Garden City Council Reports

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times 

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  August 14, 2014. Mayor Spuhler reported that he had done quite a bit of research on how other cities handle their business licenses.  He noted that Garden City is doing a pretty good job with their current procedures.  He noted that the transient license perhaps should be changed slightly and that there might be some improved efficiency in the licensing process.  He felt, however, that it is important for business owners to appear before the Council so that everyone is aware of new companies coming into the City and just what their business entails. 

Mayor Spuhler also noted that he had attended a Rural Utah Summit Conference and met as many legislators as he could.  He visited with several encouraging them to enlarge the marina.  He also suggested that a boat ramp be placed on the south side of Bear Lake. 

Chuck Stocking noted that the library seems to be doing well.  The pool chemicals need to be stored outside, and he needs to get with Riley to see if they could be stored near the propane tank.  The pool roof needs repair.  He will get information for that soon. 

Bess Huefner informed that Council that the lakeside parking plan will be ready in a couple of weeks.  She reported that the Heritage Park bid for a three rail fence will go out to bid next week.   

Bess noted that Raspberry Days went well.  The biggest complaint was that the entertainment was not as good as expected and rather costly. It was suggested that a change be made there for next year.  Very few vendors have been coming to the Farmer’s Market.   

A horse shoe game has been built in the City Park.  Equipment purchased last spring hasn’t disappeared and has been used extensively this summer.  Huefner had a rough draft of the children’s area in Heritage Park that she showed to the Council Members. 

Darrin Pugmire suggested that it would be good to have the 24^th of July and Raspberry Days separated by a regular weekend in between.  He said it had been very difficult to handle two large weekends in a row.   

Darrin asked that the flags that hang from the light poles be made larger so that they are easier to read when driving down the road. 

He requested that a check list be created that makes sure that everything is completed and done prior to allowing the rodeo to begin their activities.  

It is also important that all short term rentals be tied into a management company and not handled by individual owners.  It adds consistency and greater control.  He also noted that short term rentals are not homes but businesses and should have to comply with business requirements.  It was noted that special requirements for short term rental management companies also be established.  He suggested that zoning be done for areas where short term rentals could be built instead of allowing them to pop up anywhere and everywhere.