The Unmuddled Mathematician

Unfinished Sentences

By Chris Coray, The Unmuddled Mathematician

Maybe it is just my wife and her sister, but maybe it’s many more.  You decide.  Anyway, I am suffering with two kinds of communication or the lack thereof.  First, it seems to me with increasing frequency that my wife finishes my verbal sentences before I do.  I mean, I can be making a perfectly cogent statement about something of extreme interest and importance to every person on the earth and some milliseconds after my first words, my wife jumps in and finishes the sentence, the thought, the whole deal.  She’s fast and I am left with unspoken words, unsaid thoughts, and pretty much feeling like Charlie MCarthy  (look that up).  She tells me that I do not speak quickly enough.  Often she jumps in so early that her finish has absolutely nothing to do with what I was about to say.  This does not bother her in the slightest.  I can’t decide if she is using a wife-filter to make sure I don’t embarrass her in polite company or she has just gotten ever deeper in this habit.  But her sister is the same way.  I accept advice if you have any.

The other issue is in some strange way the inverse of the first problem.  Over the past few years it has become increasingly her habit to involve me in a game the kids call “Freeze”.  Not in the way you think.  What happens is that she will begin to speak to me but often she utters only a couple of words which are clearly going to be followed by more (mostly instructions).  But then she stops speaking, leaving me hanging and waiting for the rest.  For example, she will say, “Are you…” and then stop speaking.  Now I am in the freeze mode, waiting for the rest of the question.  I literally stop doing whatever I’m engaged in and wait for further data.  I am frozen.  But nothing happens.  Just silence.  After a while I will ask her if she would finish the question or sentence, as I do not want to be found wanting in the husband department.  But by this time she has mostly moved on to something else.  If I let it drop and go blithely on my way I take the severe risk of having her tell me later that, “I told you (or asked you” about this very item 2 days ago.  She actually thinks she did, when in fact it is not so.  Go ahead, try to win that argument.   Not wanting to take the risk of silence I have with increasing frequency asked her to complete her thought.  She is then as puzzled as I am.  We discussed this and this was her response, and I am quoting directly, “My mind had completed the thought and I’ve moved on”.  I’m sort of like a member of a pit crew in the Indy 500, watching the driver zoom off at 220 mph, leaving me smelling fumes and breathing dust. 

The smart move is to remain frozen in space and time and try to nudge her Indy car back into my lane and perhaps dropping me a verbal or mental note/hint about what I’ve missed.  She thinks I losing my mind because I can’t remember what she has not said.  Am I alone in my predicament?  I could use a little help from a support group of friends.  Reach out to me. But don’t kill me by starting a phrase and then after three words leaving me in the silence of the males.

Visions Of April At The Lake



Photo by Lauriann Wakefield



Photo by Tammy Calder

Photo by Jennifer Casillas

Photo by Scott Livingston

Garden City Rodeo To Be Closed During Laketown Rodeo?

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  March 20, 2014. Sim Weston, Mayor of Laketown, attended a public hearing held in Garden City regarding a decision to allow Jade Willis and Mike Knapp to sponsor a weekly rodeo during this coming summer.  Because it will be a weekly activity, it will compete with the Raspberry Day’s Rodeo that has always been sponsored by Laketown.

Sim Weston was asking that the rodeo in Garden City be cancelled during Raspberry Days.  He noted that Laketown has sponsored this rodeo for the past 25 years.  It has only been the last few years that they have broken even and finally made a small profit.  He didn’t think the two communities could have two rodeos at the same time and either one be successful.

Garden City Planning Commission indicated that they don’t have the right or authority to limit a business on the days and times they can operate their business.  They suggested that Willis and Weston get together and try and work out something that would satisfy both of them.

The Planning Commission noted that the ordinances allows for a rodeo.  The only thing that the Commission can limit are issues with safety, health, noise, community well being, or if the Commission determined that the project be required to be more in line with land use issues.  It certainly is not a clear definition of limits.  The Commission needs to determine if this project is in the best interests for Garden City. 

The Commission acknowledged that they have worked with Laketown for a lot of years and certainly do not want to change that relationship.  However, the Commission is also bound to follow City ordinances.

