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Vernal, UT

Vernal public meetings in 2025

41 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.

Wed Dec 17, 2025

City Council

✓ Decided: Council approved amendment to city personnel PTO cap policy

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.

Wed Dec 3, 2025

City Council

Vernal City Council meets on December 3, 2025

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.

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✓ Decided: Council approves final change order for Silver Spur waterline project

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.

Wed Nov 19, 2025

City Council

Vernal City Council meeting scheduled for November 19, 2025

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

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✓ Decided: Council approved $1,000 event sponsorships and adopted mitigation plan

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.

Tue Nov 18, 2025

Planning Commission

✓ Decided: Planning Commission approved ADU ordinance recommendation to City Council

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.

Mon Nov 17, 2025

City Council

✓ Decided: Council accepted 2025 municipal election canvass

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.

Wed Nov 5, 2025

City Council

✓ Decided: Council approved full‑time hire for utility seasonal worker

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.

Wed Oct 15, 2025

City Council

✓ Decided: City Council unanimously approved annexation of 1787 W 319 S and multiple right-of-way and policy updates

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.

Tue Oct 14, 2025

Planning Commission

✓ Decided: Planning Commission forwards water‑use plan amendment to City Council

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.

Wed Sep 17, 2025

City Council

✓ Decided: Council approved $1,000 sponsorship for Uintah Basin Energy Summit

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.

Wed Sep 17, 2025

City Council

✓ Decided: City Council approved multiple updates to employee leave policies, including PTO shift

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.

Tue Sep 9, 2025

Planning Commission

✓ Decided: Planning Commission recommends reducing PRUD minimum acreage from 3 to 2 acres

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.

Wed Sep 3, 2025

City Council

✓ Decided: Council unanimously approves proceeding with EPA cleanup grant application

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.

Wed Aug 20, 2025

City Council

Procedural meeting with no substantive agenda items

The Vernal City Council meeting on August 20, 2025, contains only procedural boilerplate and no substantive items for discussion or decision. The agenda lists only document references without any agenda items.

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✓ Decided: Council unanimously approved $39,200 water line design change order

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.

Wed Aug 20, 2025

City Council

✓ Decided: Council unanimously approved the special meeting and then adjourned it

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.

Fri Aug 15, 2025

City Council

✓ Decided: City Council voted to remove the Lamplighter Hotel from development plans

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.

Tue Aug 12, 2025

Planning Commission

✓ Decided: Commission approved a full ban on new off‑premise signs (Option 1)

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).

Wed Aug 6, 2025

City Council

✓ Decided: Council approved water‑sewer line contract and funded gazebo relocation

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.

Wed Jul 16, 2025

City Council

Vernal City Council meeting scheduled for July 16, 2025

The provided agenda contains only procedural boilerplate and document links. There are no specific discussion items or decisions listed in the text.

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✓ Decided: City Council unanimously revokes Moonshine Steakhouse LLC business license

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.

Tue Jul 8, 2025

Planning Commission

✓ Decided: Planning Commission approves annexation policy update and zoning code changes

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.

Wed Jun 25, 2025

City Council

Vernal City Council holds joint meeting with county

The agenda is procedural and lists a joint meeting between the city and county. No specific discussion items or decisions are detailed in the provided text.

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Wed Jun 25, 2025

City Council

Vernal City Council holds special meeting on June 25, 2025

The agenda for this special council meeting contains only procedural boilerplate. No specific action items, proposals, or discussion topics are listed in the provided text.

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✓ Decided: Council adopted Vernal's FY2026 budget

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.

Wed Jun 18, 2025

City Council

Vernal City Council meeting agenda for June 18, 2025

The provided agenda contains only procedural boilerplate and document links. No specific discussion items or decisions are listed in the text.

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✓ Decided: Council approves Ordinance No 2025‑14, setting two‑year compliance for nonconforming uses

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.

Tue Jun 10, 2025

Planning Commission

✓ Decided: Planning Commission approved code changes and three new preliminary plats

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.

