Monticello City Council approves a zone change and hears a season-ending report from the Hideout Golf Course

The Monticello City Council received season-ending reports from the Hideout Golf Club and approved a zone change on the south end of town for a proposed high-security storage unit at their latest meeting.

A public hearing was held in response to a request to change zoning for land located on the southeast side of town at the November 9 meeting of the Monticello City Council.

The land, located near the intersection of 400 South and 100 East, is set to be sold to a group who intends to build secure, climate-controlled storage units on the site.

City Manager Evan Bolt said the change would make the land revenue-producing for the city, while boosting sales tax and creating some jobs. The proposed business would be staffed.

The land is also near several other commercial parcels. Bolt says other future plans for additional residential land in the city means he’s not overly concerned that this zone change would deplete housing.

Chris Orvin is the party interested in purchasing the property. Orvin, who also recently bought the Old West RV Park, explained he is in contact with a custom storage unit manufacturer in Missouri.

“All of that is in the works right now, but the proposed amount submitted to our bank is 270 units,” said Orvin. “They’re going to be ranging from $30 to $90 a month. They’re going to be from 5x10 up to 10x20.”

The facility will be fenced, with monitored cameras installed as well. Orvin reports they are pre-approved for their bank, with the zone change being the outstanding issue holding up the project.

The exact size of the facility is not finalized, and questions about possible boat and RV storage, as well as reports from a civil engineer, may change the size of the proposed facility.

The property owner of the larger of the two parcels inherited it a few years ago. She says while she’s been trying to clean up a mess left by a former owner, she is happy to report that Orvin will finish the clean-up once the property is sold.

The city council approved the zone change unanimously.

At the meeting, the council also heard a report from Hideout Golf Pro Jeff Simon, who has just completed his first season as pro in Monticello.

Simon reports that revenue is up seven percent from last year, which was itself a record-breaking year.

“Golf worldwide has gone in that direction because of Covid,” said Simon. “We’ve been waiting for when it’s going to slow down and it hasn’t and I think the numbers say we can keep going and doing better.”

Simon says green fees across the nation have been golfer friendly for the past few years. Simon says he’d like to see an increase in the fees but still find a way not to hurt local golfers.

His suggestion is a Hideout card, something that locals could buy for around $50 that would get them a free round and a lower rate for the season.

Simon also reports that 134 season passes were sold, with good turnout at junior clinics. Simon says they plan to do more junior and ladies clinics next season.

Simon also recommended more signage for the course, pointing out that there is one sign advertising the course for drivers coming from Colorado. He often sees people turn around on the highway to come golf after noticing the sign near the course.

Simon also notes that next season will be the 20th year anniversary of the Hideout. They hope to celebrate the occasion with events, including possibly inviting the course designer back for a tournament.

“We’re working on a 20th anniversary logo for shirts and stuff like that to celebrate it,” said Simon. “I think we need to celebrate it, it’s a big deal.”

At the meeting first-year Hideout Course Superintendent Caleb Bailey also gave a brief presentation. Council and staff noted that the course improved throughout the year and they look forward to what Bailey can do with a full season. 

Bailey added that his work at courses in Utah County and at Real Salt Lake were part of a path to bring him back home to Monticello.

“This golf course is where I wanted to be in my career,” said Bailey, “so I tried to put myself in a position where I could eventually... come back.”

At the meeting, the council also received a report from Kate Goble, who chairs the city volunteer recreation committee.

Goble reports the volunteer group has met monthly since May, while also helping get word out about youth recreation programs.

The group sponsored a float in the Pioneer Day parade and held a corn hole tournament that raised $400 for the recreation department. During the county fair, they also raised $120 selling glow sticks to children and encouraging families to sign up for youth soccer.

The group has been involved in fielding parents questions and helping to organize coach volunteers.

Goble says they plan to put out a survey at the first of the year to solicit feedback for the department.