During the discussion it was determined that Laketown can seat approximately 2,000 people at their rodeo.  Willis has bleachers that can also seat 2,000.  With the number of individuals who come into the Valley during Raspberry Days, it would appear as though there would be no problem filling both venues.  During the discussion, it was noted that no one knows what the affect will be at either activity.  It was also mentioned that one rodeo could be held in the late afternoon and allow Laketown to hold their rodeo at their usual time.

The Commission said that they can grant a conditional use, but they can’t put stipulations on the condition use that covers times when performances can be held or include other restraints.  That is not within their jurisdiction. 

The Commission cannot refuse the conditional use permit because it is allowed according to the City’s ordinances.  The Commission needs to follow the rules.  Commissioners said that they hoped the rodeos that are held will be good, uplifting, and wholesome family oriented events that are good for everyone. 

As a result of the public hearing, the Planning Commission stated that they must give the Garden City Rodeo a conditional use permit.  However, they also needed more information so that they are aware of exactly what will be taking place with this event.  They noted Sim Weston’s concern that it would adversely affect the Laketown Rodeo.

The Commission asked if all 18 acres of land will be used.  If so, there is a problem, because four acres are in the County and only 14 are within the City.  They only have jurisdiction over those acres within the City limits.    Jade Willis, the sponsor of the rodeo, noted that he will only be using that land within the City limits.  He was then requested to show on the map the location of the various buildings, seating, corrals, parking and vendors. 

According to the City’s ordinances, a site plan must be submitted prior to the granting of a conditional use permit.  The Commission requested to see a copy of his site plan.  Willis noted that he was unaware he needed a site plan.  The Commission then told him he would need to at least draw it out there are the meeting and then submit a more formal one within the next day or two.

The City ordinance dealing with this type of event indicates that the use must not be detrimental to any persons or detrimental to the environment.  Thus, the Commission wants to see where the ingresses/egresses will be located, the people impact on the roads, how animal control will be handled, if dust and smells will be taken care of, noting if the outside boundaries are within the City,  porta potties, vendor locations, security measures taken, location of electrical connections, water rights, where fences will be, how animals will be loaded and unloaded and where, insurance policies, the location of the arena, announcer, and bleachers, ambulance on site, and so forth.  They noted that anything that deals with the safety of the community needs to be known to them.  Gary Cox, the City Administrator, told Willis he would be happy to work with him in getting his formal plan ready.

The Commission also made it known that on failure to comply with conditions set forth in the site plan, the Commission can withdraw the permit.

A motion was made and passed to allow Willis to go forward with his plans for a weekly rodeo in Garden City.  March 26 is the date his official site plan will be due to the City.  He was asked to work with George Peart, the building inspector, to make sure all requirements have been met.  Jade was also specifically asked if he would work closely with Sim Weston in ironing out difficulties concerning the Raspberry Day’s Rodeo.

 

Garden City Fire District Report

 

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times 

GARDEN CITY, Utah. March 20, 2014. The 90-day probation period for the new fire chief has expired.  Mike Wahlberg was asked to sign the new contract as fire chief.

Chief Wahlberg reported that there had been some changes in the remodel of the fire building.  The windows are fine and don’t need to be replaced.  Monies that were to be used to make that change are now going to be used for shelving.  The south wall of the training room will have shelving from the floor to the ceiling.  Along the media wall, the shelving will be cabinet height, and more shelves will be placed in the Captain’s office.  The fire department is in need of more places to store their equipment.  The shelves will help in taking care of all the items that are currently on the floor around the main room.

Chief Wahlberg reported that Engine 40 has been repaired.  Also, the fire district has started a wild land fire fighter I class.  There are eight students in the class—all from Garden City.  The State UFDA Grant money has now been released and was used to reimburse the accounts used for purchases made last September.

A water line has broken near the tender 40 truck and the engine bay door.  The water has had to be turned off while repairs are made.  The new cement and asphalt will have to be damaged during this repair.  The budget won’t cover this repair and the Chief may have to use some of the savings to pay for this cost.  This break falls under the emergency clause that requires an immediate fix. Lutz should be on site the next day to take care of this problem.

