Saturday, December 15, 2012
Garden City Library Statistics 2012
Letter to Editor: Swan Creek Power Plant
To The Editor:
I would like to make the suggestion to have the city look into
generating their own power for the water treatment plant. They could use water
powered generation using the Swan Creek water current. It is one of the older
uses of generating power and is in use all over the world.
It wouldn't have to be a large one and it would be City Owned and
operated. If you talk to the area old timers Swan Creek was the first power
plant production in the area.
It would be interesting to check into getting a bid and find out
how long it would take to pay for itself with the savings. The existing buried
line from Rocky Mountain Power could be used as a back up if and when needed.
The money saved may also help to pay off the water treatment loan which in turn
could lower the monthly water rates for the citizens.
Jim Schnetzer
Letter to Editor: Responses to Boards
We recieved three letters regarding the article on supervisory boards.
To the Editor:
To the Editor:
Public oversight Boards are formed to oversee primarily governmental and non-profit organizations. Their charge is to make sure everything is done correctly within the organization their board is affiliated with. The problem is getting local citizens to serve on these Boards, especially females. Who wants to have something else to worry about, meetings to attend and with little or no compensation? School Boards are radically different. In small rural communities it is worst. Most folks already have some duties associated their church. Most just don’t have time. Who is really concerned about how a fire department or sewer district works as long as the house doesn’t burn down and you toilet flushes. Who wants to make the decision about ordinances, variances, cemetery plots or a medical facility? I would like to believe that here are many people who have a sincere desire to give back to the community fairly but they are few and far between.
My following statements are only directed at a few individuals in our area and not toward Boards in general who with a strong Chairman do a good job. Some Board members come with their own agenda and have no business being there. Things like personal conflicts with employees, personal philosophies on growth, serving because someone talked them into it but above all lack of creditable information about the organization are some of the reasons Boards fail. Unfortunately being on a Board gives some individuals a “sense of power” over the organization and the rest of us. It is human nature. Board member jobs are thankless and luckily the vast majority of our people are great. Unfortunately, they are sometimes intimidated by other aggressive members who act like they know it all but rarely do.
I believe accurate reporting and public information is the best way to maintain good Boards. I would suggest that the RCT acquaint the public with all the Boards as a series. Who is on them, how long have they served and why are they there? It doesn’t have to be long but there should be an individual picture of each board member along with the information so if you want to talk to them later you can. Links or contacts for all the public meeting minutes should be provided so one can actually see what went on.
The most important thing is if you know someone who is on a Board, thank them for all their hard work for the rest of us. Apply for vacancies if you have the time and desire to learn something new. This is the way our government works.
Bnryce Neilson
To the Editor:
While regulation or oversight has its good sides, there are also many drawbacks, namely big brother whether federal, state , county or local likes to get his nose in everything.
It usually starts out with simple intention but quickly ends up with job justification and individuals seeing the need to regulate the way they see it should operate instead of overseer with no authority to regulate. I see the federal government moving this way big time and individual rights are being erroded. That is my two cents on this idea.
Lynn Davis
To The Editor:
Subject: How to monitor the Boards
From: James Wise
Conversation: How to monitor the Boards
You at RCT are on the right track by raising the issue---I know it is difficult in a small town to not make enemies by “telling it as it is”, but the press has been doing just that for years---The Boards should realize beforehand that the press is going to report the personal agendas of the few that transgress---These Boards all exist because some government entity (City or County) created them---These creators are elected, and step #1 is to insure that these elected officials all subscribe to RCT---Then when they read of the unvarnished facts reported by RCT, they will pay attention, and maybe even remove the bad apples---Keep up the good reporting and you will even surprise yourself at how quickly the personal agendas disappear, especially when names of the bad apples appear in print--- Jim Wise---and you can use my name !!!
