Blanding City approves downtown study

Blanding city council accepted a proposal for a downtown study, prepared for a possible inland port project and heard from the youth city council at their latest meeting.
Blanding city council also approved a resolution accepting a proposal from Bike Utah to perform the Blanding downtown survey and plan at their February 25 meeting.
The $25,000 project is being funded by a grant from the Utah Office of Tourism. Bike Utah was selected from five proposals, the company recently completed a similar project in Bluff. The study should provide insight for downtown revitalization efforts.
Members of the council unanimously approved the resolution.
Members of the Blanding City Council also approved a resolution giving consent for the creation of an inland port authority project area.
While no specific area has been identified for a project in Blanding, the resolution moves the city in the right direction to take advantage of the tax incentives and available infrastructure the state has created to make the inland port authority projects throughout Utah.
The city passed the resolution after hearing reports and receiving report from the County economic development office and the Utah Inland Port Authority with particular help from Jenna Draper, associate vice president of regional project area development for Central Utah.
Members of the commission unanimously passed the resolution.
Members of the city council also heard a quarterly report from the Blanding Youth City Council. The youth group brought two proposals to council. One proposal would be to create a mural at the city ball fields with the work done by the high school art club with participation from elementary age students as well. City council said they liked the youth idea but wanted to approve the design and location before moving forward.
The Blanding youth council also proposed establishing a scholarship, raising $2,000 for four scholarships from funds raised from food sales during baseball games. City council suggested the youth partner with the legacy trust and define scholarship criteria related to civic engagement. The youth council made plans to bring the items back to the city council’s next meeting in March.
During discussion items council also discussed a purchase of a wildland fire truck through a federal excess personal property program. Fire Chief Corey Spillman shared interest in obtaining a truck. Council requested additional information before making a decision. Council concerns were related to potential repair costs, and the specifications of available trucks.
City council also held a discussion about improving the press box at the city ball fields. Built over 20 years ago concerns were raised about the flooring in the box, with council suggesting city staff look at possibly installing new flooring with other possible improvements considered for air conditioning and repair of windows. Staff and council planned to bring the item back at a future meeting.
During reports the council also heard about the municipal election year. The council seats currently held by Cheryl Bowers and Eric Grover as well as the Mayoral seat held by Trevor Olsen will be up for election. Candidate filings will be the first week of June with primaries in August if needed and the general election in November.