Cisco Sonar

THE PASS

By Bryce Neilson, Cisco Sonar

Back in 1978, I bought a lot in Bridgerland to build a house on.  Even though Fish and Game told me I might not be here long, I felt that Bear Lake was unique enough that further research needed to be done so I took a gamble.  We had been living in a little apartment at the USU lab on the lake shore which was great except during the summer.  The the tourists took everything over.  The whining of boats started at daybreak and went until dark.  It was interesting to watch them go over the old USU jetty and tear off the outdrives.  As soon as the adults arrived, they cut the kids loose to do whatever they wanted to, unsupervised.  It was total chaos that we wanted to escape but quite frankly we could not afford a lot on the lake.

After looking around we settled on a lot in Bridgerland fronting the highway.  Four wheel drives were scarce and we had to be able to get in and out during the winter.  There were no trees, which didn’t bother me since I didn’t was to burn up in a wildfire.  So we built our house there.

Over the years we have observed lots of wildlife.  I finally realized that we had built on a topographic site called a pass or swale.  This one was important because animals had been using it forever to traverse between Sagebrush Flat and the hills above Fish Haven to Hodges Canyon and back.  It is especially popular with moose who winter in the Hodges Canyon drainage.  We see them constantly moving past as can be attested by folks driving past.  Deer are always moving through, going from the summer habitat to winter habitat and back.  The top of Little Long Ridge is extremely important for winter feed.  When the snow is deep the elk and deer move onto that area.  The wind blows all the snow off and there are low nourishing plants exposed. Countless species of birds use this pass on their migrations.

It is constantly stated that building in wildlife habitat is negatively effects the wildlife.  After living and observing hear for 36 years I don’t necessarily believe it if the lots are large. Tell that to the turkeys I feed, the deer that eat my ornamentals and the moose that trash my trees getting the velvet off their antlers and the 1000’s of birds that visit my feeders.  Sweetwater Hill and Bear Lake West have many new homes and the wildlife flourishes there.  Lots to eat with non-native plants and handouts, decks to sleep under, water everywhere, and no hunting allowed.

I know we all have to avoid hitting them and not whine to much about them eating something they shouldn’t and just be happy that they are sharing their home with us. 

Living With Wildlife

Photo by Elivira Luzack

Planning And Zoning Issues

Anita Weston, Reporter
Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  February 11, 2016. Summit Inn Pizza has requested a business license to conduct a restaurant and retail sales business at 70 West Logan Road.  The Managers will be Matt and Laura Cluff.  This is the same location where Lakeside Pizza was previously.  The recipes for the pizza will be the same as in the past.  The license was granted for the new franchise. 

A short term rental application was made to allow 108 Harbor Village to be used as a short term rental.  Bear Lake Lodging will be the management company handling this property.  The owners are Jeff and Cindy Winter.  The license was granted.

The Shundahi master plan is really a conceptual plan, and it is the development plan used from which to build.  It was determine that if Shundahi will maintain 75 percent green space for every unit, greater density will be allowed by the City.

A discussion was held to rezone property #36-04-009 from residential estates zone to a C-4 zone.  Councilman Darrin Pugmire felt that the area was much too large for this particular zone.  He said it should only be five acres or less.  Pat Argyle, Councilwoman, also was questioning this rezone.  The Council voted three for and two against thus passing what the Planning Committee had recommended.  However, later in the meeting, the Council decided that the item needed to be tabled and considered at the next Council meeting.

A discussion was held concerning rezoning of property within all existing subdivisions located above the canal from Hillside Estates zone to Recreational Residential zone.  Foothill Estates will have a portion of their subdivision as Recreational Residential and a portion as C-3 zone. The council passed this action.

The Council approved the reappointment of Joey Stocking and Jim Stone to the Planning Commission, Clint England and Scott Tolentino to the Board of Adjustments and Skip Duffin to the Appeals Authority Board.

A comparison was made among three different insurance coverage plans for City employees.  The three plans were the Utah State Trust Plan, a state government plan, Olympus Insurance, and Travelers’ Insurance.  After looking at the premium factors, coverage factors, carrier factors, service coverage, and commercial market philosophy; it was determined that the Utah State Trust Plan would give the best coverage at the lowest price as well.  

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Public Comments On Rec Center

Anita Weston, Reporter
Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  Febuary 11, 2016. During the public comment time in the meeting, Dave Cook asked if the $5,000 could be saved by sending a questionnaire to the citizens asking if they would be interested in such a facility.  He was told that the board voted on hiring a consultant at the last board meeting.  The contract was extended immediately after the council members decided that it was a good idea. 

The consultants will determine how much it will cost, the amount that taxes will be raised to pay for the recreation building, and get all of the paper work done to get the bonding item on the November ballot.  It was noted that every voting citizen will be able to express whether this facility is a good or bad idea at the election.  Dave had created a survey instrument which will be included as a separate item in the paper.

