Swan Creek

Photo by Jennifer Cassilas

Garden City Council

By Kathie Anderson, Reporter

Rich County Times 

GARDEN CITY, Utah.   August 8, 2013.  Garden City Town Council Public Hearing.  A public discussion was held regarding Ordinance #13-10, allowing for random annual short term rental inspections and the enforcement of remedies, including suspending the short term rental license for immediate health hazards.  Joey Stocking, expressed concerns about the word “random”.  He contended that short term rental owners should have a specific date and time for a rental inspection so renters will not be disturbed or in any way feel threatened by having a “random” check of the premises.

He felt that unannounced inspections constitute an invasion of privacy.

However, Jim Kemp countered that letting the rental owners know of an impending investigation would defeat the entire purpose of the “random” ordinance.  People would prepare for the inspection, thereby hindering any misuse of the facility and searching for any safety hazards would become irrelevant.  Kemp suggested that once word would gets out about the random inspections, within a very short time, short term rental owners and renters will make every effort to stay in compliance with the safety and health ordinances required by Garden City.   Andy Stokes, the Garden City Code Officer, said he will be conscious of the renters and try not to invade their privacy.  

CITY ADMINISTRATOR REPORT 

Danny White, Garden City Administrator, has been working tirelessly on many projects for Garden City.  Working with Zan Murray and, Garden City Engineer, Riley Argyle, with Public Works, Andy Stokes, the Code Enforcement Officer, and the Town Council, White is working to make Bear Lake an even better place to live.  At present, White is concentrating on the Beach Access signs and the Bear Lake Gun Range projects.  An article by White relating to these two projects will be posted in an upcoming issue of the Rich County Times.

PUBLIC WORKS REPORT 

               

 JUB Engineers, Inc. ran flow tests, pulled data logs from the big meters, and checked out the use of the Garden City GIS data.  New data logs have been pulled covering July 9^th to the present.  This project helps Garden City identify the needs of the City and water system master plan, especially during the summer months at the height of tourist season. 

 Fire Chief Dan Kurek used his airplane for an aerial view of Garden City during Raspberry Days which will enable UDOT (Utah Department of Transportation) to better evaluate the impact and congestion of the streets during the summer months. 

 

Beach access signs:“Walk in only”- have been installed on 150 South, 200 North, 75^th North, and at The Cottages.   More signs will be installed. 

Bear Lake Gun Range: The project to build a public gun range is in the conceptual phase.  Some PR money from the Division of Natural Resources for possibly including an archery range may be available to cover expenses.  The issues that are being discussed include the adequacy of bathroom facilities, noise minimization, topography issues, and the need to provide more information to area homeowners. 

The kiosk project bid has been awarded to Mike Madsen (MJM Construction).  The foundation is in, and the wood beams are on order. 

The Bear Lake Water Company well was investigated by Glen’s Electric camera.  The 34 foot deep well must be cleaned.  Negotiations for the work are underway.  Bear Lake Water Company is looking into possibly trading the well to Garden City.  Sweetwater needs water shares and Garden City needs water.  Both parties want a win win situation. 

Heritage Park & Pond:  New trees have been planted, working is progressing on the last of the ditch work, Steve Watterson has completed the work on the parking lot, windmill aeration has been completed, the bentonite clay has been installed, and the ramp has been completed.   

GIS Mapping of Garden City’s infrastructure is ongoing.  One hundred new points have been placed on the map.   

 

Notice of Proposed Tax Increase

Laketown Fire Department

The Laketown Fire District is proposing to increase its property tax revenue.

The Laketown Fire District tax  on a $150,000 business would increase from $32.40 to $64.05 which is $31.65 more per year.

If the proposed budget is approved, Laketown Fire District would increase its property tax budgeted revenue by 97.68% above last years property tax budgeted revenue excluding new growth.

Laketown Fire District property tax revenue from new growth and other sources willl increase from $20,000 to $42,000.

All concerned citizens are invited to a publi hearing on the tax increase.

Public Hearing

Date/Time: 8/13/2013 7:00 p.m.

Location: Laketown Fire District

20 North 200 East

Laketown, UT 84038

To obtain more information regarding the tax increase citizens may contact Laketown Fire District at 435-881-2690.

Summer Reading Winners

By Cathie Rassmussen
Garden City Library Director


While attending our end of the Summer Reading Pool party, Bessie Smith's name was drawn for the Kindle. She will be sharing her new e-reader with big sister, Ayla. Congratulations girls!

