Good Stuff!

Woman in Gold, HuHot, Andersen Asphalt

John Brown, The Man

I recently watched Woman in Gold with my family, and we loved it. It has delightful characters, a suspenseful plot, and moments of both humor and deep poignancy.

The movie is based on the true story of Maria Altmann, an elderly Jew living in Los Angeles. When she was a young woman, the Nazis took over Austria. She fled, narrowly escaping. In addition to all the horrors committed against her people and family that couldn’t get out, the Nazis stole artwork and other precious items. The problem is that after the war, many of these items were then appropriated by individuals or the countries of Europe and not returned to their original owners.

The movie is about Maria and her young lawyer who fight the Austrian government to have a famous painting called Woman in Gold that was legally and rightfully hers returned. It’s a legal battle that went all the way to the Supreme Court of the United States in 2004. But this isn’t about someone wanting a painting. It’s about so much more.

If you enjoyed Mr. Holmes, Saving Mr. Banks, or Bridge of Spies, I think you will love this movie. You will love the dynamic between the frank-speaking Maria and her lawyer. And you will be moved.

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Nellie and I recently celebrated our anniversary and enjoyed a delicious meal at HuHot Mongolian Grill in Logan, Utah.

If you’ve never been to a Mongolian grill, here’s how it works. You take a plate, pile it with your desired selection of fresh meats and veggies, douse it with sauces, then hand the plate to the chef. He then spreads it on his gigantic, circular Mongolian grill and cooks it before your eyes, then hands your hot meal back to you. You take it to your table and enjoy a fine, fresh stir fry of your own making.

If you want more, or want to try something different, when you’re finished, you go back because it’s an all-you-can-eat grill. I can happily report that Nellie and I did go back. We wanted to go back a third time but were stuffed.

The food was excellent. The service was friendly. If you’re looking for something different, I think you’ll want to give HuHot a try.

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Folks with asphalt driveways and parking areas, I have something you’ll be interested in.

I have a nice long driveway, about 5,500 square feet of asphalt. We hadn’t touched it since 2005 when it was installed. But asphalt doesn’t last forever. If it’s not periodically sealed, it weathers and cracks, and then the water gets in and undermines the whole structure, and soon you get pot holes and alligator cracks and the thing becomes a mess. Last year some small cracks began to show, and we knew we couldn’t put it off any longer.

I called a number of places for quotes and availability. And the person who gave me the best quote and quickest turnaround was Caden Andersen of Andersen Asphalt. The name will sound familiar because that’s the Caden that grew up in Rich County. He and his brother took over his grandfather’s long-standing business.

And I am happy to report that they did an excellent job at an excellent price. They came and cleaned the whole thing with wire brooms (although I power washed it before they came), filled the cracks with hot tar, then sealed everything with two coats. Their service was friendly and prompt. And they went the extra mile. There were some large cracks in the city’s road right before you turn off into our driveway. They filled those cracks with tar as well for no extra charge. The result is a beautiful driveway that’s going to last for quite some time.

They have two locations right now, one in Cokeville, Wyoming and the second in South Ogden, Utah. If you live within an hour or two of either of those places and need to seal some asphalt, I highly recommend you give Andersen Asphalt a call.

There Was Actually One Sunny Day Last Week!

Photo by Lauriann Wakefield

Garden City Council Business

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  May 12, 2016. Clea’s Nifty Gifts 1, requested a business license to conduct a retail store at 55 West Logan Road.  Dean and Tina Bolton will be running this business.  The request was approved.

KB Management, L.L.C., made a request to conduct a real estate financial service business at 29 West Tamarind Way.  Approval was given.

Let’s Get Away Properties, L.L.C., requested to conduct a property management company at 100 West Season’s Lane.  Sam Goodell will be conducting this business.  The request was approved.

There were two requests for short term rentals.  Granger Properties, L.L.C., owns a home at 929 North Harbor Village East Drive, # 114.  Bear Lake Lodging will be handling this rental.  Approval was given.

The second property is owned by Mark and Kathy Hislop.  The rental property is located at 35 West 150 South.  Bear Lake Project Management, L.L.C. will be the rental company handling this property.  Approval was given.

Lance Bourne has been operating a company called Bear Lake Water Adventures located on the lake shore below The Garden City Park.  He decided he no longer wanted to run this company.  It was put out to bid.  Leo Spuhler won the bid and will take over this business this summer.  Leo Spuhler asked to be given a business license and a  concessionaire license and showed that he had the required insurance for this business.  He will also have to obtain a boat license.  The Council granted the city business license for a one-year time period and renewed the concessionaire’s license.

