County Republicans Convention

Randall Knight, Reporter
Rich Civic Times

RANDOLPH, Utah. April 12. 2018. The Rich County Republican Convention was held in the old high school gym in Randolph last Thursday night.  Approximately 100 people gathered to hear state and local government candidate’s appeal for their votes that night and at the primary in June.

Troy Petersen was the Chair and gave recognition to the Vice-Chair, Nancy Hansen, and the Secretary/Treasurer, Pam Cornia, for their help and organizational skills.  Even though Rebecca Peart the county Clerk/Auditor and Dale Stacey the county Sheriff are unopposed, they both gave short speeches asking for continued support.  Troy asked for and received nominations from those in attendance for them to be the Republican candidates.

Bill Cox is the only incumbent Commissioner running for office this year.  Because Tom Weston did not run, Simeon Weston and Pat Argyle are running for that office which is designated as the Commissioner B seat.  Jon Lee is running against Bill Cox for the Commissioner A seat.  The 20 county delegates from the five precincts voted for the four candidates and the results were: Cox 75% - Lee 25%; Weston 55% - Argyle 45%.  Troy pointed out that because all of the candidates had received signatures from at least 1% of the registered voters all four candidates would be on the primary ballot. In the past Mr. Cox would be unopposed because he received over 70%.

Representatives were present for US House Representative Rob Bishop and US Senate candidate Mitt Romney and Mike Kennedy.  State Representative Logan Wilde and Senator Lyle Hillyard were also present and said a few words asking for continued support.  Senator Hillyard said he has enjoyed serving the people in District 25 for the past 37 years and this will be his last term.

It should also be noted that a small group of singers from the High School gave a musical presentation under the direction of Chris Woods.

Garden City Planning Commission

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah. April 4, 2018.  A Public Hearing was held at the beginning of the meeting.  The public were given an opportunity to voice their opinions concerning several proposed ordinances.  There was also time given to the pubic to discuss the new Bear Lake Escape Planned Unit Development located along 300 W. 

There was concern voiced concerning the Bear Lake Escape PUD where water would flow with the building of sidewalks, roads, and buildings in that area.  It was noted that a collection pond would be built in the lower northeast corner of the PUD.  In addition, there are several small swells that will be built to hold any other water within the PUD until the excess water sinks into the ground. 

The path/bike trail through the PUD will be asphalted instead of cemented.  There was a discussion concerning this item.   Several individuals felt that cement would be nicer and would last longer.  However, it was noted that the winters here are easier on asphalt than cement.  The asphalt heats quickly and the snow melts off more quickly.  The cement holds the snow and then turns to ice before melting.  The comment was made that grass up against asphalt has a tendency to grow too close and also grow right within the asphalt itself.  The Commission took note of the comments made by the public.

A discussion also ensued concerning changing the area for the project from a Subdivision to a PUD.  All agreed on this issue. Motion to adjourn was made and passed.  The Planning Commission than began their regular meeting.

There was a discussion concerning Ordinance #18-07, which states that no stand along accessory building in the commercial zone is allowed without a Conditional Use Permit.  The motion was made and passed.

Ordinance #18-08 was presented.  It is an Ordinance stating that no stand-alone building is allowed in the residential zones.  The motion was made and passed.

Ordinance #08-09 is an Ordinance stating that a stand alone accessory building can only be permitted with a Conditional Use Permit in the Hotel/Motel zone.  It, too, was passed by the Commission members.

Approval of a Re-Zone Application to change the zone between 100 W. and 300 W. #41-21—400-0268 from the C3 zone to a PUD was discussed.  A motion was made and passed making this zone change.

A discussion was held concerning the Final for Phases 1, 2, and 3 of the Bear Lake Escape Planned Unit Development located along 300 W. (behind the Season’s) consisting of approximately 14 townhomes and will include 54 units under the development of Matt Nielson.

The road in this PUD will be deeded over to the City after ten years.  It was also noted that the townhomes can be used as short-term rentals in this PUD.  The water lines along with the sidewalk/bike path will also be turned over to the City after ten years.  The motion was made passed by the Commission with the above items included in the motion.

Joey Stocking, one of the Commission members, suggested that an ordinance needs to be written for future developments—both subdivisions and PUDs—that conduit and water lines containing tracer wire should be required.   The Commission discussed this item and asked Joey to write up such an ordinance.

