General Information

Government Type

Municipality

Entity

Laketown

Public Body

Town Council

Notice Information

Add Notice to Calendar

Notice Title

Minutes March 5 2025 Town Council

Notice Tags

Public Meetings

Notice Type(s)

Meeting

Event Start Date & Time

March 5, 2025 07:00 PM

Event End Date & Time

March 5, 2025 10:04 PM

Event Deadline Date & Time

03/03/25 01:00 PM

Description/Agenda

Meeting Minutes March 5, 2025 Laketown City Office 10 North 200 East Laketown, Utah 1. Call to Order The Laketown Town Council held their regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday, March 5, 2025. This meeting was held at the Laketown City Office Building, located at 10 North 200 East, Laketown, Utah. Council Member Brandon Willis welcomed those in attendance and called the meeting to order at 7:03 PM. Town Council Present: Mayor Burdette Weston (via Zoom) Council Member Brandon Willis Council Member Kris Hodges Council Member Delora Wight Council Member Denise Johnson Others Present: Tracy Horsley Brandon Peart Anneliesa Peart Jordan Gomez Dennis Hodges Kirsten Earley Jeff Brimhall 2. Opening Ceremony CM Hodges conducted the opening ceremony and CM Johnson led the pledge of allegiance 3. Roll Call CM Willis asked for roll call from Council Present: CM Brandon Willis, CM Denise Johnson, CM Kris Hodges, CM Delora Wight, Lisa Johnson - Town Clerk. Mayor Weston joined the meeting via Zoom at approximately 7:15 PM 4. Approval of Agenda CM Willis asked for a motion for the agenda to be approved with the following changes: Jordan Gomez was moved to Items of Business and under Items of Business the Number of years between property split discussion to be moved under Council Business Duane Robinson, P&Z. CM Wight made the motion to approve the agenda with these changes, seconded by CM Hodges. The motion carried unanimously 5. Approval of Minutes February 5, 2025, and February 12, 2025 CM Willis asked for a motion to approve February 5, 2025, minutes and the February 12, 2025, Work Meeting minutes. The motion was made by CM Hodges and second by CM Johnson. The motion carried unanimously. 6. CM Willis opened the meeting for questions and comments: (3 minutes) No one appeared 7. Budget Review No comments Mayor Weston asked Lisa to contact the auditor for advice and direction on the time frame for the preliminary budget for the next fiscal year. Confirm dates. 8. Approval of Bills CM Willis asked for a motion to approve the February bills. CM Hodges made the motion to approve the February bills and CM Johnson seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 9. Items of Business - Kirsten Earley - 4H Stem Spot at Town Office Proposed to the council, placing a 4H stem spot in the town office. This will be a small structure placed in the town office conference room. It will serve as a central location where all families can come to get books and craft projects, not limited to families who participate in 4H. It will only be accessible to families when the Town Office is open. Kirsten and the 4H office will maintain and supply this stem spot. If there are any problems the 4H office will remove the stem spot. CM Willis asked for a Motion to approve the 4H stem spot. A Motion was made by CM Wight and second by CM Hodges. Motion passed unanimously. - Activity Committee - Jordan Gomez Spring Clean Up: The council discussed plans for spring cleanup in town. Jordan proposes renting dumpsters, but they are found to be too expensive. Instead, they decided to have residents clean up their own yards and blocks, with community street clean up event on May 17th. The event will end with refreshments at the Town Park. They aim to keep it simple and have people be responsible for their own areas. Easter Party: Planned for April 12 at the park, with a backup location to be Marie Wamsley's indoor horse barn Summer Concert: The activity committee has decided not to hold a summer concert this summer due to weather uncertainties and the completion of the bleachers at the town arena. They will wait until next year. - Anneliesa Peart - Municipal Election Interlocal Agreement Mrs. Peart proposed an agreement for municipal election services, with the county charging $1000 to each town for technical services, ballot printing and voter registration maintenance. The agreement outlines the town's responsibilities and what the county clerk's office responsibilities will be during the 2025 elections. CM Willis and Mayor Weston expressed concern that if the election is cancelled the town should not need to pay the $1000 and in addition the town should not need to pay for the service until after the election. CM Willis would like the Method of