Garden City Council Meeting

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY,Utah.  March 13, 2014.The Garden City General Plan was approved by the Garden City Council.  They liked the way it was written and the objectives that have been included.

The Parks and Trails Plan was discussed.  It was determined that perhaps some additional materials and information be added to the plan prior to approval.

A review of the Garden City Culinary Water Impact Fee Analysis was discussed.  It was approved as presented.  The ordinance updating and establishing water impact fee policies and procedures was also accepted by the Council.

The budget figures were handed out to Council members.  They looked the information over and noted that a discussion of the suggested budget will be conducted at the next meeting.  However, getting the items early will allow Council Members to do some research and be prepared to deal with the budget next month.

DeWayne Gifford was re-appointed to the Planning and Zoning Committee.  Marcia Solum was re-appointed to the Board of Adjustments.  Tammy Calder was appointed Deputy Recorder.

Council Member Chuck Stocking reported that the City Library is running out of space.  They have some especially good materials and are getting more all the time.  They hate to dispose of items that are being used regularly.  Mayor Spuhler said that they definitely couldn’t have the Special Collections room for expansion.  If they wanted to expand, they need to look at other options.  Mayor Spuhler also said they should be using e-books and other automated devices instead of hard back books.

Stocking asked if it would be possible to give Dawn Brady a raise in salary.  She has been with the library a long time and hasn’t had a raise.  The Council made and passed a motion to raise Dawn Brady’s wages.

Stocking noted that the shuttle idea should be expedited since summer was coming rather quickly.  Mayor Spuhler told him to write up some policies and guidelines that could be used to move forward with this idea.

Stocking reported that the water boiler for the hot tub at the pool has died and asked if it could be replaced.  He was told to take care of that matter.  Stocking is also working on the city kiosk.  He noted that an electronic device with shatter resistant surface and water proof would be needed in the kiosk.  Mayor Spuhler told him to go ahead and move forward on that as well.

Councilman Bruce Warner noted that there are individuals who are currently running businesses within the City Limits who have no business licenses.  He was told to take Gary Cox, the Enforcement Officer, with him and call on any individuals who appear to have a business without a license.  A sales tax letter should probably be sent to the various businesses in town to make sure they are collecting and sending in the required taxes.

There are several places in town that need to clean up their premises.  They are cluttered and portray the wrong image.  Gary was asked to check with these businesses as well to see if changes can be made.

Bess Huefner, Council Member reported that she has been working with the Raspberry Days Committee.  Things are shaping up there very well.  The entertainment is pretty much lined up.  Rick Rose will be singing along with some other groups.  The craft fair is ready to go. 

Joey Stocking is currently working on the sign ordinance through the Chamber of Commerce.  He will be taking the new ordinance to Planning and Zoning next month.  A Public Hearing needs to be scheduled.  The ordinance will then move to the City Council.

Darrin Pugmire is working with accesses to the various water storage tanks.  Easements need to be written and turned over to the City.  He is concerned with the number of individuals who need to be contacted and agreements made with them.  Pugmire feels that water is a real issue, especially the storage tanks.  Additional attention and work needs to be spent on this item.

Mayor Spuhler said his major concerns at the present time were parking and transportation between The City and the lake shore. 

City Makes Plans For Summer

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah. March 13, 2014.  Zan Murray, Garden City engineer, reported that the water plan presented by Fred Philpot, water consultant, needs to be approved by the Council.  It then needs to be filed with the State and get their approval.  He noted that Cindy Gooch was still working on the Tiger Grant.  He asked if Council Member Bess Huefner had all of the needed support letters.  They will be needed when the grant is again submitted.

The City will be getting about $500,000 from the state for parking and lake access.  The number was originally $750,000 but $250,000 is to go to sovereign lands and the County.  The funds have been targeted specifically for development of 150 South and lake access through the City Park.  Design for 150 South is about ready so that decisions can be made about impacts on neighbors, natural springs, and so forth.  If possible, development on the east side of 75 North also needs to be improved.  Murray noted that he and Council Member Darrin Pugmire will work on what Danny White has put together for 75 North.  It was also mentioned that the problem of getting people to and from the beach needs to be considered.

