March 13, 2025 – Torrey Town Council Minutes
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Torrey, Utah
PO Box 750027
Torrey, UT 84775
torreyutah.gov
Minutes
Torrey Utah
PO Box 750027
Torrey, UT 84775
Torreyutah.gov
Agenda
Approved Minutes
Notice is hereby given that the Mayor and Members of Town Council will hold the Regular Town Council Meeting. The meeting will be held on Thursday the 13th day of March 2025 at 7:00 pm at the Torrey Town Office, Bay 1 located at 75 E 100 N. Note the agenda may be accelerated or line items may be discussed in any order. The agenda shall be as follows:
Welcome, Mayor Mickey Wright
Administrative Business
Welcome/ Opening Remarks 7:00Pm
Roll Call: Pat Kearney, Jordan Pace, , Karen Mayne, Mayor Wright, Pearl Thorndal-Stewart, Richard Braaten, Colleen Dudleston, Sue Fritzke, Dustin Oyler
Excused: none
Pledge of Allegiance: Led by Pearl Thorndal-Stewart
TORREY TOWN PUBLIC HEARING : Budget.
#1 Torrey Town will hold a public hearing to open and close the 2025 Torrey Town budget
Pat Kearney made a motion to open the public hearing for the budget, Pearl Thorndal-Stewart seconded the motion and all voted in favor.
Mayor Wright explained opening the budget is for the purpose of adding a line item to pay for the Civic Review software license. The cost is $2,700 annually per city with two participating currently. Other cities which may be joining in the future will share in the cost. Civic Review is a company based in Logan Utah.
No further public comments.
A discussion was held by the council as to who will have access to the program.
Sue Fritzke stated that the Planning and Zoning Commission is in favor of using the program.
Pat Kearney made a motion to close the public hearing. Pearl Thorndal-Stewart seconded the motion, and all council members voted in favor.
TORREY TOWN PUBLIC HEARING: Short-Term Rental Moratorium Resolution
#2 Torrey Town will hold a public hearing to discuss accepting a Short-Term Rental Moratorium Resolution.
The hearing is for the purpose of accepting comments on a moratorium proposed to suspend the awarding of short-term rental licenses for 6 months. The council proposes to update and clarify the criteria and process of awarding short term rental licenses during this moratorium period. Jordan Pace made a motion to open the hearing, Pearl Thorndal-Stewart seconded the motion and all voted in favor
Mayor Wright explained the need to perform a five year review and update the short term rental ordinance so that the process is clearer.
Pat Kearney read the resolution as follows:
WHEREAS, the Town of Torrey, Utah (the “Town”), recognizes the importance of properly regulating short-term rentals to ensure the well-being of residents, preserve the character of the community, and maintain compliance with state and local laws; and
WHEREAS, the Town adopted a Short-Term Rental Ordinance to regulate and manage the operation of short-term rental properties within the Town; and
WHEREAS, Utah state law has changed since the adoption of the Town’s Short-Term Rental Ordinance, necessitating a review and update of the ordinance to ensure compliance with current state requirements; and
WHEREAS, the Town’s Short-Term Rental Ordinance has reached its five-year review date, providing an opportunity for evaluation and potential revisions to better serve the interests of the community; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council finds it necessary to temporarily pause the issuance of new short-term rental licenses in order to allow sufficient time to update the ordinance without further increasing the number of such rentals under outdated regulations; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council has determined that a six-month moratorium on the allocation of new short-term rental licenses is in the best interest of the residents of Torrey and will provide the necessary time to carefully update and implement revisions to the ordinance;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF TORREY, UTAH, AS FOLLOWS:
- Moratorium Imposed: Effective March 14, 2025, the Town of Torrey shall impose a six-month moratorium on the issuance, allocation, or approval of any new short-term rental licenses. This moratorium shall expire on September 14, 2025, unless extended or terminated earlier by the Town Council.
- Scope of Moratorium: During the moratorium period, the Town shall not accept, process, or approve any new applications for short-term rental licenses. Renewals of existing short-term rental licenses shall not be affected by this moratorium, provided the license holder remains in compliance with all applicable regulations.
- Purpose: The purpose of this moratorium is to allow the Town adequate time to review and amend the Short-Term Rental Ordinance to ensure compliance with updated Utah state law and to incorporate any necessary modifications to address community concerns and policy objectives.
- Severability: If any provision of this resolution is found to be invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of this resolution shall remain in full force and effect.
- Effective Date: This resolution shall become effective immediately upon adoption.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Town Council of Torrey, Utah, this _13__ day of ___March_______, 2025.
Mayor Mickey Wright
Town of Torrey, Utah
ATTEST:
Karen, Mayne, Town Clerk
Town of Torrey, Utah
Mayor Wright explained the new Utah state laws which are being passed regarding Short Term Rentals. This includes the ability of town officials to issue an infraction for those operating without a short-term rental license and the fines allowed.
