Blanding addresses new storm pond at Blanding Elementary School

by David Boyle
News Director
The Blanding City Council approved an agreement related to the new elementary school, supported a transfer of land to Edge of the Cedars State Park, and got an update on a Recapture Reservoir boat ramp at their February 10 meeting.
The council approved an interlocal agreement with the San Juan School District regarding a retention pond.
The new Blanding Elementary School has a stormwater retention facility on the southeast corner of the school lot to manage stormwater runoff. The city agreed that controlled releases of stormwater from the retention facility into the city municipal stormwater system may be necessary to protect public safety by preventing localized flooding under rare and limited circumstances.
Some restrictions limit when the district can release water into the system. The school district may not exceed a four inch valve limit and cannot open the valve during active precipitation events. There would be a $2,000 fee per incident if the district is in violation.
The agreement also requires the city to respond within four hours of receiving a request. If the city doesn’t respond, the district can open the valve in line with the other requirements of the agreement. The agreement will be reviewed annually through 2030.
Members of the Blanding City Council also approved a letter to support the transfer of 150 acres from the San Juan Foundation to the Utah State Parks.
The acreage, on the west edge of town next to the ruins along Westwater Canyon, has been managed by the San Juan Foundation, also referenced as the Nation of the Four Corners.
With the group ready to move on from management, Edge of the Cedars State Park is looking into taking over management. Staff reports that the state park plans to keep the trails and area open, although noting that in the future the state could ask a fee to access the property.
City council said the alternative would turn the property over to the Bureau of Land Management and approved the letter supporting transfer to state parks.
Members of the Blanding City Council also adopted a Blanding Downtown plan. City staff and council emphasized the plan is a blueprint for the city, or a guiding policy for future zoning and business planning.
The plan looks to make the city central zones more productive with engagement with property owners, including making downtown more appealing in part by increasing walkability and other encouragements.
The plan is conceptual with no mandated changes, but having the plan in place helps the city looking for grant funding and other partnerships. 
City staff discussed a boat ramp for Recapture Reservoir on the west side of the lake, with funding and permitting in place. The Utah Division of Natural Resources will find a contractor, with construction on the ramp beginning as early as July.
Members of the Blanding City Council also reviewed a new agreement with Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems (UAMPS). The agreement would allow Blanding to buy and sell excess power with other member utilities more efficiently.