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Home , August 5

2021, Vol. 21 Issue Ivins City News

Monthly Newsletter

Inside the Issue Heritage Days Cover Our Growing Housing Crisis Page 1-2 August Agenda Items Page 2 Emergency Preparedness Page 3 School Updates Page 4 Parks & Recreation Page 5 Public Works Page 6 Pet Corner Page 7 Explore the Arts Page 8 Important Phone Numbers Page 9

Meeting Schedule 5:30 p.m. Ivins City Hall, 55 N Main Planning Commission , 2021 , 2021 OUR GROWING HOUSING CRISIS By: Chris Hart, Mayor City Council The cost of housing has increased more over the last year than any other time I can recall in my long career in homebuilding. There are some identifiable causes having to August 5, 2021 do with material and labor shortages, the rising cost of land and limited available , 2021 inventory but whatever the reasons it has compounded an already serious problem with

housing affordability and attainability in our area.

Blu Can Dates: Affordable housing particularly for individuals and families with moderate to low , 16, 30 incomes has long been a challenge across the country. Considerable effort and resources have gone into providing solutions but they are hard to identify, implement Dumpster Dates: and sustain. The cost of new housing has always been grounded in the cumulative costs , 21 of land, development, production, marketing and financing that are all subject to market conditions, and the cost of existing housing follows the same market trends. Thus to provide more affordable housing somehow those costs must be reduced or subsidized. Federal housing programs aren’t generally available here so somehow finding ways to cut costs is often our only option.

Costs can be reduced by limiting lot sizes or the land required per dwelling unit in the case of multifamily housing, reducing the size of homes or multifamily dwelling units, simplifying plans and specifications or soliciting donations to minimize material costs, utilizing donated labor as is done by Habitat for Humanity and other self-help housing providers to cut labor costs, and minimizing marketing and financing costs by qualifying buyers in house and utilizing moderate to low income loan programs .

Some of the barriers to utilizing these cost saving methods are NIMBY resistance to higher density housing and multifamily developments and the limited capacity of Continued on next page IVINS CITY NEWS August 2021, Vol. 21 Issue organizations like Habitat for Humanity to provide economical housing. And often when discounted housing is made available after a few years it can be sold at market value and it disappears AUGUST AGENDA ITEMS from the affordable housing inventory.

In their last regular session the Utah State Legislature made it legal for homeowners to rent out a portion of their home, something that has not been allowed heretofore in most communities including ours because of its conflict with “single family” zoning. That action made it possible for homeowners with an unused casita, basement or room to under certain conditions earn a little extra income while providing perhaps The following are some of the topics that be the most affordable housing available. My wife Sandy and I discussed at the August Planning Commission and City started our married life living in a basement apartment and I Council meetings. This is not a complete list and the suspect that’s the case with others of you. If you have an complete agendas will be posted on the website www.ivins.com 5 to 7 days prior to the meetings. interest in doing that just be sure to contact the City Building Agendas may be amended up to 24 hours prior to a Department to learn what you must do to comply with State meeting. Check the website the day before the scheduled requirements. meeting for the final agenda items to be discussed. If you have questions regarding any of the agenda items, please Ivins City has had an Affordable Housing Task Force in place call or e-mail Kari Jimenez at 435-628-0606 or for nearly four years working on this problem. Currently [email protected]. chaired by Planning Commissioner Bob Morris they have Planning Commission August 3, 2021 explored numerous ideas to help us increase our affordable Public hearing, discussion and consideration of Zone housing inventory. Specialists on this topic have graciously Change from RA-5 (Residential Agricultural, minimum donated their time to help us by providing insights and lot size 5 acres) and RA-1 (Residential Agricultural, suggestions. There is also a regional task force working on this minimum lot size 1 acre) to RE-15 (Residential Estates same problem County wide. Additionally we as a city are District, minimum lot size 15,000 sq ft) with an SLA (lot averaging), and R-1-5 (Residential Single Family, required to report to the State annually our affordable housing minimum lot size 5,000 sq ft) on approximately 18.495 inventory, plans and accomplishments. They have given us a acres, located at approximately 600 West to 800 West list of guidelines and possible solutions for us to use to select and Hwy 91. those that best fit our situation and we have pursued some of Discuss and consider recommendation of Hidden them already. Springs Class V Conditional Use Permit located at approximately 91 West Hwy 91. The unfortunate fact is that it is a very difficult problem to solve Discuss and consider approval of Indigo Trails Phase 2 and the need for more moderately priced housing increases and Final Plat, located at approximately Hwy 91 and broadens over time. The high cost of housing has sorely Kwavasa. Possible discussion & consideration of height exception affected our ability to hire and retain teachers, law enforcement for Black Desert Resort. officers, and a host of other essential service providers. In an Continued discussion regarding exterior colors. effort to try something new for the last two years I have been Continued discussion regarding detached accessory working with Senator Romney and Congressman Stewart’s dwelling units. offices to explore the possibility of acquiring BLM land to be held in a local Housing Authority trust to provide land Planning Commission August 17, 2021 specifically for affordable housing development and have (Nothing currently scheduled) recently broadened that conversation to include SITLA to do City Council August 5, 2021 the same thing for teacher housing. There are lots of obstacles Public hearing, discussion and consideration of Ord. but it’s one of several possible solutions that we’re exploring. 2021-11 amending the Subdivision and Zoning Difficult as it is to solve we remain committed to continue ordinances regarding development agreements. working to find ways to alleviate this increasingly pervasive Introduction and discussion of Impact Fee Facilities Plan problem in our community and in our County. and Impact Fee Analysis for Public Safety Discuss and consider approval of Ord. 2021-13 updating the Electrical Code to the 2020 version as adopted by the State of Utah. Continued discussion on the Planning Commission’s recommendations regarding proposed amendments to the current Outdoor Lighting Ordinance.

