Bluff council advances secondary-water planning, hears boundary-line petition and names trail liaison

At its March 3 meeting, the Bluff Town Council heard proposals to protect local secondary water rights, reviewed a boundary-line adjustment request, selected a town liaison for the Bluff River Trail Committee and updated its Community Impact Board (CIB) project priority list.

Mayor Josh Ewing and Councilmember Gary Haws described ongoing work to protect secondary water rights and invited Patrick McDermott to present a concept for proving and activating those rights. McDermott outlined a staged approach: begin with a low-cost pilot using truck-filled, low-pressure systems at a small number of residences to demonstrate “proof of use,” then move toward a more permanent piped system sourcing river water, paired with a tree nursery and homeowner assistance for low-pressure system installation. He said multiple grant and partnership opportunities exist to support source protection, riparian restoration and tree-planting efforts. Councilmembers spoke favorably and discussed a potential budget amendment to fund initial steps; no formal motion was recorded at the meeting.

The council also heard from property owner James “Jim” Sayers, who requested a boundary-line adjustment to expand an existing 0.10-acre parcel to include an adjacent 0.5-acre parcel owned by Zak and Amanda Podmore so the resulting lot meets the residential minimum of 0.5 acres. Nelson reviewed staff recommendations and noted the two impacted property owners submitted signed statements confirming the alley will remain open for access. Sayers said gates installed at alley ends to deter feral horses are not locked and continue to permit access. Council discussed alley conditions and deferred a formal vote; the petition will return on the next regular meeting agenda for action.

On trails and recreation, the Bluff River Trail Committee—recently reactivating after completing initial construction—requested a town liaison to coordinate maintenance and new trail work; Spencer Wade volunteered and was chosen to serve as the council’s liaison. Councilmembers clarified the River Trail Committee is distinct from the Active Transportation Committee and emphasized coordination between bodies.

Nelson and councilmembers revised the town’s CIB priority list for 2026 to guide grant applications and county review. The priorities, in order presented, are: Cooperative Cultural Center, Secondary Water, Repave Bluff Old Highway, Airport Runway, and Wildland Fire Truck. Nelson said the town is emphasizing the creation of a Town Water Department as part of longer-term water infrastructure planning; Todd Thorne of SERDA is scheduled to meet with the town next week.

Manager Nelson reviewed the check register and February 2026 financial report, noting large road-related purchases and reminding council that Bluff’s certified municipal property tax amount is $33,186 annually. The council was invited to provide feedback as staff formalizes monthly financial reporting and policies. Nelson also announced an April 7, 4:00 p.m. public hearing on the FY2025–26 amended budget and invited residents to participate in the Utah State University Wellbeing Survey (March 1–20). Malia Collins reminded residents of a fuels reduction and fire mitigation volunteer event scheduled March 27–28 at the Cooperative Cultural Center.

The boundary-line adjustment, any budget amendments related to secondary water work, and follow-up steps on signage and school-zone points will return for future council action.