 

Here is our little Emmalee Casillas, winner of the Leapfrog Tag reading system from our summer reading program. She is pictured with her brother, Dom.

 

 

It was a fun and beautiful day at the park with all of our Story Hour friends and their fuzzy pals...and bouncy balls! Thanks for a wonderful year!

 

Needles and Leaves

By Jennifer Huefner

Bear Lake Landscape, Inc

 

 

While driving through the Bear Lake Valley, I've noticed some 

Photo by Jennifer Huefner

abandoned, pioneer-era homes that still have thriving plants growing around it.  It is impressive to me that a lilac planted so long ago, and so long abandoned can still be alive, let alone look good!  We do live in a valley that gets pretty small amounts of rain fall.  How does the lilac survive?  Other plants that do similarly well in these abandoned landscapes are the peony and coppertina rose (that pretty yellow rose that takes over everything in its path). 

 

These plants are certainly cold and drought hardy!  Just remember that in order for your lilacs, peony, and coppertina rose to survive like that you'll have to water them until their roots become well established.  After that you can back off the water gradually.  I recommend watering them for 3-5 growing seasons.  We have three varieties of lilac, peonies, and the coppertina rose.  See how these Bear Lake Valley hardy plants can enhance your landscape.

 

 

 

 

Perennials Sale	4" Perennials:  Buy 2, get the 3rd free! #1 Perennials:  Buy 4, get the 5th free!
Sale ends when the last one is sold or October 1st, which ever comes first! Bear Lake Landscape & Garden Center at 60 S. Paradise Parkway (300 W.) in Garden City, Utah  Open M-F 8-5 and Sat 9-3 Phone: 435-946-8244

 

Turtle Sighting

Jennifer Huefner  thought she'd share something fun one of Bear Lake Landscape employees found in Garden City.  While doing some maintenance work the other day, Sam Cassilas found this turtle! Can you believe it?!  A turtle just crawling around!  It's a pretty good size and seems healthy.  Jennifer says she didn't  think a turtle could survive our winters here.  It seems like we learn something new every day!

Moose Sighting

Photo by Elvira Luczak
The biggest moose she's seen this summer at the lake!

Rich County Commission Reports

Kathie B. Anderson, Reporter
Rich Civic Times

RANDOLPH, Utah, August 8, 2013.  Rich County Commission. Jennifer Yee, Utah Division of Drinking Water, Patti Fauver, Utah Department of Environmental Quality, Tammy North, Engineer for Drinking Water, and Melissa Hubbell, Utah Attorney General’s Office, met with the Rich County Commissioners to discuss the Mountain Meadows Subdivision’s non- compliance of drinking water safety.  Several unsuccessful attempts have been made by the Department of Environmental Quality to alert the Subdivision concerning violations of the Utah Code. 

 

The violations are: ONE, a storage facility is needed unless the Fire Marshall for the County signs a letter stating that there is adequate water stored for any fires, TWO, monitoring water sample (end of each month), THREE,  cross-connection fixed (breaks reconnected, Commissioner Cox will put up a screen immediately so reconnection will eliminate the danger of contamination), and FOUR, there is not a certified operator for the system.   Consequently, Melissa Hubbell of the Attorney General’s Office was contacted to help address the violations.  Patty Fauver addressed these neglected issues with the Rich County Commissioners. 

 

Commissioner Weston asked why the County had not been contacted about this non-compliance earlier so the problems could be addressed and fixed. Commissioner Cox will meet with the homeowners to address requesting compliance with the Utah Code.  The representatives of the Department of Environmental Quality said they will work with the homeowners to fix the issues, possibly by providing grant money, or providing Federal and State loan program. Commission Cox stated that, in the future, if there is an issue that affects Rich County, the Commission would like to know about it immediately so it can be remedied. 

RED RIBBON DAY!

 

After many years of work, sweat, a tear, jumping through hoops, and much perseverance, Bruce Alder has finally received the required signatures to sign off on the Alder Family Subdivision. 

DRIVERS LICENSE LEASE

 

A motion was approved by the Commissioners to renew the lease with the Drivers License Division, for the period July 2013-June 30, 2018. 

COUNTY SEAT TV 

Chad Booth, County Seat, reviewed  the programs for the second quarter and for the summer season 3:   4/7/2013 Wilderness, 4/17/2013 Career and Technical Education, 4/21/2013 Honoring our Veterans, 4/28/2013 Time Controlled Grazing, 5/2013 Sage Grouse Planning, 5/12/2013 Milford Renewable Energy Fair, 5/19/2013 Drug Offender Reform Act (DORA), 6/2/2013 County Budgets, 6/9/2013 Noxious Weeds, 6/16/2013 Mental Health Services, 6/23/2013 County Extension Services, and 6/30/2013 Collaborative Tourism.  County Seat received the Telly Award for its Wilderness documentary.  Twenty one out of twenty nine counties are involved in this very worthwhile television programming.  If you are interested in any of the past shows, or any of the coming shows,  go on line to derek@thecountyseat.tv.

