Trail Report To Rich County Commission

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

RANDOLPH, Utah.  December 16, 2015. Mitch Poulsen, Director of Bear Lake Regional Commission, appeared before the Commission.  He noted that he has been working on a trails plan.  He has drawn a map of all of the trails that he can find.  He has also used different colors to denote which lands are private, state, and federal.  He pointed out a trail that goes from Garden City to Randolph and noted that it appears to be quite popular to four-wheelers.

Bill Cox told Poulsen to get a copy of the Forest Service trail map.  He said that there are several additional trails on that map that he could add to his.  He noted that there are also several trails that go from Curtis Creek, from Saddle Creek, and from Hardware Ranch to Randolph.  Rich County also allows ATVs to travel on all county roads.  However, it was also noted, that riders need to stay on the roads and not go off into other areas and create erosion problems.  They must stay on the roads.

Poulsen is working on getting the bike trail on the south end of the lake to extend further north from Vista Grande to the First Point boat trailer parking area.  He has been working on getting grants to help pay for this extension. 

He has submitted a request a grant of $48,840 from Utah Wave Point Grant Group.  He asked the Commissioners if they would be willing to help by using their equipment to push off the vegetation and smooth out the area for the extension.  He felt this work would come to about $18,000.  He has also asked for $7,220 from Rocky Mountain Power Company from their Community Foundation.  These Rocky Mount Power Company grants generally vary in size from $5,000 to $10,000.  He has also put in an application for a Tourism Grant from the County for $15,000.  He thinks that it will cost about $109,500 to do that section of the trail.  He is still a bit short, but he said he would keep looking for some other funding sources.

The County noted that this coming summer the sewer system will be put along that same area that would be used by the trail.  The Commissioners said that the sewer should be done before the bike path is built.  They suggested that the two projects work together which should save some money and may allow the extension to go even a bit further north.  The excavation for both projects could be done at the same time.

Poulsen noted that the trail will have a crushed gravel surface.  Asphalt is much too expensive at the present time.  Asphalt can perhaps be added at a later time.  Poulsen said he would get in touch with the sewer district and see if they would be willing to work with him.

There is a writing seminar in a couple of weeks sponsored by the Association of Counties.  Poulsen asked if it would be possible from him to attend.  He was told to attend and see what was going on there.

There is still a vacancy on the County Planning and Zoning Commission.  Poulsen asked that the Commissioners see if they could think of some names of individuals from the Randolph or Woodruff area who would be willing to serve on this board.

Logan Canyon Road

Photo by Lauriann Wakefield

Rich County Trails

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  December 10, 2015.  Mitch Poulson from the Bear Lake Regional Commission appeared before the City Council to inform them of all of the work being done in Rich County concerning trails planning.  He noted that a map has been created showing the various trails that are currently available as well as other areas where trails may be created.  Currently, the effort is made to try and keep most of the trails on public property as much as possible.

He noted that trails are important, especially in the summer months when there are so many people in the area.  There is one trail that is used frequently by individuals that goes from Garden City to Randolph.  Poulsen is trying to work with the various cities within the County to help with trails.  There always seems to be a need for more maintenance along the trails.  Hopefully, anyone interested will let him know what they would be willing to do to help..

Mitch Poulson noted that an extension is currently planned for the bike/walking path location on the south end of the lake.  It is to be extended north from the current path to the First Point boat launch area.  It will be paid for by some grant monies from Rocky Mountain Power and from Rich County.  The County will also do some of the excavation and clearing the area where the path will go.

It was noted that the South Eden Ranchers have requested that the sewer line on the east side of the Lake be extended to and beyond their area.  Poulsen thought that perhaps the laying of this line could be tied into the trail system to extend it further north.    A resolution has been passed for annexation of this area into the sewer district.  The line will cover an additional two-and-a-half miles to get it to the South Eden area.  Eventually, however, it will need to go to the Idaho Line.

Garden City Council

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times 

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  December 10, 2015.  A Water Conservation Management Plan has been written for Garden City by Riley Argyle.  The document is well written and emphasizes the importance of education in water usage as well as better water management procedures. 

It was noted that the state requires this plan.  Also, when there are water problems, they generally are very expensive.  Having a $200,000 buffer is needed and necessary for the City.

After some discussion, the Council decided to attempt to obtain a 3 percent reduction in water usage over the next year or two.  A motion was made and passed to follow the Water Conservation Management Plan as written with the addition of the possible 3 percent use reduction goal.

