Rockville Town Council
August 10, 2011
Rockville Community Center
1. CALL TO ORDER – ROLL CALL – Mayor Allen Brown called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. The following members of the Rockville Town Council were present: David Hatfield and Pam Leach. Jeff Ballard and Megan Honer-Orton were excused. See attached list for others present. Town Clerk Elaine Harris recorded the meeting.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Mayor Brown led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. DECLARATION OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST WITH AN AGENDA ITEM – No conflicts were declared.
4. RED ROCK RELAY PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION – TIM COLLINGS – The applicant, Mr. Tim Collings, gave an overview of the event, which is scheduled for September 9 and 10. Council Members asked questions regarding race details. Mr. Collings invited the Town to participate by providing water and/or encouragement. He anticipates that the runners will be passing through Rockville on Saturday, September 10 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Mayor Brown noted that there have been problems in past races with runners encroaching on the traffic lane. Mr. Collings stated that this year, the runners will be running on the other side of the road where there is a broader shoulder. He hopes this will minimize traffic issues. In response to a question by Mayor Brown, Mr. Collings indicated that the Town is named as an insured on the race’s liability policy. He will provide a copy of the policy to the Town. David Hatfield suggested notifying residents of the race and the potential traffic issues on the highway. Mr. Collings agreed to provide a notice to be added to the Town’s newsletter.
5. PUBLIC COMMENT - Clerk Harris read a statement submitted by Town resident Leon Lewis regarding surveys done in Rockville by Mark Schraut. The statement is attached hereto.
6. REPORT AND ACTION, IF NECESSARY, ON RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION – PLANNING COMMISSION REPRESENTATIVE CHAIR SHARON HATFIELD – Chair Hatfield reported that the Planning Commission approved a commercial film permit. The filming, which is to take place in Grafton, will occur during the first part of September. The Planning Commission also approved its bylaws and scheduled a public hearing regarding proposed amendments to the Land Use Code.
7. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON A RESPONSE LETTER FROM ZION OUTBACK SAFARIS AND JEEP TOURS REGARDING NOISE DISTURBANCE IN ROCKVILLE - DUSTIN SPADARO – Pam Leach indicated that she had been contacted by Mr. Spadaro regarding the use of loudspeakers and alternatives to reduce the amount of noise generated by the tours. Mayor Brown suggested that the tours could use the microphone only between houses to minimize noise. Mr. Spadaro pointed out that he has been operating in Rockville for nine years and has never before had complaints about his tours. He indicated that, based on his research, the complaints are coming from an area of town that his tours do not pass through. He would like more information regarding the complaints to make sure that his tours are the problem. He is also investigating alternatives to minimize noise and to ensure that he complies with any noise ordinances.
Mr. Spadaro also addressed potential fees to drive through Grafton. He is careful with the road and does not enter Grafton when the road is muddy. David Hatfield indicated that the Grafton Heritage Partnership has raised concerns regarding tours through the town and suggested charging a fee. Mayor Brown noted that the Town is responsible for maintaining the roads used by the tourists and a fee would help to offset the costs of the wear and tear, but he agreed that Mr. Spadaro’s company should not be singled out.
Mr. Eric Brantley remarked that Zion Adventures uses headphones for its tours to minimize noise pollution.
Pam observed that the noise generated by the tours is not loud and the vehicles do not drive too fast. Overall, she feels that the intrusion is minimal.
Mr. Barry Sochat, a Rockville resident, indicated that other tour companies sometimes drive down the hill too fast, jeopardizing bicyclists and pedestrians.
Mayor Brown suggested that the tour companies work with the Town and with the Grafton Heritage Partnership to come to an acceptable solution with respect to the noise and maintenance of the road and bridge.
8. DISCUSSION REGARDING THE UPCOMING SESQUICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION – Mayor Brown requested suggestions from Town Council members and other residents regarding activities and a potential date for the sesquicentennial celebration. Potential activities were discussed.
Barry Sochat suggested a duck race. Another resident suggested that older residents could submit reminiscences of their lives and of the town.
Clerk Harris will include a request for suggestions in the newsletter.
9. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ON NOTIFICATION TO PROPERTY OWNERS REGARDING REMOVAL OF DANGEROUS FIRE CONDITIONS DUE TO DRY FIELDS – Mayor Brown suggested mailing reminders about dry weed removal to property owners.
Pam Leach MOVED to notify residents about proper disposal of combustibles on their property due to high fire danger in the community. David Hatfield SECONDED the motion.
Pam suggested including the notice with the newsletter mailing. A roll call vote indicated all those present VOTED in favor of the motion.
10. APPROVAL OF EXPENDITURES FOR THE MONTH OF JULY 2011 – TOWN CLERK – Clerk Harris noted that checks written to non-vendors do not appear on the monthly report. She intends to write checks only to vendors to correct the problem. Pam Leach MOVED to approve the expenditures for the month of July 2011. David Hatfield SECONDED the motion. A roll call vote indicated all those present VOTED in favor of the motion.
11. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE JULY 13, 2011 TOWN COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING AND REGULAR MEETING - David Hatfield MOVED to approve the minutes of the July 13, 2011 Public Hearing and Regular Meeting, as written. Pam Leach SECONDED the motion.
Pam remarked that she liked the fact that the minutes were sent out prior to the meeting for review. Clerk Harris agreed to continue sending them out via email for review and consider suggestions, unless a proposed change would change the meaning of the proceedings.
A roll call vote indicated all those present VOTED in favor of the motion.
12. MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Pam Leach noted that Rockville Daze will be held October 1, 2011. She asked about the driveway repairs next to the new office building. Mayor Brown will meet with Dan McGuire and the contractor regarding the repairs. Pam suggested consulting an independent contractor to determine whether the work is substandard and, if so, to write a letter to that affect that can be shown to the original contractor. She also reported that the facing on the front steps of the main hall is crumbling. Mayor Brown stated that he has requested Clerk Harris to develop a schedule of regular major maintenance items for the Community Center.
David Hatfield reported that ZC3 will give a presentation on dispersed camping in Zion Canyon on August 11, 2011. Input from residents is welcome. David also suggested deleting “Patriots Day” from the list of days on which the Town displays its flags. He thinks Veterans Day recognizes all the armed forces. He also suggested adding Pioneer Day. Mayor Brown recommended adding the issue to the September agenda.
Mayor Brown has drafted an informational letter regarding Rockville to be presented to local politicians. The letter addresses local issues and priorities. He welcomes review and input. Mayor Brown has also received a complaint regarding barking dogs. He would like to add the issue to the September agenda. Mayor Brown also noted the vacancy on the Planning Commission. To date, no applicants have presented themselves for consideration. Mayor Brown presented the public safety cost analysis. The Town has been assessed $5,400 for the last quarter. Clerk Harris noted that the Springdale Police Department has been asked to perform the fingerprinting for both Washington and Iron Counties. There will be substantial revenue generated by the fingerprinting.
13. TOWN BUSINESS – Clerk Harris reported that the ceiling tiles in the recreation hall need to be repaired. She has contacted some contractors regarding the work. She also stated that the door locks have been repaired and a deadbolt installed between the Post Office and the restroom.
Sharon Hatfield suggested that the tour companies conducting tours in Rockville should be required to pay a fee to offset the wear and tear on the roads and local environment. Clerk Harris indicated that, although the tour companies have business licenses in Springdale, many of them are operating beyond their licenses. They may need conditional use permits to continue operating as they are. If so, Rockville could have some input regarding the conditions imposed. Mayor Brown is discussing the fee issue with the Town’s attorney, Mr. Russell Gallian.
14. ADJOURN – David Hatfield MOVED to adjourn. Pam Leach SECONDED the motion. A roll call vote indicated all those present VOTED in favor of the motion.
The meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m.
Minutes prepared by:
Teri Forbes, Owner
T Forbes Group
APPROVED:
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Mayor Allen Brown
A synopsis of the foregoing minutes was posted at the cabinet on the north side of SR-9 near Dennett Lane, the Rockville Town Office, and the cabinet located on the north side of SR-9 near Bridge Road by __________________ at approximately __________ AM/PM on ______________.
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