General Information

Government Type

Municipality

Entity

Blanding

Public Body

City Council

Notice Information

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Notice Title

City Council Minutes 5.13.25

Notice Type(s)

Meeting

Event Start Date & Time

May 13, 2025 07:00 PM

Description/Agenda

CITY COUNCIL 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 May 13, 2025-5-7:00 pm - Work Session May 13, 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 Budget for FY2026 Mr. Francom went over some of the changes in the upcoming 2026 budget. The packet included the 2023,2024 and 2025 (up to last week) actual expenses and revenue. They discussed multiple items, including, room tax, building permits, inspections, animal licenses, street cuts and repairs, visitor center and services, police department, parks and rec, interest revenue, sports revenue, council salary and wages, travel education, special department for different community projects, court, public defender, employee benefits, small tools and minor equipment, employee moral, elections, new staff, subscriptions and memberships, vehicle lease, fire department, EMS, tactical equipment, airport, economic development, marathon, repair and maintenance, water expenses, lawn mowing, wellness center equipment lease, county road project, cash in lieu of opting out of health benefits, HSA, eliminating property taxes and more. Mr. Francom talked about the water fund. He said that water isn't a money maker. He talked about the electric fund, the electric brake study. He stated we do need to increase rates for electricity. He stated we are in a pretty good spot as far as savings. He went over natural gas, the budget for that includes the funds for the new employee. He went over solid waste, and they discussed bringing garbage disposal back in-house. They discussed MERIT and COLA. They discussed the differences and pros and cons of each. They talked about leasing police vehicles, they talked about the savings, the timing, the police equipment, etc. Mr. Herring went over some of the capital requests including, Christmas decor, railing outside the city office, wild life fence for the airport, hangar repairs and updates, revamp of airport fuel system, bike track by the visitor center, a grant for $435,840 was awarded to build a trail around the 4th reservoir, replacement of the breathing devices for the fire department. They discussed the updates needed for the concession stand at the ball fields. Everyone agreed that it is not very functional and they would like to see it improved to where it can be better utilized. Improving the power is one of the main things that needs to happen. They also talked about getting lights on the fields. POLICY MEETING Call to Order Roll Call A Prayer was offered by Councilmember Taylor The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance. Approval: Consent Agenda and Minutes from April 22, 2025 Regular Session Councilmember Ewald made a motion to approve the consent agenda and minutes from April 22, 2025. 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. Declaration of Conflicts of Interest - None Public Input None Reports Mayor None City Council None Finance Report - James Francom Mr. Francom stated that he included the check register in the packet. There is nothing out of the ordinary. He asked if anyone had questions. They clarified the reimbursement to Mr. Herring. He purchased the policy tracking software with his own credit card. Economic Development - Ben Muhlstein Business Licenses Home Based - Julie's Daycare Regular - Gone Thriftin', Reladyne West, MJ Hayes Construction, DT's Yard & Trees, Primary Residential Mortgage LLC. Events - July 4th: Vendor Booths are nearing full. We are putting together the schedule for the events. Parade entries are open. We'll get advertising out soon. Fall Festival: No major updates. Bears Ears Marathon: Sign ups are open and coming in. Some of our first ads will be coming out this month. Community Development - Zone R-2 Proposed Changes. - Some of the primary changes we are working on for Zone R-2 include: - Reducing the minimum lot size. - Allowing private drives so deep lots become easier to develop - Updating and refining some of the definitions of what is available on R-2 - Refining other variances as needed to make sense with the prior changes The Planning Commission is looking at the possibility of making updates to R-1 as well to better allow development in that zone that still fits the desired characteristics of R-1. Economic Development Planning through GOEO- Advice and Consent - It's very important to have a proper plan in place for Economic Development going forward. The state just this year is offering free planning assistance. Our department applied for the assistance and received it. Before we enter the process, we need City Council approval to begin the process and to designate a person to be the lead contact. The process will take about 3 months and will include a fair amount of public input. August with GOEO was present at the meeting, he told us about the program and what he does. He spoke about the process of the making of the plan. He stated that they are also working with San Juan County and Monticello city, so there can be some coordination with those entities through the process. He talked about the different phases that they go through to make the best