Raspberry Days Wind Microburst

GARDEN CITY, Utah. August 3, 2018.  It almost seems like an annual event, that the night before the Raspberry Days Fair or even the day of, there is a microburst wind warning for 50 mph winds from the National Weather Bureau.  As the warning came, the siren in Garden City went off calling all fire volunteers to come to the Raspberry Days Fair to save as much as they could.  Notices were posted on FaceBook and many Garden City residents also came to help.

The gust tore down displays and tents.  Then it rained.

Laura Cluff, Garden City Fire Board, wrote "So amazed to see so many regular citizens in the community come out and answer the call for help alongside those who are already volunteers when the weather took a major turn for the worse and destroyed several booths for Raspberry Days. It’ll be interesting to see how everything looks in the morning and how it will change the rest of the festivities for the weekend. Some tents were being blown all the way to the lake. My heart goes out to all the vendors who lost so much."

Photos by Joey Stocking, Garden City

The next two days of the Raspberry Days Fair were great and the crowds enjoyed the food and booths and sales were brisk.

Live Music At Cooper's

Join us on the deck on Summer weekends for Live Music and Outdoor Dining. All shows begin at 8:00 PM. 

At Cooper's in Bear Lake West

Aug 25th Big Red Judy 

Aug 31/Sept 1 Skippy & The T-Bone 

 Sept 8th – The Chops 

 Sept 15th – Columbia Jones 

Sept 22rd – Bill Hilly  

Sept 29th – Idaho Muscle

Calm

Photo by Denise Kimball Buchi

Garden City Fire Board Meeting

Kathie Bicknell Anderson, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  August 1, 2018.  The Garden City Fire Board held the monthly meeting at which there were two public comments presented.   Jan and Elvira Luczak were concerned about fires being allowed in the Sweetwater Golf Course Subdivision even though the air quality is poor from incoming smoke, winds, and the super dry conditions that Garden City is experiencing.   Chief Mike Wahlberg stated that if a homeowner has an approved fire pit in the Golf Course HOA they may legally have a fire.    Another concern voiced was about OFV’s, ATV’s, and dirt bikes being allowed during this very high fire season unless they have a “fire arrestor” on them.  Chief Wahlberg stated that it is almost impossible to know if they are equipped properly, so he won’t know until it causes a brush fire.

 

Because of the extreme fire danger, it is the responsibility of every individual to police themselves for the safety of others.  In the latest fire data, it was found that 92 % of all wildfires were started by people.  Most were accidents, all were preventable!

The foundation for the new fire building has not begun at this time.  The purchase of a new truck will be discussed at the September Board meeting.  Chief Wahlberg felt the 24^th of July BBQ went well. 

Garden City Fire Responses for July:  2 wildfires, 2 MVA, 6 CD calls, 9 fire alarms and 11 Medical call outs.

   

CPR Training

A free CPR training program for the community, sponsored by the Community Health Department will be held  on:

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

If you would like to become Certified, there will be a small fee, otherwise, it is free to the public.

RSVP: 435 792 6520 or contact Joey Stocking

Garden City Planning Commission

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah. August 1, 2018. Developer Chris Surian is asking that his property, Water’s Edge, located at 50 South to 150 South Bear Lake Boulevard be changed from C1 and Beach Development Zone to C1 for the entire PUD.  This would allow Surian to build his indoor water park going as high as 35 feet.  After a brief discussion, it was determined that the water park be the only building going higher than 25’.  The motion was made and approved to change this property to the C1 Zone.

Howard Pope, CentraCom, reported that a wireless tower has been built near Harbor Village.  It is 30’ high.  There was one individual who said that the tower blocked his view of the lake and asked if it could be moved.  Pope noted that the tower could be moved.  However, it would cost between $8,000 to $10,000.  Pope told the individual that the tower could be moved but he would be responsible for paying for moving the tower.

This tower gives many people twice as fast service with half the usual cost.  CentraCom has an easement to that location, along with a right-of-way, as well as permission from most of the citizens in that area.  The location for the power was close to the tower as well as a transformer and fiber optic lines.  Pope had a picture taken from the individual’s window.  It does block a small portion of the view.  The Commission Members looked at the picture and noted that they didn’t think it interfered with the view that much and thought the location a good one.

Pope thanked that the Commission for their support.  He also said that he appreciated the fact that he could provide good service for the people in the area.

Pickleville Philosophy

Angels Floating

By Jim Stone, The Pickleville Philosopher

I have to share a story with you guys.  I think some kind of higher power has been almost like guiding this story.  There have just been too many coincidences.  Earlier, this little book was

completely done.  It was heading to go to production. I was just getting ready to give the approval to the publisher when from out of the blue the story got helpfully intervened by the family whose son was the inspiration that will soon bring a wonderful story to life.

