Chamber Meeting on Thursday at Noon

Dearest Bear Lake Business Owners,


Please plan to attend our Chamber Member meeting this Thursday, October 1st at noon in the Garden City office complex, building C. 

We will be talking about marketing plans both your individual business marketing plan, but also the marketing plan for the Bear Lake area. 

We'd like to see all business owners communicating the same "brand" about Bear Lake.

So regardless of whether your business is currently a "summer-only" business or a year round business please plan to attend this Thursday!

The marketing plans we put together this week will be useful for the future chamber meetings as they will be building off of the information we talk about this week.

Please let me know if you have any questions. Thank you!


Joey Stocking
President
info@bearlakechamber.com

Hole In One Moose!

Bear Lake Visitors & Convention Bureau

Rich County School Board

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

RANDOLPH, Utah. September 16, 2015.   The Rich County School Board looked over the home school requests.  Currently, students who have been home schooled are tested and placed within one year of age-wise grade level.  The State has instituted a new policy.  In the future, the parents of home school children can say where their children will be placed in the school system.  They will be placed there for at least 30 days.  The school will use this time period to test and determine if the students are able to handle the school work where they are currently placed.  If the test shows the student would be better off at a different level, the school must talk with the parent to get permission to place the student in a more appropriate level.  A home-schooled student must attend at least one trimester if they desire to have a Rich diploma.

Policy 309.3.4 deals with students who return to public school after being home schooled.  This policy needs to be changed slightly to meet the changes made by the last legislature.  The Board asked that the Two Principals and the Superintend get together to make the required changes to bring the policy into compliance with state law.

Since additional work is needed to bring the policy up-to-date, this action was tabled until next month.

Anyone can opt out of Sage testing. Parents are the individuals to make that decision.  The school can give students competency testing.  To graduate from Rich High School, every student must show they have taken the required classes and obtained the required number of credits.

The motion was made and approved the home school requests.

The Home School Policy 309.3 requires an affidavit from the parents of the students who are to be home schooled.   The board members go over the affidavits and make a motion to approve the home schooling requests.  In the following year, the school is responsible to send a letter by August 1 to let parents know that it is assume their children will be home schooled for the coming school year since there is an affidavit on file.  The families are also given a certificate to show that the children are being home schooled.  This certificate helps parents get their children enrolled in the on-line classes that are available to them.

Some additional employees have been added to the school system.  Christine Brown will be helping in special education.  Sarah Taylor will be the aide in the 4^th grade.  There are 31 students in that class.  A part-time person is needed for classes over 25-30 students.  Alex Sprig will also be working in special education.  He has moved into the area from Texas.  There is a student that needs additional help.  Certain handicapped students are allowed by law to attend school up to age 22..  Jane Walentine is a volunteer unpaid sports helper.

There are about 14 new students in the schools this year.  Actual numbers will be given next month when enrollments in classes are settled.

Currently the school owns a lot in Buttercup Subdivision.  It was donated to the school a number of years ago.  The school continues to pay homeowner’s costs for lawn mowing, water, and so forth.  The lot is too small for school use.  The recommendation was made to sell this lot.  It needs to be placed on the market.

Bridgerland robotics program is moving forward.  The classes are good, and it will provide a wonderful foundation for individuals desiring to go into engineering.  There are 15 students from Rich High School who are taking the class this fall.  Five students are taking advantage of the zero hour (7 a.m.) class.    There are 126 students in the Northern Region enrolled in this program.  Currently the students are learning quite a bit about programming.  The kits provided for the students are really impressive.  Bridgerland will be hosting a meeting where Mr. Peterson, of the robotics program, will talk at the middle school.  It will be an interesting curriculum presentation. Anyone interested is welcome to attend that meeting.

The results of the SAGE tests from last spring have been received.  Last year, everyone was confused and discouraged with the SAGE test results.  However, that was the first year that the test had been administered, and there was no data with which comparisons could be made to determine whether the students had done well or not. 

This year, the scores can be compared with last year.  Not only can the scores be compared with last year’s scores, but comparisons can also be made among similar size schools throughout the state, and how they faired.  Rich Schools did very well.  If a grade were to be assigned, the Rich schools would be given a good solid B.  Hopefully, as the schools continue to use and work with this exam, scores will continue to improve.

