Escalante council adopts new accessory dwelling unit standards and buys a used public works truck for $4,500
October 6, 2026, 6:00 p.m. · Escalante City Council Chambers, 65 North Center Street
At its Oct. 6 meeting, led by Mayor Pro Tempore Chad Lyman because Mayor Melani Torgersen was excused, the Escalante City Council adopted Ordinance 2026-10 revising development standards for accessory dwelling units, including bedroom limits, square footage and building code compliance, and approved buying a used public works truck for $4,500, which Lyman said is cheaper than maintaining the current fleet at about $80,000 per vehicle over the next few years. A council member also raised park lighting for safety. All votes were 4-0. These are draft minutes posted with the Oct. 20 agenda.
From the draft minutes. Updated November 3, 2026.
In brief
3 items came up for a decision or discussion: 2 approved and 1 discussed.
The agenda records 1 dollar amount, the largest $4,500.
This write-up links 3 source documents.
5 members were present and 1 absent (Mayor Melani Torgersen (excused)).
Residents raised park lighting and safety and landfill fence.
The previous City Council meeting was on September 15, 2026: Escalante council donates $300 per student to sixth-grade D.C. trip and applies for state funding for a well water treatment plant
Decisions at a glance
| Item | Result |
|---|---|
| Ordinance 2026-10: accessory dwelling unit development standards | Approved · 4-0 |
| Purchase of a used public works truck | Approved · 4-0 |
| Department and council reports | Discussed |
Agenda, item by item
Item 6.2 · Zoning
Ordinance 2026-10: accessory dwelling unit development standards
Approved · 4-0
Councilmember Woolsey said the planning commission held a public hearing with no concerns. The ordinance amends Chapter 10.22.030 of the zoning code on accessory dwelling units, which the minutes describe as covering bedroom limits, square footage requirements and building code compliance; the posted text lowers the minimum lot size for a detached unit from 14,500 to 11,000 square feet. The council adopted it 4-0.
- Amends zoning code 10.22.030
Item 7.1 · Contract
Purchase of a used public works truck
Approved · 4-0
Mayor Pro Tempore Lyman proposed buying a used truck for $4,500 as a cost-effective alternative to maintaining the current truck fleet, which he said would cost about $80,000 per vehicle over the next few years. Councilmember Stowe recommended the purchase to reduce debt and assigning the truck to a public works employee. The council approved the purchase.
- Purchase$4,500 to Alan Torgersen
- Compares with about $80,000 per vehicle for fleet upkeep over the next few years
Other
Department and council reports
Discussed
The fire department had two callouts, including a medical emergency during the art festival, and confirmed fire restrictions had been lifted. Councilmember Woolsey and the recorder attended a capital improvement meeting on airport plans and are waiting for runway inspection results. Councilmember Stowe raised safety and security concerns about how dark the park is at night and will bring lighting prices to the council. Councilmember Orme said landfill fence construction is scheduled to start soon.
What residents said
Park lighting and safetyLandfill fence
No public comments were offered.