Town of Mantua Council Meeting Minutes Held on July 18,2024
Notice Tags
Public Records
Notice Type(s)
Notice
Event Start Date & Time
July 18, 2024 06:30 PM
Description/Agenda
Town of Mantua Council
Meeting Minutes
Held on July 18,2024
6:30 at Town Hall 409 North Main Mantua, Utah
Council Members present:
Mayor Terry Nelson, Karen Nelson, Ken Jones, Matt Jeppsen
Sherita Schaefer - Recorder
Council Members absent:
Jared Jeppsen
Audience present:
Bill Jeppesen, Pam Eaves, Marcus Abel, Colt Mund, Paul Jensen, Cindy Facer, Donald Ruhl, Will
Hodgins, Don Ruhl, Mike Barnett, Jessie Fromm, Ryan Fromm, Jim Flint, Harper Johnson, Janice
Johnson, Nate Alder, Darla Jones
Meeting opened by Mayor Nelson and the invocation offered by Karen Nelson.
Pledge of allegiance - led by Mayor Nelson followed by all in attendance.
Meeting held on June 20, 2024 (Approved, vote: 5-0)
Consideration to pay the bills:
Matt Jeppsen made a motion to approve the bills, Ken Jones seconded.
Yes votes: Mayor Terry Nelson, Ken Jones, Karen Nelson, Matt Jeppsen
No votes: None
Abstained: None
MOTION PASSED
Public Comment:
Janice Johnson: Would like to thank everyone in the city office who put together Little Valley Days (LVD).
She states that she worked to put LVD together for many years, and this is the first year she was able to
sit back and relax, feeling like the staff did an excellent job.
Paul Jensen
1. The property in front of Dave Marsh that he has never improved, the 66 ft right of way that he
is supposed to have, I feel like this should be done prior to snow removal.
2. On the dike at first east and north of Center Street, someone has placed speed bumps along
the road with gravel.
3. I'm not sure what the town policy is on squatters' rights, but some individuals appear to have
set up permanent residence in the campground.
Presentation:
Discussion and Action Items:
Fireworks Policy for July 24th
There are concerns that with the fire danger expected to increase due to hot and dry weather,
council members discussed various possibilities of preventing fireworks from causing fires for the
24th of July holiday. The council decided that it was too late to set forth a policy for this year's
fireworks but will implement one for next year. For this year, the council agreed to send out
notices discussing how to remain safe while utilizing fireworks.
Irrigation shares for sale
John and Mark Jensen would like to sell water shares, to which both have negotiated with
Brigham City. One offer is $140,000 for 10 shares and the other is $60,000 for 10 shares. The
mayor states that because the water shares are located in the left field, the town would not
purchase those shares. The Mantua City Attorney states that the town of Mantua no longer has
the first right of refusal regarding water rights.
Update Applications for Short-Term Rentals
The town council would like to update the short-term rental (STR) application. On the second
page of the short-term rental application, it was updated to include that the fire inspector will
also determine if there is a working fire hydrant within an adequate distance from the building.
The International Business Code requires plumbing in detached units, and the units' internal
plumbing can be shared. Mantua property code specifically prohibits mobile homes, travel
trailers, tents, and boats to be used as a short-term rental, which is the only thing that will be
amended on the application.
Communication Systems for SCADA Marcus Abel
Marcus Abel has SCADA systems that can help system operators manage their systems more
closely and prevent regulatory violations and public health issues. SCADA can regulate water flow
in industrial settings, allowing operators to change the set flow point and conditions for alarms to
be triggered. It can also help even out reservoir releases and canal diversions. The town is
discussing the current system with SCADA, which has been running for about 25 years. The
representative predicts that the town could possibly reuse some of the parts that are currently in
operation. The quote presented is regarding radio technology to ensure reliability, of which the
town currently has four radios. The estimated amount to install the system is $37,000.00. Abel
states that he would like to repair the current SCADA system that is currently in place. He states
that he has 3 bids, however, 1 of the 3 bids has expired so he would like to obtain another.
Although he has obtained a bid for $37,000.00, which may be the option to choose at this time.
Abel will continue to coordinate with the council at the next town council meeting to determine
the course regarding the SCADA system.
Maintenance Service for Generators and Culverts / Installation of Generators for Water Pump Systems by
Marcus Abel
Marcus Abel states that he highly suggests a diesel generator. Abel states that he's not too sure
about the emergency power and has an appointment with Tyler to provide insight on the issues
and planned solutions for predicted power outages. council member Karen Nelson states that
she's currently working with Rocky Mountain Power because they will coordinate with Brigham
City to facilitate the switch. Currently unable to vote on the generator, the public works director
receives updated 3 bids. Nelson states that they are currently reviewing generators that cost
around $85,000, then they can decide whether to go with gas, diesel, or propane.
Abel reviewed the culverts that are not working properly, although they are maintained well by
the public works staff. Abel continued by stating that oftentimes the culvert can become clogged
with debris, vegetation, or sediment, which reduces their capacity to convey water and increases
the risk of failure. Abel also explained that culverts can break for a variety of reasons over time,
which may be due to age, usage, and environmental conditions.
Harper Johnson stated that if the town planned on purchasing a generator of that size, they
should do so as it could take up to 1 year to obtain. Johnson advised against a diesel and a gas
generator over the wellhead as the gas and diesel fluid could possibly leak into the water supply,
contaminating it. Johnson suggests propane or natural gas.
Johnson continued by stating that he would like to see more productivity at Danes Park as it was
constructed 1 year prior to Maple Springs Park. He requested that some interest be given to
Danes Park. He continued by reviewing the conditions of Main Street Park and opening the
possibility of improving the park, such as updating the bowery and the bathrooms.
