Bluff council approves settlement, accepts quitclaim deed and appropriates $307,500 to acquire Cooperative Cultural Center

Bluff Town Council voted unanimously on June 3 to approve a settlement agreement and mutual release with Utah Denebakea, accept a quitclaim deed conveying the town’s interest in the property at 630 Black Locust Avenue (commonly called the Cooperative Cultural Center) and appropriate $307,500 to complete the transaction.

Mayor Lebanon summarized the history leading to the agreement, saying the town first sought the old school building after incorporation in 2018 and engaged in two years of discussions with the San Juan School District and other prospective partners. The mayor said Utah Denebakea contributed $307,500 to jointly acquire the building in 2021 and that a formal acquisition and redevelopment agreement was signed in September 2021.

The resolution approved by the council authorizes the mayor to sign the settlement agreement and mutual release with Utah Denebakea. The mutual release states the parties “are entering both parties are entering into this for the purpose of compromising and resolving any potential claims that they may have against the other,” and includes a mutual non‑disparagement provision, the mayor said.

The council also voted to accept the quitclaim deed Utah Denebakea’s attorney delivered to the town’s attorney and to record the deed with the San Juan County Recorder’s Office. Mayor Lebanon said the deed already had been executed and notarized by Utah Denebakea and that the town expects to file and be the official owner by noon the following day.

Finally, the council approved an appropriation of $307,500 in connection with the settlement. Finance staff told the council they will transfer $307,500 from the town’s PTIF account to general checking to ensure funds are available for the closing, then replenish PTIF later as appropriate.

Council members made the three motions in sequence (approval of the resolution; acceptance/recording of the quitclaim deed; and the appropriation). Each motion passed unanimously. The council also noted Utah Denebakea’s governing body had approved the agreement by board vote (six votes in favor, one abstention among seven board members present), according to documentation the town received.

Council and staff thanked Utah Denebakea staff and board members for the partnership and urged continued cooperation on financing and development of the Cooperative Cultural Center and related grant applications.

Votes at a glance

- Motion to approve resolution approving settlement and mutual release with Utah Denebakea, authorizing the mayor to sign: moved by Brandon Wansby; seconded by Jennifer Dobbin; outcome: approved, unanimous (5-0). - Motion to authorize acceptance of a quitclaim deed conveying the town’s interest in 630 Black Locust Avenue (Cooperative Cultural Center): moved by Brandon Wansby; seconded by Jennifer Dobbin; outcome: approved, unanimous (5-0). - Motion to authorize appropriation of $307,500 in connection with the settlement: moved by Brandon Wansby; seconded by Jennifer Dobbin; outcome: approved, unanimous (5-0).

Next steps and context

Town staff said the quitclaim deed had been delivered to attorneys and that the town will record the deed in the San Juan County Recorder’s Office. Mayor Lebanon said a meeting was scheduled with Utah Denebakea’s representative the following morning at Zions Bank to exchange the $307,500 check and to close the joint bank account the organizations had used. Staff said the town will follow standard recording and ledger procedures after closing.