[{"_1":2,"_114":-5,"_115":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,85,95,105],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":-5,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6618662,"mediaKeyId","3379250-2eb3672eaf60a62a2435eabaf4aa5544","parentId",3379250,"title","Engineers report progress on Cath Canyon and Old Highway improvement plans; budget and funding sources discussed","audioSeconds",105,"startMs",3475000,"endMs",3580000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3379250-2eb3672eaf60a62a2435eabaf4aa5544&start=3475&end=3580","thumbnailUrl","https://d352y6ypj4mjo3.cloudfront.net/AudioPlaceholder.png","articleUrl","/articles/6618662/Utah/Engineers-report-progress-on-Cath-Canyon-and-Old-Highway-improvement-plans-budget-and-funding-sources-discussed","mediaUrl","author","Bluff Town Council","date","2025-03-04T16:00:00Z","article","Jones & DeMille representatives updated the Bluff Town Council on March 4 about pending road and sidewalk projects, saying bid documents for Cath Canyon Road and curb-and-gutter details for Seventh Street West are nearly ready for advertisement after minor corrections and a roads-committee review.

Engineer Michael (Jones & DeMille) reported that a pro forma budget proposal has been created for an \"Old Highway improvement\" project that would include Navajo Twins Drive, Seventh Street East, Black Locust and Fourth Street East. The preliminary total shown in the materials was approximately $11.1 million, with a discrete line for ADA sidewalk work (about $229,000) along the corridor.

Staff and the engineer discussed funding options for the sidewalk element, including potential Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) active-transportation funds, although the engineer noted the corridor is not on a UDOT highway and eligibility would need verification. The next steps are feasibility and schematic drawings; when schematic drawings exist the town can pursue specific funding sources.

No formal contract award or funding commitment occurred at the March 4 meeting; councilmembers thanked staff and the engineering team and scheduled further roads-committee review prior to advertising bids.","mediaType","Audio","parentTitle","Bluff Town Council Regular Meeting - 231028_1544","oneSentenceSummary","Jones & DeMille told the council staff that bid documents for Cath Canyon Road and a curb-and-gutter detail for Seventh Street West are nearing completion; the firm also proposed initial schematic work and a $11.1 million estimate for an Old Highway/Navajo Twins Drive corridor project that includes ADA sidewalks.","taxTitle","Bluff, San Juan County, Utah","taxId",79934,"location","Utah","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":50,"_51":82,"_53":-5,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":83,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":84,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6618666,"Canyon Country Youth Corps to begin arundo eradication in Bluff under Clean Energy grant; volunteers and landowners asked to participate",390,2218000,2608000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3379250-2eb3672eaf60a62a2435eabaf4aa5544&start=2218&end=2608","/articles/6618666/Utah/Canyon-Country-Youth-Corps-to-begin-arundo-eradication-in-Bluff-under-Clean-Energy-grant-volunteers-and-landowners-asked-to-participate","Council members were updated March 4 on an invasive-weed removal effort funded through a Clean Energy grant and administered by the Canyon Country Youth Corps (now under the Bears Ears Partnership conservation program). Staff said the grant pays for crews to cut and treat stands of arundo (giant cane) along the river bottom and on private properties where owners consent.

Staff explained AmeriCorps and local partners previously mapped and removed many stands; the new crew will be available starting about March 15 after completing training. The crew will coordinate with property owners to remove and treat stands (cutting and painting stumps to prevent regrowth) and will map remaining infestations for future work and grant applications. Staff said removal of roots and appropriate disposal (burning or removal) is important to prevent regrowth.

Volunteers and property owners who want assistance were asked to contact the town so crews can prioritize sites; staff said crews will not enter private property without permission but will knock and offer assistance. The program also aims to provide workforce training for young adults and to document work for potential future grants.

No formal council action was required; staff asked the council to help publicize the March 15 start date and directed staff to post information and contact details on the town website and via flyers.","Town staff said a Clean Energy grant will fund Canyon Country Youth Corps crews to remove invasive arundo (giant cane) beginning around March 15; crews will coordinate with property owners and provide mapping and education.",{"_33":86,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":87,"_41":88,"_43":89,"_45":90,"_47":91,"_49":50,"_51":92,"_53":-5,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":93,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":94,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6618671,"One bid received for Cooperative Cultural Center asbestos plan; council sends proposal to DRC for review",412,733000,1145000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3379250-2eb3672eaf60a62a2435eabaf4aa5544&start=733&end=1145","/articles/6618671/Utah/One-bid-received-for-Cooperative-Cultural-Center-asbestos-plan-council-sends-proposal-to-DRC-for-review","Town staff presented a single proposal for a required Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) and updated asbestos survey for the Cooperative Cultural Center (CCC) on March 4. The only bid received was from R & R Environmental (Sandy, Utah) at a fixed $18,000 for plan development, plus an hourly consulting rate of $110 for work beyond the plan through project completion.

