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Thursday, May 20, 2021

Garden City Fire District Board meeting

Leonard O’Reilly, Reporter
Rich Civic Times        

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  May 18, 2021 (changed from May 5th).   Randall Knight chaired the meeting where all members of the board were present. Rich County commissioner, John Lee, attended as well.

Chief  Mike Wahlberg gave a construction update on the addition. There was discussion with Councilman Lee concerning various sources of revenue through county channels, including the use of the water rescue boat.

Also, there was a brief discussion concerning the P&Z meeting regarding the large RV park being proposed at Highway 30 and Hodges Canyon Road. A letter will be sent to the mayor clarifying that statements made at the meeting were those of individuals and not an official position of the Fire District. The District doesn’t take a position in favor or opposition to any proposed development. 

Chief Wahlberg discussed the trip to New York to pick up the newly purchased truck that is replacing Rescue 40. The board voted to compensate those who went to receive 6 days of pay (48 hours) and a per diem of $55 a day. 

The board voted on and approved that there can be one board member who is a secondary home owner who can be present by phone.

The responses for the month were:

1 - Propane Leak

9 - Medical calls

1 -Carbon Monoxide call

2 - Fire calls

1 - Semi Truck fire

1 - Agency assist with sheriff’s department

20-Inspections  


Rich School District Jobs



May 19, 2021 


Rich School District is accepting applications for the following position:



POSITION OPEN:  


Counselor

Utah License 


Salary based on Rich School District Certified Salary Schedule. Medical Benefits

 


Applications    are    available   www.richschool.org  under the employment link or at the district or school offices. Completed applications should include: a completed application, a letter of interest, a current resume containing at least two letters of recommendations.


Rich School District


Attn: Superintendent Dale Lamborn 

POBox67


25 South 100 W


Randolph, Utah 84064


Phone 435-793-2135 xl0l


Email dlamborn@richschool.org 


This position will remain open and applications accepted, until a qualified candidate is hired

Rich County School District is accepting applications for the following positions:

 

6 Hour Aide at SRE

 6 Hour Aide at NRE


These positions will work with students K-5 on early learning, with a focus on numeracy.

 


Applications are available at www.richschool.org under the employment link  or at the district or school offices.


 Interested individuals must be 18 years old, be a high school graduate or equivalent, have the ability to communicate effectively. Applicants should have the ability to work with children, operate computers and learn specific software in a timely manner, administer state testing, perform routine record keeping functions, and establish and maintain working relationships with co-workers, teachers, students, and the public.


For SRE, send application to: Rich School District Attn: Superintendent Dale Lamborn



POBox 67  Randolph, Utah 84064 - Phone 435-793-2135 x JOI



Email dlamborn@richschool. org


For NRE, Send applications to:


North Rich Elementary Principal Kip Motta


PO Box 129


Laketown, UT 84038


Phone: 435-946-3359


Email: kmotta@richschool.org


 


CLOSING DATE:     These positions will remain open and applications accepted, until qualified candidates are hired.

Sunday, May 16, 2021

Pickleville Philosophy

 By Jim Stone

It’s been a crazy adventure this week. I’m pretty excited right now.  I had to share my excitement with all of you guys. When I left home from Utah three months ago to come up to Alaska, I had set some really hard but neat goals to work on while I’m here. If I didn't set some goals I’d probably go fishing all the time.

My biggest goal  to try to reach was to finish writing two books. One of them is so close to my heart. My wonderful friend Al Warner was coming up here with me on this adventure but that thing we call life got in the way.  My true friend past away unexpectedly. Al always loved me to tell him the story about this big dog that got stranded while protecting his true friends high up in the mountains.

This big dog was a lot like my friend Al.  They are both lifelong, true friends with hearts bigger than the big blue sky.

While I have been here, I kept my promise to my friend.  I promised him I’d finish this book I named Legend of Big Boy. Every day I've been hear I drive to a beautiful place and sit and work on Legend of Big Boy .

Al my friend gave me an old writing desk to write on during my travels. I either write on that desk or I sit in the truck and write on an old cutting board. The cutting board is a story in itself.  When the book was about finished I got really proud about reaching a goal and also making good on a promise to my friend Al.  When starting the last chapter I got really emotional, my thoughts were about how this big dog was willing to pay the ultimate price with his life to save his friends. I got thinking about true friends and what we all mean to each other.

