October 1st, 2026 - Hanksville Town Council
The Hanksville Town Council convened its regular meeting on the 1st day of October 2026 in the Hanksville Community Center; meeting commenced at 6:00pm.
Present: Mayor Jeffren T. Pei, C. Mona Wells, and C. Shyann Alvey
Absent: C. Peter Devonshire, C. Robert Gilner, Treasurer Jessica Alvey and Maintenance Eric Wells
Employees: Clerk Lisa Wells
Public in Attendance: Dan Thatcher and Adam Wells
Pledge: Mayor Jeffren T. Pei
Prayer: C. Mona Wells
Roll Call: Mayor Jeffren T. Pei
New Business:
None
Tabled Business:
None
Public Comment:
Dan Thatcher submitted his proposal of an ordinance that covers the use of Automatic License Plate Readers. The council will consider his request and continue the discussion at the next work meeting. Dan believes the people in the town should have a vote on when or where the cameras will be installed. He said the ALPR’s do not take a video but 100’s of still shots become a video of people’s movements. The town needs to have control over this. We should ask the WCSO to move the cameras to the edge of the town boundary. The planning commission chair said that the P&Z is for land use ordinances only so she declined to address this issue. Can said that the ALPR’s have the right to be where they are but only because there isn’t an ordinance in place governing the use of ALPR’s.
Planning Commission:
Dan Thatcher reported that Ashton Brian is continuing to work on creating an instruction manual for new members of the planning commission for ease of transfer of duties. Her 3 year commitment to the planning commission is close to ending. The mayor tasked the planning commission to apply for annexing BLM land on both sides of the park, the cemetery and the gun range. He said there is an application to file with the BLM office to annex into town properties.
Hanksville Tourism Advisory Board:
Bittani Wells submitted a letter to clerk email from the Hanksville Business Coalition regarding several items. Responses to the letter - the council discussed that his group does not have a budget but advised them to go find grants on their own, especially TRT money from Wayne County. To submit a request from Hanksville funds the group can submit a request for funding specifically for an event. The mayor would like the group to spend money on tourists who are already in Hanksville and not necessarily focused on spending money to attract more tourists. It is his opinion that there are plenty of influencers already promoting Hanksville and the surrounding areas through social media. He would like to post videos to the town website. The council agreed to the request of the town providing a portable toilet for their upcoming S’mores Stars and Scars event on October 30-31st. The council will discuss this event at the upcoming work meeting. Permission was granted to the business coalition to use the town-owned property of the cemetery, firehouse and town park for the event..
Mayor Jeffren T. Pei:
Greg Johnson may apply for the maintenance position but is willing to work part time. Cameras have been purchased to be installed at the gun range, water tanks and the park. The final inspection for the gun range needs to be scheduled. The rules for the gun range need to be posted along with no camping signs. The speed limit signs have not been installed yet. The rock church needs a 16’ ladder to reach the furnace, Eric Wells will purchase that. Apartment #2 will be done by next week.
Council member Mona Wells:
The DUP ladies will be using the rock church for a Christmas Bazaar they will be hosting. They would also like to create a community calendar. The Bicknell Library is closing, any support for a public library in the county will be appreciated.
Council member Robert Gilner:
ABSENT - Mayor Pei would like C. Robert Gilner to clean up all the property easement issues where utility lines are running through private property. Also, the mayor would like C. Gilner to find the old county road layout of Hanksville and pursue the road 100 South, west past Robert Hoggatt and Justin Ekker. Originally the street went that whole distance but years ago a fence was posted so travel was stopped but the town needs to get back possession of that street. Safety signs and paint are still needed for the roads.
Council member Peter Devonshire:
ABSENT
Council member Shyann Alvey:
She reported on attending the CDBG How to Apply Workshop, currently they are prioritizing critical infrastructure projects but she will continue to pursue funding for the sidewalk and street lights along hwy 95 and SR 24. A stand alone public hearing is required for any project that the town would like funded through CDBG. The public needs to be informed and give input into any projects that are being considered. C. Alvey has contacted Loa Elementary regarding their old playground equipment but has not heard back yet.
The Sober Riders of America Motorcycle charity ride is an option for grant money for the park. They like small communities and projects such as this to donate money towards. C. Alvey will keep pursuing this option.
Maintenance Utility Director Eric Wells:
ABSENT - The town purchased a tractor today and Eric will be picking that up in Washington State. The town will pay him the freight fee to go get that.
Treasurer Jessica Alvey:
ABSENT
Clerk Lisa Wells:
Bills presented to council for approval (spreadsheet attached)
Motion to approve bills: C. Mona Wells; Second Mayor Jeffren T. Pei Aye: All in attendance.
Move the work meeting to Wednesday, October 14th because the clerk will be gone on the 15th.
Motion to adjourn: C. Mona Wells; Second C. Shyann Alvey Aye: All in attendance. The meeting adjourned at 7:48pm.