The Employee Handbook is currently being worked on.  Suggested changes have been marked in red, and board members were asked to comment on these items.  The discussion covered mainly sick days, vacation days, time off days, and so forth.  A list of government holidays is included in the handbook, but the chief has the freedom to choose other holidays instead of the standard because of fire danger during the summer months when his services are in greater demand.  The board requested that any personal days be cleared through the board.

Rescue 40 has had new tires mounted on it.  One of the previous tires went bad, and the Chief decided that regular tires would work fine.  The three good remaining tires have been put away and perhaps can be sold later.  They cost the District approximately $600 each.

The following responses for the month are as follows:  1 carbon monoxide call, 1 County callout, 6 medical assists, 14 building inspections, and 10 burn permits were granted.

Water rates will be increasing.  The Fire District may need to conduct a study to determine if the District’s impact fees need to be increased.  There is also an increase in property tax this year.  Inspection fees may also need to be considered at the next meeting.

Cisco Sonar

Cisco's Carp are Back!!
By Bryce Nielson

They never fail to amaze me.  The water temperature is their calendar.  They have been on the silty bottom of the Bear Lake Marina since November.  The temperature of the water has hovered just above freezing, little light has penetrated the ice and there have been no currents.  Life inside the Marina is much different than out in the lake where the water is always moving, there is more oxygen and billions of small fish eggs.  But here they stay,year after year, in a state of suspended animation, waiting for vibrations from the docks, and the beginning of manna from Heaven. 

Ed Note: My sister who has a cabin here said she'd never had a hamburger or onion rings or even heard of Cisco's at the Marina.  The first day it is open we are taking her there to celebrate!  If you tell the gate that you are going to Cisco's they let you in free and it is a lovely place to have a Bear Lake lunch!

Pre Kindergarten Sign Up Activities

2014-2015 Kindergarten

Pre-school Kindergarten Day will be Thursday, April 17. We will be meeting at North Rich Elementary at 10:15 am. The schedule will be as follows:

10:15 - Bus safety and orientation.
10:45 - Children to Kindergarten for story & song.
Parents meet with Principal Motta for Kindergarten information.

Sign up for Kindergarten pre-registration to be held April 28 or 29.
11:15 – Lunch: Chicken nuggets and fries.
Cost is $3.00 for adults and $1.90 for children.
This should be a fun experience for you and your child as you both get ready for Kindergarten!
If you have any questions, please feel free to call Mr. Motta or Mrs. King at the school.

Hope to see you there!!!

Curtain Call For RHS Fiddler On The Roof

Request That Cheer and Drill Team Be Kept As A Single Unit

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times 

RANDOLPH, Utah. March 19, 2014. Scott Ferguson, Tammy Hoffman, and Justin Groll each presented information and facts concerning keeping the cheer leaders and drill team as one group or splitting them into two groups.

Ferguson suggested they should be kept as one group.  He noted that the first year they were combined; they did especially well in competitions.  The second year wasn’t as good, but it still seemed to keep the students more united and supportive.  He felt that the young ladies be given the option to participate in both drill and cheerleading, or either one—but not be forced to do both if they didn’t want to.

Hoffman noted that from a financial standpoint, it was much easier to work with one budget.  It was also easier when doing fundraising and it seemed that participation was greater than when the young ladies were combined into one group.  The programs were more united and supportive, and it appeared that the young women were actually developing more talents than otherwise.  The student body was also more united and supportive.  Also one coach for both activities was recommended.

Groll asked that the girls be allowed to choose whether they wanted to cheer, drill, or both.  He thought they should be able to have that choice.  He also suggested that there be once coach with an assistant if necessary.  He did, however, feel they should be kept together in one group.  He noted that the school was more supportive, and the staff did a good job in keeping the group together.

The Rich School Board thanked those who reported to them and noted they would discuss this matter and make a decision of how they will move forward in the future.

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

RANDOLPH, Utah.  March 19, 2014.  Becky Thomson and Jaden and Ashley Rex requested an opportunity to speak with the School Board in a closed session.  It was suggested that the administrators also leave the closed session to allow these individuals to express their concerns openly. 

The public was given an opportunity to give comments on a couple of proposed calendars for the next school years.  As a result of their input, a third option was made available.  It would have the teachers at the school August 18-19 with the students coming on the 20, 21, and 22 (which is a Friday).  The October 16 (UEA Day) would be used as a regular school day.  This suggestion would allow school to be out by Memorial Day and would give those individual who work with the County Fair to have that time available to them.

