Vernal public meetings in 2025

City Council

The council approved the minutes from the December 3, 2025 meeting. It also approved the amendment to the Community Room Rental Packet and a resolution updating the city’s PTO cap and carry‑over policy. Funding for a $20,000 geothermal network study was tabled for further analysis. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved Dec 3, 2025 meeting minutes (5 ayes)
• Approved amendment to Community Room Rental Packet (5 ayes)
• Approved Resolution 2025‑19 amending PTO cap policy (5 ayes)
• Geothermal network study $20,000 contribution tabled
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous vote)

City Council

The Vernal City Council is scheduled to meet on December 3, 2025. The agenda includes a packet of documents and handouts for the meeting. The specific items to be decided or discussed are not listed in the provided text.

• December 3, 2025 Agenda PDF
• December 3, 2025 Council Packet PDF
• December 3, 2025 Council Meeting Handouts PDF

The council approved Change Order #4 for $40,565 to address unforeseen conditions in the 200 S‑400 N waterline replacement. It then approved Change Order #5, the final closeout change order, completing the project and confirming it is under budget. Ordinance 2025‑29 to adopt the 2006 Utah Wildland‑Urban Interface Code was tabled for further review.

• Approved Change Order #4 for $40,565 (aye: Munford, Mills, O’Driscoll, Long)
• Approved Change Order #5 final closeout (aye: Munford, Mills, O’Driscoll, Long)
• Tabled Ordinance 2025‑29 adopting Wildland‑Urban Interface code (aye: Munford, Mills, O’Driscoll, Long)
• Approved minutes of the November 19, 2025 meeting (aye: Munford, Mills, O’Driscoll, Long)

City Council

The provided agenda consists of procedural boilerplate and document links. No specific discussion items, decisions, or proposals are listed in the text.

The council approved a $1,000 sponsorship for the community tree lighting event. It also approved a $1,000 sponsorship for the Uintah Schools Foundation holiday concert. Finally, the council adopted the Uintah Basin Regional Pre‑Disaster Mitigation Plan. All three motions passed with unanimous ayes from the voting members.

• Approved $1,000 tree lighting sponsorship (aye: Munford, Mills, O’Driscoll)
• Approved $1,000 concert sponsorship for Uintah Schools Foundation (aye: Munford, Mills, O’Driscoll)
• Adopted Uintah Basin Regional Pre‑Disaster Mitigation Plan (aye: Munford, Mills, O’Driscoll)

Planning Commission

The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the October 9, 2025 meeting. It then forwarded positive recommendations to the City Council for temporary event signage amendments (including a Conditional Use Permit requirement) and for Ordinance 2025-031 that consolidates and updates ADU regulations. Staff were directed to review state statutes and safety inspections for a proposed temporary warming center, and the commission agreed the children’s gym does not need a CUP. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved October 9, 2025 minutes (unanimous 4‑0)
• Forwarded positive recommendation for temporary signage amendments with CUP requirement (unanimous 4‑0)
• Forwarded positive recommendation for ADU ordinance 2025‑031 (unanimous 4‑0)
• Directed staff to review state Code Blue requirements and safety inspections for Kingsbury Church warming center
• Determined no Conditional Use Permit required for proposed children’s gym (unanimous 4‑0)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

City Council

The council approved the special meeting, accepted the certified 2025 municipal election canvass, and then adjourned the meeting. All three motions passed with unanimous support from the four councilmembers present.

• Approved special meeting (unanimous)
• Accepted 2025 municipal election canvass as presented (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

City Council

The council voted unanimously to name the new Pteranodon shade structure "Petire." It also approved converting a seasonal utility employee to a full‑time position. In addition, the council declared the 2002 La France air sweeper surplus equipment.

• Approved naming of the Pteranodon shade structure "Petire" (unanimous)
• Approved transition of a seasonal utility employee to full‑time status (unanimous)
• Approved declaration of the 2002 La France air sweeper as surplus (unanimous)

City Council

The council approved the annexation of the property at 1787 W 319 S into Vernal (Ordinance No. 2025‑30). It also accepted three right‑of‑way parcels on Main Street and 1500 West. Ordinance No. 2025‑28 updating minor subdivision regulations was adopted, along with two resolutions updating employee leave policy and adding a floating holiday.

