Six Days Of Unremitting Snow And Counting....

Snow Trees
Photo by Lauriann Wakefield
 

Garden City Planning and Zoning

Randall Knight & Anita Weston, Reporters

Rich Civic Times 

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  February 5, 2014. A public hearing was held to allow the public an opportunity to have questions concerning Water’s Edge answered by the developer, Norm Mecham.  It was noted that all proposed structures meet City ordinance requirements.  The footprint is larger with the new design than with the original one with a higher roof line presented at prior meetings. 

The opportunity for the public to ask questions about the proposed trails and parks plan was also made available to the public.  

The Planning and Zoning meeting was held as scheduled at 5:00 PM.  The board members in attendance were: Lance Bourne, Jim Stone, Mike Schiess, Susan House, Pat Argyle and Dewayne Gifford. Nate Gracey was absent. 

Dewayne Gifford was sworn in as a  new board member.  

Norm Mecham reviewed the new Waters Edge design submitted two weeks before the meeting date. Several questions were asked and answered and the main discussion focused on the number and locations of handicap parking and access to the hotel.  An agreement was made on the specific location of where the building height would change from 35 ft to 25 ft high.   A proposal was made to accept the plans as presented with the understanding they are conceptual and will be updated as the plan matures.  The conceptual plan was approved. 

The Parks and Trails Master Plan was discussed. P&Z member, Mike Schiess, requested the document include a list of goals and objectives for future citizens to understand what was intended when the document was written.  Gary Cox, the new city administrator, had not had time to become familiar with the plan.  Schiess also requested a method to monitor and repair the trails that are damaged by erosion.  Because the city plans are encouraging people to come to Garden City to enjoy the bike path and number of trails available from town and the local area, he thought a comment should be added about the bike path eventually going around the lake.  A question was asked on how much money the City spends on the bike path.  Riley Argyle reported the city spends about $60,000 per year to maintain the bike path.  A question was asked about what the RV/OHV restrictions are for highway 89/30.  That matter needs to be investigated.

Ted Wilson, the owner of the access road/trails to Hodges and Richardson canyon, recommend the trails be closed in the spring to prevent excess erosion by four wheelers.  He said the public is abusing the access by destroying his signs, fences, and having open fires.  Mr. Wilson stated in some places the trail is within 45 ft of the spring which provides culinary water to him and the city so a new access needs to be provided. This would especially be needed if the city starts to promote these canyons as off-road trails to Logan canyon summit. He also opposes the city spending city tax dollars on projects outside the city limits.

Darin Pugmire asked the board to review the parking ordinance requirement and specifically the 10 parking spaces for a 10,000 sq ft building and 1 additional parking stall for every 200 sq ft above the 10,000.  He said with an average of 3.5 people per car, his parking requirement would be for 35 people even though his business cannot handle that many, so the requirement does not make sense.  He thinks the city should take a more active roll in creating additional parking areas to reduce the parking on Hwy 89/30.  He submitted a list of 4 areas that needs the parking requirement reviewed.  The board also agreed there needs to be clarification added to include employee parking spaces. 

Pugmire also asked the board to review the new setback requirement from Hwy 89/30 and the side setback of  6 ft versus the old requirement of 4 ft.  Pat Argyle stated that because Pugmire is a City Council member the policies and procedures need to be followed.  Therefore, the board agreed he needed to go before the Variance Committee to resolve his concerns.

Riley Argyle, City Public Works,  updated the board on the bonding ordinance requirement based on what the City’s attorney told him.  The attorney said ANY improvements and not just infrastructure improvements need to be bonded.  Bonds are required for the total project and not just the various phases.  Pugmire said he called eight cities to see what they do.  They reported that bonds are required for phases and not the total project.  He said Heber requires cash only bonds and the performance bond money goes to the city if the development isn’t completed.  Lance Bourn, Chair of the Planning & Zoning, said a public hearings and town council meetings need to address this new requirement.

Under miscellaneous discussions, Argyle said the current ordinance does not allow rodeos, only livestock auctions.  He introduced two owners of a livestock company that is proposing to bring a rodeo to the city.  Their plan is to hold more than one rodeo during the summer months.  This would require an arena to be built and the proposed area would be north of the city office buildings.

