Corinne council denies Australstar annexation petition

The Corinne City Council voted unanimously to deny an annexation petition from Australstar during its regular meeting. Council members discussed utility access, service obligations for an enclave and the procedural need for the council's rejection before the applicant can pursue county approval.

The petition was presented by a company representative, who said the applicant wanted the property annexed so they could pursue a zoning change to allow commercial/light industrial use. "Basically, we're petitioning the city to become annexed by the city, which is a requirement before we can do any, zone changes," the applicant said during the meeting.

Council members and staff questioned what services the city would be expected to provide to an island annexation and the trade-offs for the city. The presiding official noted uncertainty about whether utilities and services would automatically transfer or whether the city would be required to provide them immediately. Council discussion touched on existing culinary water and electricity at the site and uncertainty about sewer, garbage and natural gas availability.

Because the matter involves the county as well, council members said a timely rejection would allow Australstar to take the petition to Box Elder County. The presiding official recommended rejecting the petition to allow more time for research and follow-up: "my suggestion is and my recommendation to the council is in the benefit of time, your time constraints let's reject it."

Councilor Karen Caldwell moved to deny the annexation request; Greg Harris seconded. The presiding official called for a vote and said, "Those in favor? Unanimous." The council directed staff to provide a denial letter to the applicant for use in the county application process.

Votes at a glance

- Deny annexation petition, Australstar: Motion to deny moved by Karen Caldwell, seconded by Greg Harris; outcome: motion approved (council voted unanimously). The council will provide a denial letter for the applicant to use in county proceedings. - Approve previous minutes as written: Moved by Karen Caldwell; outcome: motion carried (vote recorded by the presiding official as carried).

The applicant asked whether the council would email the denial letter and was told staff would send it; the applicant said the council's denial was the only piece of paper needed for the next county step.

The council did not adopt any ordinance or zoning change at the meeting. Members suggested the applicant could petition again at any time and offered to continue discussion if the council found annexation advantageous after further research.