• Approved annexation of 1787 W 319 S (Ordinance No. 2025‑30) – unanimous aye vote
• Accepted right‑of‑way on Main Street near 1500 West – unanimous aye vote
• Accepted right‑of‑way on 1500 West (UDOT pin 21433 parcel 104) – unanimous aye vote
• Approved Ordinance No. 2025‑28 Minor Subdivision Regulations – unanimous aye vote
• Approved Resolution No. 2025‑07 Leave Policy Update – unanimous aye vote
• Approved Resolution No. 2025‑18 Personnel Manual amendment adding a floating holiday – unanimous aye vote

Planning Commission

The commission approved the September 9, 2025 minutes unanimously. It then forwarded positive recommendations to the City Council for the water‑use and preservation amendment to the General Plan and for the minor subdivision regulation update, each passing with all five members in favor. The commission also agreed to hold the November meeting on November 4, 2025 instead of the usual November 11 date.

• Approved September 9, 2025 minutes (5‑0)
• Forwarded recommendation for water‑use & preservation amendment to City Council (5‑0)
• Forwarded recommendation for minor subdivision regulation amendment to City Council (5‑0)
• Changed November meeting date to Nov 4, 2025 (consensus)
• Adjourned meeting (5‑0)

City Council

The Vernal City Council unanimously approved a $1,000 sponsorship for the Uintah Basin Energy Summit. The council also approved the minutes from the September 3, 2025 meeting with a 5‑0 vote. Council members agreed to let staff handle the unpaid‑taxs issue for Vernal Real Estate Partners and took no further action on the Hotel Vernal Haunt code‑complaint.

• Approved September 3, 2025 council minutes (5‑0 vote)
• Approved $1,000 sponsorship for Uintah Basin Energy Summit (unanimous)
• Agreed to let staff process unpaid‑taxs issue for Vernal Real Estate Partners (no council vote)
• Declined to pursue prosecution of Hotel Vernal Haunt code complaint (no council action required)

City Council

The council approved several changes to city employee leave rules, such as removing the eight‑hour weekly limit on administrative leave and adding a witness fee for police officers. Bereavement, leave‑without‑pay, holiday scheduling, and paternity/maternity leave policies were also updated. The council adopted a unified paid‑time‑off (PTO) system. Procedural motions to acknowledge the special meeting and to adjourn passed unanimously.

• Acknowledged and approved the special meeting unanimously
• Approved removal of the eight‑hour weekly limit on administrative leave
• Approved clarification allowing police officers a witness fee and up to two hours preparation time
• Approved clarification of bereavement leave to allow multiple uses per year
• Approved change to leave‑without‑pay allowing military leave without exhausting paid leave first
• Approved exchanging the day after Thanksgiving for Christmas Eve as a city holiday
• Approved updates to paternity and maternity leave policies
• Approved moving to a consolidated paid‑time‑off (PTO) format

Planning Commission

The commission approved the August 12, 2025 minutes unanimously. It voted to forward a positive recommendation to the City Council to amend Section 16.16.030, lowering the minimum parcel size for Planned Residential Unit Developments from three acres to two acres. The commission also approved a Conditional Use Permit for EquipmentShare at 1305 East 335 South, contingent on code compliance. The off‑premise sign ordinance was postponed pending further study.

• Approved August 12, 2025 minutes (5-0)
• Forwarded recommendation to City Council to amend Section 16.16.030, reducing PRUD minimum acreage to 2 acres (5-0)
• Approved Conditional Use Permit for EquipmentShare at 1305 East 335 South, contingent on code compliance (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

City Council

The council approved moving forward with the EPA cleanup grant application for the Lamplighter property. The motion was moved by Councilmember Robin O’Driscoll, seconded by Councilmember Ted Munford, and passed unanimously with all five councilmembers voting aye. The city will apply for the lower grant amount of two million dollars, which would cover 100% of the cleanup costs. The council also unanimously approved the EPA Assessment Grant and the Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program grant applications.

