Rich Win Over Westside

Photos by Tammy Calder

Happy New Year

 

The Tortoise and the Hare

Chris S. Coray, The Un-Muddled Mathematician

The Un-muddled mathematician &wife

 

Nobody has ever accused me of being fast.  I belong to the slow talkers, slow walkers, and slow learner societies of America.   This has caused me to compensate by trying to think and plan way ahead so that I’m not too far behind.  For example,  if I start preparing now (and I have), I will be ready for what the Mayans predict will be the end of the world in 2012,  Woops, I guess I didn’t plan early enough on that one. 

In high school I would have been a heck of a fullback except it took me 7 seconds to reach the line of scrimmage.  By then the grass had grown enough that my cleats would get tangled up and I’d fall whether tackled or not. 

So I have always sympathized with the tortoise.  Except in my life there were no first place finishes.  Since moving to Bear Lake I have been the tortoise to the Muddled Male in virtually every facet of life.  Especially technology.  Somehow Bob has been able to convince Ann that newest and most wonderful gizmo just developed is exactly what he needed and that life as we know it would end if acquisition of this gadget was delayed.  I know for a fact that while he had an IPhone 4s compared to his son Tom’s IPhone 5, Bob was not at peace.  This must have seemed an eternity until he got a 5s.  Then world order was restored. 

I have never caught him flat-footed or been technologically ahead of my personal hare for even a second.  That is, until Thursday.  It was through no work or effort on my part, rather it came as a Christmas gift from my daughter and son-in-law.  When I opened the box it just looked like a slick new yoyo.  But it is not.  I now own a “Nest”, a thermostat that learns how we like our house heated, tries to save us money, is connected to the Wifi and has software that allows me monitor the house and/or change the house furnace settings from anywhere in the world.  No cell service is required. 

It gave me great joy to tell Bob about my new toy, and the highlight was the surprised, “What?” question from Bob.  He didn’t know what a Nest was.  To have him in my rear view mirror even for a few days (like being in front of the Bear Lake land speed lady), is an unusual experience, and will not last long.  But for a minute it was great.  I was no longer swallowing dust while treading in rabbit footprints.  No doubt the papers will report that in the final race I finished second and Bob finished next to last in our two man marathon, but small victories are OK, too.

By the way, the Nest will also control an air conditioner.

Bear Lake at Christmas

Bear Lake on Christmas Day
Photo by Bobbie Coray

Rich County School Board Meeting

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

RANDOLPH, Utah.  December 18, 2013.  Principal Rick Larsen introduced Tonya Stratton to the School Board.  She will be doing her student teaching during the next month or two.  She will probably be given experience in both Randolph and Laketown.

Brandy Johnson reported on the expenses.  She indicated that the bond payment was included in the expenses this month.  Also, she noted that the new bus has been purchased.

Principal Kip Motta requested that Dusty Mills be appointed as head of the wrestling activity at the middle school with Quin Sidaway as his assistant.   Motta noted that 15 young men have signed up for wrestling and started practice on Monday.

Dyson Barker will be working at the High School in the wrestling program.

Carbon monoxide detectors will be purchased for each of the classrooms.  They will cost approximately $30 per device per room.

A request has been made for a trailer and storage area.  The trailer is needed for the scissor lift and the gym floor equipment.  Both of these pieces of equipment need to be moved between schools.  A trailer that tilts would be good.  Also, it would be a good idea to purchase a goose neck and ball for the truck for easier pulling.  The Board liked the idea of this purchase but would like very much to see some costs.  The superintendent will call each member for their approval as soon as costs can be collected.  The Board also asked for a bid for snow blowers for the next Board meeting.

The building classes build a framed building each year for their project.  The superintendent and principals would like to purchase two buildings this year.  That would be one for each side of the hill.  They will be used for storage.  The Laketown school location for this building would be on the East of the shop doors on the south side of the building.  The size will be about 20’ by 15’ and will be used to store athletic equipment.  The building for the Randolph area will be placed on the hill by the pump house and will store summer yard and lawn equipment.  

A letter of appreciation is being sent to Chris Kearl, former superintendent of Rich County School.  She is leaving the Governor’s office.

All incentives for early retirement funds and compensation absences money for the next ten years need to be added as a line item on the budget.  The amount that needs to be set aside is $568,146.00 and will be updated each year.  The Board passed this suggestion.

Squires have recommended that for economic stabilization, 5 percent of the fiscal budget expenses should be placed in a rainy day fund.  Last year $319,153.65 was put into this fund.  It is also something that needs to be updated each year.  It is an undistributed reserve and is not used in negotiation.  This fund shows clearly in the audit report and reflects more accurately on financial statements.  The fund balance is $2.8 million.   The Board agreed to add $900,000 to the fund this year.

A request for a proposal was answered by GPS Benefits Company.  This company will do the bidding for the District health insurance.  It is a one-year contract.  Rich’s portion of the broker cost is $1,400.

