General Information

Government Type

Municipality

Entity

Blanding

Public Body

City Council

Notice Information

Add Notice to Calendar

Notice Title

8.25.26 City Council Minutes

Notice Type(s)

Meeting

Event Start Date & Time

August 25, 2026 07:00 PM

Description/Agenda

CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Mayor - To Be Filled in September Mayor Pro-Tempore Charlie Taylor Council Member Chris Ewald Council Member Kellen Nielson Council Member Chad Moses Council Member Jesse Grover August 25, 2026 7:00 PM City Council Meeting 50 West 100 South Street, Blanding Utah 84511 Meetings live streamed when available at: https://meet.google.com/ksn-wsxi-zea POLICY MEETING Call to Order Roll Call A Prayer was offered by Councilmember Moses The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance. Consent Agenda & City Council Minutes Approval - 08.11.2026 Meeting Councilmember Ewald made a motion to approve the consent agenda and minutes from August 11, 2026 with the aforementioned corrections. Councilmember Moses seconded the motion. Mayor Pro Temp Taylor 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 Moses Those voting nay: None Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Pro Temp Taylor declared the motion carried. Declaration of Conflicts of Interest - Councilmember Ewald stated that he runs a business out of the airport. Public Input - Ryan Stewart, an attorney representing Freedom Fuels and fixed-base operator (FBO) matters, stated that they were not opposed to modifying hangar rates and were prepared to administer lawful rate schedules, but raised procedural concerns regarding the city's consideration of changes to the FBO hangar management arrangement. Ryan Stewart emphasized that contractual termination issues and hangar rate discussions should be kept separate, citing city packet recommendations to continue working with Freedom Fuels . Chris Ewald read a statement from hangar tenant, Regan Richmond. Mr. Richmond stated that if Blanding City thinks that our hangars are worth Grand Junction prices, then he will become a real pain in their butt. He insisted on improvements, including a leak-proof roof and other things he would expect out of a more expensive hangar. He stated that he doesn't pay the power bill at his Salt Lake hangar, and believes that is the case in most places, perhaps he will ask the city to pick up his power bill. Chris Ewald stated that he has operated a business out of the airport for about five years now. He provides annual inspections, avionics inspections, flight instruction, and pilot flight reviews. Chis noted in their remarks that Blanding has only about 12 airworthy general aviation airplanes (with 6 owner-maintained), making small business operations challenging, and urged the council to keep hangar rates and fuel economical and competitive with nearby airports like Cortez, Farmington, Aztec, and Bluff rather than affluent markets like Moab, Aspen, and St. George. He stated that he has helped grow the airport for the last 13 years and he would like to continue to do so. Chris also praised the exceptional service provided by Freedom Fuels. Reports Mayor N/A City Council Councilmember Taylor wanted to follow up on the Walter C. Lyman park. Mr. Redd stated that staff has had discussions about the park. There is an outdoor recreation plan that they addressed. There was discussion with Ben about utilizing pump track funds for grants to develop the park. The council and staff opposed a previous dry camp or RV park concept due to community pushback and a lack of staff interest in managing nightly fee collection, favoring instead a community-centered open space with trails, disc golf, restroom facilities, barbecue areas, and trees. Taylor and Pratt noted that grants could help fund these improvements, while the option of a nine-hole or golf course was dismissed. Pratt Redd City Manager Report Mr. Redd addressed the email regarding stray cats, stating their view that government involvement in trapping or removing cats is a no-win scenario and recommending neighbor-to-neighbor communication instead of official city policies. Mr. Redd stated that they will further discuss power in Sept. He reported that Utah Municipal Power Systems (UMPS) was forced into the day ahead buying (EDAM) stock exchange, which is performing poorly and resulting in larger current bills, though financial settlements are expected in two to three months. Court Report June - Total Court Cases: 145 Criminal: 10 Traffic: 135 July - Total Court Cases: 100 Criminal: 9 Traffic: 91 Water & Public Works Report - Trevor Palmer Trevor reported that the water treatment plant treated 88.5 acre feet and wells pumped 10.65 acre feet in July, bringing the total distribution system volume to 99.15 acre feet, with the third reservoir at 47% capacity and the fourth at 83% capacity, and Camp Jackson annual precipitation reaching 24.7 inches (88% of average). Trevor announced in their department update that Damon Black was promoted from public works to manage the treatment plant starting in early September, and that Taylor passed the operator qualification evaluation for gas compliance last week following Patrick's departure. Airport & Building Report - Taylor Francom New permits issued 3 Permits 3 Commercial Inspections Completed 44 Inspections completed 30 Residential 14 Commercial Notes: Active issued permits- 23 Discussion Items San Juan County Transfer Station - Jed Tate Jed Tate, a county representative, presented a proposal to reopen the Blanding transfer station, operated by San Juan County at no financial obligation to the