The Mount Pleasant City Council covered a packed agenda on March 10: a presentation on municipal energy efficiency rebates, more than $266,000 in approved expenditures (most of it pass-through funding for infrastructure projects), early discussion on overhauling rec center rental rates, a debate over whether to take utility billing paperless, and a promising update from the North Sanpete Police Department about potential expansion into additional cities. The council met at 115 West Main Street at 6:30 PM.
What Happened
Who Was There
Mayor Michael Olsen presided. Council members Jakob Howcroft, Russ Keisel, Rondy Black, Lynn Beesley, and Cade Beck were all present. City Recorder Natalie Crosby conducted the roll call.
Consent Agenda
The council approved the claims register covering February 21 through March 6, 2026, totaling $401,317.57. Minutes from the February 24 work session and the February 24 regular council meeting were also approved. Council Member Lynn Beesley asked about a $1,080 charge to Lawless Diesel. City Power Director Shane confirmed the expense was for a fire truck pump repair.
Approved unanimously.
Safety Award
Shane reported that the city received first place from its joint safety committee for the 8,000 to 30,000 working hours category with zero lost-time accidents. A brief report, but worth noting.
UAMPS Smart Energy Program Presentation
McKenzie, a representative from Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems (UAMPS), presented the city’s annual energy efficiency program update. Mount Pleasant participates in the Smart Energy program with an annual budget of approximately $5,300, broken into quarterly rebate payouts.
The programs available to Mount Pleasant residents include the Home Energy Savings Program (appliance rebates), Cool Cash (central air conditioning replacement rebates), the See Ya Later Refrigerator recycling program, commercial lighting rebates, smart thermostats (one incentive per home), and a newly adopted heat pump program. Mount Pleasant residents have already recycled 18 refrigerators through the program this fiscal year. Customers receive $40 per recycled unit.
Rebate amounts are competitive with Rocky Mountain Power. All programs apply to existing homes only, with a 90-day window from installation to apply. Unused budget funds are returned to the city at the end of the fiscal year.
Shane raised the possibility of adding a gas furnace rebate program, noting increased demand from residents upgrading to higher-efficiency furnaces. McKenzie said UAMPS is also exploring new product categories including tankless water heaters and electric lawn mowers.
No action required. Informational item.
Requisition: $92,204.95 to Anixter for Hope Mountain Ranch Power Line Supplies
The council approved a $92,204.95 requisition to Anixter for electrical supplies related to the Hope Mountain Ranch project. Hope Mountain Ranch, a Joyce Meyer Ministries property building a women’s shelter east of town, has already paid the city $200,000 to rebuild the power line serving the property. This requisition is a pass-through: Hope Mountain Ranch paid for the work, and Shane is purchasing supplies against that prepayment.
Mayor Olsen used the item to open a broader discussion about how the city handles pass-through purchases. Currently, pass-through expenditures go through the same requisition process as budget expenses, which means council members see large dollar amounts without clear indication that the money has already been received. The mayor proposed shifting to a purchase order system or a dedicated project code so pass-throughs are immediately identifiable.
Council members offered ideas including project numbers, dedicated general ledger codes, and labeling pass-through purchase orders differently from standard requisitions. City Recorder Natalie Crosby and staff will work on a streamlined process. The same issue applies to the school district’s building project and city-sponsored events with outside funding.
Approved unanimously.
Requisition: $30,950.64 to Christiansen Glass for Rec Center Front Doors
The council approved $30,950.64 for new front entry doors and upper glass panels at the recreation center. The council selected a bronze finish, roughly $1,015 more than the standard option. The doors will be insulated tempered glass.
Jeff, who oversees rec center facilities, noted the current doors are warped and sun-damaged. Mayor Olsen raised questions about whether low-E glass was specified (the bid listed white tempered glass only) and whether the frames could accommodate an electronic lock, which Recreation Director Stephanie had requested.
Funding partially offsets through a combination of a $20,000 allocation discussed at a previous council meeting and approximately $40,000 in leftover roof project budget, leaving roughly $11,000 from city funds for the doors and upper windows.
Approved unanimously.
