Blanding City increases sponsorship of ATV Safari, reviews feasibility of gas line to Mill

Members of the Blanding City Council received a report on the gas line feasibility study to the White Mesa Mill, explored recreation infrastructure at Recapture and increased their sponsorship of the San Juan ATV Safari at their latest meeting.
Members of the Blanding City Council agreed to increase their sponsorship of the annual San Juan ATV Safari at their April 22 meeting.
A request from Lynn Shumway of the Safari was for a $500 sponsorship of advertising as well as a $250 support for the Salt Lake Off-Road Expo. Council members noted strong support for the annual event and passed a motion to increase the city sponsorship to $1,000. The annual San Juan ATV Safari is scheduled for September 17-20 this fall.
Members of the Blanding city council also received an update on the gas line feasibility study which could see Natural Gas piped to the White Mesa Mill south of town. City staff and reps with Jones & DeMille Engineering shared potential routes for extending the lines to the mill. Staff and council discussed the routes weighing cost and ease of construction alongside running lines for potential future customers to connect along the route as well as ease of obtaining right-of-ways along the route. The feasibility study is being funded through a grant, but the city and the mill have not yet ironed out where funding would come from for actual construction should the project move forward. Members of the council expressed support for the study and seemed generally supportive of the potential benefits the project could provide for the city as well as the mill.
Earlier in the meeting council member Cheryl Bowers also requested that the city prepare a resolution supporting the White Mesa Mill’s efforts to process rare earth materials. Noting the need for domestically produced rare earth materials with the resolution intended to show the city’s support to leadership in Utah at the state and federal level.
Members of the council also held a conversation with BLM representatives about potentially acquiring BLM land around Recapture Reservoir for recreation development. Potential development could include an area for camping, trails, restrooms and improved access to the water. To acquire the property the city would use the Recreation and Public Purposes ACT. That process would require a detailed plan, public comment period, environmental and archaeological surveys. Members of the council expressed support in developing a plan for the project.
Members of the council also spoke about the city’s agreement with the county for election services with the city holding municipal elections this year, with concerns about initial cost estimates for the election the city planned to work to negotiate cost estimates and look at other cost-saving measures in the future.
Members of the city council also received a water report for March, with reservoir levels low and spring runoff slowing down the city has begun to run its wells to supplement the water supply.
The city also released a notice that with the introduction of well water into the system Blanding residents may notice changes in color, odor, or taste of tap water. The city noted that would be due to naturally occurring minerals in groundwater such as iron. The city notes that while the changes may be inconvenient the water remains safe to drunk and meets quality standards set by the state, with regular testing and monitoring to ensure those health and safety regulations are met.
Members of the Blanding city council also received a fire report from Chief Corey Spilman. Spillman reported callouts are down compared to last year but April did see an early rise over last years numbers. Spillman also shared that fire personnel have been receiving additional training and the city is preparing the fireworks display for Independence Day celebration which should be bigger and hopefully better than last year.
Council member Kellen Nielson and staff member Ben Muhlestein provided a brief report on planning and zoning, noting that the commission is looking at some potential changes to the R1 and R2 zones in the city of Blanding.
Members of the city council also gave advice and consent for city staff to further explore potential leasing options for police vehicles. Staff noted that potential savings could be available for the city in three-year leases rather than purchasing of vehicles. Staff and council also discussed pros and cons of different vehicle types before instructing staff to explore leasing options for police vehicles.
Council also furthered discussions about the potential creation of a food truck park, with council directing staff to explore feasibility of developing a food truck park at locations across from city hall and one near the new pavilions just off Main Street and 200 south. Members of the council also made plans for fiscal year 2026 budget discussions with a first work session scheduled for the evening of May 13.