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Government Type

Municipality

Entity

Blanding

Public Body

City Council

Notice Information

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Notice Title

City Council Minutes 4.8.25

Notice Tags

Administrative Procedure

Notice Type(s)

Meeting

Event Start Date & Time

April 8, 2025 07:00 PM

Description/Agenda

CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Mayor Trevor Olsen Mayor Pro Tempore Cheryl Bowers Council Member Chris Ewald Council Member Charlie Taylor Council Member Erik Grover Council Member Kellen Nielson April 8, 2025-6-7:00 pm - Work Session April 8, 2025-7pm City Council Meeting 50 West 100 South Street, Blanding Utah 84511 Meetings live streamed when available at: https://meet.google.com/ymf-jwqo-rjs Work Session Policy for a 2 lot minor subdivision Mr. Herring stated we will discuss this topic at a later meeting. Possible creation of an R-1A Zone for Blanding Mr. Herring stated that we had a public hearing meeting last month and we talked about a zone change request. There was discussion of what is allowed in an R1 and R2. There was concern from some neighbors of what could happen in the changed zone. Mr. Herring wanted to know if there was interest in making an R1A zone and make some specifics that aren't allowed, such as apartments and the like. Councilmember Nielson asked if it was possible to revise the R1 zone and make it easier for people to build on smaller lots. Mr. Herring stated that it's possible but R1 encompasses about 75% of Blanding and that would be a large chunk to change. The council discussed some different options. They discussed where apartments should or shouldn't be allowed. They talked about the cities right of way on the south side of Moses' property. They talked about the sewer line that is near the right of way, Mr. Tad Barton stated that he was told the city abandoned it about 4-5 years ago. It was stated that the Moseses have met all the requirements for the zone change. But the council still isn't sure if it should be changed. They talked about the lot size requirement for splitting it up into smaller lots. Mr. Muhlestein stated that another option is to have an overlay zone, which would allow R2 like building in an R1 zone that touches an R2. And we could set limitations on what is allowed. The council wants the planning commission to discuss the options of changing the R1, changing R2, developing an R1A zone, and also discuss what an overlay zone would look like. POLICY MEETING Call to Order Roll Call A Prayer was offered by Mayor Olsen The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance. Approval: Consent Agenda and Minutes from March 11, 2025 Regular Session Councilmember Ewald made a motion to approve the consent agenda and minutes from March 11, 2025. Councilmember Taylor seconded the motion. Mayor Olsen repeated the motion and asked for discussion or questions. Hearing none, he called for a vote. Those voting aye: Councilmember Taylor Councilmember Nielson Councilmember Grover Councilmember Ewald Councilmember Bowers Those voting nay: None Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Olsen declared the motion carried. Declaration of Conflicts of Interest - None Public Hearing Councilmember Nielson made a motion to enter into a public hearing for the Leonard Howe annexation and disconnection. Councilmember Bowers seconded the motion. Mayor Olsen repeated the motion and asked for discussion or questions. Hearing none, he called for a vote. Those voting aye: Councilmember Taylor Councilmember Nielson Councilmember Grover Councilmember Ewald Councilmember Bowers Those voting nay: None Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Olsen declared the motion carried. Leonard Howe Annexation & Disconnection Mr. Herring stated that this is something that has been worked on since 2021. It is squaring things up and making a trade of exact size of property for property between the Howes and the city. Mr. Howe was present to answer questions. Councilmember Grover made a motion to leave the public hearing. Councilmember Nielson seconded the motion. Mayor Olsen repeated the motion and asked for discussion or questions. Hearing none, he called for a vote. Those voting aye: Councilmember Taylor Councilmember Nielson Councilmember Grover Councilmember Ewald Councilmember Bowers Those voting nay: None Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Olsen declared the motion carried. Public Input - Martin Numbers was present and he stated he was here for and in behalf of Kevin Averett. He said that Kevin doesn't live here but has a house here and doesn't have his utilities turned on but his monthly bill from the city is about $80. To Mr. Numbers understanding, that amount is his grid access fee. Mr. Numbers would like some information from the city about how much money comes in every month for those