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ESCALANTE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JUNE 16, 2026
REGULAR MEETING/ELECTRONIC MEETING – 6:00 P.M.
PUBLIC HEARING/ELECTRONIC MEETING – 6:00 P.M.
ESCALANTE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS - 65 NORTH CENTER STREET
Mayor Melani Torgersen called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. in the Escalante City Council
Chambers.
Present at said meeting were Mayor Torgersen, Council members Marlene Stowe, Chad Lyman,
Ryan Cottam, City Attorney Barry Huntington and City Recorder Stephanie Steed.
Council members Sally Orme and Tara Woolsey were excused.
Also present were Bill Weppner, Margie Weppner, Sam Spencer, Julia Spencer, Glen Wilson,
Terry Brennan, Brent Pickering and Julie Brugger.
Melyssa Holbrook joined electronically.
Mayor Torgersen led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
Council member Lyman moved to adopt the agenda as written. Council member Stowe
seconded the motion. Motion carried with Council members Stowe, Lyman and Cottam
voting aye.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF JUNE 2, 2026 MEETING
Council member Stowe moved to approve the minutes of the June 2, 2026 meeting as
written. Council member Cottam seconded the motion. Motion carried with Council
members Lyman, Stowe and Cottam voting aye.
OPEN PUBLIC HEARING
Council member Stowe moved to open the public hearing at 6:01 p.m. Council member
Lyman seconded the motion. Motion carried with Council members Stowe, Lyman and
Cottam voting aye.
RESOLUTION 2026-02 ADOPTING THE 2026-2027 BUDGET
City Recorder Steed explained Ordinance 2026-02 the 2026-2027 Budget.
BILL WEPPNER
Mr. Weppner asked how many years are left on the loan for the fire station. City Recorder Steed
said two or three years.
ORDINANCE 2026-03 AMENDING ORDINANCE 8.04.230 WATER OUTSIDE
MUNICIPAL LIMITS
Council member Lyman explained Ordinance 2026-03 Amending Ordinance 8.04.230 Water
Outside Municipal Limits. Council member Lyman explained that the city is considering
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amendments to this ordinance to permit Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) within the County.
Council member Lyman said that ADU’s would be prohibited from operating as short-term or
nightly rentals, consistent with current regulations within City Limits.
SAM SPENCER
Mr. Spencer inquired whether existing rental businesses could be stopped and Mayor Torgersen
replied that they could not. Mr. Spencer asked about the impact on residents near Center Street if
25 new homes are constructed on Center Street, would the city be able to supply water to
existing homes alongside the new developments. Mr. Spencer asked if the affected public would
be consulted prior to the sale and development of that land. Mayor Torgersen clarified that the
discussion during this item on the public hearing is limited to the allowance of Accessory
Dwelling Units (ADUs). Mr. Spencer asked if a later date would be provided for further
discussion if the matter could not be addressed that evening.
JULIA SPENCER
Ms. Spencer said some individuals were unfamiliar with the process during the meeting. Mayor
Torgersen explained that during a public hearing, only items specifically listed on the agenda
may be discussed.
ORDINANCE 2026-04 AMENDING ORDINANCE 8.04.040 WATER CONNECTIONS -
ONE METER PER PARCEL
Council member Lyman explained Ordinance 2026-04 Amending Ordinance 8.04.040 Water
Connections - One Meter Per Parcel.
JULIA SPENCER
Ms. Spencer asked if the proposed ordinance would affect ranchers or property values. Council
member Lyman said that since purchasing a water meter now requires house plans, it does
impact property values. Mayor Torgersen explained that the city does not sell water meters
without a valid building permit.
CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING
Council member Cottam moved to close the public hearing at 6:11 p.m. Council member
Lyman seconded the motion. Motion carried with Council members Stowe, Cottam and
Lyman voting aye.
DECISION ON RESOLUTION 2026-02 ADOPTING THE 2026-2027 BUDGET
Council member Stowe moved to adopt Resolution 2026-02. Council member Cottam
seconded the motion. Motion carried with Council members Stowe, Cottam and Lyman
voting aye.
DECISION ON ORDINANCE 2026-03 AMENDING ORDINANCE 8.04.230 WATER
OUTSIDE MUNICIPAL LIMITS
Council member Lyman moved to adopt Ordinance 2026-03. Council member Stowe
seconded the motion. Motion carried with Council members Lyman, Cottam and Stowe
voting aye.
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DECISION ON ORDINANCE 2026-04 AMENDING ORDINANCE 8.04.040 WATER
CONNECTIONS - ONE METER PER PARCEL
City Recorder Steed said if this amendment passes it would also be for the
Commercial/Residential (C/R) zone. City Recorder Steed asked the Council if they would like to
change it to excluding the C/R zone. Council member Lyman said he likes the amendment the
way it is. Mayor Torgersen said she would like to look at the amendment. City Attorney
Huntington said he would suggest adopting as written and look at the need to amend it in the
future. Council member Lyman moved to adopt Ordinance 2026-04. Council member Stowe
seconded the motion. Motion carried with Council members Stowe, Cottam and Lyman
voting aye.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments at this time.
PLANNING AND ZONING ITEMS
PLANNING AND ZONING UPDATES
There were no Planning and Zoning updates at this time.
