Wellington City Council Minutes
Meeting held November 12, 2025
at Wellington City Hall
Located at 150 West Main Street, Wellington, Utah
at 6:00 P.M.
Present: Mayor Jack Clark, Councilmember Bill Juber, Councilmember Bryan Thayn, Councilmember Barney Zauss, Councilmember Kyle Monson, Councilmember Kathy Hascall
Absent:
City Staff: Rebecca Evans, June Rich, Tom Kosmack
Attendees: Betty Rich, Susanna Watts, Aiden Mortensen, Jennifer Clark, Ashley Yakovich, Nick Parker, Nicole Parker, Wyatt Hansen, Enrique Gudino, Aaron Metcalfe
Agenda Item #1 Pledge of Allegiance, Roll Call, and Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes
At 6:00 pm, Mayor Clark opened the meeting stating that everyone was present.
Motion: Councilmember Zauss made a motion to approve the meeting minutes from October 22, 2025. Councilmember Thayn seconded the motion; followed by Councilmember Monson, Councilmember Hascall and Councilmember Juber.
Agenda Item #2 Public Comment Period
Aaron Metcalfe from Hogan & Associates Construction introduced himself and provided an overview of the firm's experience, including recent projects with the school district such as the high school addition and the Helper project. He explained the role of a construction manager/general contractor, emphasizing that they work alongside the architect throughout design to control costs and can provide a guaranteed maximum price, which shifts cost-overrun risk onto the contractor. He expressed interest in competing for Wellington's upcoming project once it goes through public procurement and plans to return in December to give a more detailed presentation.
Agenda Item #3 Enrique Gudino - Property Lease/Buyout Proposal
The Council discussed Enrique Gudino's request to purchase the triangular Wellington City property across from his
restaurant for parking. Councilmember Barnes explained that selling City property requires an ordinance, a 14-day public
notice, an appraisal, and competitive bidding. Concerns were noted regarding existing landscaping, a secondary main
water line, and potential railroad right-of-way on the parcel. Enrique stated he would retain the trees and is interested
only in purchasing, not leasing. Councilman Monson will research utility and right-of-way issues, and the Council will
revisit the item at the November 25 meeting.
Motion:
Agenda Item #4 Keller Associates Presentation
The Council received a presentation from Keller Associates, delivered by Michael Clark and Zach Barnett, introducing their civil engineering firm and its services. Michael explained that Keller Associates has over 30 years of experience working with small communities and emphasized their focus on securing funding through planning studies and prioritizing community needs. Zach highlighted his personal ties to Carbon County and interest in supporting local projects. Keller will provide the City with contact information and funding resources.
Motion:
Agenda Item #5 Brenda Addley - Boulder Way Forward
The Council heard a presentation from StacyAnn Maxwell, Brenda Addley, Christina Pay, and Shara Sumnall regarding the Boulder Way Forward initiative, a statewide effort focused on helping women find voice, purpose, and connection to existing resources. Wellington would be the first city in Carbon County to join the coalition. Brenda Addley read a resolution declaring November as Boulder Way Forward Month. The presenters explained that the program operates through 'spokes,' each led by a volunteer supporting a specific area of need and emphasized that the initiative does not create new services but works to connect women with resources already available. Councilmember Thayn asked how the program could be integrated locally, and Councilman Monson asked about the program's duration, which is three years. Councilmember Hascall will attend their conference the following day. The Council unanimously approved the resolution and received a plaque recognizing Wellington City's participation.
Motion:
Agenda Item #6 RESOLUTION 2025-04 THE WELLINGTON CITY COUNCIL SUPPORTING 'A BOLDER WAY FORWARD,' A STATEWIDE INITIATIVE TO HELP UTAH WOMEN AND GIRLS THRIVE
Motion: Councilmember Hascall made a motion to pass Resolution 2025-04 and declare the month of November as A Bolder Way Forward in Wellington City. Councilmember Thayn seconded the motion; followed by Councilmember Monson, Councilmember Zauss and Councilmember Juber.
Agenda Item #7 ORDINANCE NO. 2025-01 AN ORDINANCE SETTING THE DATE AND TIME OF PUBLIC MEETINGS OF THE WELLINGTON CITY COUNCIL FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2026
The Council reviewed the ordinance establishing the 2026 Council meeting schedule and identified conflicts with holiday dates. To avoid Veterans Day and the Thanksgiving holiday period, the Council agreed to move the November meeting to Tuesday, November 10, 2026, and the December meeting to Tuesday, December 22, 2026.
Motion: Councilmember Zauss made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 2025-01. Councilmember Thayn seconded the motion; followed by Councilmember Monson, Councilmember Hascall and Councilmember Juber.