• Approved minutes of Special City Council meeting Aug 20, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of Regular City Council meeting Aug 20, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved proceeding with EPA cleanup grant application (unanimous)
• Approved submission of EPA Assessment Grant application (unanimous)
• Approved submission of Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program grant application (unanimous)

City Council

The Vernal City Council approved a $39,200 change order for Jones & DeMille to design the 600 W and 400 N water line upgrades, funded entirely by Community Impact Board grants. Council members also voted unanimously to support the UDOT concept design for intersection safety at 1500 W and Highway 40. Staff were directed to verify the tax payments claimed by Vernal Real Estate Partners LLC and report findings within two days, and Mr. Naumu was instructed to provide documented proof of first‑ and second‑quarter tax payments within two weeks.

• Approved $39,200 change order for Jones & DeMille water line design (unanimous)
• Approved concept design for intersection safety at 1500 W/Highway 40 (unanimous)
• Directed staff to research Mr. Naumu’s claimed tax payments and report within two days
• Instructed Mr. Naumu to provide verified tax payment documentation for Q1 and Q2 within two weeks
• Approved minutes of regular council meeting Aug 6 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of special council meeting Aug 15 2025 (unanimous)

City Council

The Vernal City Council unanimously approved the special council meeting. Councilmembers introduced a series of proposed changes to city leave policies, but no votes were taken and further discussion was scheduled. The council then unanimously moved to adjourn the meeting.

• Approved special council meeting (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

City Council

The council unanimously approved the special meeting. It decided to remove the Lamplighter Hotel from the Lamplighter Block concept plans. Council members agreed to keep an ice‑skating ribbon in the plans as an option for public feedback. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Special meeting approved (unanimous)
• Remove Lamplighter Hotel from concept plans (decision)
• Leave ice‑skating ribbon in plans as public‑feedback option (decision)
• Adjourn meeting (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission approved the minutes from the July 8, 2025 meeting. It tabled the recommendation to amend the off‑site improvements code (Ordinance 2025‑21). It voted to forward a positive recommendation to the City Council to adopt Option 1 of the off‑premise signs amendment (Ordinance 2025‑22). It also approved a recommendation to amend several use‑table sections to remove fences and allow medical‑cannabis pharmacies in industrial zones (Ordinance 2025‑23).

• Approved July 8, 2025 minutes (5‑0)
• Tabled recommendation to amend off‑site improvements code Section 16.24.160 (Ordinance 2025‑21) (5‑0)
• Forwarded positive recommendation to adopt Option 1 for off‑premise signs amendment Section 16.28.050 (Ordinance 2025‑22) (5‑0)
• Approved positive recommendation to amend use‑table sections 16.36.035, 16.38.035, 16.40.035, 16.42.035, 16.44.035, 16.45.025, 16.52.040 to remove fences and add medical‑cannabis pharmacies in I‑1 zones (Ordinance 2025‑23) (5‑0)

City Council

The council approved up to $5,000 to move the historic gazebo at Ashley Valley Community Park. It also approved the selection of Jones & DeMille Engineering for the 100 N water and sewer line project. A final change order for the Downtown Water Improvement Project was approved up to $1,080,804.92. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved up to $5,000 funding for relocating the Ashley Valley gazebo (aye by Munford, Mills, O’Driscoll, Long, Foley)
• Approved selection of Jones & DeMille Engineering for the 100 N water and sewer line project (aye by Munford, Mills, O’Driscoll, Long, Foley)
• Approved change order amount as presented for the Downtown Water Improvement Project (aye by Munford, Mills, O’Driscoll, Long, Foley)
• Approved final change order for the Downtown Water Improvement Project up to $1,080,804.92 (aye by Munford, Mills, O’Driscoll, Long, Foley)
• Approved minutes of the July 16, 2025 council meeting (aye by Munford, Mills, O’Driscoll, Long, Foley)
• Approved $5,000 gazebo relocation motion (aye by Munford, Mills, O’Driscoll, Long, Foley)

City Council

The council voted unanimously to revoke the business license of Moonshine Steakhouse LLC and to begin issuing daily citations. It also approved the amended Annexation Policy Plan (Resolution No. 2025‑15). Additionally, the council approved Change Order #2 for the Downtown Water Improvements Project and Change Orders #1 and #2 for the 200 South Waterline Project.

