Lifetime Army Corp Maintenance Permit

To The Editor:

Fact clarification: Garden City spent money to receive a permit from the Army Corp to allow us to do certain things like discing and mowing. Our public works folks have started working. The permit is not for a season it is a lifetime permit as long as we do minor maintenance each year. We hope to make Garden City beaches the best possible. If you have question about this or anything my cell phone number is 435.232.0553. I never received a call from Bryce Nielson about this issue and a simple call could have provided him the information to provide the facts.

Regards, Mayor John Spuhler on Cisco Sonar

July 24th Fireworks Party

A Fire Safety Barbecue will be held on  July 24^th with a cordoned off area for fireworks in the parking lot next to the LDS Church in the center of Garden City.  This party is being sponsored by the Garden City Fire Department and will include free hot dogs and hamburgers.

Citizens are encouraged to bring their legal fireworks and set them off here with supervision from the Garden City Fire Department.  The city will provide two parking lots for fireworks until midnight on July 24th. It is illegal to light fireworks on sovereign lands. 

This will be the first year for a citizens fireworks show . Clean up is a problem, but hopefully people will clean up their own firework debris.  

New Ordinances And Public Hearing

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  July 9, 2015.  The Public Hearing was called to order at 6:00 p.m.  The first ordinance discussed was #15-26, an ordinance updating the parking and loading requirements in the Town of Garden City. 

This ordinance dealing with parking and loading requirements is based on business characteristics.  Since the City plan is that businesses on Bear Lake Blvd. will eventually be contiguous to each other, parking should be placed in the back of the businesses.  The ordinance should have definitions for some of the terms used, and a transportation plan needs to be added.

The other ordinance is #15-27, an ordinance establishing life safety requirements for sensors/detectors and fire sprinkler systems.  To retrofit current buildings with sprinkler systems would be much too costly for everyone.  It would, however, be reasonable that any new building over 6,500 square feet could be required to put in a sprinkler system.  These systems are the most effective way of stopping fires.

Smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers are already required in short-term rental homes and commercial businesses.  Responses to these devices are slow.  However, these devices do alert anyone in the building to get outside.  The building may be lost, but the people inside are generally able to get to safety. 

Monitoring systems also require the installation of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, but generally are able to get a faster response time.  They are not nearly as costly as the water system.  There is an installation cost and a monthly fee for the monitoring capability.

The City has a potential liability when short-term rental homes are not properly fitted with monitoring systems.  These devices would help with public safety, lower the City’s liability, and result in a quicker response.  Mayor Spuhler felt that especially all of the short-term rentals should be required to obtain a monitoring system.

Several citizens attending the hearing were against a monitoring system.  It was suggested by the Fire Chief that perhaps all short-term rentals should be inspected annually instead of only once at the time of obtaining a license.  That way the City would know if the fire alarms and CO detectors are working and fires extinguishers are properly certified.  A charge of $30 for the annual inspection would be the same amount that is charged for the original inspection.  The Fire Department could handle this inspection and would make sure all short-term rentals were maintaining these safety devices.

Another suggestion was made that perhaps the City should get an insurance policy with a much higher liability amount.  That would at least partially mitigate any lawsuits that could be brought against the City.

It was also suggested that perhaps the short-term rentals pay a larger fee to obtain and renew their license each year.  The price suggested was $50 for a short-term rental license. 

It was noted that many times short-term rental homes do not follow the requirement of having a contact person that is available 24/7, 365 days a year, and who lives within 15 minutes of the short-term rental unit.  This contact person should also be able to take care of minor problems that arise.  It was suggested that the owners of these units that are in violation should be made to pay.  A fee could be set, and the money collected from this infraction could be placed in a fund to help pay for the City’s liability insurance.

Another suggestion was made that perhaps the managers of the short-term rentals raise their fees slightly.  That money could also be used to help pay for the City’s liability.

It was also suggested that short-term rental owners should be encouraged to obtain better insurance themselves so that they, too, would be able to mitigate some of the costs in case of a lawsuit. 

It was noted that the City should follow-up on the short-term rentals and ask the managers how many days the units are rented each summer.  That would allow the City to determine if all taxes that are required have been collected and submitted to the proper authorities.

The public hearing was closed.

THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING WAS RESUMED

The motion was made concerning ordinance #15-26, an ordinance updating the parking and loading requirements in the Town of Garden City.  It was decided that definitions needed to be added to the ordinance, and that the section concerning berms and swells should be removed from the ordinance.  The motion was approved with the above suggested changes.

Ordinance #15-27 was read.   Item 9-606 was removed from the ordinance.  It was decided in section 9-607 that sprinklers would be required on all new structures over 6,500 square feet in size.  Part A2 of this same section was removed from the ordinance.  The MAS abbreviation was removed from section 9-608.  With those changes, the ordinance was passed.

