Special P&Z Meeting For Water's Edge

Chris Coray, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah.   December 20, 2013. The Garden City Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Commission held a special meeting to discuss the current proposed resort development titled, “Water’s Edge”.  This proposed development is on the east side of the highway across from the church and goes all the way to the beach.  The meeting was held because the Appeals Board had ruled in the previous week that in a PUD (Water’s Edge is one) that the P&Z could make a recommendation to the town council that might not strictly adhere to other current ordinances, especially building height.

P & Z members present at the emotionally charged meeting were Lance Bourne, Chairman, Mike Schiess, Chuck Stocking, Susann House, Dewayne Gifford, and Jim Stone.  Also present was an attorney representing the city, who was compensated for his time.  Chairman Bourne stated at the beginning of the meeting that this would be the biggest decision ever made by the P&Z, that the lake is the most important asset in the region, and that in his words, “Our job is to protect the lake”, and he indicated in his judgment that the P&Z should stay within existing height ordinances.

It was immediately clear that the main issue of concern was the proposed building height.  Norm Mecham, project developer, said, “A PUD has no restrictions on building height”.  He also indicated that if the proposed building heights were not approved, the building plans would be altered but it would significantly increase the building footprint.  Mecham had brought photos of existing views from 3 directions with blackened portions indicating where new buildings would obstruct current sight lines.

Chuck Stocking said that he believed the P&Z had the right to negotiate height.  Commissioner Susann House asked if there were buildings already present in the beach zone that exceeded the height allowed by existing ordinances.  The answer was yes, mostly for older structures.  Commissioner Dewayne Gifford said that he, like, Commissioner Stocking, believed that the P&Z was empowered to negotiate height in a PUD. Commissioner Schiess said that he thought exceeding existing height ordinances in a material way was a stretch.

Chairman Bourne permitted several comments and questions from the audience.  Bryce Nielson asked if the fire department could currently fight a fire at Ideal Beach, let alone at a new, higher development.  Fire Chief Mike Wahlberg said that the department could not now effectively fight a fire at Ideal Beach with current equipment.  He thought that some evacuation of humans might be possible, but with respect to the building, “It would burn”.

Chairman Bourne said that, “The attorney said we didn’t have the right to negotiate height”.  (Editor’s note:  the attorney did not say those words at the meeting.  Chairman Bourne said that those were the attorney’s words in an earlier conversation).

Commissioner Stocking made a motion to recommend project approval to the town council.  The motion died for lack of a second.  Commissioner Stone made a motion to deny the current project design.  It, too, died for lack of a second.  Commissioner Gifford than made a motion to recommend approval of the existing planned development to the town council.  It was seconded by Commissioner Stocking.  The P&Z then voted 3-1-1 in favor of the Gifford motion.  Voting yes were Commissioners Gifford, Stocking, and House.  Voting no was Commissioner Stone.  Commissioner Schiess abstained.  The meeting was then adjourned.