The Planning and Zoning Committee decided they needed to hold a work meeting to update and work on City Ordinances.  They want to look at zoning areas of taller buildings, bonding, parking, and so forth.

Bourne noted that there are several areas in town where cleanup is needed.  He mentioned that the area around the Chevron Station is not very welcoming to people driving into the town.  He noted that the individuals involved have been contacted and asked to tidy up that area.

It was suggested that everyone google Prince of Wales Hotel to see what can be done when views of the area are preserved.  Garden City is probably late in doing such a thing, but hopefully, some views can be opened up or obtained.

It was noted that Harbor Village Light House is 75’ high and doesn’t appear to be extremely tall.  This might be included in the height discussion ordinance.

 

 

 

Part-Time Job Available

HELP WANTED:  Rich County Recorder’s Office seeks part-time deputy.  Must be able to operate standard office machines including typewriter.  Must be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.  Applications may be picked up at the Rich County Clerk’s office M-F 9:00– 2:00, 1:00-5:00 or printed from the County Website.  Send Application and Resume to P.O. Box 322, Randolph, UT, or submit to dames@richcountyut.org.  Position will remain open until qualified individual is found

January Sheriff's Report

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

RANDOLPH, Utah. January, 2014.  There were 85 incidents during the month of January.  There were 39 in Garden City, 12 in Laketown, 3 in the north end of the County, 23 in Randolph, 1 in the south end of the County, and 7 in Woodruff. 

Garden City had 6 Citizen Assists, 4 Alarms, 4 Civil Processes, and 4 Traffic Hazards.  There were 2 each of the following:  Agency Assistance, Animal Problems, DUI alcohol or Drugs, Traffic Accidents with Damage, Suspicious Persons/Circumstances, Thefts, and VIN Serial Number Inspections.  There was 1 each of the following:  Abandoned Vehicle, Child Abuse or Neglect, Controlled Substance Problem, Fire, Lockout, Traffic Accident with Injuries, and Traffic Violation. 

Laketown had 3 Traffic Hazards and 1 each of the following:  Agency Assistance, Alarm, Citizen Assist, DUI Alcohol or Drugs, Juvenile Problem, Medical Emergency, Suspicious Person/Circumstance, Theft, and a Wanted Person. 

In the North County were 2 Citizen Assists and 1 Traffic Hazard. 

There were 5 Traffic Accidents with Damage, 3 Criminal Histories, and 2 Suspicious Persons/Circumstances, and 2 Citizen Assists in Randolph.  There was 1 each of the following:  Agency Assistance, Booking Prisoner, Child Abuse or Neglect, Citizen Dispute, Civil Process, Domestic Disturbance, Harassment, Juvenile Problem, Traffic Hazard, Traffic Violation, and Transportation of Person/Property. 

There was a Lockout in the south end of the County. 

There were 3 Traffic Accidents in Woodruff.  There was also 1 each of the following in this Community:  Fire, Lost Property, Missing Person, and Suspicious Person/Circumstance. 

There were 26 Traffic Citations and 24 Violations.  There were 16 Citations and 21 Violations in Garden City, 3 Citations and 3 Violations in Laketown, 5 Citations and 6 Violations in Randolph and 2 Citations and 4 Violations in Woodruff. 

Of the 34 Violations, 21 were for Speeding.  There was one each of the following:  Possessing Paraphernalia, Operating Vehicle without Insurance, No Proof of Insurance, Driving Under the Influence, Open Container/Drinking Alcohol, Right of Way Stop/Yield Sign, No Valid License Ever Obtained, Possession of Marijuana, Domestic Violence, Theft, and Intoxication.  There was also one Warning/Violation in Woodruff, and an additional warning for speeding.

The Muddled Male

Truth???   Or a Double Dog Dare?

