupation Permit issue on the Planning Commission agenda was not addressed as the applicant was not present at the meeting. The matter was tabled to a future meeting.
7. APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION TO APPOINT A ROCKVILLE RESIDENT TO THE SOUTHWEST MOSQUITO ABATEMENT AND CONTROL DISTRICT (SWMACD) BOARD OF DIRECTORS – Mayor McGuire reported that Linda Behling has served in that capacity for the last few years and with the new Director, the intent was make the appointment in a new resolution. The Mayor read the resolution in its entirety.
David Hatfield MOVED to approve Resolution 09-0812-1. Jeff Ballard SECONDED the motion. A roll call vote indicated all those present VOTED in favor of the motion.
8. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING PARTICIPATION IN A TRANSIT FEASIBILITY STUDY – Mayor McGuire reported that emails were sent to Ken Sizemore and Tom Dansie and a letter was received from Kurt Hutchings who was working on rural transportation issues. The Mayor explained that the matter involved rural transportation in the area since there is not a metropolitan transportation system in the area like there is in St. George. The intent is to perform a feasibility study on providing a transportation system from Hurricane to Springdale. The estimated cost varies between $50,000 and $75,000. The Mayor reported that UDOT has already committed to funding a majority of the project. The local match required for the project would be between $10,000 and $15,000. Mr. Hutchings provided three different options and described how the local match could be divided.
David Hatfield asked if a stop would be proposed in Rockville. Mayor McGuire was not sure and stated that at this point the intent was to simply perform a feasibility study. He asked for input from the Council as to whether they would be interested in the proposed transportation system. Jeff Ballard was interested if it will reduce traffic. The Mayor commented on the public transportation system in St. George, which he indicated is continually broken. The cost for the average rider is $7 due to low ridership. He was unsure it was something Rockville will want to do. Megan commented that it might be useful if Rockville residents can benefit from the system.
David suggested the Town participate in the study since the results will be of interest. Megan commented that there are some in Town who might use the system. David suggested a paragraph be included in the newsletter describing what has been proposed. Mayor McGuire did not support that idea and was of the belief that everyone will be interested but no one will respond. He explained that the description of the system does not imply that there will be stops along the corridor and is meant to primarily service visitors and employees of Zion National Park. In addition, the Mayor questioned whether UDOT would permit busses to stop along the road unless cut outs are constructed.
Megan Honer-Orton MOVED that the Council sign Rockville’s portion of the transportation study in order to have some input into the final version of the plan. In the meantime, the Council should determine whether there are Rockville residents who would be interested in riding such a shuttle if it were made available. David Hatfield SECONDED the motion. A roll call vote indicated all those present VOTED against the motion with the exception of Megan Honer-Orton and David Hatfield who voted in favor. The motion was defeated.
9. APPROVAL OF EXPENDITURES FOR THE MONTH OF JULY 2009 – Megan Honer-Orton MOVED to approve the expenditures for the month of July 2009. Pam Leach SECONDED the motion. A roll call vote indicated all those present VOTED in favor of the motion.
10. APPROVE MINUTES OF THE JULY 15, 2009, REGULAR MEETING –The minutes were reviewed and modified.
Jeff Ballard MOVED to accept the minutes of the July 15, 2009 regular meeting, as corrected. Pam Leach SECONDED the motion. A roll call vote indicated all those present VOTED in favor of the motion.
11. MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
AND COMMENTS – David
Hatfield reported that he attended the August 4 Historic Commission
Meeting and stated that the National Historic Register nomination is still in
progress. He commented that there were no minutes available for review at
their last meeting. David reported that the Commission Members present
recommended new appointments be
Mayor McGuire asked if only a Rockville resident can be a member of the Rockville Historic Commission. David responded that all of the members were originally Rockville residents prior to Jack Burns moving out of Town. He has, however, continued to serve ever since. David had no objection to Mr. Burns’ continued service. He explained that the ordinance that created the Commission in 1997 indicated that it should consist of five members. He asked that the ordinance be amended and the item included on the next agenda. He recommended it be amended to indicate that the Commission shall consist of at least five members. David stated that anyone with an interest in serving should be allowed to. He agreed to present the proposed amendment to Ordinance Number 97-0618-1 to at the next Council Meeting. Clerk Harris clarified that a public hearing was not required.
David indicated that the Historic Commission was reestablished specifically to obtain grants and noted that the grants presently pending are for Grafton.
David indicated that the Grafton Heritage Partnership newsletter was in progress and will be mailed out within the next month. The newsletter was new and similar to the one distributed in the past.