Public Comments:
Linda Townsend had a question concerning the fee of the STR license. Mary Bedingfield-Smith supports the license fee procedure being reviewed. The council is planning to review the fee.
Online Mary Bedingfield-Smith commented that she supports the resolution, Pearl Thorndal-Stewart asked Linda Townsend if she could be available to the council to advise during the process.
Sue Fritzke requested that the Planning and Zoning Commission be involved in the review.
No further comments. Pat Kearney made a motion to close the hearing. Jordan Pace seconded the motion and all approved.
Review & Approve Minutes of February 13, 2025, Town Council Meeting. Pearl Thorndal-Stewart made a motion to approve the minutes, Pat Kearney seconded the motion, and all council members voted in favor.
Public Comments: None
Agenda Requests/Discussion:
Beautification: Paula Pace
The committee chose Paula Pace as spokesperson. They would like to see our town spruced up by mowing the weeds along the town streets. The committee wants to know if this can be done. Mayor Wright explained that roads will now be the responsibility of council member Richard Braaten. The seasonal worker, Jake, will now help with the mowing one day per week. It is top of the list for the committee. Paula would like Torrey residents to be mindful of keeping their yard looking clean and nice. She also requested that the cemetery and the town property east of the town park should be cleaned up. If the town makes an effort the residents will.
The Beautification Committee wants to see flowerpots on Main Street and Center St. They would like to see welcome to Torrey signs. Paula wants a commitment from the town. The committee is willing to help.
The committee priorities are “Welcome to Torrey” lighted signs, town property cleaned up and main street and center street beautified. Pearl requested a key for the spicket to water plants by the park signs.
Pat acknowledged the letter from Vanetta and addressed her concerns. Pat also recommended cleaning the grass around the trees.
Arbor Day can consist of cleaning up around the trees. Paula asked for volunteers.
Colleen Dudleston recommended a campaign be put together with the businesses to pot flowers along the street.
Water Application:
Dean and Kristin Osbourn:
They are ready to build a home at 200 N 100 East. The plans have been reviewed. Pearl Thorndal-Stewart made a motion to grant them water Jordan Pace seconded the motion and all approved.
Dean Cardinale:
The Cardinale’s are building on the Mesa behind the Broken Spur restaurant. Dean is working with Wayne County to get the building permit. Pearl Thorndal-Stewart made a motion to give him the water connection letter. Jordan Pace seconded the motion and all voted in favor.
Water Overage: Jeffery Hatch
Their water bill was $425 in January and $905 in February. They worked immediately with H&R to repair the leak. Pearl Thorndal-Stewart made a motion to forgive the overage. Jordan Pace asked the town to remind residents of the water district to turn off their meter if they are leaving for the winter. Karen will put a reminder in September’s newsletter. Jordan Pace seconded the motion, and all approved.
Business Application
JW Boots – Nubia Thayer: To complete her license application the council wants her to address the signage plan, the lighting and parking plan. Pearl Thorndal Stewart made a motion to approve the license pending additional information. Jordan seconded. All council members approved.
Mayor’s Business:
Review Mayor’s Report attached to the agenda
SB337 didn’t pass. It would have given the government the right to dictate the land use in small towns. The bill will be reviewed in the future and will be discussed.
SB58 building inspection. All municipalities will have a “qualified“ building official. This official will be the mediator between the builder and the building inspector.
TRT was passed. Allows the county to increase funds for search and rescue and EMS.
HB256 will allow towns’ enforcement of Short-Term Rental (STR) licenses. The town License number will be on the application. Mayor Wright suggested that Torrey could list all Short-Term Rentals in Torrey on the website. The county is collecting a license fee from Torrey STR licensed entities. Mayor Wright will look into that further with the town attorney.
The energy tax is being discussed with the mayors and commissioners.
Grant work:
Walking path: a discussion is being held about location. Also discussed is the location of a water line on the same roadway.
Flood mitigation assistance grant. Mickey has a meeting on site with engineers contracted by Utah through FEMA grants for Sand Creek and Sleeping Rainbow,
Janet Hansen asked if this would help Sand Creek Irrigation culvert and the bridge.
The FEMA BRIC grant would be funding the project.
Utah Recreation Grant Biking and walking grant is being reviewed for large scale projects.
Splash pad grants: Brock Jackson has applied for two grants on Torrey’s behalf.
The water ordinance will be ready in April.
Two boards still need to be addressed: the Subdivision Review Board, and the Land Use Appeals Authority also being planned.
Website review and cyber security audit is underway.
Town Business:
Public Hearing discussion about the Budget item: Civic Review software. Take appropriate action:
Pat Kearney made a motion to open and close the budget for the civic review to purchase the software. Jordan Pace seconded and all voted in favor.
