Halloween At The KOA & Karasma Restaurant

Halloween At The Lake Thursday, October 31

Photo by Lauriann Wakefield

Halloween at the KOA is happening again this year!
Volunteers are needed to help pass out cupcakes and hot chocolate
Activities for the little ones start at 4:30

Respond in the comment section below

Have fun decorating a cabin and passing out candy to all the cute goblins and witches!

This year we are having a Halloween party at the Inn at Snow Meadows & Kerasma restaurant. It will be Thursday the 31st from 5:00 pm- 10:00 pm or later. It will be a buffet with drinks at half price! Dress up in a costume and win a surprise! 
-Chef Brittany Alston
 

Rich High School VS Diamond Ranch

 

 




Photos by Tammy Calder

 

 

Fall! Fall! Fall!

Letter From Bruce Warner, Candidate For Garden City Council

Dear Neighbor,

As you may know, I am running for city council.  If you registered to vote, you should have received a mail in ballot. Three candidates are on the ballot to fill the two open council seats.If I am elected to the city council on November 5th, here are ten principles that I pledge to observe:

1. I will review all major city ordinances; and seek to eliminate those that are out of date or not needed. I believe we should review especially those which the city residents have found to be unreasonable or onerous. 

2. I pledge to consider in all economic decisions the probable impact on the value of existing and future property rights. I will be a strong defender of property rights. However, property owners should be willing to follow reasonable guidelines  to make certain our high quality of life is maintained. I advocate providing a destination where people want to live and come to work, play and enjoy family activities. 

3. The city should strive to provide an environment where employment and business can flourish and grow. I will support improving business success. 

4.  I will be careful to let the marketplace work here in town, rather than choosing economic winners and losers.

5. I believe in holding a strict line against tax increases that might be imposed on city residents and businesses. The city council should treat city tax revenues as sacred funds, i.e., don't waste the money. I will work hard to find alternative revenue sources, other than taxes on residents, that will improve city services and recreation opportunities.

 

6. I support providing reasonable, new locations for beach access and more parking within the city.

7. I pledge to  work to foster a family friendly environment and reputation for our city in an effort to keep our visitors ones we are all proud to serve and associate with.

8. I will determine whether the cost of city water can be lowered, or allocated more fairly to water users. My background makes me especially suited to perform this task.

9. I think the safety and security of city residents is very important. I believe we should consider changes to improve law and code enforcement. I think people should have an opportunity to become aware of the rules in our city before they experience major fines and penalties. 

10.  I support gradual improvements to our city infrastructure over time to help the city be prepared for changes in population and visitor numbers. I believe in the need for long-term planning. 

I promise to listen to you and to work hard to represent the views and interests of all city residents fairly.

If you believe in the same principles, I hope you will vote for me. Without your vote I can't serve.

Thanks for your thoughtful consideration.  Please feel free to call me at 801-916-6494 or email me at warner@bwmq.com.  I would be pleased to visit you at your home or business to discuss your ideas.

 

Fall Painting...Cache Valley

by Jeremy Winborg

Garden City Council Meeting Reports

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times 

GARDEN CITY, October 10, 2013. Travis Hobbs wants to start a business called Bear Lake Fishing Charters, LLC, which would allow him to operate a fishing charter company on Bear Lake.  The business would be housed at 6 Bear Lake Blvd. (Darin Pugmire’s business location).  Travis will have to get a captain’s license before he could operate this business with a motorized boat.  He is currently working on getting this license.  The Council approved this request with the stipulation that Travis get the necessary captain’s license. 

The conceptual and preliminary plat discussion/approval for phases 1-3C of the Water’s Edge Development, located at 50 South Bear Lake Blvd. was held.  It was noted that this project is a PUD (Planned Unit Development) which has different ordinances than a subdivision.  The Planning and Zoning Committee had used the subdivision ordinances in working with this project.  The P & Z required Norm Mecham request the variance committee hold a meeting.  He was told he would have to have permission from that board in order to build structures higher than the ordinance allowed as well as ask for fewer parking spaces than are currently required by the ordinances. 

