Cache County Council Regular Meeting – 01-27-2026

- The council unanimously approved the agenda and the 01/13/2026 minutes, then later unanimously approved a motion to begin the process of relinquishing county responsibility for roadway segments in River Heights, Providence, and Millville so the municipality can take ownership under state code. - On the municipal access request for the Heritage Land Development subdivision, council members concluded the county should not keep maintaining a road that primarily benefits River Heights. They directed staff to pursue relinquishment of county jurisdiction so the development can move forward without the county “holding up” the project. - The Behavioral Health Integration Plan was approved, with Cache County’s projected ongoing share set at $172,250 annually beginning in 2027. Staff explained the funding need is tied to replacing administration costs formerly covered by outside contracts and may be folded into the county’s public health levy structure. - The council scheduled public hearings for February 10, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. on three ordinances: the Mountain Manor Springs rezone, frontage/access regulations, and subdivision/subdivision amendment standards. - A series of cemetery maintenance district vacancies were heard, with multiple volunteers speaking for Avon, Cornish, Hyde Park, Millville/Nibley, Newton, Paradise, and Richmond districts. The council then appointed candidates to fill several districts immediately, but held back Millville/Nibley and Richmond for later action because of remaining vacancies or over-subscription. - The Dutson rezone request near Newton was denied after the council agreed with the Planning Commission that the request, as filed, did not fit the area and was too far from municipal boundaries. The applicant noted the application had been mischaracterized as allowing seven homes and indicated he may reapply with corrected information. - The council approved Ordinance 2026-02 updating RU-2 and RU-5 zone standards to add distance-based limits from municipal boundaries, while allowing limited exceptions for smaller developments. Members discussed whether the “must” language removed too much discretion, but ultimately supported the clearer standards. - Ordinance 2026-03 was approved after a split vote, increasing commercial lot coverage to 70% and allowing irrigation canal setback exemptions with written approval from the canal entity. Public comment from a developer emphasized that the change would help a current project avoid costly redesigns, while council members debated whether commercial and industrial zones should be treated differently. - The council approved the Champion Land Co. open space application for first-round consideration, supporting conservation of 242 acres of high-quality dry farm land near Clarkston/Trenton. Public commenters highlighted the area’s agricultural value, scenic views, wildlife use, and potential for non-motorized trail access. - Two new members were appointed to the Cache County Fire Protection District Board of Trustees: Smithfield Mayor Aaron Rudy and Hyrum Mayor Steve Miller. The council also discussed upcoming committee and liaison assignment changes, a possible workshop on RU-2/RU-5 policy with Planning and Zoning, and legislative issues such as property tax reform and the DMV relocation.