General Information

Government Type

Municipality

Entity

Blanding

Public Body

City Council

Notice Information

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Notice Title

8.12.25 City Council Minutes

Notice Type(s)

Meeting

Event Start Date & Time

August 12, 2025 07:00 PM

Description/Agenda

CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Mayor Trevor Olsen Mayor Pro Tempore Cheryl Bowers (virtual) Council Member Chris Ewald Council Member Charlie Taylor Council Member Erik Grover Council Member Kellen Nielson August 12, 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 Mayor Trevor Olsen The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance. Approval: Consent Agenda and Minutes from July 22, 2025 Regular Session Councilmember Ewald made a motion to approve the consent agenda and minutes from July 22, 2025. 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 Ewald Those voting nay: None Those abstaining: Councilmember Grover Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Olsen declared the motion carried. Declaration of Conflicts of Interest - None Ann Hawkins was recognized by the mayor and city council for her dedication to the local movie theater and community. She ensures the theater remains open for families and has specifically created a monthly sensory-friendly time for individuals with special needs to enjoy movies without social frustrations. The council praised her unconditional love, her ability to create safe spaces, and her overall positive contribution to the Blanding community, presenting her with an award from the coalitions. Public Hearing Councilmember Grover made a motion to enter a public hearing for the JL Hunt rezone request. 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 Those voting nay: None Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Olsen declared the motion carried. Rezoning for JL Hunt from R-2 to Mobile Home There were many members of the public present at the meeting wishing to voice their concerns and opinions on this issue. Mr. Herring read an email from Mark and Debbie Christensen and Dennis and Cathy Cosby as well as Kendra Bradford. Others that were present and spoke their opinions and concerns included Pam Hosler, Mar Dawn Palmer, Toni Dee, Marla Palomares, Rick Meyer, Asa Lyman, Aubree Lyman, Jeff Johnson and Howard Dee. These residents expressed fear that the rezoning would significantly devalue their homes and properties, especially given the history of the property owner's other properties in town. Residents cited the property owner's track record of neglecting his other properties, leading to issues like overgrown weeds, unkempt appearances, trailers needing repair, broken windows, and deteriorating exteriors. There were also concerns about a lack of proper amenities like paved roadways, sidewalks, and designated yards in current mobile home parks. Concerns were raised about increased police calls to the owner's other mobile home parks, potential for unlawful activities in abandoned trailers, and a general decrease in safety and quality of life. The idea of increased traffic from extending roads into the neighborhood was also a significant safety concern for children playing outside. Residents worried that the continuous influx of new tenants in a mobile home park would disrupt the close-knit, family-friendly atmosphere of their neighborhood. There was skepticism about whether existing city regulations for trailer parks were sufficient or adequately enforced, leading to concerns about substandard conditions if more mobile home parks were approved without updated guidelines. While acknowledging the need for affordable housing, residents believed that converting used trailers in need of substantial repair was not a suitable option and that the proposed development would present more challenges than benefits. Trina, representing the property owner JL Hunt, addresses some of the opposition's points. She clarifies that extending the road all the way to 600 South is not feasible due to Blanding City's sewage property behind the parcel. She mentions that the city was looking into extending 500 South just a little to access the Blanding property, not 600 South. Trina acknowledges that mobile homes are controversial and often face opposition, but argues that there is a significant need for affordable housing in Blanding, with dozens of people looking for rentals. She asserts that the proposed property is an ideal location for a mobile home park, given that there are already two mobile homes north of it, storage units to the east, and Blanding City owning the property behind it. She also points out that R2 zoning (the current zoning) still allows mobile homes, and that changing to mobile home zoning would impose more strict regulations, such as the requirement for a permanent foundation, which is a substantial cost for developers. She urges the council to consider the need for rentals and the suitability of the location. Councilmember Nielson made a motion to leave the public hearing. 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. Public Input None Reports & Action Mayor City Manager Appointment - After many great, qualified candidates, the mayor nominates Pratt Redd for the new city manager, highlighting his master's degree in business administration from Southern Utah University, his prior role as economic development and marketing director for Blanding City, and his experience as an operations manager for Redd Mechanical. The council provides advice and consent, with all present members voting in favor of Pratt Redd becoming the next city manager. Mr. Herring, the outgoing city manager, is also thanked for his contributions and given a gift for his new position at Utah Navajo Health Systems. City Council Councilmember Taylor wanted to remind everyone of the citizen's academy. He encouraged everyone to make an effort to attend those. Finance Report - James Francom Mr. Francom said that he had provided the check register and asked if anyone had questions. Councilmember Nielson asked if the deep well project has been reimbursed. Mr. Francom said that yes, all deep