When the last paragraph was done in the book, something came over me and my thoughts. I think finishing this book help me get some closure to losing Al my true friend. It’s almost like I could see Al’s big smile. I just know that in spirit my friend was here pushing and guiding me to finish this story.

It’s amazing with true friends that even when we don't talk we still can communicate that we still care about our friends happiness and well-being.

All of us dogs sure hope all of you wonderful friends are doing good and staying safe. my friend Al used to always say “I’m counting my lucky stars.”  I’m stealing his words and counting my lucky stars.

Look out you guys there’s a whole bunch of shooting stars coming in the form of big smiles from all of us dogs to all of you guys.

Editor's note Legend of Big Boy can be purchased on Amazon.com

Peace

Photo by Lauriann Wakefield

 

Garden City Fire District County TRT Request

Bobbie Bicknell Coray, Reporter
Rich Civic Times

RANDOLPH, Utah, May 5, 2021. Randall Knight, Garden City Fire District Board Chairman, said that a few years ago, the board bought a fire rescue boat for the lake.  Every time they go out in the boat, they use a gallon of gas per mile and there are repairs that need to be made on the boat at an average yearly cost of $5,000.

Mayor Mike Leonhardt, Garden City, suggested that the Board apply for TRT monies.  There are more than 100 new short-term rentals coming on this year and more and more people are coming to Garden City as tourists.

Commissioner Bill Cox  asked if on the lake the Garden City Fire District boat is in the jurisdiction of State Parks.  “If you haven’t been requested by Parks you are on your own,” he said. 

“We always get a request.” Knight replied.   

The state parks provide the slip.  The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is that the Fire District will respond to anything on lake as long as they are formally requested by State Parks.

“I think State Parks should help you financially.  Ask them to come up with a contract. “ Cox said.  “ We need to have that discussion.”

Knight has talked to Senator Wilson about getting that on State Parks agenda.  Cox felt that the District was  taking on a responsibility that is State Parks. 

“Are you under the state Parks liability?  Or yours?” Cox asked.    Knight replied, “I am worried about that too.” 

The Fire District is asking for about $10,000.   Commissioner Jonathan Lee asked if water rescue wasn’t out of their area of responsibility.   Knight said he was concerned about that too, but that they save at least 2 lives a year. 

Cox said a fire in the lake or on the side will be the Districts responsibility, but that Search and Rescue is responsible for people lost in the lake.  Cox said that an MOU is necessary to define some lines of responsibility.  State Parks should pick up some of the financial responsibility.  The Commissioners will follow up with the State Parks Director.

Knight said he was also concerned about the proposal to build a 515 pad RV park which will double the population of Garden City.  This is of concern for emergency services. “Do we need to expand to a new Fire Department building on the south end of town,” said Knight.  “I think we should plan for the future and plan on more full-time employees as the city growing rapidly.”

In October, the Fire District Board updated the policies and procedures manual.  Knight reported that they are having trouble getting people to serve on the board. He asked if the board could include some secondary homeowners who have expressed an interest to serve.  Cox said that his thoughts are mixed on that and he suggested that they take one board position and make it a secondary home resident.  Allow in the policy for a board member to be on a virtual call to vote also which would allow a secondary home resident to attend a meeting without driving to Garden City. Firefighters cannot be on the board because of a possible conflict of interest.

RESPONSE from Garden City Fire Chief, Mike Wahlberg

A little clarification is in order. Indeed, this was the discussion as written, but the meeting had many misinformations presented as fact. The search and rescue jurisdiction for Rich county rest solely on the Sheriff and his search and rescue organization. State parks does not have jurisdiction on Bear Lake for rescues and only do it because it is a service that they offer and are in a position to offer it. There is no mandate for DNR to respond to rescues and searches and their jurisdiction is just law enforcement on the lake and adjacent parks property and watercraft safety and enforcement. 

An MOU between state parks and the sheriffs office may exist that covers them being able to respond to searches and rescues. The Fire District boat has a primary responsibility and mission to mitigate fires and hazmat releases in the marina and within the Fire District boundaries. This boundary extends to the midline of the lake and from the Idaho border south to the rest area on the south end of the lake. The Fire District has the capability, the personnel, the training, and the advanced equipment to offer on the water search and rescue service and is trained and equipped at a level that is at a minimum of equal to the State Parks boats and operators. 

