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

Don't Miss Christmas Around Town In Garden City

Bear Lake Community Health Clinic Tree

Christmas wreaths and greenery

at The Bear's Den at the Texaco

 

 Upside Down Grinch Tree at The Bear's Den at the Texaco

 

 Christmas Sleigh at The Bear's Den at the Texaco

 Christmas Village at ACE Hardware

 

 

 

 Bear Lake Pizza Tree

 

 Santa at Bear Lake Pizza

 

The Chocolate Bear

 

Tree at the Chocolate Bear

Antique Tree and Ornaments at

The Bear Trapper Steak House