To take or not to take was a question that should have been asked before the road was being built, and certainly before council members granted a zone change as a way to pay Robert Lichfield back. However, now, with the Bypass Road having been built on the property owned by the Robert Browning Lichfield Family Limited Partnership, the question that should have been asked is a moot point. Getting back on track requires the city to “take” or condemn the remaining property needed for the road and on which they have already built a portion of the road, and to rescind the Highway Commercial zoning that was an illegal favor, or “payment”, for land.

Lori Cole reports on the June 4 City Council meeting. The list of candidates is available for the mayor and city council openings. The election will be held November 4. This council meeting included an important discussion and vote on whether to grant a zone change that would have allowed higher-density housing than currently allowed, and in an area not intended for residential housing. These high density “roof tops'“ would have been in the commercial zone.

Barry Chandler reports that the Utah State Senate awarded a study of Utah’s critical infrastructure materials to Stantec. In their 2025 report, Stantec determined that Interstate’s quarry in LaVerkin is on land not suitable for future mining operations. They made this determination because of changes in the community and values placed on the land.

Lynda Williams reports on the May 21 City Council meeting that included a presentation on mosquito abatement. There were public comments, including a public comment and discussion on the budget as part of a public hearing. There was lengthy consideration of the possible Browse solar project. Also, discussion about a request to use PID money as part of a performance guarantee. A nightly rental application was reviewed and approved with conditions.

Brian McNary concludes that LaVerkin chickened out. Thirty-one concerned Toquerville residents and other concerned parties showed up to the Planning and Zoning meeting regarding Interstate Rock’s application for critical infrastructure protection. However, the LaVerkin City Attorney came outside and announced that the Planning and Zoning Committee had removed this item from their agenda. A police officer come outside to bar the door.

Michelle Peot asks why Celeste Maloy and the WashCo County Commissioners have withheld from the public the location of ~11,500 acres of WashCo public land included in proposed sales.  Representative Maloy’s amendment provides a backdoor method to sell off our public lands without public input. Why all of the secrecy?

Lynda Williams reports on the May 7 Council meeting that was packed with Toquerville residents who are concerned about the intention of Interstate Rock to become a Critical Infrastructure Materials Protection Area. The meeting also considered whether the city should create a power department, and considered an agreement with the Water District.

Interstate Rock has requested a designation as a “Critical Infrastructure Materials Protection Area.” This will allow them to mine sand and gravel at will—with little regulation—right up to their property boundaries. Boundaries which are only feet from homes in Toquerville and a piece that touches Toquer Blvd.

Brian McNary reports on the April 16 City Council meeting. On the agenda was a Nightly Rental, Master Plan Development Overlay clarifications, a letter of support for a state bill involving taxes for emergency services, and discussions on the tentative budget.

Brian McNary reports on the April 2 City Council meeting: “With only 5 items on the April 2 City Council business agenda, I thought this meeting would go quickly. Not only was I wrong- but I was once again reminded that I am no latter-day Nostradamus.”

Michelle Peot shares information related to our local fire risks and how to protect our community. “The fire conditions that occurred in Los Angeles are not all that different from here: dry underbrush, drought, urban/wildland interfaces, and high winds.”

Kathy Bence reports on the March 19 City Council meeting. An Annexation Policy Plan and Subdivision Submittal Policy were both passed. The majority of the time was spent on the 2025-2026 budget which will be a topic of discussion at future meetings.

Kathy Bence covers the March 5 city council meeting. Votes were cast on change orders and resolutions. The change orders involve the Toquerville Parkway Project. The resolutions that passed are for the Strategic Plan and a revenue pledge agreement with the Washington County Sheriff.

A Toquerville resident is the suspect responsible for multiple burglaries and thefts in the area. Police searches have led to the recovery of more than $50,000 in stolen goods, including Toquerville’s radio station equipment (97.3 FM).

Lori Cole reports on the February 19 city council meeting. “Right out of the chute, the council debated a new 300k invoice/change order received for traffic control on the bypass project.”

Lori Cole reports on the February 5 council meeting. Among the topics discussed were grading for the Boulder Ridge Development, more money for the bypass, and a parking ordinance.

Lynda Williams reports on the January 15 City Council meeting. The bulk of the meeting covered locked gates and Firelight’s request for changes. The LA fires came up in several of these discussions.

Lynn Williams expresses his concern over locked gates that he says are illegal on many levels. He has watched while 3 Mayors, 2 City Lawyers and numerous City Councilmen have kicked this subject down the road many times and so far absolutely nothing has been done.

Kathy Bence shares a story about some notebooks. She writes that, “For more than a year we asked about our notebooks. We asked why the city council couldn’t see them? Which law prohibits a city council from seeing public documents assembled by their constituents? ”

Brian McNary is pleased to report on a very short council meeting on Dec 18:

“Any time you can get out of a city council meeting in under 45 minutes- it is a good day. My wife offered up a tin of cookies to the council before the meeting started. It was a subtle bribe but I think it may have helped.

Pretty straight forward stuff, very little discussion, and no filibusters.”