General Information

Government Type

Municipality

Entity

Blanding

Public Body

City Council

Notice Information

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Notice Title

CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES MAY 30 2017

Notice Tags

Administrative Procedure

Notice Type(s)

Notice

Event Start Date & Time

June 14, 2017 01:00 AM

Description/Agenda

MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BLANDING CITY COUNCIL HELD ON MAY 30, 2017 AT 7:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS Present: Mayor: Calvin Balch City Councilmembers: Joe B Lyman Taylor Harrison Kd Perkins Robert Ogle City Manager: Jeremy Redd Finance Director: Kim Palmer City Engineer: Terry Ekker Community Development: Bret Hosler Others Attending: Diane Balch, Janet Wilcox, Wendy Black, Robert Turk, Mrs. Turk, Trent Herring, Kara Laws, Kendall Laws, Chas Jacobsen, Logan Monsen, Relva Bowring, Corey Raisor, Travis Whatcott, Scoot Flannery, Cheryl Bowers, Scott Young. Prayer/Thought - The prayer/thought was offered by Robert Ogle. 1. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 2. Councilmember Perkins moved to approve the minutes and financial disbursements of the May 9, 2017 meeting, with corrections. Councilmember Harrison seconded the motion. Mayor Balch repeated the motion and asked for discussion. Hearing none, he called for a vote. Voting was as follows: Those voting AYE Councilmember Lyman Councilmember Harrison Councilmember Perkins Councilmember Ogle Those voting NAY NONE Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Balch declared the motion carried. 3. OPEN FORUM Relva Bowring requested permission for the Daughters of Utah Pioneers - Primrose Camp to place a marker at the Swallows Nest Cabin located behind the Visitor Center. She also asked if it would be possible to place new glass in the windows that have been broken. Wendy Black requested that Council not regulate vacation/short-term rentals. In her opinion short-term rentals are well taken care of and are an asset to a neighborhood, while some long term rentals are not. Kaeden Kulow suggested the City collect tax id numbers on short-term rentals to monitor the tax revenues generated by them. 4. REPORTS/DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS A. Terry Ekker presented the Progress Status Report Blanding Power Distribution Upgrade and Substation Conversion Project The design process has started. There will be a need to acquire a small amount of property for the new substation bay. East Side Sewer Trunk Line The right of way acquisition for the line is 78% complete. Mayor Balch inquired when the entire acquisition phase would be complete. Mr. Redd responded there were four more easements left to acquire. The project will begin in spring 2018. Sewer Lagoon Winter Storage Pond Dam Repair The grouting of the dam has been completed. The crew will monitor the pond to ensure the prairie dogs are eradicated. Natural Gas Odorizer Relocation/Replacement Project The odorizer equipment has been selected and will be purchased in the current budget year. Money for the actual construction is budgeted in the 2018 budget. Mr. Ekker introduced Chas Jacobsen as the new gas operator. Million Gallon Tank Repair There will be some specialized grouting taking place on the interior of the tank during the next month. When it is completed the tank will be put back into operation to determine if the grouting process sealed the leak. B. Kim Palmer presented the Financial Status Report Sales tax is up 8% from last year at this time. City budgets are in good standing with expenses below budget and revenue at or above anticipated numbers. 5. AGENDA ITEMS A. City Council Appointment and Oath of Office - Mayor Balch Mayor Balch stated that the open council seat will be filled for the time period of May 30th to December 31st. The open position will be on the ballot for election in November. Each of the six applicants vying for the open seat were given five minutes to make a short presentation. Cheryl Bowers expressed appreciation for the opportunity to apply for the open Council seat. She told those in attendance that sitting on the Council is important to her because she loves Blanding. She was raised here and has come back to raise her children here. She would like to see economic growth in the City making it possible for her children to live here and raise their families if they choose. She also feels that her experience in business will be a great asset to her as a Councilmember. She would like youth programs and economic development to grow in a manner that will keep the feel of Blanding that everyone loves. Robert Turk stated that his reason for applying for the open seat was for no other reason that to be a part of developing the community. He has no agenda or projects, he just wants to serve. He continued to share that he is in his 24th year of teaching at the elementary school. Mr. Turk returned to Blanding in 1994 and has raised his daughters here. His daughters still reside in Blanding and are raising their families here. He concluded by saying his only desire is to serve the community. Travis Whatcott stated he appreciated the opportunity to speak to the Council and to apply for the open seat. He and his family have lived in Blanding for 3 years, which is the longest they have lived anywhere. Mr. Whatcott shared that he has experience in both the military and as a police officer. He currently sits on the Planning and Zoning