Mona planners begin 30‑day review of Mona Draw flood model, discuss irrigation-pond reviews and regional water project

Planning staff informed the commission that consultants released materials for the Mona Draw South branch flood study and model and that Mona has a 30‑day comment period starting from the July 1 posting. Staff asked the commission to decide who will submit comments on the model methodology, which relies on lidar and characterizes channel slopes generally under 10 percent for portions of the watershed.

Commissioners and staff discussed localized flood risk along washes and alluvial fans coming off NEBO, including prior flooding after a fire and a breached irrigation pond reported by a commissioner. Staff noted that parts of the area being modeled include properties that may lie in the flood plain and that the draft model uses lidar-based modeling of channels. The transcript records that staff had participated in prior discovery calls with the consultant and that comments are due within 30 days of the posting; commissioners agreed the city should submit comments but asked staff to coordinate which commissioner would transmit them.

Separately, the commission addressed a developer-submitted irrigation pond whose engineering plans were delayed. A developer referred to as Mr. Davis has already paid and invested funds with his civil engineering firm but had not delivered revised plans to staff on the timeline promised. Commissioners said the city should obtain an independent structural review of the pond plans; staff said the city could pass the review cost back to the developer. Staff also said the Development Review Committee (DRC) had already reviewed an earlier plan set and would re-review revisions.

At the meeting planning staff reviewed a draft of commercial lighting standards intended for planning and zoning guidance, emphasizing downward-directed lighting and controls; one provision would require flags and flag mounts to be lit from above unless the City Council grants an exception. Commissioners were asked to review sections pertaining to planning and zoning and provide feedback.

The commission also received an update from staff who attended a Central Utah Water Project meeting. The East Juab Water Board and regional representatives presented a phased treated-water pipeline proposal that could reach the area by about 2032; staff said treated water in the pipeline would be potable and that cities would request turnouts where they want to receive supply. A staff member reported that per-acre-foot pricing figures were not finalized but discussion at the meeting mentioned ranges “from $20,000 to $45,000” per acre-foot in the materials reviewed and that the project funding and route were still under study. Staff noted the project would require right-of-way decisions and that member cities would appoint representatives to participate in future meetings.