Mt. Pleasant holds off on approval of 62-acre development
Council wary of request for 25-year development agreement
MT. PLEASANT—The Mt. Pleasant City Council postponed action on a proposed 62.4-acre housing development Oct. 13 as members raised additional concerns about a development agreement that could govern the project for 25 years.
The proposed planned unit development (PUD) is located south of Aspen Village Mobile Home Park, generally between 300 South and 700 South and 700 East and 900 East.
Project representative Scott Carlson previously described a development that would proceed in phases over as long as 25 years.
An anticipated first phase would include approximately 28 single-family lots and seven townhome buildings, with later development dependent on market demand.
At the Oct. 13 meeting, Councilman Cade Beck raised concerns about language in the agreement that would establish requirements different from existing city ordinances.
Beck questioned provisions addressing short-term rentals, accessory dwelling units and setbacks. He said the city had already spent considerable time developing ordinances governing those uses and questioned why the development should operate under separate rules.
Mayor Michael Olsen also expressed concerns about the agreement's duration, including provisions that would allow development to begin several years after approval.
"I don't like the 25-year agreement," Olsen said.
Council members discussed whether future phases of the development should comply with city ordinances in effect when final plats are submitted, rather than locking in requirements now for the entire development period.
Members agreed that the development agreement needed additional work and discussed meeting with the developer to address concerns before returning the matter to the council. The council did not approve the requested PUD overlay or development agreement.
Water master plan
The council also discussed updating the city's water master plan, a project estimated to cost approximately $75,000.
The existing plan goes back to 2008, according to the council discussion. City officials said the update would examine existing water supplies, water rights, groundwater resources, equivalent residential connections, storage requirements and future development needs. Members discussed the importance of having current information when considering new developments.
The plan could also support applications for infrastructure grants and help identify additional water sources or improvements needed to accommodate growth.
Staff reported that a five-year, interest-free loan through the Utah Division of Drinking Water might be available to help finance the study.
Several council members questioned the estimated cost and expressed concerns about delays experienced with previous engineering studies.
The council supported pursuing the update but requested competitive bids and a clearly defined project schedule. Members also discussed including financial penalties if the selected contractor fails to meet agreed-upon deadlines.
The council also discussed the secondary irrigation system and the need to better understand its existing water rights and the potential cost of developing additional water sources.
Tree trimming and sidewalks
The council approved a contract with Desert Tree Worx for utility-related tree trimming at a cost not to exceed $55,000.
The work is intended to continue the city's ongoing efforts to reduce conflicts between trees and electrical infrastructure.
Shane Ward, power department superintendent, discussed plans to improve communication with property owners before crews begin work. The city make direct contact with residents along with making public announcements so people know when trimming will occur.
The discussion followed concerns about previous trimming work, including disagreements over what work had been authorized and whether stump removal was included.
Officials discussed using written agreements and providing copies to property owners, the contractor and the city. Stump removal is not included in the new contract.
Council members also considered whether the city could eventually perform more tree trimming with its own employees and equipment rather than relying entirely on outside contractors. No change was made to the current approach.
In other infrastructure action, the council approved $3,100 for sidewalk improvements behind the recreation center, including work to improve accessibility near building entrances.