A discussion and approval was granted for the Garden City Park Trail Project.  This trail will be built to allow individuals who park at the 350 South parking lot on the east side of Bear Lake Blvd. to walk a bit further east and get on the trail that the City’s is building.  It will run south into the park. The individuals using this trail will then be able to continue across the bottom part of the park to get to the roadway leading to the walkway to the beach. 

Norm Mecham asked the City to terminate the covenant to run with the land listed on the agenda.  These lots are part of the Eagle Feather Subdivision in Shundahi.  This will allow the lots that have sold and buildings are being built on them to be released and allow for deeds of private ownership to be granted.

The Council was then asked to make a covenant to run with the land encumbering the lots listed on the Agenda.  These lots are in the Eagle Feather Subdivision which is part of Shundahi.  These lots will be treated as one property until additional lots are sold and built on.  At that time, the request to terminate the covenant to run with the land will again be requested.

Riley Argyle, Public Works Supervisor, noted that a change of use for Swan Creek Canal shares has been made.  The agricultural water will now be used for culinary purposes.  The Council was pleased with this action.

The Garden City Ordinance #16-03 is an ordinance updating the parking restrictions in City Parking Lots.  It was determined that when a large vehicle or car with trailer etc. parks across several parking stalls, a ticket shall be given.  There should be enough extra long parking stalls that these vehicles can pull through thereby using only one parking stall even though the vehicle is long.  The Council approved this addition to this ordinance.

Resolution #R16-01 updates the administrative code infraction fine schedule to add a fine for overnight parking in City Parking Lots.  The Council passed this resolution.

After a discussion, approval of the Certification of Delinquency of Assessments and charges for the Buttercup Special Improvement District was made.

A review of the budget for the current fiscal year, July 1, 2015, through June 30, 2016, was carried out.  It was noted that the Parks budget needed to be opened and transfers made.  Each member of the Board was asked to look over all of the changes from the previous year because the new budget will be passed at next month’s meeting.

Attention was called to a new item on next year’s budget—advertising money.  Money has been put into this category to do some marketing to draw more tourists into the Garden City.  Currently the City is working with the Aggie Sports area to get more visibility for Garden City at their fall sports events.  The campaign would begin in the fall emphasizing winter activities available in Garden City. Winter is the off season and would help businesses here in the City to bring in more people during that time period.   The proposed budget has $15,000 set aside for this fund.

A review was made of the proposed fiscal year July 1, 2016, through June 30, 2017.  Budget funds include the general fund, Buttercup special improvement district fund, capital projects fund, beach access fund, and the enterprise (water) fund. Approval by the Council was given.

The Council also approved the Utah Retirement rates for the fiscal year July 2, 2016, through June 30, 2017.

Anita Weston was appointed to serve on the City’s Appeal Authority Board.  She was thanked for accepting this responsibility. 

Crosby Asks For Non Conforming Road Again

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times 

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  May 12, 2015.  Rulon Crosby appeared before the City Council.  He was asking that the City Council approve the preliminary plat for a 6-lot subdivision west of 1593 South Bear Lake Blvd. called Cotton Wood Subdivision.  He has been to  Planning and Zoning several times.  Each time, the Planning and Zoning Committee have recommended to the City Council to deny this request because Mr. Crosby cannot meet the City’s required building set-backs. 

There are currently two homes on that property that are too close together to meet the City’s requirements.  By putting a roadway between the two homes makes each of the lots corner lots.  Corner lots require sets back of 20 feet.  This has been done for safety reasons.  There needs to be enough space that individuals using the road have the necessary clearance to be able to see what traffic is on the road before pulling onto Bear Lake Blvd.

Two members of the Planning Commissioner were present—Lance Bourne and Jim Degroot.  They gave reasons for denying the plat.  The City Council discussed this issue for some time.  Several suggestions were given to Mr. Crosby.  They suggested that he move one of the homes onto one of the lots that would be for sale.  This would give plenty of room for the needed road.  Another suggestion was to tear down one of the homes to gain the necessary room.  Others suggested that he build a road into the west side of his property that would give easy access.  None of the suggestions met with Mr. Crosby’s desires. 

Mr. Crosby noted that he had obtained a UDOT access permit.  He said that he knew the Council had the authority to make exceptions and asked that they do so in this situation.  The Council didn’t feel they should give an exception and voted no on giving permission for this subdivision to be built.

Mr. Crosby noted that he would be going to the Variance Committee for permission to build the road between the two homes.

