Lake Is 70 Degrees, Great Swimming!

Photo by Bear Lake Visitors and Convention Bureau

Garden City Council Meeting

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  July 10, 2014. Robert and Deborah Chandler appeared before the Council asking to be given a business license to run a small equipment rental business.  It will be located at 200 North and 220 West.  The name of the business is Bear Bottom Equipment Rental.  They indicated they had paint sprayers, pressure washers, and so forth.  They will erect a 6’ privacy fence and do quite a bit of landscaping.  They are community minded and have supported the polar plunge for the last two or three years.  They have similar businesses in two other states.  They have applied for a sales tax number.  The business license was granted upon receipt of their sales tax number.

A short term rental was given a license.  The home is owned by Scott Gordon, 970 Harbor Village #3 and will be managed by Bear Lake Lodging.

Fire Chief Wahlberg reported that the 4^th of July Celebration was great.  There were lots of fireworks, and everyone seemed to really enjoy the evening.  He noted that people had been directed toward the City Park or the City’s parking lot just north of the Church. Council Member Bess Huefner noted that there was a lot of trash and garbage that was left at both of those locations.  It took quite a bit of time and effort to clean up after the celebration and asked if in the future people could be asked to clean up after themselves.

Chief Wahlberg noted that there may be some fire restrictions put in place in the near future.  Many parts of the State are getting very dry and the State may impose some restrictions.

Bruce Warner reported that there is enough water at Shundahi.  He noted that impact fees don’t have to be paid all at once, but as the homes are completed.  The City will need to provide service in that area and money to take care of the tank will be required.  He noted that 750,000 gallon capacity will be needed for that subdivision.

Warner noted that the most important thing that needs to be considered in making sure the beaches are in good shape.  The lake is the City’s greatest asset and needs to be taken care of. 

Warner has been looking into the various licenses that most Cities have.  He felt there could be various licenses available according to a list of categories.  Specific requirements and regulations could be available to business owners so that they could take care of all the requirements, and be able to apply and obtain a license at any time instead of having to come before the City Council.  Currently business owners only have the option of applying prior to a Council Meeting in order to obtain the required license.  Mayor Spuhler told Warner to continue to look into this possibility, especially if it would expedite paperwork and be more efficient over the internet.

Currently owners of several lots can encumber these lots putting them together thereby doing away with water fees for each individual plot and pay a much smaller water fee.  It costs $250 to encumber a number of adjacent lots.  If the owner has the opportunity to sell a lot, all of the lots have to be unencumbered at the same cost of $250.  There is also a $40 recording fee.   Then, after the sale, if the owner wants to take advantage of the lower water bill in the future, he must again pay the $250 fee to encumber the remaining lots again. 

Some property owners would like to do away with some of these costs.  However, over time, many individuals who have bought properties as an investment have actually saved thousands of dollars over the last two or three years with the lower water fees.  Mayor Spuhler noted that perhaps the City’s attorney could come up with a better idea.  He suggested that the attorney be given an opportunity to make some suggestions to handle this situation.  Meanwhile the City will proceed as they have in the past.

Chuck Stocking reported that the pool and spa required a new pump and are now back up and running.  Chuck noted that he had done some research for the purchase and storage of chlorine and hydrochloric acid.  Currently they are stored inside the building; and, as a result, the walls and area where they are stored are actually deteriorating.  The suggestion was made to store the drums of these chemicals outside by the propane tank.  A fence could be built around that area.  The fumes would be outside which would do away with the problems within the building.  Also, there is a company that will deliver the 55 gallon drums on a regular basis at a cost less than what the City is currently paying.  This would save money and be much safer.  He was told by the Council to move forward with these changes.

Darrin Pugmire reported that the 3^rd West road needs to be graveled and made travelable this fall.  There is no reason to let things continue to drag on.  He noted that there has been some complaint about dust down 150 South.  Bess Huefner said that it would be possible to use mag water in that area which would probably help.

Several people have noted that the beach at 150 South is gooey and covered with deer flies.  People are also getting stuck in the soft wet areas.  Mayor Spuhler noted that people had been complaining that they couldn’t go down this street and requested that the lane be opened up.  Now that it is opened, they are complaining that it is not a perfect spot to swim.  Mayor Spuhler said that the water subs from the canal.  That adds to the problems and doesn’t allow the beach to dry up as most people desire.  He noted that the canal would be shut off soon so that the beaches could dry out and be more inviting to the visitors.

Mayor Spuhler reported on the lawsuit that was presented in Court on July 9 in the Rich County Court House.  He felt the information presented to the judge was clear and concise.  He felt the City is in a good situation.  The judge will make a ruling on the facts presented in the next 60 days.

Mayor Spuhler noted that the results of the sound tests for the gun range were better than expected.  He was pleased with the findings there.