The next School Board Meeting will be held on October 21, 2015. 

More School Buses Needed This Year

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times 

RANDOLPH, Utah. September 16, 2015.  An additional bus route has been added taking students to high school from the north side of the county.  The students exceeded the number of eligible riders on the one bus.  Mr. Weston has 40 students and Mr. Johnson has 43.  This extra bus had to be added in order to be in compliance with state law.  The board approved this second route.

A discussion concerning policy 403.5.2--403.5.2.1 was held.  The policy states that only the children assigned to a certain bus route can ride that particular bus and none other.  The activity bus, however, poses a problem.  Many times the bus driver doesn't know the students involved in the various activities.  In addition, if there are other individuals who get on a bus who don’t normally ride the bus, a chaperon is required for each five additional students. 

A couple of weeks ago, eleven Boy Scouts attended an activity in Randolph.  This was a scout activity, and not a school sponsored activity.  The Boy Scouts, however, wanted to catch the high school bus to ride home.  Robyn, the transportation supervisor, enforced the chaperon rule.  However, when the bus got to Laketown, all of the chaperons got off the bus, but there were several of the scouts who lived in Garden City. 

The bus driver doesn't know where these extra riders live.  He is required to stop at the regular route spots only.  However, because there were the extra riders, it had been determined that they could be let off at the Church where their parents could pick them up.  However, when the bus stopped at the Church, there were several young boys whose parents were not there.  The chaperons had already left the bus.  It was a real quandary for the bus driver.  He didn't feel he should leave those young boys there without someone being there to pick them up.  However, he had the responsibility to get the regular students to their homes so that their parents wouldn't be worried.  He waited as long as he dared, than continued his route.   In the future if this happens again, this could create a huge liability for the school district and the bus driver. 

The drivers can’t drop little kids off without someone being there to take them home.  Also, chaperons must stay on the bus until all of the kids have been taken care of.  That means the chaperons must stay on the bus to the end of the route, and can’t get off the bus and leave their charges without supervision.

Because the high school now has two buses from the north end of the county, one comes back over the hill after school is out, and the other is used as the activity bus.  It appears that there may not be room enough to bring additional individuals on the activity bus.  Overloading the bus is against the law.  The District shouldn't have to add an additional bus to accommodate individuals who are not attending school sponsored activities.

It would be nice to be able to support little league programs; but when there isn't room, the district can’t afford to add additional transportation.  The school board is responsible for the school students, and parents will have to car pool or find some other way to allow their children to participate in such activities. 

It was noted that later this fall, many little girls will want to go over to Randolph to work with the high school girls to learn how to become cheerleaders and drill team members.  These two activities are not school sponsored.  There will be many more young girls involved in this project than there were boy scouts.  There will not be room on the buses to transport them.  There is another activity in the spring for this same group of young girls.  Again, there will not be room on the buses to accommodate everyone.  In the past, there has been room.  However, there are more students in our schools.  Buses are loaded.  If parents want their young girls to participate in these activities, they will have to provide transportation for them.

Currently, regular bus riding students must get off at their regular stop unless they have a letter/note from their parents or special permission from the principal.  This policy needs to continue to be enforced.

The board requested that Superintendent Lamborn and Robin Esterholdt go over the current policy and change the wording so that only school students going to school and school activities will be transported on the school buses.

It was noted that there are 133 students from kindergarten through eighth grade that are being transported from Garden City to the elementary and middle school in Laketown.  Again, buses are loaded.

Rich Booster Club Needs Help With Uniforms

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

Randolph, Utah.  September 16, 2015.  The  Rich High Booster Club which works with and supports Rich High School is concerned with the cost of athletic uniforms.  The booster club has been paying for the uniforms in the past.  However, every year the cost of the uniforms is going up, and it is becoming more and more difficult for the club to raise enough money to pay for these uniforms.  The request was made that the district put in $10,000 a year toward this item.  The sale of banners on the gym walls could cover the remaining amount required.  The booster club is made up of several individuals who are becoming burned out trying to raise enough money.  There is a four-year rotation program for new uniforms.  In the first year money is spent for football; the next year, basketball; the next year, track; and the fourth year, golf.   Since 2010, the cost of the uniforms has increased by $2,800. 

