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Friday, April 17, 2015

Eagle Flies Over The Lake

Photo by Thirteen year old Madison Harrah

Garden City Council Meeting

Anita Weston, Reporter
Rich Civic Times 

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  April 9, 2015.  Crepes & Coffee requested a business license to conduct a business at 235 north Bear Lake Blvd.  This business request is for a takeout crepe and specialty coffee/drink establishment.  The owner is Elke Brown.  The Council granted the request.

The Rily Property Management requested a license to conduct a property management company in Garden City.  The owners are Rick and Lyn Bessey.  The Council granted the request.

Conestoga Ranch requested a license to conduct a glamping resort at 400 north 300 west.  The owner is Mike Knapp.  The Council granted the request.

The Conestoga Ranch requested that the City allow this business to apply to the state for an alcohol license.  The Council made the motion to allow that liquor could be served in the restaurant and beer could be sold at the concession store at the glamping location.  The City’s permission had to be obtained prior to approaching the State for their approval.

Four new short term rentals were given short term rental licenses.  Bear Lake Lodging will be managing the Doug Lusk home located at 865 Harbor Village Drive, #204.  This same management company will also handle the rental at 109 Harbor Village, owned by Shindig Enterprises.  Both of these locations were given the licenses contingent upon submitting drawings of the layouts of these two potential rental homes.  David and Hillary Force own a home a 628 South Eutaw Road.  The license was approved.  Jacob Strain’s home at 922 M Blackberry Drive was also approved.

AJ Franks and Mitch McBride from United Way presented information to the Council in the hopes that some good projects could be set up and completed in Garden City.   They asked the Council to consider their offer of assistance and to try and come up with some ideas that could benefit the Community and its citizens.  They will come back in a month or two to see what the City has decided to work on.

A budget discussion was held.  There are several items that have gone over budget and others that are under.  Changes are needed to balance out the accounts.  The Council spent quite a bit of time going through the budget making suggestions and changes that need to be made.  The changes will be made prior to next month’s meeting.  The proposed budget for the next fiscal year will also be presented next month.  Any changes on the proposed budget can then be made prior to accepting to budget for the fiscal year 2015-2016 at the June meeting. 


Council Member Reports

Anita Weston, Reporter
Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  April 9, 2015.  Bess Huefner reported that Mitch Poulson has been putting together a map of all the trails available at the present time.  She thought that perhaps United Way could help with the trails project.  She noted that the lake will be drawn down at least five feet this coming summer which will give a lot of beach area.   The water draw down will probably be complete by the first part of July.  Raspberry Days plans are moving forward.  There are 81 booths spaces that have been paid for.  Eight of these booths will be selling food.  She hopes that the Chamber of Commerce will get on the worker housing issue.  She asked if background checks had been completed on all City employees.  All but one has been completed.

Chuck Stocking said that the library was getting their sign ready.  It will be put in the frame next to the Clinic.  It has a hard surface so that banners can be put on top of it for special announcements without waving and flapping in the wind.  The City has agreed to pay half of the cost of the sign.

The pool heater for the spa has been installed.  It was reported that the pool should not be opened to the public until two life guards are present.

Bruce Warner noted that several elderly and widowed individuals on a fixed income have been given a discounted price for water.  He waived the disconnect and reconnect fee for one individual.  He had contacted another individual who was unaware that there was a fee for water.  This individual had been out of the country for some time but was willing to pay for the months that had been missed.

There was a big leak at one location.  After talking with the family, it was determined there was quite a bit of water damage.  He waived the water overage that occurred for the month when the leak happened.

Darrin Pugmire noted that the work was moving forward on the new parking lots.  Work on roads is also being done. 

Mayor Spuhler noted that there have been some changes concerning the beach.  Zones will be established. In some zones, items can be left on the beach overnight.  Volley ball will be allowed in certain areas.  The area below 150 South will have a parking lot and porta potties.  Those who take advantage of the parking lot will be asked to pay $10 for this convenience.  There will be a drop off area.  This is where there will be the most people. 

People can get to the beach by parking in the new parking areas and walking to the beach.  They can drive to the beach, leave their things, then drive back up and park.  There will a shuttle that will be stopping at each of the lake access points.  It is free and people can put their items on the trailer and get out at any location they desire and catch the shuttle when they are ready to leave. 

