Cisco's Sonar

Summer of 17’
By Bryce Neilson, The Cisco Kid

Bear Lake is on the downward side of summer now.  It has been an interesting summer.  I had thought that the number of people visiting the Lake, would decline due to the lack of beaches.  I have no numbers but I don’t think that has occurred.  There is still a constant stream of vehicles and their toys going up and down the canyons.

As I have spoken about in previous columns, the demographics of the recreational users have changed.  Historically, up until the 1990’s Bear Lake was known for its boating and waterskiing. Sailing was also becoming much more popular.  There was no beach and most lakeshore owners had their own boat ramps.  Swimming was popular for the kids but with the water around 69F, most adults shied away from it.

Then the massive drought in the early 2000’s occurred and people discovered there was a beach under the rocky shoreline.  Beachgoers arrived by the thousands and cabin owners along the shore now had expanses of beach, wetlands and phragmities in front of them.  ATV’s started having a heyday riding on beaches and everywhere else.  Local entities and the legislature’s stewed and changed laws against access and then back again.  Everyone had perceived problems on the beaches that were inconsequential.  I personally felt that the beaches were just a zone of transition.  In other words, they were temporary.  The vegetation would change depending on the level of the lake.

Access would be dependent on shore restrictions.  Bear Lake did not have world class beaches so all the money spent on wetland delineations, physical manipulation of the lake bottom, public access, Tamarisk and phragmities removal and parking lots below the high- water line were well intended, I guess, but the problem was that people thought the lake would never fill again.  Never underestimate Bear Lake.

As we look at the lake today everything is different.  Only thin strips of sand are accessible for the public but there is much more to do at the Lake.  ATV’s have been replaced by comfortable side by sides that roam the dirt roads and the highway.  Cycling, whether on traditional bike, modified pedal equipment, or expensive road or mountain bikes is now a major activity including the races.  The Utah company, “Lifetime” has mastered the process of molding plastic into all types of water toys from paddleboards to kayaks and everything in between.  I will interject here, and say having everyone with a plastic water toy strapped to their vehicle should not be stopped at the infamous Quagga Mussel boat check station.  Biologically is totally unnecessary and a waste of time and money.   This has allowed everyone access to the lake with a minimum amount of money and I guarantee you that the kids have as much fun on those as a $100K surf boat.  We also cannot forget that Bear Lake is becoming a favorite place for family reunions.  They come once and then want to return.  Raspberry Days continues to be popular but now many other weekends equal its visitation.

So, as summer winds down everyone should be happy with the weather.  No huge winds and the water is as warm as I have ever seen it at 73.5F.  Let’s just enjoy the rest of it safely.

Lake and Clouds

Garden City Staff Reports

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  July 20, 2017.  Mayor John Spuhler noted that the 300 Road was applied for in 2012.  Garden City was put onto a list and moved down several times.  Next summer, the City will finally be able to get this bypass road in place.  However, because of the passage of time, the amount to complete the road is $350,000 short.  In other words, costs have gone up during the last few years.

The City is going to have to come up with enough money to complete the road.  UDOT will loan the amount of money needed, but it must be paid off within five years with an interest rate of about 1.5 percent.  Another possibility is having the City do some of the work that would usually be done by UDOT.  Zan Murray, the City Engineer, noted that he would look things over and find some items that the City could probably do to lower the overall costs.  The City could have them put in the road to the fish pond and quit at that point.  The City would then be responsible to finish the road. 

Spuhler also noted that the City could again apply for more money.  However, that would then put us back on the list for another five years.  At that rate, it would again be less than enough to actually finish the project.

The Mayor also noted that Norm Mecham will be creating a subdivision that will have between 60 to 70 units.  They will be using the 300 road extensively.

The Elk’s Ridge Subdivision has not be resolved.  A new agreement had to be written, and all the signatures are needed on the new agreement. Hopefully, this will be finished up soon.

Spuhler also met with the Lieutenant Governor when he was here in the Garden City.  Spuhler said he talked about 22 different projects with him and noted that the State should be more involved and concerned about Bear Lake.

A wireless network is currently being installed in Garden City which should help communications during the remainder of this summer.

Riley Argyle, the City’s Public Works Supervisor, reported that all the American Flags are up.  This next week water samples need to be taken to Salt Lake every week.  If anyone knows of someone going that way, they may be willing to take the sample for the City. 

Argyle noted that leaks are popping up everywhere.  He spends most of his time working on them.  Swan Creek currently runs right through a person’s lot.  Something needs to be done there to make it easier to work with the Creek.

