Panguitch City Council
Meeting Minutes
August 11, 2026, 5:30 PM
25 South 200 East, Panguitch, UT 84759, US
Those in attendance were Mayor Kim Soper, City Manager Mat Houston, City Recorder Tyrissa Howell, and City Council Members Tracy Wright, Cindy Stewart, and James Kinsey. City Attorney Barry Huntington and Council Members Mike Sarles and David Dodds were absent.
________________________________________
OPENING CEREMONY
Mayor Kim Soper led the Pledge of Allegiance and offered the invocation.
________________________________________
ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
Motion to adopt the agenda was made by Cindy Stewart and seconded by Tracy Wright. The motion carried unanimously.
________________________________________
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion to approve the minutes was made by James Kinsey and seconded by Tracy Wright. The motion carried unanimously.
________________________________________
BUSINESS LICENSE - KINGS PEAK LUMBER, LLC @ 165 N 700 W
Motion to approve the business license for Kings Peak Lumber, LLC was made by Cindy Stewart and seconded by James Kinsey. The motion carried unanimously.
________________________________________
BUSINESS LICENSE - MICRO BAKERY - UTAH BLIND BAKER/LESLIE ALEXANDER
The Council confirmed that the micro-bakery would be operated at the applicant's home. No concerns were raised.
Motion to approve the business license for Utah Blind Baker/Leslie Alexander was made by Tracy Wright and seconded by Cindy Stewart. The motion carried unanimously.
________________________________________
LOCAL CONSENT - BEER PERMIT FOR THE 89 TABLE, LLC
Motion to approve local consent for a beer permit for The 89 Table, LLC was made by James Kinsey and seconded by Cindy Stewart. The motion carried unanimously.
________________________________________
BEER GARDEN - SEPTEMBER 4, 2026 AT HENRIE'S DRIVE IN
Jessica Simkins proposed a beer garden at Henrie's Drive In for the car show on September 4th. The new format involves sharing an enclosed space for the car show and beer garden, with live music also planned. Security is handled by her private team rather than the Sheriff's Department, who had no concerns about prior beer garden events.
Motion to approve the beer garden at Henrie's Drive In for September 4, 2026 was made by Cindy Stewart and seconded by James Kinsey. The motion carried unanimously.
________________________________________
DEPARTMENT REPORTS/CALENDAR
Code Enforcement Update - City Manager Mat Houston reported that City Attorney Barry Huntington reported that all individuals who received letters had contacted him, and the majority had addressed the issues. A small number of properties still require a follow-up. The Council discussed the important distinction between the legislative and enforcement roles.
Hospital Foundation Dinner - The Council was reminded of the hospital foundation dinner on Thursday evening. Eight seats are available at the city's table.
Children's Librarian - The librarian position has closed with six applicants. Interviews are planned for Monday the following week. The hiring committee is expected to include the City Manager, the Mayor, one Council representative, the City Recorder, and a library board member potentially included.
Summer Food Program - Council Member Tracy Wright reported that the summer food program has distributed approximately 1,300 meals to children over the course of the summer. She noted that an additional 60 to 80 food boxes needed to be handed out the following day. She emphasized that any child present qualifies for a box.
Library Shelving - Council Member Wright discussed library shelving units that staff and inmates are scheduled to work on assembling. She noted some uncertainty regarding how the shelving hardware fits together.
Wildfire and Flooding Conditions - Mayor Soper updated the council on fire conditions, noting the rapid growth of the Cottonwood Fire near Beaver to 50,000-60,000 acres within 24 hours due to steep terrain and dry conditions. He also mentioned fires in Monticello and Fillmore and alerted the council to nearby flooding, which closed Highway 89 again that afternoon.
Pavilion - Mayor Soper reported that the pavilion contractor is ready to apply stain once a color is confirmed. Construction of the structure is expected to begin within a couple of weeks.
Cameron Property - Mayor Soper provided an update on the potential gifting of the Cameron property in the downtown area, including the former Cameron Motel. The property totals approximately 1.5 acres. The owners indicated that if the city ever chose to sell the property to a private party, the property would revert to the family-a condition the Council found reasonable.
Public Works Building -City Manager Mat Houston announced plans to start the bidding process for a new public works building. City Manager Mat Houston and Public Works Director Kory Owens are scheduled to visit the county shop facility in Cannonville. Jones & DeMille Engineering offered to provide a site plan.
Dollar General and Chevron - Mayor Soper mentioned that Dollar General is set to open the next day and encouraged Council members to visit. He also observed rapid progress in the Chevron construction.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn was made at 5: 58 PM by Tracy Wright.
Notice of Special Accommodations (ADA)
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: The City of Panguitch will make efforts to provide reasonable accommodations to disabled members of the public in accessing City programs. Please contact Lori Talbot Panguitch City office at least 24 hours in advance if you have special needs.
Anyone who wishes to offer a prayer or thought in the opening ceremony at City Council is welcome to do so by calling City Manager Lori Talbot at 435-676-8585 to schedule an appointment.
**Items may not be covered in order listed. Panguitch City is an equal opportunity employer.**