City Council August 19, 2021 Possible public hearing, discussion and consideration of Zone Change from RA-5 (Residential Agricultural, minimum lot size 5 acres) and RA-1 (Residential Agricultural, minimum lot size 1 acre) to RE-15 (Residential Estates District, minimum lot size 15,000 sq ft) with an SLA (lot averaging), and R-1-5 (Residential Single Family, minimum lot size 5,000 sq ft) on approximately 18.495 acres, located at approximately 600 West to 800 West and Hwy 91.

IVINS CITY NEWS PAGE 2 Flash Flooding Most Common Disaster in So. Utah

Flash Flooding and Waterfalls canyon, do not drive in water or over flooded bridges. IVINS, Utah - Near the small community of Kayenta The Citizen Alert System for Washington County en- in Ivins, a heavy amount of rain fell that day, resulting in ables the cities within Washington County to provide flash floods and incredible waterfalls. Hell Hole Canyon, you with critical information quickly in a variety of usually a dry wash, became something spectacular! It’s Emergency situations. To sign up go to Washco.com. amazing to think how the canyon is usually arid but Protecting Property on this particular day it was overflowing Flood Insurance and Sand Bags with water from monsoon storms, giving us a rare view of it’s potential destructive power, intensity and dan- One of the first things to check is your flood insur- ger as it tumbled down the once dry wash toward the ance; it does NOT come with your homeowners policy, Santa Clara River.” Had this been a 100 years ago the but must be purchased separately. Unfortunately one outcome could have been much different. What has of our local communities suffered hard lessons a few changed? years ago when their homes, basements and yards were severely impacted by flooding. The really sad moment How Ivins Manages Water Runoff came when it was learned most did not have Flood In- The Public Works Department provides a variety of surance. services to the citizens of Ivins City; one of these is a While interviewing with a more fortunate resident, storm drain system. In the past 5 years, Ivins has ex- they stated, ‘‘only because the previous owner had the perienced multiple extreme storms larger than the 100 foresight to elevate the building pad during construction year event. However, there are many miles of paved and berm the basement windows with brick were they roadways, pipes and open channels in the City’s sys- blessed to not suffer damage as neighbors had.” tem which play a role in conveying storm water from Randy Hancey, Santa Clara Ivins Fire Chief, reminds mountain watersheds to the Santa Clara River. Addi- us, ‘‘The City Public Works Dept. has sand and sand- tionally, there are also over 30 detention facilities in bags available for citizens to fill at the city yard (located the existing storm drain system, the primary purpose on north 200 West between the animal shelter and the being to attenuate peak storm water discharges. Many cemetery). During eminent flooding events the city may of the detention facilities (basins) serve the dual pur- pre position sandbags in strategic locations throughout pose of a recreational park. This has helped us control the city. The city often needs assistance filling sandbags our watershed lands. from volunteers as our emergency services are often en- ‘Flood Warning’ vs. ‘Flood Watch’ gaged in various calls for service. Pre-filled sandbags We experience monsoon storms each summer, re- may be available on pallets at the fire station or city sulting in an increased risk of flash floods, often caused yard when the need arises during severe weather events. by storms miles away, which are dangerous and can be Public works and Emergency services work together to life-threatening. Did you know six inches of moving anticipate when flooding events are forecast.” water can knock a person down and two feet of moving For more details about the process of obtaining water can sweep a vehicle away? sandbags you may call the Publoc Works direct line at A ‘Flood Warning’ means flooding is happening now 435-634-0689. or will happen soon. Move to higher ground immedi- ately! A ‘Flood Watch’ means flooding is possible, stay Neighborhood Preparedness News tuned to radio communications for more information & 11 - Heritage Days at the City Park and be ready to move to higher ground. We will be testing the Disaster Hub Box & Portable When bad weather threatens, do not enter a narrow Communication Pod. Come for family friendly fun. Volunteer Emergency Preparedness Committee 2021, Vol. 21 Issue 7 School Updates It’s Back to School month! We are looking forward to seeing our students, who will be returning to school for another great year.