The Booster Club also sponsors banquets for the athletes and their parents.  The cost of this item is also increasing. Currently, there is a bill for $7,900 for the uniforms obtained this year. 

The school board noted that the school district will certainly help out.  In fact, the request for money should go to the school and not to the booster club.

It was noted that athletic programs are getting more expensive all the time.  The school used to be able to use local officials to referee the games.  Now they must use certified officials.  They cost a lot more than the locals did.

The board noted that the school should be responsible for uniforms and officials.  These items need to be part of the yearly school budget.  The Board members noted the efforts that have been made by the booster club have been appreciated.  The Board wants the booster club member’s to know that their efforts have greatly enhanced the school athletic programs.  Hopefully, the booster club will continue with their efforts.  The Board certainly realizes that certain items should be handled by the school budget and will do so in the future. 

Rich School Maintenance Projects Finished

Anita Weston, Reporter
Rich Civic Times

RANDOLPH, Utah. September 16, 2015.  Rick Limb, Maintenance Supervisor, reported on the completion of summer projects.  The roof for the Randolph elementary building was finished thereby doing away with a bad leak.

The marquee is in place.  There will be some training needed to take advantage of all the features available on the marquee.  Casey Johnson, Tammie, and Limb will be in charge of putting messages on the marquee.

There are still some issues with the new fire alarm system.  The backup battery for the fire alarm is not working properly.  Those who installed the system will be coming back to try and make sure it is working as it should.

The carpet was delayed, but has now been installed.

Limb would like to get some suggestions from faculty and staff concerning projects that will be needed to be taken care of next summer.  He noted that it is much easier to get projects determined early in the year so that plans and bids can be obtained prior to school being out for the summer. That way, projects can begin immediately without any delays.

Limb noted that there are several roof leaks that need attention; there are two heaters in the gym that suck air inside the building.  Instead of draining moisture outside, the water comes in through the units.  This needs to be taken care of as well as getting these two units cleaned. 

He would like to move away from florescent tubes and ballasts.  He would like to go to LED lighting everywhere on school properties.  If this was done, a little at a time, it would save money in the long term.  Robyn Esterholdt helps change the florescent tubes.  She noted that there are some tubes out all the time so that changing them is an ongoing task.

There are some trees growing next to the school buildings in Laketown.  Rocky Mountain Power was asked to trim the trees.  They trimmed the side next to the power lines, forcing the trees to grow away from the power lines and toward the school building.  They, however, won’t trim the other side.  That task needs to be completed.

The gym floor at the middle school may need to be redone.  It is warped and there are a couple of holes. 

The stove cook tops in the lunch rooms need to be replaced. The freezer and walk-in cooler are really old.  They need to be fixed.  Money should be budgeted to purchase some new units.  A new walk-in cooler costs about $60,000.  When the power goes off, the freezer goes off.  When the power comes back on, the freezer unit doesn’t cooperate.  It takes quite a bit of fussing and work to get it to start working again.  It was noted that perhaps a back-up generator could be purchased and used for the freezer and also as a computer backup.  It could probably be used as a back-up for the fire sprinkler system as well.  It was noted that the school district does have a generator at Bridgerland.   Limb was asked check this unit out as a possibility to be used as a back-up for the items discussed.

Cisco Sonar

Leaves

By Bryce Neilson,

It is that time of year when everyone starts to talk about the fall colors.  There is no

guaranteed way to predict how beautiful the will be.  Folks think it has to do with no water or lots of rain or when it freezes.  One thing for sure is that once the chlorophyll dies in the leaf, the other colors that have always been there will exhibit themselves.

A different phenomena has been occurring in the aspen, cottonwoods, and poplars this year.  They are both closely related.  As I have traveled around this summer I have seen the healthy aspen and then what looked like trees that were dying.  I had never seen it to this extent before.  After some research I learned that the trees were having their leaves browned by the fungus Marssonia commonly known as Leaf Spot. 

The leaf spots are dark brown flecks, often with yellow halos.  On severely infected leaves, spots fuse together to form large, dead patches in late summer.  Marssonia survives in the winter on fallen leaves that were infected the previous year.  With a warm spring and lots of moisture like we had in May, the fungus produces millions of microscopic spores that are carried by the wind and infect emerging leaves.  This can cause premature leaf loss in infected trees.  It typically does not hurt the tree but may have an impact on older, less healthy trees.

