Monticello moving secondary water rates from stage 2 to 3 starting August

by David Boyle
News Director
Members of the Monticello City Council approved higher secondary water restriction rates, held public hearings on water bonds and annexation policy and approved an agreement with Kigalia Fine Arts at their latest meeting.
With increased concerns regarding severe drought conditions impacting the area, members of the Monticello city council approved a move from stage 2 to stage 3 secondary water restrictions starting August 1.
The change means higher rates for secondary water usage paid by residents in order to promote conservation.
City staff and council agreed at their July 22 meeting to lead by example with a proposal to reduce municipal water usage including golf courses and parks by at least 25-percent and to strictly adhere to the 10:00 pm to 6:00 am water limitations. 
At the meeting it was mentioned that daytime watering can lead to 20-25-percent evaporation loss, highlighting the need for efficient watering during late evening and early morning hours.
Regarding specific parks the city and council agreed on the importance of maintaining the ball fields for continued use, however areas including Veterans, Circle, and Pioneer Park will receive maintenance watering, possibly as low as once or twice a week.
City staff did confirm that they’ve already reduced water usage by 25-30-percent compared to June usage and would start new adjustments at 75-percent watering.
Council also emphasized the need to communicate to the public the implications of stage three restrictions including potential bill increases for residents.
Members of the Monticello city council also held public hearings including a water revenue bond for just under $300,000. 
The bond will help the city gain access to an additional $1 million in grant money to purchase Spring Creek water rights, the city has already required most of the rights but the bond will help finalize and close out remaining purchases by September.
Members of the city council also held a public hearing for the city annexation policy update. 
A second hearing is scheduled for September 9 with anticipated approval on September 23rd.
City staff clarified that the annexation policy plan will not result in immediately taking land or drastically expanding city limits but will establish a framework for potential future annexations. 
While in most cases property owners apply to the city for annexation, the city can initiate the annexation process if the property utilizes city utilities or services, even then that requires a formal process including a vote by the city council.
One significant entity within the expansion area is the new hospital. 
San Juan Health and the city have plans to complete the annexation process by the end of the year.
Members of the city council also approved the use of city funds as necessary to complete the city sewer replacement project. 
City Manager Kaden Kulow explained that since late 2023 increases in pricing for pipes and labor have shown a worst-case scenario of an additional $300,000 needed to complete the project. The city planned to pull $200,000 from the street funds for road reconstruction and $100,000 from general savings as needed.
The seven-figure project includes $1.3 million from the division of water quality as well as funds leftover from the American Rescue Plan Act.
Additionally at the meeting the council approved the purchase of new dumpsters from a different vendor. The price should be significantly cheaper saving the city between $200-400 for each new dumpster.
Members of the Monticello City Council also heard from Ellen Williams of the Kigalia Fine Arts.
Williams explained the council’s 40-year mission has been to promote professional quality performances and provide a venue for local artists.
Williams noted in the past year the group has brought performances including BYU Vocal Point, Living Legends and the Cedar City Shakespearean company as well as collaboration with Utah Symphony and Opera Companies reaching the entire county.
In addition the organization has had local involvement including art shows and supporting the Cedar Mesa Symphonic Orchestra. 
This year Kigalia is looking to bring additional programming and is pursuing a $40,000 grant for outdoor concert programming in Blanding and Monticello.
Kigalia Fine Arts requested a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the city to formalize their partnership and collaborate on future event planning. 
Members of the council approved the MOU.
Members of the council also approved the purchase of a dunk tank for future fundraising events, the purchase was mostly funded by a $5,000 donation from Browns Towing.
Members of the council also made plans to schedule a meeting with the planning commission in August to update the city general plan. 
That document will guide future development and be essential to securing grant funding.
Members of the city council also approved a franchise agreement with Rocky Mountain Power. 
Kulow clarified that the agreement allows Rocky Mountain Power to use public right of ways to get to transport energy through the city but it does not make them a power provider for the city as the city will continue its agreement with Empire Electric.