General Information

Government Type

Municipality

Entity

Blanding

Public Body

City Council

Notice Information

Add Notice to Calendar

Notice Title

City Council Minutes 7.8.2025

Notice Type(s)

Meeting

Event Start Date & Time

July 8, 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 (Virtual) July 8, 2025-6-7:00 pm - Work Session July 8, 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 Work Session Landlord Utility Account Billing Practices Mr. Herring explained that the way policy states and the way places are being billed is a base rate plus 5,000 gallons. There have been some complaints and concerns from landlords on the way that they are billed. He explained the difference between how hotels and apartment buildings are billed versus residential homes. The city is billing individual units but there is only one meter. Mr. Herring stated that the landlord meter gets a 5,000 gallon credit for each unit. Mrs. Rarick explained that if the complex as a whole goes over the 5,000 gallon per unit amount, then the landlord gets charged that overage amount. It was stated that landlords are welcome to install individual meters on their units if they so desire. Trailer parks typically have individual metered power and gas but not water and sewer. Mr. Herring brought up the complications in low income housing situations. He said that they could give landlords the option of how they want to be billed. It was stated that the city is responsible for maintenance up to the meter, after that, it is the landlord's responsibility. Mr. Herring recommends that any new developments with multiple units all have their own meters. They discussed what happens when a trailer is moved out of the park. The council briefly discussed the trailers at the elementary school construction site. It is unknown if people are living in those trailers. They are most likely being used as office space. Dog Park Needs Mr. Herring stated that residents have expressed a need for a dog park. The best options would be at the visitor center park or the main street park. They discussed what would need to be done. Mr. Herring stated that he has tried to communicate with Maverik and has gotten nowhere. They agree that dogs shouldn't be on the ball fields. They understand that some people will take care of their dog's mess and some won't. They talked about looking into the costs of creating a dog park. They discussed the option of having grass or dirt or turf and what kind of maintenance would be required. City Parks, etc. They discussed the need for bathrooms and drinking fountains at the park by the pickleball courts, as well as other parks. There are portable restrooms at some parks that are nice to have there, but look tacky and have a fee for the services. Councilmember Taylor stated that the clubhouse at the baseball complex looks great, but we need to invest in a vacuum to be kept there. They talked about the storage in the wellness center. Mr. Herring brought up the fact that the local quilt guild stores their quilt show supplies there. The quilt guild was charged a fee this year for the quilt show. Mayor Olsen stated that the quilt guild donates hundreds of quilts to good causes. Councilmember Bowers stated that the senior center should be used for things like that and it's unfortunate that it's not. POLICY MEETING Call to Order Roll Call A Prayer was offered by Chris Ewald The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance. Approval: Consent Agenda and Minutes from June 24, 2025 Regular Session Councilmember Ewald made a motion to approve the consent agenda and minutes from June 24, 2025. Councilmember Taylor 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 Input - Nicole Francom was present and talked about the history and success of the swim team in Blanding. They have competitive meets with Monticello. The swim team has grown to 52 kids over 10 years, noting its benefits in creating future lap swimmers, building confidence, and developing stronger, safer swimmers, and training better lifeguards. Swimming is a beneficial sport that can be enjoyed for a lifetime. They learn all the swim strokes as well as rhythmic breathing. She explained that the team practices Monday and Wednesday mornings, split into older and younger groups. They all work hard in their practices. Berkeley Lyman, a swim team member, shared that the team provides an important exercise opportunity. Another 12-year-old swim team member highlighted Nicole's dedication and the team's role in promoting activity and helping with other sports. Aiker Palmer, a three-year swim team member, expressed that it helps them get stronger and is a fun morning activity. Bryir Palmer, another team member, noted the swim team helps with endurance, strength, and coordination for other sports. Haley Kartchner, a parent of two girls on the team, praised the program for building confidence in her daughters and commended Nicole for her talent and dedication. Katie Lyman, also a parent, thanked the city council for the public pool and echoed appreciation for Nicole's role in building youth confidence and fostering future lifeguards. Reports Mayor The