The boy’s family’s memories of Dillen will live forever in this story of a living angel who walked on this earth for only a short time. While he was here he inspired many, many people including me.  It’s like Dillen, even though he’s gone to heaven, he is still here wanting this story to come to life.

So that was the first coincidence, then yesterday the publisher sent the cover of the book in an email.  Within ten minutes of receiving it something else happened that just blew me almost right off my feet.

I had a little girl maybe 7 or 8 years old come in the store. She stood on the other side of the counter and just stared at my t-shirt.  The t-shirt has the cover of the book printed on it.

“Can I help you, young lady?  Are you doing ok? I asked.

The little girl said. “Are you Jim?”

“Yes,” I replied, and asked her what her name was.

She replied, not with her name, she pointed at my t-shirt.  “That’s my brother; he would be 16 years old this year if he was still here.”

“I loved my brother Dillen,” she said.  I miss him so much.”

Oh my gosh!  I got hit by a lightning bolt that pierced my heart.  I had to walk into the back room for a few seconds to regain my composure.  When I returned, the little girl was gone.  I’m starting to believe that Dillen wants his whole family to be a part of Sometimes Just Fly Away, a story that was inspired guided, and brought forth by a true angel while living on earth and living in spirit while floating doing what angels do.

Well, here’s the cover of the story that will be in production next week. I believe Dillen has made this story come to life.  He’s been there since day one when I had the privilege to meet him to this day when I got to meet his little sister and see this story taking life.  I’m shaking right now while writing this post to share with you guys.

Sending a big smile to all of you guys from me.  Have an amazing day. 

Sunrise

Photo by Amber C. McKee

Seven New Short Term Rentals In Garden City

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah. July 12, 2018. There were seven new short-term rentals licenses issued.

Daniel and Melanie Lawrence own a home at 747 South Spruce Drive.  Their home will be handled through the Bear Lake Rental Properties Company.  It was noted that with the new ordinance, the home must provide six parking stalls at this location instead of just five.  The motion was made and approved.

Dan and Amber Whittaker have a condo located at 761 Spruce Drive.  Their contact will be the Bear Lake Condo Rentals Company.  It was noted that at least four parking stalls will be needed at this location.  The motion was made and passed to grant the license.

William Kennedy has a home at 200 Lychee Lane.  Bear Lake Cabins Rentals will be the contact company.  A minimum of eight parking stalls will be required.  The motion was made and passed granting this license.

The home at 764 Spruce Drive is owned by Greg Ellis.  He has asked for a short-term rental license.  AGE Rentals, LLC will be the contact company.  He noted that parking was not an issue and asked that he be granted a higher occupancy number.  The parking was set at eight stalls.  The motion was made and passed to grant this license.

The home located at 760 Spruce Drive is owned by Roger Smith.  He has asked that Expercom Rentals company be his contact.  There needs to be 15 stalls for the 57-occupancy determination.  There are not enough stalls right next to the building, but there is more parking provided below on the south corner of the property.  Approval was granted.

The home at 958 South Snowmeadows is owned by Steve and Peggy Roberts.  They have obtained Bear Lake Farmhouse Ease as their contact.  The occupancy required at least 12 parking spots.  If the occupancy is dropped, they could perhaps get by with 10 or 11 parking stalls.

It was decided to allow them to rent temporarily until next month and come back to the Council with a plan for the required 12 parking spaces.

The home at 1145 South 198 West is owned by David Fjelsted.  Vista Azul will be the rental company as his contact.  He had been given an older form that didn’t require an owner’s signature and no map on where the parking would be.  The parking needs to be changed to five stalls and a map drawn of where theses stalls are located.  The Council passed the request with the requirement that the building inspector make sure that there are enough parking stalls and that the owner’s signature is obtained.

Garden City Council Meeting

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  July 12, 2018.  Presentation of the TAP Award to the City was moved to next month’s agenda.  Jason Watterson was to present the award but had a conflict and was unable to get to the meeting.

Mitch Poulson, Director of the Bear Lake Regional Commission, was unable to make it to the meeting.  He asked to be placed on next month’s agenda to report on the Trails Plan.

Shelly Lusk was at the meeting to explain what CAPSA means and how they are trying to make more people aware of this organization and how they can help others.  CAPSA stands for Citizens against Physical and Sexual Abuse. It is a federal program that tries to prevent domestic abuse and rape.  They have safety plans, ideas and help with dating problems, how to stop bullying, and how intervention is possible in many situations.  There are many forms of abuse and problems that exist in the schools and in homes today.  CAPSA staff are willing and would like to come and make presentations at schools and other organizations to help people recognize some of the above problems and how to take care of them.

