General Information

Government Type

Municipality

Entity

Blanding

Public Body

City Council

Notice Information

Add Notice to Calendar

Notice Title

City Council Minutes 9/24/24

Notice Tags

Administrative Procedure

Notice Type(s)

Meeting

Event Start Date & Time

September 24, 2024 07:00 PM

Description/Agenda

CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Mayor Logan Monson Mayor Pro Tempore Cheryl Bowers Council Member Chris Ewald (Virtual) Council Member Charlie Taylor Council Member Erik Grover Council Member Kellen Nielson September 24, 2024-7pm-City Council Meeting 50 West 100 South Street, Blanding Utah 84511 Meetings live streamed when available at: https://meet.google.com/ymf-jwqo-rjs POLICY MEETING Call to Order Roll Call A prayer was offered by Erik Grover The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance. Approval: Consent Agenda and Minutes from August 27, 2024 Regular Session Councilmember Grover made a motion to approve the consent agenda and minutes from August 27, 2024. Councilmember Nielson seconded the motion. Mayor Monson repeated the motion and asked for discussion or questions. Hearing none, he called for a vote. Those voting aye: Councilmember Nielson Councilmember Ewald Councilmember Bowers Councilmember Grover Those voting nay: None Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Monson declared the motion carried. Declaration of Conflicts of Interest - None Public Input Bruce Lyman was present and stated that he heard that the council is considering raising rates on natural gas. He stated that they were one of the first ones to hook onto the natural gas line when it was first put in. He stated that when they built the pipeline they put an obstacle in their field, a valve and there was an agreement that they would be charged what Blanding city residents are charged. Mr. Herring stated that that agreement is in writing and that any of those right-of-way agreements won't have their rates raised. Mr. Lyman also stated that he doesn't think it's wise to charge a higher rate, but possibly a higher hook up fee. He would think the object of the city is to sell as much gas as possible in order to make as much money as possible. But he doesn't think it's right to stick it to those who are outside of city limits. Reports Mayor Mayor Monson stated that we awarded Calvin Black the citizen of the year award and those who nominated him addressed and recognized the fact that he is always willing to serve others in the community. The mayor presented him with a plaque. Calvin took a few minutes to recognize the council for the good work that they have done. He said that he loves this community and this county and this state. He gave everyone a homework assignment, to look up the song by Cat Stevens, Morning Has Broken. It's an inspirational song. Mayor Monson noted that it is homecoming week and there will be different activities surrounding that. The parade route will be different this year. City Council Councilmember Bowers asked if anyone attended the civics day. Mr. Herring stated that he and the mayor were there. They learned a lot from it and hope to improve next year. All cities in the county were represented. As well as all schools in the district. Finance Report - James Francom Mr. Francom stated that he has included the operational budget. Council member Bowers asked if the public sees this budget report. Mr. Herring stated that yes, they do have access to it. City Engineer Report - Patrick Parsons We've had a very average year as far as precipitation. But the way we've received it has been unique with some major storms. Planning and Zoning - Bret Hosler Mr. Hosler stated that we are still working with people in regards to annexation. We did have a set back on the project for our fuel system. It's been pushed back to fall of 2025. The fog coat and crack seal project is underway at the airport. Council member Grover stated that he has heard that some people are upset about it because they had no notice that it was going to happen. Mr. Hosler stated that they were informed via text just as soon as they knew it was going to happen. The project is supposed to be done on Friday. The company doing the work is from Washington state. They seem to be doing a good job. They have followed up with people that have camp trailers around town. They have had some people respond and some of that problem is getting resolved. Mr. Hosler stated that there have been a lot of projects bottled up in the permit processes. For the solar project they have utilized a new WC3. They specialize in plan reviews for solar systems. There are several customers in town and out of town places that are now on solar. Council member Taylor asked if there is a pilot living at the airport. Mr. Hosler stated that yes, there is a pilot that is here for two weeks and gone for two weeks. He lives in a camp trailer on the airport property. The FBO is aware of it. He works for Guardian Flight. Business Items Ordinance - 2024-8 Update to the Dog Licensing Ordinance In an effort to simplify the dog licensing process and better serve the residents of Blanding, the ordinance has been updated to state: The licensing fee for each dog within Blanding City limits shall be a one-time fee of $10.00 per dog, payable at the time of registration. The one-time fee of $10.00 shall include the issuance of an initial dog license tag. In the event a dog license tag is lost or damaged, a replacement tag may be issued at a fee of $5.00 per replacement. There is no longer a need to provide proof of vaccination nor is there a price difference whether your dog is spayed or neutered. Mr. Herring stated that