Garden City Council Member reports

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  June 13, 2019.  Council member Ken Hansen reported that the Library was given a donation of about $18,00 from Jason and Jill Johnson. This money will be used to help with the food pantry, that individuals from Randolph will come and help seniors instead of them having to go to Randolph when they have problems and/or questions etc.  The Library will replace all the computers and will get a new server and easier internet connections.  There will soon be video/audio conferencing ability, and there will be an educational network also available.  It will also be possible for authors of books to read their books to the children using the video/audio features.  

There will also be a family place where children can be dropped off in an emergency.  There will also be diapers and diaper bags available.  There is an opening for a full-time position for the Family Place. 

The rummage sale has always used the  LDS Church’s tables in the past.  However, Ken noted that it would be better if the City had some tables that could be used instead.  Mayor Leonhardt noted that there are several tables stored in the garage that could be used.

Council member Pat Argyle said that she needs helpers and volunteers for the Raspberry Days activities.  If anyone is interested in helping out, please get in touch with her.

Council member Howard Pope reported that currently, no signage is allowed telling people how far they have gone or how far the next section of trail road goes.  He thought that something should be done about that.  He also noted that there is an app that can be download with a PDF that will tell you what trail you are on.  Individuals can track with that app as well.

Pope also said that there is a significant amount of repair work on trails that needs to be taken care of.  He noted that it will probably be after Labor Day before any work will be done on the roads.  He asked if the City would be able to help in repairing some of the roads.  The Mayor reported that the City could probably provide some equipment but that volunteers will also be needed.

Richardson Trail is still a problem.  There are water issues there that need to be taking care of.

There is a lack of parking at trail heads.  UDOT stretched the Limber Pine area, but people will still have to load/unload, and then move the vehicles.  More and more people are using these trails.  There does need to be more and larger parking areas.  The Forrest Service doesn’t seem to want to help with this problem.

There is a parking lot to go up to Swan Flat.  UDOT is taking over parking at the top.  Hodges Trail Head is another access to get into the mountains.  There needs to be places to park after getting hiking equipment unloaded.  More and more people are coming all the time.

The Mayor said that the Forrest Service won’t allow guides.  However, some guides could be available in Garden City and Laketown that could help people to know where to go and how to get there.  The council  felt that apparently, the Forrest Service doesn’t want to protect people and the forest.  They are interested in keeping their budget the way it is.

There are some swimming pool issues.  However, it is currently up and going.  Maintenance is a problem. 

Pat Argyle noted that all the sod has been put down in Heritage Park.  A bid is out for some cement work and work has started in building the stage.  Raspberry Days is coming quickly.  This year, this holiday will be more family oriented.  There will be activities like trying to catch fish with your hands, targets for shooting contests and so forth.  There are some prizes that includes three guns, a 22 pistol, 15 knives, a raffle, etc.

There will be a children’s parade.  It will last about a half-an-hour before the regular parade.  It will probably stop at the LDS Church instead of going further south.  There are be tee shirts and mugs that will be given to the best floats.

The City has a deeded right of way into Heritage Park on the east end of the property next to Calders.  Having two entries and exits will be good where there are larger groups of people at the park.

Mayor Leonhardt noted that the pickle ball courts just north of the City Office are under construction.  

The speed limit in Garden City has been moved down to 35 MPH.   Cross walks on Logan Road between the post office and First West as well as the cross walk across Bear Lake Blvd. and 75 North by LeBeau’s will be put in place by August 1. 

Since Darrin Pugmire has moved from Garden City, a new individual needs to be appointed to fill the vacancy on the Town Council.  Jordan Perry has been asked to fill this vacancy.