increasing the size of the collection facility. Mr. Marrelli asked that an in-depth study be conducted.
Rep. Bush and Sen. Mansell volunteered to lead an Ad Hoc committee in the study. It was also
suggested that the committee include members from the Utah State Tax Commission and the
counties.
The committee made comments and asked questions relating to the issue. Chair Dillree felt
the issues to be studied should include: (1) Should collection be treated the same throughout the
state? (2) Should there be flexibility to opt in and out of the contract with the state? (3) Is the cost
of contracting with the state fair? (4) Is there convenience and consistency for the taxpayers? Ms.
Howell said some pilot programs have been set up in order to find solutions to the problems.
Lee Gardner, Salt Lake County Assessor, commented on the frustration to taxpayers standing
in line for long periods of time in order to complete a transaction. David Hahn, Weber County
Assessor, also provided comments relating to why Weber County had elected to return the program
to the state and encouraged the committee to study the issue.
MOTION: Sen. Tanner moved to create an Ad Hoc committee, without per diem, made up of county assessors, State Tax Commission members, and staff from the Office of Legislative
Research and General Counsel, with a single member oversight from the Senate and the House to
study the issues of responsibility, cost, and process of the collection of motor vehicle fees, and make
a recommendation to committee. The motion passed unanimously with Rep. Adair, Rep. Allen, Rep.
Davis, Rep. Ure, and Rep. Zolman absent for the vote.
3. Highway Access and Safety Management - Mr. Christensen distributed a handout titled "Efficient and Effective Use of Highways," and he referred to a brochure that was mailed prior to
the meeting titled "Access Management - Sensible Solutions for Tomorrow's Traffic." Chair Dillree
asked what could be done to implement a better highway access management program. Richard
Manser, Utah Department of Transportation, commented that the focus of a better highway access
management program is to enhance the quality of life for the motorists and people who have
property along the highways.
Wilbur Jefferies, Wasatch Front Regional Council, distributed a handout titled "The purpose
of functional classes." He spoke about the movement on, and access to, highways. A handout titled
"Access Management Principles" was also provided. Mr. Manser described the different types of
roads and types of requests for access to these roads.
Clint Topham, Utah Department of Transportation, provided comments regarding impacts
of accessability to transportation.
Rep. Ure suggested that Wasatch Front Regional Planning consider, when widening or
building a new road, buying property for frontage; specifically, when much growth to the area is
anticipated.
Rep. Bigelow felt there should be legislation to establish guidelines as to what the criteria
is pertaining to an individual's property rights when a safety factor is involved. Chair Dillree said
this is a sensitive issue and suggested that ways to better coordinate and improve access management
on a regional basis be pursued by UDOT and local government.
4. Other Committee Business - No other business was discussed at this time.
5. Adjournment -
MOTION: Rep. Adair moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously at 4:46 p.m. with Sen. Tanner, Rep. Brian, Rep. Becker, Rep. Davis, Rep. Knudson, and Rep. Zolman
absent for the vote.