Garden City Council Reports

Anita Weston, Reporter
Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  November 8, 2019.  There was a short training meeting on "Open and Public Meetings" held prior to the Council Meeting.  This item was held to make sure all individuals in the audience understood the rules and procedures that are used in public meetings.  Those in attendance were asked if there were any questions concerning how meetings are handled.  A few items were discussed, and this meeting was closed.

The Garden City Town Council Meeting was then called to order.  Water’s Edge Properties, LLC. requested a license that would allow them to conduct a full-service resort with hotel, indoor water park, conference rooms, condo’s, and a sales office all located at 188 S. Bear Lake Blvd.  Up until now, this business has been coming to the City each time they opened another section or part of their business.  This license would allow multiple activities without having to come back to the City each time they completed another part of the resort.  Debbie Batt represented Water’s Edge.  After a short discussion, the motion was made and passed to grant this business license.

Public Comments were allowed.  Barbara Turnbow thanked the City for the work they do.  She also noted that she thought a mandatory brake check area should be put in place at the top of Logan Canyon to make sure there would not be any more run-away trucks.  There was a short discussion on this issue.  It was noted that the road from the top down is a federal road, not a state road.  Hopefully, the federal government will put more signage and information for truckers as they are coming down the hill.

There was a short discussion concerning having a fee required when an individual requested an administrative hearing.  In other words, an individual who feels they have been given a ticket unfairly and wants to go to court to contest the ticket would need to pay money to do so.  The reason for the fee is that the magistrate must be paid, the city employees must get the needed information available as well as prepare the room for the hearing.  All of this costs money. Thus, it was felt that the individual contesting the ticket should pay for some of the costs that are involved.   One individual thought $150 would be fair.  Another felt that was too much.  Finally, the City Council decided that the fee should be $100.  That amount will not cover everything but will help the City.  Since this was just a discussion, this item will be on the agenda next month to make the motion for acceptance of this item.

There was a discussion held about small house and large garages and vise versa.  Big garages often block views.  However big garages also often hold many of the toys people have thereby giving the area a neat look instead of having trailers, boats, ATVs, etc. in the yards.  The Council Members were asked to think about this issue.  It will also be on the agenda next month.

The City Council also passed the changes made to Ordinance #18-18 dealing with recreational vehicles and camping requirements that was passed by the Planning Commission.  In addition, they added the term “business property” to be included in the ordinance.

Some changes were made in the Employee Handbook.  It was noted that use of the new technologies such as e-mails, text messaging, social media, etc. can be used in communicating with workers.

The Handbook also has a section on seasonal or temporary employees which are individuals who work six months or less.  Full time workers do received benefits.  However seasonal or part time workers are not paid for holidays—there are only usually only two holidays when they are not paid, the 4th and 24th of July.  Usually they are hired after Memorial Day and leave before Labor Day.  The suggestion was made that perhaps the seasonal workers who have done a really good job and finish out Labor Day could be given holiday pay because of the good job they have done.   It might encourage them to return the next year.  No decisions were made on this item.

There was a discussion regarding the Boy Scouts of America using the meeting room in the City’s complex for their scout meetings and events.  After a bit of talking back and forth, it was determined that they would be welcome to use that facility.

The City feels they need a work meeting to discuss with the County concerning sanitation problems.  Mayor Leonhardt noted that he will get in touch with the County Commissioners to see if a meeting could be determined.

The Council members gave their reports.  Pat Argyle asked if the City could afford some new Christmas lights for this coming holiday.  It was suggested that lights be put around the fish pond and then lights be strung up to a high pole making it into the shape of a Christmas tree.  The Council also wants the businesses in Garden City to enter the decoration contest to see who can have the most festive decorations for the Christmas holiday.

Councilman Ken Hansen suggested that there be a community party where everyone would be welcome.  It could be held up at Heritage Park.  There could be a be bonfire and some refreshments.  Everyone could visit, and sing Christmas Carols, and enjoy a town party.

Councilwoman Pat Argyle said that there is a Winter Fest.  Additional items are being held for that activity along with the usual polar plunge   There will be singing on Friday night, snowmobiling in the sinks and some new winter sports for people to try.  This year will be the tenth year for this activity.

Councilman Howard Pope noted that he hadn’t been able to walk the trails this fall, but he rode up on some of them and they are looking better.  He also noted that the swimming pool is doing good.  The water aerobics is doing especially well.  There are both morning and evening water aerobics classes being held.

Ken Hansen noted that there have been some water leaks.  There was one at an intersection that was fixed and there is another up the Canyon that will soon be fixed.  Hansen noted that he had been to a nice park.  It was fixed especially for children.  There was a low zip line that the kids really enjoy.  There was a kiosk that was weather proof where books were available.  Parents could go to the kiosk, pick up a book, go back to the benches and watch their children and read as well.  It seemed to be working especially well.  He also noted that there was a mound of dirt covered in grass. The kids loved running up and down that little hill.  He suggested that the City might want to add some of those things at the City Park to make it more fun with more things that the children could enjoy.

Zan Murray, City Engineer, noted that the water project is almost complete.  He noted that easements for Paradise Parkway are almost all completed.  He reported that the City is trying to buy some water rights from Swan Creek.  He told the group that grants have been submitted for TRT money.  Hopefully, they will be funded to help build the rest rooms and stage building at Heritage Park.

The meeting adjourned.