Garden City Staff Reports

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  April 5, 2018.  Zan Murray, City Engineer, JUB Engineering Firm, could not attend the meeting.  He sent a co-worker to cover for him by the name of Quin Dance.   Dance reported that the water project for Third West has been put out to bid.  The contractor who is given this bid will be announced on April 10.  The contractor chosen will begin this project immediately, and it should be completed in June.

The Third West road project bid will be opened for bids on April 7.  There will be a four-week time allowed for contractors to place their bids.  The contractor given this bid will be announced about May 1.  The contractor will be given until the middle of September to complete this project.

The Paradise Parkway project is also moving forward.  There needs to be some adjustments concerning the road down into Hodges Canyon Road.   The best grade they have found is 10 percent even with quite a bit of fill.  Currently, the City is working with Mr. Thornock.  His property seems to have the best location so far.   Darrin Pugmire said he thought it would be best to keep the road to the lower part of the area if possible.   Thornock said he will work with the City as much as possible.

Bear Lake Escape PUD has taken care of all the items that JUB had noted in their letter to Matt Nielson.  The project was approved by the Planning Commission last night, so it is moving forward quickly.

Heritage Park is looking better all the time.  It was suggested that the number of trees be reduced.  It was noted as well that it would be good to leave the bathrooms at their current location and move the sanitation lines to the South.  The City will have to cut the road in one place, but that would still be the best option.    Conduit and power are moving forward.

Glen Gillies, City Ordinance Officer and Commercial Building Inspector, has been working to get everyone compliant with the City’s ordinances.  He approved the work on the hill where an activity park is being built.  It is located just before Shundahi and Bridgerland.    Gillies had also checked out the engineering plan for a Coffee Donut Shop going into the lot east of the race track along Logan Road.  Glen said he has been busy trying to clean up the City.  The trailer that was to have been removed some time ago should disappear during this month.

Riley Argyle, Public Works Supervisor, reported that they swept the sidewalks through the town yesterday.  He has extended the culvert at 75 North which will be very helpful in the future.  The Chlorine unit quit working at the water treatment plant.  They tried to have it fixed but have been put off until the end of May.  Argyle decided it would be better to buy a new one instead of waiting that long.  It will cost about $1,000 more than trying to get the old one repaired.  

Argyle has been working to get the Parks looking good.  They will turn on the restrooms sometime this month.  He has been trying to get some summer workers.  He has one worker that will be returning from last summer.  There has been one application and a couple of individuals who have expressed an interest in working this summer.

Darin Pugmire, Council member, reported that there is too much water down south.  They have stopped taking the water out of the lake, and the runoff will need to be stored here.  The water will be high again this summer as a result.  Pugmire noted that he had talked with individuals who have control of the lake.  He made sure they knew that it was a natural lake, not a reservoir.  It should be treated as such.  He hopes that in the future there will continue to be more water in the lake. 

Riley Argyle noted that there are some low spots on the bike path that need to be patched.  He will have those types of problems completed by April 15.  Argyle asked if any citizens know of other problem areas along the bike path, to let him know.  Buttercup roads should be completed this spring as soon as weather permits. 

George Peart, Residency Building Inspector, noted that he is doing the final inspections on two homes in Buttercup, two in Snow Meadows, and one in Legacy Beach.  There are some town homes in Legacy that have been required to have fire wall separations between some homes.  Also, many of the homes now being built are large enough that fire walls and sprinkling systems are required.    This is really becoming an issue.  There are several homes on Cherimoya that also need firewalls and inside sprinklers.

A new food business is going in behind Quick and Tasty Drive-Inn. 

Howard Pope, Council member, was asked to check the meter at the pool and make sure that it is working properly.  A new meter will cost about $2,000.

Garden City Council

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  April 5, 2018.  The meeting was called to order by Mayor Mike Leonhardt.  He noted that the first item on the agenda was to hear from Farrin Wiese from the Bear River Health Department.  However, he was not able to come this month.  He has been rescheduled to give his presentation at the City Council meeting in June.

The next agenda item was a request from Adam Ramsey to build a bakery business outlet at 216 South Bear Lake Blvd.  There were some water and building issues that need to be resolved, so this item was postponed. 