Norm told the City Council that this subdivision is a PUD.  A PUD allows the developer to negotiate differences.  He had already discussed this when he presented the plans a couple of years ago and had agreed to buy the Fire District a truck that would allow fire protection for taller buildings.  He also felt that the parking lots could be arranged more attractively and safer if the City would consider that there would be shared use with the City in several areas of the PUD.  In other words, fewer parking spaces than currently required by a regular subdivision could be allowed. 

The area in question needs to be re-zoned prior to permission being granted.  It must be zoned as a PUD.  That means the adjacent land owners and the public need to be notified of a public hearing to consider re-zoning this property.  A 30-day notice is required for any re-zoning activities. 

Mayor Spuhler noted that there will be an impact on the City water system.  The PUD may be asked to pay for a loop water system for the Shundahi tank to help the City mitigate the amount of water this project will require.  This loop water system has been estimated to cost approximately $100,000.  Impact fees will not cover all of the impact this PUD will create. 

Norm was asked if he had checked with the County concerning sewer treatment and garbage disposal impacts that will result from this project.  Norm said the sewer people had already said they could handle the bigger load.  Apparently garbage has also agreed to this project. 

After a lengthy discussion dealing with the possibility of a water impact study, negotiation of building heights, the number of parking spaces required, re-zoning making this area a PUD, a sidewalk, swale, and turnaround on 150 West, a fire truck for the fire district, and easement agreements; it was decided that Norm should go back to P&Z next month to iron out these various items.  He then was asked to return to City Council after going to the P&Z meeting. 

A discussion was had concerning the newly adopted language for Ordinance #8-600 dealing with short term rentals.  It was noted that the word “random inspections during checkout and/or unoccupied times” was approved by the Council. 

A copy of the Garden City General Plan 2013 draft was handed out to the City Council members asking that they read the plan and make any suggestions that they feel will add to the document. 

A discussion concerning the Rich County Tourism Grant was held.  It was decided that any monies that were received would be put into parking lots allowing people to park and walk to the lake.  If the funds won’t stretch to asphalt parking, then gravel lots will be made and black-topped as money becomes available.  Mayor Spuhler reported that he has been working with the State and hopes to be able to get some funds from them to help with this project as well. 

The counting judges for the November 5 election are Susan House, Joan Acre, and Tammy Calder.  Anita Weston was asked to be an alternate if one is needed. 

Mike Knol, Emergency Services Specialist, from Bear River Health noted that he needs more volunteers from the Rich County area.  Currently there are only four in the County, and with Dan Kurek moving will leave only three.  He explained the purpose of having volunteers available so that if and when an emergency occurs, there are people who are available, trained, credentialed, and willing to assist.  Since Rich County has so few volunteers, he noted that volunteers from here can do almost everything required by using the computer and are asked to attend only one meeting a year.  He encouraged the City to get more volunteers available. 

The Council approved the Cultural Assessment for the 3^rd west EDA grant.  Cost will be about $3,000.  Approval was also given to purchase a new sweeper for the bike path, roads, and trails.  It will cost about $7,000.  The old sweeper is 13 years old and uses the backhoe.  The suggested new one will be used by the skidster making it much easier to use.  The Council asked that this new equipment be stored inside out of the weather. 

The date for this year’s Employee Christmas Party will be Friday January 10, 2014.  The annual public City Christmas Party will be on the first Saturday in December which is December 7. 

The City Council approved a new loan from Zions.  This should save the City approximately $324,000 in interest over the life of the loan.

