Blanding discusses ongoing wellness center issues

by Kara Laws
Upkeep and funding of the San Juan Wellness Center in Blanding is an ongoing issue. The topic was discussed at the April 11 meeting of the Blanding City Council.
A drinking fountain at the bustling facility was recently damaged beyond repair. And while the mayor and city council urge Recreation Director David Palmer to replace it and keep the building in good condition, Palmer insists that the city does not give him enough funds to take care of issues like this immediately.
Palmer encouraged the council to increase the funding for repairs at the Wellness Center.
Council told Palmer they wanted the drinking fountain to be replaced and discussed that they would find the funds. However, no increase to the recreation department was approved at that time.
Mayor Calvin Balch expressed how important it is to him that visitors do not see Blanding City as a place that is falling apart and not taken care of. He is adamant that the issues be addressed as soon as possible.
Councilwoman Kd Perkins asked about security cameras at the wellness center. The council briefly discussed if there is a better and cheaper solution to some of the problems with upkeep and damage at the Wellness Center.
The San Juan Wellness Center is a common source of heated discussion among many of the residents of Blanding. Many want it improved, and others are hopeful for the construction of an indoor pool. Finding the funds to construct and operate a large facility is always a challenge for a smaller community.
The current focus of David Palmer and the city council is to increase revenue and use of the facility and keep the building in good repair.
During a public budget request portion of the meeting, no residents made any requests, so the budget will proceed as planned.
Mayor Balch asked City Manager Jeremy Redd what the city does to advertise the budget request. Redd replied they simply put it in the agenda.
Mayor Balch insisted that he would like to hear from the citizens and requested that more effort be put behind informing them of hearings in the future.
In the shortest council meeting in the last six months, the council also officially passed the new annexation plan, and the City of Blanding Police Department Policy Manual.