Garden City Engineer Report

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

  

GARDEN CITY, Utah. May 12, 2016.  Zan Murray; City Engineer, reported that Waters Edge Phase 3 was passed by Planning and Zoning.  He has signed the preliminary plat.  There are some additional signatures that are needed.

The parking lot at 150 South needs to be repaired.  The asphalt needs to be replaced in some areas.

An agreement for Shundahi  water tank still needs some additional details and the agreement of some property owners.

 The Beach Access Trail at 350 South was put out to bid.  The lowest bid was accepted from Rock and Dirt, a local company.  The bid was for either cement or asphalt.  It was decided that asphalt would be the best way to go.  Asphalt can be made to look new about every five or so years by adding slurry.  This will give the trail a longer life.

A contract will be signed.  The project should be completed in 30 days from start to finish.  It should be done about July 1.  There will be a $500 penalty for each day over the end date.  There will be fencing along the frontage.  The right-of-way is 66 feet wide.  A privacy fence six feet high will be put up along the west side of the trail.  The fence will cost approximately $7,000.

Planning and zoning denied the Cotton Wood Subdivision to proceed.  The City’s ordinances were not met.

Elk Ridge agreement with Raspberry Patch for the entrance/exit will be a crash gate.  A MOU will be written to summarize all of the items agreed upon by the two parties.  The document will be completed and will be presented before the Council. The easements have been a stumbling block for the USDA funding possibility. 

Public Works Report

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah. May 12, 2016.  Riley Argyle, Public Works Supervisor, noted that progress has been made with the GPS project to map all of the meters and valves in the water system.

Argyle also asked that the City buy from the state some of the materials that they are using in redoing the roads here.  They will probably have some left and will give us a good buy.  When it is put on gravel, it is almost like asphalting the road.  It is impressive stuff.  The Council gave him permission to order what he felt would be good.

The flag project will be set up on the 25^th of the May.  That is only three days before the memorial service.  Argyle said, “Hopefully, there won’t be any more hitches in getting the flag in place.”

Wildlife In The Spring Mountains Here

Photo by Reed Eborn

Ordinance Officer Report

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times 

GARDEN CITY, Utah. May 12, 2016.  Robert Peterson, Garden City Ordinance Officer, reported that short term rentals have become an interesting issue within the State of Utah.  The state conducted a survey of the top 50 cities and received the response that they did not have any short term rentals.  Thus, the legislature decided to create a law that Utah doesn’t allow short term rentals.  However, as soon as this information became public, the State was accused of being anti-business.

As further research was done, it was discovered that 92 percent of all cities do allow short term rentals.  The default has to be no restrictions in most of these cases. Most cities do not have any regulations or controls.  There is a large effect on land use.  The issue is really very complicated.  After the State become more aware of short term rentals, they backed off.  Eleven of twenty-four cities were asked to be part of a task force.  The League of Cities noted that the ordinances written and enforced in Garden City are the strongest found in the State of Utah.

When Garden City is compared with the other cities in Utah who have short term rentals, Garden City manages them and controls them well.  Garden City uses a three prong approach—they have good enforcement, they have a strong ordinance that is in writing, and they use software to keep track of what is happening.  Garden City also uses a warning on a first infraction, and sharper warning on a second infraction, and the license is pulled on the third infraction.  As a result of Garden City’s efforts in this area, Bob Peterson has been asked to serve on the state advisory board.

The League of Cities has copied Garden City’s ordinance and shared it with most of the cities that do have short-term rentals.

Peterson noted that he is now carrying his ordinance enforcement telephone as we get closer to summer.  He announced that there are 50 people who work in the computer software area.  They will be in town and would like to do a service to the community while they are here.  They will be taken to the beach to pick up trash.  They will spend about two hours on this project.

This summer Garden City is going to attempt to follow the sign ordinance and clean up many of the lots that have trash and don’t look very good.  Letters will be sent to retailers asking them to please comply with the sign ordinance.  We are starting to see lots of banners, more than two signs, and other infractions.

With the trash project Peterson will be taking photographs of yards and will be sending letters to the owners asking them to clean up their property.  There are fines already in place for both of the above infractions—signs and litter.

Building Inspector Report

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah. May 12, 2016. George Peart, residential building inspector, gave a list to the Council members of the current permits issued so far this year.  Most of the permits are for remodels—expensive remodels.  There are still 15 permits open from last year and one more permit for a home on the lake has just been signed.

There will be a home show starting on May 26.  Hopefully, all of the homes listed will be completed.  Sometimes it is a good thing to have deadlines.