School starts in person on Mon Aug 16 for 1st-9th grade, with Kindergarten beginning on Mon Aug 23. We ask for your patience as traffic takes a bit longer the first week of school. Sam Gibbs, Director We are happy with the progress of our beautiful building addition and excited about the future it brings.

Red Mountain Elementary School Jennifer Leavitt, Principal

We are excited to welcome students back to our first day of school on Thursday, August 12th. Our school starts at 8:55 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m. Monday - Thursday. This year students will be dismissed at 12:00 p.m. on Fridays.

If you have a kindergarten student or a student who will be new to us this year please go to the district website to get them registered. This will allow us to place them in a class and make sure you are getting all of the parent information that will be coming out for the new school year. Our office will be open weekdays 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. starting on Tuesday, August 3rd. If your child is new to our school this year please bring in their birth certificate and immunization records after you have enrolled them online.

Upcoming Dates: : Back to School Open House and BBQ 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. : First Day of School - 17: Kindergarten Assessments : First Day for Kindergarten - 20: School Dismissed at 12:00 p.m. for student assessments

School Zone Safety with SCI Police Department Amanda Campbell, Crossing Guard Supervisor & Police Chief, Bob Flowers Our number one priority is the safety of our children. As the first day of school quickly approaches, we’d like to remind drivers that school days brings congestion. Kids are walking, biking, or scootering to and from school; school buses are picking up and dropping off kids; and parents are driving kids to and from school. Everyone is in a hurry and it's so important for all drivers to slow down and pay attention when kids are present. Especially BEFORE and AFTER school.

You may have noticed a change to the Center Street school zone in front of Vista Charter School. Two pedestrian push- button signals have been added next to the crosswalk which are used for early morning or after school activities, when a crossing guard is not there. Drivers are required to STOP when these lights are flashing. The push-button signals are on for approximately 30 seconds, giving a pedestrian enough time to fully cross the street. These pedestrian push-button signals are different than the 20 MPH flashing school zone signals. Our crossing guards will NOT be using these push button signals, so motorists will need to pay attention whenever the 20 MPH flashing school zone lights are on.

This year the SCI Police officers will be putting in extra efforts to patrol the Santa Clara and Ivins area school zones to promote safe driving. We want drivers to be reminded to slow down and don't drive distracted in school zones. SCI officers will be watching for hazardous moving violations through school zones, speeding, seat belts/child restraints, cell phone use and any other distracted driving. It is very important for motorists to be aware while driving in school zones. A few precautions go a long way toward keeping children safe: Always STOP for a school crossing guard or officer holding up a stop sign and STAY STOPPED till they are out of the road and his or her sign is down. Take extra care to look out for children in school zones. NOW Don't block the crosswalk when stopped at a red light or waiting to make a turn, forcing pedestrians to go around you; this could put them HIRING! in the path of moving traffic. In a school zone when flashers are blinking, STOP and yield to pedestrians crossing the crosswalk or intersection. Don't honk or rev your engine to scare a pedestrian, even if you have the right of way. Part-Time Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians. $13/hr Always use extreme caution to avoid striking pedestrians wherever they may be, no matter who has the right of way.

Together we can make school crossing zones a safe place for our children to cross the streets near school.