In the next few weeks, topics will deal with Dealing with the Drought, The Rural Summit in Cedar City, Tax Sales, Coal, and a one-on-one interview about the Rural Summit.

The program is aired on ABC Channel 4, every Sunday during the 8:30-9:00 a.m. time slot.

 

Garden City Council Ordinance Approvals

Kathie B. Anderson, Reporter
Rich Civic Times

SHORT TERM RENTAL APPROVAL 

Donald and Kathleen Porter's house, Bear Lake Lodging, 865 Harbor Village East 210, was approved for short term rental.

ORDINANCE DISCUSSION/APPROVAL 

     A.  Ordinance #13-07, an ordinance clarifying that meters should be installed before any water is furnished to premises was approved. 

     B.  Ordinance #13-08, an ordinance stating that water meters should be provided to property owners after pars and water connection fees are paid was approved. 

     C.  Ordinance #13-09, an ordinance updating the requirements for a lot split and lot line adjustment was approved. 

     D.  Ordinance #13-10, an ordinance allowing for random annual short term rental inspections and enforcement of remedies or suspend the short term rental license for immediate health hazards was approved. 

     E.  Ordinance #13-12, an ordinance updating the municipal property for prohibited activity was approved.

     F.  Ordinance #13-12, an ordinance updating the parking requirements for Beach Use within Garden City General Permit Area failed.

 RESOLUTION

Resolution #R13-07, a resolution to include infraction fines for violations to the Garden City Ordinance, Chapter 7-103 unlawful use/activity on municipal property, and Chapter 8-700-C-1, parking on the beach outside of designated parking areas passed.

Burke's Run

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! 

By Kathie B. Anderson, Reporter

Rich County Times

    On Saturday, August 2, 2013, Burke Christensen accomplished his goal of running 67 miles around Bear Lake.  Christensen, who turned 67 years old in December, used this goal as a fund raiser for the Garden City Library, raising more than $750.00.  Blistered and Exhausted, HE DID IT!  Mayor John Suppler presented Burke a handmade frame and photograph of Bear Lake, and the Garden City Librarian, and the Garden City Library Board of Directors presented a letter to Christensen, thanking him for his tremendous kindness and generosity.  Every patron of the library will benefit from his run!

Burke with friends and family

     A picture of Burke and his family, taken after his run, will be featured in the Garden City Library.

Kathryn Warner, Dawn Brady and Kathie Anderson of the Library
Board present Burke Christensen with a framed picture of the lake.

 

   

Rich County Fair 2013

Monday, August 12th

7:00 pm Jackpot Barrel Racing. Randolph Fairgrounds behind the Courthouse.

Tuesday, August 13th

9:00 am Open Horse Show. Randolph Fairgrounds behind the Courthouse.

6:30 pm Volleyball Tourney. Randolph Fairgrounds behind the Courthouse.

Wednesday, August 14th

1‐5:00 pm Enter Open Class Home Arts, Indoor Exhibits and 4‐H Projects. Randolph Fairgrounds behind the Courthouse.

6:00 pm Junior Rodeo – Randolph Arena

Thursday, August 15th

8:00 am – noon Swine, Steer, Lamb, Goat Weigh‐in & Pictures. Randolph Fairgrounds behind the Courthouse.

9:00 am Home Arts Judging. Randolph Fairgrounds behind the Courthouse.

4:00 pm Open Jr Livestock Show (kids 8 & under not 3rd Grade). Randolph Fairgrounds behind the Courthouse.

5:00 pm Goat Showmanship followed by:Steer, Lamb & Swine Showmanship. Randolph Fairgrounds behind the Courthouse.

6:00 pm Jackpot Team Roping. Randolph Fairgrounds behind the Courthouse.

Dark PTA “Movie in the Park” – Randolph City Park

Local Artists!

Local Artists: Please use RCTOnline to make people aware of your work.

It is a free spot! Just e-mail rctonline@gmail.com with a blurb.