Pat Argyle, Council Member, reported that the pool and library are doing well.  Darin Pugmire noted that a lady wanted to sell pumpkins.  He told her that she would need to have a business location.  Darin said that apparently he wasn’t very clear in explaining to her because she went and got some tables, painted a sign, and set them up in front of Lakeside Pizza without their permission.  He noted that he will follow up on this matter.  Brian House said that selling snowmobiles in front of the Texaco didn’t seem to fit with the license they have and asked that this matter be checked out.  It was noted that Bennion has applied to a business license.

Gun Range and City Administrator Report

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times 

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  October 10, 2013.  The builders of the Water’s Edge Project are waiting for the wet lands mitigation plan.  There should also be a beach access plan built into the development.  All new projects are being required to create a cultural resource plan.  Water’s Edge will need to prepare one of these.   

Garden City will also have to prepare a cultural resource plan for the proposed gun range.  The State has requested a copy of the MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) dealing with the gun range.  They want to know who is contributing what for this project.  Dan is currently finalizing plans for the gun range and will soon be able to give some fairly accurate cost estimates. 

There are fairly swift wind gusts (74 mph the other day) that sweep down through the area for the gun range.   The noise from shooting registered at about 63 decibels.  

The City and County will need to contribute 25 % of the cost of the project and matches can be used.  The time used to develop the plans and other activities can be used for the match.  The City will be responsible for the maintenance and up front costs after the facility is built. 

It was suggested that perhaps an auto gate could be used.  Those wanting to use the facility could stop by the city and get a card which would allow them to use the range for a day or whatever time was desired.  This card could be inserted into the gate which would give them entrance and would do away with a person manning the gate.  It was suggested also that the project not be too elaborate.  The gun range needs to look good and professional but not fancy.  The bowery at the park has been a very serviceable building with low maintenance.  A similar building could perhaps be built there. 

The winter range for the deer and grouse will not be affected because the gun range will be closed the first part of November and not be opened again until February.  This mitigates any impact on these animals. 

Beach access is currently a real problem.  With the number of individuals coming to the lake each summer, more parking needs to be built that will allow people to walk to the lake.  A meeting was held with sovereign lands people.  Some funding may be possible from their department.  They, however, cannot provide nearly enough that is needed.  Garden City and Rich County can perhaps also contribute some funds for parking.  Currently, the parking could only be gravel lots but even that would help tremendously.  A meeting will be held on the 21^st of this month to see if the State Lands, the State Parks, and others would be able to set aside some of their budget monies for assistance in this project. 

Rocky Mountain Power would like to donate money for a community event.  It was suggested that perhaps the monies could be used for an Angel Tree and the Town Christmas Party.

No Enforcement in October. Pool Heating Discussed

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times 

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  October 10, 2013.  Andy Stokes reported that no enforcement had been done during the last month because of other projects to which he had been assigned. 

The pool has no working furnace.  Andy suggested that a pellet stove be purchased to heat the pool area.  It would be the cheapest heat source and would probably work as well as the stove that was installed at the water treatment plant.  He suggested that the stove have a thermostat and a 175 lb. hopper to handle enough pellets to keep the stove burning.  A pellet stove costing about $4,000 will take care of 90 percent of the heat load.  This decision needs to be made soon because winter is coming.  The stove will need to be fenced.  Gomez would be willing to build this fence to keep people from getting too close to the stove. 

World Mark has been shutting the pool heat off every day, and they cover the pool.  The water retains heat really well.   The heat is then turned on later in the day.  World Mark has cut their heating bill in half by following these procedures.  Andy suggested that the City also do this to cut costs. 

The Council told Stokes to get the stove and get it installed. 

George Peart, the Building Inspector, reported that there are currently 20 building permits out.  The shed built over Labor Day was done without a building permit.  Peart is in touch with these people and will take care of this problem.  There are two more houses coming in, one in Eagle Feather and the other in Cherimoya.

Garden City Public Works Reports

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times 

GARDEN CITY, Utah. October 10, 2013. Riley Argyle, Public Works Supervisor, said that JUB, Garden City’s Engineering Firm, is working on a water plan for Garden City.  The current model that they created is working as it should.  Tank water storage is a less expensive option than most other water sources such as drilling wells.    

