HILDALE — Hildale City Council approved a resolution June 7 in joining multiple municipalities throughout Southern Utah and northern Arizona to oppose the proposed new Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument.
About two-thirds of the way through the meeting, council members agreed the recent proposal was a “federal land grab” and unanimously approved the five-page resolution in which the city would oppose the national monument, joining sister city Colorado City, Arizona.
“Many, many communities and counties have signed on to the resolution of this,” Hildale City Manager Eric Duthie said.
Among those opposed to the monument are Kanab, Washington and Kane counties, as well as the town of Fredonia and Mohave County in Arizona and others.
The proposal for the new monument, introduced by Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema and U.S. Rep. Raúl Grijalva on April 12, designates some 1.1 million acres of land in northern. The lawmakers presented the proposal with representatives of Arizona and Utah Native American tribes.
Supporting the proposal is the Grand Canyon Tribal Coalition, which includes the following tribes: Havasupai, Hopi, Hualapai, Kaibab Paiute, Las Vegas Band of Paiute, Moapa Band of Paiutes, Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah, Navajo Nation, San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe, Yavapai-Apache Nation, Pueblo of Zuni and the Colorado River Indian tribes.
The monument’s name combines the languages of the Havasupai and the Hopi. “Baaj Nwaavjo” means “where the tribes roam” while “I’tah Kukveni” translates to “our footprints.”
Duthie relayed his government experiences with a similar proposal, the Grand Canyon Watershed National Monument back in 2015-16 that didn’t go through.
“It takes and expands restrictions on land,” he said.
Filling in for Mayor Donia Jessop, who was absent from the meeting., Mayor Pro-term Lawrence Barlow said the Short Creek area holds notable historical significance.
“Hildale, Colorado City and even the Apple Valley area … historically their economic trade route comes through the Arizona Strip area,” Barlow said.
He said it was in Hildale’s best interest to support the resolution and to “stand with our sister cities and recognize it will make an impact on our ability to expand our economic growth.”
Community recognition
Also on the council’s agenda was special recognition, financial assistance for two students, a presentation, approval of a fraud risk assessment and a proposed budget for the near future.
Each month, Hildale City recognizes a person, business or group that does extra work to support the community. City Councilman Terrill Musser selected the business Hometown Wellness.
“They go above and beyond in serving our communities. They are a team of dedicated people that truly care for the health and well-being of everyone,” Musser said reading the recognition award.
Water Canyon High School had two students qualify to attend the Future Business Leaders of America conference in Atlanta, Georgia, June 27-30. The students put in a request for financial assistance of $1,400 each to be able to attend the event.
“I would like to help them but I want to see some effort on your part to make this happen,” Councilman JVar Dutson said. “That is how we build character to me.”
A proposal by council member Stacy Seay with approval from Dutson to supply part of the request of $1,000 each was approved for assistance and the remaining $400 each must be raised by the students.
Collette Cox of the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity gave a presentation about the services offered, including financial assistance for businesses.
City manager for Special Projects Harrison Johnson went over the proposed budget of expenditures and revenues for the 2024-25 fiscal year.
An agenda item that raised some community members’ concerns involved a request for a street to be vacated by the city and turned over to the original owner who will be granting it to a local bed and breakfast. According to law, the city cannot sell the land and can only grant approval for giving back the land to the original owner as it was gifted to the city by that person.
Many residents have expressed dissatisfaction as they say it will cut off trails and ATV access to public lands. The trails are at the corner of Juniper Street and Jessop Avenue.
The item was tabled for another month at the request of the applicant and will be voted on at the next council meeting on July 12, which was changed from July 5 due to Independence Day celebrations.
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