Town of Mantua Council Meeting Minutes Held on August 15,2024
Notice Tags
Public Records
Notice Type(s)
Notice
Event Start Date & Time
August 15, 2024 06:30 PM
Description/Agenda
Town of Mantua Council
Meeting Minutes
Held on August 15,2024
6:30 at Town Hall 409 North Main Mantua, Utah
Council Members present:
Mayor Terry Nelson, Karen Nelson, Ken Jones, Matt Jeppsen, Jared Jeppsen
Sherita Schaefer - Recorder
Audience present:
Bill Jeppesen, Pam Eaves, Marcus Abel, Colt Mund, Paul Jensen, Cindy Facer, Donald Ruhl, Will
Hodgins, 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 July 18th, 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, Jared Jeppsen
No votes: None
Abstained: None
MOTION PASSED
Public Comment:
Paul Jensen states that certain residents are destroying the town and he would like to know if
anything would be done about it.
Presentation:
Terry Wyatt: Golden Spike Automation, INC.
Process Control and SCADA
During the presentation with Terry Wyatt of Golden Spike Automation, INC., it was disclosed that
the company had conducted a preliminary assessment of a portion of Mantua's Scada system.
Based on this initial review, they were able to provide an estimated cost for the purchase and
installation of the program. However, due to time constraints, Golden Spike Automation, INC.
was unable to fully inspect the entire system during their visit. Therefore, the bid presented
today may not accurately reflect the final bill once the complete assessment is conducted.
Golden Spike Automation, INC.'s Scada system is a cutting-edge technology that operates on a
WIFI-based platform, enabling operators to control the system from their smartphones. In
addition to the initial purchase and installation costs, there is a required annual software
subscription fee ranging from $500 to $600, as well as expenses for alarming software.
The current bid proposed by Golden Spike Automation, INC. stands at $137,56.14. The company
has committed to returning to finalize their assessment and determine the actual total cost for
the bid. If approved, construction on the Scada system is expected to commence in the spring.
Discussion and Action Items:
Marcus Abel -- Generator
Marcus Abel, public works director, recommended purchasing a diesel generator due to its low
efficiency, durability, and the need for less maintenance compared to other generators. Council
member Ken Jones explained that the generator and the diesel tank would be placed outside the
ground and properly contained by a basin.
Pay Increase for Employees:
Ashley Davis - Pay Raise
Mayor Terry Nelson announced that Ashley Davis has been the sole court clerk for 8 months
while the town searched for a second court clerk. A new employee has been hired, and Davis will
train the new court clerk, Christina Brown. As a result of this added responsibility, Davis will
receive a $1.00 raise.
Karen Nelson made a motion that we give Ashley Davis a raise of $1.00 effective September,
Jared Jeppsen seconded.
Yes votes: Mayor Terry Nelson, Ken Jones, Karen Nelson, Matt Jeppsen, Jared Jeppsen
No votes: None
Abstained: None
MOTION PASSED
Will Ross- Pay Raise
Will Ross currently works in public works and has been for the last 2 months. He came forward
today as he was just recently offered a full-time position and would like a pay raise. Ross and the
public works director, Marcus Abel, coordinated with the council to determine if the team could
utilize both Ross and vacant part time public work workers' pay to combine both into a full-time
job.
Karen Nelson made a motion that we hire Will Ross fulltime at the designated salary on the
papers that were passed out with the caveat that he will be rewarded with comp time in lieu of
overtime and approval of overtime, Ken Jones seconded.
Yes votes: Mayor Terry Nelson, Ken Jones, Karen Nelson, Matt Jeppsen, Jared Jeppsen
No votes: None
Abstained: None
MOTION PASSED
Dakota Midkiff:
The establishment of the Community Service Officer Program (CSOP)
Community Service Officers (CSO's) play a vital role in supporting the
Mantua Police Department during various town events, parades, and
critical incidents. These dedicated volunteers serve in a civilian capacity
and are not compensated for their service. While they can represent the
Mantua Police Department and assist with support duties, they do not
possess Law Enforcement powers and are not authorized to perform
duties exclusive to Peace Officers. To ensure visibility and safety, CSO's will
be provided with high visibility vests by the Town of Mantua and the
Mantua Police Department. If desired, CSO's may choose to purchase
uniform shirts at their own expense. Necessary equipment will be supplied
to CSO's on a temporary basis as needed. The Mantua Police Department
will establish a policy outlining the roles and responsibilities of CSO's and
the volunteer members. This framework will guide CSO's in carrying out
their important support services within the community.