IVINS CITY NEWS PAGE 4 August 2021, Vol. 21 Issue 8 Parks & Recreation

Yoga Yoga classes at the UNITY park recreation room have been postponed to follow social distancing guidelines. Yoga class will still continue online at the same class times: Tuesday mornings at 8 a.m. Thursday evenings at 5:30 p.m. Please contact the Parks and Rec Dept at 435-634-7719 or instructor Kim Nally directly to join the zoom class. Join Kim’s class through Zoom on your computer or smart phone at https://zoom.us/j/5087374645 . Donations accepted. Flag Football Registration - Ages 6 to 12 Family Movies in the Park Registration Ends: August 13 Friday evenings beginning and continuing until August Register online at www.ivins.com or in person at City 27 the Ivins City Park baseball field will again become an Hall (55 N Main St). outdoor movie theater! We will be showing family features and it Registration Fee: $26 is free. Start time is approximately 8:30 p.m. (or when it is dark Season begins: Mid-September enough). Games will be played on weekday evenings August 6 - A Goofy Movie The age divisions for this league will be as follows: August 13 - The Croods Ages - 6 to 8 Coed (Mondays & Wednesdays) - The Croods 2: A New Age Ages - 9 to 12 Coed (Tuesdays & Thursdays) - Night at the Museum Ages determined as of 31, 2021

2021 Youth Cross Country Join our youth cross country team for elementary and middle school aged kids! (co-ed) $15 registration fee/participant. Jersey top and shorts are optional and will be a separate $15 fee. Practices will be held Mondays/Wednesdays/Thursdays.

Concert in the Park We had so much fun this spring, we want to hold another Concert in the Park this fall!

Grab your neighbors, dust off your instruments and start practicing in the garage! Event depends on responses. Tentatively planned for a Friday night in October at Ivins City Park.

Applications are open online at ivins.com or in person at Parks and Recreation.

Bingo in the Park Come join us for some Bingo fun! Location: Ivins City Park Ball Field Dates: - 18 Time: Tuesdays/Thursdays from 5-5:45 p.m. Regular prize Bingo from 5-5:30 p.m. and special grand prize round from 5:30-5:45 p.m!

Bring blankets or lawn chairs to sit on, if you would like. Please do not bring your pets. Free! No preregistration required.

If you know of a local business interested in donating prizes or grand prizes, please have them contact the Parks Department.

IVINS CITY NEWS PAGE 4 August 2021, Vol. 21 Issue Public Works Beware of Monsoon Flood Risks Charles Gillette, P.E., Public Works Director and City Engineer The monsoon storms are here. We are grateful for the much-needed moisture, but we Water Wisdom just hope that we don’t get all the moisture at once. So far, we have been fortunate, as HELP THE CITY REACH ITS we have watched neighboring cities like Enterprise and Cedar City endure massive GOAL TO REDUCE WATER flooding in the past few weeks. Yet, we have been spared. USE BY 10% OVER THE NEXT 10 YEARS. In the past few years, the City Council has approved a lot of projects to improve our drainage system. We have installed detention basins and dams and increased storm OUTDOOR TIP: drain pipeline capacities. These new systems make us more capable of handling large COVER POOLS TO AVOID WATER EVAPORATION. storms than ever before, but that is no reason to be not still prepare. More powerful storms usually come in August and early September. Please remain vigilant, cautious INDOOR TIP: and recognize that we need to be ready to respond in a big storm event. ADD FOOD WASTES TO YOUR COMPOST PILE OR The City can make available sandbags upon DISPOSE IN THE TRASH request for pickup. If you are interested, INSTEAD OF USING THE please contact the Public Works office during GARBAGE DISPOSAL. business hours at 435-634-0689. THIS IS IMPORTANT TO OUR FUTURE!

FOR MORE TIPS GO TO: WWW.IVINS.COM OR Pet Corner SLOWTHEFLOW.ORG Ivins ANIMAL SHELTER Pollution AND ADOPTION CENTER Prevention 474 NORTH 200 WEST PHONE: 435-628-1049 Hotline is 911 HOURS: TUESDAY - SATURDAY 8 A.M. - 3 P.M. It is against the law to dump hazardous chemicals into the street, a stormdrain or a wash. If you see someone deliberately dumping into the stormdrain system, please contact 911 so that the community can appropriately respond. This applies to all communities in Washington County, not just Ivins.

It is mandatory by the City, State and Federal Agencies that your animal be vaccinated for Rabies. See City Code 6.03.102 regarding what our City requires for Rabies Vaccination.