There is a May deadline for business licenses.  There is only one HOA which has written a letter to the City noting that they are against short term rentals.  No one else has responded to the request for this information from the various subdivisions within Garden City.

Elk's Ridge Subdivision

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah. May 12, 2016. Elk’s Ridge water system easement and the property agreement where the water tank is located were discussed.  It was noted that an agreement had been reached concerning these two items.  However, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) needs to be written and signed concerning this matter.  The MOU will need to be brought to the Council Members for their approval. 

Before the application to USDA can be submitted, an agreement with Elk’s Ridge and Raspberry Patch concerning the second entry/exit to Elk’s Ridge will also need to be signed. 

The water tank property on Elk’s ridge will be used to increase water pressure to both Raspberry Patch and Foothill Estates. Easements from both of these subdivisions must be signed showing their approval.  It was noted that in the original Elk’s Ridge development, enough water was to be stored in the water tank for 220 water connections.  One hundred of the lots brought water rights with them.  However, the additional 120 lots do not have water rights and will have to purchase the needed water rights as development proceeds. 

The City has noted that they will pay $10,000 toward the improvement of Elk’s Ridge’s roads.  The individuals who have purchased lots in that subdivision will be responsible for the remaining monies needed to get the roads in the shape required by the City’s ordinances.  The City will be responsible for a telemetry system concerning water usage.

There are some lots on the plat that are smaller than the current rezone.  However, because they were approved originally, they will be allowed.  There are several other items that must be negotiated. Agreements need to be signed acknowledging the negotiated items so that building and development can move forward in the various subdivisions involved in this area.

Hopefully all of these matters can be taken care of in the next few days so that the City can proceed with their application for a grant to assist with City culinary water issues.

Musings Of A Muddled Male

And the Dog Barked

By Bob Stevens, The Muddled Male

       I must admit that I am confused.  I have learned to accept the fact that Ann, my wife, constantly monitors my carbohydrate intake, but not too long ago, as I mentioned in a previous article, she hollered that my lunch was on the counter and then left in the car.  When I got to the counter there lay eight sugar-snap peas and a handful of Fiddle Faddle™.   I admit that sugar-snap peas sound like her.  But Fiddle Faddle sounds like me and I began to wonder if she had set a trap before she left to test my honesty and will power.  I scrubbed the entire eating area for cameras, but as far as I could tell I was alone and unmonitored.  The unmonitored thing really made me suspicious because she never leaves me unmonitored when I am around things that fall into my two favorite food groups, delicious and sweet.  Take my recent purchase of See’s^TM peanut brittle, for example.  We were in the mall in Riverdale near Ogden and I happened to walk by the See’s store, an action that resulted in a serious attack of peanut brittle withdrawal (or pbw as it is known in medical circles).  After a short moment of panic, I recalled that the treatment for pbw, and my only hope for survival, was to purchase a large box of peanut brittle, eat two large pieces immediately, and then eat two large pieces every hour until the candy, I mean medicine, was all gone.  Oh, and repeat as necessary if Ann isn’t watching.

       Ann wasn’t convinced that my proposed treatment was doctor prescribed, or medically approved, and so I didn’t tell her that I had already started the treatment by eating the first two pieces along with a sample offered by the clerk at the time of purchase.  But when we got home, and while I was putting the car in the garage, Ann audited the box and found that it had been opened and two pieces were missing.  When I returned from the garage I found that my lifesaving box of pbw medicine was nowhere to be found.  After a rather loud verbal exchange, during which I admit that I raised my voice loud enough to scare our neighbors, Ann admitted that she had hidden the box.  But she claimed that she had hidden it for me because she noticed that I had been watching the package closely as though I was concerned that a thief might steal it.  Fair enough, said I, but when I asked her where it was hidden she refused to tell me.  In an elevated voice I explained that to hide the box for me implied that it was hidden from others, but not from me, at which time she admitted that she had hidden it from me because she noticed that I had already had two pieces, and she felt that hiding it from me was justified by the fact that she was only trying to save my life.

       Well, I tried sweet talk, bribery, threats, tears, and holding my breath until my face turned red, but three weeks have gone by and she still won’t reveal the hiding place.  I tried a substitute treatment of M&M peanuts, but a case of pbw as serious as mine needs peanut brittle with equal or better quality than the See’s peanut brittle that started the withdrawal in the first place.  M&M peanuts helped a little, but a complete recovery would require pbw medicine of much higher quality than M&M peanuts.  Each time Ann left the house I scoured every nook and cranny I could think of, but my medicine just seems to have disappeared.  After several fruitless searches I began to research various methods used by police and CIA operatives to find contraband hidden by clever belligerents trying to avoid being caught in an illegal act.