Garden City residents can have a free pass.  They will be considered a resident if they vote in Garden City.

There are open positions for an ordinance officer, a city manager, and some part time workers.  Hopefully, these positions will be filled soon.


Summer Rodeo

Anita Weston, Reporter
Rich Civic Times 

GARDEN CITY, Utah.   April 9, 2015.  Jade Willis, who had the rodeo venue last summer, appeared before the Council to discuss some options to go along with the rodeo this summer.  He noted that last summer was not successful financially. 

However, because the glamping resort has a western theme, Mike Knapp asked Willis to continue with the rodeo this summer if at all possible.  Willis asked if the Council would allow him to get some concerts and other activities lined up to use the arena along with rodeos.  He felt there needs to be more variety and more advertising to make the area there successful.

The Council was more than willing to go along with most of his ideas.  However, they wanted him to make some decisions and bring in a detailed agenda for them to consider.



City To Buy Shudahi Tank

Anita Weston, Reporter
Rich Civic Times 

GARDEN CITY, Utah. April 9, 2015. Norm Mecham appeared before the Council.  A decision needs to be made as to whether the City will buy the Shundahi tank or drill a new well.  It was determined that the existing tank would probably be the best decision at the present time.  A new well is also needed but could be postponed for four or five years.  The tank will meet the state requirement for the amount of water storage needed and is already in place.  It will take the City some time to find a good area to drill for a well.  This work needs to be started so the City will be ready to drill when the well becomes necessary. 

Riley Argyle, Public Works, noted that there is emergency water available as a result of the agreement that was made with Sweetwater.  Because of the dry winter this past year; water for fire suppression may be more important this summer than in the past.  He suggested that the City buy the tank and get the well in 6 to 8 years to take care of water needs.

Mayor Spuhler felt that getting the tank would be the best option for the City at this time.  The Board members were in agreement.

It was decided that the city needs to begin immediately to get the preliminary engineering report with all the necessary documents required.  There needs to be an addendum of alternatives, the agreement needs to be formalized and documented, there needs to be an environmental report, a biological report on plants and animals must be compiled, and so on. 

An application needs to be submitted.  There will be a review process of this application that must be completed in 30 days after it is submitted.  It will take up to 150 days to get financing.  The tank can then be purchased.  It is important to keep all parties invested in the project to keep things moving.  Zan Murray, the City Engineer, will be able to help the City through the process and keep things on track.

City funds can be used for the study phase, or the City can ask for a planning advance and put that amount into the overall financing of the project.

Mecham was told that it will be 4 to 5 months—about the end of August to allow Murray to get the application prepared.  A trustee note needs to be prepared for $92,000 for the land (approximately 7,900 linear feet) owned by Mecham that the City needs to complete 150 South.  This amount, however, will be forgiven if the City buys the water tank. 

There will not be a large circular turn around but here will be enough area at the bottom of 150 South for a three point turn around.  Signage will be needed to let people know that no large vehicles or trailers will be allowed on 150 South.

The Council was in agreement with the changes and items discussed.  It was noted that Norm will write up an agreement memo and asked that all members of the Council sign.  They were in agreement.

Mecham will finish up the easement and get it on the agenda for next month so that the City can give their formal approval.  Mecham was told to go ahead and move forward with what he needs to do to get everything moving.  It was noted that Murray will move the project forward as well, Mecham will get signatures, and Darrin Pugmire will read all forms.


Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Mountain Lion Sightings


U.S. Forest Service Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest Report
Recent reports of mountain lion (cougar) activity along the River Trail corridor in Logan Canyon and at lower elevations reinforce the fact that mountain lions can be present anywhere. Mountain lions are active year round and their main food sources are deer, rabbits and other small mammals. Mountain lions have extremely large territories. They sometimes roam more than 20 miles a day in search of new food sources or mates. This is especially true after young mountain lions leave their mother at about a year and a half old.
 If you recreate in mountain lion country, here are a few guidelines to make your experience safer:
• Hike with other people and make noise. Cougars usually will not bother groups of people.
• Keep a clean camp and store food and garbage in your vehicle or hang it between two trees where cougars (and bears) cannot reach it.
• When hiking with small children, keep the children in the group or in sight ahead of the group. Remember, cougars ambush from behind, so keeping a child in front of the main group will lessen the possibility of attack.
• Keep away from dead animals, especially deer or elk. This could be a kill that a cougar is guarding or will be returning to. A cougar will defend its food.
• If hiking with pets, keep them on a leash and close to the group. Roaming pets will be open to cougar attacks.
• Try to minimize your recreation activities during dawn and dusk- the times mountain lions are most active.
• Respect any warning signs posted by agencies. It may not be a good time for outdoor adventuring.
• Make enough noise when hiking, cycling or running that you do not get too close without them hearing you coming. Lions that hear you coming will leave an area before you get there.
• If you encounter a cougar please alert the Division of Wildlife Resources 801-476-2740.

