This week’s Vernal City Council meeting only had a few agenda items. Mayor Doug Hammond was recognized for his service to Vernal City as Mayor for the last 8 years. All wished him a wonderful retirement. Updates to the Community Room Rental Packet were approved, as was a Resolution that made amendments to the Vernal City policies and procedures. One item that was tabled was consideration of funds towards a geothermal study. The meeting packet states that the “City recently completed a feasibility study for the district heating/cooling network. Staff has been interviewing other entities, professionals and entities with expertise in geo-thermal networks and renewable energy. The next step in the process is to develop a Phase 1 to identify buildings, usage, cost and the most efficient network. Staff has partnered with the County’s Economic Development office which has grant funds available for similar study work. The city’s portion of the study is estimated at $20,000.” The City Council agreed that more research was needed before a financial commitment could be made.