So what can you do about it?  Raking up the dead leaves and pruning out branches with cankers.  You can also apply a fungicide at the proper time.

Mother Nature is interesting and does many things to confound humans.  The Populus family is fragile and especially susceptible to diseases.  In the forest you rarely take notice of the individual trees, but in your landscape it is a different story.   I guess the moral of this story is that weather and dead leaves will have future impact on your trees.  They won‘t die but just look bad so don’t get all wound up if it happens to you.  It has been happening for millennia.  Let’s enjoy the fall colors before the trees are just branches surrounded by snow.

Still Time To Play At The Lake

Brian Hirschi flying at the Marina

Memorial Service

PAUL BIRDSEY SR.

(Long time resident of Garden City who drove the Meals on Wheels bus for many years)

WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 26, 2015 AT 11:00 A.M.

AT THE BEAR LAKE COMMUNITY PRESBETERIAN CHURCH

134 HILLSIDE DR,  MONTPELIER, IDAHO

 LUNCHEON WILL BE HELD AFTER THE SERVICE

Homeowners Insurance May Go Up In Garden City Fire District

Chris Coray, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  September 17, 2015. The governing board of the Garden City Fire District held their regular monthly meeting in Garden City.   All members were present except Jenny England.  

The main item of discussion was a letter received from national Insurance Service Office (ISO) which indicates that they propose to downgrade our fire safety rating in the entire district from 6/6x to 7/7x in the next period.  Insurance companies often use ISO (a national company) ratings to set homeowner’s policy insurance rates and a downgrade would likely mean an increase in all homeowner’s fire insurance policy costs.  It should be noted that not all insurance companies exclusively use the ISO rating.

In the ISO letter to the fire chief (a copy was sent to the Bear Lake Water Company) the only negative comment was an early and entirely separate stand alone paragraph which reads, “The Swan Creek HOA water system did not meet our minimum requirements and is not recognized”.  The Swan Creek HOA is a part of the Garden City Fire District.

No further information regarding the Swan Creek HOA system was provided in the letter and Chief Mike Wahlberg is trying to learn more about the above statement and to learn if that decision and/or other factors were involved in the downgrade, as well as what potential steps could be taken to stop the district downgrade.

In other business it was noted that 3 persons (2 children, one adult) were rescued from the water of Bear Lake by the Fire/Rescue boat, all of whom were clinging to floating equipment (not life jackets).  Absent a rescue of some kind it is likely they would have perished.  The rescue came from a response to a 911 call where someone had seen the people in the water.

In other business Perry Wakefield will not accept reappointment to the board when his term ends at the end of 2015 as he wants to return to the fire department.  A joint Fire Department lake training was completed with Idaho and was beneficial to both entities.  In the previous month there were 3 dumpster fires, 2 carbon monoxide calls, and several other minor items.  The department is seeking to make its foam suppression system on engine 40 functional (no one can remember when it actually worked).  Bids are being requested.  Apart from this aged issue all equipment is in good shape. 

The public hearing on the proposed 2016 budget will be held early in December.  The exact date will appear on tax notices and will be publicized in this paper as the date draws closer.

Garden City Council Meeting

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

New Council Member
Pat Argyle

GARDEN CITY, Utah. September 10, 2015.  Pat Argyle was appointed to the City Council to fill the vacancy left by Bess Huefner.  The Oath of Office was administered to her by City Clerk, Kathy Hislop. 

A business license was granted to Threshold Homes.  It is a new general contractor business owned by Tom Johnson.  He will be working out of his home.

A business license was granted to Coffee & More requested by Barbara Turnbow.  It is located at 65 West Logan Road, #6.

A business license was also granted to Mizz Bee Havin, requested by Linda Patin.  It is located at 63 West Logan Road, #6.

Joann Young filed a petition to have parcel #41-16-00-022 annexed into Garden City.  This is the first step to begin the process of annexation.  The Council approved the petition.  It was noted that in the future, the City may again try to annex property to the North of Garden City.  Apparently, there are several individuals who now would like to see this happen who were against it in the past.