 

By Bob Stevens, The Muddled Male

        I was standing on my deck the other day trying to shovel snow in a freezing wind when I began

to think about June, a warm month considered by many to be the month for brides.  If June is the brides’ month, then the preceding May might be considered the groom’s last month.  Now I don’t mean to imply that getting married for men is like dying.  I just mean that the month before the nuptials is the last time the groom will be allowed to stand around and freely swap tall tales with a bunch of friends.  Men, you see, feel comfortable exaggerating just a little if it makes the story better.  Most women, however, demand total accuracy of facts, right down to the most minuscule of jots and tittles.  I was once regaling a group with a really funny story about driving when I said, “I must have been doing at least 200 miles-per-hour.”  Before I could begin the punch line Ann, my wife said, “Actually he was doing less than fifty because we were on a sharp curve at the time and besides, he never drives over 40 because he is a doddering old man who drives most of the time with his left turn signal on.”  Then she said, “Go on with your story dear, you had just started to tell us the funny part about what happened when you were driving faster than your ability.”  Well, by now everyone was focused on “doddering old man with his left turn signal on,” and began to wander away.  So I gave up and decided that from that point forward I would always tell the complete and total truth. 

        Which leads me to the gauntlet thrown down recently in this very paper by the Un-Muddled Mathematician in an article dripping with the same type of sarcasm used by my kindergarten buddies when they found that I was afraid to climb to the highest point in the playground monkey-bar set.  My buddies were also afraid to climb to the highest point, but they still delighted in standing below on firm ground singing, “Bobby is a scaredy-cat, Bobby is a scaredy-cat.” 

        You may remember that the Mathematician’s gauntlet consisted of a double dog dare for me to be roped together with my friend cautious-Kam and walk out onto the frozen lake at least as far as the Rock Pile where Chris, the Mathematician, and Scott, the fish counter, would be angling for fish through a hole in the ice.  If Bobby, the scaredy-cat, and cautious-Kam would do that then he, the Mathematician, would donate $50 to a college scholarship fund he was setting up to help some deserving student from our area pay their college tuition. 

        Well, to show that an engineer can’t be out flanked by a mere mathematician, I am hereby accepting the double dog dare and will contribute $60 to the fund provided that the following conditions are met prior to my daring walk: Condition-1 our mutual friend Mark will drive Scott’s favorite camouflaged pickup truck out to the Rock Pile and back to check the structural integrity of the ice prior to my walk.  Condition-2 Chris and Scott will hold hands as participants in the annual Polar Plunge and jump into the icy water of the Marina together while singing one verse of that famous 1943 novelty song by Milton Drake, All Hoffman, and Jerry Livingston, Mairzy doats and dozy doats and liddle lamzy divey.  A kiddley divey too, wooden shoe.  To avoid embarrassment I suggest that they jump in fully dressed rather than to stand there in only a swimsuit and goose bumps. 

        In keeping with my new goal to always tell the truth, I am admitting that I made some of the above up.  I leave it to you to determine which part.  Those wanting to contribute to the College Fund should contact the Mathematician prior to the plunge. 

Ed Note: I will make the first donation if all conditions are met! The Mathemetician has met his match!

Rich VS Westside

Photos By Tammy Calder

 

 

 

Jordan Comes To Garden City

Chris and Bobbie Coray are hosting their friend Osama Al Ghanam from Madaba, Jordan.  He will be opening boxes of treasures from Jordan on Friday, February 8 at the Bear’s Den in Garden City from 2-3:30 many of the pieces will be for sale.  This is his story. 

A Sign with a Story

From the Blog Lifestyles: Mosaic in Madaba-The Other Osama http://lifestylesabroad.wordpress.com Author not stated.

“A life lived in fear of losing your child…not from bombs, violence or unrest. But from a genetic disorder. As I’m handed a cup of tea and sit down, the streetlights cast shadows around us. The narrow streets of Madaba are slowing down, shops closing as night grows deeper.

  I had passed Osama’s and Malik’s mosaic shop earlier that day. Just another curious wanderer, I stopped for a minute to admire the brother’s workshop. Malik stepped out, greeted me and after hearing I was from America hurriedly rushed inside.

He returned moments later proudly holding a framed document; a letter from the American ambassador to Jordan, thanking Osama for his mosaic gift to the office, saying it had drawn many compliments from visitors.

He asked me to stop by later. So I did. And this is the story he and his brother shared with me:

Osama (Malik’s brother) grew up in Jordan and worked as an engineer in Jordan’s Air Force. After marrying at the age of 22 in the traditional Muslim manner, he and his wife decided to have their first son. Two years later. Mohammed, as he was named, was born with a rare form of cystic fibrosis and autism. Mohammed had trouble speaking and walking and had to be fed through a tube.  Doctors did not expect him to live long.