David reported that the Graton Reunion is scheduled for September 26.
David informed the Council that one of the members of the Grafton Partnership, Ron Morris, is considering publishing a photo history of Grafton. Mr. Morris had in his possession samples of a book he compiled for his family that was very well done. David thought it would be worthwhile to obtain a copy for the Town. He announced that the next meeting of the Grafton Partnership and the Historic Commission would be November 10.
Megan Honer-Orton reported that Willard Hirschi sent the group a letter granting the Solar Committee permission to light the Town sign using solar lighting as long as the lighting was not on a pole.
Megan indicated that the Solar Committee is in the process of gathering prizes and auction items for Rockville Days. She also noted that the Solar Committee may be renamed The Energy Efficiency Committee depending on the desire of the members. The focus of the group, in addition to solar issues, will be energy efficiency. She commented that the next time the Committee meets they will consider a name change.
Mayor McGuire indicated that with regard to the Grafton Partnership, he signed applications for Jack Burns to obtain copies and provided him with a new application for the Certified Local Government Grant. He noted that it had to be completed by the end of August.
The Mayor read a letter received from Intermountain Heath Care relative to a flu outbreak. He stated that the more resources the community has, the fewer people who will be exposed. The matter was scheduled for discussion on September 1 at the Mayors’ Association Meeting where there was a desire to have people from the community present to hear the update. A community preparedness worksheet was provided. As Megan was unable to attend, the Mayor asked her to prepare a brief update for him to present at the meeting.
There was some question as to the kind of supplies the Town should have on hand in the event of an emergency. Mayor McGuire stated that there should be fundamental supplies such as soap as water available. He also suggested items such as bottled water and hand sanitizer be in the possession of the Town. David asked the Mayor to inquire during the meeting as to whether funds are available to purchase certain items such as cots. The Mayor agreed to ask but expected the Town to provide for itself. Megan suggested an article appear in the newsletter asking for donations. The reality in the eyes of the Mayor would be a situation where people are sleeping on the floor of the community center. He did not expect the Town to have cots but perhaps blankets. He stressed the importance of being prepared.
Megan reported that an email list has been compiled where information can be disseminated to members of the community who have signed up for it.
Mayor McGuire verified that the Council Members had copies of the Rockville Risk Management Report with photos. Council Members volunteered to assume various assignments on the list.
The Mayor requested that the Planning Commission Chair
make completion of the Rockville Zoning Map a priority.
Mayor McGuire reported that the Town needs to renew its membership with the Arbor Day Foundation.
The Mayor indicated that for the 2010 census, the Town has had dialogue with census takers in the area who have been using GPS technology to identify buildings. The intent is to mail out the census questionnaire to every home. Households that do not submit a response will be contacted personally. There was concern some about homeless people in Town. The Mayor identified Mosquito Cove and stated that there are people who live there from time to time.
Pam Leach asked the Council for input on types of events for Rockville Days this year. The Mayor recommended they obtain a snow cone machine since they are very popular. He also suggested a basketball shoot out tournament. There was to be a general store and possibly an auction at the event as well depending on the donations received. The Mayor remarked that the Town is competing these days with other agencies with regard to donations.
Jeff Ballard reported that he attended the Police Commission Meeting the previous week where cost issues were discussed. He indicated that there were no unusual expenses reported last quarter. He invited the Council to comment on the service. Mayor McGuire thought they were doing a good job particularly with regard to visibility in Town. He did suggest, however, that they set up at different hours. He remarked that there are times where there is excessive speeding since people know there are no police on patrol. Jeff commented that the highest costs are court costs. The Mayor asked to be provided with more detail on the court costs.
12. TOWN BUSINESS – Clerk Harris asked that the Council discuss the posting cabinets that have become almost unusable. Possible options were discussed. The Mayor recommended that rather than focusing on the existing boxes, something be obtained that is up to date and smaller.
Clerk Harris reminded the Council Members that the two Town buildings were rented out the following weekend for a wedding.
Newsletter deadlines were discussed. Clerk Harris asked the Council to determine whether campaign statements should be included in the Town newsletter. The consensus of the Council was to allow them.
A question was raised about culinary water and how much
was being purchased from
13. ADJOURN – Pam Leach MOVED to adjourn. David Hatfield SECONDED the motion. A roll call vote indicated all those present VOTED in favor of the motion.
The Meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
Minutes prepared by:
Teri Forbes, Owner
T Forbes Group