General Information

Government Type

Municipality

Entity

Joseph

Public Body

Town Council

Notice Information

Add Notice to Calendar

Notice Title

MINUTES

Notice Type(s)

Meeting

Event Start Date & Time

April 2, 2026 07:00 PM

Event End Date & Time

April 2, 2026 08:00 PM

Description/Agenda

Town of Joseph Town Council Meeting Minutes March 5, 2026 7:00 p.m. Joseph Town Community Center 25 E 100 N Joseph, Utah 84739 Present: Doug Nowell, Troy Campbell, Gene Gestring, Kelly Crane, Shawn and Shawney Branum, Robyn Rodriguez, Deb Klein, Haley Obray, Nikole Campbell, Sue Gestring, Frank Crowder, Steve Healey, Absent: Mayor Jared Campbell, Zac Kearney Prayer: Troy Campbell PLEDGE OF ALLIEGENCE Swearing in of Doug Nowell Councilman Mayor Updates: *Regarding the Town's spring cleanup, The cleanup will be held May 1 through May 11. The dumpster will be placed by the park, as it has been in previous years. The town will need to notify residents what items may and may not be placed in the dumpster, including reminders that items such as tires are not allowed. The council discussed posting those reminders through Facebook, text message, posters, and the town whiteboard. *The council spent considerable time discussing plans for the 2026 Fourth of July celebration. The council reviewed an email from T14P, stating that they were interested in organizing the Fourth of July meal. Their proposed menu included Sloppy Joes, hot dogs, chips, and drinks. In the email, T14P asked whether the town had funds set aside for the meal, whether they could use the community center for preparation and serving, and how expenses and profits might be handled. The council reviewed information from last year's celebration. Food expenses the previous year had been approximately $2,225. Fireworks had cost about $2,000. The town currently had approximately $3,393 left in positive Fourth of July funds. There was also mention of a $1,500 grant that could be used toward a community celebration. The council discussed how to handle the meal. Some discussion centered on whether T14P should keep all proceeds from the meal if they purchased and prepared all of the food themselves, or whether the town should receive a percentage to help support fireworks and other event-related expenses. There was also discussion about the past Fourth of July plans. Robin had agreed to do the raffle again. Sarah had agreed to handle children's games. Haley's cousin had agreed to provide live music. A bake sale auction was also planned. The town was also working on arranging the parade, and Pat Goff and Kacey Chott were mentioned as possible parade contacts. Because Becca was not present in person, she was called during the meeting and placed on speakerphone. During that conversation, Becca explained that T14P had begun planning for the meal and was prepared to organize it, but they needed direction from the town on expectations. She said her group could provide the meal, coordinate volunteers, and handle budgeting. She also clarified that one of the reasons they had asked about the grant was simply to better understand how town grant funding works, since their board is interested in learning more about grants generally. During the discussion with Becca, the council proposed that T14P handle the entire meal operation and that the town receive 10% of the gross proceeds. Becca indicated that arrangement would work for her group. She also stated that T14P would still be willing to help look for sponsors and donations for fireworks. The council also discussed fireworks costs and timing. The fireworks order needed to be placed by April 6. Last year's fireworks show cost about $2,000 and lasted around 20 minutes. There was discussion about whether tariffs or other changes might increase that cost this year. There was also brief discussion about legal and liability concerns related to fireworks, with the reminder that the town has traditionally worked through the Monroe Fire Department, which assumes the liability. After that discussion,Doug made a motion to allow Becca Imes and T14P to run the Fourth of July food concessions for 2026. The motion included that they would provide the food, drinks, supplies, setup, cooking, takedown, and cleanup, and that the town would receive 10% of the gross proceeds. Gene seconded the motion, all were in favor. After the vote, there was some additional discussion about whether this could create a precedent for future outside groups wanting to do the same thing. The council discussed that this should be considered year by year, and that T14P's connection to the town and charitable purpose were important factors in the decision. *The council discussed the annual mosquito abatement contribution to Sevier County. The amount discussed was $500, which is in line with what the town has customarily contributed. Doug made a motion to contribute $500 to Sevier County Mosquito Abatement. Gene seconded the motion, all were in favor. *Nikole reported on the recent mayor and commissioners dinner. She said one of the biggest takeaways was the reminder that R6 has many programs and resources that towns and residents can use. She said they indicated there are over 50 programs available. Examples included helping elderly residents with things like windows or providing emergency household assistance, such as replacing a hot water heater for a family in need. Nikole felt the town should make a stronger effort to remember and use those resources when appropriate. Nikole also reminded council members about the Regional Growth Summit which will be held May 6 from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the SVC Center. Haley had emailed registration information to the council, and members were encouraged to sign up. She also reported that towns need to make sure building permits are correct before sending them to the county, because once the town approves something, the county relies on that approval. Nikole further reported that Trevor Peterson, who is a full-time code enforcer for the county, may also be able to help towns with some additional issues beyond standard code enforcement. There was also a brief mention of CIB funding. The town does not appear to be pursuing a new CIB project this year, since road work may become a priority in