Heated Helper City Council Meeting Ends with Historic Property Decision Tabled

Debate over potential sale of 1920s-era building sparks passionate public comments and procedural concerns

Mar. 21, 2026 at 5:17am

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A special meeting of the Helper City Council on March 19, 2026 to discuss the potential surplus of a historic 1920s-era building at 69 South Main Street descended into chaos, with heated public comments both for and against the proposal. The council ultimately voted to table the decision until they could resolve conflicting city code and clarify the surplus process.

Why it matters

The 1920s-era building in question is considered an irreplaceable part of Helper's historic downtown and a recognized component of a National Register district. The debate over its potential sale highlights the ongoing tension in many communities between preserving historic structures and allowing private development.

The details

The property, which was moved to its current location in 1928, has been leased by Pam Juliano, who has used it for a mix of business and community purposes. Preservation Utah spoke out against the potential surplus, saying the building represents the earliest period of commercial development in Helper and should remain in public ownership. However, former councilman Dave Dornan argued that private ownership could allow the building to "burgeons" like other revitalized areas. Citizen Kathy Fausett raised concerns about the city's responsibility to repair a road damaged during a previous water project, which she said was the real reason behind the potential sale.

  • The Helper City Council held a special meeting on Thursday, March 19, 2026 to discuss the potential surplus of the property.
  • The council voted unanimously to table the decision at the conclusion of the heated meeting.

The players

Lenise Peterman

The mayor of Helper City who presided over the chaotic meeting.

Preservation Utah

A preservation organization that spoke out against the potential sale of the historic building.

Pam Juliano

The current tenant of the 69 South Main Street building, who has a right of first refusal clause in her lease.

Kathy Fausett

A Helper City resident who raised concerns about the city's responsibility to repair a road damaged during a previous water project.

Dave Dornan

A former Helper City councilman who argued that private ownership could revitalize the historic building.

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What they’re saying

“This building is an irreplaceable part of Helper's historic fabric and a recognized component of a National Register district. It represents the earliest period of commercial development on Helper's Main Street – a period that nearly vanished in the fires of 1919, and it carries that history as one of the last surviving witnesses to how this town began. Once a property like this leaves public ownership without adequate protections, the community loses meaningful oversight over a resource that belongs to all of them.”

— Preservation Utah

“I've seen private hands put it in an alleyway next to our building. I've seen alleyways abandoned by the city that used to serve as garbage access, that type of thing.”

— Dave Dornan, Former Councilman

“The next person could put in whatever they want to. They put you know, the bookstore or the sex shop. I mean, you cannot control [sic] other than our ordinances.”

— Kathy Fausett, Helper City Resident

“It's getting a little ahead of the conversation if I'm understanding the process correctly. This is simply the announcement to discuss whether you're going to put it up for sale or not. And then, after that, to Kathy's point, it needs to be assessed. What is that value? What's the best use for that building?”

— Pam Juliano, Current Tenant of 69 South Main Street

“I want to express that I do not feel selling the city-owned assets, particularly long-term decision properties like this, can hold significant future value both financially and strategically in ways we may not fully realize today.”

— Stephanie Ariotti, Helper City Resident

What’s next

The Helper City Council will work to resolve the conflicting city code and clarify the surplus process before reconsidering the potential sale of the historic 69 South Main Street building.

The takeaway

This heated debate highlights the ongoing challenges communities face in balancing historic preservation with economic development, as well as the importance of transparent and inclusive decision-making processes around public assets.