he talked to Thomas from Best Friends. He said that he feels like we are in a good place as far as our ordinances go. He agreed that this dog licensing change is a good change. Thomas is willing to give recommendations on how to improve city ordinances, including the kennel law. There was a discussion on who will enforce it. Councilmember Taylor made a motion to approve Ordinance 2024-8, The update to the dog licensing ordinance. Councilmember Grover seconded the motion. Mayor Monson repeated the motion and asked for discussion or questions. Hearing none, he called for a vote. Those voting aye: Councilmember Taylor Councilmember Nielson Councilmember Ewald Councilmember Bowers Couniclmember Grover Those voting nay: No Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Monson declared the motion carried. Resolution - 09-24-2024-1 Outside City Limit Rate Increase for Power The City Council has determined that an ___% rate increase for power services provided outside the city limits is necessary to cover increasing costs and to ensure the continued provision of reliable services to all customers. The proposed rate increase is intended to fairly distribute the costs associated with servicing areas outside the city limits while maintaining the financial stability of Blanding City's utility services. There was a general discussion on why this increase is being considered and the costs associated with maintaining and building the infrastructure. Mr. Herring provided a chart that shows what the projection is going to be in the next few years and what it's been in the last few years. Power hasn't had a lot of ups and downs, it's stayed steady. He also had a chart to show what it would look like at a 3%, 5% and 8% increase. They talked about hook up fees, they are the same whether you are inside or outside city limits. But construction costs are not the same. They discussed the sales tax rate. It is slightly more for those in the city limits than for those out of city limits. Councilmember Taylor made a motion to table Resolution 09-24-2024-1 Accepting the outside city limit rate increase for power. Councilmember Grover seconded the motion. Mayor Monson repeated the motion and asked for any additional discussion or questions. Hearing none, he called for a vote. Those voting aye: Councilmember Taylor Councilmember Nielson Councilmember Ewald Councilmember Bowers Couniclmember Grover Those voting nay: No Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Monson declared the motion carried. Resolution - 09-24-2024-2 Outside City Limit Rate Increase for Natural Gas The City Council has determined that an ___% rate increase for natural gas services provided outside the city limits is necessary to cover these increasing costs and to ensure the continued provision of reliable services to all customers. The proposed rate increase is intended to fairly distribute the costs associated with servicing areas outside the city limits while maintaining the financial stability of Blanding City's utility services. Councilmember Taylor made a motion to table Resolution 09-24-2024-2 Accepting the outside city limit rate increase for natural gas. Councilmember Grover seconded the motion. Mayor Monson repeated the motion and asked for any additional discussion or questions. Hearing none, he called for a vote. Those voting aye: Councilmember Taylor Councilmember Nielson Councilmember Ewald Councilmember Bowers Couniclmember Grover Those voting nay: No Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Monson declared the motion carried. Resolution - 09-24-2024-3 On Call Policy Approval The City of Blanding recognizes the need to provide fair compensation to employees who are required to be on-call outside of their regular working hours. The current on-call policy has been reviewed, and necessary adjustments have been proposed to better align with the operational needs of the City and to ensure fair compensation for on-call and call-in time. The proposed changes to the on-call policy will provide a standardized compensation structure for both full-time and part-time non-exempt employees, excluding exempt employees. The Blanding City Council has reviewed the proposed changes to the on-call policy and finds them to be in the best interest of the City and its employees. The revised policy will compensate employees $2.00 per hour for on-call time and time and a half (1.5 times their regular hourly rate) for every hour worked when called in, with a minimum of one (1) hour compensation for each call-in. This update will clean up the accounting process and should be beneficial for audit purposes. Councilmember Grover made a motion to approve Resolution 09-24-2024-3 Accepting the on-call policy update. Councilmember Nielson seconded the motion. Mayor Monson repeated the motion and asked for any additional discussion or questions. Hearing none, he called for a vote. Those voting aye: Councilmember Taylor Councilmember Nielson Councilmember Ewald Councilmember Bowers Couniclmember Grover Those voting nay: No Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Monson declared the motion carried. Resolution - 09-24-2024-4 Acceptance of the SJ Clean Energy Grant The San Juan Clean Energy Foundation has awarded a grant to Blanding City in the amount of $70,000 for the construction of a shade pavilion by the tennis and pickleball courts located in Blanding, Utah. The construction of a shade pavilion will provide a valuable amenity for residents and visitors, enhancing the comfort and usability of the tennis and pickleball courts and promoting outdoor recreation and community engagement. The Blanding City Council recognizes the