Mayor presented David Lyman with a plaque and expressed his appreciation for his years of hard work and dedication. Council members praised him for his contributions, willingness to help, and invaluable service to the city. Jim and Karen Slavens were recognized as Grand Marshals for their extensive service to Blanding and San Juan County, including roles as bus drivers, owning businesses like Slavven's Hardware and Lumber Company, and Jim serving as mayor and councilman. Karen was noted as the first woman to get a pilot's license in Blanding, and they were involved in numerous community organizations and religious service. Lieutenant Colby Turk was honored as the Outstanding Citizen of the Year for over 10 years of law enforcement service in the city and county. His contributions include training local law enforcement officers, enforcing traffic safety in school zones, working with the drug task force, leading the SERT team, and coaching various youth sports. His dedication to serving the community with a positive attitude, even preferring to work behind the scenes, was highlighted. Councilmember Taylor stated that Colby is one of the best task force commanders that we've ever had. Colby thanked the council and city for the recognition, stating that he doesn't feel like he does any more than the next guy. Mayor Olsen extended a special thank you to all who made the Fourth of July celebration possible, including parks and recreation, the band, police, and all city employees, noting the phenomenal success of the park activities and the large crowd. He also recognized the efforts of firefighters in managing the fireworks display despite a minor technical issue at the end. City Council None Finance Report - James Francom The financial report was presented, with a question raised about Christmas decorations. Mr. Herring clarified that new Main Street lights were purchased at a sale price in June for replacement, with 66 new decorations expected to arrive. Economic Development - Ben Muhlestein Events: 4th of July - Mr. Muhlestein expressed gratitude to all participants and departments that ensured a successful Fourth of July, including Country Comfort for porta-potties, Waste Management for dumpsters, and public works for field maintenance. Mr. Muhlestein announced awards for parade floats: Four Corners Regional Healthcare for Most Enthusiastic, San Juan Credit Union for Most Patriotic, and Energy Fuels for Best Theme Representation. The council discussed improving parking for the Fourth of July by exploring shuttle services and addressing current parking challenges in the dirt field. Councilmember Bowers expressed her thanks to the work that goes into pulling off such a big event. She appreciates the spirit and patriotism that exists here in Blanding. She loved the fireworks. Fall Festival - Mr. Muhlestein discussed ongoing preparations for the Fall Festival, with vendor booths opening soon. Bears Ears Marathon - No major updates. Community Development - We are looking to pass changes to R-2 and our One/Two Lot subdivision policy in the next meeting in July. Trails Update - In June we had a visit from our Trail consultant. Over two days we explored a lot of terrain and possible trails that could be permitted as well as met with a few local groups. The mapping process is continuing and going well and will be presented to council when it is finalized. The 4th Reservoir trail design has started. We are moving that project along as we can. Councilmember Ewald brought up the idea of an airport fly-in car show. They discussed it as a way to attract visitors, similar to past events, and potentially coordinate with flyovers on the Fourth of July. Building Inspector - Taylor Francom New Permits since June 1 - 3 electric meters, 1 solar, 1 remodel. 11 inspections in June - 8 residential, 3 commercial. P1 Residential Plumbing Inspector test completed and passed ICC E1 Electrical certification with only the HVAC certification remaining. Active issued permits: 25 Police Report - Chief JJ Bradford All officers completed more arrest control and defensive tactics training. We have been juggling schedules to accommodate for being down an officer and two officers using a week of vacation during June The fire in Westwater Canyon on Father's Day was human caused and we'd like to thank all the fire agencies from around the area that showed up to help protect structures and get the fire put out. Chief Bradford thanked other law enforcement agencies for their assistance with Fourth of July traffic control. The department is currently interviewing candidates for a new officer position. Parks & Rec - David Palmer The 2nd quarter of 2025 was very busy Mr. Palmer listed the highlights below: We started the quarter with cleaning up all the parks from winter We cleaned up the pool from winter and got it public ready Began our spring sports - Tball, Boys & Girls Machine Pitch, Boys Baseball and Girls Softball We also started our swim team at the very end of this quarter We Struggled finding people to apply for summer help which caused 7 day work weeks and countless hours to bring everything up to speed Participation in our