Garden City Staff Reports

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  April 9, 2015.  Riley Argyle, Supervisor of the Public Works Department, reported on his activities.  He noted that 200 feet of a culinary water line had to be replaced at 1764 South because it was leaking quite a lot of water.  This project should be finished tomorrow—everything is done except moving a telephone line.  The telephone line was chopped into two pieces.  It will be moved across the road and buried on Friday.  Only four homes were affected during the overnight hours, and none of the homes were occupied at the time.

There are always more water leaks during the spring than in any other time of the year.  These leaks are more difficult to find during the winter months, and when things begin to thaw; it becomes easier find and repair them.  Argyle noted that he will try and keep up with these water problems.

Circle C Construction Company has started work on 150 South.  There has been a verbal agreement with Norman Mecham to allow this Company to begin work.  The paperwork for this project is supposed to be completed tomorrow—Friday. 

Parsons Construction Company will begin their work this coming Monday.  They will be doing some work at the City Park and the Parking lot at Heritage Park.  They noted that there will be extra gravel that will need to be hauled away.  The City asked them to put this gravel on Third West. 

UDOT will be working on the turn lane onto Third West.  They plan to have that project completed by June 19. Because of this construction, the Utah Wildlife and Parks Department will be using Lookout Point for boat inspections until this construction is completed.  They will then move the boat inspection station back down to the City Complex. 

The City will be getting a 14” water line across Logan road starting on Monday.  Only about 5 or 6 homes will be affected.  They will be contacted tomorrow and told that the water will be turned off in their area.

Argyle decided that it would be smarter to buy an attachment mower that could be fastened to the tractor instead of buying a new stand-alone lawn mower.  The mower would be used on both parks as well as the beach area.  Because it is much wider, it will allow the lawns to be finished much more quickly and will save the City some money.  The Council made and motion and approved this suggestion.

There are several water meters on 150 South that need to be moved out of the right-of-way. They were installed several years ago and are located where the road and parking lot will be asphalted.  Riley didn’t think it would take too long to move these meters.

The City has completed the ditch work along Third West and has installed three water culverts needed for irrigation.  The water users in that area seemed to be satisfied with what has been completed there so far.  Because of such an early spring, it was decided to put in the other four culverts that will be needed.  The necessary pipe and other items for completion of this project have been ordered.

Argyle will try and get the four street lights installed at parking lot at 75 North.  Two lights will be put on the north side and two more on the south side of that parking area.  They are the small street lights like those that have been placed in various areas around the City.

He noted that some financial arrangements will need to be made to take care of water issues on Elk’s Ridge.  He noted that a concrete box can be placed almost anywhere.  It could even be placed underneath a road with a cover if necessary.

A drivable road needs to be created between Elk’s Ridge and the Webber property.  Bess Huefner, a Council member noted that she will be in touch with the Webbers.  It was suggested that the Raspberry Patch Home Owner’s Association also needs to be contacted to make sure they are aware of what is happening.  This road will provide better fire protection, especially for those homes higher on the hill.  There will be better water pressure control and an additional exit from the area will be available in case of an emergency.

The County is working with Darrin Pugmire, a Council member, on the gun range.  It appears that there will be a public hearing near Memorial Day when many of the people who live up on Sweetwater Trailer Park will be available to attend the meeting. 

Riley Argyle reported that the sander that attaches to the snow plow is really becoming very worn.  He noted that a new one would cost about $8,000.  The workers could probably overhaul the old sander at a cost of about $3,000.  A motion was made and passed by the City Council to have the sander overhauled.  This job should be completed during this coming summer.

The new computer at the water treatment plant has been running in tandem with the old computer to make sure everything is working correctly.  The old computer will be turned off soon, because the new machine is doing a good job.

The individual who handles the computer setup at the water treatment plant is currently in the process of creating his own business.  Argyle asked if the City could move their business to him, instead of continuing their contract with the New York Company.  This gentleman lives in Park City—much closer and easier to contact.  The City requested that Argyle determine if there is a non competition clause with this change in companies before any decisions could be made.

Summer workers are currently being hired.  They usually mow the lawns, clean the bathrooms and help the Public Works Department when needed.   Beach maintenance will probably be added to these positions.  So far, two young men have applied for these jobs.

Water will be kept in Bear Lake until May 10.  It is rising but will probably go down quickly because irrigation water will be needed down stream.

Four loads of mag water have been ordered for the first part of June.  It will be applied to the roads where needed.  Argyle has requested that smaller amounts or the mag water be used in application than in previous years.

The Public Works Department put in 60 hours in cleaning the canals.  There is a lot of plants and brush growing in the canal between Lockwood and the glamping area.  Next year, additional work may be needed to remove this vegetation. 

Slurry has been ordered.  In the past certain sections have been covered.  This year, everything that has been missed in the past will have this product applied.  It will cost approximately $94,000 to finish up everything.

The sidewalks in town need attention.  There are several areas where a great deal of work will be required.  There are also some areas on the bike path that need maintenance and repair work. 

George Peart, the City Building Inspector, reported that there are 11 building permits that have been issued so far this year.  At least three of these permits are for commercial buildings.  The Council members asked that George keep track of what are commercial and the types and kinds of work that is being done on the residential building permits. 

Peart reported that on 75 North three lots have been encumbered.  A shed is being moved onto one of those areas.

The Planning Commission has worked hard on several of the City’s ordinances.  They worked on the RV’s zones ordinance, and the new sign ordinance.  There is currently an ordinance for windmills.  The title of the windmill ordinance gives the impression that windmills are prohibited.  Actually the ordinance regulates the size that can be accommodated in the town.  It was decided that a windmill could be 25 feet high and up to 6 feet wide.  The title of the ordinance will be change to note that that the city does allow green energy production but also has some predetermined sizes that must be met.

It was noted that the commercial building inspector should be invited to the staff meeting so that he can report on the work he is doing in the town.  There is growth in the commercial area, and it would be nice for the public to be aware of the new businesses being built.