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Municipality

Entity

Blanding

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City Council

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Notice Title

City Council Minutes 9.23.2025

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Meeting

Event Start Date & Time

September 23, 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-Virtual Council Member Erik Grover Council Member Kellen Nielson September 23, 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 Thought was offered by Nicole Holliday The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance. Approval: Consent Agenda and Minutes from September 09, 2025 Regular Session Councilmember Bowers made a motion to approve the consent agenda and minutes from September 9, 2025. 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. Declaration of Conflicts of Interest Public Hearing - San Juan County Zone Change - Pg. 11 Councilmember Nielson made a motion to enter a public hearing for the San Juan County Zone Change request. 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. San Juan County has made a request for a zone change. San Juan County wishes to build a new building to house the Children's Justice Center program. The aesthetic of the building will be residential in nature, to provide a feeling of safety and comfort to the children and families who will come to the building. The building will be approximately 1600 square feet. There will be 1 full time office type employee working in the building, with the possibility of a second employee at some point in the future. The center will be open during typical office hours. This parcel also includes the existing San Juan County EMS facility and helipad. Sam Long was present representing the County. He explained what their plan is for the land. He explained that the Children's Justice Center provides a safe and inviting place for children who are victims or witnesses of abuse to provide testimony. They also clarified that the R1 zoning was not appropriate for the parcel, given its current use as an ambulance shed and heliport, and its adjacency to existing R2 zones. He fielded questions from the council and others. A letter from Cory Shumway was read which raised some concerns about the potential for future negative impacts on neighboring landowners if the property's use were to change. Sam addressed these concerns, stating that San Juan County currently has no additional plans to build on the lot beyond the Children's Justice Center and has not indicated plans for any law enforcement or criminal element buildings. Councilmember Grover 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 - Jim Hunt, owner of JL Hunt Properties, proposed rezoning 2.7 acres at 500 South 300 East from R2 to Mobile Home zoning to address the shortage of low-cost housing in Blanding. They highlighted the urgent need for affordable housing, particularly for low-income families, and described plans for a professionally developed park with large, newer modular homes. Jim Hunt stated that current opposition comments were inaccurate and should not be considered, as they lacked legal or procedural objections. Debbie Christensen raised concerns that mobile homes could devalue her home and neighboring properties, advocating for modular homes which they believed did not require zoning changes. Chad Moses presented their request for an R2 zone change for their five-acre property, aiming to develop affordable housing such as duplexes and multi-family homes while implementing a deed covenant to restrict permanent or semi-permanent trailers and RVs to maintain neighborhood character. Doug Kaiser opposed the R2 rezoning of the North 100 West area, citing concerns about property value, neighborhood character, and the proximity to the LDS state center and new elementary school. Trina Hosler supported Jim Hunt's proposal, emphasizing the clear need for low-cost housing and arguing that the proposed location was ideal. They asserted that mobile homes were necessary to keep housing costs low, as modular homes would double the expense for consumers. Cari Spillman also spoke in favor of allowing mobile home parks, drawing from her personal experience of growing up in a mobile home, and highlighting the critical need for safe, stable, and affordable housing for working families, teachers, service workers, and seniors in Blanding. Rick Meyer raised concerns about access to Jim Hunt's proposed development, questioning whether the city would allow the developer to cross city property to access other streets, given the steep drop-off and old canal on the property. Denise Arthur stated that the current zoning doesn't prohibit modular housing, but it enforces stricter requirements and makes it significantly more expensive. She reiterated the need for affordable housing. She said that data on maintenance, time, money spent on JL Hunt properties are available if they want it. She stated that they get calls, texts and messages from multiple people every week looking for housing. Pam Hosler reiterated opposition to the mobile home park rezoning, citing concerns about negative impacts on property values, substandard living conditions, and safety, and suggesting that developers should aim for better quality housing. Asa Lyman also expressed opposition, stating that additional mobile homes would devalue property and lower the standard of living, questioning whether the proposed homes were modular or trailer homes. He stated that no one would drive by his properties and have any desire living next to it. Councilmember Grover acknowledged that private property rights were important and that every community block likely had areas where some residents might not wish to live. Tiawana Moses countered Pam's opposition, noting that Pam also owned mobile home parks and suggesting that their opposition might be motivated by monetary competition. Toni Dee shared her concerns about property devaluation due to nearby construction. She stated they have been saving for 30-plus years to buy their home. Aubree Lyman also expressed similar sentiments to everyone else in opposition, hoping their voices are heard by representatives. Councilmember Bowers has served for nine years, and she expressed that the trailer park