Panguitch City Council Minutes, September 22, 2026
Notice Type(s)
Meeting
Event Start Date & Time
September 22, 2026 05:30 PM
Description/Agenda
Panguitch City Council
Meeting Minutes
September 22, 2026, 5:30 PM
25 South 200 East, Panguitch, UT 84759, US
Those in attendance: Mayor Kim Soper, City Manager Mat Houston, City Attorney Barry Huntington, City Recorder Tyrissa Howell, City Treasurer Carla Farnsworth, City Council Members David Dodds, Cindy Stewart, Tracy Wright, James Kinsey, and Mike Sarles(Via Zoom).
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Opening Ceremony
Council Member Tracy Wright led the opening ceremony.
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Adoption of the Agenda
Motion to adopt the agenda was made by Cindy Stewart and seconded by Tracy Wright. The motion carried unanimously.
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Approval of Minutes
Motion to approve the minutes was made by Tracy Wright and seconded by Cindy Stewart. The motion carried unanimously.
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Payment Approval / Budget Approval / Audit Report
City Treasurer Carla Farnsworth presented the payments and budget report. Council Member James Kinsey asked a series of clarifying questions regarding specific line items, including: Bryce ATV Rally banner money, mini-X lease payment, Garfield County Travel Council, Fire Department training reimbursement, Elevate Fitness corporate memberships, bail refund, 4th of July lunch, lights on Center and Main, FAA/Department of Transportation overpayment, and airport insurance.
Motion to approve the payments and budget was made by James Kinsey and seconded by David Dodds. The motion carried unanimously.
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Tiffany Twitchell-Smith - Aspen Valley Flooding
City Attorney Barry Huntington reported that he had reviewed all relevant meeting minutes and planning and zoning records related to the Aspen Valley subdivision approval. He concluded that the city followed proper procedures, utilized engineer-approved plans, and complied with all required steps. He stated he found no basis for city liability.
Huntington noted that the properties in question are located within a flood plain, which is a known condition. He recommended against the city taking any action in the rear drainage area, as doing so could create liability. The city attorney agreed to communicate the council's findings to Ms. Twitchell-Smith.
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Public Art Proposal - Eric Gamboni
Mr. Gamboni was not present. The item was passed over without discussion.
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Youth Football Support
Ford Stewart presented a youth football cost estimate of about $6,060, including insurance, helmet reconditioning, field supplies, and league fees. He said he was not requesting the full amount, but identified helmet reconditioning as the most urgent need and noted the program's growth and importance in keeping local youth involved.
Council discussion focused on the size of the request compared to past city donations, the city's limited donation budget, and whether ongoing support for youth programs should be guided by a more consistent policy. Council Member James Kinsey suggested creating a standard donation policy for youth programs in the next fiscal year and expressed support for approving $2,500 at this time.
Motion to donate $2,500 to the youth football program was made by Council Member James Kinsey and seconded by David Dodds. The motion carried. Council Member Mike Sarles voted no, noting that while he supports the program, he felt the amount was too high relative to available funds. The Motion passed.
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Short-Term Rental/Craft Venue - The Makers Place @ 674 N Main
Motion to approve the business license for The Makers Place at 674 North Main was made by Tracy Wright and seconded by Cindy Stewart. The motion carried unanimously.
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Business License - Rebel's Dawg House
Motion to approve the business license for Rebel's Dawg House was made by Tracy Wright and seconded by James Kinsey. The motion carried unanimously.
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Metal Building Bids / City Shop
City Manager Houston reported that two bids were received for the new city shop metal building, with Gable Steel submitting the low bid of $146,978. Both bids included the lean-to addition. He clarified that the bid covers materials only, not installation. Total project cost, including the pad, septic, water, and site work, is estimated at about $500,000, with sufficient funds available for the building. Houston added that site planning is still underway, concrete bids will be sent out soon, and city crews expect to handle the water and sewer connections.
Motion to approve the bid of $146,978 to Gable Steel for the metal building was made by Cindy Stewart and seconded by David Dodds. The motion carried unanimously.
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South Water Tank Preliminary Plan
City Manager Houston presented a proposal to start planning for a new one-million-gallon water tank on the south side of town on BLM land above the county and state road sheds. The initial work includes a $10,000 well-siting study and a $45,000 environmental review, totaling $55,000, with the BLM review potentially taking up to a year. The tank would add one million gallons of storage, improve water pressure, help capture winter runoff, and support future development. Houston said the planning cost may be covered by impact fees and existing funds, while full construction-expected to exceed $1 million-would likely require grants and possible loan matching funds.
Motion to approve $55,000 for the South Water Tank preliminary plan was made by James Kinsey and seconded by Tracy Wright. The motion carried unanimously.
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Department Reports / Calendar
Library: The new library shelving has been installed with help from city staff and the inmate work crew. Council Member Tracy Wright raised concerns about ongoing confusion about the library board and county relationship. It was suggested she speak with Camille Moore at the county.
Triple C: Council Member Cindy Stewart reported meeting with Triple C Manger Lance Miller and noted that a prairie dog issue has been addressed properly with a permit, flagging the burrows, and filling the holes. Council Member David Dodds said the Triple-C prairie dog mitigation remains only a temporary fix and urged continued coordination with DWR and Fish and Wildlife on a permanent solution.
Dam Dedication: The dam dedication ceremony is scheduled for October 9 at 11:00 AM on the west side of the dam. Governor Cox and various state and county representatives are expected to attend. Lunch will follow. Council members were asked to RSVP.
Landfill Update: Council Member David Dodds reported that prairie dog mitigation remains a major issue for landfill expansion, with Fish and Wildlife estimating costs at about $200,000. Options discussed included fencing, which could count toward that cost, or acquiring alternative property. He also noted a recent federal rule change may provide more flexibility if development-not prairie dog removal-is the project's primary purpose. Council Member Cindy Stewart raised concerns about ongoing illegal dumping beyond the landfill on county-owned land. Mayor Soper agreed to investigate and post no-dumping signs if needed, and the council emphasized prompt cleanup to prevent further dumping.
Emergency Management: Council Member James Kinsey reported on the recent emergency management meeting, noting concern over 266 measles cases in Southwest Utah.
City Right-of Way: Council Member James Kinsey also expressed appreciation for progress on rights-of-way enforcement, particularly near the post office. He acknowledged the time and effort of City Manager Houston and City Attorney Huntington and indicated that further enforcement letters may be issued after the new year.
Baseball Complex Pavilion: Mayor Kim Soper reported that the final load for the ballpark pavilion is expected Tuesday, with pole-setting to begin Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday. He said a volunteer crew will help complete the project in two to three days, and City Manager Houston offered use of a county loader with forks to avoid renting a lift.
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Adjournment
Motion to adjourn was made by David Dodds at 6:21 PM.
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Tyrissa Howell, Panguitch City Recorder
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 Mat Houston 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 Mat Houston at 435-676-8585 to schedule an appointment.
**Items may not be covered in order listed. Panguitch City is an equal opportunity employer.**