[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6574290,"mediaKeyId","3090992-5b23c3613248ca1b8c0c36a0b0732315","parentId",3090992,"title","Moab council approves Lions Back Resort Phase 2 final MPD with conditions; one abstention","audioSeconds",736,"startMs",4364000,"endMs",5100000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3090992-5b23c3613248ca1b8c0c36a0b0732315&start=4364&end=5100","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3090992-5b23c3613248ca1b8c0c36a0b0732315/thumbnail_4364000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6574290/Utah/Moab-council-approves-Lions-Back-Resort-Phase-2-final-MPD-with-conditions-one-abstention","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6574290-5c0112d819252224a3d0e56f64bd3baa/orig.mp4?Expires=1775443248&Signature=QITG0SdOrG0g8glTW887KGzcuPDnqOe3-MXp16Sqmcf8YRB7FFSPh1~ITJoXfojSnduhUT5g7vV-2d7DgHLvNcgOBzhBD5emt8wMEBjLSBL4uTBUW0J6gLviuScPzr6vDaYMWQyvIBo1Dx1DBFPU7WNrcrOfIn~BueeK0hXEHSaUieL-GF87nuWFpvYy1d30OyYw8QK7SD-YDJgWr5AuqmYbjvlP1R1O2nJ2VJoY06TXpfoEvlb2Ku5PrTFQXIpU6vahKpoEYLYCVZkJ~krjC4n2kSj4kdssbBBzKceAKOu0WYsP-CZtqQPNwPxGywec1GroyfUf571xDWPX9UCJyg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Moab City","date","2025-04-23T03:18:26.02Z","article","Moab City Council conditionally approved a final MPD (Master Planned Development) and a phasing‑plan major‑change amendment for Lions Back Resort on April 22, moving the project into the next development phase with conditions tied to outstanding technical plan items.

Planning staff presented the application and said the project stems from an original preliminary MPD approved in 2008 and that earlier phases—including the phase‑1 final MPD approved in 2021—had already been reviewed. Johanna Blanco, associate planner, and other staff noted the application adjusts the phasing plan for unit sequencing and relocates a tract previously reserved for a future hotel amenity to an earlier phase so the applicant can build a pool amenity sooner.

Planning Commission recommendation and conditions

Planning Commission forwarded a positive conditional recommendation on April 10. Staff and the commission asked that all outstanding DRT (Development Review Team) comments (listed in exhibit 8 of the packet) be resolved prior to building‑permit approval. Staff recommended that the council adopt the resolution with the same condition.

Council action

Councilmember Tawny moved to adopt Resolution 05‑2025 approving the Lions Back Resort Phase 2 final MPD and phasing‑plan amendment. The motion required that all outstanding technical and DRT comments be addressed to the satisfaction of the city engineer and the planning coordinator before any building permits are issued.

The motion was seconded by Councilmember Luke. The council voted in favor, and the motion passed with four votes in favor and one abstention; Councilmember Caitlin abstained.

What the condition means

The conditional approval allows the developer to proceed with phase‑2 entitlements while staff and the applicant finalize construction-level documents (utility plans, grading, specific engineering details). Council’s condition preserves the city’s ability to require that final engineering, utility, and construction documents meet city standards before permits are issued.

Ending

Council action authorizes the applicant to proceed to final design and permitting once the outstanding DRT items are resolved and the city attorney has reviewed relevant plat documents for form. Staff and the applicant will return to the building‑permit and plan‑review process to confirm compliance with the conditions before construction begins.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Regular City Council Meeting - April 22, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The council voted to approve a final master planned development (MPD) and a phasing‑plan amendment for Lions Back Resort, subject to outstanding DRT (Development Review Team) comments being resolved before building permits; the final vote was 4‑0‑1 with Councilmember Caitlin abstaining.","taxTitle","Moab City Council, Moab, Grand County, Utah","taxId",23560,"location","Utah","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6574294,"Council reviews CIP and budget outlook; councilors pause MRAC solar, consider wrap‑tax funds for ball‑field improvements",4726,119000,4845000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3090992-5b23c3613248ca1b8c0c36a0b0732315&start=119&end=4845","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3090992-5b23c3613248ca1b8c0c36a0b0732315/thumbnail_119000.jpg","/articles/6574294/Utah/Council-reviews-CIP-and-budget-outlook-councilors-pause-MRAC-solar-consider-wraptax-funds-for-ballfield-improvements","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6574294-a85df8c8d86a4d1d9da97424a7d96e0f/orig.mp4?Expires=1775443248&Signature=X-r209ySfSTS9CJVIQ01VqWscMU~vbMU1DknGZPQoAP005NzFK69QVTyLel5KAJ0fJik2UGPJah-9DXt4KWaPOjoF2gzXKUQT~0BYtxrGBq2J1hQWzm9APTgvp3D6Qg5D3LzajXKQIEkno6c8gImSyVJv9cFtA1yo~koDVoPiebv~SxbqH7w6owc08SEHZGUAPFghLnAcF1T825eLGm52pwPw0Pa5yDLp6SWrGcYovZJN44ESrXKwp0znjQhAJ-mISrPHDYpn0g-s~OvRSibs1KSPCrEyUu4CY1FAiPQz~1iW0GmTjkvWmWNcoC-ps0CBM~MqZlpz8wG-wHJMzj8tQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City finance and public‑works staff presented an 83‑percent‑to‑date fiscal review and a multi‑year capital improvement program (CIP) overview during the Moab City Council meeting on April 22.

