General Information

Government Type

Municipality

Entity

Portage

Public Body

Portage Town Council

Notice Information

Add Notice to Calendar

Notice Title

Town Council Meeting Mins

Notice Type(s)

Notice, Meeting

Event Start Date & Time

August 12, 2026 06:00 PM

Description/Agenda

Portage Town Council Meeting Meeting Minutes August 12, 2026, 6:00 PM 25880 North 9000 West Street, Portage, UT 84331, US Portage Town Council Wednesday, Aug 12, 2026 | 6:00 PM 25880 North 9000 West Street, Portage, UT 84331 Members Present: Mayor Max Huggins, Trent Van Tassell (Water), Terra Bell (Planning & Zoning), and Gina Marble. Guests Present: Martina John, Norma Lesa, Mr. Migliori, Mr. Phister, Val Gibbs Call To Order Mayor Huggins called the meeting to order on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 6:00 PM. Opening Ceremony: Prayer Pledge Councilmember Bell offered the opening prayer. Councilmember Van Tassell led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance. Swear In New Town Treasurer Mayor Huggins noted that the new Town Treasurer was not present to be sworn in, as she was working on water bills. The item was tabled. Public Comments Val Gibbs took the floor to publicly thank the fire department and the broader community for their support, noting that contributions had come from people across multiple towns. He encouraged more residents to consider joining the fire department. A second resident raised a concern about an unexpected charge of approximately $200 on his water bill, questioning whether it was related to a secondary water hook-up at his property. Mayor Huggins explained that the billing discrepancies were largely due to the previous treasurer falling behind and payments not being properly credited to individual accounts. He assured residents that the new treasurer, Tiffany, was working through each account and that corrections would be made. A third resident expressed concern over a $600 outstanding balance on his account, noting that he had previously presented bank statements to the former treasurer proving payment, yet the balance remained. Mayor Huggins acknowledged the issue and indicated that adjustments were forthcoming, advising the resident to simply pay the base amount of $45 for now. Mayor Huggins offered to have Tiffany meet with the resident directly to resolve the discrepancy. Discussion broadened to meter reading accuracy and reliability. Residents and council members noted significant inconsistencies, including one account showing over one million gallons consumed in just two years. Councilmember Van Tassell advised that the town was working toward wireless meter reading, which would eliminate human transcription errors. He noted there were approximately 45 newer-style meters out of a total of 160, and that the town had replaced 5-6 meters and tubes during the current spring, with more replacements on order. He also noted that some meters are physically inaccessible due to undersized tubes, requiring full excavation and replacement when serviced. The estimated cost of a full wireless system upgrade was cited at approximately $90,000, and Councilmember Van Tassell mentioned that relevant grants were being pursued. Councilmember Van Tassell also clarified that the town was working to standardize meter reading to a consistent 3-day window during the third week of each month. Residents were encouraged to use the Express Pay system, which was noted as the most reliable method for tracking payments, and which now integrated directly with the Polaris billing system. Review And Approve Minutes Of July 8, 2026 Town Council Meeting Mayor Huggins announced that the minutes from the July 8, 2026 meeting could not be reviewed or approved, as the clerk, Gina, was sick. The item was deferred. Review And Approval Of July 8, 2026 - August 12, 2026 Bills/Payroll Mayor Huggins announced that bills and payroll could not be reviewed or approved, as the treasurer, Tiffany, was out of town. The item was deferred. Review Financial Report, Bank Reconciliations And Water Adjustments Or Write Offs This item was deferred along with bills and payroll, as Tiffany was unavailable. No action was taken. Appoint New Planning And Zoning Members Mayor Huggins presented three candidates recommended by the Planning and Zoning board for appointment to fill open member positions. The three nominees were Alan Fisher, Kurt Migliori, and Colton Ingram. Motion made by Councilmember Van Tassell to approve the appointment of Alan Phister, Kurt Migliori, and Colton Ingram to the Planning and Zoning board. Seconded by Councilmember Bell. Motion Passed - all in favor. Misc Information Items Mayor Huggins read a written message from Fire Chief Nick regarding a departmental change. Chief Nick acknowledged the contributions of Assistant Chief Robert Barrow, who had served in that role since Nick became chief. Robert had expressed a desire to step back into the firefighter role. As a result, Chief Nick had asked Val to step in as the new Assistant Chief, which Val accepted. Mayor Huggins conveyed the chief's request for the community to support both Robert and Val in their respective roles. Review Of Departments Water Update Mayor Huggins noted that water billing issues had been extensively discussed during Public Comments and that no additional items were raised for the Water Update. Roads Update Mayor Huggins noted that the bridge repair completion had been pushed back to the end of October. Councilmember Bell raised the question of whether school bus routes had been notified of the ongoing road closure, and Mayor Huggins indicated that could be communicated while the road signs remained in place. Mayor Huggins also noted that Tyson Nelson had repaired the town hall's air conditioning unit, which had been clogged by hornets, and that screening would need to be added to prevent recurrence. Planning And Zoning Update Councilmember Terra Bell reported that Jade Marble had purchased the former Parkinson property and was proposing to subdivide it into 2 lots with 2 new homes. The new builds were described as being located across from the Simonsons, facing west. It was also noted that Richard Poppy had appeared before Planning and Zoning indicating his intent to subdivide his property as well. He had initially proposed 4 lots, but upon learning that 4 or more would constitute a major subdivision - triggering requirements such as a small park and potentially streetlights - he opted to enlarge the lots and reduce the subdivision to 3, keeping it a minor subdivision. Mayor Huggins provided context on zoning rules, explaining that lots within the 16-block residential area require a minimum of 0.75 acres, while properties outside that area are zoned rural at a minimum of 2 acres. Minor subdivisions of 3 lots or fewer have fewer infrastructure requirements, whereas major subdivisions trigger additional obligations under state guidelines. Concern was also raised about the poor condition of roads in front of several residences in the area, described as nearly undrivable in summer with significant holes and eroded surfaces. Mayor Huggins acknowledged the concern and suggested gravel as a near-term interim measure while longer-term asphalt solutions remain pending. Parks Update No discussion was recorded for this item. Sheriff's Office No discussion was recorded for this item. Fire Department No discussion was recorded for this item. Adjournment Councilmember Bell made a motion to adjourn. Councilmember Van Tassell seconded the motion and the remaining council members agreed. The meeting was adjourned at 6:42p.m. The undersigned, duly acting and appointed clerk for Portage Town Corporation, hereby certifies that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the Town Council meeting minutes held on the 12th day of Aug 2026. Dated this the 9th day of September 2026. ________________________________ Gina R Marble, Portage Town Clerk

Notice of Special Accommodations (ADA)

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals needing special accommodations (including auxiliary communicative aids and services) during this meeting should notify Katherine Munns at (435) 866-2108 or email portagetown@citlink.net.

Notice of Electronic or Telephone Participation

N/A

Meeting Information

Meeting Location

25880 N 9000 W
portage, UT 84331
Show in Apple Maps Show in Google Maps

Contact Name

Katherine Munns

Contact Phone

(435)866-2108

Notice Posting Details

Notice Posted On

October 14, 2026 12:08 PM

Notice Last Edited On

October 14, 2026 12:08 PM

Subscribe by Email

Subscription options will send you alerts regarding future notices posted by this Body.