General Information

Government Type

Municipality

Entity

Blanding

Public Body

City Council

Notice Information

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Notice Title

City council Minutes 6.24.25

Notice Type(s)

Meeting

Event Start Date & Time

June 24, 2025 07:00 PM

Description/Agenda

CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Mayor Trevor Olsen Mayor Pro Tempore Cheryl Bowers Council Member Chris Ewald Council Member Charlie Taylor Council Member Erik Grover Council Member Kellen Nielson June 24, 2025 - 7pm - City Council Meeting 50 West 100 South Street, Blanding Utah 84511 Meetings live streamed when available at: https://meet.google.com/ymf-jwqo-rjs POLICY MEETING Call to Order Roll Call A Prayer was offered by James Francom The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance. Approval: Consent Agenda and Minutes from June 10, 2025 Regular Session Councilmember Bowers made a motion to approve the consent agenda and minutes from June 10, 2025 with a change of the Mayor calling for discussion and declaring the motions passed to Councilmember Taylor. Councilmember Grover seconded the motion. Mayor Olsen repeated the motion and asked for discussion or questions. Hearing none, he called for a vote. Those voting aye: Councilmember Taylor Councilmember Nielson Councilmember Grover Councilmember Ewald Councilmember Bowers Those voting nay: None Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Olsen declared the motion carried. Declaration of Conflicts of Interest - None Public Hearing Councilmember Taylor made a motion to enter a public hearing for FY2025 amended budget, FY2026 budget, FY2026 officer salary increases and FY2026 fee schedule update. Councilmember Nielson seconded the motion. Mayor Olsen repeated the motion and asked for discussion or questions. Hearing none, he called for a vote. Those voting aye: Councilmember Taylor Councilmember Nielson Councilmember Grover Councilmember Ewald Councilmember Bowers Those voting nay: None Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Olsen declared the motion carried. FY2025 Amended Budget No comments were made. FY2026 Budget No comments were made. FY2026 Officer Salary Increases Councilmember Bowers stated that you have to publish the standard increases for your officers. FY2026 Fee Schedule Update No comments were made. Councilmember Taylor made a motion to exit the public hearing. Councilmember Nielson seconded the motion. Mayor Olsen repeated the motion and asked for discussion or questions. Hearing none, he called for a vote. Those voting aye: Councilmember Taylor Councilmember Nielson Councilmember Grover Councilmember Ewald Councilmember Bowers Those voting nay: None Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Olsen declared the motion carried. Public Input - None Reports Mayor Mayor Olsen introduced the Little Miss Blanding royalty. Austri Shumway, Lucy Harris, Haven Larsen, Jacelyn Kimball, Paisley Monson. They will be in the parade, at the Mayor's breakfast and at the park before fireworks. Several groups have helped clean up the streets in preparation for the 4th of July including Upward Bound and the Blanding Youth Council. Everyone is welcome to the Mayors Breakfast on the 4th. Matt Black that is retired from the Air Force, will be speaking at that event. We will be welcoming back Private Fist Class Collin Isaac Warner who has recently returned from deployment in South Korea. Mayor Olsen stated that if anyone knows of any other service men or women from Blanding, we'd love to recognize them as well. Please reach out and let him know. City Council Councilmember Bowers said that the grand opening of the pavilion went great. There was a good turnout. A lot of good work was put in by energy fuels, Blanding City employees and The San Juan Clean Energy Foundation. It was acknowledged that there was some good fun competition at the pickleball and cornhole courts. Fire Report - Corey Spillman Chief Spillman was present at the meeting and was asked to report on the recent fire near West Water. He reported that the cause of the fire is under investigation by the Police Department and the State Fire Marshal. The fire started on city property, and the State Wildland investigator is determining the origin and cause. Due to the fire's rapid spread, the fire department delegated management to the state to access resources like planes and helicopters, with the city focusing on structure protection on both sides of West Water canyon. Ryan McArthur was also present and he stated that they ordered a state Wildland investigator. He stated that the investigator's job is to determine cause and origin and then from there he will turn his report over to the jurisdiction of the land, which will be the city as the ignition site ended up being on city property. The city PD will then try and determine a suspect and possible criminal charges. It was not naturally caused. Councilmember Taylor asked Chief Spillman if they had all the resources they needed and how can we help. Chief Spill stated that when he got on scene, he knew that he needed more help and resources than what the city department could provide. They have agreements in place with the state and they can call upon them for help. Councilmember Taylor praised the fire department's work but noted the challenge of managing public presence near active fire zones and suggested public education on staying clear. Councilmember Grover asked how much water was used. It was stated that almost 2800 gallons were used. It was stated that the water that is used from the 4th reservoir is under contract for initial attack situations. The