importance of investing in public infrastructure that benefits the community and promotes a healthy, active lifestyle. The Blanding City Council is committed to the responsible use of grant funds in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth by the San Juan Clean Energy Foundation. Councilmember Nielson made a motion to approve Resolution 09-24-2024-4 accepting the SJ Clean Energy Grant. Councilmember Taylor seconded the motion. Mayor Monson repeated the motion and asked for any additional discussion or questions. Hearing none, he called for a vote. Those voting aye: Councilmember Taylor Councilmember Nielson Councilmember Ewald Councilmember Bowers Couniclmember Grover Those voting nay: No Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Monson declared the motion carried. Resolution - 09-24-2024-5 Update Policy 1.1.6 Section VI Permanent Employees The Blanding City Personnel Policy, Section 1.1.6, Section VI: Employee Code of Conduct, is hereby amended to state that all permanent employees, regardless of full-time or part-time status, cannot be employed by Blanding City while holding an elected position within the City. Councilmember Taylor made a motion to approve Resolution 09-24-2024-5 accepting the update to policy 1.1.6 section VI Permanent Employees. Councilmember Nielson seconded the motion. Mayor Monson repeated the motion and asked for any additional discussion or questions. Hearing none, he called for a vote. Those voting aye: Councilmember Taylor Councilmember Nielson Councilmember Ewald Councilmember Bowers Couniclmember Grover Those voting nay: No Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Monson declared the motion carried. Advice and Consent Items RFI for Swallows Nest Frech Drain - Trent Herring Mr. Herring stated that an RFI request is requesting information not a bid. It gives us an idea on how contractors think a project should go and how much it should cost. He wants information on how to best make this project happen. And then in turn take this information to the historical society and see if they can do some fundraising to make this happen. Swallows Nest Vandalism Reward - Trent Herring Mr. Herring Stated that in his meeting with the Historical Society they had asked if the city would be willing to put up some money for a reward for information on the vandalism. Mr. Herring stated that if we found out who it was that did the damage we could recoup any money for the reward through restitution. The door has already been repaired. The council was fine with putting up a $500 reward. RFI for Shade Pavilion - Trent Herring Mr. Herring stated that his hope is to get contractors' opinion on how we can use the concrete pad that is already there. The concrete that is there is in pretty good shape. Discussion Items Christmas Light Parade Committee Members - Trent Herring Mr. Herring said that this is more for FYI. We've had a few Christmas light parades and he wants to bring it back and make it part of the tree for all. Mayor Monson stated that in the past the tree for all has been run by different people and this year the girls soccer team is going to head it up. Mr. Herring stated that he has a couple people that have volunteered to be on a committee, including USU. They used to do a few fireworks along with the light parade. Grant Application for Electric Fleet Including Infrastructure - Trent Herring Mr. Herring said that he is going to start working on the grant application. There will be no upfront costs for us. The city wants to look into it and see if it will benefit us and help us save some money and if it's something that will work for us. The grant will be 100% funded and we don't have to come up with a match. They talked about the benefits of the infrastructure. Bears Ears National Monument Advisory Committee - Logan Monson The Bears Ears National Monument Advisory Committee is accepting nominations for the committee. There are different categories that need to be filled: tribal interest, paleontology, archeological, private landowners, business owners, public at large, state government, conservation, recreational activities. Mayor Monson thinks it will benefit us greatly as a city if we can nominate people in all these categories. Nominations are open until October 18th. We will put this information out on social media. Closed Session Councilmember Grover made a motion to go into closed session to discuss land and litigation. Councilmember Taylor seconded the motion. Mayor Monson repeated the motion. He asked for discussion or questions. Hearing none, he called for a vote. Those voting aye: Councilmember Taylor Councilmember Grover Councilmember Nielson Councilmember Ewald Councilmember Bowers Those voting nay: None Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Monson declared the motion carried. Adjournment Councilmember Grover made a motion to adjourn. Councilmember Nielson seconded the motion. Mayor Monson repeated the motion and asked for discussion or questions. Hearing none, he called for a vote. Those voting aye: Councilmember Taylor Councilmember Grover Councilmember Nielson Councilmember Ewald Councilmember Bowers Those voting nay: None Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Monson declared the motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:23pm.

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, UT 84511
Show in Apple Maps Show in Google Maps

Contact Name

Pratt Redd

Contact Email

predd@blanding-ut.gov

Notice Posting Details

Notice Posted On

October 21, 2024 01:01 PM

Notice Last Edited On

October 21, 2024 01:01 PM

Subscribe by Email

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