Since this was a compromise between the other two proposed calendars, the board requested that Superintendent Lamborn put this proposal out on the web site and give the public one more opportunity for input into next year’s calendar.  The decision can then be made next month.

Three students from Rich High School received recognitions of Academic All-state.  McKay Jarman and Kaden Bartlamay were chosen from the basketball area and Dakota Clark from wrestling.

The Utah Athletic Association will be holding a meeting March 26.  Lamborn noted that there will be a representative from our school district there.  They will be discussing the possibility of having six classifications in all of the athletic areas instead of just football.

Bridgerland will have their next meeting in April.  The Legislature gave them $500,000 for program improvement and another $200,000 for salary increases.  Apparently there had been no employee raises there for a long time.

April Board Meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 15, at 6:00 p.m. 

School Board Asked To Redistrict

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times 

RANDOLPH, Utah.  March 19, 2014. Bill Cox, Chairman of the County Commissioners, appeared before the School Board.  He indicated that a school board redistricting needs to take place in Rich County.  Currently, the various precincts vary too much in population.  There should only be about a 10 to 15 percent variation is the number of individuals that make up the different precincts.

The Commissioners decided that a redistricting committee needed to be formed.  Because each of the individuals on the School Board currently represent the different cities within the County, they decided to ask the School Board if they would become members of the committee along with at least one member of the County Commission and perhaps one other individual.  That would form a committee of seven individuals who could then go ahead to redefine possible boundaries for the various precincts.

The Commissioners thought that only the school board members on the committee would have the right to make the decisions and vote.  The other two members would be resources and assist in getting the desired and needed information.  The precinct changes will only affect school board representation.  The Commission would like two or three different proposals, and they would be the ones to make the final precinct designations.

Cox thought that other items need to be taken into account as the redistricting takes place such as the number or school age children in each area, the number of registered voters, and so forth in addition to the required population numbers.  The precincts must be contiguous to each other, and public hearings will have to be scheduled and held as possible boundaries are suggested.

One of the school board members noted that perhaps the individuals in the county would feel that members of the school board would be prejudiced.  The board members asked for a bit of time to consider this request.  Cox indicated that the State is currently doing its own census with a sampling method.  He felt this information might also be helpful, and it will take some time before those numbers become available.  He asked that the board discuss this request and let him know at the next board meeting.  

School Maintenance List For This Summer

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times 

RANDOLPH, Utah. March 10, 2014. The summer maintenance list was given to the School Board Members.  It was noted that there is approximately $150,000 that can be used on the maintenance projects.

The bleachers in the middle school gym need to be replaced.  They are in bad repair and could be unsafe.  It will cost approximately $100 per seat to replace.  There are five rows with 60 seats across.  The bleachers would be the automatic retractable kind.  The old gym in Randolph elementary also needs new bleachers at a cost of about $40,000 and the High School also needs new bleachers that would cost around $50,000.  Currently the bleachers in the High School require more than one person to pull them out and/or put them back.  The high school bleachers were put in place in 1992.  The bleachers in the old gym were installed in 1953.  However, the bleaches at the middle school are the first priority.

The insert roof at Rich High School still has the original membrane in place.  However, it is molding and starting to leak.  It needs to be repaired.  It has lasted much longer than originally thought—in other words, it has been used several years past its estimated life.

The tile floor in the middle school science room needs to be replaced.  The concrete underneath the floor has problems thereby resulting in a need for repair.  The kindergarten room has some floor issues as well.  The last time the floor was poured in that room, it didn’t adhere to the concrete.

The ladders going up in the gym no longer meet code.  There needs to be a backstop with the ladders.  Whenever the heaters need to be checked there, the ladders are used.

There are cement problems at all of the schools.  Winter is always hard on concrete.

Hot water in the bathrooms in both Randolph Elementary and Laketown Middle School needs to be taken care of.  The water has to run for about 30 minutes before hot water to become available.  It was suggested that an on demand tank less heater be put in the pipes at both of these restrooms.  It was also noted that there is no hot water in the CT lab in the middle school.

The football field needs work.  It is really uneven and rough and needs quite a bit of repair.