Dallas Solum wrote a letter concerning the recreational facility.  His letter is also included in the paper . 

Dave Cook had written a letter  that was posted in the post office and was published in a previous issue of this news paper.

Letter written by Dallas Solum

February 6, 2016

To the Mayor and City Council of Garden City, Utah

In my younger days, I used to work in construction which required a considerable amount of physical and mental capabilities.  At that time, I also used to have the desire and energy to go out and have a good time that kept me out quite late at night.  One time, after being out very late and having to go to work the next day, I was having a hard time getting to work and doing the job I was hired to do.  On this occasion, my Grandfather looked at me and smiling said, “If you go to the dance, you will need to pay for the music!”

With this thought in mind, I need to express my concern in regard to the decision to spend tax payers’ monies to begin planning for the construction of a community recreation center.

During the summer the city cannot afford to hire anyone to actually take care of the crowds who flock here.  There is still a tremendous outstanding debt on the water treatment plant, and plans are in the works to drill a new well and add another one million dollar plus water tank to the water system.  Mowing is almost more than the number of workers can handle. Both parks need to be kept short, both sides of the bike trail need trimming.  This is only on the chores that gets left undone when others seem to take priority.  Many of the lights in Garden City have been disconnected because the city determined the electric bill was too high for the city to pay.  These are just a few examples of things that require time, money, and a larger work force.  How can we add another 6.1 million dollar debt when so many other items are being ignored and left undone?

I am certainly in favor of improvements to our community. However, I deem your decision to embark on a project of this magnitude is not in the best of priorities or financial capabilities of the tax paying citizens of Garden City.

There are many questions that need to be addressed and answered when talking about how fun it would be to have a place to go have fun.  After all everyone likes to go have fun, but, as I was once told by my Grandfather, if you are going to the dance, you must pay the for the music. 

I expect this facility would primarily benefit the special interest groups and visitors.  They will have fun going to the dance and will expect all of the tax payers of Garden City to try to pay for their music!  Now is the time for a reality check and put things in the property priority!

Best Regards,      Dallas Solum

Snow and Sunshine

Photo by Randi Williams Hirschi

Public Works Department Report

Anita Weston, Reporter
Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah. February 11, 2016. The grant for assistance with improving the City’s water system deadline was February 4. It has come and gone.  The City was unable to work out the difficulties in obtaining deeded easements to the city’s water tank with Elk’s Ridge.  Since no development can take place in that area unless water is available, development of that area cannot occur until some kind of an agreement can be made.  It would actually be the developer’s advantage to work with the City, especially if he does want to develop that area.

The City will continue to work with the developer.  There is still one more deadline date that could possibility be used to submit the grant.  The City will continue to try and smooth out the problems that currently exist.

One of the HOA’s north of Garden City is asking to place water shares into the City.  The City will manage these shares for this HOA.  An application needs to be signed with the state allowing these shares to be moved into the City.  If and when the HOA pulls the shares out of the City, they will give Garden City ten percent of their shares in payment for managing their water.

Bids will be let this next month or so for making a beach access available at 350 South.  The bids will include using either asphalt or cement materials in building this walkway. 

Riley Argyle reported that the new snow plow truck will be finished tomorrow.  They will need to add a sander into the back of the truck.  He reported that the fish pond is going down.

Glenn Gillies will be taking his commercial inspection exam in a couple of weeks.  When he obtains this certification, he will be the part-time commercial building inspector for Garden City.  Tom Peterson, another worker for the City, will be sent to St. George to become certified to work with the water treatment plant.

Riley Argyle, Public Works, noted that there have been some water leaks this winter.  He will be changing the current copper standard for the poly brass standard that holds up better in this area.  He noted that many of the leaks were a result of the copper failing to hold up. 

The two turbidity meters have been installed in the water treatment plant and seem to be working well.  There is still a problem with the water treatment plant when there is a power brown-out.  The equipment goes down and won’t automatically come back.  When the power goes off completely, the equipment will power back up; but apparently is unable to do so with a brown-out. 

Sales Tax And Recreation Center Discussed

Anita Weston, Reporter
Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah. February 11, 2016.  Robert Peterson, Code Enforcement Officer reported that he is currently working on the sales tax report.  Business last summer was good.  Sales taxes for 2015 were up about 11.9 percent over 2014.

The Bear Lake Corridor Study meeting was held last Tuesday.  There were about 35 – 40 people there giving feedback and asking questions.  It was noted that feedback can still be made if one goes onto the internet  if you were unable to attend the meeting.  The more feedback they get, the better the study will be.

The recreational center project is moving forward.  JKB has been contracted to gather all of the required details and information so that the citizens of the City will be able to make a decision.  JKB will also write up all the needed information so that the bond issue can be placed on the November ballot where the citizens can decide if they want such a structure of not.

The City has been working with Utah State University on determining how the City can better advertise fall and winter activities.  They will be writing a proposal on what they find out which should be helpful to the City.  So far what they have done looks really good—neat and comprehensive.  It has been especially nice working with them, said Peterson.

