Avoiding fires & a change order
By Kathy Bence
As Utah burns, there was heightened interest in the Fire District report at this July 1 City Council meeting.
Reports
Hurricane Valley Fire District
Although Battalion Chief Hooper was on the agenda, Fire Chief Decker was presenting instead. The discussion begins here. Among the things covered included the possibility of another state executive order banning fireworks through July 24. To give us peace of mind, the Chief said the Hurricane Valley Fire District staffs five stations within the area.
Ash Creek Special Services District
Mike Chandler reported on the sewer treatment plant and the discussion begins here. He mentioned that they have been operating in Confluence Park for a month. There is still a 2027 completion date for Chief Toquer reservoir. He spoke of the many new developments in Toquerville that require their services and the impact fees that will be needed to cover the expenses.
Councilman Wayne Olsen brought up asphalt patches that aren’t effective. The discussion revolved around the need for better asphalt repair after digging up the street.
Assistant City Manager
Darin LeFever spoke about the parkway and the discussion begins here. I’ve been out of town or not paying attention, but the guardrails have been installed and apparently look great. There are painted markings and other safety features that have not happened because of holdups with UDOT.
He said they are accepting a lot of new applications from Firelight. He mentioned three phases in the preliminary stages over by Westfield.
The Mayor asked about a traffic light coming into the city, which isn’t happening yet. This lead to a discussion about boring on the right side of the bypass for South Central Broadband, an internet provider.
(Editorial Input)
As an unpaid journalist for a blog, I want to add my two cents. This has been mentioned before, but I have a hard time imagining the traffic (and other challenges) when all of these developments come together, and perhaps all at once. This is not just a few houses, but Firelight has multiple high-density neighborhoods, along with other non-Firelight residential developments that are in the works. Rather than slowly seeing our town grow, it may explode at about the same time.
City Council Board Reports: annexing solara status & fire district bonds
This portion of the meeting begins here. The Mayor reported that the Washington County Sherriff’s office would patrol to prevent violations on the fireworks ban. They did their job and thankfully no fires resulted.
He also said that although there have been two meetings with Solara, nothing has happened with the possible annexing. He said the ball is in Solara’s court.
As a reminder, while Toquerville has not yet completed the annexation of the Solara property, it did approve a pre-annexation agreement with the developer "with the understanding that annexation of the property is subject to a future annexation petition and separate approval."
Todd Sands attended a Fire District Meeting. He said there will be a public hearing on July 9 at 6 pm regarding the fire district issuing bonds to build fire stations. The meeting will be held at Fire Station 46/64, 56 North Coral Canyon Blvd., Hurricane.
Councilwoman Jenny Chamberlain attended a Legislative Policy Committee meeting regarding the Utah League of Cities and Towns. She said there may be future requirements to bring the city into compliance.
public comments
In introducing this section of the meeting, the Mayor added that commenters need to approach the microphone, not comment from the audience, and take any discussion between two citizens outside the room. The last meeting had some of these problems during the public comments.
Art Smith with the Trail Ridge Estates HOA approached the microphone and his comments begin here. He spoke of responsiblities the city may have regarding the post flood damage to the park. The HOA agreed to do cross sharing with the city but he hasn’t heard anything. The City Manager was not at this meeting and it was agreed that he would reach out to try to solve this.
Business Items
Change Order for $20,846.69 for adjustment to the concrete and pavilion improvements
For a detailed discussion on construction, concrete, drainage and other issues, the item began here. This is about additional expenses for more concrete and labor because of shade structures and other changes at Westfield Park. Wayne felt these charges for materials and labor were way too high. This resulted in a long, but lively discussion where the Mayor jokingly threatened to bring out a stick.
Thirty minutes later the council voted to save money and approve just part of the change order.
regarding the discharge of fireworks during the 2026 Independence Day fireworks season
The council voted to bring the city into compliance and there were no fireworks. The Mayor begged for someone to step up and take on the dunk tank opportunity at the city’s July 4th celebration. He had a surgery scheduled and doctor’s orders to not participate. No council member caved to the pressure (I don’t blame them) but local teenagers gladly volunteered.