Snowflake council approves tax-code changes, land purchases, pool contract and permits

The Snowflake Town Council approved a slate of ordinances, land purchases, contracts and permits at its Sept. 1 meeting, voting unanimously on each recorded motion.

On tax policy, the council conducted a second reading by title and then adopted Ordinance 2020-04, Model City Tax Code Amendments. The council also approved Resolution 2020-11 adopting 2012–2014 amendments to the town tax code.

Land and property actions included approval of a purchase-and-sale agreement with Taylor Snowflake Development, LLC for parcel #202-05-017N to secure a site intended for a future town well; and approval to purchase parcel #202-05-022A from the Silver Creek Flood Control District, which Brian said must sell rather than give property because it is a political subdivision. The council approved abandonment of the Juniper Crest Phase I subdivision plat and the associated town roadways, which would revert the area to a 40-acre parcel; council minutes state the town had not expended funds in the area.

On facilities and contracts, the council approved a contract with Divina Management Inc. for pool renovation work. Brian said Teresa Harvey (recommended by Copperstate Farms) would not charge travel costs and had reduced her hourly rate to $80; the town will share costs with Taylor. The council also approved an updated ground lease agreement with Smith Bagley Inc. for the tower near the cemetery, extending the lease through 2045 with monthly payments.

Planning actions included approval of a special use permit for parcel #202-17-023K to construct a second residence (Planning and Zoning recommended approval) and approval of the first reading by title of Ordinance 2020-05 to rezone parcel #202-17-063P from R-1A to R-21. Planning and Zoning had recommended the rezone but expressed concern about easement width; the commission requested a contingency for a 50-foot easement instead of the existing 35-foot easement, and water-pressure and septic/well arrangements were discussed.

The council also approved Resolution 2020-12 adopting the results of the Aug. 4, 2020 primary election and passed the consent agenda (minutes dated Aug. 4, 2020; August check register).

Most items passed with unanimous votes and no recorded amendments; movers and seconders were recorded in the minutes for each motion. The meeting concluded with council member reports and a manager's report covering infrastructure projects and local revenue figures before adjourning at 8:19 p.m.

Votes at a glance - Consent agenda (minutes Aug. 4; August check register): motion by Ballard; second by Flake. Outcome: approved, unanimous. - Ordinance 2020-04 (Model City Tax Code Amendments): 2nd reading motion by Cory Johnson; adoption motion by Ballard; second by Perkins. Outcome: approved, unanimous. - Resolution 2020-11 (2012–2014 tax code amendments): motion by Lynn Johnson; second by Greg Brimhall. Outcome: approved, unanimous. - Contract with Divina Management Inc. (pool renovation): motion by Lynn Johnson; second by Cory Johnson. Outcome: approved, unanimous. Contractor hourly rate noted: $80/hour; travel costs waived by contractor per packet. - Purchase: Taylor Snowflake Development LLC, parcel #202-05-017N (well site): motion by Byron Lewis; second by Lynn Johnson. Outcome: approved, unanimous. - Purchase: Silver Creek Flood Control District, parcel #202-05-022A: motion by Kerry Ballard; second by Lynn Johnson. Outcome: approved, unanimous. - Abandonment: Juniper Crest Phase I plat and town roadways: motion by Bob Flake; second by Allison Perkins. Outcome: approved, unanimous. - Special Use Permit: parcel #202-17-023K (second residence): motion by Allison Perkins; second by Byron Lewis. Outcome: approved, unanimous. - Ordinance 2020-05 (rezoning parcel #202-17-063P) — 1st reading by title: motion by Kerry Ballard; second by Byron Lewis. Outcome: 1st reading approved, unanimous. Planning and Zoning recommended approval but requested a 50-foot easement contingency and noted water-pressure/well/septic considerations. - Ground lease with Smith Bagley Inc. (tower): motion by Byron Lewis; second by Lynn Johnson. Outcome: approved, unanimous; lease to extend to 2045. - Resolution 2020-12 (adopt results of Aug. 4 primary): motion by Cory Johnson; second by Greg Brimhall. Outcome: approved, unanimous.

No votes failed or were tabled during the meeting. Several items were discussed briefly (rezone easement width, pool timeline) with references to future work or inspections. The council's manager reported on infrastructure projects, a credited water bill for a well pump failure, a competitive sewer grant for Centennial, and a year-over-year sales-tax increase of 51%.

The council adjourned at 8:19 p.m.