I would use the term “sadly,” if not for how Osama viewed his son’s condition. But I’ll save that for the end.

Desperate to do anything he could to help his son live, Osama and his wife took Mohammed to the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Kids in the U.K.  They stayed there for one year, where Mohammed took 12 medicines a day. Osama found a job working night shifts in the hospital and he and his wife lived in a basement flat. Osama continued to ask for financial support from his tribe and community in Jordan. He struggled to pay the 1,200 pound weekly fee.

It became clear that Mohammed, if he lived, would need someone to look after him if something happened to Osama and Huda. So Osama and his wife decided to have another child, one that would hopefully be able to look after his/her older brother as time went on.

Before he was born, they named their second son Bashir – an Arabic name meaning “bringer of good news.” At the sixth month of Huda’s pregnancy the doctors advised the young couple to “get rid of the baby” because the fetus had stopped growing. Osama and his wife could not do it.  And after Bashir’s birth they found he had the same rare combination of disorders as Mohammed.  It was a genetic disease.

Throughout this time Osama’s brother, Malik, was working back home in Madaba, Jordan. He had struggled financially as well, trying to pay for his tuition at the University of Amman where he was studying business. Malik realized that one way to make money was working in the main industry of his hometown: mosaics. After two years of observation, study and apprenticeship, Malik gained professional certification as a mosaic artist. He graduated from university and opened his first mosaic shop outside of Madaba.

Back to Osama – after putting both of his children through two more years of treatment, he returned with his family to Madaba. As his kids grew, they still took daily medication. Their symptoms didn’t change much. But Osama remembers when Mohammed was 6 months old; one day after being breast fed whispered “Al-hamdu lillah” which in Arabic means “Praise be to God.” They were the first and last words Osama has heard his son say.  But since then, Osama has seen his children play with an iPad, quickly figuring out the basics of the tablet computer and operating it easily. And though Mohammed cannot speak,  his youngest is speaking some sentences in English for some reason, Osama thinks it is because he spent the first three years in the London hospital where the nurses would spend a lot of time with his little one. It is simple actions such as these that give Osama joy every day. But he also lives with the knowledge that his children may die soon.

He says, “I’m happy. If you ask why, it’s because my God, He is like me. Because He gives me something special, something He doesn’t give to all people. I’m happy because He knows me; He had a plan for me and my kids before we were born.  He gives me a weight, knows I can carry it. At the hospital, when I was given kids, He knows I take care of them. For me and my wife, He gives kids to take care of.”

He doesn’t waver in his present day happiness and love. Limited with language as we were, he used a very simplistic example to explain it to me. He asked what I would do if a friend ran up and asked me to look after his treasure. “Hopefully,” he said, “You would look after it and take care of it until the friend came back”. Osama compared that to how he viewed his situation: God had given him two beautiful children to look after…and when God came to take them back, Osama would be able to God that he loved them and took as best care of them as he could.

Having only met me an hour ago, at this point I heard Osama speak to me with pure raw emotion, having come to terms with the reality that his children may die in his arms someday, potentially in the near future. But he had accepted that grief, letting it live within him alongside the love he felt and expressed to his children every single day.

But the story doesn’t end there.

Having learned from his children that handicapped people can still interact and thrive in their own way, Osama was inspired to act on that knowledge. So he approached his brother Malik with a simple idea: Why not teach handicap people how to create mosaics? Why not teach them to be mosaic artists? And so they did just that.

Malik started teaching handicapped people in his community. Here is one of his favorite recollections from the past years:

Hassan was a 35-year-old dwarf (little person) with hobbled knees. He couldn’t afford education, so he came to Malik and said “I need help from you.” Thus Malik taught him.  Three years of hard work passed by, and Hassan now has a wife, a child, and a car. He has reached the point where he is proudly piecing together mosaic table-tops.

A few years passed and the brothers noticed that many of the people they were teaching were unemployed. So Osama approached Malik with the idea of opening a mosaic workshop to organize the now growing group of handicapped artisans. And so they did just that.

