Logan council adopts canal access notice rules; summer power shortfall flagged

Decisions at a glance

Agenda, item by item

1. Appointment

   Library Board appointment

   Approved · 5-0

   The council ratified Frank Stewart to a three-year term on the Library Board.

   Moved by Council Member Tom Jensen, seconded by Council Member Mark Anderson. Vote: 5-0; the minutes say the motion carried unanimously, counted here as the 5 council members present

2. Roads and utilities

   Summer power supply

   Discussed

   Light and Power Director Mark Montgomery and Resource Manager Yuqi Zhao said a 15 megawatt base contract and a 10 megawatt contract end in March 2022, leaving a 25 to 35 megawatt shortfall for summer. The city bought 10 megawatts for April and May at $40 a megawatt-hour and 10 megawatts for October 2022 to March 2023 at a weighted average of $53.87, but had found no June to September supply at a reasonable price, with one quote of $205. Montgomery estimated about $14 more a month for an average homeowner if summer power is bought, and said rate increases are possible if prices stay high. The city signed up for 15 megawatts under a 15-year contract in the ENCHANT program and a power purchase agreement is expected in about three months. No action.

   • PurchaseAmount not given to DGT 10 MW for April and May 2022 at $40 per MWh. Paid from Light and Power fund
   • PurchaseAmount not given to DGT 10 MW for October 2022 to March 2023 at $53.87 per MWh weighted average. Paid from Light and Power fund

3. Item 1 · Budget

   Budget adjustment, Resolution 22-02 (public hearing)

   Approved · 5-0

   With no comment, the council appropriated $77,435 in state alcohol funds for police enforcement, $100,223 in wildland fire reimbursements and a $5,948 grant for an electric utility vehicle.

   • Grant$77,435 to State of Utah Police alcohol enforcement. Paid from State alcohol funds
   • Payment$100,223 Wildland fire reimbursements. Paid from Reimbursements
   • Grant$5,948 to UCAIR Electric utility vehicle. Paid from UCAIR grant

   Moved by Council Member Tom Jensen, seconded by Council Member Amy Anderson. Vote: 5-0; the minutes say the motion carried unanimously, counted here as the 5 council members present

4. Item 2 · City code

   Watercourse maintenance, Ordinance 22-02 (public hearing)

   Approved · 5-0

   The council adopted amendments to Section 12.28.050 extending the notice period to property owners from 24 to 48 hours, excepting emergencies, allowing access within easements and requiring repair of damage outside them. Failure to give notice or denying access is a Class B misdemeanor; damage claims are private civil matters. Lou Ann Sakaki said she appreciated the 48-hour change and Anne Shifer said a canal company removed trees without notice.

   Moved by Council Member Tom Jensen, seconded by Council Member Ernesto López. Vote: 5-0; the minutes say the motion carried unanimously, counted here as the 5 council members present

5. Item 3 · Budget

   Budget adjustment, Resolution 22-06 (workshop)

   Discussed

   Staff proposed $980,000 in American Rescue Plan funds for fire station land acquisition, $10,000,000 in ARPA revenue recognition, $2,460 in wildland reimbursements and a $3 million reduction in a water allocation. Anderson said federal guidance requires the funds to go first into the general fund. Action was set for February 15.

   • Land deal$980,000 Fire station land acquisition. Paid from American Rescue Plan Act

   Follow Fire Station 70 relocation in the development tracker →

6. Item 4 · Zoning

   Rezone of 1262 West 2200 South to Commercial, Ordinance 22-03 (workshop)

   Discussed · 1262 West 2200 South

   Planner Russ Holley presented a request to rezone about 11 acres on three parcels in the Woodruff Neighborhood from RC to Commercial; the minutes give both 11.13 and 11.62 acres. The Planning Commission recommended approval 5-0 on January 13 and staff found it consistent with the 2008 future land use plan. Nibley City raised concerns about a shared sewer line and stormwater ponds, to be handled in design review. The school to the south is Thomas Edison and the adjacent business is CampSaver. Action was set for February 15.

   • Current zone to proposed: RC to Commercial
   • Acres: about 11.1 to 11.6 (minutes give both)
   • Planning Commission: recommended approval 5-0, January 13, 2022

   Follow 1262 West 2200 South commercial rezone in the development tracker →

7. Item 5 · Taxes and fees

   Parks and Recreation fee increases, Resolution 22-04 (workshop)

   Discussed

   Director Russ Akina said 419 of 742 services carry fees and costs have risen with wages and supplies; chlorine tablets cost $64,000 last year and service costs could rise about 40 percent. Pool reservation rates for groups rise while individual entry stays the same. Action was set for February 15.

8. Item 6 · Taxes and fees

   Parking violation penalties, Resolution 22-05 (workshop)

   Discussed

   Police Chief Gary Jensen proposed raising the standard parking fine from $25 to $35 and the late fee from $45 to $55, unchanged since 2012. About 300 citations are unpaid and four part-time officers enforce. Chair Simmonds questioned the fairness of one flat late fee. Action was set for February 15.

What residents said

Summer power costsCanal company access and noticePool and recreation fees

John Shivik asked the council to protect the heart of Logan as the city grows; two residents spoke on the watercourse ordinance.