council thanked them for all the work that they did and coordinating with other agencies and protecting the houses on both sides of the canyon. City Engineer Report - Patrick Parsons 23.35 Mr. Parsons wanted to clarify that the number that was given at the last meeting of how many more acre feet of water we have used compared to last year was incorrect. It has since been corrected, but we are still sending the same message, that we are still over what we were last year and we still need to be conservative. The newspaper reported the miscalculation, Mr. Herring stated that we will be sure to get it correct and make sure that they note it in the newspaper as well. Mr. Parsons noted that annual precipitation is at 63% of the median, and city reservoirs are around 80% capacity, contrasting with the Recapture Reservoir at 40%. Well B is repaired and will be operational. Mr. Parsons emphasized the need for continued water conservation to avoid moving to higher tiers. He explained that the increasing ending reservoir storage compared to the beginning storage indicates greater reliance on wells. Patrick also mentioned that evaporation from reservoirs like the third and fourth is significant. He clarified that Starvation Reservoir typically decreases first and feeds into the third reservoir. Business Items Ordinance 2025-12 - Officer Salary Increases The Utah State Legislature during the 2024 General Session passed S.B. 91. S.B. 91 amended Utah Code Section 10-3-818 regarding City employee salaries. The City of Blanding must now publish public notice and hold a separate public hearing on proposed compensation increases for executive municipal officers before adopting those increases; and the Blanding City Council finds that enacting the proposed compensation increases as set forth in this Ordinance will comply with Utah Code requirements and will promote the public health, safety, and welfare of the residents of the City of Blanding, Utah. Councilmember Ewald made a motion to approve Ordinance 2025-12 accepting the officer salary increases. Councilmember Bowers seconded the motion. Mayor Olsen repeated the motion and asked for discussion or questions. Hearing none, he called for a vote. Those voting aye: Councilmember Taylor Councilmember Nielson Councilmember Grover Councilmember Ewald Councilmember Bowers Those voting nay: None Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Olsen declared the motion carried. Ordinance 2025-13 - FY2025 Amended Budget Approval The Blanding City Council is required by the Uniform Fiscal Procedures Act for Utah Cities (Utah Code § 10-6-101 et seq.) to adopt and amend budgets by ordinance. The City has reviewed all revenue and expenditure estimates for Fiscal Year 2025 and determined that amendments are necessary to reflect actual and anticipated revenues and expenditures more accurately. A public hearing was duly noticed and held on June 24, 2025, in accordance with Utah Code § 10-6-113 and § 10-6-114, to receive public comment on the proposed amended budget. The Blanding City Council finds it in the best interest of the City and its residents to adopt the amended budget for Fiscal Year 2025. They discussed the change and why they had to amend the budget. Mr. Francom stated that there was a miscalculation in the police department budget, payout for employees that left, and some unexpected things. Councilmember Taylor made a motion to approve Ordinance 2025-13 accepting the FY2025 amended budget. Councilmember Grover seconded the motion. Mayor Olsen repeated the motion and asked for discussion or questions. Hearing none, he called for a vote. Those voting aye: Councilmember Taylor Councilmember Nielson Councilmember Grover Councilmember Ewald Councilmember Bowers Those voting nay: None Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Olsen declared the motion carried. Ordinance 2025-14 - FY2026 Budget Approval The Blanding City Council, in accordance with the Uniform Fiscal Procedures Act for Utah Cities (Utah Code § 10-6-101 et seq.), is required to adopt a budget for each fiscal year by ordinance. The proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026 (July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026) has been prepared, reviewed, and tentatively adopted in accordance with the law. A public hearing to receive public input on the proposed budget was duly noticed and held on June 24, 2025, in accordance with Utah Code § 10-6-114. The City Council has determined that the proposed budget reflects the priorities and fiscal needs of Blanding City for the coming fiscal year. Councilmember Taylor made a motion to approve Ordinance 2025-14 accepting the FY2026 Budget. Councilmember Ewald seconded the motion. Mayor Olsen repeated the motion and asked for discussion or questions. Hearing none, he called for a vote. Those voting aye: Councilmember Taylor Councilmember Nielson Councilmember Grover Councilmember Ewald Councilmember Bowers Those voting nay: None Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Olsen declared the motion carried. Ordinance 2025-15 - Fee Schedule Update for FY26 The Blanding City Council has the authority to establish and amend fees for municipal services, licenses, permits, and other administrative costs in accordance with Utah Code § 10-3-717 and other applicable laws; and WHEREAS, a comprehensive review of the existing fee schedule has been conducted, and updates have been proposed to reflect the actual costs of providing city services; And WHEREAS, a public hearing to receive public input on the proposed FY2026 Fee Schedule was duly noticed and held on June 24, 2025, in accordance