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Bluff approves $307,500 settlement with Utah Dine Bikeyah, secures Cooperative Cultural Center
Summary
The Bluff Town Council voted to approve a settlement and mutual release with Utah Dine Bikeyah, accept a quitclaim deed to the Cooperative Cultural Center at 630 Black Locust Ave., and appropriate $307,500 to complete the transfer; the vote was unanimous.
The Bluff Town Council voted to approve a settlement and mutual release with Utah Dine Bikeyah (UDB), accept a quitclaim deed conveying UDB’s interest in the Cooperative Cultural Center at 630 Black Locust Avenue to the town, and authorize a $307,500 appropriation to complete the transaction.
Mayor Ann K. Leppanen summarized the history: the town raised concerns about the building’s safety after incorporation in 2018, pursued donation or purchase discussions with the San Juan School District in 2019, and later entered a partnership with UDB that culminated in a 2021 Acquisition and Redevelopment Agreement. Leppanen said the town and UDB negotiated a settlement after their objectives diverged and after UDB returned its focus to Bears Ears Monument protection. The council voted in favor of the resolution, the deed acceptance and the appropriation. "Both parties are entering into this for the purpose of compromising and resolving any potential claims that they may have against the other," the settlement language states.
Councilmember Britt Hornsby made the motions to approve the settlement documents, and the motions carried with votes recorded in favor by Mayor Ann K. Leppanen, Recorder Linda Sosa, Councilmembers Jennifer Davila, Luanne Hook and Hornsby. Town Manager Erin Nelson explained the mechanics for the payment: the council will deposit the settlement check into the town’s PTIF account and transfer funds to the general account so the appropriation is available; Nelson recommended the PTIF transfer to ensure the $307,500 is in the General Account for disbursement.
Leppanen said UDB board documents show six members approved the resolution and one abstained. She told the council she had received a quitclaim deed executed and notarized and that she planned to meet with Janet Slowman on June 4 to deliver the check and close UDB’s joint bank account at Zions Bank. Leppanen added that, pending recording in the San Juan County Recorder’s Office, the town expected to be sole owner of the Cooperative Cultural Center by noon the following day.
The council also thanked UDB leadership and town staff for work on the project and noted the Design Review Committee will continue meeting on building completion and grant-seeking for rehabilitation.
Next steps: the deed will be recorded with the county recorder and the town will coordinate grant-seeking and design-review work needed to make the building inhabitable.