Requisition: $8,964.16 for Rec Center Interior Improvements
The council approved $8,964.16 for multiple interior upgrades at the rec center. The breakdown: $3,946.48 for new hard-plastic freestanding partitions in both restrooms; $1,231.56 for a new water fountain with a bottle-fill station; approximately $1,500 for painting the upstairs lobby (scheduled after the homeschool program ends April 8); and $2,017.17 for three 15-foot aluminum benches with backs to replace the worn wooden benches in the gym. All labor will be done in-house.
Approved unanimously.
Emergency Requisition: $134,455 to TRC (Now WSP) for Transmission Line Survey
The council approved an emergency requisition of $134,455 for a transmission line survey between Mount Pleasant and Fairview. The survey is being conducted by TRC Companies, which was acquired by WSP Global on February 24, 2026, just two weeks before this meeting.
Shane explained the project is at 30% detailed design review, targeted for completion by March 28. The 60% design milestone is expected by July. The survey work itself is projected to begin between July and September, allowing time to negotiate easements with property owners along the route. The transmission line design calls for a 65-foot easement: Mount Pleasant on one side, Fairview on the other, with a vertical build carrying three lines and distribution infrastructure underneath.
Shane noted that WSP’s additional resources may help with the legal and right-of-way work. The project is funded through a $1.2 million grant; the city pays costs up front and is reimbursed.
Shane requested that a council member or the mayor attend a TRC/WSP meeting scheduled for March 26.
Approved unanimously.
Rec Center Pricing Discussion
Mayor Olsen presented a draft of updated rental pricing for the recreation center, developed in collaboration with Council Member Lynn Beesley and Recreation Director Stephanie. The current rate structure has not been updated in years.
For context, the mayor shared that the rec center’s average cost for heat and power alone works out to approximately $5 per hour, calculated across 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. That does not include custodial costs.
The city compared rates with Fairview’s dance hall, the Gunnison Opera House, the Ephraim Senior Center, and the new county building. Some current tenants pay well below market: the archery group pays approximately $200 to $250 per month for four days a week of access, and the homeschool program pays approximately $25 per day for upstairs space plus dance rooms.
The proposal distinguishes between long-term tenants (weekly recurring users like the archery club, dance studio, and homeschool) and one-time rentals. A $500 damage deposit was proposed but the council leaned toward $250, noting that some residents may not have $500 available on a credit card hold. Nonprofit versus for-profit distinctions were also discussed.
Council Member Debbie (staff) cautioned against pricing out smaller groups, referencing Fairview’s recent rate increases to $300 in-town, $400 out-of-town, and $500 for dances. She noted the building is fully booked and there is a ballroom studio waiting for availability.
No action taken. The item will return as a formal resolution at the next meeting.
Paperless Billing Discussion
Staff member Debbie presented a proposal to transition utility billing from paper to paperless by July or August 2026. Mount Pleasant currently has 2,585 utility customers. Of those, 1,425 still receive paper bills, while approximately 1,100 have already opted for paperless. The city estimates annual paper billing costs at roughly $17,000, potentially higher when staff time is factored in.
The proposal generated significant discussion about seniors and residents without internet access. Council Member Lynn Beesley noted that many residents in town do not have email and rely on verbal communication or physical mail. A resident in the audience confirmed she prefers receiving her bill by mail and reviewing it before paying in person.
Two options were discussed: requiring residents who want paper bills to come to city hall and opt in, or charging a small fee (approximately $3) on the utility bill to cover mailing costs. Mayor Olsen pushed back on the fee concept, noting it would disproportionately affect elderly residents on fixed incomes. He suggested cutting the mailing list significantly while continuing to serve those who need it.
No action taken. Staff will continue developing the proposal and bring it back as a resolution.
Renaissance Fair Proposal
Staff member Debbie pitched the idea of hosting a small Renaissance fair the first weekend of June 2027, positioning Mount Pleasant as a destination event host. She cited similar events in Provo and Willard that are in their fifth year and generating $20,000 to $30,000 for their host communities. A small-town event could draw up to 5,000 attendees per day at maturity.
The council gave a general thumbs-up to explore the concept further. Recreation Director Stephanie recommended scheduling before July to protect park grounds. The first weekend of June would also capture some Memorial Day weekend overflow.
No formal action. Exploratory phase.
Council Reports
Rondy Black (Roads and Infrastructure): The city has a road improvement project coming up that will require a public hearing due to bond financing. A map of the project is available at city hall.