well stuff has been reimbursed. Economic Development - Ben Muhlstein Business Licenses: MarDawn's Day Care & Russell Cellular Events: July 4th: We are working on a few new things for next year. Otherwise, nothing to report. Fall Festival: We are in full swing planning. Banners should be going up soon. Booths are already more than half full. Bears Ears Marathon: Planning is ramping up for the marathon. We are working on website updates, merchandise, advertising and the rest. Registrations are beginning to pick up. Community Development: R-2 and Subdivision updates are live and we have already seen citizens make use of the changes. The planning commission is looking forward to working on R-1 and other zones in the future. Bike Fleet Received: Blanding received a fleet of youth bicycles from Bike Utah in July. The fleet came with tools, materials, training and continued support from Bike Utah to help Blanding develop our own bicycle programming. David Palmer is working on making programming over the coming months. We are grateful to Bike Utah for the gift of these bicycles and are excited to see them used. Every year we apply for the Utah Office of Tourism Co-op funds for tourism and marketing. We applied for $20,000 this year and we were awarded $13,000 which is pretty good considering they made pretty large cuts to everybody this year. Building Inspector - Taylor Francom Permits: Electric meter set - 2, Demolition - 1, Garage - 1, Outbuilding - 1, Commercial Remodel - 1. Inspections: 21 residential, 9 commercial. Building Permit fees - Current City Code building fees based on 1997 UBC Sched. City Inspect building fees based on 2017 ICC valuation data (per sq. ft.) Propose for discontinuation of 1997 and only use 2017 ICC valuation. New construction building permit rates will stay the same. Propose to review and update permit fee rates, specifically regarding remodels. Notes: M1 Residential Mechanical Inspector test completed and passed. Obtained R5 Residential Combination Inspector Credentials. New Contract with San Juan School District for all building inspections in San Juan County. Active issued permits: 24. B2 Commercial Building Inspector studying Police Report - Chief JJ Bradford July cases were up a few from last year. We are getting ready to test for the new opening in the department. We have several applicants. We have adjusted schedules to deal with the shortage the best we can. Councilmember Taylor stated that South Jordan has come up with some regulations on electric scooters, as far as speed, weight, helmets, etc. He would like to reach out to South Jordan and ask them what they have come up with. Court Report - Trent Herring June - Criminal Cases: 14 Traffic Cases: 85 July - Criminal Cases: 4 Traffic Cases: 53 Fire Report - Chief Corey Spillman The Blanding Fire Department had 31 total Callouts in quarter 2. 8- Fire alarm activation / False call 2- Outside Fire 1- Mutual Aid Given (Monticello Fire) 1- Mutual Aid Received ( Monticello Fire) 5- Vehicle Accidents 3- Carbon monoxide/ gas leaks 1-Vehicle Fire 5- Medical Assist's ( lift assist / CPR Assist) 6- Wildland Fires ( Lightning Strikes. Open Field Fires ) Trainings: 21 with a total of 50 hours. Chief Spillman attended a two day Fire Investigator Course In Price. It was very informative and good training to bring back to the department. Scene Management and Evidence Protection. Business Items Ordinance - 2025-19 JL Hunt Rezoning Blanding City, a municipal corporation of the State of Utah, is authorized under Utah law to enact and amend zoning regulations and zoning maps in order to promote the health, safety, and welfare of the community. JL Hunt (the 'Applicant') has submitted a formal request for a zoning map amendment to rezone certain property from R-2 Residential to Mobile Home zoning classification. The subject property is more particularly described in the attachment public notice incorporated herein by reference. The Blanding City Planning and Zoning Commission held a public meeting, received input from the public and the Applicant, and provided a recommendation to the Blanding City Council. The Blanding City Council held a public meeting on the matter in accordance with applicable law on the 12th day of August, 2025, and finds that the requested zoning change is consistent with the City's General Plan, promotes orderly growth, and serves the public interest. Mr. Herring wanted to make it clear that it's not Blanding City that initiates a zone change request. The request comes from the land owner. He also talked about the Brownsfield study that has been happening in the area of the zone change request. Councilmember Ewald asked if our current mobile home zones meet our ordinances. Councilmember Bowers asked if planning and zoning has recommended that this zone change happen. Mr. Mulhestein explained that the purpose of planning and zoning is to review zoning changes and ensure that they meet our coding standards, not to recommend that they be passed or not. Councilmember Bowers wanted to state on the record that James Hunt is her ex brother-in-law and Trina Hosler is her sister, but her main concern is the people of Blanding. She stated that there is a need for housing in Blanding. It is a problem and it's something that we really need to think about in the city of Blanding. We need to do it in the right way and in the right location. Her recommendation is to table the issue and she wants to take the time to go to the area and get a better idea of the space and the neighboring houses. She stated that she thinks we have a fine line that we're walking between finding the ability for people to rent and live here and also protecting current homeowners. And that's what we have to try and do. Councilmember Taylor wanted to thank all the public for being here and putting the time in to be here. He said that for him, the issue isn't with the land owner, but the mobile home standards and how they should be maintained or how we should consider some changes to what we require. He stated that change is coming, whether it's down there or somewhere else in the city, we need to identify locations. We need to find ways to do this. It's going to happen somewhere. He believes that mobile home parks get a bad wrap because of bad management. Councilmember Grover stated that he wonders why we would approve this before we look at and make changes to our mobile home zone ordinances. Councilmember Grover made a motion to table Ordinance 2025-19 accepting the JL Hunt rezoning request from R2 to mobile home zone. 