Monticello talks drought and fire concerns

by David Boyle
News Director
Members of the Monticello City Council spent a significant portion of their January 28 meeting discussing drought concerns, as well as fire risks in the Monticello area.
Following discussions the council approved a letter to residents emphasizing the reduction of fire hazards on personal properties, noting the particularly dry winter’s increase in risk for fires.
The letter also included a message about water conservation, with the council asking residents to be conscious of water consumption, both indoors and out.
In the meeting, staff noted the city has been proactively monitors water usage, and will contact residents with unusually high usage often to discover and resolve leaks.
The Monticello City Council also discussed strategic planning goals and the possibility of a golf cart code and goals for 2025 at their latest meeting.
The citywide goals include economic development, housing, recreation, tourism, public safety, transportation, utilities and other items.
City Manager Kaeden Kulow outlined five strategic goals he and Mayor Bayley Hedglin have identified for 2025, including securing the Spring Creek water project, upgrading the sewer system, reviewing the electrical grid contract, completing building upgrades and repairs, and increasing communication with the community.
Members of the Monticello City Council also spent time discussing the establishment of a golf cart code. Council considered a few items related to the code including mirroring the ATV/Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) code which allows operation of those vehicles to and from mountain recreation, with a similar statute considered for golf carts to be driven to and from homes and the golf course.
Another key consideration was age limits on the golf cart with a driver’s license requirement and an 18 years or older requirement both discussed. Council directed staff to bring the item back for discussion at a future meeting.
In planning and zoning news, members of the Monticello City Council approved an ordinance establishing regulations for the development of tiny home parks. The addition to the code is intended to provide developers with a framework for tiny home parks.
Additionally, the Planning Commission reported they are working on the annexation policy plan, permitted uses in various zones and a general plan revision in 2025.
Members of the council also completed an annual review of the open and public meetings act, and approved a letter of support for a grant application that would fund a drainage resiliency planning study for San Juan and Piute counties.
The council also received updates on the upcoming election, with the filing period for the mayor and two council seats opening in the first week of June.