Potholes are being taken care of.  It has cost the City about $90,000 so far this summer in taking care of rough roads.  There was a large section, about 150 feet, in Buttercup that needed to be fixed.  The road at the corner of 100 West and 200 North a pothole needed to be fixed.  It cut into the bike path which made it more difficult to get it fixed.  There were also several potholes along the bike path that have been fixed.

LaGrand Johnson is willing to work with the City and will allow the City to put some items into the pit.

Riley Argyle will spend most of his time the next couple of weeks getting ready for the 24^th of July as well as Raspberry Days.

There is a landowner near the boardwalk who is willing to work with the City on getting the boardwalk completed.  There will need to be a retaining wall along one area which may require a contract for permission to get it installed.

Glen Gillies, the Commercial Inspector and Commercial Inspector, reported that the building at Water’s Edge has their restaurant open.  Blue Water Beach has finished their additions.  They have done a good job.  The pool and club house at Legacy are moving forward nicely.  Adventure Park has been approved.  Work will be moving forward there.  

Gillies has given 25 citations and 16 warnings during the past month.  Nine of the citations were follow-up on short term rentals licenses.  There were seven parking tickets.  There is at least $2,200 due in fines.

Just south of Bear Lake Pizza there are 16 or so campsites.  Gillies will be checking into this matter.

Currently there is a short-term rental home made like a RV on wheels.  It is called a mini house.  It is supposed to be located somewhere in Buttercup.  There is supposedly another similar mini home in Bridgeland.  Both have been found using the short-term rental software.  Gillies will be finding them.  He will make sure they have short-term rental licenses.

These two homes, however, are not legal if they aren’t connected to water, electricity, and sewer.  Also, they should be permanently place in one location.

George Peart, the Residential inspector, reported that there are currently 24 building licenses out.  There are two permits for garages and one for a shed.  The rest are for homes—predominately for short-term rental use.

Bear Lake Legacy Management is the manager for one of the homes being built.  This particular home needs to add one more parking spot at that location.  Currently they have parking for six cars.  They really need seven to meet the City ordinance requirement.

Building on Buttercup is especially busy.  The lower end does allow for motor homes.  The motor homes shouldn’t be any older than 1976.  The Council responded that that ordinance needs to be updated because that year is too far back and needs to be changed.  It was suggested that perhaps the ordinance should read “not older than ten years.” 

There is a large home going up on Snow Meadows.  It is specifically for short-term rentals.  Tiny homes are becoming popular.  They must be attached to water sewer and electricity.  They are not a camper or a trailer.

People are demanding larger and more elaborate short-term rentals.  The bar is being raised.  Older homes are difficult to rent.  The City may want to consider this matter and perhaps weed out questionable short-term rentals.  Parking at the short-term rentals is also becoming a real problem.  There is not enough space at any of them.  More people are bringing more toys with them than in the past such as boats, side-by-sides, 4-wheelers, and so forth.  There is not enough room for all the cars, and the extra trailers really clog the roadways next to the short-term rentals.  We have got to control parking more carefully and perhaps get some additional parking areas for the trailers and extras.  Currently, a parking ticket is $1,500.  The short-term rental ordinance may also need to be updated requiring more parking space than in the past.

Craft Fair At Raspberry Days

 Bear Lake Valley Craft Fair

  

2017 marks the 8th year for the annual Bear Lake Valley Craft Fair – the indoor Raspberry Days venue.  Last year was our best attended fair yet so we hope you will all stop by to make this year's event even better.

What makes us especially unique is that every item at our fair is handcrafted by our vendors who are masters of their respective trades.  This year we will be featuring exceptional wood crafts of all kinds, handsewn/crocheted/quilted kitchen accessories including my favorite scrubbies, hotpads, aprons, table runners, and so much more.  We will also have an eclectic assortment of amazing jewelry plus handcut, shaped, and polished gemstone cabochons and hand-knapping demonstrations.  There will be handpainted gourds, a variety of fused glass items, and handmade soap.  Animals Need Help of Bear Lake will be fundraising by selling their cute shirts, caps, tote bags, and other items with their “We are their hope, you are their future” logo.  

Quilts tied by our humanitarian quilters will be on sale as a fundraiser for them to buy batting.  Our very own Papa's Chocolates will be on hand with their luscious (and addicting) chocolates, caramels, peanut brittle, toffee, chocolate coated raspberries and huckleberries, and waffle cones with Aggie ice cream.  And new this year is handmade children's clothing ranging in size from newborn to size 10. 