recreation programs has increased by 79 participants at this time last year. That is with an increase of travel teams this year like we have never seen before. This is unprecedented growth for our rec programs The Wellness Center had 17,686 visits for use of the facility which is an increase of 10,942 over the 1st quarter. That is an average of over 235 visitors per day The new floor in the clubhouse (the big room above the concession stands) is installed and looks great Participation in city recreation programs has increased, despite the rise in travel teams, indicating an active community and strong programs. David also expressed support for the swim team and its growing needs, planning to assist them with equipment. Issues with overloaded electrical outlets at the park during events were discussed, with plans to upgrade the service to address these problems for future events. Mr. Palmer announced that the swimming pool's diving board, which had been broken for some time, was replaced that morning. Councilmember Bowers suggested that the budget for summer help payrolls might need to be increased next year if positions continue to be difficult to fill, implying a need to increase pay. Discussion Items City Administrator Notice Mr. Herring expressed his appreciation for the city council and for all that has been accomplished in the last 18 months. His last day will be on August 1st and he has offered to assist with the transition of his replacement. The council expressed appreciation for Trent's work and achievements, recognizing his new position with Utah Navajo Health, and indicated that the city would be seeking applications for two to three weeks to gather information. San Juan County Landfill Unsecured and Uncovered Loads Mr. Herring discussed a new law effective May 7, 2025 (HB 0053), which allows landfills to fine for untarped or unsecured loads, though the fine does not have to be implemented until July 1, 2026. He voiced disagreement with the landfill manager's recommendation to double the tipping charge instead of the minimum $10 fee, believing it would lead to increased illegal dumping outside the landfill. He also stated that charging a high fee seems punitive and like an attempt by the county to make money rather than address the problem. Some of the council members also expressed their frustration with the fines and the ambiguity of a properly secured load. Main Street Demolition Bids Mr. Herring presented two bids for the demolition of buildings on a city lot: DB Building at $17,020 and Cosby Trucking at $21,000. The bids are for demo and disposal. Public Hearings for July 22, 2025 Mr. Herring wanted to inform the council that in the next meeting there will be a public hearing for the R-2 Zoning Ordinance Amendments and the one/two Lot Subdivision. Business Items Resolution - 07-08-2025-01 Main Street Demolition Bid Approval Blanding City is the owner of multiple structures located near the intersection of 200 South and Main Street in Blanding, Utah. The Blanding City Council has determined that demolition of the structure is in the best interest of public safety and community improvement. DB Building Inc. submitted a bid in the amount of $17,020.00 for demolition of the structure, including demolition, loading, and hauling of debris to the San Juan County Landfill. The San Juan County Landfill has agreed to waive all landfill fees for this project as part of the existing equipment exchange agreement between Blanding City and the landfill. Councilmember Ewald made a motion to approve Resolution 07-08-2025-01 accepting the main street demolition bid from DB Building. 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. Resolution - 07-08-2025-02 Elections Interlocal Agreement The City of Blanding, Utah ('City') is authorized to enter into interlocal agreements for Election Services. San Juan County, Utah ('County') provides election services and has the capability and resources to assist Blanding City in the administration of municipal elections. The City Council of Blanding finds that it is in the best interest of the City and its residents to enter into an Interlocal Agreement with San Juan County for the provision of election services. The Interlocal Agreement for Election Services has been reviewed by the City Council. Councilmember Grover made a motion to approve Resolution 07-08-2025-02 to enter into an interlocal elections agreement. Councilmember Taylor 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. Closed Session Councilmember Grover made a motion to go into closed session to discuss personel. Councilmember Ewald 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 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 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 8:42 pm.

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
Show in Apple Maps Show in Google Maps

Contact Name

Pratt Redd

Contact Email

predd@blanding-ut.gov

Notice Posting Details

Notice Posted On

July 29, 2025 04:59 PM

Notice Last Edited On

July 29, 2025 04:59 PM

Subscribe by Email

Subscription options will send you alerts regarding future notices posted by this Body.