Here is information about a number of things happening in Ivins: Ground mounted solar is being considered for residential neighborhoods, changing exterior building color requirements, implementing water conservation requirements for new construction, updating the City’s General Plan and Land Use Plan, looking into signing up to UTOPIA Fiber, new Arts Commission appointments, the creation of the Ivins youth Council, and City sponsorship of the annual Wreaths Across America ceremony.
Ground Mounted Solar
The City Council discussed the Planning Commission’s recommendations for allowing ground mounted solar in Ivins. The Council appears to be unanimously against allowing commercial solar farms, but in favor of allowing ground mounted solar in all residential zones. They expressed concerns about some issues, particularly screening. There will be a public hearing on this soon, but until then it would help to get your input.
Exterior Building Colors
Ivins has required building exteriors to be warmer muted earth tones for years so that, as the City’s ordinance states, “buildings compliment and be in harmony with the natural environment.” The Planning Commission is questioning this requirement because, as a tour of this year’s Parade homes shows, there is a trend towards white, grays and other cooler colors. They also question whether the City’s regulation of color is over-regulation.
They have spent many meetings discussing this, so it is clearly a thorny issue that needs public input. There will be a public hearing, probably on March 15th. The photo below shows two Parade homes that illustrate the different color ideas.
Water we to do?
The Washington County Water Conservancy District (WCWCD) is getting detailed information on how many commitments cities have made for new development, and therefore water. With that information, the WCWCD is working with the cities on how to manage and allocate water connection commitments.
At the same time, WCWCD is looking to cities to pass its proposed water conservation ordinance for new construction as quickly as possible. Recommendations in the proposed ordinance include limiting grass, requiring recirculating hot water, using water and energy efficient appliances and fixtures, limiting water features, landscaping requirements, and more.
Download WCWCDs proposed ordinance. Please read it and share your ideas for effective measures to conserve water.
This is a critical issue that deserves a lot of public involvement and input as soon as possible. The City Council will be discussing this soon, hopefully next week, so your input now is important.
General Plan and Land Use Plan Updates
The Planning Commission continues to discuss changes to the Land use Plan at each meeting. Last week they talked about where to locate commercial development and denser housing and considered eliminating two currently allowed uses primarily because of concerns about water: golf courses and car washes.
They decided to leave them in but will spend more time looking at ways to minimize the noise impact from car washes. They will continue to discuss these issues at their March 1st meeting and plan to have one or more community meetings to get input as well as a public hearing.
Know More in Less Time
We’re dealing with big issues this year. It pays to be as informed as possible when they come up to public hearings. Here’s a simple way to do that without spending a lot of time. The audio of each meeting is on the City’s website the day after the meeting. Maybe late in the day.
Go to www.ivins.com and near the upper right of the home page under “upcoming meetings” click on Planning Commission or City Council under “Sections on this page.” That takes you to links for every meeting. For yesterday’s meeting, click on the “audio” link. Now, instead of having to listen to the entire meeting, just click on the topic you are interested in.
You can also watch the meetings live on the City’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfX1N0kbibzQ9M76_k37c1g. It’s new this year and has been frustrating with so many problems. But hopefully it starts working glitch-free soon.
UTOPIA Fiber
There was a presentation on UTOPIA Fiber. See the February Ivins newsletter for more information and answer the survey at https://form.jotform.com/220255139928156. This is a service the City is considering if enough residents want to sign on to it.
New Arts Commission Appointments
Three new members were appointed to the Ivins Arts Commission: Liz Fortney, Sally Jacobsen, and Daphne Schroth. Also, two members of the Commission were reappointed: Connie Gates and Jennifer Pleiki. The Arts Commission is working on some exciting projects we’ll hear more about soon.
The new Ivins Youth Council
The City Council approved the creation of the “Ivins Youth Council” for youth in grades 9-11 who live in Ivins. They will act as advisors to the Mayor and City Council and be a voice for youth on city issues. See more information on the Ivins youth Council website at http://IvinsYouthCouncil.com
Wreaths Across America
Anton Kuhlman, a 91-year-old Navy veteran, has funded the annual Wreaths Across America ceremony for veterans at the Ivins Cemetery. Ivins residents, Laela Gaylord and Tiffany Martineau, asked the City to step in to fund this each year. The City Council agreed.
Please share your comments and tell me about other Ivins issues I have not addressed in recent posts. CONTACT ME
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