State Parks are wonderful and have been very good to work with and have requested and accepted our assistance many, many times. Our personnel have found and rescued many victims and saved quite a few lives since putting the boat into service. Additionally, we have assisted the Bear Lake County Sheriffs office and search and rescue as well as Idaho Bear Lake State Park with water rescues as well as finding and recovering drowning victims. At no time does the Fire District "jump" callouts and take it upon ourselves to just go out and participate in searches or incidents without a request or agreement being made first between either State Parks or the Sherriff's deputies or Search and Rescue. These request or agreements are initiated most often through a phone call or over the radio and on occasion through our dispatch paging system. Our department receives nothing for offering these services and expects nothing. 

We will not be asking State Parks for compensation and will be developing and signing new MOU's with Utah State Parks and the Rich County Sheriff in the immediate future. We will also never request compensation from the Sheriff for our services that we offer. If any additional monies are requested for our district then possibly the TRT is a source, but the boat will operate regardless for the benefit of our citizens and visitors. 

As for the Fire District position on the proposed RV park adjacent to Hodges Canyon, our district makes it a policy to not take a position on matters that don't present an immediate threat to public safety and fire related issues. We are effectively neutral. That being said, board members and fire fighters are humans and sometimes make mistakes and make comments that may give the impression that the Fire District feels a certain way or has an official position in matters such as the RV park. As the Fire Chief I can assure you that despite any personal feelings concerning the matter, we have no position on the matter and I hope that settles the issue for us. 

The Garden City Fire District and its volunteers and employees are striving to be forward thinking, provide excellent service for our citizens and visitors, and be the best equipped and trained they can be in order to assure the highest level of public safety that we are charged with. We will continue to serve the community to the best of our ability. Mike Wahlberg Fire Chief Garden City Fire District

 

Feedback and Concerns about proposed Sun Communities development

I appreciate the input the Garden City community came to give at the Public Hearing at the Planning Commission on Wednesday, May 5th. Input is good, helpful, and necessary especially when it brings unknown facts and ideas to light. I have read every letter sent to the town and have tried to read every comment on Facebook about the proposed Sun Communities Development  As a member of the Planning Commission I again would welcome any other thoughts you may continue to have on any projects that come before the Planning Commission.

I do feel that there is a lot of misinformation that is being promulgated about the proposed large RV park and unfortunately due to time constraints were not discussed at the Public Hearing. I will try to be as quick and succinct as I can and talk about some of these. These are my thoughts and beliefs based on my own personal knowledge and do not represent anyone else’s thoughts.

First I wanted to quickly say that in my opinion when it comes to the proper role of government (especially in my role as a planning commissioner) I feel the primary role of the government is to protect and maintain the people’s freedoms. Government ought to only intercede for true public safety reasons or if someone is directly harmed or a strong negative externality affects someone greatly enough that government action is required, but it is always better to try to educate the person(s) causing the harm before applying force to correct the action. These are the principles I try to base my actions on as a member of the commission.

1. CLAIM – The RV Park application lacked the signatures of the current land owners which is required for zone changes.

RESPONSE – I am unsure why the application that was made available to the public did not have the signatures, but the copy at the town offices has the required owner signatures and to my knowledge the owners are aware and agreed to the proposed zone change.

2. CLAIM – The current density of the zones don’t allow for this project.

RESPONSE – This is tricky and gray, but very important and needs to be studied out. The Planning Commission has asked Sun Corporation to do a “density study” before we would consider a PUD Rezone to see if the density would be dramatically changed from the current proposed uses.

Density can be thought of in at least three ways: 1.) Lack of Open Space due to the space that buildings take up on a parcel. 2.) The sheer number of “buildings” on a parcel. 3.) The number of people that would be using the parcel.

1.) There won’t be many permanent buildings on the parcel and even if we count all the temporary RVs on RV Pads, the yurts, the park model homes and the commercial buildings, there will still be a lot of “open space” meaning places without any kind of structure on it. In this sense the density of the land is less than it would be with most other allowed uses on the land, such as a residential subdivision. A PUD is required to have 70% open space, while a subdivision requires no open space, only that setbacks be met.