Rondy also reported that UDOT has completed a speed study on Highway 89 through the south end of Mount Pleasant and approved lowering the speed limit from 45 to 40 miles per hour. The Traffic Engineering Order received final approval from UDOT’s Salt Lake office. New signs are expected by the end of April, with an installation deadline of April 30. The city plans to notify the public before the signs go up. UDOT indicated the speed limit can be revisited in approximately two years based on citation and accident data.
Discussion turned to ongoing safety concerns near the intersection at Family Dollar and the hardware store on Highway 89, where commercial exits create confusion. The police chief noted that a stoplight study does not currently support a signal at that location due to insufficient pedestrian crossing volume and other factors. Council members discussed the need for repainting lane markings at commercial exits along the corridor.
Lynn Beesley (Veterans Memorial): Construction on the veterans memorial is moving quickly. The concrete pad is targeted for late March to early April, with Rich Clayton coordinating the pour timeline. Terry Brothers is ready to lay gravel and topsoil. Flagpole cans need to be pre-drilled and installed before the concrete pour. The city power department will bore a power line under the road for memorial lighting.
The Governor is confirmed for the dedication ceremony. Debbie submitted an application to Hill Air Force Base for a flyover at 4:00 PM to open the ceremony. Seating logistics are still being worked out due to afternoon sun exposure.
Jakob Howcroft (Events and Community): The library board met recently. Hub City Days planning is in early stages. Cemetery flower beds need volunteers for spring planting.
Lynn Beesley (Recreation and Cemetery): Volleyball, three-on-three basketball, and youth wrestling are ongoing. Spring pickleball is starting, soccer registration is open, and baseball and softball signups are coming. A part-time hire is being brought on to support Recreation Director Stephanie.
Beesley also pushed for reopening the cemetery restroom to the public. The facility was built with public funds (financed through a dollar-a-month utility assessment when constructed) and Beesley argued it should serve the many residents who walk through the cemetery daily. Council Member Russ Keisel expressed concern about vandalism and flooding from the nearby high school, which has specifically asked the city to keep it locked during school hours. The discussion did not reach a resolution.
On cemetery grounds, Beesley proposed using a sod cutter to remove grass from areas behind headstones and replace it with gravel, given anticipated water restrictions this summer.
North Sanpete Police Department Update
The police chief reported that other cities have reached out about participating in the North Sanpete Police Department. The department is in active talks with two of three interested cities, and one appears close to finalizing. No city names were disclosed. If agreements materialize, the expansion would increase coverage for both the new partner cities and Mount Pleasant.
The department is purchasing an additional vehicle. A new officer, Drake, graduated from the academy two weeks ago and will begin field training. All department vehicles are expected to be marked with the North Sanpete branding by July 1.
On the legislative front, the chief reported that a quota law bill did not pass the Utah Legislature (which the department considered a positive outcome), and a bill requiring all police vehicles to be marked also did not pass, giving the department additional time to complete its vehicle transition.
Staff Reports
Power and Public Works (Shane): The city is receiving a flash fire safety trailer for employee training, with sessions planned at the fire station. Water conditions are concerning: the irrigation company expects a difficult year, with mid-elevation snowpack already melting and the creek running brown. Restrictions are likely, though the severity depends on April conditions. Staff plans to prepare a public newsletter explaining how irrigation allocations work and why certain areas (like the park and high school football field) will be prioritized.
On the power generation side, a gearbox on one of the city’s units suffered damage, and the shaft may need to be reshaped. Shane is pursuing compensation from Intermountain for lost generation and repair costs, with the possibility of legal action if necessary. Unit three’s replacement actuator will not arrive until June. Unit one is awaiting a control component before work can begin.
Events (Debbie): The Easter Egg Hunt is scheduled for April 3 at 10:00 AM at the Fordplex. Council members are invited.
Interlocal Cooperation with Fairview
Mayor Olsen reported on a meeting with Fairview’s mayor, describing a growing partnership. Fairview has offered to share mowing equipment for Mount Pleasant’s park in exchange for swimming pool access for Fairview senior citizens. Both cities are exploring additional areas of cooperation.
Outdoor Recreation Grant and Portable Stage
The city is applying for an outdoor recreation grant to fund park lights, small playground equipment, and potentially a portable stage. The portable stage, an aluminum trailer with folding sides, costs approximately $100,000. The city currently pays $1,200 per rental from the only local provider. Staff noted that other cities (including Ephraim for Scandinavian Days) have expressed interest in renting a stage if Mount Pleasant owned one. The council appeared supportive of including the stage in the grant application.
