TREMONTON CITY CORPORATION
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 2, 2025

Members Present:
Wes Estep
Beau Lewis
Bret Rohde
Brandon Vonk—excused
Blair Westergard
Lyle Holmgren, Mayor
Linsey Nessen, Interim City Manager
Cynthia Nelson, City Recorder—excused

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Mayor Holmgren called the December 2, 2025 City Council Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was held in the Tremonton City Council Meeting Room at 102 South Tremont Street, Tremonton, Utah. Those in attendance were Mayor Holmgren, Councilmembers Estep, Lewis, Rohde, and Westergard, and Interim Manager Nessen. The following Department Heads were also present: Community Development Director Jeff Seedall, Public Works Director Carl Mackley, Police Chief Dustin Cordova, Fire Chief Jeff Jarrow, and City Treasurer Michelle Rhodes. Councilmember Vonk and Recorder Nelson were excused.

*Public Hearing Item 8.b. was held first, then the Council moved into the Opening Ceremony.

1. Opening Ceremony: Prayer – Mayor Holmgren and Pledge – Student Riley Weston

2. Introduction of Council, including a group of students to be honored.

3. Declaration of Conflict of Interest: None.

4. Approval of Agenda:

Motion by Councilmember Rohde to approve the agenda of December 2, 2025. Motion seconded by Councilmember Lewis. Vote: Councilmember Estep – yes, Councilmember Lewis – yes, Councilmember Rohde – yes, Councilmember Vonk – absent, Councilmember Westergard – yes. Motion approved.

5. Approval of minutes – November 18, 2025

Motion by Councilmember Estep to approve the November 18, 2025 minutes. Motion seconded by Councilmember Westergard. Vote: Councilmember Estep – yes, Councilmember Lewis – yes, Councilmember Rohde – yes, Councilmember Vonk – absent, Councilmember Westergard – yes. Motion approved.

6. Presentations

a. Tremonton City Citizenship Award to Elementary and Intermediate Students

Mayor Holmgren said we started this a couple years ago and the whole idea was to recognize young people who are respectful to their schoolmates, teachers, family, and community. They take responsibility and are willing to do what they should. They promote safety in their schools and neighborhoods. We want to recognize them for the good things they do because that is what makes our community great. He then thanked the parents and principals and presented the awards and took a group picture.

7. Public comments: None.

Mayor Holmgren called a public hearing to order at 7:13 p.m. to consider amending the budget. There were 12 people in attendance.

8. Public Hearing

a. Public hearing to consider amending the budget entitled “The Tremonton City Annual Implementation Budget 2025-2026 General Fund, Capital Fund(s), Enterprise Fund(s), and Special Funds(s),” for the period commencing July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026

There were no public comments. Mayor Holmgren closed the Public Hearing at 7:14 p.m.

*The following item was held at the beginning.

Motion by Councilmember Westergard to into a public hearing. Motion seconded by Councilmember Estep. Vote: Councilmember Estep – yes, Councilmember Lewis – yes, Councilmember Rohde – yes, Councilmember Vonk – absent, Councilmember Westergard – yes. Motion approved.

Mayor Holmgren stated the purpose of the public hearing is to provide citizens with pertinent information about the Community Development Block Grant program and to allow for the discussion of possible applications. The public hearing will cover eligible activities, program requirements, and expected funding allocations in the region. The CDBG Program can fund a broad range of activities, including, but not limited to: construction of public works and facilities, such as water and sewer lines, fire stations, acquisition of real property, and provision of public services such as food banks or homeless shelters. In the event that Tremonton City chooses to apply for CDBG funding, a second public hearing will be held at a later time to discuss the project.

Mayor Holmgren opened the public hearing at 7:01 p.m. and asked if there were any public comments.

There were 63 people in attendance.

b. The purpose of the public hearing is to provide citizens with pertinent information about the Community Development Block Grant program and to allow for discussion of possible applications. This public hearing will cover eligible activities, program requirements, and expected funding allocations in the region. The CDBG Program can fund a broad range of activities, including, but not limited to: construction of public works and facilities, e.g., water and sewer lines, fire stations, acquisition of real property, and provision of public services such as food banks or homeless shelters. In the event that Tremonton City chooses to apply for CDBG funding, a second public hearing will be held at a later time to discuss the project.

Seeing no public comments, Mayor Holmgren closed the Public Hearing at 7:01 p.m.

Motion by Councilmember Estep to close a public hearing. Motion seconded by Councilmember Lewis. Vote: Councilmember Estep – yes, Councilmember Lewis – yes, Councilmember Rohde – yes, Councilmember Vonk – absent, Councilmember Westergard – yes. Motion approved.

9. New Council Business:

a. Discussion and consideration of adopting Resolution No. 25-57 amending budget entitled “The Tremonton City Annual Implementation Budget 2025-2026 General Fund, Special Funds(s), Capital Fund(s), and Enterprise Fund(s), and for the period commencing July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026

Interim Manager Nessen said we had a police vehicle get totaled and $63,000 is the money we received from insurance to replace that. We are putting the money back into Capital Projects and allowing the police department to buy a new vehicle and equipment with that money.

