Blanding City appoints new council member and approves airport hangar rates

Members of the Blanding City Council appointed a new council member, updated airport hangar rates and made changes to the justice court.

As part of the meeting newly appointed Mayor Trent Herring took the oath of office. Herring was selected as the Mayor at the September 22 meeting of the city council with five candidates considered to fill the vacancy following the departure of former Mayor Trevor Olsen.

Blanding city council went through the process again at the October 13 meeting with three candidates interviewed for a city council seat before the council ultimately selected Kendall Laws as the newest member of the city council.

Laws shared his view that Blanding is at a pivotal point with competing influences and potential directions with Laws wanting to have a hand in shaping where the community goes.

When asked about qualifications, Laws pointed to his over eight years as Blanding’s contracted city attorney as well as his previous service as county attorney handling planning, zoning, civil matters, and prosecutions.

Additional candidates included Bryce Parker and Bret Hosler.

During public comment Pam Hosler submitted 200 signatures they gathered from residents showing support for Bret Hosler, while also noting his runner-up finish in the previous municipal election.

Council members Charlie Taylor, Chad Moses and Kellen Nielson voted for Laws while Chris Ewald voted for Parker.

During a work session members of the council reviewed city code governing manufactured home communities.

Council members discussed perimeter fencing rules, with council asking for clearer definitions on common green space, unit density limits and an emphasis to ensure separate utility shutoffs for each lot.

Members of the Blanding City Council also passed a resolution approving revised commercial and non-commercial lease agreements and a 10-year rate lock for Blanding Airport hangars.

The rates for hangars under 1,400 square feet is $1.90 per square foot and $1.75 per square foot for larger hangars.

During public comment a letter from city airport board member Jason Nay was read. Nay noted the standardized rates match rural Utah averages as published by the American Association of Airport Executives.

The letter shared that the board believes locking in the proposed rental rates for 10 years offers “significant value to current and future hanger tenants by providing predictable rental costs and protection from increases during that period. At the same time, these rates will provide the city with a reliable source of airport revenue and support the continued operation and development of Blanding Airport.”

Nay’s letter also noted the board's cooperative work with city staff and the airport Fixed Base Operator (FBO) Freedom Fuels.

Council Member Ewald, who declared a conflict of interest as an airport tenant, voted against the resolution, arguing high rental rates could discourage general aviation businesses.

City Manager Pratt Redd noted that specialized legal review for the agreements through Federal Aviation Administration counsel exceeded $30,000.

The resolution passed 3–1–1, with Laws abstaining.

Members of the council also received a report from city finance director James Francom showing that Justice Court revenues have been up with credit given to a full staffing of the police department.

Council also gave consent to optimize court management. The city is restructuring staff to two part-time roles saving approximately $30,000 annually while better fitting schedules for those working for the city justice court.