By Jennelle Zajac, For Iron County Today
The meeting began with public comments, featuring an update from Nancy Dalton, the coordinator for Utah’s Patchwork Parkway (Highway 143). She shared exciting news about securing a grant for the project, and expressed gratitude for the council’s continued support.
Cedar City Hospital and Canyon View Clinic Update
Jamison Robinette, President of Cedar City Hospital, provided an update, highlighting significant facility growth and increased patient volumes, with a growing percentage of patients from Parowan. He emphasized the hospital’s commitment to serving the local communities, noting over $9 million in charity care and a total community benefit exceeding $90 million annually. The hospital has seen double-digit growth in most services and is undergoing a $60 million capital expansion over the next five years, including an ER expansion and a cancer center expansion. Cedar City Hospital has been recognized as a Top 20 hospital by the National Rural Health Association for 11 consecutive years. Key community needs identified in a recent assessment include behavioral health access, social determinants of health, and transportation. The hospital is also initiating programs to address the prevalence of suicide in Iron County.
Parowan and Brian Head Area Chamber of Commerce Report
Jed Sudweeks, Vice President, and Tricia Harris, Executive Director of the Parowan and Brian Head Area Chamber of Commerce, presented their semi-annual report. They highlighted their focus on Chamber membership, business support, and providing resources for small businesses. The Chamber hosts monthly meetings, organizes “shop local” campaigns, and actively promotes members on social media. Community events like Winter Wonderland and Hometown Holiday were mentioned, along with a new “Cinnamon Roll Stroll” initiative aimed at increasing downtown traffic. The Chamber has also been successful in securing multiple grants for tourism, beautification, and economic development. Notably, Parowan Main Street has achieved Tier 2 affiliate status with the Main Street USA project, enabling them to apply for community grants on behalf of the city.
City Staff Reports
Visitor Center and Events Update
Jet Smith, Events Coordinator and Visitor Center Director, provided an overview of her role in keeping the community engaged through various events. Highlights included the Parowan Swap Meet (over 2,000 attendees), the Fun Run Car Show, and the July Concert Series. She also mentioned the Parowan Half Marathon and the popular Scarecrows on Main event, which had over 100 displays. Fall Fest on Main and Christmas in the Country were also noted as growing traditions. Future events include Parowan’s birthday celebration, the Memorial Day program, scavenger hunts, and welcoming the Gloider Festival on June 15th. Jet noted that the Parowan Theater is functioning well, with a goal to establish a full schedule a year in advance.
Library Update
Cori Adams, Library Director, reported on the Parowan Library’s services, including its state certification and free offerings like copying, faxing, and Wi-Fi. The library provides a free online library app for magazines and audiobooks, and a Little Free Library across Center Street. They offer various programs for children, including story times with animal visitors, word-of-the-week activities, and games that can be checked out. The library is also involved in community initiatives like the Utah Every Kid Outdoors challenge. The library is also a headquarters for the Parowan Prevention Coalition and is working on an America 250 Family Pool Day event. The summer reading program theme for 2026 is “Unearth a Story,” and the Pizza Hut “Book It” program is being revived. The library has been honored withy the Quality State Library Award for going above and beyond.
City Recorder’s Report
Callie Bassett, City Recorder, discussed the importance of continuous training for city office staff, highlighting several conferences attended. Office staff attended the Utah Association of Public Treasurers Spring Conference, focusing on legislative updates, privacy laws, and handling unclaimed funds. Bassett herself attended the Utah Municipal Clerks Association Institute and Academy, emphasizing networking and learning about legislative updates, particularly those concerning elections and public noticing requirements. She also discussed Robert’s Rules of Order, providing a handout on its principles for organized meetings. The city office culture remains friendly and team-oriented, with new employee Megan Guymon quickly taking on responsibilities.
Airport Manager’s Update
Megan Trudeau, Airport Manager, reported on several key improvements at the airport. The approval of the fuel takeover was highlighted as a significant win, allowing the airport to manage fuel prices and become more compliant. A billboard will be installed to inform travelers about airport news and projects. Trudeau’s vision for the airport includes making it a welcoming stop for pilots traveling through, encouraging them to patronize local businesses. The FBO has funded renovations for the pilot lounge, which is nearing completion and has received positive feedback. The airport is also moving towards profitability by managing its own fuel sales and implementing tie-down and storage fees. Upcoming projects include pavement reconditioning and repainting lines before the glider festival in June. The airport plans to host more events to engage the community, including potential helicopter fly-ins and school field trips, aiming to increase community involvement and awareness of aviation.
