Committee recommends council approve purchase of 18.18-acre Sardine Canyon parcel using bond/open-space funds

The CO-Ass recommended that the county council approve using bond or open-space funds to acquire an 18.18-acre gravel-pit parcel in Sardine Canyon, citing connectivity with existing county property and protection of scenic highway frontage.

County staff said the county has negotiated a $160,000 purchase price and expects the sale to close on the 18th of the month after receiving paperwork from UDOT. "We've negotiated a $160,000 to purchase the 18 acres," an official identified in the meeting as Kurt said when describing the deal and incidental closing costs such as title insurance.

Committee members pressed staff on access and management. Staff said UDOT advised that direct highway access would be difficult to obtain, requiring the county to rely on existing entry points. Committee members and staff described an expected management approach that could include a parking area, restroom, and trail connections from the entry up onto the Wellsvilles to link with other county and Forest Service lands.

Because the sale timetable is accelerated, a committee member moved that the body waive its normal rules and recommend the county council approve spending up to $175,000 for the acquisition; another committee member seconded the motion. The committee voted in favor, with no opposed votes recorded in the public meeting, and will forward the recommendation to the council.

The committee also noted that some previously budgeted study work has been paused; staff said the study could be reissued and include the newly acquired parcel once acquisition is complete. Staff warned of incidental closing costs beyond the purchase price, including title insurance.

Next steps: the committee will forward the recommendation for formal council action and staff will complete closing tasks and incorporate the parcel into trail and study planning as appropriate.