Sunday, April 12, 2015

Musings Of A Muddled Male

A Muddled Reporter’s Lament
By Bob Stevens, The Muddled Male

        Who would have expected so much turmoil to have come into a simple man’s life from a short email penned by a vacationing editor basking in the sun somewhere in a timeshare in Mexico?  The short version of the message was that the two RCTOnline reporters who normally cover the Rich County Commissioners’ Meetings were unavailable, and would I be so kind as to fill in for them at the Commissioners’ first of April meeting.  My first thought was that this was a hoax and I was being set up as the fall guy in an April fool’s joke.  “Nay, nay,” said my editor.  All I would have to do is to attend the meeting in behalf of the AWOL reporters, listen to the discussions and presentations that occurred, and then write up an abbreviated version of what went on.  “How hard could that be,” I asked myself.  So I decided to be a nice guy and do what I was asked. 

        Although I arrived early, the room was already full of people.  And it appeared that the meeting had started without me and I was missing things I was expected to hear and report.  I tried to use the same technique that I use when I arrive late to Church by peeking quietly into the room and when no one is looking, slip quietly into a seat on the back row so that everyone thinks that I have been there all along.  But a kindly person with a smile on her face caught me in mid stride and informed me that I was interrupting a crew meeting and moved me back into the hall and then closed the door to prevent me from becoming part of something I was not allowed to join.  My editor warned me that I might be thrown out, but I didn’t realize that it would happen even before I started. 

        I admit that I concluded almost immediately that a reporter’s life is not always easy.  Especially for an inexperienced reporter like me who was only there because of a desperation assignment.  I want everyone to know, however, that in spite of my limitations I really did try my best.  I came to my assignment packing a laptop, an iPad, a picture of all the main characters with their name so that I wouldn’t blunder and call Joe, Pete, a pen in case my laptop battery ran down, and my hearing aids.  The Court room where the Commissioners meet isn’t the easiest place for an old man to hear.  First of all those making a plea or a presentation to the Commissioners sit facing the Commissioners but with their backs to the audience where the reporters sit.  I tried turning my hearing aids up.  I tried turning my hearing aids down.  But no adjustment corrected the noise from people talking in the hallway outside the court room door, or the sound of a copy machine kachunking out copies somewhere in the region of the Courtroom.  And as hard as I tried I never figured out how to read the lips of presenters by looking at the backs of heads and watching ears wiggle. 

        In spite of all that, I accept responsibility for any error that may have resulted from me misunderstanding what I thought I understood, or editing out something that should have been left in.  It is interesting to note that I have been writing the Muddled Male column for about seven years.  In all that time I have received two telephone calls and two emails.  Oh, and there has been a long time correspondence with a special fan in Hamtramck, Michigan who is also a good friend.  Of course there is my sister who says she thinks my articles are humorous, but she is partial to me because I have always been such a nice brother. 

        But with the article I wrote this past week regarding the Swan Creek Garbage Pickup Problem, I received two personal contacts and two telephone calls within two days of the article being published.  All of this is a preface to telling you that a correction to that article has been included in this edition of the RCTOnline.  Thank you for being readers and for feeling strongly enough to contact me …. and for speaking kindly rather than threatening to clean my clock.

Bear Lake View

Photo by Suzanne Godfrey

Open Meeting Rules Discussed In Garden City


Anita Weston, Reporter
Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  April 9, 2014.  The Garden City Offices conducted a special meeting for training individuals who serve on the various boards within the City.  It is a state requirement that all individuals serving on public boards need annual training on open meetings.  The information presented was given to help citizens follow the statues concerning open meetings.