termination section updated to show that if the election is cancelled the contract will be voided. The Town Council expressed their concern that the county needs to confirm that they are charging the same amount to each municipality within the county. Also, Lisa expressed her concern that other counties charged municipalities in 2023 between $2.30-$3.50 ish per voter to assist with the municipal election. Laketown only has approximately 140 registered voters and how did the county determine the $1000 fee. Mrs. Peart explained that our county has a small number of registered voters, but each municipality is approximately similar in size of registered voters, and it is difficult to compare our election needs to larger populated municipalities. Also, the county just approved the purchase of an on-demand ballot printer, since it has been difficult to find printing companies who are willing to print the small number of ballots needed for Rich County and municipalities. Mrs. Peart will re-word the agreement to accommodate the changes CM Willis and Mayor Weston wanted. Lisa will send Mrs. Peart her suggestions on a few items that need clarification on the town and county's responsibilities. Action Item: April meeting - Anneliesa Peart revised Interlocal Election Agreement - Changing the start time of Town Council meetings to 6:00 PM The council discussed changing the start time of council meetings to 6:00 PM. It was decided to move the start time of the meeting to 6:00 PM. With the first hour of town council addressing administrative tasks, clerk updates, action items from previous meetings, Mayors Report. At 7:00 PM and not before the following agenda items will be addressed: Questions and comments, Items of Business, those who have requested to be on the agenda, and Council Business CM Willis asked for a motion to change the start time of the Town Council Meetings to 6:00 PM. A motion was made by CM Wight and seconded by CM Johnson. The motion passed unanimously. - Increase Business License Fee The council discussed increasing the business license fee. Lisa provided what other communities in Rich County and the County are charging for Business License. It was agreed to increase the business license fee and renewal to $30. CM Willis asked for a Motion to raise business license fee and renewal to $30/year effective immediately. The motion was made by CM Hodges and seconded by CM Johnson. The motion passed unanimously. Action Item: include a note in the water bill of Business License Fee increase - Prepaid Water Hook Up Proposed Options The council discussed the proposed options and letter that was created at the work meeting last month. They clarified that the $1000 prepayment can only be applied towards future water hookup fees by the original purchaser, and that refund requests must be made in writing by August 31, 2025. Also, the proposed options were modified to include the building inspectors' time frame. Refund or credit applied to new build hook up (see Option#3) is to go to original purchaser, unless proof is provided that the prepaid water hook up was transferred to a new owner, with the exception of the 2 lots that Cardon Willis attached to his lots. CM Hodges expressed that she is not happy with this agreement. She feels some of the owners came in and commented on their situation and wanted it to be fair to just them. She feels this agreement is beyond fair. CM Hodges feels the owners are being treated more favorably than other community members who have had to pay increased costs for water system improvements over the past 10 years. She is frustrated that these owners have offered nothing in return. CM Hodges strongly expressed that she will be voting against this proposal. CM Wight expressed her frustration on this issue. She believes those who purchased a prepaid water hook up got a good deal 10 years ago when they paid $1000 for a water hook up and she argues that they should not be exempt from the current fees. They purchased a water hook up, and that was all. But 10 years ago, the town council did not anticipate they would need to add additional fees for water system improvements. But here we are, the town has had to improve the water system and those connected to the system have burdened this cost. She is inclined to vote against the proposal, stating that the owners have not shown good faith in negotiations or offered any compromise. CM Hodges, CM Wight and CM Johnson expressed their concern and frustration about why these owners have not attended any additional town council meetings when the prepaid water hook up discussion was listed on the TC Agenda. CM Hodges also expressed her concern about those expecting