I've seen pictures of some of the items and they are adorable. 

Once again, we will be in the Lakeside Bldg located in the Garden City Complex on 300 W just north of the library.  Raspberry Days is Aug. 3-5 and we will be open on Thu and Fri from 10 am – 7 pm and on Sat from 10 – 6.  See you there!

Raspberry Days August 3 - 5

Bear Lake Raspberry Days

The harvest of the delicious raspberry crop during August brings tourists from all across the U.S. and the world to sample these succulent treats. Come to Garden City to join in the festivities with craft booths, parade, rodeo and fireworks. Treat yourself to a famous Bear Lake raspberry shake all summer long!

For more information, visit Garden City's Raspberry Days Festival Page.

Information: 1-800-448-BEAR

Rich County Fair

Clouds

Photo by Tammy Calder, Calderberry Photo

Garden City Council Meeting

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah. July 20, 2017.   Carol Bitner, owner of Ideal Beach Investment, LLC; asked for a business license to conduct a short-term rental business.  According to the City’s ordinance, if you own more than one short term rental, you need a license to take care of them.  The Council approved her request.

There were requests for short term licenses from the following:

Russ and Kim Laing, 868 North Blackberry Drive, have hired Bear Lake Project Management to take care of their property 

Jerry Bingham has a home at 2176 South Bear Lake Blvd, #432.  It will be handled by Ideal Beach Master Association.

Amy and John Nollner are the owners and managers of 140 West Persimmon Drive.

Brett Hanney is the owner and manager or the home at 258 Snowmeadow Circle.  He will take care of his own property.  It was noted that he needs 7 parking stalls instead of 6.

Shane Fitzgerald at 745 North Cambry will be using Bear Lake Cabin Rental Company for his rental.

C. Bitner, owner and manager of 2176 South Bear Lake Blvd. #7B, will be taking of this short-term rental.

C. Bitner, owner and manager of 2176 South Bear Lake Blvd. #95, will also handle this property.

Justin and Angela Heider have a home at 957 South Balsamorhize Road.  Bear Lake Cabin Rentals and Property Management Company will be handling this property.

Jay Stocking has a home at 592 South Amber Court.  Bear Lake Legacy Management will be handling this property.  It was noted that the bed next to the window needs to be moved to another location in order to conform to the City’s ordinances.

Pearl Kunz has a home at 918 North Newberg Drive #2.  Bear Lake Lodging will be taking care of this property.

Justin Hardinger of Osterloh Properties will be taking care of the property located at 2176 S. Bear Lake Properties, LLC.

The motion was made and passed to grant short-term rental licenses to the above individuals.

The motion was made and passed to approve the Utah Retirement System that has updated the rate structure for 2017.

Resolution #R17-02 is a resolution updating the Administrative Code Infraction Fine Schedule to include a fine for food trucks conducting business without a permit.  The fine will be $750.   It was noted that two individuals have contacted the city concerning food trucks.

The Council made and passed the motion to appoint counting election judges as follows:  Anita Weston, Sharlene Millard, and Melina Hislop, with Deenna Tolentino as an alternate.

Garden City Council Reports

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

 GARDEN CITY, Utah. July 20, 2017.   Chuck Stocking reported that the pool is back up and running.  The other members of the Council  suggested that Richard Monk, the pool director, to get quarterly inspections so that having to shut down will not occur.  Preventative action is better than closing the pool every once in a while.

Jennifer Huefner noted that she has been working on trails.  She is working with several maps, with Mitch Poulson of Bear River Regional Council and others, and is hoping to be able to get the information available on the City’s web site.  She is also considering setting up a committee that will work with this issue.   Membership will be required for this group.  Hopefully, they will be able to create, find, and make available more trails.

Pat Argyle noted that Raspberry Days is coming.  There have been some insurance issues, but they will be resolved soon.

Darrin Pugmire noted that sidewalks are an issue in town.  He suggested that the City rent a tool that can cut the lips on the sidewalk squares that are poking up.  The City needs to make the walks smoother and easier for people using them. There are also some problems on the bike path that needs to be considered.

The new road off Kimball Lane to Golf Lane needs to be worked on.  It was noted that there was a road that went past Stone’s business to the west.  Norm Mecham said that the road did exist.

Darrin hopes that the road will go through.  An extra section of land was taken away from Fishers.  If they can use more of the old road, that section of land could be deeded back to Fishers.

