February 5, 2026 - Hanksville Town Council

The Hanksville Town Council convened its regular meeting on the 5th day of February 2026 in the Hanksville Community Center; meeting commenced at 6:00pm.

Present: Mayor Jeffren T. Pei, C. Robert Gilner, C. Mona Wells  and C. Peter Devonshire.

Absent: C. Eric Wells and Treasurer Jessica Alvey

Employees: Clerk Lisa Wells 

Public in Attendance:  Slate Banner, Ashton Brian, Deanna Mecham Kurt Thomas

Pledge: Mayor Jeffren T. Pei

Prayer: C. Peter Devonshire

Roll Call: Mayor Jeffren T. Pei

Motion to approve minutes from the January council meeting: C. Mona Wells; Second C. Robert Gilner Aye: All in attendance.

New Business: NONE

Public Comment: 

Pete Devonshire mentions that he saw on facebook that there was a request for a clothes exchange and he suggested that a metal bin be placed at the town community center for that purpose.  The council discussed that and will leave it for the food bank representative - Sandy Bell to figure out since it was her idea.

Deanna Mecham - The Daughters of the Utah Pioneers (DUP) group would like to help the old church with figuring out a sound barrier.  They discussed a stage curtain and also sound absorbers on the walls or ceiling.  The mayor said he would research some ideas.  The DUP is willing to pay for this.  They are also still trying to get the pioneer wagon picture that was donated to the town framed and hung on the wall at the old church.  Deanna is also starting a community garden if anybody wants to help.

Tabled Business: NONE

Hanksville Tourism Advisory Board:  Kurt Thomas gave an update on events and upcoming projects that they are working on. The board meets the last Monday of each month at 7pm.

• Hanksville Adventure Guide Booklet - printed guide with an optional of local business advertising to offset printing costs.

• Outdoor Information Station - large physical map with QR codes linking digital navigation and updated resources. Discussed UTV/OHV trail riding or Jeep Safari ideas.

• Business Survey Initiative

• Grant opportunities & park collaboration - identify the council member overseeing the park and explore collaboration on grant applications.

Planning Commission:

• Becky Rasmussen Property - 7 short term rentals request on property

  • Access point to property and how would town utilities be extended to that property were discussed

  • Discussion of applicable ordinances 3.1.6

    • There shall be no cap for short-term rental

    • The feasibility of enforcing a cap shall be reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission once every 12 months.

    • Appendix - short term rentals are allowed on all zoning types

The planning commission are reviewing materials provided by R6 in regards to annexation plans from other comparable towns and updated annexation guide. They expect to make assignments to complete the plan and a map.

 Mayor Jeffren T. Pei:

The mayor is assigning maintenance, Anthony Jones to 1 day at the park and 3 days working on the roads.  A citizen had concerns about the town water and whether it is safe to drink.  The required Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) has been completed and will be available to any consumers regarding Hanksville water and all the required testing within the last year.  There have also been complaints about lights that are too bright.  

The painting is almost complete at the town housing by Sotero Torres.  The linoleum needs to be replaced in the bathroom of Apt #2. The tenants need to be reminded of what is in their rental contract regarding parking of cars at the housing.  A new roof on Apt #1 is also on the list for repairs and there was discussion about that process.

C. Peter Devonshire asked the mayor if the town housing sells what is the intent of use of the proceeds from the sale.  The mayor would apply that to a new bigger community center that he outlined at the last council meeting. 

The mayor would like to implement a resort tax.  He said we currently have a 1% tax but could increase that to 2.5% and also implement a highway tax of .33%.

Council member Mona Wells:

Nothing to report.

Council member Robert Gilner:

He is requesting a bid from Brown Brothers Construction and Dennis Lierd II Construction regarding the Bull Creek crossing  with a sidewalk and fencing.  There was discussion regarding the street 80 East, it currently has a sharp drop off on the edge of the road and would last longer if this was addressed by hauling dirt and grading it so it gradually tapers off.  The council talked about a stock piling of road base at the park.

Council member Peter Devonshire:

He met with Eric Wells and discussed how to use the extra money from the sewer lagoon project.  That has already been decided with Ensign Engineering and they have proceeded with a master water inventory and the remainder will be used for cleaning and video inspection of the sewer lines.  They discussed putting out to bid the old extended reach Bobcat. This would be a sealed bid process and the town could set a minimum bid price.  C. Devonshire will be in contact with the engineers regarding that water storage tank project.

Council member Eric Wells: ABSENT

Treasurer Jessica Alvey: ABSENT

Clerk Lisa Wells:

• Bills presented to council for approval (spreadsheet attached)

• Motion to approve bills: C. Robert Gilner; Second C. Mona Wells. Aye: All in attendance

Motion to adjourn: C. Robert Gilner; Second C. Mona Wells. Aye: All in attendance. The meeting adjourned at 7:58pm.