A termination of the covenant to run with the land request was made by Shirl Tomlinson. 

Three parcels are involved:  41-30-09-082, 41-30-09-085, and 41-30-09-091.  These parcels were unencumbered by the board.  It was noted that they must be unencumbered if the parcels are to be treated separately instead of as one unit.

The final development plan of phases 9 and 10 of the Lodge at Bear Lake, doing business as Water’s Edge, located at approximately 100 East 150 South, was passed by the Council.  This property is owned by Norm Mecham.  The Army Corp of Engineers is still working on their report.  There is a small area in phases 9 and 10 that is considered wetlands.  Mecham noted that the buildings are a distance for that wetland area and will be protected.  Mecham was asked to send a letter to the City to hold the City harmless in dealing with these wetland areas.  Mecham said he would get them a letter immediately.

The Public Hearing was held dealing with the water ordinance.  It was noted that the changes that were made make it easier for people to understand.  The recommendation was made that the definition of a kitchen needed to be added to the ordinance.

Ordinance #15-29, an ordinance updating the requirements for water meters was passed.

Resolution #R15-07, a resolution updating the Administrative Code Infraction Fine Schedule was discussed.  The Council added theft of services with a $5,000 fine be added to the resolution.  The resolution passed with that addition.

Resolution #R15-08, a resolution to update the water impact fee and monthly usage multiplier for each commercial connection (ERU) was passed.

Resolution #R15-09, a resolution to establish Table 2, which set the fixture unit calculations, was also accepted.

Tom Stevens was appointed to serve as a member on the Planning Commission.  He has accepted that appointment.  There will be another vacancy on that Commission that will need to be filled in the near future.

Fall, Touching The Green Summer Trees

Photo by Elvira Luzack

Garden City Engineer's Report

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah. September 10, 2015.  Zan Murray, the City Engineer, reported that the property on 350 has been checked out for making a walking path down to the lake from that area.  The current boardwalk has a lot of traffic, and the number of people using the boardwalk will just increase over time. 

The current boardwalk actually needs some refurbishing and maintenance.  The top decking does need to be replaced.  However, metal or aluminum would be very hot in the summer for bare-footed walkers.  The Trex material is actually too heavy for the current structure. 

There are a couple of alternatives in making a path from 350 South to allow people to get to the lake.  One alternative would be to make a path more to the west below the Sprouse home thereby avoiding going over the wetlands.  It would connect with the park in the northeast corner of the parking area and connect to the beginning of the current boardwalk.  A second alternative would be to go through the wetland area and connect with the Boardwalk a bit further down.  Stairs could also be made through the rocks area if needed.  Both of these alternatives would be hard surfaced—either concrete or asphalt.  The cost would be about the same for either surface.

People want to go to the beach.  They want to go the fastest way possible.  A walkway from 350 South will be helpful.    The quickest way will be considered.  The walkway will be as far to the east as possible next to the Sprouse property, and a privacy fence will be placed between the walkway and the Sprouse property.

There were a few leaks on First West near the post office.  The city cut across the road to hook to the water line and have taken care of the leaks.  There is a fountain that is on federal property that has been turned off.  Since the fountain was disconnected by request of the post office, the city has left it turned off.  There is another fountain by the public bathrooms further south from the intersection that is available to the public. 

Circle C completed the 150 South parking lot.  However, the road is rippling and cracking at the bottom of the road near the beach.  An extra drain was put in that area at the cost of $5,000 because of the water that moves through that area.  There may be soft soil under the road, or the road base may have gotten wet just prior to the road being asphalted.  If it wasn’t properly dried out before adding the asphalt, Circle C will need to fix the problem.  If, however, the problem is soft soil, the problem can be fixed, but would not be entirely Circle C’s problem.  Zan indicated that he will be at the scene when they dig down into the problem.  He estimated that the cost of the repair will be about $15,000 to $20,000.

The Water’s Edge Development phases 9 and 10 have been approved.  There are some wetlands within that property so that extra care must be taken to make sure that buildings are not on top of or too close to this area.  The wetlands do need to be protected.  A letter between the City and Norm Mecham has been requested to release the city from liability concerning these wetlands.