There is a link to the EMI Health site on the District’s web page.  New insurance features and additions such as changes to help care options, cost transparency, alerts for employees, differences in costs and facilities, and etc.  There is also a cost lookup for all doctors and costs of procedures.  The figures on the site are probably estimates.

The Wellness Committee met.  There will be a new challenge every six weeks.  The first challenge will be starting January 5 and ending February 15.  The prize for the winner will be going to Von Rico. There is a list of 70 different things that everyone can do.   You need to do one thing each day.  Some examples of what each individual needs to do each day is:  drink plenty of water, limit sugar intake, etc.   Each individual needs to report to their team leaders every Monday.

Two curriculum committees have been set up in math and English.  Currently the middle school is on a pilot program using the software called Digits.   The math committee will be looking for are K through 5 math for next fall as well as 9 – 12.  The language arts curriculum committee is looking for materials for 9 – 12 for this next fall.  Materials from two publishers are already available for the committee.  They should have their choices made by March.

The math program has worked really well so far this year.  It gives much more rigor than in the past.  It does, however, require more time.  Homework has been adjusted so that students are not overworked.  The problems are all story problems.

January Board Meeting will be held on January 15, 2014, at 6 p.m. in Randolph.

Unfair Treatment Of Employees And Volunteers?

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

RANDOLPH, Utah.  December 18, 2013.  mDiane Weston had requested the opportunity to appear before the School Board.   She began by indicating that she felt the school system in the County is a good one.  She has had eight children go through the system, has had all of them go on to higher institutions of learning, and they are now very successful in their various occupations.

She noted that currently there are some problems with how assignments and promotions are handled among the volunteers and/or part time faculty.   Last month, the School Board put in writing the procedures to be followed in dealing with assignments and promotions of volunteers and assistant faculty members.  However, Diane noted that the School Board is supposed to have the final say about who is or who is not accepted or promoted. 

However, an individual who can be promoted or reassigned must first be approved by the principal.  This means that the Board is unaware of someone who deserves a promotion or reassignment if the principal makes a decision about that person without ever passing the name of that individual on to the Board.  The individual may have requested either of these changes in status but doesn’t stand a chance of moving forward if the building principal turns them down.  This is a real problem if there is or has been a clash or misunderstanding between these individuals. 

She further noted that if the principal decides to reassign a volunteer or part timer to a different assignment without that individual’s permission, there could be further problems.  If the individual feels inadequate or unfamiliar with the new assignment request, he or she must either accept the assignment or be denied any further promotions or opportunities to work in areas where they have the background and training to handle.  Again, the board is completely unaware of what has happened.

It is also apparent that the principal of one building can reassign or demote a part time or volunteer faculty member from another building.  Again, if problems occur as a result of that decision, the board is unaware of what is happening.  Diane noted that there is a lack of transparency in what is going on between the school board and faculty/staff situations.  The principals are in the middle either allowing information to flow freely, or blocking off all communication about such matters. 

Perhaps it would be better if each individual who wants a promotion or change of assignment go to the building principal who would then be required to present their name to the School Board with the building principal’s recommendation.  The School Board could either accept or reject the principal’s recommendation and thus maintain control of such situations in the future and actually have the chance to make the final decision.

Druci Wadsworth also requested to be heard by the School Board.  She was concerned that the Board might be unaware that her husband, who has helped with basketball and other athletic events, is no longer allowed to do so at the decision of one of the building principals.  Her husband has done nothing wrong.   In small towns, however, he is being asked what he did wrong since he is no longer assisting.  The actions that were taken have sullied his reputation and made it difficult for him as well as his family.  “That is not fair.  Just because of the decision of one person, with no explanation or justification to anyone, has made life very difficult for us.” Wadsworth said. 

Chair Of State School Board Addresses Rich County School Board

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

RANDOLPH, Utah.  December 18, 2013.  Tami Pyfer, Logan, is Rich County School District’s representative to the State Board of Education.  She has just been asked to serve as Chair of that board.  She hopes to improve communication with the Legislature and school boards throughout the state.  She noted that often local school boards are unaware of work being done by the State and what information the State has that could be helpful to local boards.  She hopes she can get more communication between these bodies so that information is more readily available to all. 

There is a proposal in the Legislature for new graduation requirements.  Currently, the credits that have to be earned must come from certain areas.  She thinks there should be a bit more flexibility and individualization for students.  She is not certain where this proposal is in the system but will find out soon.

Pyfer is concerned about the confidentiality of student data.  It is currently a big issue, and she feels that a resolution needs to be written to cover this issue.   Good instruction is based on good data.  However, if the data gets into the wrong hands, it can be detrimental.  Also, some data should not be used as it is currently being used.  Student data to evaluate teachers is probably not a very sound practice.  Currently there are some issues about who can release student data and to whom it can be given. 