Agenda Item #8 Wellington Land Exchange for Demolition Services with Carbon County
The Council discussed a proposed Wellington/MicroTech land exchange with Carbon County involving demolition of the old City Hall. Commissioner Jensen met with City representatives and noted that demolition and debris removal are estimated to cost approximately $500,000. Under the proposed agreement, the City would transfer the narrow strip of property off Ridge Road to the County in exchange for the County completing the demolition work and still providing the four lots originally planned as part of the easement exchange.
Motion: Councilmember Monson made a motion to proceed with the Wellington/MicroTech land exchange with Carbon County in return for demolition services and the previously offered properties included in the easement agreement. Councilmember Zauss seconded the motion; followed by Councilmember Thayn, Councilmember Hascall and Councilmember Juber.
Agenda Item #9 Friends of Wellington
Ashley Yakovich introduced 'Friends of Wellington,' a newly formed volunteer nonprofit modeled after groups such as
Friends of Helper and the Nine Mile Coalition. The organization aims to support City initiatives through beautification
projects, historical preservation, cultural events, and recreational enhancements. One of their first efforts will be
assisting the City in pursuing a Utah Outdoor Recreation Grant for a pickleball court. The Council welcomed the new
organization and expressed appreciation for their involvement.
Motion:
Agenda Item #10 Pioneer Days 2026
The Council discussed initial planning for Pioneer Days 2026. Councilman Monson asked Ashley to serve as president
and lead the Pioneer Days committee, noting the celebration should remain a City-operated event with Council
involvement. Ashley agreed, expressing her commitment to building on prior years' success. Planning efforts will
begin earlier this year to avoid last-minute preparations.
Motion:
Agenda Item #11 Music Festival 2026
The Council received an update on the upcoming Rock and Coal Music Festival, a three-day regional event. The
festival will be held June 11-13, with Wellington hosting its portion on June 12 from 5:00-7:00 PM before activities
continue at the fairgrounds. Organizers are securing donations with the goal of minimizing or eliminating any cost to
the City. The Council will need to select a music genre for Wellington's segment. The next meeting is scheduled for
January 8.
Motion:
Agenda Item #12 Councilmember Reports
Councilmember Thayn reported receiving feedback from state contacts regarding grants, noting concerns about
individuals or consultants claiming to represent Wellington City when the City is not working with any consultants.
Councilmember Barnes reported on the PRWID three-day conference he attended, which covered topics such as vehicle leasing and purchasing, selling procedures, employee use of city equipment and the need for related ordinances, active bystander training, accident prevention, and capital improvement planning. He also noted that the carpet for the trailer is being addressed and donated by Barbara Clendennen and that Emery Telcom visited today and is ready to proceed with their work.
Councilmember Hascall reported on information received from Korinne Olson at ULCT regarding general obligation and municipal bonds. She noted that the material was heavy on technical jargon but indicated that such bonds appear to apply to new projects rather than existing debt. She plans to contact the State Treasurer's Office for clarification.
Motion:
Agenda Item #13 Unfinished Business
Mayor Clark provided updates on unfinished business. The Road Department will be adjusting a traffic sign that is not currently picking up the inside lane, and road striping has been completed. He also discussed the possibility of painting speed limits directly on the roadway. The mayor noted he has been in contact with Attorney Eric Johnson regarding a few outstanding items that still need clarification. Regarding the storage Conex, the city has received three quotes, and two lower-cost options are being reviewed to ensure quality before moving forward. He also reported that plans are underway to coordinate the office move to the double-wide trailer with minimal disruption to city services.
Motion:
Agenda Item #14 Possible Closed Session to Discuss the Character, Professional Competence, or Physical or Mental Health of an Individual.
Motion: Councilmember Monson made a motion to enter a closed session at 7:26 PM. Councilmember Zauss seconded the motion; followed by Councilmember Juber, Councilmember Hascall and Councilmember Thayn.
Councilmember Monson made a motion to exit the closed session at 7:46 PM. Councilmember Hascall seconded the motion; followed by Councilmember Thayn, Councilmember Zauss and Councilmember Juber.
Adjourn
Motion: Councilmember Hascall made a motion to adjourn. Councilmember Monson seconded the motion; followed by Councilmember Zauss, Councilmember Juber and Councilmember Thayn.
Meeting adjourned at 7:47pm
Next meeting will be November 25, 2025, at 6:00 P.M. at the Wellington City Hall.
Notice of Special Accommodations (ADA)
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons needing auxiliary services for this meeting should call 435-637-5213 at least 24 hours prior to the meeting.
Notice of Electronic or Telephone Participation
Individuals who are interested in participating electronically via Zoom need to contact the city recorder at 435-637-5213, no later than 3:00 P.M. on the meeting date.
Other Information
A copy of this notice was emailed to the Sun Advocate, a newspaper of general circulation within Carbon County, to Radio Station KOAL/KARB, and Emery TV.