The city has been working some grants.  The money amount is up to about $17,500.

Building Slows In Garden City

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  February 11, 2016. George Peart, Rich County/Garden City residential building inspector, noted that he is currently working with two homes, two remodels and a garage.  So far this year, no new permits have been issued.

Last year there were 51 permits issued by Garden City.  Forty-one of these permits were for homes—30 new homes and 11 remodels.  The other permits were for garages and other outside buildings.  There are several new homes being built along the lake shore.  The older homes are being torn down and new, bigger ones are built on those locations.

The Utah League of Cities noted that the City does not enforce or deal with any problems in subdivisions brought about by their having more strict requirements than the City.  The enforcement of their rules is the subdivision's responsibility.

Could Not Have Happened To A Nicer Couple

Idaho Lottery Winners

Tom Andersen and his wife Vikki were married on February 5, 1966. Last Friday, the Fish Haven couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. On Sunday, they watched the 50th Super Bowl. On Monday, Thomas won $50,000 on the game Big Bear Bingo from a Scratch ticket he purchased at Glady’s Place in Fish Haven.

“I went in on Monday morning to buy some coffee then spent a little extra on a couple of Lottery tickets,” Thomas said about his visit to the store. “It was the second ticket. I took it to Vikki’s office and told her I’d spent a little extra on Lottery. And that I had a problem, I didn’t know what to do with the extra $50,000 I’d won.”

Congratulations and Happy 50th Anniversary to Thomas and Vikki Andersen of Fish Haven!

Rich Middle School Students Of The Month, February 2016

Students of the Month

Sixth Grade
Hattie Cornia, Tanner Nelson

Seventh Grade

Hannah Gracey, Ian Winter

Eighth Grade

Sydney Hatch, Colton Hislop

Citizens of the Month

Sixth Grade
Sadie Wadsworth, Jaden Marshall

Seventh Grade
Taylee Cornia, Konner Greer

Sixth Grade
Flynt Silva,  Jordan Erickson

Edward Lewis Moldenhauer 1927 - 2016

Edward Lewis Moldenhauer

Oct. 12, 1927 - Feb. 10, 2016
Date of Service: Feb. 16, 2016

Edward Lewis Moldenhauer

HEYBURN – Edward Lewis Moldenhauer, 88, our beloved family patriarch “graduated” from this mortal life and passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2016, in Sandy, Utah. Dad was born on October 12, 1927, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Edward Jack and Elizabeth Roberts Moldenhauer. He was raised in Heyburn, Idaho with one older brother, Robert.

Dad graduated from Heyburn High School where he was active in sports and was the student body president. Dad received a scholarship at the University of Idaho to study Agricultural Science and attended one semester. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army Engineering Corp. While on leave he went on a blind date with LaVera Fillmore of Springdale, Idaho, who was home from Brigham Young University for the summer. They were married in Burley, Idaho, Aug. 10, 1949. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple, Aug. 11, 1956. They were blessed with three children: Lucy (Wayne) Loosli of Spokane, Wash.; Dan (Debbie) Moldenhauer of Soda Springs, Idaho; and LuAnn (Scott) Clegg of Draper, Utah.

In 1950, Dad began his lifelong career in the grocery business with Albertsons. Dad was also active in the Kiwanis Club and eventually became the District Lieutenant Governor for Utah and Idaho. Dad had his pilot’s license and enjoyed helping his children with 4H projects. For many summers Dad took his family by pack-horse into the Jarbidge Wilderness Area. Many wonderful memories were made and life lessons learned. After many years of learning the grocery business in Buhl, Idaho, Dad achieved his dream of owning his own business. In 1975, he and son, Dan, opened Lew and Dan’s IGA in Soda Springs, Idaho.

Dad was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served faithfully in every calling received. In 1993, he and Vera served as missionaries in the Salt Lake Temple Square Mission and experienced great joy and satisfaction in that service.

Dad was a quiet man who loved his family and taught them the value of hard work. He trained for three years, and at the age of 65, climbed and summited the Grand Teton in Wyoming. He wanted his family to know that no worthy goal is impossible to achieve. Dad’s three children, 12 grandchildren, and 30 great-grandchildren will continue to honor his good name and legacy of service.

As a family we are grateful for Dad and his exemplary patience and love through the final days of his earthly life. We express our sincere thanks to the staff of Sunrise Assisted Living of Sandy and Encompass Hospice Care.

Dad was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Jack and Elizabeth Roberts Moldenhauer; brother, Robert Moldenhauer; and son-in-law, Wayne M. Loosli.

The funeral will be held at 12 noon, Tuesday, Feb. 16, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, where friends may call from 11 until 11:45 a.m. Military rites will be performed by the Mini-Cassia Veterans Organization. Burial will follow in the Pleasant View Cemetery.