 

 

 

 

Paula DeGroot of Garden City writes " I have some beautiful pictures I have taken of eagles, moose, sailboats and the lake. I edit them and create note cards, either in a pack of 6 or as singles. They make great all occasion cards, or gifts. I can customize the pictures or do a mix. The 6 pk costs 19.95 and the singles are 3.99, I use high quality picture paper and ink and natural or white card stock. If anyone is interested they can call or email me. Paula DeGroot 801-971-6987 or jimandpaulad@gmail.com     Here is a sample of my work.

Letters To The Editor

Re: Raspberry Days

I want to compliment the many people who worked so hard and diligently on Raspberry Days 2013.  The craft show had more booths than in previous years, the rodeo was extremely well-attended, businesses in town reported very good sales, the Garden City Community Pond was heavily fished, media (KSL and FOX13) both did segments on the festival, etc.  It also helps that Mother Nature cooperated and provided 3 days of perfect weather too.  The only real negative was the fireworks.  Last year due to high lake levels and very little beach in downtown Garden City, the fireworks were moved to the beach area near Ideal Beach Resort.  However, this year the lake levels were lower and there was plenty of room (400’ measured with a range finder) on the beach right off 150 South Street in Garden City or off the Garden City Park for the fireworks?  So why were the fireworks moved in the first place?  Even the official 2013 Raspberry Days brochure said the fireworks would be best viewed from the Garden City Park. 

The information booth at the craft fair handed out hundreds of brochures and informed countless people that they would be able to see the fireworks from just about anywhere downtown on Saturday night.  However, there was a severe lack of communication from whomever set up the fireworks show since the fireworks were again moved to the Ideal Beach area without telling any of the Raspberry Day Committee members!  These are the same committee members who were giving out the information printed in the brochure and they felt pretty foolish when people were upset with them about giving out bad information.  There were a lot of very disappointed people with blankets and chairs set out and waiting for a fireworks show at the Garden City Park, along Bear Lake Blvd., and at the LDS church.  Only the highest fireworks could be seen from the downtown Garden City area and it was a sad way to end what was a wonderful Raspberry Days festival.  While the fireworks were still going off I phoned Mayor Spulher and he indicated that an electronic notification was sent to “people on a list” that the fireworks would be moved.  What would be nice to know is who was on this list, who sent the notification, when was it sent, and why wasn’t the Raspberry Days committee notified.

 

Scott Tolentino,  Garden City

Re: Muddled Male

I always enjoy the article by the Muddled Male.  We have a "weed lawn" too.  It looks pretty good because it is GREEN!  We have given up trying to grow grass on the sandy soil and partial sun.  All around the "lawn" we planted vegetables:  zucchini, eggplant, tomato, basil, sage, rosemary, and different salads.  No, we are not self sufficient.

 

Marcia Sultagi, Italy

 

Ed. Note:  I suppose this makes us an international media outlet!

The Muddled Male

The Cough

By Bob Stevens, The Muddled Male  

 

I have been fighting an oncoming cold that has made my life miserable.  One of those kind that leaves you feeling yucky all over.  Last night was the worst so far with my nose running like a golf course sprinkler, my head throbbing like an African Djembe drum, and my mouth filled with molasses that just seemed to stay stuck to my tongue even though I tried and tried to swallow.  I finally went to sleep shortly after midnight only to be awakened at 4:00 AM by a coughing fit that lasted for an hour.  All this misery, however, left me with a low, sexy, bass voice that sounds a little like Barry White singing “You’re the First, the Last, My Everything.”  When I mentioned that to Ann, my wife, she said that she wouldn’t use the word sexy.  Creepy, maybe, but not sexy.  She said that I sounded a little like I was singing from the afterlife which, she admitted, might sound a little like Barry since he died ten years ago.        

I was worried that my illness might have jeopardized our marriage since Ann is now sleeping in the den at the other end of the house.  Out of range, she claims, of any germs she might ingest due to my now infectious state.  Do you husbands remember how attentive your wife was when you were ill in the beginning of your marriage?  Well we have been married for 58 years and Ann claims that she is still attentive.  I have noticed, however, that instead of coming to my temporary infirmary in our bedroom at the other end of the house to place a cool, damp washcloth on my fevered brow, she is just shouting encouragement from her safe-zone in the den.  Because of her interest in my other medical conditions she is also continuing my home education regarding the importance of controlling my diabetes by eating right and exercising.  She concluded her compassionate rant by telling me that if I survived another night I should fix some oatmeal for breakfast (to lower my cholesterol) and then I should go for a walk.  Or did she say, “Take a hike.”  Thinking back now, I’m not certain whether it was walk or hike, but if it was hike it may be because now I am also sneezing.