She would like to see another resolution written dealing with the proper role of assessment.  There are core standards in the State, and tests given to see how individuals meet these standards.  However, the test results from these standardized exams are being used for purposes different than what the data was collected for in the first place.  This is not a proper role of assessment and can easily make testing a problem instead of a good measurement tool.   Hopefully, the Legislature will review and reword some of the laws dealing with these issues.

Pyfer went through all of the current testing that is being required by the State.  She found that the common tests for the core are about the only tests really required.  Many districts are giving additional tests for their own purposes, but they are not state mandated.  She said that Utah has a comparatively lean testing schedule.

 

 

Merry Christmas from All of us at the Rich Civic Times!

 

Bobbie Coray

Anita Weston

Kathie Anderson

Bob Stevens

Chris Coray

Randall Knight

Bryce Nielson

Joey Stocking

The Muddled Male

Christmas Angel.

By Bob Stevens, The Muddled Male

 

        Ann and I were born and raised in Utah but moved to Seattle in 1956 when Ann was nineteen and I was twenty-one.  We had a brand new baby, a brand new job paying $1.735/hour, no money in the bank, no arrangements for a place to live, and a hazy future.  We did have one stability in our life.  We almost always drove to Utah at Christmas time to spend the holiday with Ann’s family at her parents’ home in Porterville here in Utah.  Over the fifty years that we lived in the Seattle area the roads we traveled between Seattle and Porterville at Christmas time varied from dry to wet to blizzards to solid ice.  Usually we drove over Snoqualmie Pass then down through Oregon and Idaho and on into Utah.  If the roads were particularly bad going over Snoqualmie, we would drive south to Portland and then through the Columbia River Gorge to Pendleton. 

        At Christmas time in 1967 it was snowing particularly hard over Snoqualmie and so we took the Portland route.  That seemed to be the better choice that year because the further south we drove the less it snowed until finally there was just a gentle rain.  It was about 3:30 AM on Christmas Eve morning when we started onto the sweeping overpass that stood above the small town of Arlington, Oregon.  Ann was driving, I was snoozing in the front seat with a baby in my lap, and our young daughter was asleep on the back seat.  It was the era before seat belts, so no one was buckled in. 

        Neither Ann nor I had heard of black ice before that moment when Mother Nature began driving our car.  The overpass, cooled both from above and below by the frigid air, was a solid sheet of ice slickened by falling rain.  Just as all four tires touched the ice we started to slide out of control, spinning around and around, hitting every fender multiple times on the sides of the overpass as we spun and careened back and forth toward the one car that was ahead of us.  We caught up to him going sideways and backwards, clipping his right front fender just before we crunched against the center divider and slid backwards on down the overpass.  Our new car with barely 6,000 miles on the odometer took a severe beating.  The young man we hit was on his way to show his dad his brand new car with only 300 miles on his odometer.  I checked to see if the young man and his girlfriend were okay and his response, as I recall, was, "I hope the (expletive deleted) you have insurance.” 

        My immediate worry was that other cars, unaware of the ice, would come onto the overpass and crash into the two of us sitting there in the middle of the road.  So I began to run back up the overpass waiving my flashlight as a warning.  But my waving light caused them to slam on their brakes and I watched as three other cars did exactly as we had done and come spinning down the ice toward us.  When I finally got onto the blacktop where oncoming cars could stop without sliding, there were five mangled cars on the span behind me.  While the wrecking crews cleaned up the mess we were all taken to the police station.  On our side of the room sat the guilty party, Ann and me with our two small children.  On the other side of the room sat the angry, glowering occupants of the other four vehicles.  When we were finally released to leave we found our car, filled with Christmas presents and all of our belongings, sitting unusable in the town’s wrecking yard.  There we were the day before Christmas, stranded in the wee hours of the morning, hundreds of miles from our destination, in a town where we knew no one, and with no way to get us and our belongings to “Grandma’s house” for Christmas. 

        Then came a Christmas Angel into our life in the form of the father of the young man we hit.  He had driven 125 miles in the middle of a rainy, cold night to help his son in case his car was damaged too badly to continue on.  When our Angel found that his son’s car could be driven, he sent them on ahead, unloaded our car into his and drove us to the bus station in Pendleton.  Then while I scraped together enough money to buy our tickets to continue our journey, our Christmas Angel scurried all over town gathering up boxes in which we could pack our belongings.  While we stood there still dazed, he packed our things and got us onto the bus with never an incriminating word.  We thanked him, but not nearly to an extent befitting the angel he was.  We didn't even get his name or phone number.  I am certain that he has long since passed away, but we will forever be grateful to that unknown angel who took time to be kind when others chose to be angry. 

        So on this Christmas in 2013 our wish for you is that your own Christmas Angel will come into your life just at the very moment of your need.  Merry Christmas.