The application to the government for a loan to move forward with the water project is almost complete.  Zan Murray and his office are just finishing up the report.  The project will be broken into three regions. 

The first area will be north and work on extra water storage.  An alternative would be a series of PRV’s—connections that increase pressure.  There is also a possibility of a new tank.  PRVs largely stay close.  It includes the Elk Ridge tank with the idea of pumping water up to that tank and then filtering the water back down as needed.

The second area is the center of Garden City which includes the 300 West alternative.  This includes the 300 west pipeline.  There will be about 4,000 feet of pipe.  The cost is estimated at about $524,000.  A twenty percent contingency amount and engineering costs have been included in this figure. 

The third area will be the west end of Garden City which includes the mobilization of the Shundahi tank.  There also needs to be a booster station at Cherimoya.  There is a potential for a new water source at this end of the town.  It might be possible to put a pipeline down from Eagle Feather to another pressure zone alone the fire break.  That would mean there wouldn't be a need to pump water up from the bottom.  This would require extra pipe however. 

The total request for funds is approximately $3.5 million.    This will include the purchase of the tank, and an automatic system that gives water depth in any storage tank. It also includes upgrading two pump stations and the new line on 300 West.  The City will submit the application to find out the feasibility of getting that amount of money, and if the City can afford that much additional debt.

The application will be submitted soon.  The City will then know how much money the city will have to put into the project.  Also, the City will be able to see if they can afford everything, or if they need to separate out certain items.

A new well will still have to be found and drilled by 2020 to 2025.  Usage has been down a little during the last two summers.  That means people are becoming more conservative and that may extend the new well out a year or two further into the future.  Currently there are no pressure problems in the city’s water system.  With the Shundahi tank, the city will have met the water storage required by the State of Utah.  The City needs to keep the water rates at an affordable level.

Ordinance Officer Report

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  September 10, 2015.  Bob Peterson, City Ordinance Officer, gave out three citations—one for parking in a handicapped zone, and two trash cans that had not be taken inside within the 24-hour time period.

He received 18 calls requiring action and seven information calls.  Of the 18 calls, four were cars on the beach, two were noise before ten p.m. and three were noise after ten p.m.—two in private homes and one was a short term rental.  There were some calls about excess noise but were outside the City limits.  There were two calls where cars were parked on the street because of lack of parking at the short term rentals where they were staying.  There were three ATV problems on the beach and one transient business call.  There were two calls on parking issues, one individual was selling corn without a transient license, and 17 signs have been collected because they are not in conformance with the sign ordinance.

During the next months, Peterson will be working on the City’s Sign Ordinance.  He has asked Joey Stocking and a couple of other people to work with him to make the ordinance more enforceable.  He will present the changes at the next Planning Meeting.

He will be working on taxes collected from businesses and debt collection procedures.

He noted that the raspberry stand at Jake’s was located in such a spot that it did block the view for cars traveling and turning at the bottom of Logan Road.   He did not take any action because it appeared to be a UDOT problem.

There was a cart on the corner of Bear Lake Blvd. and Highway 89 for a while.  He had the individual responsible move it up onto his property instead of encroaching on public property.

Moe’s did pay for a transient license every ten days.  They indicated they will be back next year, so they must have done quite well through the summer.

Garden City Building Inspector Report

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  September 10, 2015.  George Peart, the Garden City Building Inspector, noted that 30 building permits have been issued so far this year.  Most were new residential buildings.  Seven or eight of the permits were remodels.  He noted that he felt the economy was coming back as shown by the number of permits requested.

Since Peart is the liaison between Planning and Zoning.  He reported that a variance has been requested by Lazy D Ranch.  They are asking to demolish the old Gus Rich Lodge and building a new building 35 feet high.  Since this is in the Beach Zone, the height limit is 25 feet.  Thus, a variance is needed so they will be going to the Variance Board.  Lazy D Ranch also asked for a conditional use permit for four more homes.  These buildings will be within the 25’ height limit.  A conditional use permit is necessary when multiple homes are built on one property.  The conditional use permits were granted.

