Garden City Council May Meeting

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  May 14, 2015. The request to encumber parcel numbers 41-21-32-031 and 41-21-32-032 was made by owners Eddie and Pamela Hunsaker.  These properties are located in the Buttercup Mobile Home Estates Subdivision.  Approval was granted.

Gary McKee, a local realtor, informed the Council that The Seasons Development Project and the CCR’s that have been written for the subdivision have been purchased and are under new ownership.  The new owner will probably start some building in that area in the near future.  Several changes on the subdivision plan have been made because some individuals had purchased some property included in this subdivision and have opted out of the subdivision.  The Council noted that the amount of green space is going to be affected by the changes that have been made.  This will probably result in fewer buildings being allowed to be built in this subdivision.  The new owner will probably have to draw up new plans and present the new subdivision to Planning and Zoning prior to moving forward with construction in this area.

Ordinance #15-06, an ordinance updating commercial zones, was approved by the Council. 

Ordinance #15-18, an ordinance stating who approves business signs within the city, was approved by the Council.

An Ordinance #15-19, establishes policies and procedures for a temporary business license.  It was approved by the Council.

Ordinance #15-20, an ordinance establishing policies and procedures for a temporary short term rental license, was discussed.  The Council requested that a statement needed to be added that made it clear that a complete application packet needed to be submitted before the temporary short term rental license would be granted.  With this addition, the ordinance was approved.

It was noted that Zipz has broken several of the City’s ordinances.  The owner should be informed of the infractions and action taken in this situation as quickly as possible.

A short discussion was held concerning Elk’s Ridge.  It was noted that the individuals who have purchased property in that Subdivision should organize themselves into a homeowners’ association and begin to take responsibility in getting things moving forward.  Mayor Spuhler noted that if the City tries to assist them, it may give them the impetus that they need to actually begin to develop out the properties located in this subdivision.  He noted that he felt at least two items need to be addressed—a second entry/exit from the subdivision and road improvements.  He encouraged the Council Members to consider these two items.

The Council approved the tentative budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2015, through June 30, 2016.  Budget funds include the General Fund, Buttercup Special Improvement District Fund, the Capital Projects Fund, the Beach Access Fund, and the Enterprise (water) Fund.

A motion was made and passed giving approval of the Utah Retirement rates for fiscal year July 12, 2015, through June 30, 2016.

It was noted that the City may get the necessary permit to maintain the lakeshore. They are still waiting, however, for final approval.  That will allow the City to actually maintain the beach front.  It was noted that canopies cannot be left on the beach overnight.   Also, parking will be allowed on the beach as long as the vehicles are at least 100 feet away from the water’s edge.

There are three options in getting to the beach.  (1) Individuals can park and walk to the beach.  (2)  There is a free shuttle that stops at most of the beach access points allowing people to get to the beach that way.  Also, individuals can pay a $10 fee to drive down and park along the beach.   There has been a telephone number set up to give individuals information about Garden City and beach access.  The number is 435-363-4647.

 A motion was made and approved that will allow the City to obtain the needed funding to purchase the Shundahi water tank.  Garden City will pay $92,307.69 on or before September 30, 2015, to Norm Mecham as nonrefundable earnest money.  The City’s Engineer, Zan Murray, will write up the required federal forms to borrow federal dollars to purchase of the Shundahi tank as well as add additional water projects that will need funding during the next three or four years.  Asking for the funding all at once is the easiest way to make it possible for the City to move forward in taking care of several items without having to write up new requests each time another part of the water expansion plan moves forward.