To The Editor:
Subject: How to monitor the Boards
From: James Wise
Conversation: How to monitor the Boards
You at RCT are on the right track by raising the issue---I know it is difficult in a small town to not make enemies by “telling it as it is”, but the press has been doing just that for years---The Boards should realize beforehand that the press is going to report the personal agendas of the few that transgress---These Boards all exist because some government entity (City or County) created them---These creators are elected, and step #1 is to insure that these elected officials all subscribe to RCT---Then when they read of the unvarnished facts reported by RCT, they will pay attention, and maybe even remove the bad apples---Keep up the good reporting and you will even surprise yourself at how quickly the personal agendas disappear, especially when names of the bad apples appear in print--- Jim Wise---and you can use my name !!!
Summer Bike Race Issues
RANDOLPH-December 12, 2012. Joe
Coles is the organizer of the Bear Lake Brawl (a triathlon race). He appeared before the Commissioners asking
for their permission to hold this race again this coming summer. There have been problems with some of the
special events in the past so the Commissioners are asking for extra
precautions and requirements in order to make sure special events are safe.
The Commissioners requested
that Dale Stacey, the County Sheriff, be present and make the final decision on
the changes that Mr. Coles had agreed to make in order for the race to be
safe. Mr. Coles indicated that he would
move the race into September and have in run on two different weekends. After much discussion and negotiation,
permission was given to Mr. Coles.
Two other gentlemen from Colorado
were present also wanting to sponsor a triathlon. They had selected the July 27th
weekend for this event. It was noted
that July 27 is half way between the 24th of July and Raspberry Days
weekends. Sheriff Stacy indicated that
there was no way his department could handle an event during the month of
July.
Rendezvous Beach
Anita Weston, Reporter
Rich Civic Times
The County has two special service districts on
the south end of the lake. One is the
sewer district and the other is a water district that takes care of Rendezvous
Park and some homes that are located in that area. After some discussion the Commissioners
indicated that they needed to probably make some changes to the water district
and would be working with Droesbeke in the near future on this matter
Rich Civic Times
RANDOLPH – December 12, 2012.
Richard Droesbeke reported to the Commission concerning the activities at the
parks during the past summer. He noted
that the State is again cutting budgets and have eliminated a full-time
position from this area.
Last summer there were 5 - 6
accidents on the water. He noted that
there are several projects that had been completed. Thirty new picnic tables haReve been purchased
and placed at the various camp sites on the east side of the lake. All camp sites on the east side are now
designated–there are 99 total campsites along the east shore on the Utah side.
He reported that the Parks
had received $40,000 for concessionaires that do business in the parks during
the summer. There will need to be some
different businesses this next summer because some of the ones who have been
around a long time won’t be returning.
November Sheriff's Report
Anita Weston, Reporter
Rich Civic Times
RANDOLPH – December 12, 2012. There were 66 incidents during the month of November. Twenty-nine of these occurred in Garden City, 5 in Laketown, 18 in Randolph, and 14 in Woodruff. Fifteen of the incidents were citizen assists. There were seven animal problems and six alarms. There were three medical emergencies and three traffic accidents with damage. There were also three vandalism calls and three welfare check incidents. The other incidents were one or two or a kind and ran the whole gamut of things that can happen
Rich Civic Times
RANDOLPH – December 12, 2012. There were 66 incidents during the month of November. Twenty-nine of these occurred in Garden City, 5 in Laketown, 18 in Randolph, and 14 in Woodruff. Fifteen of the incidents were citizen assists. There were seven animal problems and six alarms. There were three medical emergencies and three traffic accidents with damage. There were also three vandalism calls and three welfare check incidents. The other incidents were one or two or a kind and ran the whole gamut of things that can happen
County Employees Given 5% Raise
Anita Weston, Reporter
Rich Civic Times
Rich Civic Times
GARDEN CITY-December 12,
2012- A couple from Sweetwater appealed to the Rich County Commission to
declare their home a primary residence and allow them a tax credit or refund on
the extra taxes that had been paid because their home had been declared a
secondary one. The Commission, upon
motion, granted this request.