grid access fees. He believes that the city gets about $70,000 a month from those fees and he wants to know if all of that money is required to go to maintain the systems. Staff will follow up with him at a later date with his request. Reports Mayor Nothing to report City Council Nothing to report Finance Report - James Francom Mr. Francom stated that the check register is similar to others except that there are quite a few small transactions. He went through some checks that hadn't been cleared and he is in the process of cleaning some of those up and that is reflected on this month's check register. Community & Economic Development - Ben Muhlstein Blanding Business Licenses Home Based - Silver Pine Designs - Chelle Botanicals (renew) Regular - Taylor G Wright DBA Innovation' - Independence Rehab, LLC - Willy Wash, LLC (Purchased Super Splash) Events: July 4th: The July 4th Committee met and decided a theme for this year's event 'Let Freedom Ring'. Vendor Booths will open over the weekend and on the website next Tuesday. There will be a competition component for floats. The 4th will be celebrated on the 4th. Fall Festival: We are tentatively looking at the weekend of September 13th as a date. Community Development: Planning and Zoning is currently reviewing the R-2 zone for potential changes. Anyone interested can join us at our meeting on this Thursday, April 10th. Next week, on Friday the 18th, there is a recapture service project. It's a joint effort between Blanding, BLM and UServe Utah to clean up the north and south boat ramps and install picnic tables. It should start around 1:30-2pm. UServe is putting on a service volunteer coordinator training next Thursday. There is a fee. Lunch will be provided. Bike Utah has started their process in their downtown study. They will be seeking public input through the month of May. That information has been put out in the newsletter that came out last week, it will also be put out on Facebook. There will be a public input meeting on May 15th. Councilmember Taylor asked for an update and report on the food truck park at the next meeting. Mr. Herring stated that they are still working on grants for that. It was asked about water fountains and bathrooms at the pickle ball courts. Mr. Palmer stated that he is working on finding a way for someone else to pay for it. Police Report - Chief JJ Bradford Officers attended the monthly tracking and SERT team training. All officers attended a recertification class on CPR and First Aid. Our tracking team was called out to assist UHP in the apprehension of a suspect who fled from a crash. Officers have been assisting in the schools with presentations and have more events planned. He stated that anyone is welcome to go for a ride along anytime. Court Report - Trent Herring March: Total Criminal cases: 19 Total Traffic cases: 124 Parks & Rec Quarterly Report - David Palmer The first quarter of 2025 was very busy I have listed the highlights below: We started January with our Boys Basketball league and ended it by hosting a tournament that brought in teams from Moab, Monticello and Dove Creek playing 23 games in 1 day We added the new 1st & 2nd grade league for Boys Basketball The Shade Structures were completed at Centennial Park We hosted a 56 team volleyball tournament We completed field 3 at Centennial park with new infield dirt just like we did with Field 2 a couple years ago and made huge improvements to field 4 as well The Wellness Center had 6,744 visits for use of the facility which does not count all the spectators that came for basketball and volleyball season The Wellness Center hosted the annual SFW banquet Our Recreation Director received the award for the Outstanding Recreation Professional for the entire state of Utah, which I am told is one of the most difficult awards to win, with there being so many great recreation professionals around the state. Got water to all of our parks and are working out all the issues before we need to start watering. The flooring for the clubhouse has been ordered. Some painting and fixing up will also be done to pretty it up. One window will be replaced. Councilmember Bowers congratulated Mr. Palmer on the award he received. She thanked him for being willing to put on big tournaments. Advice and Consent Items National Honor Society Easter Egg Hunt Presentation Eleise Daley and Brinley Jones were present, representing The San Juan High School National Honor Society. They are sponsoring a community easter egg hunt on April 17th at 6pm at the centennial park. Blanding City has donated $900 in the past which has allowed them to purchase 3000 pre-filled eggs. This year, because of the time of Easter, they will be able to purchase 4000 eggs. Council gave advice and consent to donate the money to the NHS. The city will also help advertise this event. Ute Mountain Ute Tribe Water and Sewer Connection Request The