The Morning Breaks

Photo by Tavis Buys

Rich County Budget Hearing

Bobbie Bicknell Coray, Reporter
Rich Civic Times

RANDOLPH, Utah.  December 4, 2019.    The tax increase this year for the Sanitation Department and garbage collection not take care of the need.  They restructured the way nightly rentals were charged and expected a $90,000 increase in revenue , but have not seen the increase yet.  The Commission wanted to get to $600,000.  In the past the county was charging by the dump and was losing money.  But now dump are being replaced by cans which may decrease the revenue.  The county bought a new truck this year for $360,000. 

Commissioner Bill Cox said that unfortunately new growth doesn’t bring more money to the county.  The new tax structure just decreases the overall tax rate. For example the new solar farm will pay $175,000 – $200,000 in taxes but that will not go to the County.  The tax structure was changed so that  counties cannot take advantage of new growth.  There is a way to circumvent this, the County needs to add those taxes into the budget and then do a “truth in taxation” public hearing.  Elected officials are reluctant to do this because people think this means their taxes will go up and they get angry even though it brings new outside revenue into the County.  However, it can be explained as a way to avoid higher taxes in the future.

The Commissioners agree that the hardest part of the job is balancing budget with needs. Employee wages are low, which makes it hard competing for quality people who can go elsewhere.  EMT are overburdened and new ones not coming on because the commitment is at least three times a day on the ambulance which in summer is running 24/7.

The Commissioners approved the 2020 budget.

Rich Middle School Honor Roll

Rich Middle School

 Honor Roll

First Trimester      2019-20

6^th grade

Easton Eborn

Carly England*

Dylan Fonnesbeck

Karter Groll

Jett Holmes

Ridge Lundgren

Shylee Mecham

Kade Nelson

Tyla Pugmire

Hailey Romesser

Paige Smith

Ashlyn Stevens

Morgan Ward

Dylan Wasden

Aiden Weston

Avery Weston 

*4.0 gpa 

7^th grade

Kassi Argyle

Kamree Call*

Jared Carver

Peyton Cluff

Faith Downing*

Ethan Earl

Jaxon Frisby

Brenley Hatch

Gavin Hirschi*

Carter Hoffman

Ryker Hoffman

Tesla Holmes

Kobey Johnson*

Sylvia Klein*

Samuel Leifson*

Antonio Maldonado*

Draven Marshall

Asay Nielsen

Talon Pace

Hilary Rex*

Daniel Smith

Carter Stokes

Drake Weston 

8^th grade

Jack Bell

Addison Carrillo

Jayna Carver

Kamille Dotson

Austin England*

Ivan Flores

Karlee Frandsen

Peyton Gough

Kaysen Johnson

Trae Jolley

Saige Lundgren

Rylee Moldenhauer

Carson Muirbrook

Haydee Pugmire

Brayden Romesser

James Schulthess

Hannah Scott*

Violett Taylor*

Martin Vasquez

Brittany Wahlberg

Taylor Walker*

Jainee Wallentine*

Bret Weston

Kasey Wilson*

Snowy Rocks

Photo by Carol Ann Dyer

Garden City Planning Commission Meeting

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah. December 4, 2019. Norm Mecham requested that the Planning Commission look at his Phase 2 of Waterdance. He showed the plans for his next building phase which will be on the south half of the property.  In this phase he would like to build eight small town homes and 9 tri-plex condos.  There will be a turnaround on the road on the outside of phase 2.  That makes it easier for working as well as for people as they buy the units.  He has met the requirement for parking, for green space, setbacks etc.

The Commission made the motion and passed it to approve phase 2 as a preliminary plan.

There was a discussion of phase 2 of the preliminary plan for Long Ridge Subdivision. Jeff Jorgensen, engineer, explained the concept plan and gave copies of the plan to the various commission members.  He noted that there were some issues about a power pole in the subdivision that has been deeded to Garden City.  It was also noted that there already is a utility easement going through the Subdivision.

There were some changes made to several of the lots and information about some of the roads that will be part of the subdivision were discussed.  It was suggested that Homestead Road which will be 80’ wide should be roughed in on the map. It will not be asphalt until Phrase 3 is built.

It was suggested that areas will need to be determined where sanitation dumpsters will be placed or if black cans would be more appropriate. 

It was noted that they might add a small residential cluster development with about a half a dozen cabins.  There is no lake view on that property, but it is close to the trail head area which might appeal to some people.  They will start closing on lots in the spring. 

The motion was made to give approval for the preliminary phase 2  with the contingency that The City Engineer’s list of suggestions be followed and that Paradise Parkway in the lower section be 80’ wide.  The Commission told Mr. Jorgensen that he can now take the information to the City Council for their approval as well.

Mark Smoot reported on having food trucks during the summer.  He said there were three problems with food trucks.  Last summer, they came too late.  The second problem was there were no places where those individuals running the food trucks could live or stay.   Commissary issues were very challenging.  Where were they to get the needed groceries in a short time at a commercial rate. 