Staff told the council the QAPP is required by the EPA because asbestos was identified in the CCC building during prior testing (April 2023 testing had cost the town about $9,000). Council members expressed concern that the $18,000 proposal exceeds the EPA budget line item for the QAPP (staff said the EPA budgeted about $5,500 for this deliverable) and asked whether the R & R bid includes additional sampling or testing not covered in the earlier April 2023 tests.

Town Manager Erin Nelson said the RFP included prior sampling results and that the respondent should have accounted for earlier tests when preparing the proposal; staff will ask R & R to clarify whether re‑testing or additional sampling is included in the $18,000. Council members asked staff to verify whether the proposed hourly rates and the total bid are allowable under EPA grant rules for consultant rates, and to obtain an itemized budget or cost breakdown to evaluate whether the price is reasonable.

The council directed staff to take the R & R proposal to the Design Review Committee (DRC) for review and to return to council with a recommendation; staff said the DRC meeting on Thursday will consider the proposal and staff will report back at the council's March 18 meeting. No contract was awarded at the March 4 meeting.

Key details
- Bidder: R & R Environmental, Sandy, Utah.
- Proposal: $18,000 fixed fee for QAPP development and an hourly consulting rate ($110) for additional assistance; proposed start date March 12, projected completion June 2025.
- Prior testing: Town paid about $9,000 in April 2023 for asbestos testing; those results were attached to the RFP, staff said.
- Budget concern: EPA grant line for QAPP was listed in staff materials as roughly $5,500; council asked staff to confirm whether the $18,000 will be allowable under the grant and whether it includes any additional sampling.

Staff will request an itemized cost breakdown and clarification from R & R Environmental, confirm allowable consultant hourly caps under the EPA grant and report DRC recommendations to council at the March 18 meeting.","Town staff reported a single $18,000 bid from R&R Environmental to prepare a Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) and updated asbestos survey for the Cooperative Cultural Center. The council asked staff to send the bid to the Design Review Committee for further review and report back at the March 18 meeting.",{"_33":96,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":97,"_41":98,"_43":99,"_45":100,"_47":101,"_49":50,"_51":102,"_53":-5,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":103,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":104,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6618678,"Bluff officials declare building-permit gap an emergency after San Juan County stops issuing new permits",72,1243000,1315000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3379250-2eb3672eaf60a62a2435eabaf4aa5544&start=1243&end=1315","/articles/6618678/Utah/Bluff-officials-declare-building-permit-gap-an-emergency-after-San-Juan-County-stops-issuing-new-permits","Town staff told the Bluff Town Council on March 4 that San Juan County will no longer administer building permits for the town, creating an emergency need for Bluff to adopt a local building code, set permit fees and secure inspection services.

Town Manager Erin Nelson said the county informed the town that it will not issue new building permits and that existing, accepted permit applications already paid for will be completed by the county. Staff described one active construction project proceeding without an acceptable building permit application in the county system; that application had been rejected by the county, Nelson said.

Council and staff discussed near-term stopgap options including:
- Adopting the Utah building codes (based on the International Building Code) so contractors and applicants have an immediate regulatory reference; staff said the town could adopt the code and prepare forms to be effective quickly.
- Amending the town's master fee schedule for building permits (the council directed staff to move the fee-schedule public hearing to the March 18 meeting). The council was told the master fee schedule must go to a public hearing with at least 10 days' public notice for fee changes.
- Contracting a private building inspector or entering an interlocal agreement with nearby cities (Monticello and Blanding had been discussed). Staff reported private inspection rates in the region of roughly $90 to $120 per inspection, with one firm (Jones & DeMille) discussed at $180 per hour for some services; travel and administrative fees could raise the effective cost.

Staff said the town will need a dedicated administrative coordinator for permitting (to manage applications, time-sensitive statutory timelines and inspection coordination) and a plan to meet recent state timelines cited in the discussion: a three-day initial inspector assignment rule and a 14-day first-review deadline for complete permit applications. Council members described the situation as an emergency that requires staff to act quickly; staff said they will pursue temporary contracting options immediately and report back to council.