The pickup truck that Mr. Limb in currently using does not have enough horsepower to handle the current work for which it is being used.  It really doesn’t have enough power for pushing snow and/or hauling the new trailer to move equipment between Randolph and Laketown.   It currently has 220,000 miles on it.  The new trailer required a 5^th wheel—currently Mr. Limb is using his own personal vehicle to move the trailer.  The old truck does need to be upgraded.  The tractor used at the middle school is not handling the work required of it as well.  It needs to be traded in for a skidster with attachments for snow blowing, clearing sidewalks, and so forth.

New scoreboards are also needed on both sides of the hill.  They cost around $7,000 each.

The white boards at the middle school need to be replaced.  The last time there were updated, the white boards did not adhere making the surface bumpy and loose.  They must be replaced.  There was a whiteboard that was put up damaged and one that needs to slide back and forth but only one section was installed. 

There needs to be a sink added to the art room and the gym walls need repair.  There is also a problem with the west door at the middle school.  As the sun shines on it in the afternoon, it bows to the point that it can’t be latched or locked.

The board asked Mr. Limb if he would prioritize the required maintenance projects and get bids for all of them so that the school board could make better decisions for these summer jobs.  Mr. Limb said he would have that information at the next meeting.

Public Works Report

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  March 13, 2014.  Riley Argyle , Public Works Directory, asked that funds be set aside to work on Heritage Park this spring.  He would like to get the entire infrastructure in place—water, electricity and electric pads, sewer, sprinklers, etc.—anything that will require digging up the ground and grass.  This would then allow the City to add whatever buildings, walkways, and so forth as time and money permits and wouldn’t require things to be dug up over and over.  He would like to use some of the resort tax money to take care of the above items.

The pond is currently full and there are fish that lived over the winter.  Last fall there were some muskrats in the pond.  If anyone sees some more of these little critters, please let the City know so that they can be taken care of.

There are still four decorative lights that were purchased by the City last year.  They will be put in place in the next couple of weeks.

There needs to be five or six 18” water pipes put across Third West prior to graveling and asphalt.  These lateral pipes need head gates so that irrigation water can be controlled.  This project needs to be completed as quickly as possible.

There are still two water meters that need to be installed on the water pipes going into Idaho.  These meters will be put in place this spring.

GIS mapping has been on hold because of the lack of manpower to continue with this project.  It was suggested that Tammy Calder be trained on the system and let her work on this project part time.  The Council agreed to this suggestion.

The new well at the City Park will be used to run the sprinklers there.  The water rights have been transferred to handle this area.

Norm Mecham is working with the City on power and water easements.  He has promised to have everything ready and transferred to the City by the end of May.  Darrin Pugmire, Council Member, is working with Mecham and will be able to keep the Council aware of the progress being made.

The City Gun Range is on hold.  The State has decided that they need more time to check this project out more carefully.

Riley Argyle reported that Glenn Gillis, a new employee, has passed his water distribution test and will be taking the water treatment test in the next week or so.   The pool boiler is down—it will be cheaper for the City to buy a new one instead of trying to repair the present one.  The City has used a lot of sand and salt this past winter and will need to put more money into the winter plow budget this coming year.  UDOT is planning on working on the 300 West intersections in the next few years.  Garden City needs to work with them to get pipe under the highway when they do this project.  The water line needs to run all the way along 300 West.  The standards book needs some updates along with some of the City ordinances.  Riley is starting to work on these so that changes can be suggested to Planning and Zoning.

The Unmuddled Mathematician

Two hours and 40 minutes

By Chris Coray, The Unmuddled Mathematician

 

Jet aircraft and the geometry of the earth create some dramatic differences.  As you know, the winters at Bear Lake are long, even when the lake does not freeze.  Bobbie and I don’t mind the cold or even the snow so we stay home during Christmas, New Years, the Cisco Disco, and enjoy the peace and quiet with our friends.  But then comes March.  In March  the snow begins to melt and the roads on our hillside turn to mud.  Serious, thick, all cars are completely brown mud.  Sometimes we hope for a freeze just at dark or a freeze in the morning so we can get up or down the hill without adding 75 lbs to the weight of the car.  And we are tired of the long, dark nights and short days, even though by March that has changed considerably. 

