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Vernal Council agrees to temporarily shut off downtown fountains amid conservation concerns
Summary
City Manager Quinn Bennion told council the Cobble Rock Block fountains use recycled water but that shutting them off would demonstrate conservation during a dry year; council reached consensus to have staff proceed administratively and to provide public education on water conservation.
During staff reports at the June 3 meeting, City Recorder Sara Bell reminded council members of employee insurance open enrollment meetings scheduled for the following day. City Manager Quinn Bennion then raised the operation of the Cobble Rock Block fountains, saying they "utilize recycled water and experience only minimal water loss through evaporation and normal use," but that public perception and the recent splash park closure supported a temporary shutdown.
Councilmember Randel Mills asked whether well water could supply the fountains; Bennion cautioned that because the fountains involve public contact with water, untreated well water could create health and maintenance concerns. Several councilmembers expressed support for temporarily shutting off the fountains, and the council reached a consensus for staff to proceed administratively and to provide educational messaging about the city's conservation practices. Mayor Corey Foley encouraged continued public information about downtown watering and other measures.
The minutes record that Councilmember Nick Porter moved to adjourn and Councilmember Ted Munford seconded; the motion passed unanimously and the meeting was declared adjourned.