 

 

 

New Year's Eve Movie At The Swimming Pool

 

Dive-In Movie New Year's Eve

Garden City Pool

5:30 p.m.

Full Length Feature Family Film

 

Admission $3 per person

(No extra charge for movie)

 

Questions?  Call 385 205 7722

Special P&Z Meeting For Water's Edge

Chris Coray, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah.   December 20, 2013. The Garden City Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Commission held a special meeting to discuss the current proposed resort development titled, “Water’s Edge”.  This proposed development is on the east side of the highway across from the church and goes all the way to the beach.  The meeting was held because the Appeals Board had ruled in the previous week that in a PUD (Water’s Edge is one) that the P&Z could make a recommendation to the town council that might not strictly adhere to other current ordinances, especially building height.

P & Z members present at the emotionally charged meeting were Lance Bourne, Chairman, Mike Schiess, Chuck Stocking, Susann House, Dewayne Gifford, and Jim Stone.  Also present was an attorney representing the city, who was compensated for his time.  Chairman Bourne stated at the beginning of the meeting that this would be the biggest decision ever made by the P&Z, that the lake is the most important asset in the region, and that in his words, “Our job is to protect the lake”, and he indicated in his judgment that the P&Z should stay within existing height ordinances.

It was immediately clear that the main issue of concern was the proposed building height.  Norm Mecham, project developer, said, “A PUD has no restrictions on building height”.  He also indicated that if the proposed building heights were not approved, the building plans would be altered but it would significantly increase the building footprint.  Mecham had brought photos of existing views from 3 directions with blackened portions indicating where new buildings would obstruct current sight lines.

Chuck Stocking said that he believed the P&Z had the right to negotiate height.  Commissioner Susann House asked if there were buildings already present in the beach zone that exceeded the height allowed by existing ordinances.  The answer was yes, mostly for older structures.  Commissioner Dewayne Gifford said that he, like, Commissioner Stocking, believed that the P&Z was empowered to negotiate height in a PUD. Commissioner Schiess said that he thought exceeding existing height ordinances in a material way was a stretch.

Chairman Bourne permitted several comments and questions from the audience.  Bryce Nielson asked if the fire department could currently fight a fire at Ideal Beach, let alone at a new, higher development.  Fire Chief Mike Wahlberg said that the department could not now effectively fight a fire at Ideal Beach with current equipment.  He thought that some evacuation of humans might be possible, but with respect to the building, “It would burn”.

Chairman Bourne said that, “The attorney said we didn’t have the right to negotiate height”.  (Editor’s note:  the attorney did not say those words at the meeting.  Chairman Bourne said that those were the attorney’s words in an earlier conversation).

Commissioner Stocking made a motion to recommend project approval to the town council.  The motion died for lack of a second.  Commissioner Stone made a motion to deny the current project design.  It, too, died for lack of a second.  Commissioner Gifford than made a motion to recommend approval of the existing planned development to the town council.  It was seconded by Commissioner Stocking.  The P&Z then voted 3-1-1 in favor of the Gifford motion.  Voting yes were Commissioners Gifford, Stocking, and House.  Voting no was Commissioner Stone.  Commissioner Schiess abstained.  The meeting was then adjourned.

Garden City Council

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  December 12, 2013.  Alex Buxton from Zion’s National Bank requested that the City Council accept the adoption of a resolution making technical corrections and amendments to the Bond Resolution of November 14, 2013, authorizing the issuance of Water Revenue Refunding Bond Series 2013B, of Garden City, Rich County.   These are just technical changes dealing with some housekeeping items.  Zion’s will be the trustee on the bonds and will hold debt service and send out for payments.  These items needed to be added to the agreement that has already been made.

The interest rate paid by the City has been dropped to 2.51 percent and will remain at that level for at least ten years.  The length of the bond has also been reduced from 32 years to 20 years.  After ten years, the interest rates may change but cannot go below 2.31 percent or above 7.31 percent.  The bonds are callable at any time with no penalty involved.  The motion was made to accept these arrangements and passed by the City Council.

The new fire chief, Mike Wahlberg, was asked to help the City with the parking ordinance.  In checking short term rentals and businesses, the number of occupants is generally determined by the fire chief.  The number of individuals allowed at each business should determine the number of parking spaces that will also be required for that business to have available to the public.  Wahlberg indicated that he would become familiar with the City’s parking ordinance.

Alex Johnson of Alex Johnson Floor Coverings requested a license to conduct a carpet installation and repair business in Garden City.  His main location is in Sweetwater Subdivision.  There will be no parking problems because he always goes to the required location to carry out his work.  He doesn’t have a tax number because he is not selling or reselling items.  The license was granted.

A request was made by Dout and Judy Webb to encumber their two lots and to change the wording on the official document which states, “. . .  agrees to forthwith demolish and remove from the property any and all structures not in conformance with the Garden City Ordinances or regulations at the time of segregation or separation.”