No formal ordinance was adopted at the March 4 meeting; council scheduled a public hearing for the master fee schedule at the March 18 regular meeting and directed staff to pursue interim inspection coverage and the building-code adoption process.

Key facts
- County action: San Juan County informed the town it will not issue new building permits effective immediately; existing accepted applications will be completed by the county.
- Inspector availability: Nearby jurisdictions (Blanding, Monticello) are recruiting inspectors; one nearby inspector left for a sheriff's deputy post, and another retired, limiting regional capacity.
- Cost considerations: Staff reported contractor/inspector rates in the region around $90'00 per inspection or hour depending on services and travel; Jones & DeMille was cited as providing work at about $180 per hour for some services.
- Required public process: Amendments to the master fee schedule require a public hearing with 10 days' notice; staff set that hearing for March 18.

Council and staff said they will treat the situation as an emergency, seek temporary contract inspection services, draft/adopt an appropriate building code and prepare forms to avoid a lapse in permitting oversight.","Town staff told council that San Juan County will no longer issue new building permits for Bluff, creating an immediate need for the town to adopt a building code, amend its master fee schedule and secure interim inspection services.",{"_33":106,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":107,"_41":108,"_43":109,"_45":109,"_47":110,"_49":50,"_51":111,"_53":-5,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":112,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":113,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6618683,"Bluff Council unanimously approves alley vacation, two grant recommendation letters and routine bills",0,4987000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3379250-2eb3672eaf60a62a2435eabaf4aa5544&start=4987&end=4987","/articles/6618683/Utah/Bluff-Council-unanimously-approves-alley-vacation-two-grant-recommendation-letters-and-routine-bills","The Bluff Town Council on March 4 voted unanimously to vacate one half of an alley adjacent to the Desert Rose property, approved two letters of recommendation supporting local businesses' grant applications to the San Juan County rural county grant program, and approved payment of the town's outstanding bills.

Council members debated the alley vacation at length before voting. Town staff said the parcel is a 10-foot section of alley where the other half already has been vacated and built upon; they described no utilities in the alley and no public need expressed during notice. After discussion the council approved a motion to vacate the south section of the alley in Block 19, Cottonwood Addition Subdivision, between Sixth and Seventh streets, with the vote recorded as unanimous.

The council also voted to approve letters of recommendation supporting two separate grant applications from local businesses: Cal Canyon Coffee (for temperature control in its building) and Cal Canyon Trading Post (for gravel and parking improvements). Both motions passed unanimously.

Finally, council approved payment of the town's accounts payable report, including routine payroll, utilities and small reimbursements; the council discussed and agreed that reimbursement tied to a training exam would follow established proof-of-completion procedures before payment. That motion carried unanimously as recorded.

Votes at a glance:
- Motion: Vacate the south half of the alley adjacent to Desert Rose (Block 19, Cottonwood Addition Subdivision, south section between Sixth and Seventh). Outcome: approved (unanimous). Notes: Town staff said no utilities or public-use need was identified for the 10-foot section; paperwork and next steps to follow.
- Motion: Approve letter of recommendation for Cal Canyon Coffee grant application to San Juan County rural county grant program. Outcome: approved (unanimous).
- Motion: Approve letter of recommendation for Cal Canyon Trading Post grant application to San Juan County rural county grant program. Outcome: approved (unanimous).
- Motion: Pay town bills as presented (with the discussed reimbursement condition for training exam proof). Outcome: approved (unanimous).

The council concluded the meeting by voting to move into an executive session to discuss imminent or pending litigation under Utah law.","At its March 4 meeting the Bluff Town Council voted unanimously to vacate the south half of an alley adjacent to Desert Rose, approved letters of support for two Cal Canyon grant applications to San Juan County, and approved paying the town's listed bills.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Engineers report progress on Cath Canyon and Old Highway improvement plans; budget and funding sources discussed

Canyon Country Youth Corps to begin arundo eradication in Bluff under Clean Energy grant; volunteers and landowners asked to participate

One bid received for Cooperative Cultural Center asbestos plan; council sends proposal to DRC for review

Bluff officials declare building-permit gap an emergency after San Juan County stops issuing new permits

Bluff Council unanimously approves alley vacation, two grant recommendation letters and routine bills