JUB came up on July 9 and ran a flow test.  Additional data logs were read and the data passed on to JUB.  They also were given the City’s GIS data.  There are a few other items that they want to add to the model to determine daily high usage times, what water storage the City has in case of fire or other emergencies etc.   Right now about 90% - 95% of all Garden City’s water comes from Swan Creek.  It has been recommended that water redundancy be looked into so that there are some alternatives in case a problem or emergency should occur.  Water alternatives are a high priority for the City. 

Currently about 70% of the water from the treatment plant goes onto the land and the rest is used inside homes.  If the Hodges well works out, there were be a water source for the south end of the town–from about Brian House’s residence southward.  The Pickleville well does not have enough pressure to push water up onto the hills. 

This past summer, the highest usage was 2.800, gallons in a minute.  The plant has the capability of handling up to 3,500 gallons a minute.  The high usage this summer was less than last year by quite a bit.  Apparently citizens are trying harder to cut water usage. Also, the highest usage comes during the night time hours. 

There is a producing well now at Heritage Park and will be used to keep the pond filled with water through the winter months.  It was suggested that a new well also be dug at the City Park on Bear Lake Blvd. and use that water for irrigating the lawns there.  This would save a lot of culinary water that is currently being used at the parks. 

The Bear Lake Canal Well is being investigated. A MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) needs to be signed by Sweetwater.   Final decision on what Sweetwater will get in exchange for the wells is being negotiated.  Glenn Electric is coming to drop a camera down to check out the well.  The well is 340 feet deep and needs to be cleaned.  The City does have the necessary permit for renovating this water source. 

There are still two water meters that need to be installed on the Idaho side.  These should be finished up some time this fall. 

The main line at Lakota has been completed, and the necessary fire hydrants are in place.  Everyone has been reconnected, but there is still some road cleanup and cutting and plugging the old line that needs to be completed. 

The gun range plans have been drawn up by Danny White, the City Administrator.  Apparently there is some PR money available from the DNR that the City may be able to apply for in helping with this facility.  A MOU has been drawn up and needs to be signed by the City, the County and the State of Utah since all three entities are working together on this project. 

The Kiosk should be completed in the next week or two.  All of the materials are now available which will allow finishing up this project.  There are four lights left to be put in place.  The City is still watering the trees that were planted at the 75 North Parking Lot.  It is only necessary to water these trees about twice a week. 

The water treatment plant is doing much better since the changes were made.  There have been no alarms recently. 

The sewage at the Trail Head in Hodges Canyon will be taken care of by the Special Service District.  It will cost approximately $50 per tank.  A call will need to be made whenever this service is required. 

Pickleville Commons project is again moving forward.  UDOT signed off on the project and the  water problems have all be taken care of.   

Travis Hobbs has taken all the necessary tests to be able to spray for the City.   

All the pot holes at Hodges Lane have been filled.  The City will take care of the Vic’s Hardware sign. 

Five pallets of pellets have been purchased for the pellet stove used at the water treatment plant.  The sprinkling system at the Park has been winterized.  The bathrooms will be taken care of in the next couple of weeks.  One door will be left open at the restrooms next to the Church Parking Lot.  There is a propane heater that will keep that one unit from freezing through the winter.    It has been decided that the window at the bowery will not be replaced.  

The old pump (1973) used in the old Pickleville well stills works.  It will be used at Heritage Park to run the lawn sprinklers next year.  Another pump may be needed to fill the pond.  It will cost about $1,000 and can push about 50 gallons of water a minute into the pond.

Halloween At The Lake

Photo by Lauriann Wakefield

Halloween at the KOA is happening again this year!
Volunteers are needed
Respond in the comment section below

Have fun decorating a cabin and passing out candy to all the fun goblins and witches!