When they deal with problems, they keep everything confidential and the services are free.  They obtain funding by obtaining federal grants and from donors.  They asked everyone at the meeting to make their services known.  They are available to assist in any way they can.  Their office is in Logan, but they are willing to come to Rich County when problems occur. 

They have scheduled two programs to be presented in the coming year.  The one in October is Domestic Violence Awareness and in April the presentation is called Sexual Assault Awareness.  They noted that the Sheriff here in Rich County has been very supportive of this program. 

Jared Hislop requested a business license for his computer consulting business.  His business deals with business intelligence, digital marketing, and analytics work.  He will be working at 1168 West Cottonwood Circle.  The motion to approve this request was made and passed by the Council.

Chris Bundy requested a license to conduct a BBQ food truck business called The Hot Box located at 10 South and 120 West.  The motion was made and approved by the Council.

The motion was made and passed to begin a Public Hearing concerning the Zone change from the Beach Development Zone to the Hotel/Motel Zone.  The Public Hearing was opened. There were a few comments. The motion was then made and passed to go back into the Regular Town Council Meeting.

A discussion was held regarding a zone change at the Water’s Edge Development located at approximately 100 South Bear Lake Blvd.  The requested zone change is from the Beach Development Zone to the Hotel/Motel Zone to allow for additional height for their next buildings.  This request came from Christ Shuyrian. 

It was noted that the indoor water park would be the only building in the Hotel/Motel Zone.  The hotel and condos don’t need to go that high.  Actually, only the indoor water park needs to have the higher roof.  The building will be under five acres to maintain the needed set-backs for the building.  During the discussion, it was noted that the Council needs to make sure that the building height is set no higher than 35’ since there is no specific height given in the Hotel/Motel Zone.

Zan Murray, City Engineer, asked if the Traffic Impact Study has been completed.  He noted that it is necessary prior to building the hotel and indoor water park.  He also asked what phases were actually being built.  As he looked at the plans, it was difficult to see in what order the buildings for this resort are being built.  He noted that the Army Corp is Engineers needs to be involved to make sure there is no encroachment on the wetlands in that area.  They need to be contacted and allowed to do their study to make sure the wetlands are protected.

Murray also noted that spot zoning generally creates problems.  He felt that this change in Zone needed to be looked into in depth to make sure all areas studied.  He wondered if perhaps the Zone should be changed to a C1 Zone.  He had several other items that it felt needed to be addressed.  It was determined that this item should be placed on next month’s agenda.

Ordinance #18-16, an ordinance prohibiting smoking and vaping in city parks, recreational areas, and near mass gatherings needed more time for discussion and research.  The motion was made and passed to move this item to next month’s agenda.

A resolution, Resolution #R18-07, requires the need to update water rates for meters on line to be sized larger than ¾”.    If a house is upsized, less water will be available to that home because of the bulk meter that is already in place.  It was decided that if this happens, the old bulk meter needs to be upgraded to handle the needed water at the bigger structure.  The cost of the upgrade, of course, is handled by the individuals upsizing the home.   After some discussion on this item, it was decided to take another month to get better wording for this resolution.  The motion was made to get this item placed on next month’s agenda.

Resolution #R 18-08, a resolution updating the administrative code infraction fine schedule was discussed.  The motion was made and passed to accept this new resolution.

The Council discussed the fireworks problems.  The City, along with the Fire Chief, talked about limiting fireworks to a couple of safe places.  This really is an issue because of the dry weather, the winds that seem to come up every afternoon and evening, as well as the need to ban illegal fireworks that have been used in the past.

The motion was made and passed that the City does not allow fireworks because of this summer’s weather conditions.  It was decided that the fireworks at Raspberry Days will be done by a

Commercial/professional company to make sure things will go smoothly.

Marina At Night

Gary McKee

Garden City Council Reports

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  July 12, 2018.  Councilmember Darrin Pugmire noted that he was pleased with the water solution dealing with bulk meters.  He will be working with those who will be writing that resolution.

Pugmire said that the Legacy Plat should be redrawn.  It is a PUD.  Currently, there is no ordinance saying that a PUD needs to redo a plat.  However, there are at least six different ID’s on every home in that area because of the changes that they have made in their building of homes.  A resolution needs to be written to make changes so that it will be easier for the County and the City to know which buildings are where.  The city requires subdivisions to make the needed changes on their plat when and if actual changes are made.  That is not the case with a PUD.  A resolution to cover this problem needs to be made.

