County sets public hearing on Bridal Bell Falls conservation easement after debate over coordination with Provo

Utah County commissioners voted to set a public hearing to consider granting a conservation easement — or other potential uses — for parcels including Bridal Bell Falls, after a debate about process and intergovernmental coordination.

Commissioner (speaker 3) introduced the request, saying the land-conservation group Utah Open Land’s board had given initial approval and asked the commission to set a hearing so the public could comment. He said the hearing is “to set a public hearing to consider, that a, both of an interest in real property, in public use and or significant parcels of real property, by granting a conservation easement or other potential uses” for the serial numbers listed in agenda item 13.

Commissioner (speaker 1) said he was troubled the item appeared on the regular agenda without a longer preparatory process and urged more coordination with Provo City and other stakeholders. He asked for time for preliminary conversations, saying he would “rather do this together with Provo City” so the parties could consider a holistic approach for the canyon and Foothills area rather than a one‑off action.

Rob Morey of the county attorney’s office told commissioners the law limits closed‑session discussions about disposal of public property until a surplus declaration is offered. “This property has not currently been declared surplus,” he said, adding that setting the hearing is the statutorily required first step and that “we'll probably have a draft of the conservation easement this week” for review.

Commissioner (speaker 3) said he wanted an open, transparent process that allows the public and other stakeholders to propose terms and variations to any draft easement. After a brief procedural exchange about language that would allow discussion of conservation easements or “other potential uses,” the commission approved the motion to set the public hearing by voice vote.

The commission’s action only sets the hearing; any decision about declaring surplus, drafting and approving a final easement, or other disposition would follow further public notice and subsequent votes. Morey said the hearing must be at least 14 days after notice and suggested Dec. 9 as a workable date to allow stakeholders and Provo City to provide input.

What happens next: the county will publish notice for the public hearing, provide the draft easement for review when available, and accept public comment at the scheduled hearing before making any final determination.