A short-term rental application had been received from Mike Lee who has a home at 561 W. Raspberry Patch Road.  He uses the Bear Lake Project Management Company to take care of this facility.  After looking over all of the paperwork, the application was approved.

Five ordinances from Planning and Zoning had been sent to the City Council for their approval.  The first ordinance deals with the dark sky.  The original ordinance has been updated and appears to be reasonable.  It was approved by the Council.

The ordinances updating the Commercial Zone as well as the ordinance updating the Residential Estate/Agricultural Zone were both denied by the Council.  They didn’t like the idea of having such a large area placed into the Residential Estate/Agricultural area.

The updating of the RV definition as well as an ordinance updating recreation vehicle and overnight camping ordinance were both approved by the Council.

The rezone of property from Residential Estate to Residential Estate/Agricultural Zone as made on parcels #36,04-00-07, 008, 009, 011, 012, 013, and a portion of 41-33-00-025, 41-33-09-000 through 41-33-09-019, and 41-33-00-100, and 41-33-00-098 was approved.

The motion was made and approved to open the general fund budget and the water fund budget to balance transfers.

It was noted that an attempt is being made to make a single track trail above Garden City on the 400 acres of public land.  The trail will be handled through permanent easements.  Montpelier has some equipment that would be helpful in building some training park skiing areas for trick practice.  Montpelier has a tow rope system they could be purchased to take people back to the top of the ski hill.   The City will look further into what Montpelier has available.  There would be no tubing because it is such a dangerous sport. 

The Mayor noted that it might be a good idea to tie this project of the public land trail into the city’s recreational building so that the public would only have to respond to one project that has two parts. 

It was reported that Garden City has spent $385,000 on parking lots this past year.  It was suggested that the City request a yearly amount of $50,000 from the State to maintain and continue to make additional parking available in the area.

Garden City Council Reports

Anita Weston

GARDEN CITY, Utah. December 10, 2015.  Pat Argyle, Council Member, reported that she is working on ideas to make Heritage Park more attractive.  She thought putting granite stones next to the pathway around the fish pond with metal plaques on them giving a history of the area and what kind of animals and plants live here would add to the park.  Perhaps adding small bronze statues of the various animals would also be good.  Bronze may be too expensive, but she is looking into costs. 

Argyle noted that the metal windows that were put in the bowery at the city park are really nice.  It might be less expensive to get Mr. Gomez to make some metal animals and other metal items.

She has been looking into the possibility of getting some kind of grant that could be used for the park.  However, everything she has found so far uses most of the money for advertising and not enough for actual things that would enhance the area.  She said she will continue look for new ideas and would certainly consider any suggestions that are made.

Darrin Pugmire, noted that he had already reported on most of what he has been involved with.  He noted that the gun range seems to be moving forward and that approval has been given to purchaser up to $25,000 in sand needed for the range.

Bob Peterson, City Ordinance Officer, noted that the library board would like very much to give a Christmas bonus to the library employees.  Mayor Spuhler said that the library workers are City employees that work in the library.  None of the other employees in the City receive a Christmas bonus, so the library personnel should not receive a bonus either.  That would not be fair to all of the others that work for the City.

Peterson also reported that Chuck Stocking is working hard to try and get the computers in the library to work.  Hopefully, he will be successful in the near future.

Currently, the library reports on all new patrons.  However, they fail to remove patrons who no longer use the library.  They will change the way the report library patronage so that the figures will be more in line with what is really occurring.  This will get the number of patrons back into balance.

Mayor Spuhler noted that individuals living outside the city will have to pay $5.00 to use the pool, and individuals in the City will continue to pay the $3.00 charge.  This can be enforced by checking the list of homeowners that live within the City.  The library may also have to charge more for library cards for those living outside the City limits.

Cisco Sonar

How Bear Lake was Formed

By Bryce Neilson, Cisco Sonar

When I was flying back from bluefin tuna and shark fishing off Cape Cod, we flew over Bear Lake,  I snapped a picture and later looked at and studied it,  I began to put things together about the history of Bear Lake.

When I first studied Bear Lake over 40 years ago, the literature said that it was 28,000 years old.  Then the United States Geological Service did an intensive study of the lake’s limnology.  They answered many questions about the Lake including the “springs” are methane gas vents, that there are hundreds of undescribed ostracod species, how fast calcium carbonate is being deposited and much more.  They did some deep coring into the bottom of the Lake and reported that it is a minimum of 200,000 years old.  Significant cold and hot climate changes were also observed.  They also reported that during the Pleistocene ( 1.2 M to 18,000 years ago) groundwater came from many glacial cycles the Uintas, and periods when the Bear River flowed into Bear Lake contributed volume of water in the Lake.

