Blanding honors legacy of Maggie Johnson Lyman

by David Boyle
News Director
Members of the Blanding City Council supported a mayoral proclamation to recognize the legacy of Maggie Johnson Lyman at their April 28 meeting.
In 1924 at 13 years old she completed a grueling three-week horseback journey through southern Utah and northern Arizona to reach Rainbow Bridge. She became the first known Utah woman to sign the monument’s visitor log.
Mayor Olson stated “Her journey reflected remarkable determination and embodied the spirit of exploration that shaped much of Utah’s early history,”
Olson also declared July 13 as Maggie Johnson Lyman Day as a ceremonial day of remembrance for her contributions to the community’s heritage.
Members of the Blanding City Council also approved an update to the visitor center HVAC, discussed concerns over safety at a new elementary school intersection, and received reports on fire and waterg.
At the April 28 meeting members of the Blanding City Council approved a resolution awarding a $59,410 bid to Redd Mechanical to replace the HVAC system at the city visitor center.
Council discussed the item in more depth at the April 14 meeting. City Manager Pratt Redd presented the upgrades as needed after relying on swamp coolers for decades.
Council reviewed two bids from Redd Mechanical and chose the $60,000 system that uses heat pumps and ductless mini-splits over the more expensive $92,000 upgrade described as a “Ferrari”.
Council passed the resolution at the April 28 meeting to stay in front of rising costs for HVAC materials.
At the meeting council also discussed concerns of a safety hazard at the intersection of 700 North and 100 West.
At the site of the new Blanding Elementary School council members expressed concerns over the newly installed fence and retention pond that they say has severely obstructed sightlines for drivers.
One council member noted that the problem requires drivers to pull far out into the intersection to see oncoming traffic with the council also emphasizing that the city did not create the problem but that the city must enforce its 30-foot setback ordinances to limit liability and protect the public especially in an area with so many children walking to and from school.
City Manager Pratt Redd was assigned to follow up with the building inspector to find a solution with the council mentioning moving the fence or altering its structure to be a transparent chain-link style fence instead as possible solutions to the issue.
Blanding Fire Chief Corey Spillman also presented a first quarter report noting 14 calls out including a structure fire and semi-trailer fire.
Spillman also reported the department was awarded a $10,000 Utah Fire Department Assistance Program grant to outfit a wildland fire truck.
City council also received a water and utility report with the water report having a mixed outlook.
While the snowpack is down to zero, the city has received 105-percent of its average normal precipitation with reservoirs in good condition and the third reservoir reported as full.
Council looked forward to a walk through of the new well and treatment plant in early May. The facility will pump in unison with the existing treatment plant to fill storage tanks more efficiently.
Members of the city council also continued some conversations around the FY27 city budget.
One creative solution by the police department was highlighted with the department using existing Axon body cameras as permanent fixtures on patrol car dashboards instead of purchasing new dash cameras which should save significant funds.
Looking at the budget a few capital projects are being outlined.
One being a potential pump track bike park, with a grant set to cover the majority of the $1.1 million project the city would provide a $200,000 local match.
About $420,000 has been earmarked for electric substation improvements, security camera and power expansion projects to accommodate growth north of the city.
The city is also prioritizing a storm water master plan and discussed water funds as well.
Members of the city council also discussed the shared facilities agreement with the school district with the council raising concerns over the maintenance and use of city-owned ball fields.
With council members expressing frustration over trash left after high school games and a suggestion that entities using the concession stands for fundraisers should at lease be responsible for hauling their own trash.
Members of the Blanding Youth City Council also announced that its senior scholarship applications are live through May 11.