Wed Jun 4, 2025

City Council

Vernal City Council meeting scheduled for June 4, 2025

The provided agenda is procedural boilerplate and does not list specific discussion items or decisions.

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✓ Decided: Council approved restructuring Victim Advocate program, laying off two staff

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.

Wed May 28, 2025

City Council

Vernal City Council to hold FY 2026 budget work session

The City Council is meeting for a special session to conduct a work session on the FY 2026 budget. The meeting also includes a closed session to discuss an individual's character, professional competence, or health.

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✓ Decided: Council approved funding for new sales‑tax tracking software

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.

Wed May 21, 2025

City Council

Vernal City Council meeting scheduled for May 21, 2025

The provided agenda consists of procedural boilerplate and links to meeting documents. There are no specific action items, proposals, or discussion topics listed in the text.

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✓ Decided: Council approved change to city health insurance carrier

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.

Wed May 7, 2025

City Council

✓ Decided: Council approved FY2026 tentative budget and set June 18 hearing

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.

Tue Apr 8, 2025

Planning Commission

✓ Decided: Planning Commission approved a Conditional Use Permit for a new state liquor store

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.

Wed Apr 2, 2025

City Council

✓ Decided: Council approved $20,000 sponsorship for Vernal Dinosaur Roundup Rodeo

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.

Wed Mar 19, 2025

City Council

✓ Decided: Council approved final plat for Phase 1 of American Dream Subdivision

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.

Tue Mar 11, 2025

Planning Commission

Planning Commission to discuss American Dreams Subdivision Phase 1 preliminary plat

The Vernal Planning Commission will consider a preliminary plat for Phase 1 of the American Dreams Subdivision. The agenda also includes procedural items such as approval of documents. No other substantive items are listed.

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✓ Decided: Planning Commission approves American Dreams subdivision preliminary plat

The Vernal City Planning Commission approved the preliminary subdivision plat for the American Dreams Subdivision, a 15-lot affordable housing project at 256 East 600 South, with a unanimous vote. The commission also denied a sidewalk exemption for the Coca-Cola Master Site Plan, voting 3-2 with one abstention. A discussion on amending the Master Site Plan code was held but no formal action was taken.

Wed Mar 5, 2025

City Council

✓ Decided: Council awards $201,430 airport hangar contract to BHI

The Vernal City Council approved a $2,500 sponsorship for Diamond Mountain Speedway events, awarded a $201,430 airport infrastructure contract to BHI, and approved a $1,500 lease for the Hotel Vernal Haunt. The council also approved the purchase of a street sweeper, appointed Brook Hamilton to the Planning Commission, and approved an agreement for William Reynolds as hearing officer. A discussion on the police vehicle fleet concluded with consensus to move toward purchasing vehicles rather than leasing.

Wed Feb 19, 2025

City Council

Vernal City Council meets with no listed agenda items

The Vernal City Council regular meeting on February 19, 2025, at 6:00 PM includes only a reference to attached documents (agenda PDF and council packet). No specific discussion items, ordinances, resolutions, or public hearings are listed on the agenda.

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Wed Feb 19, 2025

City Council

Joint meeting to discuss water rights and real estate in closed session

The Vernal City Council, Uintah County Commission, and Ashley Valley Water and Sewer Improvement District will hold a special joint meeting. The primary business is a closed session to discuss the purchase, exchange, or lease of real property, including water rights or water shares. No other substantive public business is scheduled.

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✓ Decided: Council holds closed session on water rights, litigation

The Vernal City Council and Uintah County Commission held a special joint meeting that included a closed session to discuss the purchase, exchange, or lease of real property, including water rights, and pending litigation. No substantive decisions were made in open session; the meeting was adjourned after reconvening.

Wed Feb 12, 2025

City Council

Joint City-County meeting to discuss water exchange and downtown plan

The Vernal City Council and Uintah County Commission will hold a special joint meeting to receive updates on a water exchange agreement affecting connections in the Ashley Valley District, the downtown Lamplighter Block planning process, and a presentation on Wildcat Funds (entrepreneur grant). No votes or final decisions are listed; the agenda consists of updates and presentations.

