by Lynda Williams

Weekend fire on the mesa above Toquerville—Photo by Lori Cole

With only two business items on the agenda, this August 21 City Council meeting was a short one lasting about 16 minutes.

Business and Manufacturing Zone

The first item was to create an allowed use table, modify physical restrictions and special regulations for Business and Manufacturing Zones. A graphic was shown on the screen with a list of the many types of businesses that could possibly be considered for Toquerville.

Councilman Gary Chaves expressed concern about hostels. There was a brief discussion among council members about the nature of hostels. Chaves explained that hostels are a permitted use and he thinks it should be a conditional use. The Council agreed and will now send the matter to the Planning Commission for consideration. After they decide, it will come back to City Council for approval.

So, What’s a Hostel?

A hostel is a low cost, short term shared lodging where guests can rent a bed, usually a bunk bed in a dormitory style facility sleeping 4 to 20 or even more people with shared use of a lounge and usually a kitchen. Hostels typically have less privacy than a hotel. Rooms can be mixed or single sex and usually have shared bathroom facilities which may not be comfortable for those requiring more privacy.

Noise can make sleeping difficult with guests staying up late with lights on and early or late arrivals.

I found myself wondering if hostels are a good idea for Toquerville? And what is a short term stay? Could a short term stay turn into a long term stay? Seems like it could be a trouble spot on many different levels. Is this anything Toquerville needs or wants? Maybe it shouldn’t be on the list at all.

Conflict of Interest/Disclosure form

This second business item is aimed at transparency and is updated yearly. The Conflict Disclosure Statement is for Toquerville City officials and employees.

As stated on the form, it requires: “… disclosure of significant financial interests, business relationships, and potential conflicts of interest involving both personal and immediate family interests. Officials must report any public contracts or transactions with Toquerville City, update their disclosures regularly, and understand that the information may be reviewed for compliance and made available to the public.”

New City Manager

*Ben Billingsley*
*Photo courtesy of City of Moab*

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Thanks to Diane (in the comments) for sharing this. When the council dismissed, I left—I was thrilled the meeting ended early. However, the council returned, after I was long gone, and announced and voted on the new city manager: Ben Billingsley.

Calendar and adjourn

There’s a Community Readiness Meeting on Thursday, September 12 at City Hall at 7:00 PM.

A Fall Community Clean-Up will be held on Monday, September 23rd to Wednesday, September 25th.

Mayor Sip also gave a strong recommendation for the production of Beauty and the Beast currently playing in Hurricane.

Council & new city manager