Gary Cox then reported on work he has been doing.  He has been working on the city budget.  He congratulated the City on the refinancing that was done this winter.  It will save the City a tremendous amount of money in interest expense.  He has also been looking into the water system, and the problems and costs involved there. 

He noted that the kiosk needs to be completed.  Some electronic devices will probably be placed there that will assist people in finding addresses and advertising businesses within the City.  A possible shuttle service is being considered, and he has been working on several possibilities there.

He is reading the ordinances to become more familiar with them.  He is the ordinance enforcement officer for the City and wants to understand and know where enforcement may be needed.  He had been to the Chamber of Commerce meeting.  They are working on the City’s signage ordinance.  Mayor Spuhler noted that he hoped they will continue to do that and make it easier to enforce and understand.

Apparently the Planning and Zoning Committee are working on a nuisance ordinance and other ordinances that will help beautify the City.  He is willing to work with them in attempting to make certain areas of the City more in line with the City’s name.

The City will be getting ride of the cattle guards that have been in place and remove some of the gates to give greater lake access.  He is interested in the quagga mussel problem and is willing to help there.  A new ad campaign to make people more aware of this issue might help in getting people to be more careful with their water craft as they go from one body of water to another.

Cox is very interested in the shuttle idea.  He thinks it will encourage people to stop and stay longer in the community if they could park and ride to the lakeshore.  He feels the parking additions will really help the city.

He noted that Planning and Zoning are working on a height ordinance that would allow buildings over 35’.  Right now they are looking at some areas west on Paradise Parkway north of the city offices.

He has been working on more ads and advertising to get people better acquainted with the Garden City area. 

George Peart, building inspector, reported that there have been three building permits already issued this month—two are on Cherimoya.  He noted that two more homes are going into Eagle Feather.  Planning and Zoning are working on ordinances and seem to be moving forward. 

Council Member Chuck Stocking asked George how the County determined primary and secondary residences.  He noted that he has lived in the Garden City for about six years and has been paying taxes on his home that was listed as a secondary home.  He didn’t realize there was a difference.  Just because someone builds a home in Garden City doesn’t mean it is secondary.  When you are new in the area, you don’t understand the differences between these two items and assume the County does their homework.  It appears, however, that everything in Garden City is secondary unless they can prove otherwise.  He asked if Peart could help the County be more accurate in their decisions and tax collection policy.

Weekly Rodeos In Garden City

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  March 13, 2014.  Jade Willis approached the City Council in regards to holding a weekly rodeo at approximately 600 North 300 West in Garden City during the coming summer.  The Planning and Zoning Committee suggested that he come to the City Council to see if they thought it would be a good idea.  Apparently Laketown doesn’t want the rodeo held during Raspberry Days because they always hold a rodeo at that time. 

It was noted that there are more people in the Valley during Raspberry Days than at any other time, and many of them don’t know what to do.  Perhaps it would be a better idea to have more than one evening activity—even if there were both rodeos, than having people just driving around.  It was mentioned that competition is generally a good thing and might even produce more income than expected at that time of the summer. 

Willis noted that he will not hold a rodeo at that time if Laketown is upset by it, but would really like to be able to hold something on a consistent schedule.  He also suggested that he have afternoon rodeos those days and let Laketown have the evening rodeos.  Willis is willing to work with both Communities and will abide by the decision made.

He will be going back to the Planning and Zoning to firm up any loose ends.  He said he would also talk with Sim Weston, the Mayor of Laketown, to see how they feel about having two such activities.  The City Council noted that they will go to Planning and Zoning and let them know of the discussion the City held concerning this activity.

The Muddled Male

Cookie Monster

by Bob Stevens, The Muddled Male

         I admit up front that I am looking for sympathy.  More than sympathy, I am seeking a courageous but kindly soul willing to go behind the back of Ann, my wife, and sneak me a goody.  In case you wondered, I am a man of simple tastes.  Give me a hamburger with fries and a vanilla shake followed by a good chocolate chip cookie and I am a happy man.  The problem is that I ended up with my mother’s genes who ended up with her mother’s genes which seem to generate diabetes in successive generations.  The problem began when Ann, who loves to read, began devouring magazines with a theme centered on what’s good and what’s bad for diabetic husbands who are also miscreants, aka scoundrels.  I know what you are thinking, but I’m not normally devious, it is just that I have this uncontrollable need for sugars and fats.  Ann, on the other hand, has this uncontrollable urge to keep me alive, thus her decision to stop being my wife and start being my mother.  Have you ever had your knuckles cracked with the edge of a stainless steel spatula just because you were reaching into a cookie jar?

