General Information

Government Type

Municipality

Entity

Blanding

Public Body

City Council

Notice Information

Add Notice to Calendar

Notice Title

City Council Minutes 9.9.2025

Notice Type(s)

Meeting

Event Start Date & Time

September 9, 2025 07:00 PM

Description/Agenda

CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Mayor Trevor Olsen Mayor Pro Tempore Cheryl Bowers (absent) Council Member Chris Ewald (absent) Council Member Charlie Taylor Council Member Erik Grover Council Member Kellen Nielson September 09, 2025 6-7:00 pm - Work Session September 09, 2025 7pm City Council Meeting Location: 50 West 100 South Street, Blanding Utah 84511 Meetings live streamed when available at: https://meet.google.com/ymf-jwqo-rjs Work Session Rezoning Request Update Mr. Redd clarified that Ben had investigated recent zone request changes, highlighting that property owners had met the legal requirements for their zone requests to be approved or denied. He emphasized that the council must either adopt a resolution to approve the zone changes or make a motion to deny with supporting findings on record.These decisions are scheduled for September 23rd. Mr. Redd outlined several questions for the council to consider regarding zone amendments, including whether a changing community condition necessitates the amendment, if it conflicts with plans for stable development, and if resident opposition affects the community's general welfare. Additionally, he raised concerns about public safety risks, interference with long-term infrastructure and growth planning, and whether maintaining existing R1 or R2 codes would encourage higher quality housing development. Mr. Redd stated that Chad Moses is willing to record a deed covenant prohibiting the construction of apartment complexes or trailer-style housing on his property to address neighbor concerns. He explained that this covenant would be legally binding even if the property were sold to another owner. Mr. Redd brought up some challenges with the Jim Hunt property, including the presence of required rights-of-way for a canal, overhead power lines, and a city street right-of-way that could severely limit potential development. Councilmember Taylor proposed a moratorium on mobile homes for up to six months to allow planning and zoning to develop regulations, aiming to prevent undesirable developments. Mr. Redd clarified that existing applications must be voted on before a moratorium could be implemented, and a moratorium would not preclude future zone requests once new codes are established. Councilmember Bowers clarified that according to our own city code that if 20% of property owners within 200 feet of the proposed change file a written protest four hours prior to the public hearing, the vote to pass a resolution requires a 4 to 1 majority. Without such a protest, a 3 to 2 vote is sufficient. It was confirmed that the required written protest was not submitted before the first public hearing. Mr. Redd stated that we are not obligated to do another public hearing, but we can. A map was pulled up for everyone to see, it had data that Chief Bradford had compiled, indicating that apartment complexes are the areas with the highest volume of calls, including DUIs, domestic violence and drug arrests, though trailer home parks also contribute significantly to call volumes. It was mentioned that the data was not color-coded as intended, which made it harder to interpret specific types of calls. Councilmember Bowers expressed concern about the lack of affordable rental homes, noting its impact on small businesses and their ability to house employees. She highlighted instances where employees had to move or were struggling to find suitable housing due to rising rents. It was also said that they believe in the importance of the rights of the property owners. They briefly discussed the B3 company that has made a proposal to build a high density unit. They have also submitted a zone change request. Updated Building Permit Fees Mr. Redd stated that when we changed to the Citi Inspect program, we had to update some fees for mathematical reasons. Mr. Redd explained a proposal to update building permit fees by shifting from a 1998 EVC schedule to the 2017 ICC schedule, which is updated every six months. The change would cap the fee at 1% for new builds and 0.5% for remodels, aiming for greater consistency, transparency, and affordability for builders, particularly for smaller square footage homes. Crack Seal Proposal Review Mr. Redd provided an update on four crack seal proposals, noting that Carlson & Johnson, a local contractor, was recommended for the project. Their bid came in at $4,800 per mile, significantly lower than other competitive bids and approximately $30,000 less than the next competitor, aligning with the project budget. Planning & Zoning Composition Ben stated that Linda Simmons has finished her term on the Planning and Zoning commission and according to our city code the city council rep representative does have a vote. Councilmember Nielson stated that he prefers to have 5 members and remain a non-voting member. If that is the case then code needs to change. POLICY MEETING Call to Order Roll Call A Prayer was offered by Councilmember Taylor. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance. Approval: Consent Agenda and Minutes from August 26th, 2025 Regular Session Councilmember Nielson made a motion to approve the consent agenda and minutes from August 26, 2025. 