Michael (city staff) told the council the city had collected roughly 73 percent of expected revenues so far in the fiscal year and was below budget on expenses, leaving the city on track to finish the year with positive reserves. Michael also walked the council through proposed CIP projects, funding sources and carryforward items, including the recently banked wrap tax fund.

Why it matters: Councilmembers used the CIP briefing to discuss which capital projects to prioritize for the coming two years and how to use dedicated funds, including the wrap tax balance. Several items in the draft CIP would rely on grants (CIB and others) and carry funding from current projects into the next fiscal year.

Key decisions and discussion

- Wrap tax fund uses: Michael said the wrap tax balance is approximately $1 million. Mayor Tawny suggested using wrap‑tax funds to pay for design of improvements to the ball fields after a public comment highlighted softballs landing in a neighbor’s yard (see public comment). Council requested staff evaluate ball‑field design and present options funded by wrap tax.

- MRAC (Moab Recreation & Aquatic Center) solar panels: Council discussed a proposed $375,000 solar project to replace panels damaged in a hailstorm. Given competing structural and mechanical needs at the MRAC and uncertainty about solar panel tariffs and equipment costs, councilmembers agreed to move the solar panel replacement to 2027 and to fast‑track structural/mechanical repairs first.

- Pool status and playground: Michael reported a mechanical failure at the indoor pool caused by failed distribution piping; the pool was closed for repairs but staff were working to reopen it within days. Suwanee Playground was near completion and would open on a limited basis while finishing exterior concrete work; a grand opening will be scheduled later.

- Consent agenda and bills: The council approved the consent agenda, which included minutes and bills totaling $1,513,254.38. The motion was made by Councilmember Jason, seconded by Councilmember Colin, and passed on a 5‑0 vote.

What the council asked staff to do

Staff will prepare a revised CIP and budget packet that incorporates: (a) departmental leads and suggested timelines for the strategic-plan top priorities; (b) a proposal for wrap‑tax–funded ball‑field design; and (c) a plan to continue addressing MRAC mechanical and structural repairs before pursuing new solar equipment.

Ending

Staff said it will return with a more condensed CIP packet and a timetable that aligns strategic-plan priorities with the May/June budget hearings. The council did not adopt the CIP tonight; Michael said the city will present a tentative budget at the May 13 meeting and a final budget for adoption by June.","City staff reviewed the fiscal-year-to-date budget and a preliminary capital improvement plan. Council agreed to postpone large solar panel purchases to 2027, discussed using wrap‑tax funds for ball‑field improvements, and approved a consent agenda that included $1,513,254.38 in bills.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6574299,"Moab council workshop narrows strategic-plan priorities, seeks clearer timelines and staff champions",390,380000,770000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3090992-5b23c3613248ca1b8c0c36a0b0732315&start=380&end=770","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3090992-5b23c3613248ca1b8c0c36a0b0732315/thumbnail_380000.jpg","/articles/6574299/Utah/Moab-council-workshop-narrows-strategic-plan-priorities-seeks-clearer-timelines-and-staff-champions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6574299-1a627feccbbce71e252f4877a6cedc88/orig.mp4?Expires=1775443248&Signature=Bjz79-DuDmGhhpNZkWFxHQ3reqJVysZfox8EXONYFwgXijTvMYqQTW5GUvhntwke5dTB2fNFmOSqMN7-ujAYnvhWOO8c1tmEnIHkK2ODEZqb-CXA3IXIxO7s4DrpQM6V6bTrLL9bapUbnQo0rzaW0VR8Ek0cRIJK5TrjvD8X-N2lWuthq6Ga3o2aFjXVdKMTJPEEfMcBFZ6mgDgYfAGBKWWja8rBf2yHwZDI4ZNRWdx1FTsn~HNt~wFhF8xu53FTTREr7zk0SgZffnjqT6asxPa6LpSiOWAURfeiyrIwjqwMG10v7RROgNIQUaIwkd1wLaMHZx678gYlRbHsRZAy2A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Moab City Council and staff spent most of their April 22 workshop refining a draft strategic plan that pares longer-term visions into a two-year action window and identifies staff champions for top priorities.

