October Students Honored At Rich Middle School

October Citizen of the Month

6^th – Ryan Leifson, Amasay Nielson         

7^th – Jaidyn Groll,  Abril Maldonado           

8^th – Stetson Huffaker,  Hailey Davis

October Student of the Month

6^th – Riley Carrillo,  Chloe Negus                 

7^th – Riley Taylor,  Haylie Nye                       

8^th – Kyler Wilson,  Kya Cluff

Meteorite Seen Over The Lake

Kevin Eubank of KSL 5  shared this photo taken by Tom Reynolds last week

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.

"Utah's Wild Beast"

Painting by Utah Artist Henri Moser (1876-1951) of early fall at the lake.  Photo by Brian Hirschi

Council Member Reports

GARDEN CITY COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS

October 8, 2015

Reported by Anita Weston

Pat Argyle reported that she has been assigned to the parks and city beautification.  She would like to purchase seasonal flags that can be hung from the City’s light poles.  She noted that it would be fun to have something for Halloween, silk flowers in the spring, Thanksgiving items, and so forth.  She, however, wants to purchase the flags after the holidays this year so that they can be gotten on sale.  They would then be ready to use during the next year.

She would like to see some kinds of contests that could be held to gain citizens’ interest.  She noted that perhaps the quilters would be willing to sew some flags and have a judge determine a winner.  There might be other groups that could compete in various City activities.

She is also in charge of Raspberry Days.  She requested a copy of the Raspberry Days budget.   It was noted that that budget is not yet ready but would be available soon.  Pat indicated that she is excited and ready to go to work for the City.

Darrin reported that he had attended the County Commissioners’ meeting held the previous week.  He asked if the County had decided on whether to pursue the gun range or not.  Since there had been no negative comments at the hearings, the Commissioners indicated that it looked like the gun range is a “go”.  The Commissioners asked Darrin if Garden City was going to take care of the maintenance of the gun range.  Darrin noted that since it had been such a long time, he didn’t know what Garden City would be doing.  He said he would talk with the Council to see if they were still interested in helping in that way.

Darrin asked if the County could work on the road up Hodges Canyon and on over into Richardson.  The Commissioners noted that there were some real issues with the spring, with the road that is in bad shape, and with the problems the owners have been encountering.  They asked Darrin if he would be willing to go to the owners and visit with them to see what they would like to do.

Darrin reported that the Commissioners were especially pleased with the support the County Fair and Rodeo had received from people from the Garden City and Laketown side of the hill.  That activity was one of the must successful they have had, and they wanted people to know that they appreciated all of the support given by those individuals living in the County.

Darrin noted that a decision needs to be made on using the RDA (Rural Development Area) money.  He suggested that perhaps more parking could be placed on 200 North to make that lake access similar to all the others in town.  The current RDA monies will end in a couple of years.

It was suggested that perhaps the City could create and apply for a CDA (Community Development Area) grant.  In order to create such an area, a project must be associated with it.  An area needs to be set aside where the project will be built and designated for economic development.  Currently most taxes go to the County and the Schools.  In a RDA or CDA, more of the taxes collected from that area go into the development of that area.  Since a larger percent of tax monies from that area flow into that project for approximately 25 years, the project stands a much better chance of being successful.

Bruce Warner was asked if progress was being made concerning Elks Ridge and gaining an access from there to Raspberry Road.  Bruce noted that the individuals owning property on Elks Ridge must create a home owners association.  So far, this has not been done.

Chuck Stocking works with both the library and the pool.  He noted that the library board does not meet until the following week.  Individuals working with the pool may take advantage of full day seminar the following Wednesday dealing with critical services required when working with public pools. 

Summer Employee Housing Needed

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

  

GARDEN CITY, October 8, 2015.  A discussion in the city council ensued concerning housing for summer workers.  The Chamber of Commerce would like to have something done and asked if the City had any ideas to help provide employee housing for workers coming in each summer.  It was noted that the Diamond D Ranch facility is located on Manhead Road, about a mile north from the Junction where you can go to Randolph, or to Kemmerer, or turn left onto Manhead Road. 

