MANTI—Manti held its first-ever live-streamed city council last Wednesday, April 1, giving residents a convenient new way to follow local government.\
Councilman Brian Francois thanked city staff for making the live streams possible. Roughly 10 people tuned in remotely, with numbers expected to grow as more residents learn about the service. Links are available on the Manti City website.

Officials said the live streams will help families with small children and anyone who prefers not to drive at night.

New Lighted Crosswalk Coming

A lighted crosswalk will be installed at 400 North and Main Street before school starts in the fall. The city worked with UDOT, which agreed the crossing is needed for safety. Pedestrian-activated buttons will be placed on both sides of Main Street.

Manti share expenses for powder-coating the crosswalk and will cover ongoing power costs. The design will be similar to one near Snow College.

Economic Development Efforts

The council and Mayor Mary Wintch continue exploring ways to strengthen Manti’s economy. Several city-owned properties have drawn interest, and discussions are underway with a reinvestment agency on ways to support local businesses. Grants for start-ups and improvements could become available. More details are expected in the coming months.

Proposal for Eva Beal Auditorium

Denise Hagemeister and Nathan Brown, representing DPAC (Discovering Potential through Arts Creativity), presented a plan to help manage and upgrade the Eva Beal Auditorium.

Both are active in community theater for adults and children, and praised Manti’s affordable rental rates for the venue. They noted the arts scene is growing across Sanpete County.

While the auditorium is well-loved, Brown said it “needs to be managed and repaired.” DPAC offered to take on that responsibility.

With the Towne Theater in Ephraim closing, its owners plan to donate chairs, sound equipment, acoustic wall treatments and drapes to DPAC, which would then donate the items to the auditorium.

Council discussion revealed the seating capacity would drop from about 270 to 230 seats, but the new chairs would be in better condition than the current ones and the auditorium could include wheelchair-accessible spaces.

Mayor Wintch asked whether DPAC’s umbrella of theater and arts groups across Sanpete County would all use the facility. She expressed concern about potential conflicts with city business and council meetings in the same building. DPAC assured the council that all groups and schedules would be coordinated with the city.

DPAC requested a decision by the next meeting, as the Ephraim theater closes next month and storage will be needed for the donated items.

Spring Cleaning and Maintenance

The discussion quickly turned to spring cleaning. An unusable organ and a sink need removal from the auditorium along with 65-year-old files stored upstairs in the city building.

City spring clean-up bins for residents will be available April 15 through May 15. Councilwoman Mary Pipes asked for a third bin for metal, noting the single small bin last year was insufficient.

The council reminded residents that tires, batteries and refrigerators cannot be placed in the city bins.

Drought Concerns and Fire Safety

With drought conditions this year, city staff will prioritize watering trees on public property and allow grass to go brown if needed—except in the cemetery.
Fire Chief Elliott Anderson urged residents to clear dry weeds from empty lots, fences and around homes, including city-owned property. He asked neighbors to encourage one another to maintain their properties.

Personal fireworks and the city’s own display may be restricted due to high fire danger. Officials also warned about the risk of drones colliding with fireworks during attempts to capture photos or video.

Other Business

• Sewer lines east of Main Street to 300 East will be cleaned next week. Residents are asked to keep toilet seats down during that time.
• Councilwoman Jenn Christiansen reported the first Youth City Council meeting had been held. New high school student members will be accepted until April 7. The program offers hands-on civics experience.
• Several council members attended Utah Municipal Power Agency (UMPA) meetings. Councilman A.J. Mower praised UMPA’s management, which keeps Manti’s electrical rates low.
• Christiansen noted the city might face power rate increases due to low water levels at Glen Canyon Dam, which supplies 20% of the city’s power.
• She also mentioned data centers are moving into rural areas with their own power and water, limiting cities’ control if located on private land.
• Councilwoman Mary Pipes said the John Patten House Museum is being prepared for summer tours and will open soon. She also noted the U.S. Forest Service national headquarters are moving from Washington D.C. to Salt Lake City, which should improve local management of forest lands.
• Upcoming Public Hearings
• Public hearings will be held Wednesday, April 15 at 6:30 p.m. on three issues:
• Short-term rentals
• Accessory dwelling units
• New cemetery ordinance

Proposed language is available at city offices. Future updates under consideration include the fire code and construction standards for city vendors.