Blanding swears in new city council members

Members of the Blanding city council added new members, received rec reports and approved schedules for 2026 at their latest meeting.
The Blanding City Council meeting on January 13 began with the swearing-in of new council members Jesse Grover and Chad Moses, the two were elected in November and replace outgoing council members Cheryl Bowers and Erik Grover.
During business at the meeting members of the council heard a parks and recreation report from director David Palmer.
Palmer gave a comprehensive report as he hit his 15-year with the city. Palmer reported that youth program participation has increased by 40-percent since he began noting the city’s population has only grown by one-percent in the same timeframe.
The Blanding Wellness Center reported 43,794 visits in 2025 averaging to 142 customers per day.
Palmer also noted some recent changes including the decision to bring mowing services back under city employee duties rather than contracting out which Palmer says has allowed employees to become more familiar with all parts of the park and identify maintenance issues early on. The city also noted recently installed sidewalks at Centennial Park to replace the old walkways.
Providing a public safety report City Manager Pratt Redd reported the police department is integrating a new patrol truck into its fleet. Also noting the department was busy in December, more so than last year. Redd also noted that San Juan County is expected to appoint a new judge by the end of January.
City council also discussed the “Blanding Downtown Plan” with council providing advice and consent for city staff to move forward with a formal resolution. Redd and Mayor Olson emphasized that the plan is to be a blueprint for the city and provide an opportunity for the city to look for grant funding and partnerships that could make downtown Blanding more appealing by increasing walkability and ease of use for residents. As part of moving forward it was again emphasized that the plans are conceptual with no mandated changes to Main Street traffic or business parking.
During public comment members of the council heard from Blanding residents.
Among them Martin Numbers raised concerns about perceived inconsistencies in the city’s electric rate tiers.
Members of the council also heard from resident Kenydi Kane who voiced concerns about potential water infrastructure partnerships with the White Mesa community. Kane offered concern that adding another township to Blanding’s system would strain Blanding’s resources.
In response Mayor Trevor Olson clarified that while there are ideas under consideration a project with White Mesa is not on the evening’s agenda with assurance that any future proposals would be brought to a public meeting for comment.
Members of the council also approved resolutions outlining the annual office and holiday schedule for city employees. Council also approved a resolution for city council meetings with meetings scheduled for every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month with just the 2nd Tuesday of the month in November and December.
Staff also noted the city is halfway through the budget year with the upcoming budget due on July 1. In preparation department heads will begin meeting with city management in March with an aim to have budget numbers finalized in May with public notice and official approval scheduled for June.