It was noted that several suggestions that were made dealing with short term rentals require a public hearing in order to put them in place.  If the suggestions are accepted, this ordinance will then be updated to add the items desired.  Also it was suggested the monitored safety alarm systems be high recommended to short-term rental owners and managers.  This suggestion could be placed on the short-term rental license so that all owners and managers are aware of safety concerns of the City.

Resolution #R15-05, a resolution to update the administrative code infraction fine schedule to include a fine for violations to quiet hours and noise was discussed.  There have been some quite serious infractions of quiet hours and noise recently.  Apparently the fine was not large enough to make any difference to those creating the problem.  It was asked that the fine be changed from $150 to $5,000.  The first infraction will continue to be a warning; the 2^nd infraction will be $5,000, and so forth.  The motion was made and passed. 

Garden City Council Member Reports

Anita Weston

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  July 9, 2015.  Council member Chuck Stocking reported that the library rummage sale was very successful.  The sale brought in over $5,000.  Special thanks was given to Jim DeGroot for the amount and kind of furniture that was donated from WorldMart.  It really helped in raising that amount of money.

The summer library reading program is a very successful program.  There are 47 individuals participating this summer.

The pool is doing fine.  There was an employee issue, however.  One of the life guards, instead of doing his/her job, was reading a book and playing with a cell phone.  The life guard never looked at the pool.  Apparently the individual doesn’t know what he/she should be doing.  Mayor Spuhler asked Stocking to attend the staff meeting on Monday so that this item could be addressed at that time.

Bruce Warner noted that there is a business in town that did not open this summer.  There is an outstanding water bill of $900.  The water can be turned off.  However, the owner claims that all expenses were to be paid by the lessee.  The lessee feels that the owner should be liable.  Warner suggested that in the future, all transactions must be with the owner so that these kinds of issues can be avoided.

A request was made for a transient business license to be able to sell merchandise in the parking lot at the Bear Trapper.  It was suggested that the merchandise be placed inside the store and sold from there.

Warner asked if the Shundahi water tank financing was moving forward and was told that everything seems to be moving along smoothly.

Bess Huefner and Riley Argyle have met with the Webber Family.  They appear to be willing to give an easement to the City that will give that area an additional exit from the area.  Raspberry Patch also appears to be willing to work with the City.  Home owners on Elks Ridge have been told that they must form an HOA.  The City is willing to help get their roads in order up to $10,000.  However, it will be money thrown away if an HOA is not formed in order to take care of the maintenance of the road that will be required in the future.

Huefner reported that the Heritage Park Children’s playground equipment will arrive near the end of July.  She noted that the permit from Sovereign Lands has not been renewed as of now.   This should be taken care of.  The beach maintenance agreement is in force.  The ditches can not be opened yet. 

Bess also noted that the sidewalks are in bad shape.  Something needs to be done soon.  Darrin said that he thought he could get a bid out soon and begin fixing the sidewalks during the third week in August.  He noted that money had been set aside for this project.

Danny White will obtain the signs that indicate wet land areas.  The cost will be at least $900 and should be in place by the 2^nd of August.  Hopefully the pickleball area will be available soon.  Bess also noted that she would like to see more beautification take place in the town.

 Darrin Pugmire asked that next year the beach passes be only one color and one kind.  There has been a lot of confusion with each pass a different color and a different beach access on the card.

A road off the backside of Buttercup needs to get started.  This project needs to be written up.  It is a good idea to asphalt up to at least 10’ off of an asphalted road to keep mud and dirt from tracking onto the main road.

A culvert needs to be put in place at Cherimoya down to Hodges Lane.  The canal is seeping enough water that it needs to be directed on down the hill and away from a couple of homes.

In the future, there needs to be an ordinance that requires that homes must be built a certain distance from the canal.  There are going to continue to be problems if the homes are built too close to the canal.

Darrin noted that the Commissioners failed to hold a public hearing in May regarding the gun range.  He indicated that he had checked with them again and still nothing has been done.  He feels that a gun range could be a good business venture and is going to start to pursue that avenue.

Business in June was at an all time high for that month.  Darrin felt it was a result of the hot weather that we had.  We have been seeing more people.  Hopefully, advertising Garden City as “A Place For Families to Play,” will encourage entire families to come here for their vacations.

  

The Farmers Market is doing better so far this year as well.

Summer Fun At Garden City Park

Garden City Public Works

Bobbie Bicknell Coray, Reporter
Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  July 9, 2015.  Riley Argyle, Garden City public works, said that they are upgrading the landscaping and lawn on the Heritage Park fish pond. He has removed moss from the pond so it is good for fishing.  

Buttercup dumpster pad  has been enlarged to make it work for the new garbage trucks.

