Blanding annexes land sees new construction

by David Boyle
News Director
Blanding City Council members approved a 10-acre annexation, discussed the triangle intersection and received word on two new businesses in the city at their latest meeting.
The council approved an annexation of 10 acres owned by Utah Navajo Health System (UNHS) into the city at the June 25 meeting.
A public hearing was held for the matter on June 11. The 10-acre property west of the current clinic will be annexed into a commercial zone.
Among the plans for the property is to construct housing for traveling doctors. Members of the city council unanimously approved the annexation request
The Council also received a report from Community Development Director Bret Hosler. Hosler reports that permits had been pulled for two commercial projects that are now moving forward, one for a Dollar Store and another for an O’Reilly Auto Parts.
Both entities report that they hope to complete construction and be open by the end of the year.
Mayor Logan Monson added clarification for the public that the city didn’t reach out to either of the entities to build in Blanding, but developers followed codes and ordinances and are in process of exercising private property rights.
“We aren’t looking for Dollar stores yearly, as it appears,” said Monson.
Hosler further clarified that once city council sets rules for how development can occur, anyone who meets those rules have the right to develop.
Hosler also reported that Clark's Market is planning to install a solar system on their roof and create a Tesla charging station in the parking lot. Other projects include a few requests for annexation into the city.
Members of the council also had a discussion item related to the triangle property where Grayson Parkway, Center Street and 200 East meet. Council member Erik Grover said he’s had issues with the awkward road for 20 years, with council member Charlie Taylor expressing his dislike of the intersection including safety concerns.
The Council discussed making the area a parking lot, creating a veterans memorial, making a park or walkway as possible options.
Hosler added that from his experience with a similar previous issue, the city would need to keep the area as a public way to keep city ownership. That could include narrowing streets, making a walking path and other options.
Council agreed informally an interest in seeing alternative options for the area.
The Blanding City Council also adopted the annual budget for the city for the fiscal year starting July 1.
Introducing the resolution, Mayor Monson noted the process has included budget meetings and public hearings. City council members offered their thanks to city staff for the work to prepare the budget before approving it unanimously.
The Blanding City Council also held a discussion about county residents who tie into the city natural gas line outside of city limits.
The city reports they were busy with preparations for the annual Independence Day celebration.
Blanding City Manager Trent Herring reported the city will not hire a company for the fireworks show but will use the city firefighting force. Herring reports it will save money and give them more control.
Part of that control includes the arrival date of the fireworks. They had already arrived in the city.
Herring adds that while the city will have to purchase equipment this year to run the firework show it still should be a great show with the money used this year available for the show next year.
City staff thanked the Monticello Fire Department for help getting things figured out.
City staff also reported in follow-up items that had no further information requested from other Utah cities regarding the operation of a splash pad.
City council members agreed they’d be happy to wait to gather more information before making a decision on a potential splash pad in the city.