Water Rates, Impact Fees and Rights

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  February 13, 2014.  Zan Murray from JUB Engineering talked about the draft of the master water plan for the City.  He noted that last month they had suggested new impact fees.  Next month they will have a review of water rates in order to keep the water enterprise fund solvent.  There will probably be a public hearing prior to the meeting to allow the public to give input dealing with the possible new impact fees and new monthly water rates.

Murray noted that there are certain fixed costs that are incurred with the water system, and there are variable costs that depend on water amounts.  These variable costs include operating costs, pumping costs, and so forth.  Currently he is trying to determine a base rate and how that will affect the citizens in the community.  He will have the recommendation for the fees at the March meeting.  The rates must include depreciation on water pipes and equipment as well as upkeep costs.  The rates must be such that stability and reliability will be maintained.  The master water plan will be ready next month.

Murray has been looking into water rights and the viability of leasing water.  The data they are currently using should be good for the next four or five years.

Murray next reported on the Water’s Edge project.  He noted that he was concerned about the north entrance/exist into the subdivision.  The adjacent subdivision currently has a lease of City property going into their subdivision that seemed almost too close to the Water’s Edge development. 

Murray noted that the traffic study level two by UDOT must be completed in reference to Water’s Edge, and the Army Corp. of Engineers need to finish their wet lands investigation.  UDOT also needs to look into the 50 South and 150 South entrances and exits onto Highway 30.  Reference to the fact that lake view corridors no longer exist in the current plan was noted.

Shundahi developers need to get the necessary easements finished up and to the City.  Also an easement for Eagle Feather is still outstanding.  There is a 20’ right-of-way that is pretty narrow and really should be made wider.  Paul Hodges has requested that they not dig through his property which creates a bit of a problem that must be cleared up.  The pump house on Shundahi froze and no easements have been given to the City from that facility.  Since Norm Mecham, Shundahi developer, thought it had been turned completely over to the City, and the City didn’t think it was their responsibility, it was decided that they would share the costs of repairs for the pump house 50/50.

Riley Argyle reported that one of the trucks is having quite a few issues.  The City needs to either get a new truck or a different one.  The new vehicle can be used as a backup when the current truck gives the workers difficulties and would be extremely helpful in the summer when the City has more workers that need transportation.   Riley recommended that some monies be put away each year in order to be able to purchase the needed truck.  Argyle also requested that more sand bags be purchased.  The last few won’t last long if there are water problems this spring.

As the City continues to grow, more redundancy needs to be created to handle snow removal.  It was difficult for the City to cope with the one large snow storm this month and noted that additional equipment will be needed in the future to handle all of the roads and situations that arise.  Most years, there is a carry over of salt and sand.  There will not be any carry over this year.  In fact, the City may run short.  This will impact the budget for the coming year and needs to be taken into account during the budget process.

It was noted that the new ordinance officer will also need a vehicle in order to carry out his responsibilities this summer.  It was decided if there were any extra funds, that a vehicle would be purchased.

Gary Cox was introduced as the new City Administrator as well as the new Ordinance Enforcement Officer.  He has years of experience in administration and has worked with large and small projects.  He is excited to be here and looking forward to working for the City.

George Peart was not at the meeting but had sent a report.  He noted there were no new building permits since the beginning of the year.  There have, however, been several short term rental inspections so far this year.  The County is currently looking into Garden City’s way of handling short term rentals since they need to equalize what is happening in the County with what Garden City has done to handle these types of businesses.  The Commissioners should come up with a plan in the next month or two.  Mayor Spuhler noted that he hoped the County would follow a similar plan so that there won’t be confusion caused by different requirements between the two governmental organizations.