city, following a successful pilot program for source-separated recycling (cardboard and plastics) in the South and Bluff implemented with San Juan Solid Waste and Moab Solutions. The county representative proposed in their presentation opening the facility two days a week (Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM) with one personnel member, providing free recycling drop-offs and trash dumpsters to reduce illegal dumping and travel burdens for Blanding residents. While county insurance requirements initially presented lease hurdles, the council agreed that the city manager should work with lessees on an agreeable lease arrangement where services provided cover lease costs and property taxes. Discussing illegal dumping, Jed noted their perspective that enforcement through the sheriff's department and updated county policies is considered the primary solution rather than operating landfills on Saturdays, identifying the dump area past the city shop as a frequent site. Regarding recyclables, the county representative clarified that state Department of Environmental Quality (DEEQ) rules prohibit treating 2x4s and treated wood as green waste, restricting green waste to tree branches, logs, leaves, and grass, while cardboard and specific compliant plastics are accepted. Airport Discussions Grant Assurance, FBO, Revenue, Growth Mr. Redd reviewed FBO operations, noting in their evaluation that Freedom Fuels provides vital 24/7 terminal access, customer service, maintenance, snow removal, and facility upgrades, and recommended continuing the existing agreement. While a council member raised financial questions about whether the city should retake hangar management to increase revenue, Mr. Redd countered that the city incurred $67,000 in hanger keepers insurance costs when previously managing them, and that administrative and personnel costs would consume most potential revenue. The council reached a consensus to retain Freedom Fuels for managing the FBO and airport operations. Hangar Rates Addressing hangar rates, Pratt and the council agreed that a proposed rate of $3.50 per square foot was unfeasible, noting that rates should stay competitive with nearby airports in similar economic environments like Cortez, Farmington, Aztec, and Bluff rather than affluent markets like Aspen, St. George, and Moab. Mr. Redd and Taylor noted that information was gathered from eight or nine municipalities, with Aztec described as a small ghost town airport. Pratt Redd presented a comparison of hangar rates with other regional airports, citing rates as low as $65 a month at comparable facilities. Pratt Redd detailed the current hangar inventory, noting 12 hangars under 400 square feet, 4 hangars over 400 square feet, a total rental area of 20,000 square feet, and a current annual revenue of $23,000. Mr. Redd outlined three structural rate options: a scheduled 5-year increase, a 5% annual increase, and an immediate adjustment with a 10-year rate lock. He recommended the 10-year rate lock option (Option 3) for long-term predictability, proposing initial rates of $2.15 per square foot for hangars under 1,400 square feet and $2.00 per square foot for those over 1,400 square feet. The city council discussed the problem of taxpayer subsidization, noting that municipal taxpayers currently subsidize the airport because rental rates fail to cover operational and rising insurance costs. Mr. Redd and council members emphasized the necessity of raising rates to show good faith and secure future grants from the Federal Aviation Administration and utility programs, which increasingly tie grants to rate adjustments. The council also addressed the dilapidated condition of aging hangars, agreeing that a structured plan for repairs and preservation is necessary. Pratt Redd proposed a comprehensive incentive structure (Option 1) modeled after Guardian Flight's contract, offering discounts for local employment, approved tenant maintenance, and utility payments. The proposed credits included scaled discounts for employee headcount, cost-lifespan calculations for physical hangar improvements (capped or proportional), and utility cost offsets. Council members debated the primary focus of these incentives, reaching a consensus to prioritize employee growth incentives alongside maintenance credits to drive economic impact. To address historical difficulties in gathering tenant paperwork, Mr. Redd proposed strict enforcement measures, including a $500 fine and lease penalties or lockouts for tenants failing to submit required compliance documentation by renewal deadline. Regarding tenant-performed maintenance, council members raised concerns regarding contractor qualifications and structural consistency. Toniee Lewis and the city council agreed that all maintenance must be strictly regulated, requiring formal quotes, licensing verification, and final approval by the airport manager or Taylor to prevent unapproved modifications. Reviewing the initial proposed rates of $2.00 and $2.15 for the 10-year rate lock, council members expressed concern that the immediate jump was too steep compared to surrounding airports like Cortez, which charges $1.50. After discussing market competitiveness and rate structures, Pratt Redd and the council agreed to lower the base rates for the 10-year rate lock to $1.90 and $1.75, scaling down the corresponding business incentives slightly. Mr. Redd presented a mandatory recommendation from an external review regarding the hangar waiting list policy, noting that current city code grants priority to residents of Blanding and San Juan County. Pratt Redd explained that the