Anyway, concurrent with our permanent relocation from Logan to Bear Lake Bobbie bought on the second-hand market 3 weeks of timeshares in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.  It is a 2 hour and 40 minute airplane ride from SLC, straight south.  But the climate seems other worldly compared to home.  This article is being written 50 yards from the ocean, an ocean in which I can swim, snorkel, and if I want, go fishing for a really big fish (as in marlin).  I need to point out that Bobbie has to mentally psych herself up for the snorkeling.  She does great, but it takes her a couple of hours before we get to the beach to facing her ocean demons before she gets comfortable.  Then she is just fine and stays out longer than everyone else.

The temperature every day is within a degree of 86 for a high, 62 for a low, and the probability of precipitation is zero.  I did see a small cloud one day for a few minutes but it went away. The only thing not perfect about this place is the small (actually very tiny) guilt we feel when we think about our dear friends to the north.  We will do our best to bear the guilt.  It helps if you like Mexican food, fresh fish, and flowers all around.  We go 3 for 3 on those features.  We have no intention of making this an annual long-term stay.  Two or three weeks are just right.  Last year the Englands came with us, this year we had Bobbie’s sister Kathie and her husband Mark for a week.  The Browers have been here and all who have come have made our trips better and more memorable.  We even got our kids to come once.  The granddaughters really liked the flamingos.

Finally, there are two really great aspects of this annual trip, which includes a visit to my mother in California.  First, we trade the mud and ugly transition from winter to spring at Bear Lake for unrelenting sun-filled, ocean front warmth (or heat) with no mud.  Then at the end, we get to come home to the magnificence of Bear Lake and all of you.   Bob, please tell Ann that we can almost smell the aroma of the chocolate chip cookies and if you are a good boy I’ll slip one back to you from any batch that finds its way to me.

PS:

  This is not a place where you want to send your sons and daughters, ages 18-24.  Way too much skin, way too little square inches of swimsuits, and way, way too much alcohol in their hands.  The Mango Deck has no mangos.

Garden City Council Meeting

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY,Utah.  March 13, 2014.The Garden City General Plan was approved by the Garden City Council.  They liked the way it was written and the objectives that have been included.

The Parks and Trails Plan was discussed.  It was determined that perhaps some additional materials and information be added to the plan prior to approval.

A review of the Garden City Culinary Water Impact Fee Analysis was discussed.  It was approved as presented.  The ordinance updating and establishing water impact fee policies and procedures was also accepted by the Council.

The budget figures were handed out to Council members.  They looked the information over and noted that a discussion of the suggested budget will be conducted at the next meeting.  However, getting the items early will allow Council Members to do some research and be prepared to deal with the budget next month.

DeWayne Gifford was re-appointed to the Planning and Zoning Committee.  Marcia Solum was re-appointed to the Board of Adjustments.  Tammy Calder was appointed Deputy Recorder.

Council Member Chuck Stocking reported that the City Library is running out of space.  They have some especially good materials and are getting more all the time.  They hate to dispose of items that are being used regularly.  Mayor Spuhler said that they definitely couldn’t have the Special Collections room for expansion.  If they wanted to expand, they need to look at other options.  Mayor Spuhler also said they should be using e-books and other automated devices instead of hard back books.

Stocking asked if it would be possible to give Dawn Brady a raise in salary.  She has been with the library a long time and hasn’t had a raise.  The Council made and passed a motion to raise Dawn Brady’s wages.

Stocking noted that the shuttle idea should be expedited since summer was coming rather quickly.  Mayor Spuhler told him to write up some policies and guidelines that could be used to move forward with this idea.

Stocking reported that the water boiler for the hot tub at the pool has died and asked if it could be replaced.  He was told to take care of that matter.  Stocking is also working on the city kiosk.  He noted that an electronic device with shatter resistant surface and water proof would be needed in the kiosk.  Mayor Spuhler told him to go ahead and move forward on that as well.

Councilman Bruce Warner noted that there are individuals who are currently running businesses within the City Limits who have no business licenses.  He was told to take Gary Cox, the Enforcement Officer, with him and call on any individuals who appear to have a business without a license.  A sales tax letter should probably be sent to the various businesses in town to make sure they are collecting and sending in the required taxes.

