CJ McManus is a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission for the City of Helper. According to contact lists provided by the city, McManus serves alongside other commission members including Dixie Marvidikis, Gary Burnham, Pat Symchych, and Amber Sparks. The commission holds its meetings at the Council Chambers located at 19 South Main Street in Helper.
Public records show that the Planning and Zoning Commission handles various municipal duties, including the discussion and possible approval of business licenses and conditional use permits. For example, an agenda for a meeting on April 15, 2026, included discussions regarding business licenses for MetalGuard Coating for Daniel Gardner and C.C.D Services LLC for Cameron Kulow. The commission also reviews requests for building projects, such as a garage build at 69 B Street for Rick Collins or a proposed build project at 4S 5th Ave for Colt Wilson.
In addition to reviewing specific local permits, the commission is involved in broader city planning initiatives. According to a meeting notice for May 27, 2026, the commission held a public hearing to receive input on the Helper City Master Transportation Plan. During this meeting, the commission was tasked with the discussion and possible approval of recommending that master plan to the City Council. This type of oversight is a core function of the commission's role within the municipality.
Residents can interact with the commission through various public channels. The city provides opportunities for public comment on agenda items, which can be submitted up to 24 hours before a meeting by calling (435) 472-5391 or by emailing deputyrecorder@helpercity.gov. For those who wish to attend meetings in person, the city provides notice of meeting locations and times via the Utah Public Notice Website. The commission also manages the appointment of its leadership; for instance, the agenda for the April 15, 2026, meeting included the approval of appointing Gary Burnham as Planning and Zoning Chair and Dixie Marvidikis as Vice Chair.
Through the commission, McManus and other members participate in the governance of Helper, a municipality with a population of 2,112 as of the 2020 census. The commission's work encompasses everything from small-scale residential discussions, such as a simple lot subdivision for 668 Railroad Avenue for Tom Hilton, to larger city-wide strategic planning. By reviewing business licenses and land use applications, the commission helps manage the development and operational structure of the community. As a member of this body, McManus is part of the official municipal process that oversees the physical and commercial growth of the city.
What this means for Helper
For residents of Helper, the presence of members like CJ McManus on the Planning and Zoning Commission ensures that local development and business licenses undergo a formal review process. This oversight helps manage how the city grows, from individual garage builds to large-scale transportation plans, allowing for community input through public hearings and designated comment periods.