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✓ Decided: Vernal City approves water exchange to enable Ashley Valley connections

The Vernal City Council and Uintah County Commission held a special meeting and approved the water exchange agreement allowing Ashley Valley Water & Sewer Improvement District to issue new water connections using up to 400 acre-feet of Vernal's Red Fleet water. The council also received updates on the Lamplighter property acquisition and planning, a new Wildcat Fund entrepreneur grant program, and legislative matters. No formal votes were taken on these updates.

Tue Feb 11, 2025

Planning Commission

✓ Decided: Planning Commission recommends zoning code update for daycares, short-term rentals, barber shops

The Vernal City Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend amending the zoning code to explicitly allow daycares, short-term rentals, and barber/beauty shops in planned commercial zones. They also recommended rezoning a property at 567 North Vernal Ave from residential to commercial for Jones Leasing, and approved a conditional use permit for Basin Appliance at 1378 West 500 South. All votes were 5-0.

Wed Feb 5, 2025

City Council

Vernal City Council to consider 200 South Waterline Project bid

The Vernal City Council will meet to discuss infrastructure bids and fee updates. The body will consider a bid for the 200 South Waterline Project and a resolution to update building inspection fees for areas outside Uintah County.

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✓ Decided: Council tables $3.5M waterline bid over contractor concerns

The Vernal City Council tabled a decision on the 200 South waterline project bid after concerns were raised about the low bidder, Silver Spur Construction, including a past project where the company allegedly walked off the job. The council also approved $1,000 funding for the Extreme Bull Madness event, a resolution setting Planning Commission meetings, a fee increase for building inspections outside Uintah County, and a new audit agreement. No other substantive decisions were made.

Fri Jan 17, 2025

City Council

Council to consider property purchases and water lease; CDBG hearing set

The Vernal City Council will hold a special meeting to conduct a first public hearing on the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Small Cities Program. The council will also consider approval of purchase agreements for real property and a contract to lease excess city water.

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✓ Decided: Council approves CDBG application for affordable housing

The Vernal City Council held a special meeting on January 17, 2025, and approved two actions. First, they voted to apply for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for affordable housing initiatives, with a potential $400,000 grant. Second, they approved an amended contract with Ashley Valley Water for leasing excess city water. Both motions passed unanimously with the three councilmembers present voting in favor.

Wed Jan 15, 2025

City Council

✓ Decided: Council approves $5.5M water/sewer CIB funding application

The Vernal City Council approved a $5.5 million funding application to the Community Impact Board for waterline and sewer line replacements, including a 70% grant/30% loan request. The council also approved several ordinance amendments, including noise level changes for food truck courts, extended stay hotel revisions, urban livestock updates, and removal of the wainscot requirement. Additionally, they authorized a $2 million sales tax revenue bond, approved a $69,500 engineering agreement for Sage Block improvements, and certified the FY2024 audit.

Tue Jan 14, 2025

Planning Commission

✓ Decided: Planning Commission approves extended stay hotel ordinance changes

The Vernal City Planning Commission forwarded a positive recommendation to the City Council for amendments to the extended stay hotel/motel ordinance, including reduced parking requirements and removal of the 180-day stay cap. The commission also approved conditional use permits for a short-term rental, a flag lot subdivision, and a mixed-use development, and re-elected its chair and vice-chair.

Fri Jan 10, 2025

City Council

Joint meeting to discuss property, water rights, and litigation

The Vernal City Council and Ashley Valley Water and Sewer Improvement District are holding a special joint meeting to approve the meeting and then go into closed session. They will discuss strategy regarding the purchase, exchange, or lease of real property, including water rights or shares, and pending or imminent litigation.

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✓ Decided: Vernal City Council holds special meeting, enters closed session

The Vernal City Council and Ashley Valley Water and Sewer Improvement District held a special meeting on January 10, 2025. The council approved the special meeting and then unanimously voted to enter closed session to discuss real property, water rights, and pending litigation. After reconvening, the meeting was adjourned with no other substantive decisions.