Grand County

The meeting involved substantial discussion regarding recent news coverage by the Times Independent concerning tourism funding, specifically addressing perceived inaccuracies and sensationalized headlines that caused public contention regarding a $3.5 million expenditure figure. The board discussed the need for more responsible reporting and potentially issuing a letter to the editor, emphasizing the importance of context, especially when reporting on tax dollars. The members noted that while online articles were corrected, print versions were not, and that previous issues regarding misrepresented budget figures have recurred. The board also addressed internal operational matters, including motions and voting to structure subcommittee assignments for future review periods (e.g., April, May, June), with specific members volunteering or being assigned to the first group.

The board meeting, which experienced technical difficulties due to an internet outage, focused heavily on addressing concerns regarding recent local news coverage, specifically articles containing factual errors about tourism funding and branding expenditures, which had inflamed public opinion. Discussions centered on whether to issue a formal letter to media outlets like the Times Independent and the Salt Lake Tribune to correct the record and advocate for more accurate reporting. Board members proposed collaborating with the county's Public Information Officer to provide verified information proactively. Additionally, the board confirmed the composition of the first subcommittee, deciding to table the selection of the second subcommittee until a future meeting. There was also brief discussion regarding staffing needs, including open positions for a manager at Canyon Spirit and a Conference Services Manager.

The meeting focused primarily on the Non-Motorized Trails Master Plan update, which is being developed by Grand County Active Trails and Transportation, not directly by the Planning and Zoning department. This update integrates concepts from the previous 2005 trails plan and the 2020 Unified Transportation Master Plan, aiming to create a cohesive network for recreational trails and active transportation (walking, biking, rolling). The project is funded by a DOPA grant secured in 2023, with Alta Planning and Design hired as the consultant. Discussions included the importance of interfacing this plan with land use planning for future development areas. Concerns were also raised during citizen comments regarding high-density housing units (duplexes) lacking sufficient communal and living spaces, leading to neighborhood disturbances, and the process for submitting formal zoning code enforcement requests regarding building specifications.

The meeting commenced with reminders regarding ex parte communications. Key discussions included the approval of the previous planning commission meeting minutes and noting the absence of at-large presentations, with the Trails Master Plan to be heard during the public hearing. A county commission update covered the appointment of an official zoning administrator, a change regarding a plat from an ordinance to a resolution, and forthcoming public hearings. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to outlining the process for interviewing thirteen candidates for the Planning Commission, including limiting interviews to three minutes with only two core questions: why they want to serve and what they will bring to the commission. The process for voting and providing recommendations to the County Commission was detailed, emphasizing transparency. One candidate, Dennis Brown, withdrew his application. The body also adopted the Planning Commission 2026 meeting schedule, which included adjustments for holidays. Candidate interviews commenced alphabetically, starting with Kevin Bowden, while noting that some candidates were unavailable for in-person interviews.

The meeting commenced with a reflection on the accomplishments of the previous year, which included increasing affordable housing options, updating the HDH, funding affordable housing for the LITC program, and supporting a housing study. Financial oversight was implemented after cleaning up misappropriated TRT funds. Other accomplishments included creating a more transparent agenda review process, commissioning a LAR mapping for flood mitigation, purchasing a house for vulnerable community members, helping pass a bill for a cannabis pharmacy in Moab, passing a landscape ordinance for water conservation, acquiring CIB funding for a new fire truck, funding pickleball court construction, starting a new Christmas light tradition, finishing the Mud Springs bike trails, and funding the Grand County Senior Bus driver position. The primary agenda item involved the election of a new chair and vice chair for the 2026 calendar year, resulting in Commissioner Melody McCandless being nominated and elected as Chair, and the nominator as Vice Chair. Citizens addressed the Commission, primarily expressing strong support for Mary Hoffine's application to the Grand County Planning Commission, citing her extensive expertise in land use codes and general plans, which is crucial for the current undertaking to review and revise the Land Use Code. Additionally, citizens raised concerns regarding the lack of a county policy for travel expenditures and inconsistent spending among commissioners. The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote to enter executive session to discuss character fitness and competency.