John Spuhler reported that the Lieutenant Governor was in Rich County last week.  Mayor Spuhler visited with him about enlarging the harbor and about the limited beach areas this summer. He said he enjoyed talking with the Lt. Governor.

Emergency Communications Class for all

Link to register to receive emergency phone and email alerts: https://public.coderedweb.com/cne/E6BA2FE3512F

Pickleville Philosophy

Dogs

By Jim Stone, The Pickleville Philosopher

Well this is after the dogs went on their run for the day they look so neglected they just never have any fun.  Yah, right.   They pretty much eat, sleep, play and harass me all day this time of year.

I was kinda sad all morning; one of my Facebook friends had posted his last picture of him and his hunting dog a beautiful yellow lab. Dogs are like family and best friends all rolled into one being that being a dog. To me they are God’s foremost creatures. They must be, its is his name spelt backwards.

Spruce and Oak will be my sixth and seventh labs in my life.  I can’t ever remember crying in my life except when I lose one of my dogs.  When I take them to their resting place and get everything ready to leave them to their peace I just can’t help myself I hate to admit it but I just lose it completely.

The first story I ever wrote and the single biggest reason I still write was after I buried my dog named trooper.   He was a fine dog and the best of friends.

Well I have been thinking of my Facebook friend losing his dog today and I dug up the story about losing Trooper.   I was going to post that story but it makes my heart hurt too bad.   I just couldn’t read it.  One thing I've complained about to the big man upstairs is he didn’t create dogs to live longer.  Every time you get a puppy you have to think that chances are you will outlive them and have to face one day losing them.

Puppies are the best, to me there’s nothing like a puppy. Kids and puppies grow up while they learn together. While out of the field or in the mountains, rivers and marshes, they both see things that are pure while growing and expanding their knowledge breaking through a new horizon every single time their together.  To me kids and puppies are meant and made for each other because they not only have the strongest unconditional love for each other they gain from each other.  Puppies and kids have many failures and perhaps discouragements.  I call it the learning curve.

Kids and puppies are just growing up.  To me a failure shouldn’t be a discouragement, it’s just simply growth.  When your true friend is going through it with you it’s just one more thing that brings you even closer.  It gives you heart...heart is not found in every one.  Heart is brought about by having trust and truth leading to do well while learning together. Heart plus love is equally strong in my mind as kids and puppies.  It’s so strong it lasts longer than forever, it lasts longer and is bigger than life.

Bloomington Lake In The Summer

Photo by Bryce Nielson

Rich School Board Meeting

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

RANDOLPH, Utah.  July 19, 2017.  A work session was held beginning at 5 p.m.  The regular school board meet didn’t begin until 7 p.m.

Each year parents and students are asked to sign the Acceptable Use Electronic Information Policy and the Responsible Use Agreement.  These two documents have been reworked to clarify a couple of issues.  The filter that is used on the computers is there to assist in preventing students from getting into unacceptable web sites.   However, filters are not one hundred percent accurate in protecting students.  The wording has been changed so that access to one-line sites will still be filtered with the idea that students will work on the computer using acceptable and responsible procedures.  The motion was made and accepted to update the Acceptable Use Electronic Information Policy.

The Responsible Use Agreement asks each student and his/her parents to be grateful to have computer access and take good care of his/her machine.  Students should be careful in their use and care of the computer as they work with the device and as they interface with the internet.  In other words, be respectful of their computer equipment.  A $35 fee has been added to this agreement.  The motion was made and passed by the board to accept the changes to this agreement.

Fees for the middle school were discussed and accepted at last month’s meeting.  The board ratified this change in fees.

Rich Middle School has decided to attempt to separate grading into two parts—academic and behavior.  The academic grade will focus on the ability of the student to learn and use the information they are studying.  The behavior grade will be used as a guide for eligibility in participating in activities.  Parents will be contacted so that they can give their opinion and see how this works.  The behavior grade will be determined weekly and handled on Monday night for infractions.

The example was given of a student who did his homework but didn’t hand it in on time.  He had 100 percent on his assignment but because it was two weeks late, it was given a grade of 70 percent resulting in a C grade. Keeping track of his learning and how he behaves would result in an A grade in learning and a C grade in behavior.  The C grade can be changed by working after school on Monday.

The behavior grade scale would be:  H for honors, S for satisfactory, N needs improvement, and U unsatisfactory.

Principal Motta is to be congratulated on being appointed to represent the 7^th Regional District as a member of the National Secondary Principal School Board.  He will be attending three meetings a year to fulfill this obligation.