There were several people from the Garden City District Fire Board who attended the meeting.  There were also a number of people currently serving on the City’s Library Board that were there.   Several other interested individuals were also present. 

Kathy Hislop, the City Clerk, took charge of the meeting.  She informed those in attendance that all public boards should post all meeting agendas on the Utah Public Meeting Notice site.  Also, all information that goes along with the agenda that will be discussed should also be posted.  Interested individuals can subscribe to the site—they must do it for each board where information is desired.   If you want the agenda for the Library, you can subscribe to the Garden City Library Board.  If you also want information about the Garden City Fire District, you can subscribe to that organization.  The desired information will then be sent to you after it is posted.

When decisions are being made in a meeting, all individuals on the board should vote.  There should be a roll call on each decision made.  If someone does not vote, that is a “no” vote.  The roll call votes should be included in the minutes of the meeting.

Electronic meetings are allowed.  If a board member wants to participate in the meeting but is unable to attend in person, he/she can call in and participate in the meeting.  The City has an ordinance that allows this type of participation.  The City also has the telephone number to be called and the equipment to be able to easily handle this type of participation.

There are several reasons for an executive session.  Some mentioned were:  personnel issues, legal issues, property acquisitions, personal issues, and security issues.  Generally, a closed session is included on the regular meeting agenda.  A motion must be made giving the reason for the closed session, and a majority of the board must agree to go into a closed session.  At the end of the closed session, the resulting decision is generally brought out into the regular meeting where a motion and vote is taken. 

Kathy Hislop noted that there is a computer site where an expert, David Church, gives an especially good presentation on open meetings.  She said she would give the internet address to anyone interested in viewing that site.  She summed up the meeting by stating that whatever is best for the public is what should be done in an open meeting. Openness and clarity are important for people to be able to trust and support their leaders.

Garden City Staff Reports


Anita Weston, Reporter
Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  April 9, 2015.  Riley Argyle, Supervisor of the Public Works Department, reported on his activities.  He noted that 200 feet of a culinary water line had to be replaced at 1764 South because it was leaking quite a lot of water.  This project should be finished tomorrow—everything is done except moving a telephone line.  The telephone line was chopped into two pieces.  It will be moved across the road and buried on Friday.  Only four homes were affected during the overnight hours, and none of the homes were occupied at the time.

There are always more water leaks during the spring than in any other time of the year.  These leaks are more difficult to find during the winter months, and when things begin to thaw; it becomes easier find and repair them.  Argyle noted that he will try and keep up with these water problems.

Circle C Construction Company has started work on 150 South.  There has been a verbal agreement with Norman Mecham to allow this Company to begin work.  The paperwork for this project is supposed to be completed tomorrow—Friday. 

Parsons Construction Company will begin their work this coming Monday.  They will be doing some work at the City Park and the Parking lot at Heritage Park.  They noted that there will be extra gravel that will need to be hauled away.  The City asked them to put this gravel on Third West. 

UDOT will be working on the turn lane onto Third West.  They plan to have that project completed by June 19. Because of this construction, the Utah Wildlife and Parks Department will be using Lookout Point for boat inspections until this construction is completed.  They will then move the boat inspection station back down to the City Complex. 

The City will be getting a 14” water line across Logan road starting on Monday.  Only about 5 or 6 homes will be affected.  They will be contacted tomorrow and told that the water will be turned off in their area.

Argyle decided that it would be smarter to buy an attachment mower that could be fastened to the tractor instead of buying a new stand-alone lawn mower.  The mower would be used on both parks as well as the beach area.  Because it is much wider, it will allow the lawns to be finished much more quickly and will save the City some money.  The Council made and motion and approved this suggestion.

There are several water meters on 150 South that need to be moved out of the right-of-way. They were installed several years ago and are located where the road and parking lot will be asphalted.  Riley didn’t think it would take too long to move these meters.

The City has completed the ditch work along Third West and has installed three water culverts needed for irrigation.  The water users in that area seemed to be satisfied with what has been completed there so far.  Because of such an early spring, it was decided to put in the other four culverts that will be needed.  The necessary pipe and other items for completion of this project have been ordered.

