Blanding City Council working on watershed protection, fences, and EMS agreement

by David Boyle
News Director
Blanding City Council members got updates on the Babylon Fire, Bears Ears, and approved an EMS agreement at their latest meeting.
Members of the Blanding City Council and city staff shared thanks for efforts to combat the Babylon Fire and also shared plans for the future of the burned area at their July 14 meeting.
City Manager Pratt Redd highlighted the communities preparedness noting evacuation and emergency response plans that had been fine-tuned in the months prior.
Redd also announced the city has submitted paperwork to the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) for coverage under their Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) plan.
The fire has left parts of the watershed covered in "inches and inches of ash,". Redd explained their putting together a list of possible needs to make sure infrastructure remains protected.
Experts have warned the city to expect four to five times the normal water flow, for the next five to 10 years.
In the near future, particularly rainstorms could bring potential ‘sludge’ including rocks or other items that could potentially damage concrete and steel infrastructure.
Some of that preparatory work for the city could include cleaning out catch basins and ditches.
The city also discussed using diversion ditches to direct dirty, ash-laden water into agricultural systems—where the ash can settle—rather than allowing it to hit the culinary drinking water pipelines.
The EWP projects will require the city to provide a 25-percent match in funds or "in-kind" labor from public works.
In other public lands news the council also reviewed the news of the reduction in size of the Bears Ears National Monument. Mayor Trevor Olsen shared that city administration had traveled to advocate for local interests in the monument earlier this year.
The city emphasized their push for a consistent 10-year management plan that includes local input. Council noted the inconsistency for residents with restarted planning cycles every few years.
At the meeting the council also recognized several citizens including this year's Little Miss Blanding Annie Kartchner, 1st attendant Berkeley Lyman, 2nd attendant Henley Jeppson and 3rd attendant Winter Tait. The royalty served at the Independence Day celebration including at the Mayor’s breakfast and the parade on Main Street.
City Council also recognized Truitt and Bonnie Purcell as the Blanding Citizens of the Year.
Mayor Olsen praised the couple for their lives of “service, integrity, hard work, and genuine concern for others," noting their impact on education, athletics, and community involvement.
Bonnie Purcell accepted the award, stating that it is the people of Blanding who "make the citizens" and allow everyone to thrive.
Community Development Director Ben Muhlestein also shared a report on the success of the opening of the 4th Reservoir Trail. The 1.5 mile asphalt loop has generated positive feedback from residents. Council members suggested adding boulders or road base at vehicle crossings to prevent gravel from damaging the new asphalt at the trail.
City Council also reviewed a proposed update to the city fence ordinances. Potential changes include allowing eight-foot fences on non-front setbacks. Another consideration would limit front yard fences to four feet, and another would allow 10-foot fences if engineered and agreed upon by neighboring property owners.
Members of the City Council also approved a resolution formalizing the city's intent to utilize San Juan County EMS.
Under a Utah state senate bill Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are considered an essential service for municipalities.
As part of that expansion of EMS services county EMS Director Jeremy Hoggard noted that as part of increased costs of providing EMS services the county is advocating for a one-percent sales tax, excluding fuel, prescription medications and non-prepared food, to cover costs for managing EMS services.
Finance Director James Francom reported that the city ended the fiscal year in strong standing, with revenue at 104% of the budget and most departments remaining under budget for expenses.
Looking ahead, the city is preparing for the Fall Festival on September 12 and a new "Main Street Christmas" initiative. The Christmas group has potential grant funding for activities and fireworks.