non-negotiable recommendation requires shifting the waiting list strictly to a chronological timestamp basis, eliminating geographic priority. The city council acknowledged this required policy change for future hangar allocations Minimum Standards Review The minimum standard document was reviewed. Councilmember Ewald noted that several items in the minimum standards document were too restrictive. He recommended changing a number of items such as the types of fuel that are listed, the number of required aircraft for certain things, the required seating in an individual aircraft, the requirement of a flight simulator. The required hours of the FBO were discussed, it was recommended changing it from 24 hours to sunrise to sunset, and letting them decide their hours. It was suggested to remove the requirement that a full-time manager be located specifically 'at the airport', and eliminate the requirement to provide escorts for flight crews to and from all parked aircraft. They discussed long-term vehicle parking, noting that while parking spaces are used by people supporting the airport with fuel purchases. Regarding insurance, Mr. Redd explained that the city, airport manager, and fixed-base operator must be named as additional insureds to reduce liability, a requirement supported by the insurance company. Advice & Consent Items Finalize Hangar Rates Advise and consent was given to have a 10 year lock with rates at $1.90 and $1.75 with some incentives to get discounts. Finalize Minimum Standards Mr. Redd advised that he will bring back the minimum standards document with the edits for final review. Business Items Resolution 08-25-2026-1 Approving the Award of ICPE Load Study Project WHEREAS, Blanding City Power Department (BCP) identified a need to perform a comprehensive Load Study of the city's electrical distribution system to ensure reliability and accommodate future growth; and WHEREAS, the proposed project includes updating the power system software model, verifying load data for Circuits 11, 12, 13, and 14, performing load flow analysis, and identifying necessary system upgrades; and WHEREAS, Intermountain Consumer Professional Engineers Inc. (ICPE) has submitted a proposal to provide these professional engineering services to the City; and WHEREAS, the City Engineer and Public Works Director have reviewed the proposal and determined ICPE to be qualified and capable of performing the required scope of services; andWHEREAS, the project fee is based on a Time and Material, not to exceed budget of Twenty-Five Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($25,500.00); and WHEREAS, the City Council finds that authorizing this Load Study is essential for the continued maintenance and strategic improvement of the Blanding City electrical system. Councilmember Nielson made a motion to approve resolution 08-25-2026-1, approving the award of ICPE load study project. Councilmember Grover seconded the motion. Mayor Pro Temp Taylor 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 Moses Councilmember Ewald Those voting nay: None Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Pro Temp Taylor declared the motion carried. Ordinance 2026-11 Amending the Fence, Wall and Retaining Wall Code WHEREAS, the City of Blanding, Utah, has established regulations governing the height, placement, construction, and maintenance of fences, walls, and retaining walls within the City; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds that amendments to the City's fencing regulations are appropriate to provide property owners with greater flexibility while maintaining appropriate standards for public safety, visibility, property rights, and structural integrity; and WHEREAS, the City Council desires to allow increased fence, wall, and retaining wall heights in side and rear yard areas while establishing permitting, engineering, and property-owner consent requirements for structures exceeding standard height limitations; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the amendments contained herein are in the best interests of the health, safety, and general welfare of the residents of Blanding City. Councilmember Ewald made a motion to approve ordinance 2026-11 amending the fence, wall and retaining wall code. Councilmember Grover seconded the motion. Mayor Pro Temp Taylor 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 Moses Councilmember Ewald Those voting nay: None Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Pro Temp Taylor declared the motion carried. Closed Session Councilmember Nielson made a motion to go into closed session to discuss personnel. Councilmember Grover seconded the motion. Mayor Pro Temp Taylor 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 Councilmember Ewald Councilmember Moses Those voting nay: None Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Pro Temp Taylor declared the motion carried. Adjournment Councilmember Nielson made a motion to adjourn. Councilmember Grover seconded the motion. Mayor Pro Temp Taylor 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 Councilmember Ewald Councilmember Moses Those voting nay: None Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Pro Temp Taylor declared the motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:41pm.

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
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Contact Name

Pratt Redd

Contact Email

predd@blanding-ut.gov

Notice Posting Details

Notice Posted On

October 02, 2026 12:21 PM

Notice Last Edited On

October 02, 2026 12:21 PM

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