There are still a couple of trucks or containers that haven’t been moved.  He noted that they were supposed to be off the property shortly after summer crowds were gone. 

 Smoot noted that he would manage the area.  He added lights, music, and fire pit, and planted some grass.  He also brought in tables and shelters where people could sit down to eat.

The truck owners already had transient license from their hometown, but still had to register to get a transient business license in Garden City.  That license was overpriced so that the truck owners lost money.

Smoot reported that he is starting to set up schedules now for next summer.  Last year, they just didn’t get any traction, and no one made any money.  Mr. Smoot thought if the truck owners were work with local as well as Montpelier that they could perhaps be able to get the needed food items in a timely manner.

He also recommended that the trucks be open all week long, not just on the weekends.  He also thought that some of the food trucks could cooperate and work with Conestoga to see how they were getting meals for campers etc.  There need to be more than just two or three, and they should be lined up in a different fashion.  They also need to have more than a toasted cheese sandwich for their menu.  Mr. Smoot also thought that people do stay for six or seven days a week and there needs to be more places for campers and camping.

Smoot thinks it is worth trying for another summer.  He thinks the food trucks should be into Garden City at least by Father’s Day and plan to stay until the middle or end of August.  They should get their permits and paperwork done before they open and make sure they know about sales tax and a transient license. 

Smoot has made an ice-skating pond where the food trucks were.  He has the lights in place, lots of ice skates that can be rented from the Epic building, which is just across the road on the north.  There will be lots of music and fun.  Hopefully, the locals will take advantage of this skating rink and have a fun winter.

It was suggested last meeting that the Planning Commission write up a campground/RV Ordinance.  The talked about how many acres should be in such an area. They determined that perhaps four to acres would be appropriate.  They also decided that utilities such as water, sewer connection or a dump site, as well as electricity needed to be available.  Susan House was asked to write up the ordinance and present it at the next meeting.

Part time Special Education Aide needed

RICH COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Dale Lamborn, Superintendent
Jennie Johnson, Business Administrator Marlene Wilson, Admin. Assistant


December 10, 2019

Rich County School District is accepting applications  for the following position for the 2019-2020 school year:

One Part Time Special Education Aide at RMS/NRE. Applicants must be willing to submit to a background check.

Interested individuals must be 18 years old, be a high school graduate or equivalent, have the ability to communicate effectively and help others, have a valid Drivers License, and be willing and able to transport school age children in a district-owned vehicle. Must also be able to lift 50 pounds. Applicants should have the ability to work with children, perform routine record keeping functions, and establish and maintain working relationships with co-workers, teachers, students, and the public.

Application can be found online
www.richschool.org, employment

Send application to: Rich Middle School Principal Kip Motta
P O Box 129
Laketown, UT 84038
Phone: 435-946-3359
Fax: 435-946-3366

Email to: kmotta@richschool.org


CLOSING DATE: This position will remain open and applications accepted until a qualified candidate is hired.

P. O. Box 67 ! Randolph, Utah 84064 ! Phone 435 793-2135 ! Fax 435-793-2136
Equal Opportunity Employer

Eighteen Wheeler Philosophy

Case Closed

By Mel Hansen, The Eighteen Wheeler Philosopher

 

I’m pretty sure I’ve heard this hundreds of times before or something similar, but today when I heard it in a book I’m listening to...it really made sense to me...and I’m going to start practicing it and save myself and others a whole lot of headaches!

“The best way to avoid a argument? Don’t respond.”

It kind of reminds me of what my dad would tell me...with a slight grin...after he would only allow me to...”argue”... with him so far.

“You may...think...your right my boy! But...I Know...I’m right!”

Winter sky over Bear Lake

Photo by Leslie Scott

BLM R2-477 Road Witnesses

Bobbie Bicknell Coray, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

RANDOLPH, Utah.  December 4, 2019.  Roger Fairbanks, Assistant Attorney General, reported on Utah Public Lands Road Depositions. The long running road litigation of R2-477 includes Rich County.  The case involves Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and 300 roads on their land.  Utah has witness testimony showing that these roads were used before 1976 for most of roads on BLM lands.  They need two or three witnesses for each road.

The bell weather case includes 16 roads in Kane County.  Those roads are selected to be representative of state wide roads.  The courts will establish rules for road designation for all other roads.  Judge Waddops will preside. The federal government takes the position that the roads R2-477 that are used by ranchers are not considered public roads and it is hoped that Judge Waddops will rule on that. The Commissioners felt Judge Waddops is more in tune with Ranchers and miners.  

The 300 Utah disputed roads were picked by commissioners of each county to save as public roads.  Ranchers, recreational users and farmers use these roads.  The BLM wants to close the roads for resource protection or protection from damage to artifacts or historical sites.  Now these are roads that the county has maintained and the rights of way were given to the county.  R2- 477 was in force until 1976 and allowed roads to be built, and considered them public roads.  The BLM grandfathered all existing roads built up to 1976.  Then it was repealed.  So now the county has to prove that these roads were public and that is what the witnesses are for.  The more witness testimony the better chance that the roads will be considered as public roads and left open.