Argyle met with Elkridge owners for an additional right of way. They were open to it, but they first wanted a survey which has now been completed.   Argyle also met with the HOA of Raspberry Patch to explain why the city wants an egress agreement. When the egress is completed, both Raspberry Patch an Elkridge lot owners can get building permits.  Argyle said that Elkridge needs an HOA so that negotiations between entities work better.

The new parking lots on 150 S and 350 S are completed as is the  300 west water project.   Tables in bowery are new.   Public works have done a lot of beach work .  They prepared a presentation for legislators and the Division of Natural Resources who are looking at the lake for marina expansion. There has been an initial engineering study completed on the marina which may help legislators decide on the expansion.

The legislators wanted to see the sage grouse projects and what city is doing with the long lasting permit from the Army Corps of Engineer.  The city will give them a hay ride and talk about how much money Garden City has put into the beach and in partnership with the county for engineering studies. That we are not asking for money without investing Garden City funds.

Mayor John Spuhler also wants to show them the drive and park and shuttle option to get to the beach.  The shuttle has been very busy Thursday to Sunday.  He wants the legislature to know the beach is not the “cash cow” as legislators think.  It costs the city money.  

An Eagle Scout project  has put in 4x4 distance markers decorated with a bear claw starting at Ideal Beach going north.

Hodges Canyon needs a long culvert or pipe for drainage.  Darin Pugmire said from now on subdivisions below the canal will need to provide culvert drainage as part of their development plans.

Public Works restarted the GIS but need to reset the program because  it has not been used for over a year.  Argyle wants to finish It out by end of summer.  

Peterson Commended For Enforcement Work

Bobbie Bicknell Coray, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  July 9, 2015.  Bob Peterson, compliance officer, was complimented on being so proactive and polite while enforcing ordinances.  Peterson said that starting around 10:30 a.m. he walks up and down the beach and talks to all people explaining the rules. 

Taking quads to sandbar is against the beach rules.  They often get  stuck in the water.  Not too many people try to launch from shore.  He may talk to 50 groups a day.  Since he has been explaining the rules  there are fewer problems and stuff is not left overnight.   Mayor said people try to stake out territory on the beach.  That is why it is important to get tents and canopies down.  The park is locked at 10 p.m.

     

Peterson focused on trash cans left out too long and gave out citations and warnings about taking them in, so this month there were less left out.

Short term rental violations have resulted in  7 citations and fines totaling over $13,000.   Owners are fined if they do not  have Garden City short term rental licenses.  He takes pictures, talks to the people at the property who say they are renting.   Also the City has sent warnings to people who let their short term licenses lapse.  They are aggressively going after them. 

Peterson recommended that the council clean up sign ordinances  because  there are references to the old ordinances.  He would also like them to update violation definitions and ordinances and fines for beach violations.  

Fun At Bear Lake

Letter to the editor:

I thought I would take a moment and share with you what my wife, Sandy Brown and her sisters and all of their daughters and daughter in-laws did this past weekend at Lynn and Sandy Browns cabin at the lake.  The ladies have a weekend every year where they have a theme and have fun.  This year at Bear Lake it was a Princess theme.  Hence, all of the women dressed up as Princesses and went to town.  They had a great time and many of the little children visiting the businesses in Garden City wanted their pictures taken with them.  The Princesses were also in many family pictures as well.  You will see below a few of the fun pics.

John Brown

John Brown, The Man

I like a clean van. But I live in the country, and I don’t have a pickup. This means the minivan has to haul stuff. It’s hauled hay, plants, dirt, kids—you name it.

We vacuum, but there are things a vacuum can’t touch. And if we want our van carpet and upholstery shampooed, we have to drive an hour to Logan, then leave the car at the shop for a full day.

A full day.

They want you to drop it off in the morning, pick it up in the afternoon. So what am I  going to do all day? Bring my bicycle and ride around with Brent, the happy dude with horns and flags on his bike that pedals up and down main street, waving to everyone?

Needless to say, shampooing was infrequent.

But then one day a few weeks ago I was talking to Patrick Floyd in Laketown. I was actually talking to him in Suzanne Siddoway’s basement.

What were two men doing in her basement?

We were doing what many men do in her basement...

We were sitting around waiting for her to cut our hair. What else would men be doing in her basement? (You know, it’s Quin’s basement too.)

And Patrick said that he’d started a new business called Peerless Detailing. He was trained and had the equipment to detail boats, cars, vehicles of all kinds.

I said, “Do you do just a shampoo?”

“Whatever you need,” he said.

I said, “Duuuude!”

You have to read that with kind of a hope, like a thirsty man seeing an ice cream truck in the middle of the Serengeti.

He said, “Yeah.”

I said, “Man.”

He said, “Yup.”