The Ranch no longer works with troubled teenagers.  That leaves this facility empty.  There is enough housing for up to 200 people.  There are separate cabins, dormitories, a lunch room and kitchen, several activity areas, and so forth.  It was noted that a shuttle could be driven from there over to Bear Lake bringing and taking workers back and forth. The drive would be about 30 minutes—not really an unreasonable distance.  Because it is not in Bear Lake, the cost would be much less than trying to create housing within Garden City itself. 

Several employers could go in together and perhaps lease or even buy the facility.  The Chamber of Commerce could perhaps help by finding funding and/or getting employers to work together to make something like this workable. Many employers have been bringing in trailers and such for their workers.  This facility would be much nicer than putting several individuals into a trailer.  It might even work out to be cheaper in the long run.  At least it would be a possibility for employee housing and something that employers may be interested in looking into.

Short Term Rental Fire Inspections

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times 

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  October 8, 2015. Fire Chief Mike Wahlberg noted that current inspections of short term rentals are being carried out.  Letters have been sent to all short term rental owners.  The inspections must be completed prior to having their license renewed the first of the coming year.

He asked if there would be some way to determine the difference between short term rentals and home businesses.  He noted that if the home contains a business that requires very little interaction with the public, he didn’t think that it was necessary to inspect those businesses.  He suggested that perhaps that type of business could be inspected at the time of the business opening and given a certification to indicate all fire prevention requirements had been met.

However, short term rentals not only have groups of people, but they stay for a day or two, using stoves, and all the various facilities within the residence making it much more vulnerable to fire.  As Wahlberg has been doing the inspections, he has discovered that many of the short term rentals have used their fire extinguishers, and they have not been refilled.  Batteries for both Fire alarms and CO alarms are either dead or have been removed.  He noted that he feels that the inspections are actually doing some good because owners need to be reminded to keep such items working and up-to-date.  He also noted that many of the short term rentals do not have exit signs or exit lights.  This is a requirement that needs to be met.

There are some 300 short term rentals within Garden City. So far, Wahlberg has not done nearly that many inspections.  He noted that near the end of the year, things are going to really stack up and asked what he should do to make sure that all of the homes are inspected on time.  It was decided that since this was the first year that an annual inspection has been imposed on short term rentals, a 30-day grace period could be granted.  However, in the future, owners will know that this is a yearly inspection and no grace period will be allowed. 

Wahlberg noted that those short term rentals that are handled by property management companies are much easier to deal with.  They get the properties ready and make arrangements to have them all scheduled and done in just a day or two.  Private individuals, however, seem to be where the problems might arise.  Wahlberg noted that he felt appointments needed to be made by December 1 in order to meet the deadline. 

It was suggested that another letter be sent to the short term rental owners that includes a list of items that the Fire Chief specifically checks for.  This may speed things up.  Currently, he has gone to several homes, turned them down, and has to make a repeat visit.  If owners are more aware of exactly what is required and take care of the items, return visits will not be needed nearly as often.

September Rich County Sheriff's Report

TOTAL INCIDENT REPORT
Nature of Incident	Total Incidents
Abandoned Vehicle	1
Agency Assistance	1
Alarm	5
Alcohol Offense	2
Animal Problem	14
Attempt to Locate	1
Citizen Assist	16
Citizen Dispute	5
Civil Process	7
Criminal History	12
Dead Body	1
Domestic Disturbance	4
Controlled Substance Problem	1
DUI Alcohol or Drugs	2
Finger Prints	3
Fire	5
Fraud	1
Juvenile Problem	3
Lockout	1
Lost Property	2
Medical Emergency	7
Traffic Accident with Damage	4
Traffic Accident with Injuries	4
Property Damage, not Vandalism	1
Sovereign Lands	2
Attempted Suicide	2
Suspicious Person, Circumstance	5
Theft	4
Threatening	1
Traffic Hazard	4
Traffic Violation	1
Transportation of Person/Property	2
Trespassing	1
Vandalism	2
VIN Serial Number Inspection	6
Welfare Check	1
Total Incidents	134