There will be a Special Master committee to decide which roads can be designated RS 2-477 roads.

Southern Utah Wilderness Association, SUWA, a conservation advocate group, has had their participation cut back.  SUWA appealed at the Tenth Circuit and the case was denied.

The Attorney General said that if it can be shown that there has been long term public use on a road the county can save the road.  They are planning on doing 10 more depositions in April and May. Commissioner Bill Cox said of the 15 prospective witnesses there are two who are very ill and need to be contacted immediately.

Fairbanks will bring big maps and highlight the roads that have been used as public roads from 1966 to 1976.  So they want people over 60 now, who have personal knowledge of the area.

Wildland Fire Suppression

Bobbie Bicknell Coray, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

RANDOLPH, Utah.  December 4, 2019.  Forestry, Fire and State Lands representative, Dusty Richards, spoke to Wildland Fire Suppression.  He asked about the funding match, and said that a proposed action plan for next year is needed.

Commissioner Bill Cox told Richards that Garden City has put a water line west of Garden City a half mile long running north and south and asked what the plan is to reseed it .  Richards said that FFSL got some fire resistant seed to plant in that cut.  Box Elder County donated the seed which is  worth about $4,000. It will be a good fire break.  Hodges Canyon has piles of wood that will be burned soon now that the snow is deep. 

Sheriff needs a drone

Bobbie Bicknell Coray, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

RANDOLPH, Utah.  December 4, 2019 .  Dale Stacey, Sheriff, informed Commissioners that Garden City Search and Rescue and Fire Department had purchased a drone. He said that they found three missing people quickly who might not have been found.  He feels that the Sheriff’s  office should have one.  He wants to spend $2,743 to buy another. 

“We looked for a child with mental disabilities on a cold and rainy day and in 15 minutes we were able to find this child.”  Stacey said.  He will have two or three of the officers trained to use it. 

They also need seven winter packs for Search and Rescue on snowmobiles  and five more GPS units.   New tires on their trucks are needed, they will do as in the past, buying a set at Dee’s and another at Stacey’s.

Woodruff Road to be plowed

Bobbie Bicknell Coray
Rich Civic Times

RANDOLPH, Utah.  December 4, 2019 . Chuck Huffaker, Woodruff resident, asked County Commissioners to plow the county road which is three miles south of Woodruff on Wheat Grass Canyon Road.   “In years past no one used that road regularly, but  now a lot of people come,” said Huffaker.  “We need the road plowed once in a while, to the bunk house .  In the spring the Cornias feed up there.  I have had to pull people out of the snow.  So if once in a while the plows could go an extra 1.1 mile to keep the road plowed it would be good. Locals go up to the Bunk House in the winter.”In 1984 AMACO graveled the road and it is bladed in the summer.  

Commissioner Bill Cox asked where the plow could turn around. Huffaker said that Harris Hollow Gate would be a good place to turn around.  Cox said that he is worried that people will go further than the plowed area and then get stuck. However, the commission decided to plow and put up sign that says no winter maintenance.

North Rich Elementary Lakers Honored

NORTH RICH ELEMENTARY

Kip A Motta, Principal
Karla Allen Administrative Assistant
54 East 100 South,  Laketown,  Ut  84038
Phone: (435)946-3358 ex. 200
Fax: (435)946-3366

For Immediate Release:

Mr. Smith's second graders at North Rich Elementary have been learning about citizenship and caring about the community. 

To apply what they have been learning, they created a scarecrow to enter into the scarecrow walk at Sunrise Resort in Harbor Village. These students wanted to do this project to make others smile. Not only did they make others smile, they also won first place in the contest! 

They will receive the reward of having a movie party hosted by Sunrise Resort. More importantly, they discovered that a little kindness and community spirit goes a long way. Mr. Smith would like to thank Sunrise Resort once again and remind everyone how impactful it is when schools and communities work together in meaningful ways. Partnerships with our school communities are one of the main reasons North Rich Elementary is 2019 National Blue Ribbon School. GO LAKERS!

East Side of the Lake

Photo by Carol Ann Dyer

Garden City Fire District Board Meeting

Leonard O’Reilly, Reporter
Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  December 4th, 2019.  Chairman Randall Knight  opened the meeting with all members present. The Public Hearing for the 2020 Budget was opened and closed with no public attendees.

The 2020 budget was discussed and approved in the regularly scheduled meeting.

Chief Wahlberg reported on the construction; The plumbing and electrical will be completed soon and the siding will be finished in January. The gaps, complained of by some observers, will be finished with molding and sealed with caulking.

The much needed new (used) ladder truck, a major investment, may be purchased between January and March if a great deal is found.

The responses for the month were:

1 - Structural fire

3 - Medical

2 - Fire alarms

The meeting was closed and the annual Christmas party followed. This is the time the volunteers are paid for their chargeable hours (training and callouts).