Matt Jeppsen states that the issues with the parks that he's noticing is that they do not have
manpower to maintain the outward appearance of the parks. He states that Danes Park lawn and
greenery appear to not have been watered in some time. Johnson explained to Jeppsen that the
water system was installed improperly. Nelson states that she's currently working on obtaining
new bids to put in new grass for Danes Park.
Marcus Abel, Public Works Director, expressed that he would like to improve the communication
in relation to the park improvement and how to keep the parks pristine as possible.
Jeppsen suggested that the town be receptive to hiring additional people to maintain each park in
Mantua.
Improvements at Maple Springs Park by Keith Johnson
Maple Springs Park received $60,000.00 in anonymous cash donation with the condition that the
pavilion be named the 'Blaine Family Pavilion.' The grant funds from the LWCF are a 50-50
matching reimbursement program of $200,000.00 with a 50% match + in-kind work, which will
include the pavilion and tables, two pickleball courts, and one tennis court, all to be constructed
in 2024. Johnson added that the UORG Grant will cover the bathrooms, any bike-related fixtures,
and the landscaping will be 90% finished.
Keith Johnson received multiple bids to build the pavilion at Maple Springs Park, and the most
cost and time-efficient bid he has received is from a company called Western Timber Frame for
$117,000.00. In regards to the concrete pad, he received multiple bids and decided to utilize
RYCA Construction, priced at $18,000.00.
Johnson went on to state that council member Karen Nelson said that there are up to $78,000.00
in Impact Fees, so the -$15,000.00 can be covered by the extra impact fees. Johnson believes
they will be able to find more donors and ways to save more money, as well as acquire more
grant money and Impact fees in 2024 and 2025.
Matt Jeppsen made a motion that we approve the Blaine Family Pavilion at Maple Springs Park
not exceed $140,000 and to use Western Timber Frame and RYCA Constructions. Karen Nelson
seconded.
Yes votes: Mayor Terry Nelson, Ken Jones, Karen Nelson, Matt Jeppsen
No votes: None
Abstained: None
MOTION PASSES
Conditional upon approval for Subdivision Plat by Bill Jeppesen (phase 11, Lots 1 & 2)
Bill Jeppesen states that he's looking to obtain approval on two 5-acre lots with the condition that
sewer and water be in place before building can begin. Jeppesen states that he is only building 2
lots and currently has individuals looking to purchase the plot. The documentation will be held
and not recorded until the last improvement is complete
Matt Jeppsen made a motion that we approve the Jeppesen subdivision phase 11, lot 1101 and
1102. Ken Jones seconded.
Yes votes: Mayor Terry Nelson, Ken Jones, Karen Nelson, Matt Jeppsen
No votes: None
Abstained: None
MOTION PASSES
Project Proposal from Ryan Fromm for Black Mountain Hollow
Ryan Fromm presented his final plat documents to the town council for approval after working
with the planning and zoning committee to determine what documentation was needed to
approve his building plans. Council member Matt Jeppesen addressed concerns with the
pumping systems and asked Fromm if each home has an individual pump system. Fromm
confirmed that each home has an individual pump system. Jeppesen stated that there should be
an association agreement between the homeowners to prevent any discrepancies in the future,
and the property owners need to know that they are responsible for fixing the line going to
Mantua main.
Council member Pam Eaves states that the $82,000.00 old back is held for one year with the
county. She also stated the water and sewer impact fees are $21,480.87.
Matt Jeppsen made a motion that we approve the Black Mountain Hollow subdivision. Karen
Nelson seconded.
Yes votes: Mayor Terry Nelson, Ken Jones, Karen Nelson, Matt Jeppsen
No votes: None
Abstained: None
MOTION PASSES
Project Proposal from Ryan Fromm for Black Mountain Hollow Road Name Change:
Ryan Fromm would like to change the current road where his subdivision will reside from Box Old
Park Road to Black Mountain Hollow Road.
Matt Jeppsen made a motion that we change Box Elder Park Rd. to Black Mountain Hollow Rd.
Ken Jones seconded.
Yes votes: Mayor Terry Nelson, Ken Jones, Karen Nelson, Matt Jeppsen
No votes: None
Abstained: None
MOTION PASSES
Planning and Zoning: Pam Eaves or Representative:
On August 1st, there is a public hearing scheduled for the land use code book at 6:30 P.M.
Fire Department: Chief Derricott/ William Hodgins or Representative:
Matt Jeppsen gave a shout-out to our new fire chief Will Hodgins for jumping into his position and being willing to
accept the new challenge.
Public Works: Marcus Abel:
Abel states that he would discuss the irrigation system on Main Street and the damage done down main street in
the same place repeatedly, due to snow build up causing damage to the road, snowplows, and costing additional
funds to repair the damaged roads.
Grants: Karen Nelson:
Mantua will be placed on the BRAGG docket, and they will be helping us with the environmental study.
Council and Mayor Comments:
Mayor Nelson: Brigham City will treat the reservoir next week for algae, and they can't afford to do this next year.
Matt Jeppsen: No comment.
Karen Nelson: Would like to thank everyone for LVD and all the hard work that they put into making it successful.
Ken Jones: Reviewed how many gallons of water were being used daily from the water tanks as well as the price of the
well.
Ken Jones made a motion that we adjourn. Matt Jeppsen seconded.
Yes votes: Mayor Terry Nelson, Ken Jones, Karen Nelson, Matt Jeppsen
No votes: None
Abstained: None
MOTION
PASSES
Time:
9:00 PM
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 Sherita Schaefer at 435-723-7054.