Garden City Fire District Board Meeting

Chris Coray, Reporter
Rich Civic Times


GARDEN CITY, Utah, Fire Board Meeting October 17, 2013.The governing board of the Garden City Fire District held its regular monthly meeting October 17, 2013, at the Garden City fire station.  Present were Terry Allen, Randall Knight, Perry Wakefield, Christina Gracey, and Travis Hobbs.

The remaining funds from the $14,000+ wild land grant will be used for personal gear for existing and future firefighters.  In the same vein, unused funds received from the Laketown Canyon propane spill and from the annual pancake breakfast will be used for equipment based on recommendations of the firefighters.
 

Unless there is a formal change to the current formal policy of the board, attendance at board meetings must be in person and not electronically for a member to be counted as present.

Discussions are continuing on pending changes to the policy manual for firefighters concerning a mandatory drug testing program and a collection of driving data from the Utah DMV.

At the next regular meeting in November, the 2013 budget will be opened to allow accounting for grants received, insurance reimbursements, etc.  When an existing budget is opened a public hearing is required and will occur on the same evening as the regular meeting in November.  This is not a hearing about the 2014 budget but is a legal requirement to allow modifications to the 2013 budget.

The fire department has a useful web site, gardencityfire.us  The web site will be operated and maintained by Joey Stocking.  The annual cost for providing the server and monthly maintenance is $360.

Fire Chief Dan Kurek attended his last meeting and his last day of work was October 18.  A description of the position of fire chief, which is now open, has been sent to newspapers in SLC, Ogden, Logan, and is on many electronic forums.  Applications will be accepted until November 8.  Assistant Chief Mike Wahlberg will handle administrative duties until a new chief is named.  Additionally, the terms of 3 board members expire (Allen, Knight, Hobbs) at the end of this year.  Postings announcing these openings will be done in November. There was some discussion about whether Garden City proper has the right to directly appoint one member to the board.  Tom Weston, county commissioner, who attended the meeting, did not think this was the law and wanted to check with the county attorney.  Chief Kurek believes that it is the law.  A copy of a section of Utah State Law that may be applicable is immediately below this paragraph, in italics.
 

Chapter 1

Special Service District Act

Section 303

Election or appointment of administrative control board members.           

17D-1-303.   Election or appointment of administrative control board members.

            (1) Except as provided in Subsection (2)(b)(iii), a county or municipal legislative body that creates an administrative control board may provide for board members to be elected or appointed, or for some members to be elected and some appointed.

            (2) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (2)(b), each member of an administrative control board shall be elected or appointed as provided for the election or appointment, respectively, of a member of a board of trustees of a local district under Title 17B, Chapter 1, Part 3, Board of Trustees.

            (b) (i) A municipality or improvement district under Title 17B, Chapter 2a, Part 4, Improvement District Act, may appoint one member to represent it on an administrative control board created by a special service district if:

            (A) the special service district was created by a county;

            (B) the special service district provides the same service as the municipality or improvement district; and

            (C) the special service district includes some or all of the area included within the municipality or improvement district.

            (ii) An institution of higher education for which a special service district provides commodities, services, or facilities may appoint the number of members of an administrative control board of that special service district that are equal in number to at least 1/3 of the total number of board members.

            (iii) With respect to an administrative control board created for a special service district created by a county of the first class to provide jail service as provided in Subsection 17D-1-201(10), the county legislative body shall appoint:

            (A) three members from a list of at least six recommendations from the county sheriff;

            (B) three members from a list of at least six recommendations from municipalities within the county; and

            (C) three members from a list of at least six recommendations from the county executive.

Enacted by Chapter 360, 2008 General Session

The department Christmas Party will be Dec 4, after the public hearing on the 2014 budget.   

The board conducted a preliminary 2014 budget review, item by item, and members were invited to study and bring recommendations to the next meeting.

Meeting adjourned.

More Moose Sightings

Photo by Tammy Calder