the town to honor the same conditions and expectation for a building permit from 10 years ago at today's time. Mayor Weston expressed this issue has given him more heart burn than anything else. He said we need to treat all those with this prepurchase water hookup connections the same and have a hard-set deadline. He also commented, when the new policy was put in place in 2020-21, they had 90 days to get a building permit and start building before the new fees were placed in effect. He feels the town was being more than fair at the time. Additionally, those who came in and expressed their concern about the prepaid water hooks up all commented that if they would have known they would have built, so he feels the town is being more than reasonable, if they are actually ready to build. CM Johnson asked if under this agreement, will a water share need to be turned over to the town. No, they will not if a building permit is secured by August 31, 2025. CM Willis expressed he does not dismiss the thoughts CM Wight and CM Hodges have made. He does agree with some of their arguments, especially the lack of compromise made by those involved. He felt along the way the town needed to provide more notice, rules and guidance with these prepurchase water hook ups. The town missed this opportunity. It is the town's job to give, and the town has given way more than needed too. CM Willis commented that he had sent this agreement and letter to the town attorney for his review. The attorney felt it was acceptable. CM Willis asked for a motion to approve the prepaid water hook up options and letter. Mayor Weston made the motion and seconded by CM Johnson. Those in favor Mayor Weston, CM Willis and CM Johnson. Those opposed CM Hodges and CM Wight. Motion passed. Action Item: Lisa - send a certified letter and include the options to those who have been identified having prepaid water hook ups. Action Item: Lisa - prepare a Resolution addressing prepaid water hook ups and the options 10. Action Items from Previous Meeting - Brandon - Conflict of Interest Disclosure for Town Council Brandon prepared a conflict-of-Interest Disclosure form for each Town Council member to complete and return to Lisa. - Lisa - Ordinance water turn off fee $250 Postponed to next month's agenda - Lisa - Ordinance $8000 fee to buy into water system without a water right Postponed to next month's agenda 11. Town Council Business - Planning & Zoning Commission - Duane Robinson Next month the P&Z will change start time to 8:00 PM (March - October) Duane reported that P&Z has discussed in depth parking trailers on vacant lots, they are suggesting changing the ordinance to allow owners of empty lots to park their trailers on their empty lots. The parked trailer must have a current registration and ownership of the trailer belongs to the landowner. Duane pointed out that P&Z has identified several trailers that have been parked in the city right of way for quite some time. Town council discussed changes to the ordinance. It was also pointed out how difficult it is to mow around these trailers. It was recommended to contact the owners and ask them to remove those trailers by May 17, 2025, as part of our town road beatification and cleanup. Basically, the town right of way is not a storage place for trailers or other items. Action Item: Duane will further research parking in the town right of way Duane discussed that we need to P&Z discussed subdivision and they need to take a closer look at what they are approving, concept plans are included, and involve Bear River Health. Mike Furhman's home is complete. Not for sure on shed Further researching lot size. Not ready to make a recommendation. Transfer of Cemetery property to Laketown no discussion on this matter Hal Weston property and right of way The recommendation from Planning and Zoning is to not vacate the property currently, along Hal's Road. P&Z would like to investigate this matter further. Duane will contact Hal. Short discussion by the council on whether the town is willing to vacate other property along this street. The town needs to fix the whole road. It was determined that more research is needed before a decision can be made. Number of years between property split Town Council discussed with Duane; lot splits currently being recorded at the county Recorder's Office within the town boundaries without the town's approval or knowledge. Duane reported that under the current regulations you cannot build on a lot split or where a boundary adjustment was made. It was agreed that P&Z would look further into this matter. It was suggested that P&Z investigate other towns' ordinances for guidance. P&Z also look into the