As we know the Bear Lake valley is bounded by two large north-south faults.  During the early Pleistocene, when the Bear River flowed into the basin the lake increased to a maximum elevation of 5500 feet, 176 feet higher than the present elevation.  The threshold was at the Nounan Narrows.

Enough science.  What this all means to me is that we live by an extremely old, unique lake.  I watch all the debates about Corp of Engineers permit, beach grooming, man’s impact on the lake and in my mind they are insignificant in a blink of time of this ancient water.  I don’t mean we shouldn’t do everything we can to protect and preserve Bear Lake.  We should stay the course.  Just remember in the back of your mind that Bear Lake will be here in some form thousands of years after were are gone.  If you study the picture carefully and let your mind roam back thousands of year, you may also begin to understand.

Garden City Minion Gets Christmas Makeover

Photo by Tammy Calder

Traffic Lights And Proposed Rec Center

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah. December 10, 2015. Bob Peterson, City Ordinance Officer, said that UDOT is conducting a traffic study in the area from the Idaho Line to Rendezvous Beach.  Peterson took the group around the area when they were here.  They are to develop a 15 year plan.  This study will not result in road work, but is a study and no projects will result from what they are doing.

Peterson explained how traffic backs up at the Logan Road Bear Lake Blvd intersection and how the marina impacts traffic, especially when the trailers have to be taken across the road and up onto the hill.  He also showed them all of the parking lots, and explained how the shuttle is being used help people get to the lake shore.  He also made sure they could see how steep some of the roads are in several of the subdivisions.  UDOT noted that there are at least 200 big trucks that are going through this area daily.  More and more the truck numbers are going to increase adding to the congestion that occurs during the summer.

It was suggested to them that a traffic light could perhaps be installed at the Logan intersection that could be set to orange in the winter when there are not any traffic problems. 

Peterson reported that he has been getting insurance bids for the City.  Bids will be submitted in January and a decision will be made at that time for the City’s employees.

Peterson is also working on land use.  He noted that Kathy Hislop has been helping with this project.

Peterson is also going to work on the collection of businesses taxes.  He, however, will be not able to get all of the 2015 tax figures until the end of January.  He will spend a great deal more time on that item at that time and should have the results by early March.

He has been working on plans for the Garden City Recreation Center.  He then showed the plans and what would probably fit the community.  

Peterson has used his judgment and ideas as to what is needed.  There is not a swimming pool included in this building since the City already has one.  However, if anyone has other ideas or suggestions, they would be appreciated.  It was noted that funding will probably require a bond.  So far, it appears that it could be done with approximately $280 per family per year.   The footprint size of the building along with the needed parking would require the City to purchase an additional five or so acres of ground adjoining the current city center. 

BUILDING INFORMATION FOR GARDEN CITY RECREATION CENTER 

Section A	Square Footage	Section B	Square Footage	Section C	Square Footage
Lobby	640	1 – 88 x 120 Multiport Court	10,560	Soccer Field	7,200
Workout Room	1,300	2 – 44 x 57 Basketball Courts	n/a	Activity Room 1	1,200
Office/Admin	1,000	2 – 29 x 59 Volleyball Courts	n/a	Activity Room 2	1,200
Equipment Room	700	6 – 20 x 44 Pickleball Courts	n/a	Elevated 1/8 mile Track	2,700
Kitchenette	500	2 – 50 x 84 Basketball Courts	n/a
Housekeeping	800	Elevated 1/8 mile Track	3,300
3 Racquetball Courts	2,400	Seating	3,390
Locker Rooms Male 3 restroom stalls Male 4 showers Male 50 Lockers Female 4 restroom stalls Female 4 Showers Female 40 Lockers
Square Foot Total	9,840	Total Space	17,250	Square Foot Total	12,300
Section A Cost	$1,590,720	Section B Cost	$2,725,500	Section C Cost	$1,943,400

Garden City Engineer Report

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah. December 11, 2015. Zan Murray, Garden City Engineer, reported that he will resubmit the USDA Grant Application as soon as some property items on Elk's Ridge are taken care of.  This includes the land acquisition under the water tank and the problem concerning the Lance Cole issue. The Webber family is cooperating with the City which makes things much easier.

