The original item was published from October 21, 2015 3:13 PM to October 21, 2015 3:33 PM
FROM THE MANAGER’S DESK:
Recently, I have received feedback from some people in the community that the City should provide more information regarding what work is going on in the City. They have also inquired on how to be better informed regarding programs and projects that we are currently active. While I have only been here a few months and trying very hard to meet with people in the community, I am realizing that in order to be more transparent, I need to be communicating on several platforms. To do this, the City will be providing information weekly through the Times Independent, our website (moabcity.org), Facebook and within the next few weeks; the radio. It is our hope that by using several methods of communication that we can begin an open dialogue with the community. It is our way of saying, we are listening and we are taking the steps to answer your questions.
As this week is the first column, there will be several things that will be covered. I don’t want to make it too long, so I will be discussing more next week as well. As there are a significant number of projects and programs, we are expecting and encouraging people to ask questions and to comment. Some of the priority projects we are working on are:
Skunks and Raccoons – Many City residents are experiencing issues and problems with skunks and raccoons in their backyards, on their roofs and sometimes in their homes (through the cat door). The problem is larger this year than in an average year because of the mild winter and the high moisture, thereby providing more insects and areas for habitat. Because of the high number of skunks and raccoons in the city, the Council has recently approved some funding for us to begin to assist residents in removing the skunk and raccoon issues faced by many residents. We are utilizing a local contractor to trap and remove these animals. If you are experiencing a problem with skunks or raccoons, please contact Animal Control at 435-259-8938 and they will schedule the traps to be set with the contractor. Please remember not to leave cat or dog food outside, which will help to minimize the attraction to your yard.
Master Drainage Plan Update – The City Council recently approved funding for a master drainage plan. This plan will designate the priority of projects that are needed throughout town to reduce flooding concerns during large storm events. This process will have a public input opportunity in the next few months. The public will be afforded time to discuss with the engineers where they have seen problem areas and flooding. Please watch this column for the announcement providing a date and location for the meetings to discuss drainage concerns. If you have questions now, please contact the City Engineering Office at (435) 259-4941.
Transportation Issues – As Utah Department of Transportation begins their design review of Main Street, I have heard from a number of residents and visitors regarding the two yellow flashing lights on Main Street. There is consensus by these callers and the emails that these cross walk lights do not help people safely cross the roadway and need to be re-considered. That has been brought to UDOT’s attention. In addition to the pedestrian crossings, UDOT is looking at signal timing and the concept of balancing pedestrian crossings with the movement of trucks through the City. There will be opportunities to have public involvement in the finalization of the study results. In addition to the roadway issues, the City is also reviewing the condition of sidewalks throughout the community and beginning to determine the priority of replacement of sidewalks in a number of locations. Many locations are being lifted and becoming problematic due to the conflicts with tree roots; several of these locations include 100 E (behind City Market) and Kane Creek. If you have questions, please contact my office at (435) 259-5121.
Waste Water Treatment Plant – The staff has recently presented the Preliminary Design to the City Council. We are starting final design for the plant in the next several months. The design will incorporate elements that will assist us with the improved processing of excretory products (that comes from outhouses and vault toilet facilities that are pumped to a truck and then delivered to the Wastewater Facility). This excreta, which is more condensed than regular sewer flows, is collected from numerous locations throughout the County. In addition, the City is reviewing impact fees for both the City and Grand Water and Sewer service areas in a study that is planned to be completed in November. These impact fees are collected from new development of commercial or residential units built within service areas that process sewage in the City Treatment Plant. The City is also finalizing a sewer rate study that will evaluate rates for hotel rooms, residential units and commercial locations throughout the City and County that utilize the City Wastewater Treatment Plant. If you have questions, please call my office at (435) 259-5121.
Next week’s column will focus on the status of the general plan update, the downtown plan and updating the zoning code. If you have questions about these projects or others please call the city offices at (435) 259-5121.