Blaine Hamp asked that the
County renew the Forestry and Fire agreement for the coming year. Upon motion by the Commission, the agreement
was approved.
The Annual Budget Hearing was
held. The proposed 2013 budget was then
approved in the Commission Meeting. It
was noted that insurance would be increased by about 5 percent and dental
increased by 3 percent. A raise of 5
percent will be given to all full-time employees in order to bring the County
closer to the average wage earned across the state. Currently Rich County is about 14 to 18
percent lower than the state average.
There was an item exemption
approved and a green belt status given to a piece of land. Mike Madsen was approved as a member of the
special service sewer district. Members
of that board are currently Arlo Price, Richard Droesbeke, Paul Webb, Curtis
Moldenhuer, and Mike Madsen.
Also a tax credit was granted
for a low income exemption.
The Commissioners also noted
that individual sanitation bills will be sent to all families living in the
Sweetwater Trailer Park. This will begin
in July of next year and will bring this subdivision into line with the rest of
the County. The Yurts will also be
placed on the sanitation billing list.
The changes requested in the Addressing Ordinance were also approved by
the Commissioners.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Should Boards Be Evaluated?
Editorial Comment
A volunteer board for such governmental entities as Libraries, Parks and Recreation, Fire, Water and Sewer Districts, Planning and Zoning and others is a great thing. Volunteers from the community oversee the budget, expenditures and policies of the entity and should be supportive and respectful of the professional staff while seeing that the community needs are met.
But what happens if a board starts to micro manage the staff, interfere with the work being done or does not study the rules of the organization nor read the minutes or reports, or if members consistently do not attend? What responsibility does the community have to evaluate the performance of the board if board actions are actually impeding the work that needs to be done.
As reporters, we go to all the meetings and get a feel for well functioning boards and staff, we can also tell when boards overstep their boundaries and begin to harass or impede full functioning of a unit. When this happens, we can lose good staff. I have been told that many of the boards do not have "operating instructions" on what exactly they should be responsible for. Most of the boards are made up of people of good will, so they function well. But what happens if personal agendas threaten the very organization the board should oversee?
Should volunteer boards be monitored or evaluated? We have heard rumblings in the community but no one yet has put forward a solution. This is your chance. Write to rctonline@gmail with your suggestions. We will keep your comments anonymous.
A volunteer board for such governmental entities as Libraries, Parks and Recreation, Fire, Water and Sewer Districts, Planning and Zoning and others is a great thing. Volunteers from the community oversee the budget, expenditures and policies of the entity and should be supportive and respectful of the professional staff while seeing that the community needs are met.
But what happens if a board starts to micro manage the staff, interfere with the work being done or does not study the rules of the organization nor read the minutes or reports, or if members consistently do not attend? What responsibility does the community have to evaluate the performance of the board if board actions are actually impeding the work that needs to be done.
As reporters, we go to all the meetings and get a feel for well functioning boards and staff, we can also tell when boards overstep their boundaries and begin to harass or impede full functioning of a unit. When this happens, we can lose good staff. I have been told that many of the boards do not have "operating instructions" on what exactly they should be responsible for. Most of the boards are made up of people of good will, so they function well. But what happens if personal agendas threaten the very organization the board should oversee?
Should volunteer boards be monitored or evaluated? We have heard rumblings in the community but no one yet has put forward a solution. This is your chance. Write to rctonline@gmail with your suggestions. We will keep your comments anonymous.
The Muddled Male
Bob Stevens, The Muddled Male
Calling
me SCROOGE
is the result of the long running disagreement we have been having about which
charity is a real charity and not a scam.
Ann thinks that if the name sounds charitable like The Humble Fund for the Humane Treatment of Earth Worms Who Have
Lost a Leg then it automatically falls into the category of a charity. I, on the other hand note that it is written
in very poor English, has an address in the Cayman Islands, the salary of the
president of the organization is four billion dollars a month, and a total of
thirty seven cents a year goes to help gimpy earthworms. Ann says that it doesn't matter because
earthworms without legs deserve love too, which is more than she gives me if I
don't give in and write a check.