Action Agenda
Pool Concession Decision
The council voted to not move forward with Nick’s Smokehouse as the pool concessionaire for the 2026 season – the city will manage concessions.
Mayor’s Proclamation Limiting Water Use
The council voted in support of the Mayor’s Proclamation limiting water use during scarcity. To summarize the proclamation:
Section 1. Prohibited Watering Hours
The use of culinary water or pressurized irrigation water for outdoor irrigation purposes shall be prohibited daily between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
This restriction applies to, but is not limited to:
Lawn and landscape irrigation
Sprinkler systems
Hose irrigation
Any other outdoor irrigation activity
Section 2. Prohibiting Irrigation in Rights Of Way
The use of culinary water or pressurized irrigation water for irrigation of landscaping located within the City and State-owned Rights of Way is prohibited.
Section 3. Pressurized Irrigation Watering Stages
Parowan City shall regulate the watering schedule for the pressurized irrigation system using the following conservation stage designations:
Green Stage
Outdoor watering shall be limited to two (2) assigned watering days per week. Conservation is encouraged.
Yellow Stage
Residents are strongly encouraged to conserve water and reduce all unnecessary outdoor watering. Outdoor watering shall remain limited to two (2) assigned watering days per week.
Red Stage
Outdoor watering shall be limited to one (1) assigned watering day per week.
The current conservation stage, assigned watering days, and any future changes shall be communicated by the City through official notices, the City website, social media, utility notifications, or other reasonable means of public communication.
Section 4. General Conservation Encouraged
All residents, businesses, and water users are strongly encouraged to conserve water wherever reasonably possible, including:
Repairing leaks promptly
Avoiding excessive irrigation runoff
Watering only as necessary to maintain healthy vegetation
Using water-efficient irrigation practices
Reducing non-essential outdoor water use
Section 5. Enforcement
Pursuant to Section 7.10.130 of the Parowan City Municipal Code, it shall be unlawful for any person to violate the restrictions contained within this Proclamation.
Section 6. Additional Measures
The City reserves the right to implement additional conservation measures or restrictions should drought conditions worsen or water supplies become further limited.
Councilman Burton provided a concise history of the pressurized irrigation water system dating back to 1987.
Municipal Advisor Proposal
The council approved Crews Municipal Advisors as Parowan’s municipal advisors. They help the city work through the municipal bond process.
RAP Tax Committee Funding
The council then approved the RAP Tax Committee recommendations for fiscal year 2027. Three projects were fully funded: Broadway on Main ($8,126), Parowan City Arts ($2,000), and Utah Summer Games ($5,000). The remaining balance of $41,874.41 was allocated to Parowan City for bathroom renovations Valentine Peak Sports Complex.
Work Agenda
Annexation Discussion
The council discussed a possible annexation of unincorporated property at approximately 251 North and 600 West. The property owner expressed a preference for annexation to work with the city on future development, including road corridors, rather than proceeding under Iron County’s R5 zoning. The council indicated they would adhere to the formal annexation process and would not bypass established procedures.
Personnel Policy Regarding Payout of Compensation Hours
A discussion on the city personnel policy regarding compensatory time (comp time) took place. The current policy needs clarification, especially concerning law enforcement officers. The council will revisit this policy for potential revision, a cap on the number of hours allowed and and address payout procedures.
Main Street Bridge Construction Delay
The council discussed delays to Main Street Bridge construction due to a high-pressure gas line issue.
Member Reports and Old Business
Councilmember Burton reported on the July 24th Old Rock Church Days celebration, which will focus on community celebration rather than fundraising this year. He also noted the progress on replacing sponsorship pavers. Burton shared positive findings from a visit to local springs, indicating a potential increase in water volume for the city. Councilmember Harris addressed a rezoning issue, clarifying misinformation that circulated on social media and appreciating citizens who sought accurate information directly. City Manager Dan Jessen reported that the 200 South sidewalk project is progressing. Anna Carlson has been named the new pool manager, and efforts are underway to prepare the pool for opening, despite equipment issues with the heater.
The meeting concluded with a closed session to discuss the character of an individual.
Residents are encouraged to attend City Council Meetings on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the Parowan City Council Chambers. Alternatively, the meetings can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/@parowancity2030