TOTAL INCIDENTS BY LOCATION
Location	Total Incidents
Garden City	60
Laketown	19
Out of County	1
Randolph	45
Woodruff	9
Total Incidents	134

TOTAL INCIDENTS IN GARDEN CITY
Nature of Incident	Total Incidents
Agency Assistance	1
Alarm	4
Animal Problem	10
Attempt to Locate	1
Citizen Assist	10
Citizen Dispute	2
Civil Process	2
Domestic Disturbance	4
DUI Alcohol or Drugs	1
Finger Prints	2
Fire	4
Juvenile Problem	2
Lockout	1
Lost Property	1
Medical Emergency	1
Traffic Accident with Damage	1
Sovereign Lands	1
Attempted Suicide	1
Theft	3
Threatening	1
Transportation of Person/Property	1
Vandalism	1
VIN Serial Number Inspection	4
Welfare Check	1
Total Incidents	60

TOTAL INCIDENTS IN LAKETOWN
Nature of Incident	Total Incidents
Abandoned Vehicle	1
Alarm	1
Animal Problem	1
Citizen Assist	3
Civil Process	1
Lost Property	1
Medical Emergency	1
Traffic Accident with Damage	1
Traffic Accident with Injuries	3
Property Damage, Not Vandalism	1
Sovereign Lands	1
Traffic Hazard	2
VIN Serial Number Inspection	2
Total Incidents	19

TOTAL INCIDENTS OUT OF COUNTY
Nature of Incident	Total Incidents
Animal Problem	1
Total Incidents	1

TOTAL INCIDENTS IN RANDOLPH
Nature of Incident	Total Incidents
Alcohol Offense	2
Animal Problem	1
Citizen Assist	2
Citizen Dispute	3
Civil Process	4
Criminal History	12
Dead Body	1
Controlled Substance Problem	1
Finger Prints	1
Fire	1
Fraud	1
Juvenile Problem	1
Medical Emergency	5
Traffic Accident with Damage	1
Attempted Suicide	1
Suspicious Person, Circumstance	4
Traffic Hazard	1
Traffic Violation	1
Transportation of Person/Property	1
Trespassing	1
Total Incidents	45

TOTAL INCIDENTS IN WOODRUFF
Nature of Incident	Total Incidents
Animal Problem	1
Citizen Assist	1
DUI Alcohol or Drugs	1
Traffic Accident with Damage	1
Traffic Accidents with Injuries	1
Suspicious Person, Circumstance	1
Theft	1
Traffic hazard	1
Vandalism	1
Total Incidents	9

TOTAL CITATION REPORT
Area	Citations	Violations
Garden City	9	9
Laketown	3	3
Randolph	6	6
Woodruff	3	3
Total Citations	21	21

TRAFFIC CITATION REPORT BY VIOLATION
Description	Total
Expired Registration	1
Fail-Yield/Stop Sign	1
Driving Under the Influence	1
Speeding	14
Registration Violation	2
Theft	1
Avoid Apprehension	1
Total	21

TOTAL TRAFFIC WARNING REPORT
Location	Warnings	Violations
Garden City	14	15
Laketown	2	2
Randolph	5	5
Total	21	22

TRAFFIC WARNING REPORT BY VIOLATION
Description	Total
Driver’s License Not On Person	1
Fail Stop-Stop Sign	1
Speeding	13
Parking Violation	1
Motor Vehicle Parked at Water’s Edge	1
OHV 100 Feet to Water	4
Parking Below High Water Mark	1
Total	22