The Bluff Town Council held a regular meeting on August 4, 2026, to address several municipal matters, including appointments to the Planning and Zoning Commission and the awarding of a general maintenance contract. During the session, officials also discussed updates regarding the Wildland Urban Interface map and regional trail projects funded by a USDOT grant.
Mayor Josh Ewing announced his intention to appoint Tom Hiserodt to the Planning and Zoning Commission. The council voted unanimously to approve the appointment, with Hiserodt expected to be sworn in at the next meeting. Additionally, the council voted 4-1 to award the general maintenance contract to Beyale’s Dynamic Handyman Services, while Mayor Ewing abstained from the vote.
Regarding land management, a state representative has agreed to accept the proposed Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) map, which includes additions beyond Level 5 residential and commercially zoned level 4 areas. Mayor Ewing is tasked with completing the necessary paperwork to ensure official compliance.
On the topic of transportation, Luanne Hook provided an update on the USDOT RAISE grant awarded to UDOT for a trail system project. The design and planning contract was awarded to Kimley-Horn, which is partnering with Bike Utah for 61 miles of trails spanning from Bluff to Montezuma Creek and Bluff to Monument Valley, with additional planning for the Bluff to Spanish Valley/Moab route.
The council also discussed the designation of the Bluff River Trail as a National Recreation Trail, a distinction held by only five such trails in the nation, following a nomination by the Bluff City Historic Preservation Society Association.
Financial discussions included a review of the operations budget and interest earned totaling $48,400. Staff noted that the fiscal year 2027 Capital Projects Fund will feature a breakdown by project rather than a lump sum. Looking ahead, the council plans to discuss benefits policy and cemetery board ordinance edits in upcoming sessions.
