Manti Council tackles future growth and cemetery safety in Jan. 21 session

MANTI — The Manti City Council has imposed moratoria, not to exceed six months, on annexation proposals and new subdivisions.

The council also imposed a moratorium on approvals of new short-term rentals, such as AirBnBs, while the Planning Commission updates ordinance language.

The actions came during the council’s Jan. 21 meeting at the Manti City Building.

Councilmember Brian Francois raised concerns about enforcement of the short-term rental ordinance, noting that some operators may list properties online without first obtaining a city business license.

City staff explained that short-term rental operators are required to obtain a city business license and establish a state tax identification number for transient room tax collection. If the city becomes aware of noncompliant operations, they said, the city can halt operation of the rentals pending compliance, and may issue notices or citations under city code.

Francois made the motion to adopt the short-term rental moratorium, seconded by Jennifer Christiansen. The vote was unanimous.
The council then addressed the moratoria on annexations and subdivisions.

City Manager Jason Brown said the city’s current code addresses major subdivisions but does not yet define simple or minor subdivisions. The temporary pause will allow staff to draft updated language establishing standards for simple, minor and major subdivisions.

Brown also said new state legislation requires cities to incorporate water planning considerations into their master plans and subdivision ordinances.

Subdivision applications already in process will not be affected by the moratorium, Brown said.

Christiansen made the motion to delay consideration of new subdivisions, seconded by Councilwoman Meagan Johnson. The vote was unanimous.

Likewise, the moratorium on annexations was approved to allow time.

The council also heard a presentation from Jenna Draper of the Utah Inland Port Authority regarding economic development opportunities available to the city.

Draper explained that Manti has designated its south industrial park and selected parcels on the north end of town as inland port project areas.

The Family Dollar parcels have already been “triggered,” meaning the property tax base was frozen prior to development. As property values increase, 25 percent of the property tax revenue continues to flow to traditional taxing entities such as city, school and fire districts, while 75 percent of the increase is directed to the inland port fund for reinvestment within Manti’s designated project areas.

“Whatever is generated here has to be re-spent in projects that will benefit the project area,” Draper said.

Eligible uses include infrastructure improvements such as roads, utilities and power upgrades; municipal purchases of equipment to development areas; and post-performance incentives for businesses that meet negotiated benchmarks, including job creation and capital investment. Draper said she plans to meet with existing Manti businesses to explore expansion opportunities.

The council also approved an ordinance change increasing the maximum allowable headstone height in the Manti City Cemetery from 32 inches to 36 inches, a 4-inch increase from the current limit.

City Manager Brown said the recommendation followed discussions with monument companies and families requesting slightly taller markers.

The discussion addressed maintenance and safety concerns. Councilman A.J. Mower, who previously oversaw cemetery operations, said fallen headstones and frost movement have created ongoing issues.

“There’s so many stones down there that just fall,” Mower said. “You’ll go down on a day and they’ll be tipped over.”

Under the proposed ordinance language, all vertical headstones will be required to be securely pinned to reduce tipping risks. Because the change modifies an ordinance, a public hearing will be required before final adoption.

The motion was to approve the change was made by Councilwoman Mary Pipes and seconded by Johnson. The vote was unanimous.

The council also discussed planning for the America 250 celebration. Manti City has received $1,500 from the State of Utah to support the celebration. Brown reported that fireworks were ordered early to lock in pricing, although costs have increased approximately $1,000 due to tariffs.

The city plans to contribute an additional $2,000 of its own funds for celebration activities, including fireworks and promotional materials.
In her mayoral comments, Winch expressed concern about the scope of legislation being introduced at the state level.

She cited measures affecting street naming authority, water use decisions during drought and accessory dwelling unit regulations, as well as proposed changes to property tax formulas that could affect communities with significant tax-exempt property.