Mayor Hart addressed the Planning Commission last night about the Commission’s discussion about making changes to the Outdoor Lighting Ordinance. Jeffrey Burch, an Ivins resident, listened to the meeting and sent us the following summary of the Mayor’s key comments.
He noted that he was typing quickly and these are not direct quotes. But we listened to the meeting too and his summary appears accurate to us.
Editor’s note: Click here if you want to hear his complete presentation and then click on the second “A” (Discuss existing lighting ordinance). The Mayor’s comments go from approximately the 10 minute point to 23 minutes.
Planning Commissioners are appointed by the mayor, with the advice of the City Council, to perform the crucial planning function for the City Council for action that is ultimately taken and implemented.
Night sky discussions date back a very long time, before I was here.
I am reminding you the purpose of the Planning Commission is to implement the General Plan. There are several references to the protection of the night sky in the General Plan. It is part of the vision statement for the city.
As you go through your deliberation and you find your discussion to be in contrast to the principals of the General Plan, this is not what you have been put in place as a Planning Commissioner to do.
I would like to correct some conjecture about the Dark Sky Initiative (Ivins Night Sky Initiative). I feel that having international designation as a Dark Sky Community would be a feather in the cap for Ivins.
I asked the Rocky Vista University to work with the Dark Sky Initiative to filter the 4,000K lights that were obnoxious to look at from below the university, which most of the city is.
They came up with the amber filters to simulate the pleasant illumination of the high-pressure sodium lights that are no longer available for replacement.
High pressure sodium lamps were the global standard of safe lighting for decades.
Bob, I have heard you reference individual property owners about lighting their property as they want, but I would remind you that a city that has a clear vision of itself can establish its own standards. This is supported all the way up to the Utah Supreme Court.
This discussion at Planning Commission meetings has gone awry and away from the principles of the General Plan.
The City Council CAN revise the General Plan as it is a living document, but it is NOT the role of the Planning Commission to revise the General Plan or any of its principles.