A zone change for the zone between 100 W and 300 W at approximately 75 North to a PUD was discussed.  This is the area where the Bear Lake Escape PUD will be built.  The Planning Commission had already granted this change and send the issue to the City Council for their approval.  Motion was made and passed confirming this zone change.

Matt Nielson, the developer of Bear Lake Escape, was at the meeting requesting that he be given final approval for Phases 1, 2, and 3 of the Bear Lake Escape PUD.  The project will consist of 14 buildings with 54 units.  After a brief discussion, the motion was made and passed to allow Mr. Nielson to begin work on building the above-mentioned PUD with the stipulation that an attorney approve the CC&Rs for this development.

Elke Brown, owner of Crepes and Coffee, requested the City’s permission to add beer/wine/liquor to their restaurant at 235 South Bear Lake Blvd.  She needed the City’s permission prior to going to the State Liquor Board to request a liquor license.  The board made a motion to allow this request.

Bear Lake Resort asked the City to encumber lots in the Legacy Beach Subdivision.  They would like to encumber lots 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 to build one house on the five lots.  This house will be about 13,000 square feet in size and will be used as a short-term rental.   John Wise will be the manager of this facility.  A motion was made and passed to allow this encumbrance with the condition that there is adequate parking at this location.

Terry and Jeannie Willis asked for a short-term rental license for the home at 38 N Bear Lake Blvd.  A motion was made with the condition that parking be adequate at this location.

James and Evelyn Johnson asked for a short-term rental license for the home located at 554 Loraine Court.  Bear Lake Legacy will be the management company for this home.  This home has an occupancy for 16 people, thus requiring at least four parking spaces.  The motion was made and approved with the condition that there is enough parking.

Brad Coleman asked that a home at 102 Lake Circle, Triangle Estates, be given a short-term rental license.  This home has an occupancy number of 19 which would require 4 parking spaces.  The motion was made and approved to allow this license.  Management of this home will be handled by Bear Lake Project Management.

The following Ordinances have been written and accepted by the Planning Commission.  They have been sent to the City Council for final approval.  They are:

a.     Ordinance # 18-02, an ordinance updating that accessory buildings in a commercial zone require a conditional use permit.

b.     Ordinance # 18-04, an ordinance changing the percentage of open space required within a subdivision.

c.     Ordinance # 18-05, an ordinance changing the definition of an accessory building.

d.     Ordinance # 18-07, an ordinance stating no stand-alone accessory building in the commercial zone is allowed without a conditional use permit.

e.     Ordinance # 18-08, an ordinance stating that no stand-alone accessory building is allowed in the residential zones.

f.      Ordinance # 18-09, an ordinance stating that a stand-alone accessory building can only be permitted with a conditional use permit in the hotel/motel zone.

The Council discussed the above ordinances.  They thought a lot of these ordinances were redundant.  However, it was noted that each of the separate zones are usually what builders read without going to other sections to see if there is additional information.  By adding some of the information to each section will insure that builders will be aware of what is required in that zone.

The Council determined that d. Ordinance #18-07 was repetitious and was not approved.  A motion was made and passed for all the other Ordinances.

The Rich High School Education Foundation asked for some money from Garden City to help out the students.  The Board discussed this request.  They decided to discuss it again at the next meeting.

Mayor Leonhardt noted that the City has some restaurant tax money that could be used to build four pickleball courts just north of the City buildings.  This area has been used in the winter as an ice skating rink.  However, not many people took advantage of this rink.  The Mayor thought this would be easier to keep up and would give people another area for fun activities.  It would cost the City about $15,000.  The Council members noted that whoever wanted to use this facility would have to reserve it.  They would also have to bring their own equipment.  With these two requirements, the Council made a motion and passed it to build the four pickleball courts.

Copies of the budget were handed out to the Council Members.  They were asked to go over this document for the next meeting.  May is when the budget is discussed, and input is given so that a temporary budget can be completed.  This needs to be done then because the new fiscal year begins with July and the final budget will be approved in June.