Ute Mountain Tribe has requested connection of the White Mesa Community to the Blanding culinary water system as well as the wastewater system. White Mesa is currently served by two deep wells and they are concerned about contamination from the uranium mill. They are interested in having the city as their main source of water and the wells as their backup source. The tribe said they would be responsible for planning, designs, alternatives and construction of the potential water transmission line. The tribe also said that they would partner with the city in funding water system upgrades. Mayor Olsen stated that this is a preliminary discussion and this is a huge request and would be a huge project. It was stated that the tribe would have to provide water rights. Because of the distance that the water would have to travel, it would have to be treated again at their own water treatment plant. Mr. Herring was told that the community uses about 100 acre feet a year. It was asked if our water treatment system could handle that much more water. Advice and consent would say that the council will continue this discussion, Mr. Herring and Mr. Parsons will continue to have discussions with the tribe and figure out all the logistics and details of what this project would entail. They talked about the amount of water rights that the tribe has. Their water rights come from recapture. It was said that a water line running to White Mesa could help develop the south end of town. But the amount of water that is available is always a concern. Councilmember Grover stated that there is potential in collaborating with the tribe for an additional reservoir in upper cotton wood. Mr. Herring stated that the purpose of further discussion is to talk about all these types of things and see if its a feasible project and beneficial to all parties. Community Cleanup Event Mr. Herring stated that we want to do another clean up event similar to what we did last year. They talked about doing vouchers for the land fill again. They talked about having vouchers good for any day, not just Saturday. Council gave advice and consent to proceed with this. Business Items Ordinance - 2025-8 Rezoning for Chad & Tiawna Moses from R-1 to R-2 The City of Blanding has received a zone change request from Chad & Tiawna Moses for property located between 700 and 800 South and 100 West, currently zoned as R-1 (Single-Family Residential). The applicants have requested a rezone of the property to R-2 (Multi-Family Residential) to allow for additional housing opportunities. The Blanding City Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on the proposed zone change and, after due consideration, has recommended approval of the request to the City Council. The Blanding City Council finds that the proposed zone change is consistent with the City's General Plan and promotes the orderly growth and development of the community. The City Council has determined that the requested zone change is in the best interest of the City of Blanding and its residents. Councilmember Bowers made a motion to table Ordinance 2025-8 approving the rezone request by the Moseses from R1 to R2. Councilmember Taylor seconded the motion. Mayor Olsen repeated the motion and asked for discussion or questions. Hearing none, he called for a vote. Those voting aye: Councilmember Taylor Councilmember Nielson Councilmember Grover Councilmember Ewald Councilmember Bowers Those voting nay: No Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Olsen declared the motion carried. Ordinance - 2025-9 Preston Palmer Annexation (July 2024) A majority of the owners of real property and the owners of not less than one-third in value of the real property as shown on the last assessment rolls in territory contiguous to the City of Blanding have petitioned the City for annexation. The petition was accompanied by an accurate plat or map of the territory to be annexed prepared under the supervision of a competent engineer or land surveyor certified by the same. The petition and plat or map have been filed in the office of the City Recorder. This was already approved by the council in 2024, it was never completed, there is a 60 day window that wasn't met, so this is a re-approval so that it can be sent to the state for completion. Councilmember Grover made a motion to adopt Ordinance 2025-9 approving the Preston Palmer Annexation. (with the adjustment of adding Mayor Olsen's name in place of Mayor Monson's name in the ordinance) Councilmember Nielson seconded the motion. Mayor Olsen repeated the motion and asked for discussion or questions. Hearing none, he called for a vote. Those voting aye: Councilmember Taylor Councilmember Nielson Councilmember Grover Councilmember Ewald Councilmember Bowers Those voting nay: No Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Olsen declared the motion carried. Ordinance - 2025-10 Cody & Beth Allen Annexation (July 2024) A majority of the owners of real property and the owners of not less than one-third in value of the real property as shown on the last assessment rolls in territory contiguous to the City of Blanding have petitioned the City for annexation. The petition was accompanied by an accurate plat or map of the territory to be annexed prepared under the supervision of a competent engineer or land surveyor certified by the same. The petition and plat or map have been filed in the office of the City Recorder. This was already approved by the council in 2024, it was never completed, there is a 60 day window that wasn't met, so this is a re-approval so that it can be sent to the state for completion. Councilmember Bowers made a motion to adopt Ordinance 2025-10 approving the Cody and Beth Allen Annexation. (with the adjustment of adding Mayor Olsen's name in place of Mayor Monson's name in the ordinance) Councilmember Ewald seconded the motion. Mayor Olsen repeated the motion and asked for discussion or questions. Hearing none, he called for a vote. Those voting aye: Councilmember Taylor Councilmember Nielson Councilmember Grover Councilmember Ewald Councilmember Bowers Those voting nay: No Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Olsen declared the motion carried. Ordinance - 2025-11 Leonard Howe Annexation & Disconnect Blanding City is authorized under Utah law to annex and disconnect property within its jurisdiction to promote orderly growth and development. Leonard Howe has requested an annexation and disconnection agreement with Blanding City to adjust property boundaries to align with the existing plat map and ensure proper land use planning. The City Council has reviewed the proposed annexation and disconnection agreement, as shown in the attached plat map, and has determined that the adjustment will enhance the clarity and efficiency of property boundaries within the City. All necessary procedures for annexation and disconnection, including public notice and hearings, have been followed in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. The annexation and disconnection agreement serves the best interests of the City and the property owner by ensuring appropriate municipal services and zoning designations. Councilmember Ewald made a motion to adopt Ordinance 2025-11 approving the Leonard Howe annexation and disconnect. Councilmember Grover seconded the motion. Mayor Olsen repeated the motion and asked for discussion or questions. Hearing none, he called for a vote. Those voting aye: Councilmember Taylor Councilmember Nielson Councilmember Grover Councilmember Ewald Councilmember Bowers Those voting nay: No Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Olsen declared the motion carried. Resolution - 04-08-2025-1 Yellow Tier Water Rates Blanding City operates a municipal water system to provide clean and reliable water to its residents and businesses. Blanding City has implemented a tiered water rate structure to promote responsible water use and ensure the financial sustainability of the water utility. The City Council has reviewed current water consumption data, financial projections, and water resource availability and determined that an adjustment from the Green Tier to the Yellow Tier is necessary to support the long-term viability of the water system. The adjustment of water rates is consistent with the City's goal of maintaining a sustainable and efficient water utility while encouraging conservation and ensuring sufficient revenue for infrastructure maintenance and improvements. Councilmember Grover made a motion to approve resolution 04-08-2025-1 approving yellow tier water rates with a caveat that the city send out letters asking people to conserve water in the first place. Councilmember Ewald seconded the motion. Mayor Olsen repeated the motion and asked for discussion or questions. Hearing none, he called for a vote. Those voting aye: Councilmember Taylor Councilmember Nielson Councilmember Grover Councilmember Ewald Councilmember Bowers Those voting nay: No Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Olsen declared the motion carried. Resolution - 04-08-2025-2 Veteran's Memorial Project Contract Approval Blanding City recognizes the importance of honoring its veterans and supporting the construction of a dedicated Veteran's Memorial. American Legion Post #97, under the leadership of Commander Tony Wojcik, has spearheaded the initiative for the construction of the Blanding Veteran's Memorial. A public bidding process was conducted for the construction of the Veteran's Memorial, and Tri-Hurst was the sole bidder for the project. The funding for this project is being donated by the American Legion Post #97. The total amount for the project is $171,247 with $6,330 for Jones & Demille Engineering and $164,917 for Tri-Hurst construction. The expected start date for