PEACE Mosaic Workshop is now three years running and stands across from Malik’s 2nd shop in downtown Madaba. Osama employs around 35 artists, all handicapped in some way, 25 of whom work from home.  13 of the artisans are women.  Malik has taught every one, free of charge, buying completed pieces from them and reselling them in his or Osama’s shop. They work at their own pace, sometimes 4 to 5 hours a day, as assembling mosaic pieces is tiring for the eyes.

Both brothers emphasize that when they first meet many handicapped people, they find them to be shy, ashamed of their conditions and lacking in self-confidence. Osama and Malik believe their work helps these people fight depression.

Working alongside Malik who teaches the art of mosaics, Osama shares physical therapy exercises he learned while in London.

Osama has been asked to send his medical blood tests to research centers in Singapore since his sons’s disease is so rare. He thinks it won’t change anything for him or his family, but that it might help the global community eventually find a cure for cystic fibrosis and muscular dystrophy. He sends it as a case study, to prevent future patients with similar rare scenarios from going through the extensive tests he endured.

A spontaneous meeting of strangers.  Tales over tea.  A pair of new friends that I’m so grateful to have and look forward to staying in touch with.  But most of all, a lesson of love I hope to learn from, hopefully never having to experience the same grief.  An inspiration, a proud father, one that I will now forever remember when I hear others speak of 'Osama.' " 



Winter Scene in Montpelier
Photo by June Marie Saxton

Two School Board Member Positions Open

Anita Weston, Reporter
Rich Civic Times

RICH COUNTY, Utah.  There are two school board member positions open this coming fall.  They are for Garden City and Laketown.  If individuals are interested in running for these two positions, they need to get their name on the ballot. They need to register in the County Clerk's Office in March.

February 2014

• Thursday Nights: Montpelier Women's Volleyball League sponsored by Montpelier Parks & Recreation.
• Friday Nights: Montpelier Co-Ed Volleyball League sponsored by Montpelier Parks & Recreation.
• 14th: Parade of Rentals will be held to showcase the beautiful rental properties around Bear Lake.  Parade is from 10AM - 4PM, RSVP by calling 1-888-648-0538 or send an email to ParadeOfRentals@stayatbearlake.com  Event is FREE
• 14th: BYU Vocal Point at the Allinger Community Theatre in Montpelier, Idaho. 
• 14th-15th: 8th Annual Bear Lake Winter Festival Craft & Chocolate Fair, over 40 vendors with food, unique gifts, and craft items! Sponsored by the Bear Lake Rendezvous Chamber of Commerce. 
• 14th-15th: Annual Snowmobile Hillclimb, RMSHA sanctioned, near Geneva, ID, for more info call (208) 847-0067.
• 14th-15th: Live music at Cooper's Restaurant and Sports Bar by Shades of Grey, 8pm-midnight both nights (208) 945-2222.
• 17th: Parade of Rentals will be held to showcase the beautiful rental properties around Bear Lake.  Parade is from 10AM - 4PM, RSVP by calling 1-888-648-0538 or send an email to ParadeOfRentals@stayatbearlake.com  Event is FREE
• 22nd:  Annual Hospital Auxiliary Snowball Dance "Spring Time in The Rockies", Bear Lake Middle School in Montpelier Idaho from 7:30 pm to midnight, door prizes, and raffle. More info at Bear Lake Memorial Hospital (208) 847-1630.
• TBA: Snow Festival at Wells C. Stock park in Montpelier. Melodrama, Ice bowling, Chili cook off, Snowman building, and Snow Sculpture contests.  208-847-0511

The Un-Muddled Mathematician

Some days are great, some days are hard.

Some are both.

Chris Coray, The Un-muddled Mathematician.

Saturday was the kind of day which produces introspection.  It was both hard and good, in different ways.  For the hard there was the funeral of dear Becky Green.  Besides all the great interaction with all of us at the post office, Becky and I took several long training rides on our bicycles as we worked to get in shape.   She was one person I could barely keep up with (as opposed to being a tail end Charlie) so it made me feel strong.   We had fun rides and I will miss her as she was one of our precious community members, and we are really a community of people who support and care for each other.