the next year or two. Water: *Kelly Crane then gave an update on the spring project. Kelly said he had spoken with Andy Jensen, and the project is the contractor's number one priority as soon as access is possible. They do not want to go up too early and damage the road. The Forest Service typically opens the gate around Memorial Day, and once conditions allow access, the contractor plans to move quickly. Kelly reported that nearly all materials, including pipe and valves, have already been purchased and are ready to go. *Frank Crowder addressed the council about a problem with loud music coming from a neighboring property. He explained that his neighbor had been opening the doors to a shop near the house and playing loud music that could be heard from blocks away. Frank said he had gone over and politely asked that the music be turned down, but the request was refused. He called the Sheriff's Office twice. Deputies responded, but according to Frank, they explained that without a local noise ordinance they had no effective enforcement authority and could only ask the person to turn it down. Frank said he had researched the issue and found that under Utah law, municipalities have the authority to adopt local ordinances necessary to protect public peace, comfort, and convenience. He brought a sample ordinance from Oakley, Utah, and asked the council to consider adopting something similar for Joseph. He emphasized that the ordinance he found still allowed for ordinary rural and community activities such as animals, construction, gatherings, and events, but would give the town some 'teeth' in situations where loud, ongoing noise becomes unreasonable. The council discussed the issue at length. Several members agreed that the town should be neighborly and that the situation Frank described sounded disrespectful. At the same time, there was concern about creating too many rules in a small town. There was also discussion about whether the Sheriff's Office or the code enforcer would actually be the one to enforce any new ordinance, and whether the town's existing nuisance ordinance had been effective. Frank asked the council to review the material he had brought and consider the matter further. No formal action was taken at this meeting, but the council indicated the issue would need additional review, likely including work with the mayor and possibly a public hearing before any ordinance could be adopted. *Frank also asked about obtaining a water meter for a future home site on his lot parcel #2-J10-33 in town limits. The council confirmed which lot he was referring to and discussed the fact that the water line is on the other side of the road. Because of that, if construction moves forward, road cutting and restoration will be required. The council noted that anyone cutting the road would be responsible for restoring it properly, including slurry seal and asphalt restoration, and that related costs would be the property owner's responsibility. The council also noted that standard impact fees would apply. Doug motioned to approve a water meter for Frank's future new home construction. Gene seconded, all were in favor. *Sean Branham appeared before the council and requested a water meter for property at 240 East Main. The council discussed the property location and confirmed that the water line was on the same side, making it a straightforward installation.Sean indicated that he planned to build a home there and move to Joseph. The council also made sure he was aware of the impact fees and permit process. Doug motioned to approve the sale of a water meter to Sean Branham for 240 East Main. Gene seconded, all were in favor. *The council discussed the purchase of water meter insulators. These are inserts that go down into the water meter cans to help keep them from freezing in winter. Steve explained that they work well and last a long time, Steve also explained that Brad from Petersons said they are cheaper when purchased in bulk rather than individually. The council estimated the town would need approximately 200 insulators. The cost discussed was about $10 each if bought in bulk, for a total of around $1,800 to $2,000, depending on the final pricing. There was discussion about whether the town should cover the cost, whether it could be covered with water funds, and whether residents should help pay for them since the insulators would directly benefit water users. The council ultimately discussed putting a one-time $10 charge on water bills to cover the cost. There was also some discussion that residents might need to be informed ahead of time so they understood why the charge was being added. Gene made a motion to purchase 200 water meter insulators and to charge each water user $10 to cover the cost. Doug seconded, all were in favor. Planning Commission: *The council discussed the updated zoning map. Haley had sent the map out by email. Tyler and Mayor Campbell had apparently worked on the map following a Planning Commission meeting, and the Planning Commission had reviewed it and felt it looked correct. The purpose of the council's review was to approve it so that a larger version could be printed. The council discussed whether there had been any meaningful changes and concluded that the map appeared acceptable as presented. Gene motioned to approve the zoning map as presented so that a larger version could be printed. Doug seconded, all were in favor. *Gene motioned to adjourn the meeting. Doug seconded, all were in favor.

Notice of Special Accommodations (ADA)

NOTICE OF SPECIAL ACCOMMODATION DURING PUBLIC MEETINGS In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals needing special accommodations (including auxiliary communicative aids and services) during this meeting should notify Haley Obray at 435-527-4394.

Notice of Electronic or Telephone Participation

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Meeting Information

Meeting Location

25 EAST 100 NORTH
Joseph, UT 84739
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Contact Name

HALEY OBRAY

Contact Email

jotownclerkho@gmail.com

Contact Phone

(435)527-4394

Notice Posting Details

Notice Posted On

April 02, 2026 08:44 PM

Notice Last Edited On

April 02, 2026 08:44 PM

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