On Thursday, Dec. 5, the Helper City Council met for their monthly council meeting. The council covered a number of their standard topics such as contract approvals and budget-related matters, but also featured the introduction of new administrative staff for the city.

Opening the meeting, the council discussed a potential discount on the utility bill overage for Don Stephens. Stephens explained that while renovating his property in Helper, he had a malfunction with the sprinkler system causing it to use water while no one was living at the property, which in turn racked up an overage charge of $763 Council member David Dornan expressed sympathy, concern about the precedent this could set within the city, a sentiment echoed by council member Edward Chavez. However, Dornan did propose solutions for Stephens, which included a potential payment plan.

Next, the council looked at a potential zoning change from a single-family home to a triplex at 746 Royal Street. This plan received a negative recommendation from the city’s planning and zoning board that this change shouldn’t go through, as well as a negative response from citizens around the house. These negative responses led the council to close the issue, maintaining the Planning and Zoning decision and not allowing the change.

Following this the council approved a continuation of the City’s agreement with Zion’s bank for the ATM on Main Street, citing heavy use making it worth keeping.

The next major item was the approval of a contract between the Rio Theater and West Coast Show Support, which will run from Dec. 28, 2024, to Dec. 27, 2025. The council gushed over the work done by owner Kenny Driggs to transform the building and approved the contract.

Next was another proposed change to the Helper Police Department, with Chief Sean Draper asking the council to switch from Verizon to AT&T services for the department’s phones. He explained that with Verizon, they often found themselves losing phone signal, which also caused devices like their computers to be rendered inoperable due to poor connection. This change would only cost around nine dollars more than their current contract, and allow the department to have access to FirstNet, which gives priority connection to first responders. After hearing this, the council approved the switch unanimously.

The biggest item of the meeting came with the introduction of new administrative staff for the city. Due to the departure of former recorder Zack Tonc, who was recently appointed as Price City’s Treasurer, Helper had to find a new recorder, a job which was awarded to Vikki Ori. Ori previously served as the Carbon County Recorder from 2007 to 2014. Also introduced was Cole Stapley, who resigned from his position on the city council, but will stay with the city presiding over the cemetery, Human Resources, Information Technology, and a myriad other duties.

Closing out the agenda items was the potential approval of an application for the UDOT technical assistance grant, which would require a $4,000 match from the city. This grant would help pay for a master transportation plan to address the roads and streets of Helper. In total, this plan would cost around $65,000, with the city only having to pay $4,000 if awarded the grant. Council Member Bob Olson asked if this plan would take into account Highway 6 and the dangerous conditions there as it runs through the town. It was explained to Olson that although it runs through the city, the city does not own it, therefore the plan would not take it into account. Following this discussion, the application was approved.

This marks the last scheduled meeting of the Helper City Council for 2024, with the next gathering of the body set for Thursday, Jan. 2 at 6 p.m. in the Helper City Council Chambers located at 19 South Main Street. For more information, you can visit the City’s website.