Helper City Council Meeting, In a concise yet productive meeting held on Thursday, June 20, Helper City Council addressed several key issues, including budget revisions, event approvals, and exciting new recreational projects. With all council members present, including Councilman Cole Stapley who joined via Zoom, the council navigated through a packed agenda.
Help Me Grow Event
A significant highlight was the council’s unanimous decision to waive rental fees for the upcoming ‘Help Me Grow’ event, organized by United Way of Eastern Utah. Scheduled to take place at the Helper Auditorium, this family-friendly event aims to provide parents and children with engaging activities while offering valuable information on local resources. The council’s approval to waive all associated rental fees underscored their commitment to community support and family engagement.
Next on the docket was the proposed road closure for Main Street on August 2, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., for August’s First Friday event. Hosted by Kilpatrick Art Garage and Utah Power Credit Union, this event is not just a social gathering but a fundraiser aimed at rehabilitating the Castle Gate cemetery. The plan includes placing a historical marker, adding benches, graveling pathways, and thoroughly cleaning the cemetery. The council’s approval of the road closure paves the way for a day filled with art activities and community participation, all for a noble cause.
Mayor Addresses Budget Concerns
Mayor Lenise Peterman raised a crucial financial issue, expressing alarm at the outstanding negative balance for the 2023-24 budget. In response, she had promptly contacted Helper City Recorder Zack Tonc for clarification. Tonc explained to the council that the budget currently lacked four months of sales tax revenue, which wouldn’t be received until September. However, the budget would be backdated to reflect this incoming revenue, offering some reassurance amidst the fiscal concerns.
Recreational Developments Announced
The meeting also saw council members providing updates on various initiatives. Among the most anticipated news was the announcement that new pickleball nets had been delivered and would soon be installed, signaling the city’s commitment to enhancing recreational facilities. Mayor Peterman further shared that The Helper Project would fund the re-cementing of the basketball court in memory of Tom Williams, and also purchase new umbrellas for Main Street and the Helper City Pool, enhancing the aesthetic and functionality of these public spaces.
Councilman Stapley added to the good news by informing the council that the Helper City Pool had received approval to hire staff as young as 15 years old, enabling the pool to extend its hours of operation and better serve the community.
Concluding the meeting, Mayor Peterman called for a closed session to discuss undisclosed matters, thus adjourning the public session.
In a blend of addressing immediate community needs and planning for future improvements, Helper City Council’s actions reflect a balance of fiscal responsibility and a proactive approach to enhancing the quality of life for its residents. The upcoming pickleball courts and other recreational projects improvements promise to bring renewed energy to the community, even as they navigate through budgetary challenges.
News In Brief: Helper City Council Meeting
On June 20, Helper City Council held a meeting addressing budget revisions, event approvals, and new recreational projects. Key decisions included waiving rental fees for the ‘Help Me Grow’ event by United Way of Eastern Utah and approving a Main Street closure for a fundraiser benefiting the Castle Gate cemetery.
Mayor Lenise Peterman highlighted budget concerns, noting a temporary negative balance due to pending sales tax revenue expected by September. The council received updates on recreational improvements, including the arrival of new pickleball nets and plans for re-cementing the basketball court, funded by The Helper Project. The council also approved hiring younger staff for the city pool to extend its hours.
The meeting concluded with a closed session to discuss undisclosed matters. Overall, the council balanced addressing immediate community needs with planning future enhancements, despite budget challenges.
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