There are several places in town that need to clean up their premises.  They are cluttered and portray the wrong image.  Gary was asked to check with these businesses as well to see if changes can be made.

Bess Huefner, Council Member reported that she has been working with the Raspberry Days Committee.  Things are shaping up there very well.  The entertainment is pretty much lined up.  Rick Rose will be singing along with some other groups.  The craft fair is ready to go. 

Joey Stocking is currently working on the sign ordinance through the Chamber of Commerce.  He will be taking the new ordinance to Planning and Zoning next month.  A Public Hearing needs to be scheduled.  The ordinance will then move to the City Council.

Darrin Pugmire is working with accesses to the various water storage tanks.  Easements need to be written and turned over to the City.  He is concerned with the number of individuals who need to be contacted and agreements made with them.  Pugmire feels that water is a real issue, especially the storage tanks.  Additional attention and work needs to be spent on this item.

Mayor Spuhler said his major concerns at the present time were parking and transportation between The City and the lake shore. 

City Makes Plans For Summer

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah. March 13, 2014.  Zan Murray, Garden City engineer, reported that the water plan presented by Fred Philpot, water consultant, needs to be approved by the Council.  It then needs to be filed with the State and get their approval.  He noted that Cindy Gooch was still working on the Tiger Grant.  He asked if Council Member Bess Huefner had all of the needed support letters.  They will be needed when the grant is again submitted.

The City will be getting about $500,000 from the state for parking and lake access.  The number was originally $750,000 but $250,000 is to go to sovereign lands and the County.  The funds have been targeted specifically for development of 150 South and lake access through the City Park.  Design for 150 South is about ready so that decisions can be made about impacts on neighbors, natural springs, and so forth.  If possible, development on the east side of 75 North also needs to be improved.  Murray noted that he and Council Member Darrin Pugmire will work on what Danny White has put together for 75 North.  It was also mentioned that the problem of getting people to and from the beach needs to be considered.

Gary Cox then reported on work he has been doing.  He has been working on the city budget.  He congratulated the City on the refinancing that was done this winter.  It will save the City a tremendous amount of money in interest expense.  He has also been looking into the water system, and the problems and costs involved there. 

He noted that the kiosk needs to be completed.  Some electronic devices will probably be placed there that will assist people in finding addresses and advertising businesses within the City.  A possible shuttle service is being considered, and he has been working on several possibilities there.

He is reading the ordinances to become more familiar with them.  He is the ordinance enforcement officer for the City and wants to understand and know where enforcement may be needed.  He had been to the Chamber of Commerce meeting.  They are working on the City’s signage ordinance.  Mayor Spuhler noted that he hoped they will continue to do that and make it easier to enforce and understand.

Apparently the Planning and Zoning Committee are working on a nuisance ordinance and other ordinances that will help beautify the City.  He is willing to work with them in attempting to make certain areas of the City more in line with the City’s name.

The City will be getting ride of the cattle guards that have been in place and remove some of the gates to give greater lake access.  He is interested in the quagga mussel problem and is willing to help there.  A new ad campaign to make people more aware of this issue might help in getting people to be more careful with their water craft as they go from one body of water to another.

Cox is very interested in the shuttle idea.  He thinks it will encourage people to stop and stay longer in the community if they could park and ride to the lakeshore.  He feels the parking additions will really help the city.

He noted that Planning and Zoning are working on a height ordinance that would allow buildings over 35’.  Right now they are looking at some areas west on Paradise Parkway north of the city offices.

He has been working on more ads and advertising to get people better acquainted with the Garden City area. 

George Peart, building inspector, reported that there have been three building permits already issued this month—two are on Cherimoya.  He noted that two more homes are going into Eagle Feather.  Planning and Zoning are working on ordinances and seem to be moving forward. 

Council Member Chuck Stocking asked George how the County determined primary and secondary residences.  He noted that he has lived in the Garden City for about six years and has been paying taxes on his home that was listed as a secondary home.  He didn’t realize there was a difference.  Just because someone builds a home in Garden City doesn’t mean it is secondary.  When you are new in the area, you don’t understand the differences between these two items and assume the County does their homework.  It appears, however, that everything in Garden City is secondary unless they can prove otherwise.  He asked if Peart could help the County be more accurate in their decisions and tax collection policy.