2.) If we look at the number of “buildings” on the parcel, and I would include temporary RVs in this number, then the density is dramatically higher than it would be with most other allowed uses on the land.

3.) Examining the amount of people that could use the land as an RV Park versus other allowed uses, such as a residential subdivision, I am not sure what the results would be. It is possible that the amount of people would be the same. I am expecting a density study will provide more information to help us examine this point of view of density.

My conclusion is that we do not have enough information to conclude if the density of the zones would change dramatically, so further research is imperative.

3. CLAIM – The application did not have a legal description or development schedule on the application which is required.

RESPONSE – This information was sent to the town with the application. Again, not sure why it wasn’t provided to the public, but I don’t believe it is necessary for it to be given to the public to meet this requirement. Anyone can go view it at the town offices if they so desire.

4. CLAIM – The sewer, water, and electrical services can’t handle this project

RESPONSE - 

Sewer: As of May 3rd, no one from the public had called the sewer district to discuss this project. I spoke to them and they said they will be able to service this project and it should not make the sewer service any worse for anyone else.

Water: No one from the Town Public Works raised any concerns about providing water to the project.

Electricity: A representative from Rocky Mountain Power is aware of this project and had no objections or concerns about providing power. She said there are some upgrades they may have to do to their systems, but they can handle this project.

5. CLAIM – RV Parks aren’t allowed in the 3 of the 4 zones

RESPONSE – 11F-102-A-3 says “Any use listed as a permitted or conditional use in the Garden City land use ordinances may be approved in any Planned Unit Development Zone if such use by location, characteristic or design is deemed compatible with the character of the area in which the development is proposed and is consistent with the policies and goals set forth in the Town’s General Plan.”

RV Parks can be considered in a PUD, but only if deemed compatible. The planning commission has yet to decide if this project is compatible with the area. This is not as black and white as some believe but is a gray area and must be examined. There are good arguments both ‘for’ and ‘against’ this area being used for an RV Park. I feel some parts of this land are compatible and some parts may not be compatible, or would only be compatible with appropriate buffers and screenings put in place and this will be a big part of the discussion (see also response #2 about density).

There are 4 zones within the proposed land:

1.)    Commercial-3 Zone: This zone does allow for RV Parks with a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). Even without rezoning to a PUD they could put an RV Park in this zone with a CUP.

2.)    Single Family Residential Zone: This zone does not list any similar uses to an RV Park and I am hesitant to allow an RV Park in this area unless it is shown the density would not be much different versus a residential subdivision and that screening and buffers are put in place to mitigate issues with neighboring landowners.

3.)    Hillside Estates Zone: With a CUP this zone allows for Cluster developments. In the recent past a yurt village (Spuhlers) has been approved in this zone. The proposal from Sun Communities is for some yurts and glamping type structures in this area. Even without rezoning to a PUD they could put these structures in this zone with a CUP.

4.)    Recreational Residential Zone: With a CUP this zone allows for Cluster developments. Even without rezoning to a PUD they could put cluster development like structures in this zone with a CUP.

6. CLAIM – PUDs are for mixed uses and this is not mixed use because it does not include residential living.

RESPONSE – The proposal includes recreation areas, commercial buildings (with possible restaurants & retail), yurts, park model homes, and RV Camping spaces which I heard Sun Communities is for temporary living anywhere from nightly to all summer long. I do not believe a PUD is required to include “residential living” as the ordinance does not use language such as “a PUD SHALL include residential living, commercial ventures…” etc., but instead only list possible types of uses. In the past the following PUDs have been approved with the following circumstances:

Legacy Beach PUD – This was 3 zones (Single Family Residential, Commerical-3, and Beach Development Zone). It was rezoned a PUD and approved for variety of different residential buildings, notably it includes townhome buildings on what used to be a Single Family Residential Zone which would not have allowed townhomes without the PUD rezone. No commercial ventures were included. I feel this PUD has fit into the community and is a successful PUD in my opinion.

Bear Lake Escape PUD – This was 2 zones (Commercial-1 & Commercial-3) and was approved for several townhome buildings and had no commercial ventures.

