Vernal City Council approves $501,562 airport terminal design and $158,316 water upgrade

The Vernal City Council voted unanimously on Oct. 7 to approve a $501,562 design contract for expanding the Vernal Regional Airport terminal and a $158,316.35 contract to upgrade the city's water system controls, according to the approved minutes. Councilmember Ted Munford was absent, and the four members present voted aye on each roll call. ^[1][2]

Airport Director Ken Campbell said the airport won federal grant funding after several years of effort. The original proposal was to replace the terminal, but an expansion proved more feasible. The expansion would add about 6,000 square feet on the northeast side, with seating for about 100 more passengers, a second gate and more restrooms past the security checkpoint. Task Order No. 1 covers full architectural design and construction-ready plans. Campbell said the federal reimbursement rate falls from 95 percent to 90 percent next fiscal year, so he asked to move the design into the current year, leaving a local share of about $25,000. Construction is estimated at about $4 million, with 90 percent expected from federal funds, and Campbell said approving the task order does not commit the city to construction. City Manager Quinn Bennion said Uintah County had approved the task order the day before. ^[1]

Water Superintendent Ivan Merrell asked the council to waive competitive bidding and hire Dorsett Controls for upgrades to the supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system, which monitors and controls water operations. He said $170,000 was budgeted, the Ashley Valley Water and Sewer Improvement District already uses the same provider, and a common vendor could help future coordination of valley water services. The work includes new software, replacement hardware at monitoring sites and a vendor-hosted server. Merrell said the current system is outdated and does not meet cybersecurity standards, and the upgrade would let staff monitor and adjust the system remotely. Cellular monitoring sites carry a $15-per-site fee plus hosting costs. After the vote, Councilmember Randel Mills asked for more information on ongoing monthly service and hosting costs. ^[1]

Bennion presented a concept for a clock and bell tower in the new Community Plaza, funded by an anonymous donor who approached Uintah County to recognize volunteers, particularly firefighters, search and rescue personnel and Chamber of Commerce volunteers. The donor expects to pay for construction and a local stone exterior at roughly $200,000 to $300,000, possibly more, potentially through Charitable Friends of Ashley Valley, and the tower would become city property. The design is about 60 feet tall with clocks on four sides and a functional bell, planned near the farmers market building and food truck court, with construction hoped for summer 2027. The council voted unanimously to approve the conceptual design by MHTN Architects and continue planning. ^[1]

On the Lamplighter Hotel, the city's purchase agreement gives previous owners 30 days after tenants leave at the end of November to salvage furnishings. Bennion said asbestos abatement is expected to begin in January and demolition is tentatively set for March or April. Council members supported a public silent auction of remaining items, such as original wooden doors and decorative lighting, in late December or early January; no formal action was taken. ^[1]

In staff reports, Bennion said an informational meeting the previous evening on a proposed annexation along Aggie Boulevard and Main Street, about 135 acres and 35 homes, drew five residents who generally remained opposed. Public Works Director Keith Despain said the city's $4 million Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership application had advanced to national consideration, and reported on road, trail and water projects. ^[1]