            The real problem began, however, after Ann read about the Water Boarding techniques allegedly used by the CIA to break the will of hardened terrorists.  Ann hates to get water on the floor, however, so she came up with a variation she calls Cookie Aroma Boarding.  First she reminds me that I am forbidden to eat a chocolate chip cookie under any circumstance.  Then she mixes up a large batch of chocolate chip cookie batter using the delectable recipe given to her by her friend Shirlene.  The recipe contains all the ingredients necessary to meet my uncontrollable need for sweets and fats including two kinds of sugar, lots of butter, a few eggs, and a bag or two of chocolate chips.  Then she begins to cook them while holding me at bay with the edge of a spatula.  As the aroma fills the room she stacks the soft, hot cookies on a bread board while swinging the spatula wildly to keep me on the other side of the room.  Once all the batter has been turned into cookies she stacks some on a paper plate to tempt me before she gives them away, and counts each one to make certain that I don’t steal any during the delivery.  Then she puts the rest into the freezer which I am forbidden to open.

            I can confirm that Cookie Aroma Boarding is every bit as effective as Water Boarding because I am truly a hardened cookie eater and my will is broken.  Don’t tell Ann, but even though my will is broken my need for sugar and fat isn’t, so any sugary, fatty treat you can slip into my hand without Ann becoming aware will be appreciated.  And for my friend Scott, goose jerky is not considered a sugary, fatty treat.  Come to think of it, it isn’t a treat of any kind.

Summer Citizens Library Cards

This summer the Garden City Library will offer temporary cards to our warm weather friends.  Patrons may apply for a temporary card any time between May 1^st – October 1^st.  The card will be valid for 3 months or until October 1^st, whichever comes first.  A fee of $30 must be paid by cash or check at time of application with a $15 refund if account is in good standing at the time of expiration.  Any questions may be directed to the Library at 435-946-2950 or by email to librarydirector@cut.net.

Cathie Rasmussen

Garden City Library Director

Garden City Library

PO Box 348

Garden City, UT  84028

Ph# (435) 946-2950

librarydirector@cut.net

RHS Fiddler On The Roof

Tickets are still available for the Rich High School Musical which will be held on March 19, 20 21 and.  Regular adult tickets $8.  Children  (5-10) and Seniors (60 and older) $6.   You can order tickets by mail c/o Michael Williamson, PO Box 278, Randolph, Utah 84064.  Phone 435 793 2365 ext. 117.  Seats will be assigned on a first ordered basis.

Please include your name, address and e-mail with a check for the tickets.

Water Fee Increase Scenarios Discussed

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times 

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  March 2014.  Fred Philpot, Garden City water consultant, reported findings in the area of monthly rates.  He looked at the three pricing objectives of revenue sufficiency and maintenance of bond covenants, a simple and equitable rates structure, and something that is easy to implement.   

The assumptions made were as follows:  That an increase in expenditures should be about 3 percent annually.  The annual repair and replacement allocation should be $525,200.  One hundred percent funding of the capital improvement plan needs to be included.  Ninety-nine and one-half percent collection rate adjustments are to be used.  The growth in ERC’s will be 1.15 percent through 2019 and 2.36 percent thereafter.  The current fee structure (per month) base fee is $35.00.  The current ERC base fee outside the city limits is $53.50.  The vacant lot fee is $10.00 and the overage fees per 1,000 gallons is $1.00 for the next 5,000 gallons, $2.00 for 5001 to 10,000 and greater than 10,000 gallons is $3.00 for each additional 10,000.  This allows Philpot to determine the overage revenues because he can use the actual usage figures from the past two years. 

Another area that must be considered is the capital improvements that must be made in the next few years along with all repair and replacement costs that will occur.  Expected construction costs incurred over the next few years paid for by rates is $1,632,799.  The cost of growth that will be paid by impact fees is $1,533,919.  There will be a shortage of $283,957 that must be paid for through increased rates. 