• Revoked Moonshine Steakhouse LLC business license and ordered daily citations (unanimous ayes)
• Approved Amended Annexation Policy Plan, Resolution No. 2025‑15 (unanimous ayes)
• Approved Change Order #2 for Downtown Water Improvements Project (unanimous ayes)
• Approved Change Orders #1 and #2 for 200 South Waterline Project (unanimous ayes)

Planning Commission

The commission approved the minutes from the June 10, 2025 meeting. It adopted a recommendation to amend the Vernal City Annexation Policy Plan (Ordinance 2025‑015). It also approved an amendment to the Master Site Plan compliance period in the Planning and Zoning Code (Ordinance 2025‑019). The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved minutes from June 10, 2025 (5-0)
• Approved amendment to Vernal City Annexation Policy Plan – Ordinance 2025‑015 (5-0)
• Approved amendment to Master Site Plan compliance period – Ordinance 2025‑019 (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

City Council

The council approved the FY2025 Budget Reopener #2 (Ordinance 2025-18) to adjust $382,000 in expenditures. It then adopted the FY2026 budget covering all city funds and salary schedules. The FY2026 salary schedule (Resolution 2025-10) and the certified property tax rate (Ordinance 2025-17) were also approved. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved Budget Reopener #2 for FY2025 (Ordinance 2025-18) – passed unanimously
• Approved FY2026 budget for general, water, sewer, solid waste, building authority, strike force and other funds – passed unanimously
• Approved FY2026 salary schedule for city employees and officials (Resolution 2025-10) – passed unanimously
• Approved Ordinance 2025-16 confirming FY2026 budget – passed unanimously
• Approved Certified Tax Rate (Ordinance 2025-17) to collect $434,720 from new growth – passed unanimously

City Council

The Vernal City Council unanimously approved Ordinance No 2025‑13, changing the signing authority for final subdivision plats to the City Zoning Administrator. The council also unanimously approved Ordinance No 2025‑14, establishing a two‑year compliance period for nonconforming buildings and uses. Minutes of the June 4, 2025 special council meeting were approved, and the council adjourned the meeting.

• Approved Ordinance No 2025‑13 final platting requirements (aye by Mills, O’Driscoll, Long, Foley)
• Approved Ordinance No 2025‑14 nonconforming buildings and uses (aye by Mills, O’Driscoll, Long, Foley)
• Approved minutes of the June 4, 2025 special council meeting (aye by O’Driscoll, Mills, Foley, Long)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous aye)

Planning Commission

The commission adopted two amendments to the Vernal City Municipal Planning and Zoning Code, assigning final plat authority to the zoning administrator and reducing the non‑conforming use period to two years. It also approved preliminary plats for the Fossil Cove, Jurassic Heights, and Raptor Heights developments. All motions passed with recorded vote totals.

• Approved amendment assigning final plat authority to the zoning administrator (6-0)
• Approved amendment reducing non‑conforming use period to two years (6-0)
• Approved April 8, 2025 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Approved preliminary plat for Fossil Cove at 148 N 500 E (5-1)
• Approved preliminary plat for Jurassic Heights at 84 S 100 W (6-0)
• Approved preliminary plat for Raptor Heights at 109 S Vernal Ave (6-0)

City Council

The council approved sponsorship funding for the Alive After Five event, approved an application to the Community Impact Board for a $90,000 water‑development study, and approved a one‑year lease for the White House Academy at $4,500 per month. It also approved a restructuring of the Victim Advocate program that will eliminate two lower‑tenure positions. Finally, council members agreed to begin soliciting proposals for a small‑home development on city‑owned land near 600 South and 300 East.

• Approved sponsorship funding for Alive After Five (Munford abstained; Mills, O’Driscoll, Long, Foley aye)
• Approved application to the Community Impact Board for a $90,000 water‑development study (unanimous aye by Munford, Mills, O’Driscoll, Long, Foley)
• Approved one‑year lease for White House Academy at $4,500 per month (unanimous aye by Munford, Mills, O’Driscoll, Long, Foley)
• Approved restructuring Victim Advocate program and layoff of two lowest‑tenure staff (unanimous aye by Munford, Mills, O’Driscoll, Long, Foley)
• Agreed to begin soliciting proposals for a small‑home development on city‑owned property near 600 South and 300 East (general agreement, no formal vote recorded)

City Council

The council adopted a motion declaring the meeting a second special budget meeting. Council members approved funding for one pedestrian flashing sign this year (and one next year). The budget was adjusted to add $5,000 for a sales‑tax tracking software, raising its line to $20,000 and offsetting the increase by reducing professional services to $18,000.