Spuhler also noted that he has set up a meeting with sovereign lands concerning the jetty concept.  He wants to explain to them the problems that arise when all the boats head back to the harbor when the wind comes up or there is a problem on the lake.  He feels something needs to be done and that the proposed jetty would solve some of the launching problems that currently exist.

Kathy Hislop noted that the budget will need to be opened in one of the upcoming Council meetings to transfer funds into the park budget.  She noted that bids have been requested and the amount of money to be transferred will depend on the bid prices that come in. 

The Unmuddled Mathematician

Never Trust a Mathematician

By Chris Coray, The Unmuddled Mathematician

Well, you can’t say you haven’t been warned.  We are not to be trusted.  On the positive side you probably don’t know too many of us so that is in your favor.  On the down side, the NSA (yeah, those guys) hire a lot of people.  And what kind of people do they hire?  Mathematicians.  We are taking over.  Do not bother to adjust your IPhone, computer, whatever.  We are coming for you and some of us are practical jokers.  It’s a revenge of the nerds kind of thing.

For example, in my prime (assuming I ever had a prime and by the way speaking of prime, my age is now prime) I used to own a big river raft and would take week long trips with friends down many of the major whitewater rivers in the west.  I rowed the rapids rather than going on guided tours.  It took considerable time getting the equipment ready and organizing the trips.  The hardest part was always getting a permit.  The forest service and BLM don’t just hand these out, they were awarded each year by lottery and then only to those who had adequate qualifications and experience.   One year we wanted to float the Green River through Hell’s Half Mile and the Gates of Ladore.  These were named by John Wesley Powell after he made the first trip.  We figured that with our 3 rafts we could handle about 12 people.  So we turned our permit in, being careful with each question and provided the name of each member of our group.  Then we waited and what do you know, we lucked out, won the big lottery and got a permit.  That’s when the fun began. 

After a week of deeper planning for the trip, arranging our schedules, getting drivers to shuttle our vehicles, one of my companions and I decided to play a practical joke on the owner of the third raft and in fact was the person whose name appeared as the actual permit holder.  He is a wonderful guy, but a little bit dyslexic.  Anyway, we manufactured a piece of paper with the header of the forest service (remember, we had an actual permit) and sent him a letter on that letterhead that read as follows (italics provided):

Dear Mr. Bullen,

We have recently reviewed your application for a float trip down the Green River, and for which you were apparently successful.  However, after further careful review, we have learned that one of the names on your list of persons also appears on a second, independent application made by another group.  As you know, a person may apply on only one application.  As a consequence of this action we hereby notify you that your permit has been revoked and further, you and all named persons on the application are forbidden from application for further trips on rivers controlled by us for a period of 5 years.

Should you wish to appeal our decision you may do so by contacting our office at 435 753 3198 or write to us directly at Chris Coray, 1473 N. 1525 E., Logan, Utah.  We regret the necessity of our action but must strictly enforce the department’s guidelines.

Sincerely,

Wimbledon Quigley, US Forest Service

We knew that Bill Bullen was excitable so we sat back and waited.  Bill, affectionately known as “The Hummer”, got our bogus letter.  He read the first paragraph and mentally checked out after that.  He was immediately on the phone to me, almost speechless with disappointment and frustration, as he told me that we were canceled and had a 5 year wait ahead.  I asked him to read the letter over the phone.  He did, but could not get past the first paragraph without stopping.  I asked, “Is there anything more in the letter?”  He said yes, but it was just something about an appeal.  He was really down.  So I kept pushing, asking him to please read that part aloud.  After a while he settled down enough to do so, and read until he got to my name.  Then silence.  Then there followed a string of fairly harsh profanity about my ancestry, my lack of character, and a bunch of other stuff.  I was laughing so hard it’s hard to remember all that was said but it about a week he had settled down.

We had a great trip.  But don’t trust a mathematician.  I have done this kind of thing before and may not be done.

Summer Bus Shuttle

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times
 

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  July 10, 2014.  The beach shuttle is up and running.  This will give visitors a chance to park where they want and still have easy access to the beach and local businesses.  The shuttle makes its rounds every 10 to 15 minutes.  A map is included to show the route and where stops are being made.  The kiosk is included on the route.

Dan Fisher has been hired to drive the bus. The shuttle will be running from Thursday through Saturday.  The shuttle has good air conditioning and a good speaker system.  It was suggested that the driver keep track of the number of individuals riding the bus.  Gary Cox, City Administrator, noted that he would get a clicker to assist in counting riders.

An ordinance enforcement complaint form is being considered.  This will allow a record to be kept of ordinance enforcement requests, who has requested help, and how the matter was handled.  Most cities have such a record, and it would be helpful for out town as well.  A couple of samples used by other cities were shown to the Council.  Gary Cox was asked to go ahead with a sample form and see how it works. 

