The following comments were sent to the Ivins Planning Commission by Jennifer Burch, an Ivins resident, addressing her concerns about proposed changes to the city’s Outdoor Lighting Ordinance.
I object to any changes to the Ivins lighting ordinance until there are facts that warrant a discussion, and tests are completed and studied to prove community impact and confirm alignment with the Ivins General Plan.
The response received in support of changing the lighting ordinance contains anecdotal information, creating a problem that does not exist.
If public safely, due to our current lighting ordinance in Ivins were a true concern, the police would be involved in the discussion. There is no correlation between safety in our town and our current lighting ordinance until the Ivins police say that there is.
Local tests have been done, including the lighting tests at the college that has been in place for more than a year. What are the results of these tests?
If the lighting ordinance needs to be updated to include new technology, tests need to be done to ensure that any changes do not conflict with the Ivins General Plan.
I do not know what Planning Commissioner Bob Morris’ motivations are. However, if he were truly concerned about community safety and updating the plan to reference new technologies, he would have gained the support of the police, recommended tests, and be referencing specific data to support his claims.
On a personal note, any city official stating that voices of any number of townspeople is insignificant is bullying and a misuse of the officials position. (Editor’s note: That’s what Commissioner Morris said at the last meeting about emails expressing concerns from 39 Ivins residents.)
Do not take this lightly. You are considering that your group recommend the the approval of an ordinance that is in direct conflict with the Ivins General Plan, our city logo/signs and the uniqueness of our precious town.