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. Resolution - 08-12-2025-1 Visitor's Center Roof Bid Approval Blanding City has identified the need to replace the roof of the Blanding Visitors Center due to age, wear, and water intrusion concerns. The City solicited bids for the project and has reviewed all submitted proposals in accordance with applicable procurement standards. Blake Building, LLC has submitted the most responsible and responsive bid in the total amount of $41,450.00. The original budgeted amount for the project was $30,000.00, and approval of this bid will require additional funding. The additional cost for this project can be covered through savings realized in other General Fund projects, and will not cause the City to exceed its overall approved budget for the fiscal year. Councilmember Nielson stated that 'Blake Building' is run by his brother-in-law. But that doesn't exclude him from voting. Councilmember Taylor made a motion to approve Resolution 08-12-2025-1 accepting the visitor's center roof bid. 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 - 08-12-2025-2 San Juan County Use of the Johnson Creek Well Blanding City owns and operates a municipal water well located at approximately GPS coordinates 37.792639, -109.510469 (hereinafter referred to as the 'Johnson Creek Well'). San Juan County is undertaking road maintenance and/or construction activities on County Road 285, specifically from the cattle guard at the entrance to the U.S. Forest Service territory up to the Dry Wash Reservoir, located on Blue Mountain. The County has requested permission to temporarily utilize the Johnson Creek Well to obtain water necessary for such maintenance activities. Blanding City is willing to allow the temporary use of the Johnson Creek Well for these purposes, subject to the terms and conditions established by the City. A contract outlining the terms of this temporary use has been made. The council had a discussion on the project and the well. Councilmember Ewald made a motion to approve Resolution 08-12-2025-2 allowing San Juan County to use the Johnson Creek Well for their road maintenance project, according to the contract. 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. Resolution - 08-12-2025-3 SJSD Inspector Contract The City of Blanding provides building inspection services to ensure public safety, code compliance, and quality construction practices within its jurisdiction. The San Juan School District has requested building inspection services for certain District projects located within the City of Blanding. The City and the District have negotiated a contract for Inspector Services, which outlines the scope of services, compensation, and responsibilities of both parties. The City Council has reviewed the proposed contract and finds it to be in the best interest of the City to approve and enter into the agreement. Councilmember Grover made a motion to approve Resolution 08-12-2025-3 and enter into a contract with SJSD for inspector services. 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. Advice and Consent Items Pump Track Design - Ben Muhlestein Mr. Muhlestein stated that we have been talking about getting a pump tack that would accommodate a wide age range of users. It's a great project. We budgeted $200,000 in capital funds for this project. The $36,000 contract is just for the design of the pump track. He stated that he is applying for a grant for funding for the project construction. It would be near the visitor center. Having a design complete before the grant puts us a head. Council gave advice and consent to move forward with the design and grant application. Discussion Items Chad Moses R-2 Rezoning Request Follow Up The council followed up on Chad Moses's rezoning request, which had been tabled previously. It was confirmed that the next step is to work on the R1 zoning changes (Chad's property is currently R1). Council members indicated that they would wait to see the R1 changes as they are anticipated to be positive for development. The process for R1 zoning changes was outlined, indicating a potential passing date in late October or November after Planning and Zoning Commission review and public hearings. A council member thanked Chad Moses for highlighting issues with current zoning and contributing to positive changes. Mr. Herring clarified the process for protesting zoning amendments. He stated that written protests must be given to the city council at least four hours prior to a public hearing. If 20% of surrounding property owners provide written opposition, the motion must pass by at least a 4-to-1 vote (instead of a simple majority). Education Policy Review The council discussed a proposed update to the education policy. The recommendation is for a two-year work commitment for education paid for by the city, with a prorated amount owed if an employee leaves early. The maximum education certificate expense allowed would be $10,000, subject to approval by the mayor and city council. This policy aims to formalize existing practices, particularly in departments like police, where education costs are significant. Pratt Redd will bring this item back for further discussion. Demolition Project Completed Dan Brown's company was praised for their great work on the main street lot. They did a quick and efficient job of cleaning it up. Adjournment Councilmember Grover made a motion to adjourn. 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 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 8:56pm.

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

September 02, 2025 02:05 PM

Notice Last Edited On

September 02, 2025 02:05 PM

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