number of years between lot splits and if a new ordinance is needed. Action Item: CM Willis will research and send to Duane examples of lot split ordinance from other towns Encroachment permit Duane suggested we just use a permit that another town has already created. Action Item: CM Willis will investigate other towns' encroachment permits and make a recommendation. Next month agenda item. - Water Updates - Deloria Wight Bowlers had a problem with their water. Jeff turned off the water at the meter, then when he went to turn on water it was leaking at the meter box, the meter and meter valve were both broken, and the freeze plate was broken. Delinquent notices were mailed out, around the 15th of the month. It was decided to waive $25 late fee for the three customers who have their bills emailed but have not paid but usually pay on time. Since Pelorus had to use a new email to send bills from, those 3 delinquent customers may not have received the bill or it went to their junk mail. Action Item: Lisa - contact those who are delinquent on water payments Jeff Brimhall reported on the water conference he attended. He mentioned the city's water rates are relatively low but cautions against not setting aside enough money for future expenses. Jeff reported on the Lead and Copper regulations, noting the reporting will be required annually. Also new EPA requirements for PFAS in water sources in 2027, with a grant will be available for small water systems to cover 100% of the testing costs. CM Hodges had a complaint about the chlorine smell in the water. Jeff will investigate this matter. - Roads and streets updates - Brandon Willis CM Johnson informed CM Willis of a pothole that needs to be fixed Mayor Weston requested that CM Willis follow-up on the timeline for the chip and seal road work scheduled for June. Update on Road Cut Ordinance CM Willis will arrange to meet with Lisa on the changes needed - Parks and recreation updates - Denise Johnson CM Johnson is continuing to work on a grant for new playground equipment. She will keep the council up to date on this matter. CM Johnson will contact Courtney Robinson for more information on the score board. - Rodeo and Arena Updates - Kris Hodges CM Hodges has a letter ready for Lisa to mail out to those who have sponsored a rodeo chute in the past. Action Item: Lisa - mail letter out Action Item: Mayor Weston will follow up with Steve Leichty Rocky Mt Power on their continued sponsorship of the rodeo. CM Hodges reported the cost estimate for a new rodeo sign to be $4902.37 CM Willis called for a motion to allow CM Hodges to spend up to $5500 on the metal, design and producing the sign. Motion was made by CM Wight and seconded by CM Johnson. The motion passes unanimously. 12. Mayors Report Bear Lake Regional Commission Report Mayor Weston reported at the Regional Commission meeting they introduced the new members and the new clerk. Some discussion on more ways to get necessary funding. 13. Updates from clerk's office a. Update on Utah code 63D-2-105 requiring all government entities within the state must use an authorized dot gov (.gov) domain for website an Lisa reported she is having a difficult time finding someone to help her with this conversion. The IT company (Matt and Brian Johnson), who has helped in the past, have not returned her calls. It was suggested that Lisa reach out to Kendall, to see if they have anyone who can help. Otherwise maybe CM Willis might be able to find someone to help d. HB 80 conflict of interest disclosure statements for office holders/candidates Should have been posted on our website by Jan 31 Discussed under agenda item # 10 14. Executive session No session needed 15. Adjourn CM Willis asked for a motion to adjourn. The motion was made by CM Hodges_ and seconded by CM Wight. The motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 10:04 PM.

Notice of Special Accommodations (ADA)

NOTICE OF SPECIAL ACCOMMODATION DURING PUBLIC MEETINGS In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals needing special accommodations (including auxiliary communicative aids and services) during this meeting should notify the town clerk three days before the meeting, so arrangements can be made.

Notice of Electronic or Telephone Participation

NA

Meeting Information

Meeting Location

10 North 200 East
P.O. Box 118
Laketown, UT 84038
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Contact Name

Lisa Johnson

Contact Email

clerk@laketownutah.com

Notice Posting Details

Notice Posted On

April 03, 2025 10:42 AM

Notice Last Edited On

April 03, 2025 10:42 AM

Deadline Date

March 3, 2025 01:00 PM

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