Garden City Council Meeting Report

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times 

GARDEN CITY, Utah. October 8, 2015.  Approval was given for the short term rental located at 730 S. Balsamorhiza, owned by Jeff Kump.  The Bear Lake Cabin Rental Management Co. will be handling this property.

Since George Peart checks for the amount of parking that is required at a short term rental, that item is no longer required on the forms submitted when the request is made.

A request to encumber parcels 41-21-40-123 and 41-21-40-124 made by Tally Johnson was approved.

During the public comment section of the meeting, the question was asked if Garden City had created an enterprise zone in Garden City.  The County had gone ahead and declared the entire County an enterprise zone.  However, Garden City has not followed through on this item.  There are some pretty good grants available for businesses if the City would create such a zone.  It was noted that this must be done before the end of the year if the City is going to allow businesses to take advantage of financial grants and other help to make businesses successful.  There are only two council meetings left this year where action can be taken.  Mayor Spuhler requested that this item be placed on next month’s agenda.

Several ordinances were approved by the Planning Committee and sent on to City Council for final approval.  Ordinance #15-31 is an ordinance updating business sign requirements.  It was noted that in the current ordinance, there was not enough information to distinguish between a temporary and a permanent sign.  The new ordinance defines the differences.  Also, the size of real estate signs was increased so that the “sold” item could be placed on the sign with perhaps some other information without going over the allowed size. 

Ordinance #15-32 is an ordinance adding home occupation and kitchen to definitions. 

Ordinance #15-33 is an ordinance stating that if off-street parking cannot be provide, a property owner may be allowed to make a payment—in-lieu to the town for parking. 

The above three ordinances were approved by the Council.

A public hearing was held dealing with the next two ordinances to obtain public input.

The Council approved Ordinance #15-34 which is an ordinance updating the requirements for water meters.  After a short discussion, the Council made some minor changes, and the ordinance was approved.

The Council also passed Ordinance #15-35 which deals with updating the definition for tampering with a water meter.

Resolution #R15-11 is a resolution updating the fee schedule and adding a fee for payment-in-lieu of parking.  It was passed by the Council.

An annexation discussion was held by the Council Members.  The homes and property along the lakeside of highway 89 going north to the Lakota and Little Switzerland is currently part of the County.  However, since water rates will be increased again this coming year, it was thought that perhaps it would be a suitable time to once again see if individuals in that area would be interested in becoming part of Garden City.  A map was spread out and the Council members determined the area that should be included in this possible annexation action.  The office workers were asked to begin working on this project.

The City Christmas Party will be held the first Saturday in December, which falls on 5^th. 

Some preliminary planning work is being done concerning building a city recreation center.  The best location found so far would be immediately north of the city offices.  The garage located there would have to be moved and a small strip of property on the west to allow for parking would be needed.  Most cities and towns have recreation centers and feel that it brings members of the community together and creates better communication and stronger ties among the citizens.

There are various ways that such a building could be funded.  Bonding was the first idea mentioned.  That, of course, is only one option.  The building would require between four and five million dollars to make a nice place that would also allow for expansion when needed.  Bob Peterson was asked to begin looking into this idea.

Mayor Spuhler is currently working on some marketing ideas concerning Garden City as a vacation destination.  He will continue to work on making Garden City better known as a wonderful place where families should come to play.  He thinks social media is an especially good way to let people know about what is here at Bear Lake.  Some budget monies will be spent on this marketing project.

Mayor Spuhler noted that a Trails master plan is currently being made for a trail system for Garden City.  The trails will be given permanent easements.  The trails will be for walking and biking only.  Motorized vehicles can use other trails that currently exist.  The trails will connect with Hodges Canyon on the South.  Bike racing is a possibility along these trails in the summer and snow shoeing in the winter is also something to be considered.  Garden City could participate in this activity by building the parking area and bathrooms.