After some discussion, the Council decided they would allow the encumbrance but decided that the wording is to remain the same.

Danny White, the City Administrator, asked that the Council Members go over the revised new General Plan for the City.  Several members of the Council asked for more time.  It will be placed on next month’s agenda.

The City is working with the Sub for Santa Program.  This year there are 50 on the list.  Last year there were 35.  It appears that the list is growing almost too large for the City to handle.  The Council suggested putting on the age limit of 14 years and see how that will work in the future.

Mayor Spuhler noted that Garden City Library qualified for high speed internet service.  He suggested that the library get in touch with him for future information.

A request had been made to open the gate to the lake on 150 South.  It was noted that it could be opened as soon as things froze up enough that people don’t get stuck down there.  If the gate is opened too soon, there are too many problems in trying to rescue people for that location.

Brian House was thanked for his many years of service on the City Council.  He was asked to serve on the fire board starting in January.  An alternate individual will be appointed to the Appeals Board.

Darrin Pugmire reported that he had been to the swimming pool.  The water temperature was about 95 degrees—much too high.  He said he didn’t know how often they were checking for chemical levels, but  he was concerned about that.  He was told that someone from Bear River Health comes over every month to check chemical levels. 

Darrin also reported that the new pellet stove needs a railing completely around it to keep children from touching it.  He felt that perhaps more supervision was needed at the pool.  Life guards also need to be given a background check prior to their being hired. 

Darrin encouraged those working at the pool to constantly be aware of cleanliness.  Mold and mildew grows easily in a humid environment and needs constant surveillance.   The restroom lights were not working at the time Darrin was at the pool.  He noted that lights should be replaced and in working order at all times.

Sign Ordinance Disputed

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  December 12 2013.  Rick Rose appeared before the City Council on behalf of the local Chamber of Commerce.  Rose is the owner of the Dance Place and is responsible for all of the Friday and Saturday night dances held during the summer. 

He told the City Council that the sign ordinance was prohibiting businesses from being able to advertise their businesses.  He accused the Board of not getting any input from the local businesses in the process of writing this ordinance. 

He was told that the ordinance was not put in place until after about twelve to fourteen meetings with the local businessmen and general public invited to every meeting.  These meetings were public meetings and posted for everyone to see.  Actually, a special group of business people was selected and was in charge of the direction taken by the sign ordinance.  Also, he was told that the current ordinance is actually less restrictive than the prior one.  The ordinance was necessary to protect the City from liability issues, allowing everyone the same opportunities, being consistent with all the businesses, and actually giving them more freedom than in the past.Before adopting the current ordinance, there was no way of enforcing misuse of the old sign ordinance. 

The length of the document of the current ordinance was an issue for Rose.  He was told that the ordinance document is long because it contains ways to keep track of what is happing with signage in the City and enforcement steps that will be taken by the City.  Currently only warnings have been given allowing business people time to understand and know what they can and cannot do in advertising their business.  However, enforcement will begin this next year.

It was suggested by the Council that Danny White, the City Administrator, be invited to speak to the Chamber concerning this ordinance.  He would be able to explain to the business owners how the ordinance came about, what they can and can’t do to be in compliance, and answer any questions they may have.

Rose left the meeting indicating that he felt the Council was being unfair and trying to thwart business success.  He, however, said perhaps the Chamber could have  White come to their next meeting.

Garden City Administrator Report

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  December 12, 2013.  Danny White, City Administrator, submitted a written report and was on the telephone during the Staff and City Council Meeting to answer any questions needing his response.   The following is a summary of a few of items that Danny has been working on:

The Wetland Mitigation Plan for future wetland impacts on first west has been completed and, the application has also been completed.  Danny has mapped the wetlands at Third West and 75 North and that application is all but finished as well.

The Kiosk is complete with the exception of the signs.  The General Plan has been revised on input from the last council meeting and is ready for approval if the Council so decides.

The Parks and Trails Plan should be ready for Planning and Zoning approval next month.  Beach access to the beach has been included in the Parks and Trails Plan.

Application for the EDA Grant will be submitted next month.  New letters from business owners are being collected, and the Cultural resource report has been approved by the State Historic Preservation Office.  These documents are needed to complete the application.

White has been working with George Humbert with Rocky Mountain Power on a grant for Garden City and the City should be receiving $1,000 to go toward the planning and design of Heritage Park.

The State Parks has requested additional information about the gun range.  They have asked for a formal, written, detailed proposal from Garden City covering long-term operations and maintenance, as well as anticipated costs and revenues tied to the project.  They have also asked for written documentation of the results/outcomes/recommendations of the two wildlife issues raised at the June meeting—critical grouse/lek habitat and winter deer range.   The designs for the range have been completed.  The first phase of the gun range will cost about $100,000.