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 Those voting nay: None Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Olsen declared the motion carried. Declaration of Conflicts of Interest - None Public Input Mar Dawn Palmer was present and she stated that she was present at the last city council meeting and to her understanding the city paid $30,000 for a study on how to make main street better. She stated that the property near her house just 3 blocks from main street will most likely be developed, she doesn't know what that will look like, and maybe a study will be done to determine how best to develop it. She is confident that a study would never suggest putting a mobile home park there. She expressed strong opposition to the rezoning, believing it would negatively impact the neighborhood and suggested alternative, quality affordable housing projects should be considered. Pam Hosler inquired about a written opposition letter from Joe Hurst that was reportedly not read into public record. Mayor Olsen stated that he had not personally seen the letter but would investigate the matter, and offered to read it into the record at a future meeting if submitted. Pam also offered to read it at a future meeting. Howard Dee, a resident living next to the property being discussed for rezoning, provided clarification regarding Joe Hurst's company owning a house north of their property. He also added a concern about a corral on the property of Jim Hunt's and it not being maintained, leading to issues like smelly horse manure and escaped horses. Reports Mayor None City Council None Finance Report - James Francom Mr. Francom had the check register available and he asked if anyone had questions. Councilmember Nielson asked about the airport amount, it was stated that it is a pavement project and lights. It is from the real grant contract. Economic Development - Ben Muhlstein Business: We are in the process of changing the application process to Citi Inspect. It currently works, but the online instructions need to be updated. Events: July 4th: We are working on a few new things for next year. Otherwise, nothing to report. Fall Festival: The Fall Festival is this week! We can always use volunteers to help with set up and take down and other functions. 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. The race will be on November 5th. Registration is on par for this time. Community Development: This is a busy time for the Planning Commission and staff. - The Planning Commission is still working on R-1 updates. The major changes so far are in the lot size requirements. As part of this we are considering how these updates might affect those seeking to do temporary rentals. They are additionally going to discuss the Mobile Home district. - The Planning Commission has received a zone change request from San Juan County. Once notices have been sent out we'll schedule a public hearing. - Staff have received another Zone Change request, which the Planning Commission will review later this week. Grants: - As mentioned last time, we received $13,000 for our yearly marketing grant this year. We'll put those funds to good use developing our visitor website, Social Media and further advertising City Events. - We submitted the grant application for the Bike Park Complex. Official ranking will happen late October and we should hear back mid-November. Police Report - Chief JJ Bradford August cases were up from last year. We had our testing and two applicants tested. We have offered the position to Weston Laws who is currently working as a corrections officer for San Juan County. He has begun the POST application packet and is waiting for his POST start date. Chief Bradfored stated that we had our night for the citizen's academy. Thanks to those who participated. The Chief further explained the Strike Force Task Force, highlighting its role in major crimes and drug investigations and its long-standing benefits since 1996 Mayor Olsen thanked Chief Bradford for putting that map together indicating police calls around town. Court Report - Pratt Redd August Court - Total Criminal: 13 Total Traffic: 51 Building Department Update - Taylor Francom New permits issued: 4 Electric meter set - 2 Commercial Inspection only - 2 Inspections Completed: 39 Residential - 24 Commercial - 15 Building Permit fees- Update permit fees to follow current ICC building valuation data Notes: Active issued permits: 24 SJSD contract being used and working well Business Items Resolution - 9-9-2025-1 Approval of Strike Force Interlocal Agreement WHEREAS, the Utah Inter-local Cooperation Act authorizes public agencies to enter into cooperative agreements to provide joint services and exercise shared powers; and WHEREAS, San Juan County, Monticello City, Blanding City, and the Utah Highway Patrol have, for over twenty years, collaborated in operating the San Juan Strike Force, a regional law enforcement entity dedicated to combating the production, trade, and use of illegal controlled substances; and WHEREAS, the Strike Force is overseen by an Administrative Board, serving in an advisory capacity, and an Executive Board, exercising voting authority and governance over policies, leadership, finances, and operations; and WHEREAS, the Strike Force is administered by a Unit Commander, a certified law enforcement officer responsible for operational oversight, financial records, and reporting; and WHEREAS, the Strike Force operates within San Juan County and its participating