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Mendon council adopts public-improvement standards, liability waivers and 'at-your-own-risk' signs
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Summary
The Mendon City Council unanimously adopted three resolutions March 12 approving updated public-improvement standards (R2026-06), a city liability-waiver template (R2026-09) and placement of 'at-your-own-risk' signs on city property (R2026-08); council discussed sign placement and event safety after a public comment about a race-day injury.
The Mendon City Council voted unanimously March 12 to adopt new standards for public improvements, approve a liability-waiver template for city activities and authorize 'at-your-own-risk' signs on municipal property.
Mayor Ed Buist and City Engineer Eric Dursteler led the discussion on public-improvement standards, recommending adoption of the 2025 edition of the American Public Works Standards (Utah chapter) to set construction requirements for streets, drainage and other infrastructure. Councilmember Bob Jepsen moved to adopt Resolution 2026-06 and Councilmember Ben Watkins seconded; the motion passed on a unanimous vote.
City Court Clerk Stephanie Miller presented a proposed liability-waiver form intended to reduce the likelihood of lawsuits related to city events and volunteer activities. Miller said waivers do not always hold up in court but can deter roughly 80% of claims, and she described best-practice documentation for volunteers (names, dates, roles, mayoral signature) so those participants can fall under workers’ compensation when appropriate. With no public comment, Councilmember Jepsen moved to adopt Resolution 2026-09 and Councilmember Amy Garbe seconded; the resolution was approved unanimously.
The council also held a public hearing on adopting 'at-your-own-risk' signs for city-owned parks and gathering places, citing playgrounds, ball diamonds and the city square as likely locations. Clerk Miller displayed sign examples and said signs help protect the city from liability in non-negligence incidents. Public commenter John Eiman recounted a prior event injury to underscore the city’s exposure at volunteer-run activities. Councilmember Jepsen moved to adopt Resolution 2026-08, Councilmember Brian Myers seconded, and the council approved the measure unanimously. Councilmembers discussed balancing sign visibility with an overabundance of warnings; staff member Kirk Taylor was asked to order and place signs at specified sites, including Pioneer Park, Legacy Park and the city square.
Votes at a glance - Resolution R2026-06 (Default standards for public improvements): mover Jepsen, second Watkins; outcome: adopted (unanimous). - Resolution R2026-09 (Liability waivers): mover Jepsen, second Garbe; outcome: adopted (unanimous). - Resolution R2026-08 (Liability/'at-your-own-risk' signs): mover Jepsen, second Myers; outcome: adopted (unanimous).
The council’s action now directs staff to implement the adopted standards, finalize the liability-waiver language if edits are suggested later, and proceed with ordering and installing the approved signage. No public-opposition motions were recorded at the meeting.