The fall athletic schedules were discussed.  There always seems to be a problem with UEA week.  There is a game schedule for Wednesday, October 18.  Since Rich doesn’t take UEA off, the game will be at 6:00 p.m. here in Randolph. The high school will be playing another game on Thursday October 19.  The game will also be home and will begin at 5:15. There are eight schools this year in our region for football.

The schedule for football for the middle school currently has three games scheduled.  The rest will be determined as the other schools make their schedules in August.

Monty Weston will be representing the School Board at the Institute Opening on August 21.  He has been asked to take 5 to 10 minutes at that activity.  The time for his talk will be close to 8:00 p.m.

The Delegate Assembly is scheduled for August 11-12.  There will be meeting Friday night and all-day Saturday.  Bryce Huefner noted that he would like to attend.

Policy 700 has been drafted and given to the Board Members for their input.  It was noted that there were several suggestions that might improve that policy.  After the suggestions and discussion were completed, the motion was made to approve this policy including the suggested changes.  Motion carried.

Mr. Limb, the grounds and building supervisor reported on work being done this summer.  The bathrooms in the Randolph elementary building right next to the school office and superintendent’s office were brought up to ADA code and automatic flushers were installed.

The middle school had a roof section that was leaking.  After checking on this and getting started to repair, the weight room was included because of some leaking there as well.  That area has been shingled.

Limb has darkened the gymnasium which will save some money down the road.  A couple of the bathrooms have been retiled.

In the Randolph lunch room, a sharp edge machine was bringing up 12” tiles from the concrete floor when the machine started to spark.  After looking the situation over, it was determined that a 120-volt electric line had been sealed in cement instead of properly terminating that line.  After turning off the sharp edge machine and making the needed changes in that line, Limb could continue to fix the tile in that area.

Limb also noted that he discovered a manhole cover in the in closet right off the kitchen.  He wanted to replace the rug that was there and pulled it up.  He climbed down the man hole and noted that he found tunnels under the parking lot that had been used in the past for steam pipes.  He reported that he didn’t realize any of that even existed and thought the Board should know about it.

Limb will need to rent a man lifter to replace all the lights in the parking lot.  The window guys came and replaced two heavy, steel and glass doors.   Bids will be let out for asphalt pot hole repairs.

The Board thanked Limb for his report and thanked him for the good work that he is doing.  It was noted that he is always busy and has made some tremendous improvements on the school’s properties.

The Leadership Academy is scheduled for later this fall.  If any of the Board Members want to go, they need to let the office know before August 11.

July 25, Lyle Hillyard will be in Logan to discuss tax reform.  Rich School District should be concerned because if changes are made in how money is spent, the smaller schools will probably be given less money in the future.

The Truth in Taxation meeting will be held August 16 and will begin at 6:30. The August School Board Meeting will be held that night from 6:00 to 6:30 so that the Board Members can attend the Truth in Taxation Meeting.

Fire Board Meeting

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah. July 20, 2017.  The Fire Fighters will be sponsoring a BBQ at the City’s Park so that they can use the Pavilion there.  It will begin at 6:00 p.m. on July 24.  There will be three cooks and should be fun.  There will be some other items there to keep people interested prior to setting off fireworks.

The Raspberry Days Breakfast will be held Saturday morning on Raspberry Days.  The fire chief suggested that any money made from this breakfast be kept by the fire department to go towards the boat motor purchase.  It was noted that is difficult to get the various firefighters to come and help cook the breakfast.  The breakfast will begin at 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. on August 5.  The price will be the same as last year--$7 for adults and $3 for kids.  The menu will be a little different.  There will pancakes, sausages, eggs, and hash browns.

Tiffany Wahlburg reported on the financial statements that were due by the end of June.  The motion was made and passed to accept her report.

Wahlburg noted that she had been posting the Fire Board Agenda on the state notice board.  Randall Knight opposed it being posted and told her to stop posting the agenda.

There was a flat tire on the tender truck.  It has been repaired.  It should be back tomorrow.  The Chief’s truck has needed some repair work done.  The air conditioner has been fixed and several other items have been taken care of.  Brush 43 control panel was repaired.  Batteries needed to be replaced in the Tender and Brush 44.

There were 42 responses so far this month:  4 fires, 16 fire alarms, 1 vehicle accident extraction, 1 hazmat call, 13 medical calls, 5 marine calls, and 2 agency assists.

Chief Wahlberg noted that a lot of training is taking place using the boat.  They are working on search patterns, and so forth.  The boat was used on one fire—they were able to pump water up a hillside which really worked well.