Motion by Councilmember Estep to adopt the Resolution. Motion seconded by Councilmember Westergard. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Estep – yes, Councilmember Lewis – yes, Councilmember Rohde – yes, Councilmember Vonk – absent, Councilmember Westergard – yes. Motion approved.

b. Discussion and consideration of adopting Resolution No. 25-58 reaffirming, amending, and enacting new fees and fines in a schedule entitled Tremonton City Consolidated Fees and Fines Schedule including, but not limited to, Utility Late Fees

Treasurer Rhodes said we send out about 350 pink letters every month saying the resident is at least 30 days behind on their bill. That takes us about three hours to do. We figured it is about a 2.7% percent cost of our base price, which is $72. Our credit card percent is 3%. We only charge a $2 late fee. Some of our residents pay a little, but not enough to be removed from this list. They wait to pay until we send another letter. This new fee is not to make money, it is supposed to be a deterrent to stop that and have people catch up instead of wasting our resources to process things. It is just a pebble in a shoe. It is an annoyance. I hope people will try and keep their bills paid instead of having us be their creditor. Mayor Holmgren said we are trying to deter people from making a habit of being late. I think this makes a lot of sense. Councilmember Lewis said how often is it due to hardship? Treasurer Rhodes said I can pretty much tell you exactly who is going to be on the list every month, but I do not know if it is due to hardship or if it is just due to convenience. It is only $2 and they would rather pay that than pay their bill. I am not opposed to having them tell us if they need more time. We can waive that for those who need it. This is just a deterrent for the ones who are always on the list. Our finance director wanted to go higher, but I think a $15 fee would be good.

Motion by Councilmember Rohde to adopt the resolution. Motion seconded by Councilmember Westergard. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Estep – yes, Councilmember Lewis – yes, Councilmember Rohde – yes, Councilmember Vonk – absent, Councilmember Westergard – yes. Motion approved.

c. Discussion and consideration of adopting Resolution No. 25-59 approving a Dispatch Services Agreement between Weber Area Dispatch 911 and Emergency Services District and Tremonton City

Chief Cordova said this would move our dispatch services to Weber. They are experts in their field. Right now, our dispatch is a major safety concern for police and fire. I believe this change would be in the best interest of our City. I sent our legal counsel opinion. He supports it as well. Chief Jarrow said I totally agree with Chief Cordova that we need to make this jump as soon as possible. It will be easier if we do it with our partners in Brigham City. They are going to do that in February. Chief Cordova said this would be a five-year interlocal agreement. We are not opposed to coming back to DPS down the road. They just have to take the time to fix some of the issues they have. Perry City is also looking at this move. DPS largely represents small rural departments and with our growing population they are not familiar with our needs today. That is causing safety issues in the way they do business. Our guys are not getting the information they need. They are not handling the calls the way we would like them to be handled. I have been personally working on it with them for the last three years. It is not worth the risk. Councilmember Lewis said how does this impact the operating budget moving forward? Chief Jarrow said we are good for now, but will have to budget that in. With the revenue, we would be able to pay for it for this year. We would have to adjust the budget to support that for the next four years. Chief Cordova said the total cost is $174,000. We already have the software, so that is why we get a discount. There is an integration fee, but if we go with Brigham City at the same time, they are willing to take that on ($30,000). Chief Jarrow said everyone knows and sees this change is necessary. Everyone will probably wind-up following suit.

The Council spent time discussing possible problems that could arise due to this change. When asked about other departments Chief Cordova said it depends on who you talk. Some people see the problem. This is not a high priority for the Sheriff right now. I do not think he is familiar with all the issues. It is complicated, but I hope they all get pushed in that direction for the sake of everyone. In a perfect world, we would all be on the same frequency doing the same things. Both pose different safety risks. The greater by far is staying and continuing to do what we have been doing. We have to choose our hard. We want to do what is best to make sure everyone is getting the critical information they need as they respond. They are flexible and very customer service oriented. You basically get what you pay for. They will cater to our needs. Chief Jarrow said when trying to run a command scene on a structure fire we do not have a dedicated channel. They are not monitoring that channel which causes problems if we push our panic button. We do not know if someone is going to call and check on us or not. The way they do it now is by cell phone, but if I am in a structure fire, the last thing I am doing is talking on my cell phone. I am focused on the radio and running the scene to make sure my guys are safe. We have asked dispatch for help with the power company, but they do not do that. Then we have find phone numbers and make calls while running that fire. That is a recipe for disaster. Dispatch in this county is a huge concern. In the past, our issues have been dismissed and not even entertained on how to fix them. Chief Cordova said there are major issues. On the ethical side we have a duty to protect the people who work for the City and serve our community. That is the top priority. If you want to look at fiscal responsibility, it is important to understand the cost, but also to understand the cost of not taking action. One lawsuit could cost $20 million and we will wish we had spent $200,000 at that time. I think it makes a lot more sense to be proactive. 50% of our job is the information we get and if we get good information from dispatch, we are able to better serve our community. It is critical for safety. If we know exactly what we are dealing with, we can respond appropriately. I feel Weber will provide that without question.

