Council denies Clearwing annexation amid water and transportation concerns

Payson City Council voted on Jan. 21 to deny an ordinance that would have annexed roughly 29.79 acres near 3751 W 9600 S and rezoned the property for industrial use.

Planner Michael Bryant presented the Clearwing Annexation and said the applicant requested I‑1 industrial zoning upon annexation and that an annexation agreement had been drafted. During the public hearing Nancy Head, participating by Zoom, warned that “water is a finite resource” and urged the city to consider a moratorium on growth, saying nearby highway capacity and aquifer impacts threaten area farms. Applicant Randy Park told the council he had “no immediate plans to develop the parcel,” asked the council for faith in the developer’s track record and said he expected quality business would be attracted if annexed.

Councilmembers focused on infrastructure and timing. City Engineer Jonathan Knight explained county road right‑of‑way issues and said roadway ownership would remain with the county until development obligates dedication. Councilmember Ryan Rowley said the application “is not ready for approval yet,” citing property, transportation, and utility needs; Councilmember Brian Hulet disclosed a prior business connection with a managing member of the applicant’s LLC but stated the connection would not affect his vote.

On a motion by Councilmember Anne Moss, seconded by Councilmember Ryan Rowley, the council denied the annexation ordinance and, in a separate vote, denied the related annexation agreement. The final roll call on the ordinance denial recorded votes as: Anne Moss — Yes; Ryan Rowley — Yes; Lacee Smith — Yes; Brian Hulet — No; Bob Provstgaard — No.

Next steps: staff had recommended tabling the request to obtain clearer plans; the council’s denials remove the current request from consideration but do not preclude the applicant from submitting a revised proposal in the future.