Logan council elects Johnson 2026 chair, adopts bar license pool and wildfire code, previews $49 million Public Works building and airport authority exit
December 2, 2025, 5:30 p.m.
The council voted 3-0 with one abstention to elect Mike Johnson chair for 2026 and Ernesto López vice chair, adopted a wildland-urban interface code 4-0, combined bar and tavern licenses into one pool of nine 3-0-1, and approved $31,528 in police overtime reimbursements. Workshops previewed withdrawing from the Logan-Cache Airport Authority, a rezone at 920 North 200 West and a $49.3 million appropriation for a new Public Works building. The seat of Mark Anderson, who resigned to become mayor, remained vacant.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Roads and utilities
Energy update
Discussed
Light & Power Resource Manager Tyson Godfrey reported a 100-megawatt peak load and a power shortfall until April 2026, with the regional day-ahead market going live May 1, 2026. Over three months the mix was 18 percent renewable, 58 percent dispatchable and 25 percent market. Sunnyside coal (5 MW) is permanently offline at no city payment, the Nebo gas plant runs at half capacity until April, and a 10-megawatt Sub 9 generator is targeted for April 2026. New firm resources include Fremont Solar and battery (10 MW solar, 5 MW battery, by December 2027), Millard County peaking (26.25 MW) and Power County gas (15 MW, by 2031). Potential resources include 8 megawatts of lagoon solar, a Cache County solar and storage project denied zoning by the county, and 2 megawatts of geothermal.
Parks
RAPZ projects update
Discussed
Parks and Recreation Director Russ Akina said RAPZ funds run $400,000 to $440,000 a year across nine projects, including the outdoor recreation complex parking, the Middle Canal trail culvert, Maple View Park playgrounds, the Trapper Park bridge (installation December 8-18), an aquatic center boiler, a disc golf pavilion and the Main Street underpass at 600 South, due in spring.
Other
2026 council chair election
Approved · 3-0-1
López moved and Amy Anderson seconded electing Vice Chair Mike Johnson as 2026 chair; it passed 3-0 with Amy Anderson abstaining. Amy Anderson had reservations about choosing leaders before the vacancy is filled. Johnson then moved and Anderson seconded electing López vice chair, which passed 4-0.
Item 1 · Budget
CDBG program year 2026 action plan initiation (public hearing)
Discussed
Community Development Director Mike DeSimone said anticipated CDBG funding is about $560,000, with 60 percent for suitable living environment, 20 percent for public service capacity and 20 percent for planning and administration. The adoption hearing is April 21. Informational only; no one spoke.
Item 2 · Public safety
Wildland Urban Interface Code, Ordinance 25-21 (public hearing)
Approved · 4-0
The council adopted the 2006 Utah Wildland-Urban Interface Code, required by House Bill 48 (2025). Fire Chief Nate Thompson said the state has not released its high-risk map, so the city's boundary is an estimate, no existing buildings are in the high-risk zone, and adoption keeps the city in the Cooperative Wildfire System. Gail Yost asked about a fire descending toward 100 East; Thompson said that area is low risk.
Item 3 · City code
Bar and tavern licenses, Ordinance 25-22 (public hearing)
Approved · 3-0-1
The council combined bar and tavern licenses into one pool of one per 6,000 residents (nine) and added a 350-foot spacing rule for new bars and taverns, with existing establishments grandfathered; six licenses are issued. Ben Keeney, Lin Stewart, Carrie Bentley and Chris Bentley spoke in favor; Linda Johnson supported the change but opposed the proximity limit. Vice Chair Johnson said his primary concern was the negative effects of alcohol and abstained. Council Member Amy Anderson said licensed establishments offer more control than unchecked drinking at home; Mayor Daines said bars generally avoid overserving; López said the city should neither create nor overly restrict nightlife.
Item 4 · Budget
Budget adjustment, Resolution 25-47 (public hearing)
Approved · 4-0
The council appropriated $31,528 in reimbursements for police overtime shifts. No one spoke.
- Payment$31,528
Item 5 · Other
Workshop: withdrawal from the Logan-Cache Airport Authority, Resolution 25-46
Discussed
City Attorney Craig Carlston said a 1992 interlocal agreement allows withdrawal with or without cause by resolution, subject to a six-month wait that the county could waive. Mayor Daines cited projected capital costs, possibly $5 million to $10 million for master plan projects, and said one entity directing the airport is more efficient. The city would keep zoning authority and a board seat, and assets would split 50/50 if the airport closed. Vice Chair Johnson called $100,000 a year steep and questioned whether the county is best positioned; Council Member Amy Anderson was not opposed; Chair Simmonds said the airport needs a board invested in it. Action was set for December 18.
Item 6 · Zoning
Workshop: 920 North 200 West rezone from MR-12 to COM, Ordinance 25-23
Discussed
YABC, LLC asked to rezone 2.52 acres in the Bridger Neighborhood to Commercial, to allow an 8-foot perimeter fence and future building expansion and convert the building to offices. Staff recommended denying COM and approving Community Commercial instead, noting COM allows about 45 permitted uses including gas stations and pawn shops. The Planning Commission voted 6-0 on November 13 to recommend denial. A 1997 conditional use permit remains valid. Action was set for December 18.
- Applicant: YABC, LLC
- Acres: 2.52
- Current zone → proposed: MR-12 → COM (staff recommended CC)
- Planning Commission: recommended denial 6-0, November 13, 2025
Item 7 · City code
Workshop: storm water violation fees, Ordinance 25-24
Discussed
Planner Russ Holley proposed a new section of the Land Development Code, 17.60.440.5, matching state code on storm water violation fees so future state changes apply. The Planning Commission recommended approval 6-0 on November 13. Action was set for December 18.
Item 8 · Budget
Workshop: Public Works building budget adjustment, Resolution 25-48
Discussed
Finance Director Richard Anderson previewed $39,265,437 for a new Public Works building, $10,000,000 so the Electric Fund can buy the existing building, and $11,565 for police overtime. With earlier appropriations the project totals about $54 million. The service center roof needs replacement and federal seismic grants were not approved. Public Works Director Paul Lindhardt said the existing center services nearly all city equipment and some new vehicles do not fit. Fleet Manager Mike Beckstead said one winter outdoors costs four to five times annual maintenance. Chair Simmonds raised earthquake and roof concerns and Council Member López asked for a visual presentation. Action was set for December 18.
- Budget$39.3 million
- Purchase$10.0 million
- Payment$11,565
What residents said
Bicycle and pedestrian advocacyCouncil vacancy
Paul Rogers expressed disappointment that the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee was dissolved and asked for a similar committee in 2026.