       The obvious technique would be to find a dog that had been trained to sniff out peanut brittle.  The problem is that I haven’t been able to find a dog that trusts me any more than Ann does, and I am guessing that as soon as I command “Find,” the dog will take Ann’s side and begin barking at me.  When I read this to Ann to give her a chance to respond, she said that after three weeks she can’t remember where she hid my precious peanut brittle anyway, so HA!!  For payback I have decided to switch my allegiance to M&M Almonds and hide them in a stainless steel can in our little garden patch under a planting label that declares “BEWARE, POISON IVY.”

Garden City Planning Commission Report

Anita Weston, Reporter
Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  May 4, 2016. Mayor John Spuhler spoke to the Planning Commission.  He wanted to let the Commission know that the City has an excellent attorney.  “Tony Martenell does a very good job for the City,” he said. “ He also is very reasonable in his billing.  Most of the time when the City needs advice, they contact the League of Cities because they do not charge any fee at all.”

When members of the Planning Commission have questions, they should contact the mayor first.  If the mayor decides additional legal information is needed, he will contact either the League of Cities or Tony for the needed information.

Mayor Spuhler thanked the individuals on the Commission for their time and work.  He noted that he feels they are doing a super job.  He asked them to continue.

Rulon Crosby presented his preliminary plat to the Planning Commission.  This is the third or fourth time that he has come to the Planning Commission.  The Commission noted that perhaps the ordinance wasn’t written as clearly as it should have been.  However, everyone on the Commission noted that with the road going down between the two homes, it does turn the lots into corner lots.  As a result, the 20’ set backs are required and necessary.  It was noted that all cities require that much of a set back on corner lots to allow drivers entering the highway have a clear view and able to enter other road safely.

All members of the committee said they would pass on their opinion to the City Council to deny the subdivision.

Crosby was not pleased but noted that he would go to City Council and asked for an exception.

There needed to be a clarification of a fence between Don Huefner’s and Water’s Edge, at approximately 50 South Bear Lake Blvd. and 138 South Bear Lake Blvd.  Don Huefner requested that Water’s Edge put up a 7’ privacy fence.  Water’s Edge felt a 6’ fence would be adequate.

The Commission asked Huefner why he wanted such a high fence.  He noted that he is tall enough that he can see over a 6’ fence and would prefer the 7’ one.  A higher fence would also help reduce noise.

Water’s Edge  developers are planning on moving one of the existing buildings that is on the property over near Huefners and use it to store equipment and supplies.  It would be nice to have a building close to the construction site that would keep equipment and supplies safe, clean, and dry.  The Commission discussed this matter for quite some time before deciding that a 7’fence was approved.

Bob Peterson talked with the Commission asking if they had divided duties among the various members of the Commission to make their work easier.  It was noted that if each individual became very familiar with certain ordinances, not everyone would need to be well versed in all of the ordinances.  Bob felt that the Commission would become more technical and able to answer questions more quickly and accurately.

After some discussion by the members of the Commission, they decided that they would all begin working on the various definitions that go along with the ordinances.  They would then decide if they wanted to specialize.

The Commission was asked if they would like to change the meeting time from 5 p.m. to 5:30.  Most members wanted to keep the meeting at 5.  They said if there was a public hearing scheduled, it could be set for 5 and then the meeting could start at 5:30.  Then, no one would need to take off work early or be confused on whether they needed to be there at 4:30 or 5 as in the past.

It was noted that work at Jake’s Place did not conform or follow the information that was presented to the Commission prior to the renovations that are currently being made.  They had requested engineering plans in order for the remodel to take place.  Apparently, no engineering had been done nor submitted as requested.

The members of the Commission need to make sure that when conditions are given to individuals and their requests, follow-up is necessary.  Members of the Commission are responsible to make sure conditions are met.  They noted that someone would go and talk with those working at Jake’s Place.

The Beach Is Ready!

Photo by Lauriann Wakefield

Rich Middle School Citizens And Students Of The Month - May

Citizens of the Month Rich Middle School

Sage Rothlisberger, Amber Cook  Kylie Thomson, Aly Wallentine,  Owen Teuscher,  Maddy Compton, Yrene Mungia

Students of the Month Rich Middle School

Kyler Wilson, Peyton Allred,  Kassidee Groll,  Alli Jarman, Matt Jessen, Catelyn Nye, Hannah Hillier

May Lake

Photo by Darin Pugmire