Fishing Derby On The Lake

Family Movie Night and Silent Auction

Family Movie Night and Silent Auction Thursday April 19th
presented by the Royal Chapter National Junior Honor Society 
6:00 PM at the Middle School Gym
We will be watching Ferdinand
Concessions will be available
All money earned will be donated to the Walker Family to help with Taylor's leukemia treatment. 
Children need to be accompanied by their parents.
Auction items will be available to view and bid on during Parent-Teacher Conference April 17th and 18th, 3:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Early Fog

Kendra Hansen Bjoralt, Garden City

Fog Fills The Lake

Photo by Dawn Brady, Garden City

Garden City Council Reports

COUNCIL MEMBERS’ REPORTS

April 5, 2018

Reported by Anita Weston

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  April 5, 2018.  Darrin Pugmire, Council Member, reported that the Third West Road is moving along well.  Changes that were required are working out well.

Future roads going further South is a work in process.  Pugmire reported that he is the process of getting deeds for the property that will needed to complete this road.  He will be working on this for some time.  The City will be going back to the Utah State Highway Department in 2019-2020 asking for more money to continue Third West to Hodges Canyon Road.  Not only do we need to get deeded property, but the City needs to be looking toward getting additional money to make sure the roads will be built.

Pat Argyle, Council Member, said that Heritage Park will be finished up as quickly as possible.  The Easter Egg Hunt was a success.  However, she would like to see the Easter Egg Hunt next year held up by the red building or in the field above the red building so that it will be more of a challenge to the children to find eggs. 

Ken Hansen, Council Member, reported that the library is doing great.  They hold functions for the children that are well prepared and well attended.  That takes a great amount of effort to keep things going like that.  The people working there are doing a great job.

Two water projects have been completed.  One was up by the Water Treatment Plant.  The lines had to be changed to get water to some homes across Swan Creek.  The realignment went well and cleaned up the problems that were evident.  They also added fire protection in that area.

Hansen has purchased more lights to go into the Conference room by the Library.  The Library has already had new lights installed which has been a great improvement.

Howard Pope, Council Member, reported that this last month at the pool has been a good one.  Things seem to be going well there.

Pope asked to use the 4-wheeler snow plow to ride the trails in the next day or two.  Mayor Leonhard noted that Mitch Poulsen has called a meeting for May 1.  Everyone will meet at the City Offices at 1 p.m. for a Trails meeting.  They will be going over the trails.  D & R, the County, and anyone else interested can participate in this activity.

Pope noted that sweeping the bike path has really made it look better this spring.  He wanted to know when repairs may be made on the bike path.  It was noted that the City does a section of the bike path each year to keep it in good shape.  There is a problem at 130 West.  They will have to cut through the path and put in a culvert.  They will then need to do an overlay.  That will be done in the next few weeks. 

Mayor Leonhard noted that the City is having a Clean-up Day on May 5.  Everyone is invited to help.  UDOT will be providing garbage sacks.  The Fire Department is going to burn on Third West to First West.  The County said they would like to help as well.  Roberts has a wood chipper that they will allow the City to use that day.  Bryce Huefner noted that his garbage truck could be available that day as well.  There will be a fun lunch at noon at the park.  They will be serving tacos. There will be some raffles at noon as well.  The prizes are being donated by some of the businesses in town.

EVERYONE IS INVITED.  BRING ALL YOUR FRIENDS.   HELP FROM EVERYONE IS NEEDED!

Good Stuff

Wonder, Darkest Hour, Sea Wolves
By John Brown,  Reviewer

I had seen a lot of good reviews of Wonder. My wife told me a lot of her students enjoyed the book. But I thought it was going to be a heavy topic, full of sadness and drama. I’m happy to report that Wonder does indeed have some difficult moments, but it’s also full of humor. And triumph.

It’s a story about Auggie, a boy with a rare medical deformity that has put him through multiple surgeries. His parents have homeschooled him, but now that he’s at the age where he could go to middle school, they feel it’s time for him to navigate the world. The perfect time, right?
But it’s not just about Auggie. The film is also about Auggie’s sister, her former best friend, and Jack, Auggie’s classmate. We get to see their stories as well, and they are woven into a wonderful, poignant story.

You’ll laugh and wince and cry and cheer. You’ll enjoy Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson, who do a wonderful job as Auggie’s parents. And you’ll enjoy the children and teens. Me, my wife, my married daughter, and my teen all loved this film. I will be watching it again. If you want a great movie to watch as a family, I think you’ll love this.

As soon as I saw the preview for the Darkest Hour, I knew I had to see it. And, boy oh boy, this is yet another movie I can’t wait to watch again.