SCHEDULED ITEMS
TERRY BRENNAN - LOCAL CONSENT - RESTAURANT - LIMITED SERVICE
City Recorder Steed explained this item. Council member Stowe moved to approve the Local
Consent for Mr. Brennan. Council member Lyman seconded the motion. Motion carried
with Council members Lyman, Stowe and Cottam voting aye.
BILL WEPPNER - TOOLS AND CLOCK FOR FIRE DEPARTMENT
Mr. Weppner said the Fire Department would like to use the remaining budget balance of
$1,600.00 to purchase hand tools for the trucks, a clock, and a brass water fixture required for
drafting water from a pond. Council member Lyman moved to approve purchases discussed
above for $1600.00 Council member Cottam seconded the motion. Motion carried with
Council member Stowe, Cottam and Lyman voting aye.
RESOLUTION 2026-05 FINAL TAX RATE
City Recorder Steed explained Resolution 2026-05 Final Tax Rate. Council member Lyman
moved to adopt Resolution 2026-05. Council member Cottam seconded the motion. Motion
carried with Council members Lyman, Stowe and Cottam voting aye.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
ADMINISTRATIVE
The Administrative department had nothing to report at this time.
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
Public Works Director Brent Pickering reported the current water regulations prohibiting
watering between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. will remain in effect. Mr. Pickering explained if
drought conditions persist, watering schedules may be adjusted for different areas of town. Mr.
Pickering said the City is working on delaying operating the well as long as possible. Council
member Lyman said the City is looking into a filtration system for the well. Council member
Lyman said the city continues to urge the community to practice water conservation.
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Mr. Pickering reported the pickleball courts are finished and are scheduled to open tomorrow
morning.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
BILL WEPPNER
Mr. Weppner reported that there has been one call-out since the last meeting, which was a false
alarm caused by a dropped iPhone.
Mr. Weppner said the Fire Department is concerned regarding water access and identifying
sufficient sources. Mr. Weppner explained a comprehensive list of all water sources in the valley
has been compiled, and the department is in the process of contacting owners of wells or ponds
to secure access. Mr. Weppner said he met with Myron Cottam with the school board and the
school board has agreed to allow the department to investigate accessing water from the school
well. Mr. Weppner said he would like Council member Lyman, Council member Cottam, Brent
Pickering, and himself to review the operation and access requirements of the school well.
Mr. Weppner said the city fire hydrants require servicing, a task estimated to take the entire Fire
Department several weekends to complete. Mr. Weppner requested any assistance or incentives
the Council could provide. Council member Lyman asked about the water usage for this process.
Mr. Weppner said it would require some water but they would attempt to minimize usage.
Council member Lyman asked if the servicing could be delayed, but Mr. Weppner emphasized
that the hydrants must be accessed and maintained. Mayor Torgersen suggested that if the fire
department could work on the fire hydrants on a Friday, city employees could assist. Council
member Lyman asked if water could be flushed into a tank or handled differently. Mr. Weppner
explained that flushing is typically done onto the ground.
COUNCIL REPORTS
MAYOR MELANI TORGERSEN
Mayor Torgersen provided a brief educational reminder regarding meeting procedures. Mayor
Torgersen explained that public comments must be made during the designated public comment
period, and items not included on the agenda cannot be discussed by the Council. Mayor
Torgersen explained there is to be no discussion during department reports from the public,
however, the public is welcome to approach a Council member or herself after the meeting with
questions or request to be placed on a future agenda. City Attorney Huntington confirmed these
requirements are in accordance with the Utah Public and Open Meetings Act.
Mayor Torgersen announced that the upcoming 4th of July celebration will feature a parade and a
brief program, though no fireworks will be held. Mayor Torgersen explained, following a
suggestion from the President of the United States, a community dinner is scheduled for Sunday,
July 5, at 4:00 p.m. Mayor Torgersen said the city will provide meat, water, pie and ice cream for
the event. Mayor Trogersen said a special fast will also be observed to express gratitude and seek
relief from the drought.
COUNCIL MEMBER CHAD LYMAN
Council member Lyman suggested several methods for efficient water usage, such as placing a
bucket in the shower and using dishwater to water lawns or trees. Council member Lyman
encouraged everyone to be frugal by actively seeking opportunities to conserve and reuse water.
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COUNCIL MEMBER TARA WOOLSEY
Council member Woolsey was not present at said meeting.
COUNCIL MEMBER RYAN COTTAM
Council member Cottam had nothing to report at this time.
COUNCIL MEMBER MARLENE STOWE
Council member Stowe said on July 5th, the community dinner will be held at the park pavilion.
Council member Stowe said attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, and the event will
include a short program followed by a potluck dinner.
COUNCIL MEMBER SALLY ORME
Council member Orme was not present at said meeting.
UNPAID BILLS
Council member Stowe moved to pay the unpaid bills. Council member Cottam seconded
the motion. Motion carried with Council members Stowe, Lyman and Cottam voting aye.
Mayor Torgersen adjourned the meeting at 6:36 p.m.
/s/ Stephanie Steed
Stephanie Steed, MMC, UCC
City Recorder
Date minutes approved: 07/07/2026
