Manti City Council reviews general plan, annexation and community projects

MANTI — The Manti City Council reviewed the city's updated general plan, advanced a proposed annexation and discussed several community projects during its Oct. 14 meeting.

The council also approved minutes from its Sept. 9 meeting and authorized payment of bills for September and the first half of October.

Accessory Buildings

The council unanimously reinstated a zoning provision inadvertently omitted during an earlier ordinance revision. The rule prohibits accessory buildings in residential zones from covering more than 25 percent of a rear yard.

Mayor Mary Wintch said city staff and the fire chief supported restoring the restriction because of neighborhood safety concerns.

General Plan Update

City Planner McKay Muhlestein presented progress on the city's updated general plan. The current draft contains 44 pages, compared with approximately 200 in the previous plan, and includes more graphics and simplified information.

Muhlestein emphasized that the future land-use map provides guidance for potential development rather than establishing new zoning requirements.

"A future land use map is not a zoning map," Muhlestein said. "It's an aspirational map."

Proposals include mixed-use commercial and residential areas, additional housing options such as duplexes, townhomes and tiny homes, continued single-family development and potential commercial expansion north of town. The plan also identifies opportunities to preserve agricultural land.

Housing data presented during the meeting indicated approximately 36 percent of renter households and 20 percent of owner households spend more than 30 percent of their income on housing. Muhlestein said some graphs in the draft need correction.

Other proposals included encouraging apartments on upper floors of Main Street buildings, allowing certain small businesses in residential areas and addressing undersized lots that currently cannot be developed.

Historic preservation prompted discussion about balancing the protection of older buildings with private property rights. One council member opposed requiring property owners to consult the city before demolition, while Wintch supported finding ways to inform owners about preservation grants and restoration options.

No new demolition restrictions were adopted.

Muhlestein expects to submit a revised general plan for possible adoption at the council's next meeting. A separate strategic plan will outline priorities, responsibilities and funding.

Annexation

The council unanimously authorized staff to proceed with an annexation agreement for approximately 15 acres northeast of Manti, adjacent to the North Hills area.

The Gallagher family has petitioned to annex the property, with plans to construct a single-family home. The Planning Commission recommended moving forward.

The council's action does not constitute final annexation approval. Additional steps include required notices, preparation of an agreement and evaluation of water-service and road requirements.

Council members discussed road conditions and the possibility of a special service district that could help property owners share the costs of future paving improvements.

Community Events and Facilities

Manti's annual Halloween Trunk-or-Treat is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 30, from 6 to 8 p.m. on Main Street. Organizers plan improved traffic circulation and setup instructions, with participating vehicles facing the roadway. The city is also accepting candy donations.

Recreation improvements are moving forward. Nine holes have been installed at the Temple Hill-Dugan Hill disc golf course, with plans to eventually expand to 18 holes.

Engineering design for the planned 500 West bike path will continue through the winter, with construction anticipated next summer.

The senior center renovation is nearing completion, and the city hopes to hold an open house around Veterans Day.

City Manager Jason Brown reported that Manti has received the keys to the armory under an agreement allowing its use as a community center while the city works toward acquiring the property from the National Guard.

Brown also discussed a proposed commercial and industrial park north of the county jail. The estimated full buildout cost is approximately $2.5 million, and the city is pursuing grant funding.

Finances and Other Updates

Brown presented the city's financial report for the first quarter of fiscal year 2027, ending Sept. 30.

The general fund recorded approximately $884,516 in revenue and $1.24 million in expenses, with expenses exceeding revenue by approximately $356,705. Brown explained that about $306,000 involved senior center improvements awaiting grant reimbursement.

The city's water, sewer and electric funds each reported revenues exceeding expenses during the quarter.

During public comments, residents expressed support for additional bicycle paths, including a potential connection between Manti and Ephraim. Others raised concerns about road conditions and emergency access near the proposed annexation, parking at the disc golf course and maintaining recreational trail access.

The council concluded its public meeting by voting to enter a closed session.