The Planning Commission approved the improvements requested by Jake’s Corner.  He is planning on adding a drive through.  The Commission asked that he discuss the entrance/exit from the drive through with UDOT.  He is also going to add a roof over the ordering area on the north of the building, and will enhance his sign by putting a truck up on a pole.  He has several other improvement ideas that were approved.  He also will add two berry stands, one on each corner facing Bear Lake Blvd.  The Commission requested that he get the required distance from the highway that will be required for these two fruit stands from UDOT.

Lakeview Café has been purchased by Nate Perry.  He asked for permission to put new siding on the building, new roofing, and spruce up the area.   He noted that there will be three businesses housed in the current building.  He will have an office on the west end, the center will be for a retail business, and the east end will house a restaurant.  The Planning Commission felt that since there would still be a restaurant there, he would not need a change of use permit.  The Council noted that he should have been sent to the variance board since there will actually be a change of use.

The Planning Commission began discussing parking and noted that the parking demand with the new businesses would be less than in the past and felt what was presented was good.  It was suggested by the Commission that he buy addition parking rights from the city to meet parking requirements.  They thought other businesses should also consider this option when they are unable to provide enough parking to satisfy the City’s ordinance.

Garden City Public Works

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah. September 10, 2015. Riley Argyle, Public Works Administrator, reported on the work currently being done in the City.  Personnel from the State Water Division came to do their sanitary survey on September 10, 2015.  They do a survey every three years to make sure all cities in the state are meeting state standards.  They checked everything at the water treatment plant, and checked all the storage tanks.  They were unable to find any violations—the City had a perfect bill of health.  Argyle indicated that they were pleased and said the City was at the top of the list in Utah.

Glenn Gillis, one of the City’s employees, has enrolled into a three month commercial building inspector school.  He will need some time to take his classes and do his homework in the next few weeks.  He, hopefully, will pass the exam, and is willing to continue working for the city as well as being the commercial building inspector for the city.  An inspector from Logan was going to come over to help the City with commercial buildings.  However, he contacted the City a couple of weeks ago, indicating that there are several more major projects coming into Cache Valley, and he would be unable to spend any time on this side of the hill.  Garden City, too, is growing and needs the expertise of a commercial building inspector, getting someone trained seemed to be the best answer.

The City needs additional help and have been looking for someone with backhoe skills.  There have been seven applicants.  Argyle indicated that the applicants most skilled will be given an opportunity to show their experience using a backhoe.  A decision will then be made as to which individual will be hired.  The decision should be made by the middle of next week.

Argyle indicated that he is getting the City ready for winter.  All the American flags have been taken down from the light poles, and as many of the speed bumps that could be manually lifted out have been put away.  Some equipment help will be needed to pull some of the speed bumps up.  The parking outlined areas on the beach have been cleared away.  The public bathrooms will be winterized in just a week or two.  There are four more culverts that need to put in along 300 West. 

The workers made a 6 foot cement sidewalk down to the dock at the fish pond.  They attached it to the dock, and it has been a really good addition there.

Sidewalks are becoming a bigger project all the time and work needs to be started on them. There are several areas in the city with problems.  Some areas need to be torn out and replaced.  If the city does the work, it will be much less costly than getting bids for that job.  The bike path by Blue Water was becoming pretty rough because of some tree roots.  The workers dug under the trees and cut and removed the roots close to the path.  The trees may die, but the bike path is in good shape in that area again. The road was patched at 350 South. 

The lease on the skid steer will be up this fall.  A newer one will cost about $5,000.  Riley asked that they get one that has tracks which will be an additional $500.  It will be much more helpful on clearing the beach.  The swath size on one with tracks is about 68”.  Much more cutting will be accomplished on the beach with that size as well as being able to move into some of the wetter beach areas.  An order also needs to be placed this fall for a John Deere backhoe. 

The treatment plant is on line.  However, there is a need to repair the chlorine unit.  It has been on line for four years and has some problems.  Argyle felt it shouldn’t been too expensive to get it back up to par.

Argyle has just returned from a water meeting.  He noted that there is a new company that charges individuals $1, or $2 a month.  If the individual has an overage on water usage, the company pays the overage.  They also make it possible at $4 a month to pay to fix a water line with leaks or have problems from where the City’s responsibility ends up to the house with a ceiling of $10,000.  This company has been favorably received in several communities.  Riley indicated he would contact the company and have them come and talk to the City about their services and coverage.