IVINS CITY NEWS PAGE 6 KayentaKayenta ArtsArts FoundationFoundation DEATHTRAP TIME TICKETS , 5, 6, 7 7:30 p.m. $10-$35 6:00 p.m. $10-$35

DADDY LONG LEGS TIME TICKETS , 12, 13, 14 7:30 p.m. $10-$35 2:00 p.m. $10-$35 HOLY STROMBOLI TIME TICKETS , 19, 20, 21 7:30 p.m. $10-$35 2:00 p.m. $10-$35

TuacahnTuacahn AmphitheaterAmphitheater EventsEvents SCHOOL OF ROCK TIME TICKETS August 2, 4, 5, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25, 8:45 p.m. $32 (weekday) 27, 31 $45 (weekend)

COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO TIME TICKETS August 3, 7, 9, 11, 13, 17, 19, 24, 26, 8:45 p.m. $32 (weekday) 30 $45 (weekend) DISNEY'S BEAUTY AND THE TIME TICKETS BEAST August 5, 14, 15, 20, 23, 28 8:45 p.m. $32 (weekday) August 21 $45 (weekend) MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET TIME TICKETS August 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 7:30 p.m. Start at $29 August 7 2:00 p.m. August 7 (closing night) 7:30 p.m. August 2021, Vol. 21 Issue IMPORTANT NUMBERS Post Office Main Branch Santa Clara 435-628-2112 Satellite Post Office Ivins 435-628-1381 Saturday Market at Tuacahn City Hall 435-628-0606 Animal Services 435-634-1089 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. starting 1st Building/Zoning 435-634-9753 Vendors, Arts & Crafts, and a Gift shop. Justice Court 435-634-5728 Parks & Recreation 435-634-7719 It is always free and always fun! Police Dispatch 435-634-5730 SCI Public Safety (Ivins) Fire/EMS 435-674-5503 SCI Public Safety Santa Clara 435-652-1122 MARKET Public Works 435-634-0689

Utility Payment Drop Box Washington County Landfill Ivins City Office: 325 N Landfill Road, Washington, UT 55 N Main (Northwest side of Building) Monday - Friday: 7 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Saturday: 7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Reuse Center http://www.wcsw.org/ 575 E Brigham Road, St. George, UT Monday - Friday: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday: 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. Tree Branches and yard green waste (no palm leaves)

“I decided to throw my girlfriend a surprise wedding. Everyone told me not to do it, but I love surprises…..” Get your story heard. Saturday, August 21, 2021 8:00 PM FREE live storytelling event under the stars at Ivins City Park Theme for the evening’s stories: “Triumph” Poignant, funny, vivid and entertaining as all get out, Coyote Tales Storytelling Events are a hit for all the right reasons! Coyote Tales are true stories told live, onstage without notes, props or accompaniments. Stories told must be based on the evening’s theme and be told within five minutes. Storytellers may interpret the theme in any way they choose.

Do you have an interesting story of overcoming an obstacle or persevering in the face of adversity? Perhaps there was a time when you snatched an unlikely victory from the certain jaws of defeat. We want to hear your story of defying the odds. But even if you just want to listen to the stories, come and enjoy a night of live storytelling and great bluegrass music under the stars at Ivins City Park.

Please join Ivins City Mayor, Chris Hart in welcoming Phyllis Barber, award winning author of “The Desert Between Us,” Bill Wright, patriarch of the most successful rodeo family in history, Lyman Hafen, Utah author, filmmaker and executive director of the Zion Natural History Association, activist and educator, Erika Munson, & the first female Mayor of Hildale, Utah, Donia Jessop, to our stage to share their true tales of triumph. But there is room on the stage for YOU too. This free event begins with bluegrass music provided by Stillhouse Road and a bring-your-own-picnic party, where potential storytellers put their names in the hat in hopes of being one of the ten people chosen to share their tale of beating the odds. To beat the heat, Kayenta Homes and Properties will be hosting the water trough by providing free bottled water for the event. Founder of Coyote Tales, Victoria Topham will be on stage along with the ever charming, “Master of Sharemonies,’ Doug Caputo. If you’re interested in getting on stage, or to find out more about us, contact Victoria at https://coyotetalesstories.com/. While there you can hear previous live and virtual events and get tips and tricks for crafting your own great tale.

LUNCH WITH THE AUTHOR On August 22nd, Petite Feast will host a special Luncheon with invited storyteller and author, Phyllis Barber. During the luncheon, Phyllis will share her remarks, answer questions, and sign copies of her book. Reservations and tickets are required. TICKETS: https://petitefeastutah.com/product/lunch-with-the-author-sunday-august-22-2021/ *Please know that all after expense proceeds from this event will benefit The DOVE Center of St. George, Utah. Copies of all the evening’s invited storyteller’s books will be available for sale at August 21st’s Coyote Tales outdoor event and at The Book Bungalow beginning August 1st. The Book Bungalow is an independent bookstore located in downtown St. George at the corner of 100 West and Tabernacle Street. Everyone has a story - Victoria

IVINS CITY NEWS PAGE 9