Motion by Councilmember Westergard to approve the resolution. Motion seconded by Councilmember Estep. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Estep – yes, Councilmember Lewis – yes, Councilmember Rohde – yes, Councilmember Vonk – absent, Councilmember Westergard – yes. Motion approved.

10. Calendar Items and Previous Assignment

a. Review of calendar

Mayor Holmgren said Santa Claus is coming to town at Midland Square on Saturday. City Offices are closing at noon on December 24 and opening back up on December 26. We will not have a Council meeting on December 16.

b. Unfinished Business/Action Items: None.

11. Reports & Comments:

a. City Administration Reports and Comments

Mayor Holmgren said Interim Manager Nessen has been doing basically four jobs. We appreciate all her effort. We appreciate all of our department heads. You guys do a great job.

b. Development Review Committee Report and Comments: None.
c. City Department Head Reports and Comments: None.
d. Council Reports and Comments

Councilmember Lewis said I had a great meeting with Shawn Milne from BRAG on economic development. There are fun opportunities coming to us on Main Street. The new Council is going to have a lot of decisions to make. There are some businesses coming in. I think we are going to see a lot of progress in the downtown area. There is also movement in regards to funding options and grants. I want to thank those who are done. I love and respect Councilmember Vonk. Mayor Holmgren, I was a seventh grader at your house, hanging out with your son so I have known you for a long time. It has been fun to serve with you in this capacity. I hope people recognize the hours of service you have put in, making this a better place to call home. I cannot thank you enough. Councilmember Estep likewise. It has been awesome to serve with you. You have done so much to help. You are a good man. Thanks for all you guys have done. It has been an honor to serve with you. I am looking forward to serving with the new Council. As we are coming into the new year with our budgets, I know a lot is being done to get capital planning ready. I cannot express how important that is for us to be on top of it. I am looking forward to that process.

Councilmember Westergard said same thing. I cannot imagine the time you put in as the mayor. The naysayers need to walk in your shoes because you have done a ton. I appreciate your time and what I have learned. Councilmember Estep got me into this and he is bailing on me. We have been friends a long time and I appreciate him. Sitting up here, your eyes are opened. I appreciate everybody and all their efforts.

Councilmember Rohde said I would like to thank the staff, Mayor, and everyone for making this transition as nice as it has been. Mayor Holmgren and I had a good talk. He is supportive of the changes. I think the world of him, he is a good friend of mine. It has been nice working with Councilmembers Estep and Vonk. Thank you all so much.

Councilmember Estep said I have to ditto everything that has been said. I have known all of you prior to this. There is a friendship and bond and it has been an honor to serve with you all. Good luck to the new ones. This has been an eye opener. We have the best staff around. It is amazing when you get to know from the inside out what it takes to run a city. Mayor Holmgren, you have been committed to this town and I hope people appreciate it. Thanks everybody for their support and comments, I learned a lot.

Mayor Holmgren said I have worked with a lot of different people over the years. I want all of you to know how much I have appreciated you and the association I have had with each and every one of you. It has been a learning experience. You do not do these things unless you really have a desire to serve your community because you are not doing it for the money. You are doing it because you have a love for your community. The new mayor and councilmembers who are coming on board, we want you to know we support you and are your cheerleaders. We want you to succeed. This job is a never-ending baton race. When the time comes, we pass the baton on to the next person. The next leg of the race is yours and I wish you the best. The only reason you should be in this business is to serve the people and I believe that is what each and every one of you have done. Thank you.

12. CLOSED MEETING: No Closed Meeting held at this time.

a. Strategy session to discuss the purchase of real property when public discussion of the transaction would disclose the appraisal or estimated value of the property under consideration or prevent the public body from completing the transaction on the best possible terms; and/or
b. Strategy session to discuss the character, professional competence or physical or mental health of an individual; and/or
c. Strategy sessions to discuss pending or reasonably imminent litigation; and/or
d. Discussions regarding security personnel, devices or systems

13. Adjournment.

Motion by Councilmember Estep to adjourn the meeting. Motion seconded by Councilmember Lewis. Vote: Councilmember Estep – yes, Councilmember Lewis – yes, Councilmember Rohde – yes, Councilmember Vonk – absent, Councilmember Westergard – yes. Motion approved.

The meeting adjourned at 8:01 p.m.

The undersigned duly acting and appointed Recorder for Tremonton City Corporation hereby certifies that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the minutes for the City Council Meeting held on the above referenced date. Minutes were prepared by Jessica Tanner.

Dated this 6th day of January, 2026.

 

Cynthia Nelson, City Recorder