jurisdictions, providing coordinated investigations, prosecution support, and a county-wide database for controlled substance-related cases; and WHEREAS, funding is provided through contributions of manpower, resources, and an annually approved budget, with all property seized under drug laws referred to the Strike Force for follow-up and legal proceedings; and WHEREAS, liability insurance is maintained for officers and agencies, and participants indemnify their officers for claims exceeding coverage; and WHEREAS, the Inter-local Agreement establishing the San Juan Strike Force provides for a duration of up to fifty (50) years, with provisions for withdrawal, termination, and proportional distribution of property and funds upon dissolution; And WHEREAS, the City Council of Blanding City finds that continued participation in the San Juan Strike Force is in the best interest of the citizens of Blanding City and promotes public health, safety, and welfare. Councilmember Grover made a motion to approve Resolution 9-9-2025-1 approving the Strike Force Interlocal Agreement striking 'Monticello' from the verbiage, as they don't have their own police force anymore. 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 Those voting nay: None Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Olsen declared the motion carried. Resolution - 9-9-2025-2 Update to Building Permit Fees WHEREAS, the International Code Council (ICC) publishes Building Valuation Data (BVD), which are average construction costs per square foot used by jurisdictions nationwide to help determine building permit fees; and WHEREAS, ICC Building Valuation Data is updated semi-annually to reflect fluctuations in construction costs, and provides consistent, standardized values across construction types and occupancy groups; and WHEREAS, Blanding City currently uses a fee schedule and permit program based on two separate ICC rates that have not fully aligned; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds it to be in the public interest to modernize the City's building permit fee schedule by adopting the ICC Building Valuation Data as the baseline for determining permit fees, while implementing reasonable caps to avoid excessive increases to builders; and WHEREAS, in adopting this update, the City Council intends to: Apply a maximum multiplier of 1.0% for new construction projects, and Apply a maximum multiplier of 0.5% for remodel projects, and Allow the City Manager and Building Department, at their discretion, to reduce the multiplier to 0.75% (0.0075) in the event ICC valuations create an undue burden on builders. Councilmember Taylor made a motion to approve Resolution 9-9-2025-2 updating the building permit fees and following the ICC schedule. 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 Those voting nay: None Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Olsen declared the motion carried. Resolution - 9-9-2025-3 Approval of Crack Sealing Services WHEREAS, Blanding City is responsible for maintaining its streets and roadways to ensure public safety, extend pavement life, and preserve infrastructure investments; and WHEREAS, the City Engineer issued a request for proposals for crack sealing services for the 2025 Blanding City Crack Seal Project; and WHEREAS, CJ Crack Seal (Carlson & Johnson LLC) submitted a proposal dated September 3, 2025, offering to perform crack sealing services at a rate of $4,800 per pallet, with an estimated usage of approximately 32 pallets of crack seal material for 20-30 miles of roadway; and WHEREAS, the proposal includes all necessary labor, equipment, materials, and traffic control to complete the project, with completion anticipated by November 30, 2025; and WHEREAS, the City Council has reviewed the proposal and determined that CJ Crack Seal is qualified, experienced, and prepared to complete the project in accordance with the City's needs and budget; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds that awarding the project to CJ Crack Seal is in the best interest of the residents of Blanding City. Councilmember Grover made a motion to approve Resolution 9-9-2025-3 approval of the crack sealing services by Carlson and Johnson LLC. 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 Those voting nay: None Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Olsen declared the motion carried. Discussion Items Vacation Bonus Time - Charlie Taylor Councilmember Taylor proposed creating an administrative leave award policy to recognize and reward employees for exceptional performance or contributions. This award would provide paid time off, rather than monetary bonuses, aiming to show employees their value beyond gift cards. The council was supportive and asked staff to develop a policy for their review. Closed Session Councilmember Grover made a motion to go into closed session to discuss personnel. Councilmember Taylor 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 Those voting nay: None Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Olsen declared the motion carried. 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 Those voting nay: None Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Olsen declared the motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 7:48pm.

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

December 16, 2025 10:57 AM

Notice Last Edited On

December 16, 2025 10:57 AM

Subscribe by Email

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