The irrigation well at Heritage Park is still flowing.  The wetland impact is minimal here and can be taken care of next year.  Another well is to be dug at the Garden City Park for irrigation.  Danny White and Riley Argyle have completed a wetland investigation for the projected location of this well.

Building Permits & Water Issues

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah. December 12 2013.  George Peart, Building Inspector, reported that there were 32 building permits issued during that past year.  The last permit was issued for a home to be built in Cherimoya.  Two homes will receive final inspections in the next few days—one in Bridgerland and one in Raspberry Patch.

George suggested that the City ask the owner of the new home on First West about his water log.  That well is running and the information from this well might help the City with their Master Water Plan.  It would at least give the City an idea of the volume of water being produced by that well.

It was noted that a culvert must be put in place across the driveway of the above mentioned home on First West.  It will need to be inspected when it is completed and is an item that was required when the building permit was granted.

It appears that there is an average of between 21 and 22 new water connections in the City each year.  The water plan is available, and should be considered whenever a building permit is issued.

Garden City Capital Improvement Needs

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah.   December 12, 2013.  Bess Huefner, Council Member, is in charge of the Capital Improvement Plan.  She began a list of items that the City needs to begin working on.  She asked members of the Council to add to the list so nothing is overlooked.  She would also accept suggestions from the public.

1.       Final fence for Buttercup

2.       Gravel for roads, $500,000.  This would include First West after Army Corps. approval as well as canal crossings.

3.       Pave 300 West to Buttercup which would cost one and one-half million dollars.

4.       Extend 300 West to Pickleville

5.       Bike path repair and maintenance

6.       Sports equipment for Heritage Park

7.       Sprinklers, power lines, expansion/improvements at Heritage Park ($200,000)

8.       Bike path to Foothill Estates 

9.       Parking on 350 South

10.   Improve beaches—track hoe and sand  ($100,000)

11.   75 North parking $70,000

12.   Move Lance’s shed down to the beach by the rest rooms.

13.   Parking on 150 South

14.   Parking on 250 South

15.   Stripe existing parking lots

16.   Restripe parking lot by the church making stalls a bit wider and slurry seal that lot

17.   Install conduit for street lights

18.   More and larger banners to be hung from the street lights

19.   Remodel at Offices to build room between Buildings B and C

Bess asked that the Council decide on priorities so that City funds will be put to the best use possible.  This item will be addressed at the next meeting.

Two Views Of This Week At The Lake

Photo by Laurianne Wakefield

 

 

Photo by Tammy Calder

Garden City Engineer Report

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  December 12, 2013. Zan Murray, Garden City’s Engineer, reported that the Water Change of Use Form for the fishing pond has been submitted and should be completed soon.  He noted that Planning and Zoning will be given the opportunity to once again work with Norm Mecham on the Water’s Edge project.  According to the Appeals Committee, P&Z does have the authority and responsibility of negotiating building heights according to the city’s ordinances.

It appears that Garden City will get $100,000 for parking from the State.  Money for the gun range will not be forthcoming.  Apparently, Garden City is too small.  Also more information needs to be gathered dealing with the gun range location about the habitat of the mule deer and sage chickens.  Sovereign lands will receive $150,000 for Bear Lake, and they are looking to use $100,000 for developing more parking in Garden City, which, in turn, will give greater lake access.

Murray then gave a very impressive presentation concerning the City’s Master Water Plan.  It was professionally done and very comprehensive.   He had a power point presentation as well as colored handouts that the Board Members could keep and consult in the future as decisions concerning the water system are made. 

The current water impact fees are six years old.  As the plan is developed, more accurate and appropriate fees will be determined.  The Master Plan covers the level of service, the latent capacity, the capital improvement projects (long term) and other capital projects.

According to the current City Zoning areas, Hillside Estates Zoning area is everything above the canals and is a very large area.  However, there are many areas in that zone that are unbuildable because of the steepness of the mountains.  Thus, the actual number of homes that can be built in this area is smaller than was originally expected.

The existing water system has two sources of culinary water—Swan Creek Spring producing approximately 2430 gallons per minute and Payne Springs at about 60 gallons per minute.   The City currently owns two storage facilities, the tank at the water treatment plant and the Pickleville tank.  Other possible storage tanks are located at Shundahi, Elks Ridge, and Harbor Village.  Most of the distribution of water is put through 20” down to 4” pipes.  There are currently booster pumps at Harbor Village, Buttercup, Elks Ridge, and Shundahi.    Shundahi actually has a two booster system.  The City does own part of the Elks Ridge tank (100,000 gallons) and the Harbor Village tank (100,000 gallons).

The Fire Flow map showed locations where there are deficiencies in pressure if a fire were to occur.  These deficiencies are mainly the result of small line sizes, and low pressure areas.  There is concern at the top of Eagle Feather and Cherimoya.  Booster pumps could result in enough pressure to take care of these problem areas.

