City of Ballard

The council meeting addressed the adoption of the Wildland Urban Interface Map and approved conditional use permits (CUP) for oil and gas projects by Uintah Wax and Crescent Energy. Candidates for Uintah County Commissioner introduced themselves to the council. Engineering updates included discussions on rights-of-way for infrastructure projects, revisions to subdivision ordinances and fee schedules, and the need for a consolidated, accurate zoning map. Reports were provided regarding community events, planning and zoning activities, and the potential need for an additional professional staff member to handle building and planning demands. The council concluded by reviewing financial reports and entering an executive session to discuss personnel, litigation, or real estate matters.

The work meeting focused primarily on development process discussions. This included a review of design and construction standards and associated fees, during which concerns were raised regarding the necessity for additional sidewalks, prompting a request for further engineering research. A review of Subdivision Title 14 led to requests for clarification on front yard setbacks, specifically whether measurements originate from the roadway center or the right of way. Additionally, the Governing Bodies requested a revision of the curb and gutter ordinance language to maintain clarity on the 6-inch standard. An initial review of Land Use Title 15 addressed concerns about the site plan approval process, emphasizing the need to include Public Works and Engineering staff and utilize a standardized departmental checklist. Discussions concerning the Wildland Urban Code were deferred due to limited attendance.

The work meeting focused primarily on development process discussions conducted by Kendall Welch of Jones and DeMille. Key discussions included a review of construction standards and associated fees, prompting Governing Bodies to request further research on sidewalk necessity and structural designs utilized by other organizations. Regarding Subdivision Title 14, clarification was sought on setback measurements (from roadway or right-of-way). Furthermore, the Land Use Title 15 review highlighted concerns over the site plan approval process, emphasizing the need to integrate Public Works and Engineering staff with standardized checklists. The discussion regarding the Wildland Urban Code was tabled due to limited attendance.

Key discussions included the FFSL Wildfire Urban Interface Map Approval, requiring research into the Wildland Urban Interface Code and mitigation practices for existing and new constructions. The Council considered approval for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for Uintah Wax Operating LLC concerning a deceleration lane enhancement, adding a condition that road improvements must be completed before fracking commences. The need for securing bids for generators for the city office and shop was addressed, with a requirement for at least two bids, preferably from local companies. Furthermore, the Council discussed the necessity of appointing a new zoning administrator, with a suggestion to establish a full-time position for a city planner/manager certified as a building inspector to manage development and enforcement. A work session was scheduled to discuss ordinances, zoning, and administrative matters. An engineering update covered tree removal, right-of-way negotiations, and the need to update zoning ordinances via public hearings to ensure developers cover costs for inspections and reviews, aligning with state legislation.

The meeting included two public hearings. The first addressed a property rezone request for 212 N Union ST from Zone C2 to MH (Multifamily Residential zone) for 33 townhomes, which the Commission ultimately voted to deny and leave as Commercial zone, sending the decision to the Council. The second public hearing concerned the revision of Title 15.11.210 regarding Travel Trailer Ordinance, which establishes misdemeanor penalties for violations not rectified within 30 days. The revision was approved. Updates were provided on the CUP Highway Access, noting the need for engineered designs for acceleration and deceleration lanes. New business included the withdrawal of a U-Haul business license application for the current location, approval for a C-Can business license to rent/sell shipping containers, and approval for a business license for a home-based pump shop. The Commission also appointed Joe Allred as Chairman and agreed to continue meeting on the first Tuesday of every month at 6:00 PM.