Mayor Spuhler's February Report

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  February 13, 2014.  Mayor Spuhler reported to the Committee that Danny White had been let go because he was more plan and design oriented than administrative oriented.  Gary Cox was hired because of his background experience in administration.

Mayor Spuhler noted that perhaps instead of having a Board of Adjustments, that an Appeals officer should be hired.  This would bring in an unprejudiced independent expert, mediator, and decision maker. It would also take away the emotion and personal involvement that anyone living in the area has.  The County Commissioners are currently considering this, and it might be well for the City to do so as well.

There are several sources of money that will be coming to the City this year to assist in lake access.  UDOT is putting $100,000 into lake access through the City Park.  The Governor has set aside another $100,000 for beach access.  He has asked for an economic study be conducted to prove that by parking lots being built, more money will come into the City.  The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and Forestry has put $150,000 to use in enhancing the beach. 

Mayor Spuhler also noted that State Lands actually paid for the salaries of individuals who worked on the beach in law enforcement as well as for the Porta Potties that were put along the beach this last year.  This was very helpful and a gracious thing to do.

The legislature is looking at money for enforcement for quagga mussels.  Hopefully the bills dealing with this issue will be passed.  Building a boat ramp at Gus Rich’s point is also an idea that is currently being considered.  It would be much cheaper than expanding the Harbor and would give more access for launching boats.

If the lake is lower this year, driving may be allowed on the beach. If that happens, the City will need to create a plan for parking zones and enforcement provisions.  The City has renewed the sovereign land lease.  Two Hundred North may also be a viable beach access road in the future.  The Army Corp. of Engineers will have to give a permit and a plan will need to be created.

The humanitarian quilters are having problems raising money for batting for the quilts that they donate to organizations which support the needy.  They asked the City if they could help them out.  It was determined that quilting is an art and that perhaps some monies could be taken from the Arts budget for assist them in their work.