To
top it off Ann, who was now on a roll, said that reading the Muddled Male
leaves the reader thinking that the article was written by a paranoid dingbat
who thinks that the world is out to get him and that if he drinks milk that has
been sitting in the fridge thirty seconds longer than its "Use By"
date that it will curdle in his mouth and cause spastic gut. All I did was ask her if she thought the
eggnog I was drinking tasted funny since I noticed that it ran past the
freshness date yesterday. She responded
that what I was tasting was the overdose of sugar that was bad for me anyway
and maybe I should start a charity called The
Humble Fund for the Humane Treatment of Diabetic Dingbats. If I did, she promised, she would donate
thirty seven cents to the dingbat fund from whatever measly estate I managed to
scrounge together from funds I should have given to charity before I expired
Scrooge
It
must be getting close to Christmas because this morning Ann, my wife, called me
Scrooge. Actually she called me a Cheap
Scrooge which she claims places me several levels lower than if she called me
just plain Scrooge. If I wrote it here
like she said it I would have to type "CHEAP SCROOGE" with
wiggly letters since she said it with sort of a low guttural sound as opposed
to the soft, silky sound she uses when she is trying to get me to order beet
greens for lunch in place of the deep fried pork rinds and curly fries I am
craving.
Beautiful People of Rich County
.
This is why we all love living in our beautiful winter home. Good friends and such love fill us with hope, and miracles happen every day. Tammy Calder and Katy Ballingham. There are no beautiful people anywhere to match our beautiful people. We are so blessed!
This is why we all love living in our beautiful winter home. Good friends and such love fill us with hope, and miracles happen every day. Tammy Calder and Katy Ballingham. There are no beautiful people anywhere to match our beautiful people. We are so blessed! |
| So much love in this picture and so many prayers and truly beautiful people! |
Garden City Fire District Budget and Meeting
Chris Coray, Reporter
Rich Civic Times
Rich Civic Times
GARDEN CITY- December 6, 2012- The governing board of the
Garden City Fire District held both their annual budget hearing for the
calendar year 2013 as well as the regular December monthly board meeting. Public comments were taken on the proposed 2013
budget, which has no tax increase from the current year. At the conclusion of the public hearing the
board opened its regular monthly meeting and approved the proposed 2013 budget. As the loan from the city on the fire station
was paid off in 2012, there is no longer a loan expense. In addition to standard items, with some
adjustments, that exist in the 2012
budget, the proposed budget for 2013 includes a new item for partial funding of
asphalt repair surrounding the station.
Board member Randall Knight asked how much money in grants
Chief Kurek had brought in during the 2012 year. The answer was $55,000, which exceeds Kurek’s
salary. The board also allocated money from
the remaining 2012 budget and some from the 2013 budget to complete the number
of protective turnouts for the department. Tax revenue is $193,000. Grants total $55,000, a fourth of the total budget.
On a separate issue, if weather permits the department will
be conducting a live structure burn training at 1095 S. Bear Lake Blvd on Dec
12th at 6 p.m.
BYU Living Legends To Perform In Montpelier, February 1
The popular BYU dancing group Living Legends
will be performing at Bear Lake Middle School on Friday, February 1 as part of
the 2013 concert series for the National Oregon/California Trail Center. The event will kick off the school’s
renovated auditorium. Tickets are now on
sale at the Center or online at www.oregontrailcenter.org.
Brigham Young University’s Living Legends
celebrates the Latin American, Native American, and Polynesian cultures through
song and dance in its 90-minute performance, Seasons. Each year hundreds
of BYU students representing the cultures of North and South America and the
South Pacific audition for the opportunity to pay tribute to their ancestors.
All Living Legends members are of Native American, Latin American, or
Polynesian heritage.