The City has a standards book.   Water distribution supplies need to be included in this book so that developers are aware of what will be needed as development occurs.  Also agreements need to be written between the city and developers so that water system will grow in the direction that will be beneficial to both parties.

The City needs to be aware of usable storage that takes care of day-to-day needs, fire requirements, and emergency situations.  Distribution needs concerning pipe size, pipe replacement, pressure issues, and booster pump locations must be addressed.

A map showing pressure contours where there can be drops in water pressure were shown.  Pipe sizes will vary depending on the pressure zones that have been identified.  The highest pressure requirements need 24” pipes and 8” pipes are needed for looping systems and fire flows.

The future will require the City to obtain a new well location as close to the existing line as possible.  A new well will allow the system to become redundant and not be entirely dependent on Swan Creek Spring.   Impact fees to pay for the well need to be calculated.  The target date for a new well would be about 2020, but planning needs to begin now.

Another storage tank needs to be built in the Buttercup area.  The City also needs to build additional storage.  The water treatment plant needs to be upgraded, and the City will need to continue to drill new wells.

It was recommended that the City begin in 2014 to get the Shundahi tank in use, put a booster pump in a t Cherimoya, and begin using the tanks on Elks Ridge and Harbor Village.  A new well will be needed by2020, and the small pipes in the system need to be replaced.

A new impact fee will be presented to the City at the next meeting so that there will be time for the Board members to consider the new figures.  After consideration, the new fee will then probably be passed at the February meeting.

Garden City Parking Suggestions

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  December 12, 2013. Darrin Pugmire handed out a suggestion of how to determine the number of parking spaces that could be required of different business categories.  He had three groups as an example.  Fast food services as one, fine dining was the second, and other businesses was the third.  He determined that most people come as a family or group.  If the business was fine dining, the number of seats in the restaurant could be used divided by perhaps 2.5.  That would provide an estimate of the number of parking spaces the restaurant would need to build.

Fast food businesses need all the spaces that can possibly be provided.  Because that business is so difficult to determine, perhaps the owner could rent or least parking from the City.  Any business that needed more parking than they could provide onsite, could lease spaces from the City at the closest parking lot to their location.  This would allow the City to make sure all businesses were treated equally.  Businesses would either provide their own parking or lease the needed spaces.

Darrin asked that the Council Members consider the ideas he presented, and this item could be placed on the agenda at a future time.  He, however, feels that something concrete needs to be done concerning parking within the City.

Garden City Public Works Report

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY , Utah.  December 12, 2013. Riley Argyle, Supervisor of the Public Works Department, reported that more salt needs to be purchased.  The City usually uses a 50/50 mix of salt and sand.  More salt is needed to meet this combination mix.  

The snow fences have been put in place on First West, 700 West (Calder Road) and at Buttercup near the Schnetzer Home.  Argyle then asked if any of the Council Members knew of any others areas in the City that would perhaps need some snow fence. 

Argyle reported that a battery tender has been purchased to make it possible to start necessary winter vehicles during cold weather.  There have been two places with frozen pipes already this winter.  One was at the State Marina and the other at LeGrand Johnson Cement Company.

There was a wash out on the Canal near Ned Calder’s home.  Repairs will be needed in that vicinity. 

There were five muskrats in the pond.  They were trapped and removed from that area.

Andy Stokes will no longer be working for the City.  He has taken the position as Manager of ACE Hardware Store.  He is willing to help on an emergency basis if there are problems at the water treatment plant.  Riley indicated that the City needs to hire someone and get them trained and certified in order to keep enough men qualified to handle the water treatment plant.

MJM Corporation needs to complete work on the kiosk.  They assumed they had completed everything, but the original drawings show additional work that needs to be completed.  The Company needs to be contacted and asked to finish up the project.

Affordable Care Act Basics and FAQs

By Chase Merrill

Outreach and Enrollment Specialist

Certified Application Counselor

Bear Lake Community Health Centers
 

(The Bear Lake Community Health Center provides a trained Navigator to help Rich County Residents sign up for the Health Insurance Exchange if they need help finding out about the different options available or need help with the online sign up.)

Under the Affordable Care Act, the Health Insurance Exchange or Marketplace was established. The Marketplace is a new way to shop for health insurance. There is greater transparency and increased competition, because all the insurance companies that are on the Marketplace are competing for business. All of the insurance plans offered on the Marketplace are provided by private, name brand insurance companies. Here in Cache County, there are four companies offering a total of 41 different plans on the Marketplace. The companies are Arches, Altius, Bridgespan (Regence), and Selecthealth. 
 

The insurance plans on the Marketplace are categorized into five different categories, called the Metallic Levels, which identify the amount of total cost-sharing between the insurance company and the consumer. The first category is the Bronze level. The amount of cost-sharing is 60% insurance company and 40% consumer. These plans have low monthly premium costs, but higher out of pocket costs on deductibles and copayments.