City planner Alexi, who led the presentation, told the council the team had taken a year’s worth of vision pillars, goals from the general plan and other master plans and organized them into a short-term funnel of priorities for the next two years. Alexi said the staff draft classifies 53 items as finished, ongoing, modified or removed and links items to their source plans and objectives.

The workshop centered on whether and how to surface action items that already appear in other plans—such as the parks master plan, unified transportation plan and sustainability plan—so the council and the public can see which tasks the city intends to pursue immediately.

Why it matters: Council members said the strategic plan should communicate what the city will actively pursue in the next two years. Several council members argued that leaving important items only in longer-range master plans makes them easy to “put on a shelf,” and urged staff to translate key recommendations into measurable objectives so the council can track progress.

Council feedback and staff response

Councilmember Jason pressed for more specificity on projects that repeatedly reappear on work lists, saying, “we need to be having this discussion together to figure out where we’re at.” Councilmember Tawny and others recommended keeping broad goals in place while extracting a handful of concrete, measurable objectives for the two‑year period.

Alexi said staff’s approach was to keep the high-level goals while pulling out the most actionable items for the current two‑year horizon. “We’re not losing things; we’re classifying them,” Alexi said, adding that staff would identify each item’s departmental lead and propose reasonable timelines.

Several council members suggested using small subgroups or work groups to dig into complex topics such as housing code changes, PUD/PAD amendments and trail connectivity rather than resolving them in a single, lengthy council workshop. Councilmembers generally agreed to prioritize five to six top items for the coming year and to brief the full council on progress more frequently.

Specific topics discussed

- Trails and active-transportation connectivity: Councilmembers pushed to retain active‑transportation and trail goals in the strategic plan, but to convert a broad “connectivity” goal into specific, measurable projects (for example, particular sidewalk extensions, crosswalk repainting schedules and wayfinding improvements).

- Downtown and parking: Members asked that downtown master-plan actions be tied to clear objectives so the council can judge when a “downtown plan” has been achieved rather than leaving it open ended.

- Planning and zoning work program: Multiple councilmembers noted that community development houses many interrelated items (subdivision/PAD/PUD revisions, municipal code updates) and urged staff to indicate which department leads each item and the anticipated sequencing to avoid overloading a single department.

- Linking master plans: Several members recommended a short statement in the strategic plan that acknowledges and implements high-priority items from the city’s master plans (parks, transportation, sustainability) so those actions remain visible and trackable in the two‑year work plan.

Process, timing and next steps

Council and staff agreed the document should be a rolling two‑year plan that is revisited annually and aligned with the budget calendar. Staff offered to return a revised draft that adds (a) timelines or ballpark durations for items, (b) the responsible department or staff champion for each goal, and (c) an easier-to-read one-page summary for the council’s top priorities. Staff proposed touching base at the second meeting in May and finalizing a recommended strategic plan before the June budget adoption.

Ending

Councilmembers generally complimented staff on the clearer wording and requested more granular workshops or small-group sessions on specific clusters of items (housing, trails, downtown). Alexi said staff would return a revised draft with timelines and responsible parties for council review.

","City staff presented a revised strategic plan draft and spreadsheet of 53 goals; council members urged clearer short-term objectives, timelines and departmental leads, and suggested pulling specific action items from master plans into the two‑year strategic window.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Moab council approves Lions Back Resort Phase 2 final MPD with conditions; one abstention

Council reviews CIP and budget outlook; councilors pause MRAC solar, consider wrap‑tax funds for ball‑field improvements

Moab council workshop narrows strategic-plan priorities, seeks clearer timelines and staff champions