The Garden City Capital Improvement Plan and the needed repairs and replacement costs must also be considered over the next few years.  These items are estimated by taking into account the distribution system with a total value of $15,854,000 and with a cost per year assuming a 50 year life of $317,000.  The water storage tanks have a total value of $2,611,000 with a cost (assuming a 50 year life) of $52,200.  The final item to take into account is the treatment plan at a total cost of $5,200,000.  Assuming 40 percent of the plant is replaceable equipment at 20 years comes out at $104,000 per year.  The treatment plant building at 60 percent year replacement equals about $52,000.  Also, funding depreciation will reduce the District’s need to issue debt and will therefore decrease future interest expense. 

Philpot figured our four different scenarios.  For each scenario, it was determined that the coverage ratio must be at least 1.25 percent, and the year-end fund balance should provide for 150 days of operating capital and maintenance. 

There is an inclusion of depreciation at 20 percent with 100 percent inclusion of the capital improvement plan.  All scenarios must include the proposed projects in 2020 which will impact the rate analysis as well as the new well that will need to be constructed.  A table was included that gave the cost of capital projects and the amount of funding needed to handle the required amount of depreciation.  The total amount of debt by 2020 would be about $1,088,939. 

Scenario 1 (baseline) is a suggestion where there will be no rate increase.  The table with this plan shows that by 2020 there would be $469,828 net revenue available to handle debt service.  Debt service is a negative $388,150.  That means there is a surplus of revenue of $81,678.  However, the total capital improvement plan has incurred a negative balance of $1,088,939 along with a negative change in cash position of $1,007,261.  The beginning cash reserves were a negative $382,668.  The ending cash reserves are a negative $1,389,930.  Unrestricted day of working cash hits zero in 2015, and the City never gets out of that situation.  The City would have to try and borrow money with no real plan or resources to repay the loans.  

Scenario 2 contains the suggestion where the monthly rate be increased by 40 percent or $49.00 within the City and $73.50 outside the City limits through 2020 without any additional raises in rates and not taking into consideration any debt.  All of the following scenarios will begin in January of 2015.  The table with this plan shows that by 2020 there would be $752,329 net revenue available to handle debt service.  Debt service is a negative $388,150.  There is a surplus of revenue of $364,178.  However, the total capital improvement plan has incurred a negative balance of $1,088,939 along with a negative change in cash position of $724,761.  The beginning cash reserves area is a positive $965,644.  Unrestricted cash reserves are $240,883, and the City is able to maintain the 150 days of unrestricted working cash. 

Scenario 3 contains the suggestion where the monthly rate be increased to $42.00 for individuals within the City and $63.00 for those living outside the City through 2020 with a proposed series of bonds for $580,052 purchased in 2015.  This gives the City an additional net amount of money for future projects of $196,870.  The table with this plan shows that by 2020 there would be $611,079 net revenue available to handle debt service.  Debt service is a negative $430,575.  Surplus revenues are $180,503.  However, the total capital improvement plan has incurred a negative balance of $908,436.  The beginning cash reserves are a positive $651,732.   The ending cash reserves are a negative $256,704.  The City is able to maintain the 150 days of unrestricted working cash up to 2020 where this resource zeros out. 

Scenario 4 contains a gradual rate increase with debt along with an annual adjustment.  Here the base rate with begin at $42.00 for individuals within the City limits and $63.00 for those outside the City limits.  This is actually a 20 percent raise in rates from 2014.  There would be an annual rate increase of $3.0% each year after 2015. The table with this plan shows that by 2020 there would be $746,063 net revenue available to handle debt service.  Debt service is a negative $430,575.  Surplus revenues are $315,488.  There is a total change in the Capital Improvement Plan of $1,088,939.  The total change in cash position is a negative $773,451.   The beginning cash reserves are a positive $904,777.   The ending cash reserves are a positive $131,327.  The ending Cash Unrestricted Cash Reserves are a positive $131,327.  The City is able to maintain the 150 days of unrestricted working cash up to 2020 where days drop down to 81 instead of the 150 that is the goal. 

Scenario 4 is the one recommended by Philpot.  He noted that because debt service coverage is in the most positive light, and the City is able to maintain the necessary maintenance and repair monies for the 150 day requirement, it will be possible for the City to be able to borrow money at a lower rate there by saving high interest costs. 