with Utah law; And WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the proposed fee schedule is fair, reasonable, and in the best interest of Blanding City and its residents. Councilmember Ewald made a motion to approve Ordinance 2025-15 accepting the fee schedule update for FY26. Councilmember Grover seconded the motion. Mayor Olsen repeated the motion and asked for discussion or questions. Hearing none, he called for a vote. Those voting aye: Councilmember Taylor Councilmember Nielson Councilmember Grover Councilmember Ewald Councilmember Bowers Those voting nay: None Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Olsen declared the motion carried. Ordinance 2025-16 - Adoption of the Certified Tax Rate for FY2026 Pursuant to Utah Code § 10-6-135 and § 59-2-924, the Blanding City Council is required to adopt a property tax rate as part of its annual budget process. The San Juan County Auditor, in coordination with the Utah State Tax Commission, has provided Blanding City with a Certified Tax Rate (CTR) for Fiscal Year 2026 of 0.001324. Blanding City does not intend to exceed the certified tax rate, and thus a Truth in Taxation hearing is not required. The City Council finds it necessary and in the best interest of the residents to adopt the certified tax rate in order to fund essential municipal operations. Councilmember Nielson made a motion to approve Ordinance 2025-16 accepting the certified tax rate for FY2026 Councilmember Ewald seconded the motion. Mayor Olsen repeated the motion and asked for discussion or questions. Hearing none, he called for a vote. Those voting aye: Councilmember Taylor Councilmember Nielson Councilmember Grover Councilmember Ewald Councilmember Bowers Those voting nay: None Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Olsen declared the motion carried. Resolution 06-24-2025-1- Blanding/SJC Equipment Exchange Agreement Blanding City owns a CASE 580K Backhoe, identified for surplus or trade. San Juan County Landfill has agreed to waive all tipping and disposal fees associated with demolition material from the Blanding City-owned property located at the corner lot of 200 South Main Street. Blanding City has determined it is in the public interest to proceed with this exchange as a cost-saving measure and as part of the efficient management of City-owned assets. The City Council finds that this agreement is mutually beneficial and supports the City's efforts to manage resources and facilitate public improvement projects. Councilmember Grover made a motion to approve Resolution 06-24-2025-1 accepting the Blanding/SJC equipment exchange agreement. Councilmember Nielson seconded the motion. Mayor Olsen repeated the motion and asked for discussion or questions. Hearing none, he called for a vote. Those voting aye: Councilmember Taylor Councilmember Nielson Councilmember Grover Councilmember Ewald Councilmember Bowers Those voting nay: None Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Olsen declared the motion carried. Discussion Items Is there anything we need to discuss or add to future agendas? Councilmember Nielson asked if we need to discuss kids on electric scooters. He's had multiple complaints about it. Mr. Herring stated that SRO Cole Palmer has educational programs during the school year to address this issue. They talked about certain intersections that are particularly dangerous. They talked about some good and some bad things that they have seen. They discussed possibly doing an educational course in the summer as well. The issue of public awareness and education on the legal aspects of electric scooter use was also raised. Mr. Herring stated that he has seen good things and he has rewarded those kids for obeying the rules. The potential for Safe Routes to School funding to improve safety was also discussed. Councilmember Bowers wants to put bathrooms and drinking fountains at the park by the highly used pickleball courts. Closed Session Councilmember Nielson made a motion to go into closed session to discuss pending litigation. Councilmember Bowers seconded the motion. Mayor Olsen repeated the motion. He asked for discussion or questions. Hearing none, he called for a vote. Those voting aye: Councilmember Taylor Councilmember Grover Councilmember Nielson Councilmember Ewald Councilmember Bowers Those voting nay: None Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Olsen declared the motion carried. Adjournment Councilmember Grover made a motion to adjourn. Councilmember Nielson seconded the motion. Mayor Olsen repeated the motion and asked for discussion or questions, hearing none, he called for a vote. Those voting aye: Councilmember Taylor Councilmember Grover Councilmember Nielson Councilmember Ewald Councilmember Bowers Those voting nay: None Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Olsen declared the motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:20pm.

Notice of Special Accommodations (ADA)

In compliance with the ADA, individuals needing special accommodations during this meeting may call the City Offices at (435) 678-2791 at least twenty-four hours in advance. Every effort will be made to provide the appropriate services.

Notice of Electronic or Telephone Participation

One or more Council Members may partcipate electronically.

Meeting Information

Meeting Location

50 W 100 S
Blanding, UT 84511
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Contact Name

Pratt Redd

Contact Email

predd@blanding-ut.gov

Notice Posting Details

Notice Posted On

July 16, 2025 03:34 PM

Notice Last Edited On

July 16, 2025 03:34 PM

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