Town of Mantua Council Meeting Minutes December 19, 2024
Notice Tags
Public Records
Notice Type(s)
Meeting
Event Start Date & Time
December 19, 2024 06:30 PM
Description/Agenda
Town of Mantua Council Meeting Minutes
Date: December 19, 2024
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: 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: Marcus Abel, Ronald Wallace, Darla Jones Pam Eaves, Bryce Lofthouse Will Ross, Keith Johnson, Shannon Rasmussen, Mariah Reyes, Jake Wood, Curtis Ludvigson
Meeting opened by Mayor Terry Nelson and the invocation by Ronald Wallace
Pledge of allegiance - led by Mayor Terry Nelson followed by all in attendance.
Meeting minutes held on November 21st, 2024 (Approved, vote: 5-0) The council moved to approve the minutes from the previous meeting held on November 21, 2024. Karen Nelson noted a necessary correction in the minutes concerning the office printer section, requesting that the spelling of 'officer' be changed to 'office.'
Consideration to pay the Bills:
Jared Jeppsen made a motion approve the bills; Karen Nelson seconded.
Yes votes: Mayor Terry Nelson, Ken Jones, Karen Nelson, Matt Jeppsen, Jared Jeppsen
No votes: None
Abstained: None
MOTION PASSED
Public Comment:
None
Presentations:
Mariah Reyes - Auditor (Child and Richards):
Mariah Reyes delivered a comprehensive report on the town's financial audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. She highlighted that the town received a clean opinion, indicating no significant misstatements or issues in the financial statements. Mariah noted the importance of implementing further controls around the town's Venmo account to enhance oversight and reduce fraud risk. 'We recommend minimizing segregation of duties and having an independent review process for reconciliations,' she stated.
Ronald Wallace - Sick Leave
Ronald Wallace discussed the town's funds for sick leave and vacation policies, proposing a transfer of $20,000 to the capital account. 'This transfer is crucial for maintaining operational funds and ensuring we can meet our obligations,' he elaborated.
Marcus Abel - Sewer and Water Tiers
Marcus Abel discussed the current status of the sewer and water systems, mentioning that the wells have gotten really bad, specifically citing issues with sand and low head pressure. He noted that the new well, built in 2009, is losing power and has not been tested effectively. He emphasized the need to drill a new well and install meters on the new tanks, which have an estimated cost of about $45,000 to $50,000 each. Marcus stated the importance of getting the chlorinator operational, as it is challenging to access it a couple of times a week during winter due to snow. He pointed out that there are seven broken valves in town that are critical for managing water flow; some valves work poorly, causing problems when trying to isolate leaks. He mentioned that he is getting bids for repairs and that they struggle with multiple issues because of old infrastructure. Marcus highlighted the necessity of cleaning the tanks regularly and acknowledged the importance of addressing these issues for the future maintenance of the sewer and water systems. He also discussed the requirement to fence off the springs and manage the water supply better.
Rural Waters
Jake Wood and Curtis Ludvigson represented Rural Waters and provided insights into funding opportunities. They discussed the median income issues that hinder grant eligibility. 'Our household median income here is preventing us from qualifying for many grants, which is a significant challenge as we look to secure funding for upgrades,' Curtis stated. He suggested exploring USDA programs as a possible solution for funding new infrastructure projects.
Discussion and Action Items:
LOI Sewer Agreement:
The council discussed the signature needed on a Letter of Intent (L-O-I) and to vote on the L-O-I and also planned to vote on raising their rates. It was suggested to increase the rate by $7, the same as Brigham City, while acknowledging the need to monitor their overages. If the problem is not resolved, further increases may be necessary next year. Council members agreed that the current rates were unsustainable, especially given the high costs they faced. A motion was made to sign the proposed agreement with Brigham City for wastewater treatment, which passed. Following that, another motion was made to raise the monthly rate for Mantua residents from $43 to $50, effective January 1, which also passed. The council emphasized the importance of communicating these changes to residents through a newsletter, highlighting the need for attention to avoid future billing issues.
Karen Nelson made a motion to sig Brigham City LOI for the purposed agreement between Brigham City and Mantua for treatment of Mantua wastewater and related matters, Ken Jones seconded.
Yes votes: Mayor Terry Nelson, Ken Jones, Karen Nelson, Matt Jeppsen, Jared Jeppsen
No votes: None
Abstained: None
MOTION PASSED
Matt Jeppsen made a motion to amend the sewer rate from $43.00 to $50.00, to cover the increase flow to Mantua from Brigham City, Ken Jones seconded.
Yes votes: Mayor Terry Nelson, Ken Jones, Karen Nelson, Matt Jeppsen, Jared Jeppsen
No votes: None
Abstained: None
MOTION PASSED
Keith Johnson - Playground Equipment for Maple Springs Park
Keith Johnson presented on the playground equipment for Maple Springs Park. He passionately advocated for the need to replace outdated facilities. 'Investing in our parks is investing in our community's future. I propose we consider purchasing from Garrett Parks, as they offer a good balance of quality and affordability,' he declared.
Jared Jeppsen made a motion to allow the tow to buy a Garrett Playground for up to $40,000.00, Ken Jones seconded.
Yes votes: Mayor Terry Nelson, Ken Jones, Karen Nelson, Jared Jeppsen
No votes: None
Abstained: None
Absent: Matt Jeppsen
MOTION PASSED
Planning and Zoning: Pam Eaves or Representative
Pam Eaves reported that she has been collaborating with new engineering firms regarding planning and zoning matters. She mentioned new protocols for transitioning between engineers should the need arise, especially concerning the aging workforce and ongoing projects.
Public Works: Marcus Abel or Representative
Marcus Abel informed the council that the town's public works operations have made significant progress. He highlighted plans to procure a new snow plow, emphasizing the critical need given recent heavy snowfall. 'We currently do not have a backup plow, and that's putting us at risk for emergency situations,' Marcus explained. He also reported on the successful delivery of a new public works truck, enhancing operational efficiency.
Fire Department: Will Hodgins or Representative
Karen Nelson states that she will send out a Text My Gov alert regarding the Christmas decoration contest and that residents. They must sign up for the town's Christmas party.
Grants Update: Karen Nelson or Representative
Karen reminded the council of the upcoming grant application deadlines on January 21, 2025. She discussed specific priorities for applying, including upgrades to the town's water storage facilities.
Council and Mayor Comments
Mayor Terry Nelson: None
Ken Jones: Discussed the community risk and mitigation plan that they need to complete, particularly in relation to disaster preparedness. He mentioned that the form must be submitted to receive assistance from FEMA, which includes potential grants. The focus is on enhancing support for water storage tanks and ensuring they are included in the plan since they are vulnerable to damage in disasters, like earthquakes. He noted that other locations such as Town Hall, City Park, Maple Springs Park, and the two fresh wells, which serve as drinking water sources, should also be considered in the plan. He pointed out that the authorities would provide feedback on the risks associated with these locations, but they have not yet received a response. Ken also highlighted the importance of federal land in their considerations as they fill out the necessary documentation.
Karen Nelson: Encouraged everyone to attend the towns annual Christmas Party.
Matt Jeppsen: None
Jared Jeppsen: Wished everyone a Merry Christmas.
Jared Jeppsen made a motion to adjourn, Ken Jones seconded.
Yes votes: Mayor Terry Nelson, Ken Jones, Karen Nelson, Matt Jeppsen, Jared Jeppsen
No votes: None
Abstained: None
MOTION PASSED
Time: 8:30 P.M
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.