Argyle will try and get the four street lights installed at parking lot at 75 North.  Two lights will be put on the north side and two more on the south side of that parking area.  They are the small street lights like those that have been placed in various areas around the City.

He noted that some financial arrangements will need to be made to take care of water issues on Elk’s Ridge.  He noted that a concrete box can be placed almost anywhere.  It could even be placed underneath a road with a cover if necessary.

A drivable road needs to be created between Elk’s Ridge and the Webber property.  Bess Huefner, a Council member noted that she will be in touch with the Webbers.  It was suggested that the Raspberry Patch Home Owner’s Association also needs to be contacted to make sure they are aware of what is happening.  This road will provide better fire protection, especially for those homes higher on the hill.  There will be better water pressure control and an additional exit from the area will be available in case of an emergency.

The County is working with Darrin Pugmire, a Council member, on the gun range.  It appears that there will be a public hearing near Memorial Day when many of the people who live up on Sweetwater Trailer Park will be available to attend the meeting. 

Riley Argyle reported that the sander that attaches to the snow plow is really becoming very worn.  He noted that a new one would cost about $8,000.  The workers could probably overhaul the old sander at a cost of about $3,000.  A motion was made and passed by the City Council to have the sander overhauled.  This job should be completed during this coming summer.

The new computer at the water treatment plant has been running in tandem with the old computer to make sure everything is working correctly.  The old computer will be turned off soon, because the new machine is doing a good job.

The individual who handles the computer setup at the water treatment plant is currently in the process of creating his own business.  Argyle asked if the City could move their business to him, instead of continuing their contract with the New York Company.  This gentleman lives in Park City—much closer and easier to contact.  The City requested that Argyle determine if there is a non competition clause with this change in companies before any decisions could be made.

Summer workers are currently being hired.  They usually mow the lawns, clean the bathrooms and help the Public Works Department when needed.   Beach maintenance will probably be added to these positions.  So far, two young men have applied for these jobs.

Water will be kept in Bear Lake until May 10.  It is rising but will probably go down quickly because irrigation water will be needed down stream.

Four loads of mag water have been ordered for the first part of June.  It will be applied to the roads where needed.  Argyle has requested that smaller amounts or the mag water be used in application than in previous years.

The Public Works Department put in 60 hours in cleaning the canals.  There is a lot of plants and brush growing in the canal between Lockwood and the glamping area.  Next year, additional work may be needed to remove this vegetation. 

Slurry has been ordered.  In the past certain sections have been covered.  This year, everything that has been missed in the past will have this product applied.  It will cost approximately $94,000 to finish up everything.

The sidewalks in town need attention.  There are several areas where a great deal of work will be required.  There are also some areas on the bike path that need maintenance and repair work. 

George Peart, the City Building Inspector, reported that there are 11 building permits that have been issued so far this year.  At least three of these permits are for commercial buildings.  The Council members asked that George keep track of what are commercial and the types and kinds of work that is being done on the residential building permits. 

Peart reported that on 75 North three lots have been encumbered.  A shed is being moved onto one of those areas.

The Planning Commission has worked hard on several of the City’s ordinances.  They worked on the RV’s zones ordinance, and the new sign ordinance.  There is currently an ordinance for windmills.  The title of the windmill ordinance gives the impression that windmills are prohibited.  Actually the ordinance regulates the size that can be accommodated in the town.  It was decided that a windmill could be 25 feet high and up to 6 feet wide.  The title of the ordinance will be change to note that that the city does allow green energy production but also has some predetermined sizes that must be met.

It was noted that the commercial building inspector should be invited to the staff meeting so that he can report on the work he is doing in the town.  There is growth in the commercial area, and it would be nice for the public to be aware of the new businesses being built.

Kindergarten News


To Parents of  2015-2016  Kindergarten Students:

Kindergarten  School Visit Day will be Monday, April  20th.  We will be meeting at North Rich Elementary at 10:00 am.  The schedule will be as follows:

       10:10-Bus orientation

       10:30- Children to Library for story & song
                 Parents meet with Mr. Motta for   
                      Kindergarten information

       11:00- Lunch – Chicken nuggets
                    Cost is $3.00 for adults and $1.90 for children
      
This should be a fun experience for you and your child as you both get ready for Kindergarten!!!  If you have any questions, please feel free to call 946-3359.

Hope to see you there!!