Brian McNary reports on the Dec 4 meeting. He noted that “on this agenda, City Department Reports came first. I love the utility of that. Since the Public Forum comes next, that means we can get up and say something useful about what was said during the report section. I often have a lot to say but I usually chicken out and remain seated.”

Lynn Williams (not to be confused with Lynda) sat down with Mayor Justin Sip recently to ask questions concerning our new bypass road.  Rumors have circulated on this subject. With this short post he hopes to clear up some of the questions. Lynn concludes with, “Hope to see you on the new road in April.  Drive safe and watch for falling rocks.”

Kathy Bence reports on the Nov 20 city council meeting. There were three important issues covered at this meeting. Two of them were triggered by state requirements. She observes that while Toquerville is still small, whatever the state mandates will have less negative impact than it would on a larger city.

Kathy Bence reports on the Nov 6 City Council meeting. The council discussion included water, reuse water, the fire district, bypass considerations, bypass change orders, and lots of grading.

Michelle Peot breaks down the Truth in Taxation Hearing for the Washington County Fire District. At the hearing, County Commissioner and 2024 candidate, Gil Almquist, stated that the commissioners are entitled to spend 47% of Transient Room Tax (TRT) revenue on tourism marketing. In fact, we have so much money earmarked for marketing, that event organizers can apply for marketing grants. Is marketing the best use of tax revenue especially when the fire district needs money for salaries?

Lori Cole reports on the October 16 City Council meeting. As part of the discussion, it was brought up that Toquerville ordinances are only enforced “by complaint”, meaning that if you observe a violation of an ordinance, you must make a complaint before the city will address it. There is no parking enforcement officer on staff, and the code enforcement officer is not driving around looking for citizens breaking ordinances.  This is literally called Enforcement by Complaint. 

Lori Cole reports on the October 2 City Council meeting. Among other things, it was reported that the south side of the Toquerville Bypass is within 2 to 3 weeks of being completed. For those of us who still see a massive pile of rocks and what appears to be a still-unstable hillside, we are both relieved and skeptical.

Alex Murphy says that Holding Out HELP (HOH) will hold two Southern Utah fundraisers in November.  HOH’s vision is to “Empower Polygamy Survivors to Thrive” — specializing in those transitioning out of polygamous communities.

Lynda Williams reported on the September 18 city council meeting. There was a presentation about Constitution Day, Toquerville’s royalty, and how to fund the Hurricane Valley Fire District. The public forum was interesting and lively. There was more action related to the 1/2 acre agricultural zone change that now allows two homes on what was once a one-acre lot.

Lynda Williams reports on the September 4 council meeting. There were updates on the bypass, Confluence Park, code enforcement, water, and items involving the Firelight development. One of the signs we all see on Toquer Blvd was brought up during the public forum.

Lynda Williams reports on the August 21 City Council meeting. A new city manager was approved: Ben Billingsley. Hostels were discussed under allowable use for the Business and Manufacturing Zones. Conflict of interest disclosures for city officials and employees was also on the agenda.

Brian McNary reports on the August 7 council meeting. He sums it up with one word: Housekeeping. Also, Jason Leavitt has been making progress on ordinance enforcement with only one or two residents digging their heels in. A few residents were upset about blasting on the bypass and getting dusted.

Brian McNary makes a case for why landowners should not be allowed to prevent public access to a right of way that is not theirs to close. This is happening in Toquerville.

Kathy Bence reported that water was the major focus of the July 17 City Council meeting. Toquerville officially came in line with the WCWCD Excess Water Use Surcharges. Forty-dollar chickens also made an appearance and, thankfully, it will be their last.

Brian McNary reports that the July 3 meeting included a resignation from the City Manager, Afton Moore, a bypass update, and talk of taxes from the fire district being passed onto tourists. Brian points out that politicians and emergency services love to tax out of towners. It keeps local residents happy while violating the 1700’s theme of “no taxation without representation.”

DC Young shares some history about the naming of Toquerville’s main street, Toquer Blvd, and the falls that aren’t really in Toquerville and often go by the wrong name. In addition to remembering Chief Toquer, we should also remember Twin Falls.

Kathy Bence covers this June 20 meeting included Planning Commission changes, public comments naming city problems, & a rebuttal to the public comments. The meeting covered fixing the bypass, and giving Firelight the go ahead in a small way despite the bypass not being complete.

A former Toquerville Mayor and current Business Manager for the Hurricane Valley Fire District, has been indicted by a Washington County Grand Jury.

Kathy Bence comments on a few council meetings including June 5. Based on a film showing a landslide at the bypass's entrance and the remaining boulder, it may take some time before the bypass is opened. While this particular landslide did not occur before the council meeting, the issue and potential solutions were mentioned.

Besides informing city officials, publicly sharing our concerns enables others to be informed and perhaps influenced. The YouTube views for these meetings range from 40 to more than 200. So while you may think you’re speaking to a near-empty room, you’re not.