The second category is the Silver level. The amount of cost-sharing is 70% insurance company and 30% consumer. The next category is the Gold level. The amount of cost-sharing is 80% insurance company and 20% consumer.

The highest level is the Platinum level. The amount of cost-sharing is 90% insurance company and 10% consumer. These plans have the highest monthly premiums, but the lowest out of pocket costs.

The last category are the Catastrophic plans. Catastrophic plans have very low monthly premiums, but also have really high deductibles.
 

Some of the new basics that came about because of the Affordable Care Act are that insurance companies cannot deny anyone insurance because they have a pre-existing condition. All insurance plans provide free preventative care such as mammograms, needed vaccines, and colonoscopies. Men and women will be charged the same price for insurance. And all Marketplace insurance plans cover a set of Essential Health Benefits that include maternity and newborn care, hospitalization, ambulatory services, prescription drug coverage, rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices, emergency services, pediatric services including vision and dental, and laboratory services.
 

One of the biggest misconceptions about the new Health Insurance Marketplace is that anyone can get health insurance at any time. There are certain open enrollment periods that allow for enrollment on Marketplace insurance plans. The current open enrollment period goes until March 31^st, 2014. After March 31^st, 2014, there are only certain qualifying life events that allow for application and entrance into a Marketplace insurance plan. These qualifying life events include Loss of Employer coverage, Marriage, Divorce, Birth of a Child, Adoption, Gaining Lawful citizenship status, and Moving out of the State.
 

There are Premium Tax Credits available to help reduce the cost of monthly insurance premiums for those between 100% and 400% of Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The amount of Premium Tax Credits a family qualifies for is based on family size and gross annual household income, including the wages of working children. FPL for an individual is $11,490 to $45,960. FPL for a couple is $15,510 to $62,040, FPL for a family of four is $23,550 to $94,200, and FPL for a family of six is $31,590 to $126,360. Note: If you qualify for coverage through your employer, or have insurance coverage through your spouse’s employer, you will NOT qualify for premium tax credits. The only exception is if the annual amount you pay for your insurance is more than 9.5% of your gross household income, then you may qualify for premium tax credits.
 

If you have any additional questions, or would like to enroll in a Marketplace insurance plan, Chase Merrill is a Certified Application Counselor who works for Cache Valley Community Health Centers, is available to answer questions and to help you through the application process. Call 435-755-6061 or 435-363-5640 to set up an appointment.

The Unmuddled Mathematician

Traditions and Families at Christmas

By Chris Coray, The Unmuddled Mathematician

If a family has been blessed as mine has been there are years and years of Christmas traditions and memories personalized to each family.  For example, as young boys my brother and I had a very hard time sleeping on Christmas Eve.   And to accelerate the morning sprint to the goodies (we had to be dressed before going downstairs) we would put our shoes by the bedroom door, our socks next, then pants, shirt, etc, right up to the edge of the bed.  Once a year my mom could say we had organized our clothing, albeit in a weird way.

Oranges and grapefruits were big, especially in our stockings hung by the fireplace.  16 penny nails were needed to attach them.  Now there are few things I like more than a good orange, but Santa could have stuffed fewer grapefruits and more toys into those stockings.  On the whole, though, I lived an idyllic childhood with Christmas by far the biggest and best holiday.  A new basketball would get used outside even if we had to shovel snow off the court and freeze our hands as we played on our no net outside hoop.

All those years went by so fast.  Then I was gone, in the Army, and spent several Christmases on the watchtower in places around the world, one apart from my bride of one year.  No phone call, either, as that was not possible in those days.  On Christmas this year we should remember and thank all those who stand on those watchtowers and who did so in past years.  We should remember the missionaries, young and old, who have chosen to serve in places far and near, and ask the Lord to keep them as they honor Him.  We should give the gift of time to those who are lonely or experience hardship.

In my life there is only one unusual Christmas issue.  When a couple marries the traditions of two families have to be partially merged and new ones created.  Bobbie and I cheerfully agreed to merge our family’s Christmas tree type.  In my family we had short, fat, pinion pine trees decorated with tinsel. Bobbie’s family had slender, tall trees, with no tinsel.   In the spirit of a new marriage and fairness we agreed to alternate trees each year.  Somebody in the agreement had her fingers crossed behind her back.  We have been married 47 years.  This will be our 48^th Christmas together.  Counting this year we have had 47 tall, slender trees, 1 short, fat one in the first year.  What Bobbie would call a completely fair outcome. 

To be fair, I partially quote Dickens when I say that Bobbie knows how to keep Christmas.  It is she who does virtually all the work, the gift buying, the decorating, the entertaining and preparation of meals.  She has been the motive force and brought joy, refinement, family love, and togetherness for our immediate and extended family for two generations.  I have seen her so excited on Christmas day that her words come too fast to understand but the smile on her face makes words unnecessary.

Merry Christmas