Authentic choreography, intricate costumes,
and heart-pounding music bring to life the beauty of traditional cultures often
forgotten in today’s modern world. From the graceful Hawaiian Hula and Mexican
Fiesta dances of celebration to the excitement and beauty of a Native American
Pow Wow, this year’s Living Legends performance will reflect the cycle of
civilization. The dances will portray the changing seasons experienced by
ancient cultures, weaving together legends of the past with the reality of
today.
In January and February of 2012, Living
Legends participated in a 10-day tour to Nevada and California. Traveling by
bus, the group transported over 5,000 pounds of costumes, props, and production
equipment throughout Southern California, performing major concerts and doing
outreach performances in seven cities.
In 2011, Living Legends dazzled audiences in
Russia for the first time. This trip marked the first visit to Russia by a BYU
performing group in 10 years. The group inspired everyone they met in seven
cities, and was presented by the US Embassy in the Theater for Young Audiences
in Moscow. In addition, Living Legends performed a benefit concert in St.
Petersburg where they were introduced by the U.S. Consul.
In 2010, Living Legends went on an extended
tour to China for the first time in 18 years. Living Legends was one of a
select few ensembles who was invited to represent the United States at the
World Expo in Shanghai, where they performed on the America Square Stage for an
audience of 8,000, and participated in a parade for over 300,000 spectators.
“It is always exciting to visit a culture
that we represent,” said Janielle Christensen, artistic director for Living
Legends. “The audience members appreciate how the group represents their
heritage and dance in an honorable way. Out of respect, we learn from the
culture’s artwork, architecture, and lifestyle, which are all incorporated in
our purpose.”
Living Legends has also been applauded
worldwide in places such the Pacific Islands, Australia, Canada, Europe, and
South America. During the 2002 Winter Olympic Games held in Salt Lake City,
Utah, Living Legends had the honor of performing for visitors and athletes in
the Olympic Village. Members of Living Legends also had the privilege of
participating in Light of the World, a production featuring several BYU
performing groups.
Living Legends strives to encourage all
people to take pride in their individual heritage. Its joyful expression of
cultural tradition encourages audiences to better themselves, as illustrated by
a statement from the Office of Culture in Guatemala: “Your performance was
wonderful. Your presence here teaches our people something—to have high ideals
and to walk proud as a people. We hope this community will not be the same
after tonight.”
Living Legends originates in the Department of Dance, College of
Fine Arts and Communications, at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. BYU
is one of the nation’s largest private universities with an enrollment of
30,000 students from throughout the United States and 120 foreign countries.
Host families interested in housing student performers for the
night of the concert in Montpelier are being sought. Those interested in hosting student pairs can
call the Oregon Trail Center at (208) 847-3800.
The performance is sponsored by the Allinger Community Theatre
season sponsors including Bear Lake Memorial Hospital, Zions Bank, Monsanto,
Direct Communications, Rocky Mountain Power, Clover Creek Inn, Agrium and the
Bear Lake Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau.
For more information about upcoming theater and
center events at the National Oregon/California Trail Center in Montpelier,
Idaho, please call (208) 847-3800 or visit www.oregontrailcenter.org.
For
more information, please contact: Executive
Director Becky Smith @ (208) 847-3800
320
North 4th Street, P.O. Box 323, Montpelier, ID 83254
Town & Country Realty Donates to Animals Need Help & Laketown Sub for Santa
This year Town and Country Realty would like to say thank-you to all of our friends, clients, and customers without cards......
In the Christmas spirit of giving Town & Country Realty Bear Lake is going to donate the equivalent cost of cards and postage to two local organizations in the Bear Lake Valley.
Animals Need Help ( ANH) in Montpelier, Idaho (http:www.anhbearlake.org/)
and to the City of Laketown Sub for Santa (Sim Weston, Mayor at 435 757 0921)
These are local organizations and in need of support.
If you too would like to donate, their contact information has been provided.
We feel these donations are giving back to the community which is what the holiday season is about,
especially in this time of need.
Our sincere thanks for your valued business. We appreciate having you as our customers and look forward to serving you in the New Year. Party on 2013!