issue has caused them to lose sleep, unlike previous decisions. She initially ran for council to make Blanding a welcoming place for new entrepreneurs and to help existing businesses, citing personal experience with the difficulty of starting a business. She thanked Chad Moses for innovative changes to zoning laws that will help build more homes for families. She defended Jim Hunt, stating that he has provided affordable rental housing and invested significantly in the city, meeting code requirements for his trailer parks. She clarified that she has no financial stake in the proposed trailer park project and is not legally required to declare a conflict of interest. Although she did disclose that Jim Hunt is her ex-brother-in-law, and family members assist with his trailer maintenance and the rezoning request. Despite competing rental properties, her vote will be based on what is best for Blanding's long-term sustainability. Reports Mayor Olsen Mayor Olsen announced that the city is celebrating America's 250th anniversary and is seeking community input for celebration ideas. Suggestions have ranged from flyovers to placing a large American flag on Recapture Island, which BLM confirmed as a possibility. Mayor Olsen thanked the community for their participation and for their dialog. He stated that he and the council take property rights and city planning very seriously. He emphasized that the council has worked diligently to listen, learn, and address business matters, acknowledging that much work remains. City Council None Pratt Redd City Manager Report - Election ballots have been mailed out and will arrive in the community soon, with a ballot box at the library managed by the county. Mr. Redd urged the candidates to continue campaigning and he urged the community to vote, emphasizing that every vote counts and advising voters to hand-deliver ballots. If they are mailed, that has to happen days before they are due. The city will make an effort to make it clear on how to turn in ballots on social media. Police Academy - Both new hires are set to go to POST in the first week of December. It will be a relief to our current four officers who have been working over time for the past several weeks. Public Defender - The Request for Proposal (RFP) for a public defender is in progress and expected to be released shortly. Prescribed Fire - A notice from the state fire marshals indicated a prescribed fire burn near North Elk Bridge, covering a 17-mile range, which is not a forest fire and is hoped to remain under control. Youth City Council - A new Youth City Council program at the high school recently conducted mock votes on zone changes, with the youth council approving them 3 to 2. Mr. Redd noted that the youth raised similar concerns that the public have expressed. Mr. Redd thanked them for their involvement and the school district's efforts to keep students engaged James Francom - Finance Report Mr. Francom presented the operational budget report, noting higher fire department expenses offset by additional revenue from firefighters working elsewhere. A recent audit found two issues: the need for yearly open meetings training for the council and exceeding the 35% general fund and savings limit. Patrick Parsons - City Engineer Report Mr. Parsons stated that last night's storm is not reflected in this month's report. City reservoirs are at around 60% capacity, while Fourth and Third Reservoirs are at low 20%. Recapture Reservoir is at about 30% capacity. Well B is back up and running at full capacity. September is the end of the water year and this is the lowest amount of rain since 2018. The reservoirs have been maintained substantially by running the wells. The wells are a good resource to have to keep up on our water supply. The new deep well will be an additional resource. The construction of the new treatment facility for that well should begin in the next few weeks. Business Items Ordinance - 2025-20 - Rezoning for Chad Moses from R-1 to R-2 - Blanding City has adopted zoning regulations and an official zoning map in accordance with Title 10 of the Blanding City Code, for the purpose of promoting sound and desirable development and maintaining a stable community; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Blanding City Code §10.3.4, amendments to zoning regulations or the zoning map may be adopted to (1) correct an error or oversight, or (2) recognize changing conditions in the community that promote the public health, safety, and general welfare; and WHEREAS, an application for a zoning map amendment was submitted by Chad Moses, owner of the property located at 41 W 800 N to 600 N, seeking a change in zoning classification from R1 to R2; and WHEREAS, the application included all required information, including a description and map of the area sought to be rezoned, and was processed by the Building Inspector and forwarded to the Planning Commission in accordance with Blanding City Code §10.3.4; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed meeting to review the application, received input, and forwarded its recommendation to the City Council; and WHEREAS, a public hearing before the City Council of Blanding City was held after being duly advertised as required by law; and WHEREAS, the City Council of Blanding finds that the requested zoning change is consistent with the City's General Plan, promotes orderly development, and serves the health, safety, and welfare of the residents of Blanding City; WHEREAS, the property owner has voluntarily initiated the Covenant Deed Restriction process to record restrictions prohibiting apartment-style and trailer-style homes on the property, as a measure to address public concerns and provide assurance of the intended future use of the land. There was discussion and explanation of the covenant deed restriction. There was also discussion of adjacent land owners possibly applying for a rezone. Chad briefly discussed some possible plans for the land. Councilmember Bowers made a motion to approve Ordinance 2025-20 approving the rezone request for the Chad Moses property from R1 to R2 with the covenant deed restriction in place. 