My point isn’t that this is how it should be, only that it isn’t unusual. I do feel the town council and planning commission ought to examine the PUD ordinance and process and make some decisions about how they ought to be used and what the best practice should be. In some ways a PUD is “good” for the city because it requires a lot more open space and it makes many items negotiable that wouldn’t be otherwise. PUDs in general can make it win-win for the developer and also the town.

7. CLAIM – There will be no buffer between this project and current homes.

RESPONSE – The commission has the ability to ask for buffers to be put in place and I would highly recommend this be required to mitigate the potential negative externality on adjacent homeowners, however, the commission only has this ability if it is zoned as a PUD, otherwise the developer only has to meet the setbacks. This will surely be discussed.

8. CLAIM – This process is going too fast and should be slowed down.

RESPONSE – I agree that a project of this size needs to be carefully considered and I don’t think anyone on the planning commission or town council is okay with this being rushed.

9. CONCERN – Traffic congestion will become worse with this project. The entrance & exits need to be thoroughly thought through.

RESPONSE – The biggest need our town has related to roads is another street that goes North and South. The proposed Paradise Parkway is the road planned to fill this need. If this project were to happen it will help enable Paradise Parkway to be completed sooner than it would otherwise. Sun Communities would be turning several acres of land over to the town for this Public Road.

I too am concerned about the traffic issues that could come from entering and exiting this project. The commission is requiring a UDOT study to be done to see how these issues could be mitigated or if it is even possible. These studies have traditionally been very thorough and helpful in making decision.

10. CONCERN – This will bring too many people too fast. We need to slow the growth so the various services in the area are able to deal with the increase of people.

RESPONSE – I share this concern especially as my role as a first responder (I am a local fire fighter, AEMT, and work at the Sheriff’s office). I have been concerned about this with every PUD the town have approved (i.e. Waters Edge, Legacy Beach, Water Dance, Paradise Parkways Townhomes, Bear Lake Escape). However, I have come to the conclusion that the better solution is for the services that will be strained by growth ought to be proactive in being prepared for the growth instead of reactive. I realize this is easier said than done especially with volunteer organizations, but I know that there is more that can be done.

11. CONCERN – This will put a burden on emergency services such as the Fire District, Ambulance services, law enforcement.

RESPONSE – See response #10

12. CONCERN – This project will be an eyesore.

RESPONSE – The government should encourage beauty but should not force it with the exception of when the lack of beauty creates a strong enough negative externality that intervention is needed. Also, a capitalistic system usually helps to ensure that projects such as this are done in a good-looking manner. It is in the best interest of the RV Park management to keep things look nice. Lastly, the Planning Commission will recommend trees and things to encourage it be pleasant to look at but those kinds of things are only negotiable in a PUD.

13. CLAIM – There has been no transparency in the project approval process.

RESPONSE – Nothing out of the ordinary or special was done for Sun Communities.

Like many other projects they requested to present a concept for an RV Park at an AEG (Affected Entity Group) meeting in Feb 2021. AEG meetings are usually attended by a member of the town council, 2 members of the planning commission, the head of Public Works, the Fire Chief, a Rep from Rocky Mountain Power, a Rep from the Sewer District, and a few others. The purpose of the meeting is to explore whether or not any of the affected entities have any major concerns about a potential project. Some feedback was given from the different entities. No public notice is required for these meetings as there is no voting or other actions taken. It is just a very conceptual discussion.

Sun Communities then filed an application for a PUD zone change which must be accompanied by a conceptual plan for the land. A public hearing was scheduled and notification to all landowners within 300 feet of the project were mailed using the county records. If a notice wasn’t received by one of the neighbors it is because the address on the county records were out-of-date or incorrect. Notices of the planning hearing were also posted as required. And the conceptual information was mailed to all planning commission members.

This is the normal process and I feel is transparent and allows for public input before any actions take place. The information about the project is available to anyone by going to the town offices or attending the public hearing. The information was also given in the public Planning Commission meeting. I am personally willing to share any information I have with anyone who would like to talk to me. 

In closing I want to say that as a planning commissioner member I want to balance the interest of the residents of Garden City with the desires of the land owners or developers. I want to protect the constitutional rights of property owners, but also work to ensure public safety. I want to help find compromises in the different opinions and work together for the good of all. Decisions are best made on complete information and it is vital that information be freely shared and available. Thanks for listening and I look forward to listening to future discussions on any planning commission topic.

-Joey Stocking