Dakota Midkiff, chief of police, mentions that officers' attention is
consumed by tasks like placing cones and directing traffic, diverting them
from patrolling and investigating crime. Volunteers will undergo
background checks. Council members asked about the role of volunteers;
Midkiff explained that they would assist at various town events by placing
cones and directing traffic, receiving training from the Mantua police
department. However, they will not hold certification, duties, or powers as
police officers. Matt Jeppsen, council member, requested a training plan
for the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and the required number of
people.
The Town's involvement in the potential creation of a Neighborhood Watch
Association (NWA).
Dakota Midkiff, chief of police, states that neighborhood watches are
typically established by a private entity. Midkiff mentions that a few
residents have inquired about the neighborhood watch team. Midkiff
explained that some residents approached him with neighborhood safety
concerns and expressed a desire for a Neighborhood Watch Association
(NWA), so he brought the idea to the town council. NWA requires a
background check, and the residents will have to initiate the formation of
a neighborhood watch independently.
Midkiff states that some residents are unaware of when to call 911 or the
non-emergency number, leading them to contact Midkiff or the town
offices before and after hours. Midkiff raised the question to the town
council whether the town would benefit from having an NWA.
Intersection improvements
Mayor Nelson states that the intersection was in the plans before he became Mayor. Chris
Hansen, the Town of Mantua engineer, applied through the bounty and received the corridor
grant for $100,000.00. The intersection improvement will allow Meadow, Fish Hatchery Road
and Rocky Dugway Road to intersect perpendicularly. Matt Jeppsen highlights that with the
intersection improvements, the fire hydrant and CenturyLink box will have to be relocated. The
mayor confirmed that relocating the items is currently a part of the budget.
CIP
Karen Nelson states that CIP will have to be revised, and she will place the item back on
the agenda in the following months.
New Employee
Christina Brown is a new employee starting with the Town of Mantua and will be working
with the Mantua Justice Court.
Brigham City sewer agreement with letter of intent
Terry Nelson, Town of Mantua's mayor states that he is coordinating with the mayor of
Brigham City and would like to coordinate with Mantua's attorney and Brigham City's
attorney, Mantua's attorney instructed the town to write a letter of intent to Brigham
city. The vote on the letter of intent will take place during the town council meeting.
Karen Nelson states that the town attorney mentioned that Mantua does not have to
accept everything presented in the letter of intent.
Planning and Zoning: Pam Eaves or Representative
The general plan and the land use code to include the subdivision previsions by October.
Pam Eaves states that a public meeting will be held to adopt the general plan.
Public Works: Marcus Abel
Marcus Abel would like a new front plow, which is about 8 years old.
Karianne Rawlings volunteered to sew our flag.
Gabe Munds charged $5,000 but took $750 off the bill to move the dirt to the cemetery.
Abel also informed the town council that he is conducting his copper and lead
assessment and he will be going door to door to complete the service.
Fire Department: Will Hodgins or Representative
Dan Johnson has replaced the former medical director at the Mantua Fire Department.
Grants Update: Karen Nelson
Received a small grant for the fire department for $1,200.00.
Received $1,000.00 towards the tourism grant for the Little Valley Days fireworks
display for 2025.
Council and Mayor Comments
Mayor Terry Nelson: Would like for the council to read the Brigham City sewer contact.
Ken Jones: None
Karen Nelson: Ask the council to use a clean copy of the Brigham City sewer contract if they
would like.
Matt Jeppsen: Apologized to the public works team regarding a matter that took place during the
last TC meeting.
Jared Jeppsen: None
Matt Jeppsen made a motion to adjourn Ken Jones seconded.
Adjourn
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.