commission, where he is enjoying the learning process and the opportunity to serve. If selected he would like to continue to sit on the board. Corey Raisor told the Council that he was not born in Blanding, but was a city boy. It took some time for him to fall in love with Blanding, but he now desires to be nowhere else. The desire to serve came to him through an experience he had while working as a health care aid. The experience he had caring for a veteran who had served in WWII made him realize he needed to serve. He would like to be a part of making Blanding a safe and good place to raise a family. Logan Monson stated he has been anticipating running for City Council for the past several months. He has attended City Council meetings in an effort to understand the role of a Councilmember. He said he has no agenda, but only a desire to serve. He is employed as the assistant nursing director at Blue Mountain Hospital and his wife is a teacher. He feels their careers give him insights that others may not have. He would like his children to have the same opportunities and experiences he had growing up Blanding. He wants to help make that happen. He stated that his opinions will be those of City residents.. Trent Herring stated that as a Councilmember he would be a voice for the community. As a Councilmember he would encourage residents to attend City Council meetings. He was raised in Blanding and chose to live and raise his family here also. As a Councilmember he would like to focus on economic develop and on the youth of the community. He has been employed at Blue Mountain Hospital for 10 years. When the presentations were completed, Mayor Balch asked the Council for comments or nominations. Each Councilmember expressed their appreciation to the six applicants. Councilmember Lyman stated that any appointment made would be the right one. Councilmember Lyman nominated Cheryl Bowers and Mayor Balch seconded the nomination. Councilmember Ogle nominated Travis Whatcott and no second was received. Councilmember Lyman made the motion for nominations to cease, Councilmember Harrison seconded the motion. Councilmember Lyman made the motion to appoint Cheryl Bowers to the Blanding City Council. Councilmember Harrison seconded the motion. Mayor Balch repeated the motion and called for a vote. Voting was as follows: Those voting AYE Councilmember Lyman Councilmember Harrison Councilmember Perkins Councilmember Ogle Those voting NAY NONE Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Balch declared the motion carried. The Oath of Office was administered to Cheryl Bowers by the City Recorder, Jeremy Redd. B. Swallow's Nest - Daughters of Utah Pioneers - Robert Ogle Councilmember Ogle restated comments made by Relva Bowring regarding placing a plaque at the Swallow's Nest Cabin. He then said that if the property belongs to the City it needs to maintained in a way that represents the City the best it can. Mr. Redd responded that the windows that were originally in the cabin were actually made from the same type of class used during the time period Albert R. Lyman lived in the cabin. The glass was broken multiple times and has not been replaced. The glass will need to be replaced with something more resilient than glass. Council chose to continue discussion regarding the refurbishing of the cabin at a later meeting. Advice and consent was given by Council to place the Daughters of Utah Pioneers plaque at the cabin. C. Short-Term Rental Regulations - Mayor Balch Mayor Balch stated that after speaking with the Mayor of Moab he felt the topic of short-term rentals should be discussed by the Blanding City Council. Moab faces several issues with their short term rentals including parking limiting the number of people allowed in a rental. He encouraged members of Council to discuss regulations regarding Blanding City rentals. Councilmember Lyman said the same problems seen in short-term rentals were actually the same seen with permanent residents. What is the difference between a permanent residence, short-term rentals and long term rental? He questioned how to regulate one without regulating the other. Mayor Balch replied the short-term rental is a business and that is how you can regulate it. Councilmember Harrison stated that just because they are businesses doesn't give the City the responsibility to regulate them. Councilmember Bowers asked if the discussion has resulted from complaints from Blanding residents. Mayor Balch responded no there have not been any complaints. He had a discussion with the Mayor from Moab who shared some of the issues they are finding in Moab. Councilmember Bowers asked what Moab was doing to fix their problems. Mayor Balch responded that they have a new set of regulations in place for their short-term rentals. Councilmember Lyman commented that if you regulate short-term rentals, you have to do the same for long-term rentals. Councilmember Harrison asked who would monitor the rentals and enforce the regulations? The City currently has only 10 short-term rental properties Councilmember Ogle commented that short-term rentals are an asset to the community and feels regulations would discourage those currently owning rentals and those contemplating opening one. Mr. Redd commented that no complaints have been received regarding short-term rentals, but complaints have been received from neighbors of long-term rentals. Council determined there was no need for staff to research the topic of short-term