Fred included a chart showing the rates for the next six or seven year, but encourages the City to look at the financial side of things every year to make sure they are not far from the predicted money figures.  If there is much deviation, other changes may need to be implemented. 

Since adoption of the new water rate fees was not included on the agenda, this matter will be discussed and decided at the April City Council Meeting.  There was a hearing prior to the Meeting where the public was allowed to give comments.  There were not many individuals present thereby giving the Council the feeling that raising rates will be acceptable to those affected by the changes. 

The entire report is on the City’s web site for those individuals interested in looking at the entire document.  It is called 2014 Culinary Water Impact Fees and Rate Analysis, Garden City, Utah, March, 2014.

Spring Clouds Or Winter Leaving?

Photo by Jennifer Cassillas

New Impact Fees On Water Hookups

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times 

GARDEN CITY, Utah. March 2014.   Bruce Warner, Council Member, reported that he felt he needed to know more about the water situation in Garden City.  He had Riley Argyle, the Supervisor of Public Works, take him on a tour of the culinary water system in Garden City. 

Warner wanted to particularly know what the problems and issues were.  He carefully went over the financial reported concerning the water enterprise fund. He feels that water impact fees need to be increased in order to pay for the additional water that will be used by the families and/or businesses connecting to the current system.  New growth needs to pay for itself.  Also, he was told that many developers actually bring water shares with them when beginning a subdivision or development.   

He found there were easement difficulties in getting to the various storage tanks that are owned and/or shared by the City.  Some of the areas did not have necessary water pressure to meet fire code requirements.  The City really has only one water source so that more diversity is needed.  Some of the older pipe lines are too small and need to be replaced.  There are several areas in the system that has old lines that also need to be replaced.  He reported that the City has what it has and that the workers are doing a good job.  He noted that improvements and progress toward a better system needs to be attempted. 

Fred Philpot, a municipal financial consultant, reported to the city council concerning the findings of the water study  completed by his consulting firm.  The study started by determining the existing and future demand within the service area.  Philpot then looked at the inventory of all of the existing facilities and established the level of service.  He identified the existing and future capital facilities necessary to serve the new growth that is expected.  He also looked at all revenue resources to finance system improvements, and then conducted a proportionate share analysis. He was able to determine the maximum impact fee for an equivalent residential connection (ERC) would be $4,420.  This is a refinement from what was considered last month.  From this information a chart was made determining the maximum impact fee for each land use type. 

Philpot had a chart that showed comparisons among many cities in Utah and their culinary impact water fees.  Currently, Garden City has been charging $1,178 for a ERC.  That fee needs to be raised to the $4,420.  Fred also showed which cities have updated their fees in just the past year or two.  It is very evident that there are several cities whose fees are close to this figure or a bit more.  The highest fees shown on the chart currently charges $5,309. 

Philpot suggested that the City adopt the recommended impact fee.  He noted that upon a public hearing concerning rate changes, that the suggested rates be adopted.  He reminded that City that impact fees become effective 90 days from adoption. 

The entire report is on the City’s web site for those individuals interested in looking at the entire document.  It is called 2014 Culinary Water Impact Fees and Rate Analysis, Garden City, Utah, March, 2014. 

The Council did vote to accept the recommended impact fees.

 

OHV Training Required For Youth

GET A JUMP ON SUMMER, TAKE SAFETY COURSES TODAY

Salt Lake City – Spring break and warmer weather are right around the corner. Register your child today to take an off-highway vehicle education training course and personal watercraft education course.

In Utah, youth 12 through 17 are required to take an approved boating safety course before operating a PWC (Jet Ski, Waverunner, etc.). Boating safety courses are available online at boating.utah.gov. Each course costs $34.95 and can be completed in approximately four hours. Upon completion, a temporary safety certificate can be printed immediately, and a permanent certificate is sent via mail.

Utah law requires youth age eight through 16 to pass an OHV education training course before operating an OHV on public land.  Drivers 16 years and older must have a valid driver’s license or OHV education certificate. Youth under age eight cannot operate an OHV on public land. Courses are available online at www.ohv.utah.gov for $30.

For more information, visit stateparks.utah.gov.