Commission keeps annexation plan map as drafted after Santa Clara comment; second hearing set

The Ivins City Planning Commission decided to leave its proposed annexation policy plan map unchanged after a 10-day curing period produced a comment from neighboring Santa Clara referencing a 1996 agreement.

Mr. Haycock, a city staff member, told the commission that Santa Clara’s comment noted a 1996 agreement in which certain areas south of Highway 91 were discussed; the staff recommendation was to leave Ivins’ annexation plan as drafted because there is no active annexation application and the agreement does not change Ivins’ ability to identify land in its annexation plan. "We haven't analyzed [the agreement's enforceability] at this point. So, I want to just bring that to your attention," Mr. Haycock said.

Commissioner Robinson asked whether a small area (described in the meeting as a "little box") would remain in Ivins' annexation map; staff confirmed that the plan will be drafted to include the area as requested by the commission, preserving Ivins’ opportunity to consider annexation in that location. Commissioners discussed that inclusion now preserves the city's right to consider future annexation. Several commissioners reiterated there is no pending annexation application.

The commission did not take a formal vote to change the plan; instead staff will proceed with the schedule required by state law. Mr. Haycock said the process will continue and that a second public hearing will be held in two weeks as required by state law.

Next steps: Staff will publish the required notices and return the annexation policy plan to the commission for a second public hearing in approximately two weeks, after which the commission will take any formal action required.