The Toquerville City Council voted to table consideration of a proposed memorandum of understanding (MOU) granting temporary access from the end of Westfield Road to the city bypass, directing staff to revise the draft and consult the county fire authority.

Councilors and staff spent extended time debating three options for the unpaved connector: (1) keep it as private property and take no action; (2) accept a license that designates the corridor as emergency-vehicles-only or evacuation-only; or (3) accept public access and assume maintenance responsibilities. Key concerns raised by council members included code compliance for emergency vehicle weight and geometry, the current condition of the dirt road and the need for regrading or structural improvement, ongoing maintenance obligations (sweeping, repairs, snow removal), who would pay those costs, exposure to liability, and the effect on other parts of the city if the council sets precedent.

Staff noted the draft MOU the council was reviewing would make the city responsible for ongoing maintenance, signage and closures unless terms were changed. Multiple council members recommended stronger signage and liability language if a license were to be accepted; others said that because the public already uses the road, any city acceptance should be limited to evacuation access and should not create a permanent maintenance burden. The council chair opened the motion to reconsider the previously denied MOU and, after discussion, the council voted to table the item and directed staff to: consult the Hurricane Valley Fire Authority on structural and operational requirements for emergency access, draft updated MOU language that clarifies maintenance responsibilities and signage, and return to council with cost estimates and alternatives.

Council voted to table the item; staff will bring a revised MOU and fire-department input to a future meeting.