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Manila council sets May 28 hearing on water-conservation plan, animal and fireworks ordinances
Summary
Manila’s town council scheduled a public hearing for May 28 to consider a proposed water-conservation plan that would limit outdoor watering by address, updates to the dog ordinance, and a proposed ban on aerial fireworks with permit-based exceptions.
The Manila Town Council on May 14 scheduled a public hearing for May 28 to take public comment on a proposed water-conservation plan and proposed changes to animal and fireworks ordinances.
Mayor Kathi Knight said the water-conservation proposal would limit outdoor watering to three days per week based on address parity — even-numbered addresses on Monday, Wednesday and Friday; odd-numbered addresses on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday — with no outdoor watering on Sundays to encourage aquifer recharge. The proposal would restrict watering to before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m., and would authorize fines for violations, the council discussed.
The council also reviewed updates to the town’s dog ordinance requiring that dogs be kept on a leash when off the owner’s property, require proof of current vaccinations, and establish criteria for declaring a dog “vicious” for enforcement purposes. Mayor Knight said enforcement is expected to be complaint-driven and that the sheriff’s office would normally respond only in the event of a bite or other serious incident. Public Works will install leash-law signage in problem areas, the council was told.
On fireworks, council members discussed a proposal to prohibit aerial fireworks within town limits because of fire risk to residences and nearby vegetation, while allowing low-risk items such as sparklers and ground-based effects in designated locations by permit through Daggett County. Suggested permitted locations discussed at the meeting included the Rodeo Grounds and the Town Park. Mayor Knight cited prior incidents that had required involvement by the district attorney in discussing the proposed restrictions.
Why it matters: The proposed watering restrictions and ordinances would change everyday behavior for residents (when they may water lawns and how they may use fireworks) and impose potential fines; the council is soliciting public comment before taking any formal action.
What happens next: The public hearing is set for May 28, 2026 at 6:15 p.m., when the council will receive testimony and consider adopting revisions. Written materials including a sewer impact analysis and the proposed Water Conservation Plan will be included in hearing materials, the mayor said.