Equestrian Center / Contoy Arena Manager Search
The arena committee interviewed six or seven applicants and forwarded three finalists to the mayor. All three were offered the position at $50,000 plus benefits (estimated total compensation around $80,000 per year), but all three declined at that salary. The previous manager earned approximately $70,000 in salary alone.
A late applicant has since expressed interest and is willing to accept the $50,000 offer. Mayor Olsen described the individual as qualified and already having met with him to discuss the role. The council directed the mayor to present the candidate to the interview committee for its blessing before making a formal offer. Several council members emphasized the importance of committee endorsement given community interest in the position.
The arena is a roughly $8 million facility. New event organizers have already approached the city about bringing events not previously hosted at the venue.
Closed Session
The council entered a closed session for the discussion of pending or reasonably imminent litigation. A motion was made by Russ Keisel, seconded, and approved unanimously by roll call vote (Howcroft yes, Keisel yes, Black yes, Beesley yes).
Why It Matters
The transmission line survey is the most consequential infrastructure item on this agenda. At $134,455 (reimbursed through a $1.2 million grant), it moves the Mount Pleasant-Fairview transmission project past design and into the survey and easement phase. The TRC-to-WSP acquisition adds a wrinkle: the engineering firm handling this project just changed hands in a $3.3 billion deal. Shane’s comment that WSP’s larger staff may help with the legal and right-of-way work suggests the transition could actually benefit the project. The timeline (survey from July to September, ongoing design work through the year) puts construction potentially in 2027 or beyond.
The speed limit reduction on Highway 89 is the kind of incremental safety improvement that residents along the south commercial corridor have wanted. Going from 45 to 40 through the stretch near Family Dollar, O’Reilly, the Coffee Depot, and the hospital brings that section in line with the 40 mph zone on the north end of town. Five miles per hour does not sound like much, but it’s a signal to drivers that this is a commercial zone, not a through-road. The chief’s acknowledgment that a stoplight still does not meet UDOT’s threshold is worth tracking as development along that corridor continues.
The rec center pricing discussion is going to generate public reaction. Current tenants have been paying rates that haven’t kept pace with operating costs ($5 per hour just in utilities, before custodian or maintenance). But as one staff member pointed out, raising prices too aggressively in a small town risks pushing groups out of a public building. The council will need to find the line between sustainability and accessibility when this comes back as a resolution.
The police department expansion talks are worth watching. If one or more additional cities sign interlocal agreements with North Sanpete PD, it changes the coverage math for the entire north end of the county. More jurisdictions sharing costs could mean better service for all of them.
What Comes Next
The rec center pricing proposal will return at the next council meeting as a formal resolution. Residents with concerns about rate changes should plan to attend.
The paperless billing proposal will also return as a resolution at a future meeting. The city will begin publicizing the transition through signage at city hall and the monthly newsletter.
The transmission line survey work is projected to begin between July and September. Easement negotiations with property owners along the route will happen before then.
New speed limit signs on Highway 89 are expected by the end of April. The city plans to notify the public before installation.
The arena manager candidate will be presented to the interview committee for approval, with the goal of filling the position as soon as possible.
The veterans memorial concrete pour is targeted for late March to early April, with the dedication ceremony (with the Governor and a possible Hill Air Force Base flyover) to follow.
The next regular Mount Pleasant City Council meeting is Tuesday, March 24, at 6:30 PM, at 115 West Main Street, Mount Pleasant. The meeting is open to the public. Check Utah Public Meeting Notice (pmn.utah.gov) for the agenda when it posts.
Sourcing: This recap is based on an AI-assisted transcript of the March 10, 2026 Mount Pleasant City Council meeting audio, verified against the published meeting schedule, the official city website (mpcityut.gov), publicly available information on Hope Mountain Ranch (Joyce Meyer Ministries), the WSP Global acquisition of TRC Companies (completed February 24, 2026), UAMPS program documentation, and Mount Pleasant City Council member and mayor listings. Official minutes were not yet available at time of publication. Dollar amounts, vote counts, and specific details are subject to official minutes confirmation. Some names and figures in the AI transcript may contain transcription errors. For corrections, email info@sanpeteserves.com.
