General Information

Government Type

Municipality

Entity

Blanding

Public Body

City Council

Notice Information

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Notice Title

9.8.26 City Council Minutes

Notice Type(s)

Meeting

Event Start Date & Time

September 8, 2026 07:00 PM

Description/Agenda

CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA 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 September 8th, 2026 6:00 PM - Work Session September 8th, 7:00 PM City Council Meeting 50 West 100 South Street, Blanding Utah 84511 Meetings live streamed when available at: https://meet.google.com/xxg-uefm-yut Work Session - 6:00 pm Utility Tier Rate Review Mr. Redd introduced a proposal to expand the current two-tier utility system to four distinct tiers. They explained that while classes one and three represent the existing arrangements, classes two and four are new additions intended to standardize billing for inactive, vacant, and surrendered utility services. Mr. Redd shared research indicating that many Utah communities utilize similar tier structures. For connected but inactive properties (Class two), other municipalities typically charge a monthly base fee to cover infrastructure maintenance, including meters, lines, and system capacity. Mr. Redd noted that while some cities use an annual standby fee, Blanding City prefers continuing the monthly billing model, noting that base rates like $16 for power and $13 for gas remain below the found minimum annual standby fees of $250. The group discussed Class three, which refers to properties with utilities stubbed but never metered. Mr. Redd acknowledged historical frustrations from residents who were allegedly told these $4 fees would eventually cease. While there is no official written record of such a promise, Mr. Redd noted that some community members and past officials were associated with these claims. Mr. Redd clarified that for vacant properties that are fully hooked up (Tier two), the city would not charge for consumption, but would charge a base rate to maintain the infrastructure. They noted that previously paid fees would be credited toward future impact or connection costs, preventing double-billing. Mr. Redd introduced the fourth tier, allowing property owners to formally surrender utilities. This requires a signed document and effectively removes the property from the utility bill. Future connections would then be treated as new construction, requiring full impact fees. Participants discussed that water and gas lines are difficult to remove physically, so the policy will primarily involve disconnecting electricity at the pole. The city plans to charge a disconnect fee to cover staff time and equipment costs. This option aims to assist property owners, such as those with multiple water services, who wish to avoid paying for infrastructure they no longer intend to use. Mr. Redd clarified that under the new system, even if a structure is vacant, the city will charge for storm water because the property continues to impact the system through curb and gutter infrastructure. Trash services will not be charged if the property is unoccupied. Mr. Redd outlined an implementation plan: code reviews will occur in two weeks, followed by public notices and emails. The objective is to approve the changes by the end of October. Hangar Discounts Review Mr. Redd introduced standardized discount options for both commercial and non-commercial hangar tenants. Discounts are prospective, requiring annual verification by JJ Bradford and Pratt Redd. Rates are based on square footage (over/under 1,400 square feet) and will be reviewed annually. Mr. Redd explained that commercial hangar tenants can receive discounts based on employee counts. He detailed a second discount option based on tenant-funded maintenance and improvements. Tenants must obtain prior written approval for any upgrades, which then become city property. At the end of the fiscal year (May 31st), tenants submit receipts for approved expenses to receive a 10% credit applied to their lease. The group discussed the potential for extending water and gas utilities to hangars, particularly the four main hangars. Mr. Redd expressed that while the cost might be significant due to solid rock conditions, it would be prudent to complete this work while the apron is being replaced. Attendees noted that currently, only one hangar has water, gas, and electricity, and that utility costs are generally low, averaging $20 to $30 per month. Mr. Redd confirmed that tenants could utilize multiple discount options simultaneously. The administration will maintain a tracker to manage these updates. The council recommended presenting the proposed hangar rates and discount policies to the airport advisory committee for review before final approval. Landlord Guarantor Discussion Mr. Redd presented a proposal making landlords the guarantors for utility accounts on properties they own, similar to systems used by Rocky Mountain Power. This policy aims to improve payment collection by alerting landlords via email when a renter is 10 days away from disconnection. Existing balances will not shift to landlords immediately, but the policy will apply to new accounts established after October 21st, with a full rollout on January 1st. Mr. Redd confirmed that the city's computer system is prepared to track landlord-tenant relationships. They emphasized that this policy does not mandate a shift in billing practices; landlords may continue to keep utilities in their own names and bundle costs into rent if they prefer. Cats Mr. Redd addressed concerns regarding neighborhood cat populations. They noted that Blanding City lacks the infrastructure (pounds) and staff resources to humanely handle or trap cats. Because state regulations prohibit certain methods of disposal, the city will not implement a municipal trap-and-cull program. Instead, they encouraged community-led solutions, such as neighborhood-based conflict resolution regarding feeding practices, and suggested that residents might organize their own capture-and-neuter efforts through veterinary partnerships in neighboring regions. POLICY MEETING Call to Order Roll Call A Prayer was offered by Councilmember Taylor The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance. Consent Agenda & City Council Minutes Approval - 08.25.2026 Meeting Councilmember Ewald made a motion to approve the consent agenda and minutes from August 25,2026. 