A bid will soon be let for fences for Heritage Park.  Costs are constantly going up.  The bid needs to include possible cost adjustments.  A lot of cement is going to have to be removed which will be expensive.  The budget will have to be opened and more funds placed into that account.

Rodeo on Weekends in Garden City

Photos by Tammy Calder

Shed Or Home?

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah. July 10, 2014. George Peart, Building Inspector, reported that the 14^th building permit was issued to Scott Livingston.  There are four homes in Shundahai that are close to their final inspections.  That will make five new homes in that particular location.

There is currently a problem on one lot in the City.  The owner’s claim the buildings are sheds when paying taxes.  However, when confronted by the City because of holding many camping parties there, they claim it as a residence.  Camping on an empty lot that doesn’t contain a home is against City Ordinances.  These owners must decide if this is a primary residence where camping can continue, or the land contains only sheds and camping must be curtailed.  Peart was asked to look into this matter.  It was noted that if it is to be a residence, there will be road impact fees, park fees, fire fees, and sewer fees that will need to be paid.

Peart said he would look into this matter and check to see if there might be some other lots that fall into this same situation.

Garden City Engineer's Report

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  July 10, 2014.  Zan Murray, the town’s engineer, reported 300 West will be ready to bid out in about two weeks. The work to be done will be installation of the required culverts and putting down some pit run gravel.  This will allow people to drive on the gravel road from the Logan Road to Heritage Park.  He noted that he is working with UDOT in order to make sure that the roads will connect properly when it comes time to asphalt this road.  Murray indicated that he is following some specifications that are a bit more robust than the City’s requirements. 

The work to be done on 75 North and 350 South are also ready to go out to bid.  There was a public meeting last Saturday, and it went well.  The plans for these two projects are about 90 percent completed and will be finished as soon as possible.

Murray indicated that he would have costs ready for the meeting with involved individuals on Friday at 11 a.m.  Mayor Spuhler indicated that a telephone call would work and save Zan from having to drive over.  He noted that there are no issues with 75 North.  There are some issues on 350 South that should be resolved at the meeting.

There are still some environmental issues on 150 South, as well as consideration of the turn around, and how to handle the drainage ditch.  The road slope and number of stalls are also being considered.  That project can then go to bid.

The water master plan is being redone taking into account some additional data.  The tiger grant will not be announced until sometime in August.  

Garden City Public Works Report

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah. July 10, 2014. Riley Argyle, Public Works Department Supervisor, reported that a dock had been put in place at Heritage Park.  The hay at the park will be purchased by Bill Cox.  A sprinkler pump has been ordered.  Some additional larger lights have been purchased and will be placed on the decorative poles.

The sound testing at the proposed gun range was completed and came out very good.  Ambient noise is actually louder than 22 gun shots.  Some larger guns will, of course, create some louder noise, but nothing that will interfere with this project.  Logan City’s gun range has built some brumes that have a deadening effect on sounds.  Argyle wants to see how much difference this has made in Logan as another way to cut down on gun noise at the proposed range here.  

Glen got the necessary certifications for a spray license and will be starting to do the needed spraying for the City. 

UDOT will not allow cutting through the Logan Road where Third West will connect to that Road.  That means the town will have to bore underneath the road to put the water pipes through.  This will be expensive because the pipes are so large.  Argyle suggested it be done before UDOT begins work on the turning lane that will be required in that area.  The city will only have to get the pipes through a section approximately 20 feet wide now.  If the town waits until UDOT puts in the turning lane, they will have to bore up to a distance of 50 feet.

Argyle reported on several miscellaneous items.  He noted that water meters are need for the City Park and the city building complex.  A beach gate will be needed for 75 North.  Two trees at the pond at Heritage Park have died and will need to be replaced. 

Argyle reported that if the city buys land in a tax sale that has tax liens levied on it, the liens will be forgiven.  Several questions were asked concerning this item.  It was decided that additional information needs to be obtained. 

Power has been installed at the kiosk, and the Ipad has been purchased and is ready to be installed.  Several sidewalks have been replaced and others have been repaired along Bear Lake Boulevard.  Mowing has been done down 150 South.  As the lake goes down, more mowing will be done.  The parking at this location was increased this past week.  The city will continue to make the parking area larger as the water recedes.

Councilwoman Bess Huefner asked that some weeds on 75 North be killed.  She also reported that two service projects will take place this next week.  A group of girls will be here on Thursday.  They will be sweeping gravel from sidewalks and the bike path.

The other group will be here on Monday.  They will be working at the State Park on the south end of the lake in cleaning the beach.

There are items being left on the beach.  What should be done with these items?  It was indicated that it is sovereign lands, and they can take care of that matter.

Argyle noted that this is an especially busy time of year.  Everyone is doing their best to keep up.  

Sunrise On Bear Lake Golf Course

Photo by Janalyn Negus