Cindy
JoAnne
Shanna
Anne
JoAnne
Shanna
Anne
Garden City's Christmas Party
 |
| Santa Arrives in Rich County - Photo by Tammy Calder |
 |
| Chase Kurek has a very LONG list Photo by Tammy Calder |
 |
| Penny and Tom Stevens - Photo by Tammy Calder |
Shutting Down Some City Lights Saves $17,000
Anita Weston, Reporter
Rich Civic Times
Currently the water treatment
plant uses approximately $5,000 to $7,000 in electricity each month. The City is trying to find a way to decrease
the electrical costs at that facility.
They are currently looking into perhaps shutting down two-thirds of the
plant’s capability during the winter months.
This might be feasible and would save the City additional thousands of
dollars a month on that electric bill.
Rich Civic Times
GARDEN CITY- December 5,
2012- Discussion was held concerning the street
lights in Garden City. Members of the Garden
City Planning and Zoning Committee were concerned about the number of lights
that had been turned off by the City.
Mayor Spuhler was present. He
handed out a list of every light that is within the City Limits and indicated
which were still on and which had been turned off.
Mayor Spuhler explained that
the electric bill for the City was very large.
He determined that perhaps many of the lights that were in the City were
in areas where they were not needed. He
and Lance Bourne, an employee of Rocky Mountain Power Company, went through the
City checking each of the lights and determining whether they should be left on
or turned off.
They found that there were
about 58 lights within the City. About
half of them were in people’s back yards, in corral areas where cattle at one
time had been fed, and so forth. They
decided to leave the lights on that were at intersections, at bus stops, and
where elderly individuals lived. It was
determined that families and businesses that wanted to have the lights left on
that were in their vicinity could pay for them themselves. Many of the businesses in the City wanted to
have the lights left on and were more than willing to pick up that power bill
for those lights. Any individuals could
also assume the cost of any lights located in their areas.
As a result of turning off
about half of the lights a year-and-a-half ago, over $17,000 has been
saved. In addition, the City was able to
get a grant to buy 20 new lights. These
new lights will be put in place as soon as permission has been obtained from
UDOT. These new lights are about15'
high and meet all of UDOT’s standards.
They are LED lights so that the cost of running these lights is about a
tenth the cost of the older lights. The
City will continue to buy more lights and add them along the streets as they
are able to do so.
The Planning and Zoning
members decided there were perhaps two or three additional lights that should
be turned back on. Mayor Spuhler
indicated to Bourne to do so as soon as he was able.
Several citizens in the
community have complimented the City on the lights that they have at the City
Office area. These Christmas lights are
also LED and use very little electricity.
Homes Too Close To Canal?
Anita Weston, Reporter
Rich Civic Times
It was suggested that perhaps
in the future, when a subdivision comes in with building lots that are close to
the canal, the developer be made responsible for piping the canal past the home
or subdivision.
Rich Civic Times
GARDEN CITY-December 5, 2012-
There was a discussion on canal safety at the Garden City Planning and Zoning
meeting. It was noted that the State of Utah
It was noted that some of the
owners of the homes in Lockwood that are close to the canal were asked by the
City to build further away from the canal.
They also requested that the homeowners pipe the canal past their homes
since the canal was in such close proximity.
Instead of piping the canal, the homeowners have built retaining walls
next to their homes.
Next month the Planning and
Zoning meeting will be held on the second Wednesday of the month instead of the
first.
Garden City Business Sign Ordinance
Anita Weston, Reporter
Rich Civic Times
GARDEN CITY- December 5, 2012
- Andy Stokes, Garden City’s enforcement officer, has rewritten the city’s sign
ordinance. He requested the Planning and
Zoning Committee to look this ordinance over, make suggestions, and get the
item back to him. He would like to get
this ordinance updated and ready to go by the first of the year.
Stokes indicated that the old
Ordinance was a good one but did not make any allowance or way to enforce the ideas
it contained. It has now been rewritten
so that enforcement is possible and will allow the City to have some common
standards concerning business signage.
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