Public Hearing discussion about the Short-Term Rental license Moratorium Resolution. Take appropriate action:
Pat Kearney made a motion to begin the moratorium today. Pearl seconded and all voted in favor.
CIB 2025 Project Discussion: Three Items can be listed as priority projects to be done. Mayor Wright suggested a new town hall building. Pat Kearney recommended the purchase of a woodchipper. Colleen Dudleston recommended the updating and renovation of the kitchen in the Pavilion.
Planning and Zoning Member Opening.
Applicant Allison Moist sent a letter of interest for the position. This is the only application received by the town. Sue mentioned that Allison came to the last P&Z meeting to express interest. Pearl Thorndal-Stewart made a motion to select Allison Moist for the position, Jordan Pace seconded the motion. All Council members voted to approve.
Planning and Zoning: Title 9 Ordinance Review ( 2 Documents; first is tracked changes and second is changes accepted). The need for a building permit was clarified. Sue Fritzke presented the edited copy and the proposed updated language. Building codes should be reflected in the Utah state codes and the federal codes. Planning and Zoning plan to update the fire code to coincide with the Utah code.
The commission will go back to address the building permit and water connection process to remove conflicts with title 10. A Planning and Zoning work meeting will be scheduled to continue the review of titles 9 and 10.
Sue proposed the council review and provide feedback. Planning and Zoning will continue working on Title 9-Sections 3 and 4.
Clerk Report: Karen Mayne
GRAMA Request: Victor Alan, Irvine CA
A work meeting will be scheduled to address the Civic Review Kickoff Schedule, Capitol budget items and projected 2026 budget. As well as reviewing the title 9 Ordinance changes.
Building Permits: Dean and Kristin Osborne
Spring Newsletter is complete. Next newsletter will be May 1st and will include Apple Days Schedule, town beautification project, and important updates from the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Financial Report Colleen Dudleston; The February 2025 financial reports
Colleen presented the financial report. The council members reviewed the reports.
Colleen mentioned that she was made aware of a previous unpaid balance from a few years ago which needs to be cleared from the budget. The auditor requested that she notify the council of the “Write-Off”.
Colleen presented a new water schedule of water systems rates.
Colleen discussed the repayment returned to the state which had been received twice.
Colleen passed out a confidentially agreement for the Utah Tax Commission which she needs signed in order to share the Tax income reports with the council.
Pearl Thorndal-Stewart made a motion to accept the financial report and pay the bills. Pat Kearney seconded the motion and all approved,
Council Reports:
The town council signed the mylar copy of the survey presented by Sandra Dales for her property split.
Pat Kearney: Pioneer Cemetery, Cemetery, Trees & Office
The cemetery grant is moving forward. Pat wants to create a search function and make the software user friendly.
The 9 flag poles will be installed, and the fence will be in before Memorial Day.
Richard Braaten: Roads. The new radar signs came in at the bid of $7,300. For two signs.
Torrey will replace the one on the west side of town and install one on Center Street. Pat Kearney made a motion to approve the purchase of the signs. Pearl Thorndal-Stewart seconded and all approved.
Richard is still working on a solution for the large rocks on 325N. He will explore mixing in smaller rocks. One resident did this on their driveway, and it looks nice.
Richard will attempt to have the weeds mowed along the roads once a week. Richard spoke to Bicknell about borrowing their street sweeper. They agreed.
Richard asked Dustin about grading some waterboarded streets.
Jordan Pace: Water. The Highway 12 water line extension install was discussed. The SULA permit will be paid for by the developer installing the water pipe. Jordan is working with the property owners.
Indian springs looks good. There is not much snow pack this year. Gifford house opens tomorrow for Pie Day.
Pearl Thorndal-Stewart: Park, Pavilion, Post Office, & Town Events
The park is being used a lot this spring. The pavilion is used frequently as well. The Easter party is scheduled for 10:00AM on April 19th.
The egg prep will be on March 18 at 5:30 in the TC bay. Everyone is invited to help.
Thanks to those who are cleaning the giveaway box by the post office.
The outside PO boxes are getting hit hard by the wind. Dustin will build a wind break to preserve the boxes.
Maintenance Report: Dustin Oyler,
Dustin needs new tracks for the excavator. The bid received was $3,320.
The state is requiring a PFAS- Polyfluoroalkyl water sample to test for micro plastics. The test is costly. Kelley Chapple and Dustin are working on a grant to pay for the test which will determine a standard and a frequency for testing.
Planning and Zoning: Sue Fritzke
Carrie Torrey is leaving the commission this month. Bill Barrett will be taking minutes.
Old Business:
Adjourn : Pat Kearney made a motion to close the open meeting, and Jordan Pace seconded the motion and all voted in favor. The open meeting closed at 9:00PM.