rental regulations at this time. D. Independent Recycling Program - Robert Ogle Councilmember Ogle told the Council that Ryan Heck is starting a Non-profit recycling program that will allow those he works with at San Juan Counseling to gain some job skills. The program would not be a part of the City in any manner. All facets of the recycling program would be handled through the program. The group is only asking the City to help gather information from residents to gauge their interest in paying for recycling. Council gave advice and consent for staff to assist with information gathering for the non-profit program. E. Visitor Center Volunteers - Community Ambassadors - Jeremy Redd Mr. Redd told the Council that there have been individuals desiring an opportunity to volunteer at the Visitor Center. He informed the Council that volunteers are covered by Workers Compensation and liability insurance. Both Councilmember Bowers and Perkins expressed approval of the idea. Advice and consent was given to allow volunteers to help at the Visitor Center. 6. PUBLIC HEARING - PROPOSED FY 2017/2018 GENERAL FUND AND ENTERPRISE BUDGETS. Councilmember Lyman moved to enter a public hearing, Councilmember Harrison seconded the motion. Mayor Balch repeated the motion and asked for discussion. Hearing none, he called for a vote. Voting was as follows: Those voting AYE Councilmember Lyman Councilmember Harrison Councilmember Perkins Councilmember Ogle Councilmember Bowers Those voting NAY NONE Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Balch declared the motion carried. Council entered a public hearing at 7:30 p.m. There were no public comments made. Councilmember Perkins moved to leave the public hearing, Councilmember Ogle seconded the motion. Mayor Balch repeated the motion and asked for discussion. Hearing none, he called for a vote. Voting was as follows: Those voting AYE Councilmember Lyman Councilmember Harrison Councilmember Perkins Councilmember Ogle Councilmember Bowers Those voting NAY NONE Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Balch declared the motion carried. 7. INFORMATION A. Mr. Redd state that those desiring to run for City Council must complete Declaration of Candidacy between June 1st and 7th. This must be done in person at the City office during normal business hours. B. Mayor Balch shared that Councilmember Perkins has accepted a seat on the San Juan Public Health Special Service District. 8. OPEN FORUM Robert Turk asked if the City could place a speed sign or children at play sign on 600 West. The street is a direct route to the Edge of the Cedars Museum. It was his opinion that there has been an increase in the amount of traffic and speeding on the street. His concern stems from the number of children that live on this street and their safety. Mr. Redd responded that there are options to help regulate the speed on the street other than signs, which are only effective for a short period of time. He assured those in attendance that he would ask staff to look into the situation. Kara Laws commented that tourists are not watching for children as they are searching for the museum. Corey Raisor suggested Council review short-term rentals on a yearly basis to monitor and evaluate their contributions and any issues. Kaeden Kulow shared that because of the new regulation in Moab many short-term rentals are moving south outside of City limits. Trent Herring expressed his appreciation to those overseeing the cemetery grounds. Scott Young stated he was pleased to see the shrubs and flowers that have been planted on Main Street. 9. EXECUTIVE SESSION Councilmember Harrison moved to enter to an executive session for a discussion on land. Councilmember Perkins seconded the motion. Mayor Balch repeated the motion and asked for discussion. Hearing none, he called for a vote. Voting was as follows: Those voting AYE Councilmember Lyman Councilmember Harrison Councilmember Perkins Councilmember Ogle Councilmember Bowers Those voting NAY NONE Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Balch declared the motion carried. Council entered an executive session at 8:42 p.m. Councilmember Perkins moved to leave the executive session and return to an open meeting. Councilmember Harrison seconded the motion. Mayor Balch repeated the motion and asked for discussion. Hearing none, he called for a vote. Voting was as follows: Those voting AYE Councilmember Lyman Councilmember Harrison Councilmember Perkins Councilmember Ogle Councilmember Bowers Those voting NAY NONE Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Balch declared the motion carried. Council left an executive session at 9:05 p.m. Councilmember Perkins moved to adjourn, Councilmember Harrison seconded the motion. Mayor Balch repeated the motion and asked for discussion. Hearing none, he called for a vote. Voting was as follows: Those voting AYE Councilmember Lyman Councilmember Harrison Councilmember Perkins Councilmember Ogle Councilmember Bowers Those voting NAY NONE Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Balch declared the motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 9:07 p.m.

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, 84511
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Contact Name

Pratt Redd

Contact Email

predd@blanding-ut.gov

Notice Posting Details

Notice Posted On

June 14, 2017 09:55 AM

Notice Last Edited On

June 14, 2017 09:55 AM

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