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 Councilmember Bowers Those voting nay: Councilmember Grover Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Olsen declared the motion carried. Ordinance - 2025-21 - Rezoning for Jim Hunt from R-2 to Mobile Home WHEREAS, Blanding City has adopted zoning regulations and an official zoning map in accordance with Title 10 of the Blanding City Code, for the purpose of promoting sound and desirable development and maintaining a stable community; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Blanding City Code §10.3.4, amendments to zoning regulations or the zoning map may be adopted to (1) correct an error or oversight, or (2) recognize changing conditions in the community that promote the public health, safety, and general welfare; and WHEREAS, an application for a zoning map amendment was submitted by JL Hunt Properties, owner of the property located at 500 S 300 E, seeking a change in zoning classification from R2 to Mobile Home; and WHEREAS, the application included all required information, including a description and map of the area sought to be rezoned, and was processed by the Building Inspector and forwarded to the Planning Commission in accordance with Blanding City Code §10.3.4; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed meeting to review the application, received input, and forwarded its recommendation to the City Council; and WHEREAS, a public hearing before the City Council of Blanding City was held after being duly advertised as required by law; and WHEREAS, the City Council of Blanding finds that the requested zoning change is consistent with the City's General Plan, promotes orderly development, and serves the health, safety, and welfare of the residents of Blanding City. Concerns were raised about the appearance of mobile home parks and the need for updated zoning standards. Councilmember Nielson stated that the planning and zoning commission is currently working on improving the mobile home zone. Councilmember Bowers talked about the map that Chief Bradford made indicating police calls throughout the city. They discussed the option of passing the ordinance with the implementation of a moratorium, which would give planning and zoning some time to create some new regulations for mobile homes. They discussed what options JL Hunt Properties would have. They talked about the possibility of mandating the developer to have plans to present to the city. Councilmember Ewald stated that he appreciates the efforts of Jim Hunt and he feels for the neighbors and has taken into consideration their concerns. Councilmember Bowers encouraged Jim Hunt to come back and reapply if the motion doesn't pass. Councilmember Bowers made a motion to approve Ordinance 2025-21 approving the zone change request by JL Hunt Properties with the implementation of a moratorium. Councilmember Taylor made a motion to approve Ordinance 2025-21 as is. Councilmember Bowers withdrew her motion. Councilmember Nielson seconded councilmember Taylor's motion. Mayor Olsen repeated the motion and asked for discussion or questions. He called for a vote. Those voting aye: Councilmember Bowers Those voting nay: Councilmember Ewald Councilmember Grover Councilmember Taylor Councilmember Nielson Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Olsen declared the motion failed. Ordinance - 2025-22 - Rezoning for San Juan County from R-1 to R-2 WHEREAS, Blanding City has adopted zoning regulations and an official zoning map in accordance with Title 10 of the Blanding City Code, for the purpose of promoting sound and desirable development and maintaining a stable community; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Blanding City Code §10.3.4, amendments to zoning regulations or the zoning map may be adopted to (1) correct an error or oversight, or (2) recognize changing conditions in the community that promote the public health, safety, and general welfare; and WHEREAS, an application for a zoning map amendment was submitted by San Juan County, owner of the property located at 818 N 400 W, seeking a change in zoning classification from R1 to R2; and WHEREAS, the application included all required information, including a description and map of the area sought to be rezoned, and was processed by the Building Inspector and forwarded to the Planning Commission in accordance with Blanding City Code §10.3.4; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed meeting to review the application, received input, and forwarded its recommendation to the City Council; and WHEREAS, a public hearing before the City Council of Blanding City was held after being duly advertised as required by law; and WHEREAS, the City Council of Blanding finds that the requested zoning change is consistent with the City's General Plan, promotes orderly development, and serves the health, safety, and welfare of the residents of Blanding City; They discussed the reason for rezoning, Mr. Redd explained that it is to better fit the land use. It can be done as is, but being a government entity and a professional office, it would be asked of anyone else to change their zoning to better fit the use of the land. They discussed the non conforming uses that are on that land and you can't expand non conforming uses. The office would operate under normal business hours. Councilmember Nielson made a motion to approve Ordinance 2025-22 approving the zone change request by San Juan County. 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 Ewald Councilmember Bowers Those voting nay: Councilmember Grover Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Olsen declared the motion carried. Resolution - 09.23.2025-1 - Temporary Judges for Blanding City Justice Court WHEREAS, Blanding City has established a Justice Court pursuant to the laws of the State of Utah; and WHEREAS, from time to time, the Blanding City Justice Court requires the services of a temporary judge to preside in matters of conflict, or in cases of emergency or illness affecting the current Justice Court Judge; and WHEREAS, Utah Code § 78A-7-208 provides for the appointment of temporary justice court judges by the governing body; and WHEREAS, Utah Code § 78A-7-208 allows for the appointment of any senior justice court judge or a justice court judge currently holding office within the judicial district or in an adjacent county; and WHEREAS, the Blanding City Council finds that the individuals identified in the attached Exhibit 'A' meet the qualifications of Utah Code § 78A-7-208; and WHEREAS, the Blanding City Council desires to appoint the individuals identified in Exhibit 'A' to serve as temporary Justice Court Judges for the Blanding City Justice Court; and WHEREAS, should these individuals be needed to serve, compensation shall be pro-rated at the existing rate of the Blanding City Justice Court Judge, plus reasonable travel expenses. EXHIBIT 'A' Individuals Appointed as Temporary Justice Court Judges Judge Lyon Hazelton of San Juan County Until Retirement on December 31st, 2025 Judge Shea Owens of Kane County Justice Court Judge Through 2026 Councilmember Grover made a motion to approve Resolution 09-23-2025-1 accepting the temporary judges for the Blanding Justice Court. 