Councilmember Howard Pope noted that the boiler at the pool had to be replaced with a new one.  He reported that he had gone on the mountain trails with a group.  He said there were a lot of problems that need to be investigated on the trails.  They had been traveled while muddy leaving ruts everywhere.  Many vehicles are going everywhere instead of following the trails and so forth.  The City and County need to step in and work on this item.  There are a lot of projects currently in progress, but perhaps when September comes, the trail problem could be addressed.

Councilmember Pat Argyle said that Heritage Park is coming along nicely.  She reported that they have a changing sign like last year for Raspberry Days.  It is for the vendors and businesses to put on advertisements for their booth or business.  It costs $150 for an advertising spot that comes up every few minutes.  She said that all the booth spots have been rented except for two.  She thought they would go soon.  Glen Gillies will oversee the sound system.

Councilmember Ken Hansen noted that it is difficult to travel on the East Side of the Lake.  They are working on Cisco Road.  They have closed the road to everyone except those who have homes there.  He noted that the Library rummage sale was successful.  “They worked hard and did very well,” he said.

Garden City Public Works Reports

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah. July 12, 2018.  Riley Argyle, Public Works Director,reported that a change order was made for chip seal on Third West.  The price difference will be paid by a grant.  This will allow the road to last longer.  A lot of the top soil at Heritage Park has been traded for gravel that can be used in various places.

Slurry seal was put on several streets in Garden City.  It was done today and repainted.  It will be well worth the cost because it makes the roads look better and last longer.

Parsons Construction has had some water patches on 100 West.  They will fix these patch areas.  Travis bid on road materials.

There have been some water leaks in the City that have been taken care of.  The grading in Heritage Park is complete.  The City has been mowing the sides of the roads to make things look nicer.  There have been some leaks at the Beach Park.  They are under control now.  Beach Park sprinklers have been turned back on.  Hopefully the grass will green up quickly.  The beach below Beach Park has some dirty water.  Argyle has been plowing the sand about once a week in that area to keep things looking better.

Glen Gillies, Building Inspector, reported that he has given out nine citations this week—eight were for short-term rentals.  He noted that he has about two weeks of paperwork on short-term rentals.  It seems that all the paperwork came in at once. The citation for the trailer may have to be given since it is still on the lot.  It must be moved soon.

Norm Mecham was given a building permit for a club house at his new development.

Bridgerland Adventure Park made a change.  They were putting in a ramp to get up and down in their building which will meet ADA requirements.  They, however, paid all the fees for a license and are putting in an elevator instead.

Gilles has started putting in the gate at the Beach Park.  It will open and shut automatically.  He has most of the gate in. He has done a lot of inspections.  He noted that Lake Meadow Lodge has requested that they be allowed additional height for their building.

Zan Murray, City Engineer, JUB, said that he and Argyle have been working on the electrical layout for vendors.  They have hired an electrical engineer to make sure that they get the amount of power that will be needed along with the number of boxes that will be needed.  They think 15 boxes that will have extra space for future requirements will be sufficient.  They have a budget of $50,000 to get the power ready for at least 20 vendors.  Bigger circuits will be near the restroom area.

They will try and make sure that every food vendor will have four outlets.  There will be two outlets for all the other vendors.  It was suggested that each vendor pay for the power they use.

There will be a panel with a lot of room for stage power. The sound system will have wireless speakers. 

JUB is going to rent an office here in Garden City.  It will be upstairs in the City Office Building.  They decided that they have enough business working with the Rich County, Bear Lake County, and Garden City.  They will be able to give better service to customers in this area.  They should be moved in by July 27.

The State has given five million dollars to build a better entrance to the Harbor.  In addition, they have another three million to do several other smaller things that will enhance travel through the Garden City area.  On August 3, there will be a legislative retreat here in Garden City to do an environmental study to make sure the three million will be used wisely.

Connie Smith Parker Hamilton 1949 -2018

Longtime Rich County resident died July 24, 2019, following surgery.  Connie Smith Parker Hamilton was born in Logan on May 3, 1949, to Grant T. and Hope Condie Smith.  She grew up in Brigham City, Utah.  She moved to Garden City when she married Gilbert Parker who preceded her in death.  She later married Bruce Hamilton who was from Rock Springs and they lived in her home. They enjoyed many good times together.

She loved quilting and sewing and was a sweet friend.  She is survived by a sister and two brothers. There was a graveside service at the Garden City Cemetery on Saturday, July 29, 2018.