The good was the Cisco Disco and the Polar Plunge.  For 23 years Scott Tolentino has been involved with the annual cisco, scone, and French fry party on the east side.  Ever since I have lived here Scott and his wife Deena have been the ones who make this event happen.  There is no government involvement, no formal organization, no tax dollars at all.  But the Tolentinos work really hard every year to round up enough cisco (more than 300, mostly donated), make 80 lbs of flour into scone dough, ask friends to provide the potatoes, and then take all their equipment and set up the cooking station at Cisco Beach.   Then they prepare this cholesterol bounty for all for the people who visit the lake on the day of the Cisco Disco (I think named by Doug Miller).  Hundreds of people attend and are invited to hot chocolate and deep fried cisco, potatoes, and scones (complete with condiments), all just given away.  Sure, it’s cold but we spit at winter and laugh together. 

Anita Weston attended her first Cisco Disco on Saturday and ended up making scones.  Jack (age 6) and Scott (age 3) Wakefield each caught a little slimy fish and boy, were they proud.  The fish not so much.   Iris Niesen ate more cisco than…well, let’s just say she ate a lot of cisco, which may be the reason she and Hans travel here from Germany in the winter.

The polar plunge can only be described as way south of crazy.  For example, Richard Ballam in a white shirt, tie, nametag, leaping into the 32 degree water makes me want to check the contents of all his pharmacy prescriptions.  There are plenty of other nuts who made the same kind of leap.   I keep asking, “Why?”  At least in a Finnish sauna there is an adjacent hot room heated to such a level that sweat pours out of pores, and is a place to recover from the snow and cold.  That feature would be a welcome addition to the polar frolic.

With the coming of the ice I now propose the initiation of a college scholarship fund for a resident of our area.  The details are just forming in my mind but a good name would be the Kam Jarman/Bob Stevens memorial scholarship.  It would go to a deserving young person to help with the increasing cost of college.  The money would be raised by pledges.  We have “Relays for Life” for cancer victims and many other similar activities.  This one would be funded by pledges made in the event we can get both Kam Jarman and Bob Stevens out on the Bear Lake ice, at least a quarter mile to the rock pile, and attached to each other with a short rope.  These guys are terrified of the ice.  There would be no safety gear allowed, just a small flag with the words, “I told you this was dangerous” to mark the spots where they fall through.  I hereby make the first pledge of $50.  The original “little guy” (or perhaps “chicken little guy”) and the husband of the author of the phrase “little guy” would have a great photo for their children, grandchildren, and all descendants. 

Provided of course that they survive the trip.

Scott's Cisco Disco At Bear Lake

Scott Tollentino and Chris Coray getting ready to fry fish
Scott used 80 pounds of flour just to make the scones the nght before,
Scott has been throwing this party on his own for 23 years.

Itedal Iskander enjoying her first Cisco.

Richard Ballam drying off by the fire

Scotty with a scone in his mouth and a live cisco in his hands
Photo by Lauriann Wakefield 

Fishing at dawn for cisco!
Photo by Lauriann Wakefield

 

The Polar Plunge! The Fifth Year of Madness!

Itedal Iskander recently from Syria
and Bear Lake Community Clinic Pharmacist Richard Ballam before the Plunge.
Photos by Bobbie Coray


Richard Ballam, AFTER!

 

 

Bear Lake Yacht Club getting ready for the Polar Plunge
Photos by Bobbie Coray

A family from Sandy, Utah making the jump together!

 

Representative Mel Brown Reports to School Board

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times 

RANDOLPH, Utah.  January 15, 2014.  State Legislator Mel Brown noted that there was $338 million left in the budget at the end of the year.  $206 million will take care of some of the ongoing school expenses.  One hundred thirty-two million is one-time money that was left over and most has been assigned to be used in education.  However, there is a $25 million deficit in the general fund that must be made up.  Another problem the State faces is money to cover student growth. An increase of 1 ¼ percent per pupil comes to an additional $85 million.  Also the State needs to help school districts pay for the additional benefits that are required. “When you look at all of these things, it can be seen that there is not much money for new programs.  Money is a real challenge,” said Brown. 

The upcoming legislature has 86 new pieces of legislation that will affect the schools.  Senator Osmond has called for doing away with compulsory education deeming it to be the parent’s responsibility.  At the same time, he is asking that no restraints be placed on the charter schools and home schools. 