this project is late July to early August 2025, with an anticipated construction period of 60 days. Blanding City has reviewed the bid and determined that the proposal meets all necessary requirements and aligns with the goals of the project. Councilmember Nielson made a motion to approve resolution 04-08-2025-2 accepting the bid from Tri-Hurst for the construction of the veteran's memorial. Councilmember Grover seconded the motion. Mayor Olsen repeated the motion and asked for discussion or questions. Hearing none, he called for a vote. Those voting aye: Councilmember Taylor Councilmember Nielson Councilmember Grover Councilmember Ewald Councilmember Bowers Those voting nay: No Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Olsen declared the motion carried. Resolution - 04-08-2025-3 Visitor Center Local Product Sales Agreement The Blanding Visitor Center, located at 12 N Grayson Parkway, seeks to support local vendors by offering a platform to sell their products. The City recognizes the economic and cultural benefits of showcasing local products to visitors and residents. A formal agreement, titled the 'Visitor Center Local Product Sales Agreement,' has been drafted to establish the terms and conditions under which vendors may sell their products at the Visitor Center. The Agreement outlines the responsibilities of both the Visitor Center and participating vendors, including product pricing, inventory management, liability, and termination provisions. The City Council has reviewed the proposed Agreement and finds it to be in the best interests of the City and its local businesses. The council discussed regulated items such as CBD products. The contract states that the vendor will cover any licensing and fees associated with that. There was a question if there was an age restriction on CBD purchases. It was looked up, there is not. A visitor center staff member, Lynn Shumway, was present, she thinks that the way it is set up and structured, it will be a good thing. Councilmember Ewald made a motion to approve resolution 04-08-2025-3 accepting visitor center local product sales agreement. Councilmember Bowers seconded the motion. Mayor Olsen repeated the motion and asked for discussion or questions. Hearing none, he called for a vote. Those voting aye: Councilmember Bowers Councilmember Nielson Councilmember Grover Councilmember Ewald Those abstaining: Councilmember Taylor Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Olsen declared the motion carried. Discussion Items Public Notice for 2025 Elections Pursuant to Utah Code § 20A-16-502(1), Blanding City hereby provides notice that the following municipal offices are up for election in the 2025 General Election: Mayor - 4-year term Two City Council Seats - 4-year terms Qualified candidates interested in filing for election must meet the eligibility requirements as outlined in Utah State law and the Blanding City Code. A person filing a declaration of candidacy for a city office must be (per Utah Code Section 20A-9-201 and 203): A United States citizen at the time of filing; A resident of Blanding City for the 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the date of the election (or a resident of an area recently annexed into Blanding City); A registered voter. The filing period for candidates will begin on June 2, 2025, and will close on June 5, 2025. Blanding City office hours are Monday through Thursday from 7:30-5:30 and Friday from 7:30-11:30. Declarations of Candidacy must be filed in person at the Blanding City Office, located at: 50 W 100 S Blanding, Utah. San Juan County Business License Interlocal Agreement Mr. Herring stated that all municipalities in San Juan County met and discussed what is working and what isn't and what they can do to make things work better. An idea that came up was having an interlocal agreement when it comes to business licenses. They discussed that businesses that move between towns get a license from their home town and it will be good in all the towns in San Juan County. Closed Session Councilmember Grover made a motion to go into closed session to discuss land issues pending litigation and personnel. Councilmember Ewald seconded the motion. Mayor Olsen 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 Olsen declared the motion carried. Adjournment Councilmember Grover made a motion to adjourn. Councilmember Nielson seconded the motion. Mayor Olsen 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 Olsen declared the motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 9:11pm.

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
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Contact Name

Trent Herring

Contact Email

therring@blanding.city

Notice Posting Details

Notice Posted On

April 23, 2025 02:47 PM

Notice Last Edited On

April 23, 2025 02:47 PM

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