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 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 is a hangar tenant and he has been running a business out of it, but as of right now, it has been suspended. Public Input - None Reports Mayor N/A City Council None Pratt Redd City Manager Report - In the next three months the ownership of triangle park will be moved from UDOT to Blanding City. At that time, Blanding City will make some plans for that area. Regarding the upcoming mayoral election, four candidates have applied, with a deadline of September 21st at 5:00 p.m. Interviews and appointment of the mayor are scheduled for September 22nd. Mr. Redd stated he will participate in the September 22nd meeting remotely due to mandatory training in St. George. James Francom Monthly Finance Director Report - The finance report was available for the council members and they had no questions. Police Chief JJ Bradford Monthly Police Report - We stayed busy with a lot of calls for service and arrests. I was able to work more alongside our newer officers and assist them with cases. We are a few weeks into the new school year and have made adjustments to crosswalks to try and improve the flow of traffic for school drop off and pick up. There was some discussion about some other busy areas before and after school and potentially having more cross walks. Ben Muhlestein Monthly Community Development Report - Events: Fall Festival: The Fall Festival is this week! We'll be there at 7:30am to set up with everything starting around Noon. We'll have bounce houses, face painting, pumpkin painting, the corn pit, tons of booths, bike activities, and music during the community meal. As of the writing of this report we could use volunteers for some of the information booths we cover as well as set up and take down. We could also use volunteers to help grill hot dogs for the community dinner.These are low stress opportunities to really serve the community! Contact me if you would like to volunteer. Community Development: - The Planning Commission has been hard at work. They had land use training last month as well as a work session to continue working on the subdivision code. We'll continue hammering out those details at our meeting this week. Walter C. Lyman - I suggest we follow the recreation master plan at this point. Clear projects would be - repair/refurbish BBQ spots, walking path-connection to 3rd/4th, bathroom refurbishment, parking and similar projects. Outdoor rec grants are available for most if not all of these updates. Marathon - Ben stated that the registration is pretty slow, but so is tourism in general. He believes there will be enough registrations to cover the costs. San Juan ATV Safari Request - Lynn Shumway was present at the meeting and she stated that they have about 120 riders signed up for this year, they have lots of guides and good rides planned. She stated that people have been worried about trails because of the fire, she has been assuring people that there are still plenty of trails to ride. She is asking for $500 from the city for the ATV safari. Council gave advice and consent to give $1000, they agree that it is a great event that brings lots of people and business to the city. Discussion Items Hangar Contract Review The council reviewed a 40-page draft for a commercial hangar lease. Key decisions included rejecting the collection of a percentage of gross revenues and agreeing to a five-year term with two optional renewals . The council discussed concerns regarding insurance requirements for additional insured status, snow removal responsibilities, and parking . It was suggested that a six-month grace period be implemented for business issues, consistent with policies for unairworthy aircraft . The council agreed to have the airport committee review the document for further edits Landlord Guarantor Discussion See work session notes. Cat Ordinance See work session notes. Advice and Consent Weaving our Stories Scholarship - USU The council discussed a request from Utah State University for a $5,000 donation to sponsor a 'Weaving Our Stories' scholarship, which would support two students. Council members expressed concerns regarding the high cost, the lack of a direct tie to Blanding citizens, and the potential for establishing a precedent for future requests . A suggestion was made to explore funding the donation through utility funds, though questions about the total amount and recipient eligibility remained . The council requested further information before proceeding San Juan County Transfer Station Contract Mr. Redd proposed a partnership with San Juan County to reopen a transfer station, noting that the current tenant plans to vacate by October 31. The proposal involves an annual lease at no cost to the county for operation two days a week, which the council supported as a community benefit . The council also touched on the availability of power from Rocky Mountain Power for the facility . Business Items Resolution 09-08-2026-1 Adoption of Minimum Standards for BDG Airport WHEREAS, Blanding City (the 'City') owns and operates the Blanding Municipal Airport; and WHEREAS, the City desires to establish reasonable baseline operational and facility requirements for businesses, entities, and individuals desiring to conduct Commercial Aeronautical Activity at the Airport; and WHEREAS, the City has developed the 'Blanding Municipal Airport Commercial Aeronautical Activity Minimum Standards' (the 'Minimum Standards') to protect Airport safety, preserve public Airport access, and ensure aeronautical activities are compatible with the Airport's capacity; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds that adopting these Minimum Standards is essential for the orderly development of the Airport and the public interest. Councilmember Ewald made a motion to approve Resolution 09-08-2026-1, adopting the minimum standards for the BDG airport with the correction on page 4 scratching the term AV gas. 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 8:10pm.

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 12:23 PM

Notice Last Edited On

October 02, 2026 12:23 PM

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