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 - 09.23.2025-2 - Authorization of the Fremont Solar PPA Project WHEREAS, Blanding City (the 'Member') owns and operates a utility system for the provision of electric energy to its residents and others (the 'System') and is a member of Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems ('UAMPS') pursuant to the provisions of the Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems Amended and Restated Agreement for Joint and Cooperative Action dated as of March 20, 2009, as amended (the 'Joint Action Agreement'); WHEREAS, the Member desires to purchase all or a portion of its requirements for electric power and energy from or through UAMPS and has entered into a Power Pooling Agreement with UAMPS to provide for the efficient and economic utilization of its power supply resources; WHEREAS, the Member has previously entered into the Master Firm Power Supply Agreement with UAMPS in order to allow for UAMPS entering into various firm transactions for the purchase and sale of firm supplies of electric power and energy; WHEREAS, UAMPS has investigated the Fremont Solar PPA Project, a 99 megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic generation facility and a 49.5 MW battery storage system located in Iron County, Utah, on behalf of its members and is now prepared to enter into a 25 year power purchase agreement with Fremont Solar, LLC to secure the delivery of all the energy from the Project and associated environmental attributes; and WHEREAS, the Member now desires to authorize and approve the Fremont Solar Transaction Schedule ('Transaction Schedule') attached hereto as Exhibit A for the Project subject to the parameters set forth in this Resolution. The city rep for UAMPS is Logan Monson, he was present at the meeting. He explained the resolution. The project aims to secure 600 kilowatts of power for Glenning City, with an option to expand this amount. The project is located in Iron County and has fixed costs and rates for solar energy and battery capacity. He clarified that the project would not require direct payment from the city's general fund as UAMPS has an account for such investments. Councilmember Taylor stated that he would like to see opportunities with UAMPS brought to San Juan County. Councilmember Nielson made a motion to approve Resolution 09-23-2025-2 authorizing the Fremont Solar PPA Project contract. 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. Discussion Items Moratorium on Mobile Home Zoning Mr. Redd initiated a discussion on a moratorium for mobile home zoning, emphasizing that it is a strategic pause, not a ban on development, intended to update the code for future growth. He outlined seven reasons for updating the code, including regulations that benefit residents and developers, fences, maintenance standards, alignment with HUD definitions, safety, site plan and layout standards, space and density standards, and design basics. Mr. Redd expressed that a short pause would ensure new projects support safe, affordable, and sustainable housing with modern, consistent rules for developers. They discussed the need for updated mobile home zoning code, noting that the current code is insufficient. They proposed that the planning and zoning department begin working on these updates immediately, with potential public hearings to gather input from landlords and the community. Councilmember Nielson stated that they have already started working on this. The aim is to finalize the ordinance by the first meeting in February, allowing for flexibility to end the moratorium earlier if the changes are completed quickly. They talked about the upgrade and improvements that are in the works at the Dine Court. Administrative Leave Bonus Time - Policy Review Councilmember Taylor led a discussion on the administrative leave bonus time policy, specifically focusing on the duration employees have to use awarded bonus time. While the general thought was to encourage prompt use, Council Member Taylor advocated for extending the usage period to 365 days from the issue date, aligning with other government entities. Councilmember Bowers brought up the concern of employees already having a lot of time off for holidays and not having people here to do their jobs, which ends up being a cost to the city. She does agree with rewarding people who do their jobs well, but it is a concern to do it with time. It was explained that the bonus time is limited to a maximum of 16 hours per year and is intended to reward employees for exceptional work, not as a routine award. These requests would have to come from department heads and be approved by the city manager or mayor. The council decided to bring the policy back for a vote at the next meeting after gathering recommendations. They discussed the practical implementation of the administrative leave bonus time. Councilmember Taylor suggested using a certificate, similar to a check, which employees would present to payroll when using the time. This method would simplify tracking and eliminate the need for employers to maintain paper files, with the certificate becoming void if not used within 365 days. 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 9:29pm.

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

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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

December 16, 2025 10:59 AM

Notice Last Edited On

December 16, 2025 10:59 AM

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