The phrase "The Darkest Hour" is used in Britain to refer to the time when the United Kingdom appeared to be under direct threat of invasion from Germany at the beginning of World War 2. Germany had launched its attack on France, Belgium, and the Netherlands and had smashed their armies, sweeping all before them. The bulk of the British army was trapped at Dunkirk and looked like it would be annihilated.

The British government was split between those who saw no path to victory and wanted to make a peace treaty with Hitler and those who wanted to resist him. The opposition party in parliament forced Neville Chamberlain to resign. And the only man they’d accept in his place is Winston Churchill. But Churchill was not the lion we think of him as today. He had a poor reputation among many of the leaders of his party and was not someone they wanted to elevate. 

So the film starts with the ouster of Chamberlain. We then get to watch how Churchill deals with the catastrophe of what’s happening just across the channel and all the voices pressuring him to make peace.

There’s humor, suspense, and a number of one-liners that we all began repeating to each other immediately after the film ended. You get a feel for what it must have been like at the time and why so many wanted to sue for some peace treaty with the monster across the channel. You also get to see a slightly different picture of Churchill as a man. I particularly loved the exchanges between him and his wife.

If you are interested in World War 2 or Britain in even the slightest degree, you simply must see this film.

I have now listened to the audiobook of The Sea Wolves by Lars Brownworth twice. Yes, it’s that good.

In this book, Brownworth tells the history of the Vikings. And he tells the history the way history should be told, bringing to life the old Norse world of epic poets, sea kings, and raiders, including Ivan the Boneless, Eric Bloodaxe, Harald Hardrada, Rollo the Walker—all the major figures.
And Brownworth does it in a way that helps you understand how their dominance was possible and what their effect on the wider world was—did you know, for example, that Russia comes from the word “Rus”, which was the name for the Swedish Vikings that started that nation?

What? Russia was started by the Vikings?

Yes.

Read or listen to the book. You’ll learn that plus a bunch more. It’s highly recommended.
And if you want to get the other side of the tale, let me recommend reading Bernard Cornwell’s historical fiction series that starts with The Last Kingdom. The series tells the story of the invasion of the Danes during King Alfred’s rule from the point of view of Uhtred of Bebbanburg. It’s a terrific series.

By the way, I do not recommend the TV series based on the books—too much sex for my tastes. But the books are fabulous. As are the audio versions. I’ve listened to six of them so far, and they have provided hours of enjoyment and interesting insights about the time and the events that took place.

The Lights On Lake Are A Research Project

Bear Lake Watch with USGS Starts Lake Monitoring Study

Bear Lake Watch has partnered with the U.S. Geological Survey with funding from Utah and Idaho and PacifiCorp to initiate a five-year study on Bear Lake.  There is a need to begin monitoring limnological and weather conditions around Bear Lake.  Two scientific platforms were deployed by USGS and YSI were deployed last week.  One sampling point will remain consistent throughout the study period.  That platform is off North Eden in the deep part of the lake.  The other platform will be moved between five locations during the study to collect information on how different areas of the Lake vary.  Soon, real time data will be streamed to a website so you can check on conditions around the platforms.  They will be removed prior to ice formation and again be deployed the following spring.

There are expensive, delicate instruments on the platforms so the public needs to be aware of their location and avoid disturbing them.  There are long anchor lines so fishermen need to steer clear to avoid snagging lines.  They have lights at night for navigational purposes.   People onshore need to be aware of this so they don’t report them as distressed watercraft.

Bear Lake Watch is proud to be the leader in new research on Bear Lake.  Funds are generated by members and the Merlin Olsen Golf Tournament.   As the study develops, more information will be available.

Bryce Nielson

May Be Your Last Chance To Vote For County Commission

Bobbie Bicknell Coray, Reporter
Rich Civic Timess

The Republican Convention will be held Thursday, March 12 at the Old Gym at Rich High School in Randolph, Utah.  The meet and greet will start at 6 p.m. with the formal meeting at 7 p.m.  There will be statewide candidates there as well as local candidates.  Troy Peterson, Chair, said that every Republican is invited, not just the delegates.

If any of the candidates get 60% of the vote they will run unopposed in the General Election, so this means that the county convention delegates will be making the decision for the entire county which is why Peterson would like all the delegates to attend.  If both get less, then there will be a Primary Election in the fall.