• Declared meeting a second special budget meeting (motion adopted)
• Approved funding for one pedestrian flashing sign this year and one next year
• Added $5,000 for sales‑tax tracking software, raising the line to $20,000
• Reduced professional services budget to $18,000 to offset software addition

City Council

The council voted to switch the city’s health insurance to Select Health, citing projected savings of about $123,000. They also approved sponsorship funding for the Dinah‑SOAR Days Balloon Festival and authorized the mayor to issue a notice and hold a public hearing on revoking the license of Moonshine Steakhouse LLC. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved change to Select Health insurance carrier (consensus of council)
• Approved sponsorship funding for Dinah‑SOAR Days Balloon Festival (aye votes from Munford, Mills, Long, Foley)
• Authorized Mayor to issue notice and hold public hearing on revoking Moonshine Steakhouse LLC license (aye votes from Munford, Mills, Long, Foley)
• Approved acknowledgment and approval of special meeting (aye votes from Foley, Munford, Long, Mills)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous vote)

City Council

The council approved the minutes from the April 3 meeting. It then approved the FY2026 tentative budget and set a public hearing for June 18, 2025. The council also approved Ordinance No. 2025-09 to reopen the FY2025 budget. Additionally, the council gave Moonshine Steakhouse 14 days to appear and required the Antlers Inn owner to obtain a State good‑standing letter within two weeks.

• Approved April 3 minutes (4 ayes)
• Approved FY2026 tentative budget and set hearing for June 18, 2025 (4 ayes)
• Approved Ordinance No. 2025-09 (budget reopener) (4 ayes)
• Ordered Moonshine Steakhouse to appear before Council within 14 days
• Ordered Antlers Inn owner to obtain State good‑standing letter within 2 weeks
• Requested three‑month compliance update from Antlers Inn owner

Planning Commission

The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the March 11, 2025 meeting. It also forwarded a positive recommendation to amend Chapter 16.60 of the Master Site Plan (Ordinance No. 2025‑07). Finally, the commission approved a Conditional Use Permit for Debbie Widdison to operate a State Package Agency at 1089 East Highway 40.

• Approved March 11 2025 minutes (7-0)
• Forwarded positive recommendation to amend Chapter 16.60 Master Site Plan (Ordinance 2025-07) (7-0)
• Approved Conditional Use Permit for Debbie Widdison, State Package Agency at 1089 East Highway 40 (7-0)

City Council

The City Council unanimously approved a $20,000 sponsorship for the Vernal Dinosaur Roundup Rodeo, allocating $1,000 for the specialty rodeo and $19,000 for the main event. The council also unanimously adopted Resolution No. 2025-05 to support STRATA Networks' application for federal BEAD funding. Earlier, the council approved the minutes from the March 19 meeting, and then adjourned the session.

• Approved March 19, 2025 council minutes (unanimous)
• Approved $20,000 rodeo sponsorship (unanimous; roll call: Munford aye, O’Driscoll aye, Long aye, Foley aye)
• Approved Resolution No. 2025-05 supporting BEAD grant application (unanimous; roll call: Munford aye, O’Driscoll aye, Long aye, Foley aye)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

City Council

The council approved $850 and $2,000 sponsorships for the Junior Livestock Show and Uintah High School graduation night. It accepted a street right‑of‑way dedication at 325 E & 600 S and approved the final plat for Phase 1 of the American Dream Subdivision. Lease agreements for 120 E Main were also approved, and the council entered and exited a closed session before adjourning.

• Approved March 5, 2025 meeting minutes (4 ayes)
• Approved $850 Junior Livestock Show sponsorship (4 ayes)
• Approved $2,000 Uintah High School graduation night sponsorship (4 ayes)
• Accepted dedication of street right‑of‑way at 325 E & 600 S (4 ayes)
• Approved final plat for Phase 1 of American Dream Subdivision (4 ayes)
• Approved lease agreements for 120 E Main (4 ayes)
• Entered closed session to discuss litigation, property, and personnel matters (4 ayes)
• Adjourned meeting (4 ayes)