Development News for Heber, Utah

Adam Bunker Appointed as Heber City Airport Manager

The City Council approved the nomination of Adam Bunker as Airport Manager. Bunker, currently the Assistant Airport Manager, was selected after a nationwide search that yielded over 70 applicants. An expert panel interviewed the top five candidates. Community feedback from a meeting indicated strong support for Bunker, citing his sharp approach, transparency, technology integration, and vision. Council members who interviewed him also expressed confidence in his unique insight and proactive approach. Bunker expressed gratitude for the opportunity and support.

Heber City Council Holds Public Hearing on Unbilled Utility Services

The City Council held a public hearing regarding unbilled services for culinary water, sewer, water, stormwater, and pressurized irrigation funds. Sarah Nagel, finance manager, explained that the city consumes water not paid for, which is a non-cash transfer from the general fund. While immaterial for financial reporting, state code requires a public hearing to inform the public of this practice. All funds are self-sufficient and can sustain this subsidy. The public hearing was to determine if the council wishes to continue this practice.

Atlas Towers Contract Amended to Relocate Cell Tower Site to Cemetery; Hospital Well Site Denied

The City Council discussed a proposed amended contract with Atlas Towers to move a cell tower site from the hospital well location to the cemetery. This change was prompted by significant resident opposition at the hospital well site, citing concerns about proximity to homes, neighborhood character, and potential impact on property values. The Planning Commission recommended against the hospital well rezoning, and the council voted to deny it. The proposed cemetery site is considered more distant from residences, with Atlas suggesting an 80-foot monopine tower. The council also discussed the need for a broader telecommunications ordinance and tower master plan to strategically locate future towers away from residential areas. Public comments highlighted concerns about aesthetics, property values, and the desire for creative tower designs. The council approved the amended contract for the cemetery site, with the understanding that further steps, including ordinance changes and master plan development, will follow.

Heber City Council Discusses Consolidated Fee Schedule Amendments, Postpones Adoption

The City Council held a public hearing and considered the adoption of Ordinance 2026-13, amending the consolidated fee schedule. Staff presented various proposed changes, including updates to administrative fees, elimination of antiquated fees, and adjustments to service charges. Specific discussions focused on pavilion reservation fees (7-day notice requirement and deposit amounts), surrender fees for dogs at animal control, building plan review fees, business licensing fees for 'Market on Main', public works service fees (after-hours inspection costs), planning fees (Central Heber Overlay Zone adjustments), police fees (fingerprinting, page printing, body camera footage requests), and utility fees (storm, sewer, water rates, and volume charges). Due to extensive discussion and the need for further clarification and staff review, the council decided to postpone adoption and hold another public hearing on June 16th.