The City also needed to obtain an easement from Paul Hodges.  Norm Mecham brought a copy of the needed Paul Hodges easement into the meeting just as Murray was giving his report. Mecham noted that the document will need to be reformatted so that there is a place for a notary signature as well as the legal description added to the document.

The trail from 350 South to the City Park will be ready to put out to bid in January or February and should be completed before Memorial Day.  The issues with the Canal Company concerning the City’s water rights have been resolved.

Rulon Crosby has once again appeared before the Planning and Zoning Commission to develop a small subdivision.  However, the Council noted that he will have to remove one of the homes in order to meet the City’s requirements concerning access into that area.  It will be interesting to see how things work out in this area.

Mark Smoot of Epic is going to develop all of the property from Conestoga Resort on 300 West to Highway 89.  It was noted that the project looks good and has some really exciting ideas that will add to the City.

Garden City Christmas Party

Photo by Bobbie Coray

Photo by Julie Dotson

Photo by Bobbie Coray

Photo by Donna Hansen

Garden City Public Works Report

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  December 10, 2015.  Work on Heritage Park has been stopped until there is better weather.  There are at least two muskrats in the pond.  They will be removed within the next few days.

Glenn has completed his schooling to become a commercial inspector and will take his exams in a week or two.  He wanted a little more time to do some extra studying since he has been using the 2015 manual and was told that the exam comes from the 2012 book.  He will then be certified as a commercial inspector.  He will be taking all of the various exams such as electricity, plumbing, and so forth. 

All of the City’s lights have had new batteries installed during the past month.  Also, the Christmas decorations are in place. 

Two turbidity meters went down during the storm Wednesday night.  The meters will have to be replaced.  There is no way to repair the brand that the City has been using.  They cost $1800 each.  The meter at the beginning of the process where the raw water enters was one that was ruined.  The other was the meter at the end of the process where the finished water exits the plant.  The other three meters that are still working were in the intermediate processes.   Everything at the plant had to be reset Wednesday night.  Riley Argyle, Public Works, reported that he is going to buy a different brand that can have updates downloaded.  Hopefully, they will last longer than the others.

The flow sensor on the flow pump was also lost.  It can’t be repaired either and will have to be replaced.

The Whole Tree Care Company has been asked to bid on removing the cottonwood tree in the City Park.  Another tree company is also interested.  It appears it will cost about $800 to get that tree taken care of.  The Council noted that both companies should submit a bid so a decision can be made.

Garden City Annexation Project

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  December 10, 2015. Kathy Hislop, Garden City Clerk, noted that she is currently working on the City’s Annexation Project.  Mayor Spuhler noted that many of the individuals who have responded to this project are against being annexed.  It was noted that those who live outside the city do have to pay more for their water.  In the future, those outside the city will also have to pay more to use the library, the pool, and will need to pay an additional fee to use the fishing pond. 

There will be a hearing on this annexation where more information will be obtained.  

Garden City Planning Commission Meeting

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY , Utah. December 2, 2015. The Commission asked for a review of the building plans for Jake’s Place.  The restaurant is putting in a deck 30’ x 60’.  Additional parking will be needed with this expansion.  He noted that he had plenty of room and would make sure the City was aware of the number of parking spaces upon completion of the project.  He was asked to bring in a plan so that the City would be aware of all of the changes that are being requested.  He agreed to bring the plants to the next meeting.

The re-zone of the property on the south end of Garden City was discussed.  Since Norman Mecham requested that the 5-acre requirement be reconsidered, ideas and suggestions were discussed.  It was decided that contact would be made with Mecham in the next few days to get a better feel for what he would like.  This item will be included on next month’s agenda.

Four ordinances were considered by the Commission.  The first ordinance was updating the Commercial Zone.  It was approved as suggested.  The next ordinance updated the residential zone and was also approved.  The third ordinance gave a new RV definition.  It was approved.

The fourth ordinance updating recreation vehicles was discussed for some time with several changes being made.  The group did come to a consensus and approved the ordinance with the suggested changes.

A short discussion was had concerning the Hillside Estates Zone.  It was noted that the original plat had been accepted.  Currently there are several lots that do not meet the size requirement that is contained in the Hillside Estates Zone.  Since the original plat was accepted prior to the zone change, it was determined that those lots that don’t meet the size requirement should be allowed to still be developed.