plan. He will coordinate with Mr. Muhlestein to implement the logistics of making the plan and putting it into practice. Mr. Muhlestein stated that he received notice that a grant was awarded for $438,840 for the trail around the 4th reservoir. He will get with Jones and DeMille and get going on contracts. Council congratulated and thanked him for all of the great work he does. Building Inspector - Taylor Francom New permits since January 2025 20 Permits Addition - 3 Building Permit - 1 Commercial - 1 - Blanding Shade Structures Electrical - 2 Garage - 3 Mechanical - 2 Outbuilding - 2 Plumbing - 2 Remodel - 2 Sign - 1 Single Family Dwelling/Townhomes - 1 Inspections Completed 33 Inspections completed for January-April Notes: May 01 first day- Set up computer, email City inspect trainings and HB 368 Archiving old issued permits Following up on issued permits Diamond maps training ICC Studying Mr. Francom explained what HB368 is and how it works. Police Report - Chief JJ Bradford Officers attended the monthly tracking and SERT team training. Our SERT team was called out to assist UHP/County in the apprehension of a suspect who fled from officers. Officers have been assisting in the schools with presentations and have more events planned. All officers attended firearms training. Mayor Olsen asked about Safe Routes to school. Mr. Herring said that he is looking into it. Court Report - Trent Herring April Criminal Cases - 8 Traffic Cases - 126 Total - 134 Business Items Resolution - 05-13-2025-1 Business License Interlocal Agreement The City of Blanding is a duly organized municipality under the laws of the State of Utah. The City of Blanding, the Town of Bluff, the City of Monticello, and San Juan County (collectively referred to as 'Participating Entities') recognize the importance of supporting local businesses by reducing redundant regulatory burdens. The Participating Entities have determined that the current system, which requires businesses to obtain separate business licenses from each jurisdiction in which they operate, creates unnecessary administrative hurdles and economic inefficiencies. The proposed Interlocal Agreement will allow for a business located within one Participating Entity (the 'Home Jurisdiction') to obtain a single business license that will be honored across all Participating Entities, provided the business complies with all applicable local ordinances and regulations in each jurisdiction in which it operates. The City Council finds that this Agreement promotes economic development, streamlines business operations, fosters regional cooperation, and encourages entrepreneurship across San Juan County. Mr. Herring stated that he has talked with people from the other communities and they all agree this is a good idea. Councilmember Grover made a motion to approve Resolution 05-13-2025-1 Accepting the Interlocal business license agreement. 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 Bowers Councilmember Ewald Those voting nay: No Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Olsen declared the motion carried. Discussion Items Well Extraction Cost estimated $39,000 Mr. Herring stated that well B has stopped working. He said the cost to get it pulled, fixed and reinstalled is $39,000. Energy Fuels Letter of Support A letter has been drafted in support of the ongoing and future operations of the Energy Fuels Mill, particularly as it relates to the extraction and production of rare earth elements and other critical minerals essential to the security, sustainability, and prosperity of our region, our state, and our nation. The letter cites the importance of skilled employment opportunities that sustain local families, as well as their contribution to the tax base that supports schools, roads and essential services. The letter notes the global demand for rare earth elements and the mill's determination and efforts to operate in accordance with state and federal environmental regulations and its commitment to transparency and community engagement. The letter states that the City of Blanding strongly encourages state and federal agencies to continue supporting and approving the operations and expansion of Energy Fuels' rare mineral extraction initiatives. We believe these efforts are aligned with the broader national interest, contribute positively to our local economy, and reflect a balanced approach to development that honors both our natural resources and our people. Councilmembers agreed with and liked the letter. They will sign it and get it distributed to state leaders. Elections Interlocal Agreement Mr. Francom put together an interlocal agreement with the county. The cost for Blanding city is just under $40,000. Mr. Herring went over each specific cost. He said that Mr. Francom corrected their mistakes in the calculations. Mr. Herring had spread sheets showing the costs for all the different election scenarios. Closed Session Councilmember Nielson made a motion to go into closed session to discuss pending litigation. Councilmember Bowers 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 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 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 8:05pm.

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

May 28, 2025 01:45 PM

Notice Last Edited On

May 28, 2025 01:45 PM

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