I said, “Alright.”

After that scintillating conversation, I took my van over. Patrick of Peerless did verily clean that carpet and upholstery. And he did it for less money than it would have cost me in Logan! And in less time!

I got back a new van. It smelled great. Looked great. I felt like rolling around on the carpet in joy, but refrained. Instead, I drove home, and everyone in the house rejoiced. We drove around a little, just to celebrate.

A week later, we had to haul more crap. I took the seats out. I put them in the garage. This was a dumb thing to do. I’d learned long ago to put them in the house. See, we leave our garage door cracked so our mouse control service can get in and out, the mouse control consisting of five cats.

Sometimes, other cats figure they can help themselves to whatever’s in the garage. Some of those cats are stray toms. And because I don’t mark my territory with my own scent, which I’m sure would put the fear of whatever cat god is out there into them, they think they can muscle in. Feel like they can claim the place for their own.

And so they spray.

I’ve been meaning to get a gun. A paintball gun, if nothing else. I figure a few stings with a paintball ought to learn the dogs and cats and deer. It’s my theory, and I’m going to test it one of these days. So if you one day see various animals walking around with polka dots, you know what’s going on. Anyway, I don’t have a gun, and I’m not going to go around and mark the perimeter of my yard. You know how much water I’d have to drink!

So this cat came in and sprayed.

He sprayed one of my newly cleaned captain chairs!

(Anyone who wants to practice their marksmanship on live targets, just let me know.)

So what do you do? Well, I'll tell you this: we didn't have to set the seat on fire. No. We just called Patrick.

Patrick did his magic and removed the offending blankity-blank cat spray. And the seat was as good as new.

Can I tell you how happy I am we now have someone doing this in Laketown?

I’m ecstatic. I plan to take my vehicles in once or twice a year. Why not?

If you need your boat or car or van detailed, I think you’ll be pleased with Peerless. You can call Patrick at (435) 535-1493 or connect on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/peerlessdetail  and set up an appointment. He’s mobile to boot and can come to your residence.

New Deck On Bear Lake Marina

Thread Of Letters RE: State Parks and Bear Lake Fishing Charters

To The Editor:

Do you think you could do a story on the info listed below for the RCT? I think it would only be fair and balanced reporting to give the second half of the story since you published the first half.

Thanks,

Brian Hirschi

The local fishing charter company (Bear Lake Fishing Charters) was recently given the chance to fulfill all the fishing charter reservations that they had booked for this summer free of charge using the Bear Lake State Park Marina facilities , but they declined the offer. This means that Bear Lake Fishing Charters could have conducted all the previously booked tours as they had been planning, and not have to pay any money whatsoever to the State Park, or to the existing park concessionaire. The State Park and the concessionaire sent Bear Lake Fishing Charters a letter stating they were willing to waive any and all fees in order that they could fulfill all the previously booked reservations as a gesture of good faith, but this good faith effort was not taken advantage of. 

This makes one wonder if all the reasons and accusations that were given publicly by Bear Lake Fishing Charters of why they couldn't conduct the fishing tours were actually the real reasons. Now that these alleged reasons are no longer in play, why not still complete all the booked fishing tours, and what are the actual real reasons?

I've attached a copy of the letter that was sent to Travis, and his response. This is confidential information, and I do not give permission to publish it, but it's provided to you as source evidence of the facts.

Thanks,
Brian Hirschi  

The State Parks letter written by Richard Droesbeck states that Parks and Recreation would allow Travis Hobbs to fulfill the fishing trips he had already booked prior to May 27, 2015.

" Under this agreement you would enter into a Special Use Permit (SUP) with Bear Lake State Park. The elements of the SUP would include:

1) The Park waiving the SUP application fee;

2) The Park waiving the percentage of gross receipts fee paid to BLH Enterprises;

3) Bear Lake Fishing Charters providing proof of insurance that meets Utah Division of Risk Management satisfaction;

4) Bear Lake Fishing Charters providing a list of the trips previously booked on or before May 27 , 2015 , including the date(s) booked, client names, and trip dates; and,

5) Bear Lake Fishing Charters providing proof of compliance with Utah's Carrying Passenger for Hire requirements to include: a current USCG Captain's license, proof of required first aid training, a local business license, and registration as an Outfitting Company."

Travis Hobb's email response to the state park letter that was sent to him offering to still be able to conduct his tours free of charge:

"To whom it may concern-

I have already refunded most of my clients that were booked. I'm not in the business of telling people I can not fulfill my commitments then calling them back asking them to re-book, I refuse to all to be in the same mess I am in now next year.

Bear Lake Fishing Charters is done, boats are on the market for sale now. Good luck, hopefully you are all proud, you got rid of me and the only chance you had at a successful fishing guide operation.

Travis Hobbs