The $495 million bond failed in the Jordan School District.  “There is a brand new school in Draper that is so extravagant it is unbelievable.  Yet, the Jordan School District right next to Draper is so crowded they are having problems accommodating all of the students.  Draper went wild with the money they had and now want to take money from other Districts to help with ongoing expenses.  Money is going to be a real fight in the upcoming session.  There are going to be some real challenges” Brown said.  

Brown noted that he was very disappointed with the course offerings in the concurrent enrollment programs.  USU Eastern in Vernal promised they would take over and make sure delivery of courses would be taken care of.  Snow College was willing to step in when not all of the expected classes materialized and made a commitment to help.  Snow is now in the process of getting a new President.  Hopefully, he will follow through.  Snow has actually had some struggles, and Brown said that no one knows exactly what the new president, Gary Carlson, from Logan originally, will decide to do. 

Rich County Board Members noted that they didn’t care who provided the courses, just so they were available and the students were able to take what they need.  Brown noted USU has a broad state-wide network but doesn’t seem to be willing to fight for the cliental that exists.  USU was originally given the responsibility to take care of the concurrent enrollment program and has failed school districts like Rich County. 

Currently there are more students and the same amount of money available.  This means the amount per student is going down each year.  The quality of education generally suffers when this happens. 

Higher education is currently having a struggle.  When the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints dropped the missionary age, it took a real toll on higher education.  These institutions are unsure of the future.  Higher education does have some new commissioners who appear to be willing to work with the legislature.  Hopefully, the Council of Presidents will also work with the legislature as well. 

The legislative session this year will be different and difficult, Brown said.  There is the problems of  legalizing gay marriage which is going to take time and a lot of dialogue. There are also issues with the attorney general’s office.  Since Swallow resigned, the state investigation has stopped.  However, writing the written report and tying up all the loose ends has cost the state over four million dollars.  Currently the State Government is also spending money to appeal the legalization of gay marriage. 

Mel Brown would like to see the Federal Government turn over all their lands to the State.  The Federal Parks would be excluded, of course.  Currently 70 percent of Utah is federally owned.  These lands either sold or leased would then give the state enough revenue in taxes to make sure all schools have what they need.   

Growth predictions in Utah say that by 2050 (36 years) the population will double.  Seventy percent of the growth will be located along the Wasatch Front.  There will become less and less influence from the rural areas.  “That is a scary thought.  We need to do something to mitigate such a happening.  We need to be more visionary.” Brown said.  

Capital equalization would probably try to equalize everything.  District with low tax valuations may receive more funds whereas District like Rich County have high valuations because of the number of secondary homes and would receive a smaller amount of money.  It takes a lot of effort to defend a tax base per pupil.  Rural schools have a real disadvantage.  There should be equality according to the state constitution.

But it actually costs more per pupil in rural schools than in high density areas. 

Another interesting problem within the state is the refusal of some universities to accept credits from another state university. There should be articulation among state institutions and credits should be transferable.  Mel Brown said, “this activity is “academic arrogance.”  It has got to go away.  Transferability is imperative.” 

There is a meeting every Friday for the rural superintendents.  Board members could attend if they so desired.  

The common core is another thorn,  Brown said.  Local schools should be setting their own standards. The common core has ended up being a federal program which brings in lots of red tape and complications.  Also the program to give schools grades is a waste of time for education.  What is being accomplished by such a program?  Students should be graded, but the schools they attend should be left alone.
 

Communication is tremendously important.  Representatives need to know what a great impact changes make.  

School Board Policies Questioned

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times  

RANDOLPH, Utah. January 15, 2014.  After hearing from Legislator Mel Brown, the Board went into executive session. 

 

Joey and Kamille Trujillo were next on the agenda.  They requested hard copies of the policies used by the Rich County School District.  They indicated they did not have enough money to have the internet and asked for hard copies of the policies.  They specifically asked for the Privacy and Disclosure Policy for all students.  They wanted a copy of the Disciplinary Policy to see how punishments are determined and to see if there is equality for all students or if is done on a case by case basis.  They also wanted to know if there was a policy for parents—in other words when does the school act in place of the parents on certain decisions.  They also wanted a copy of the drug testing policy and grievance policy.  Superintendent Dale Lamborn said he would run copies and they could pick them up the next day by noon. 

The Board members had attended a convention and reported on the sessions they had attended.  The majority of the Board Members had learned a great deal and was glad that they had been able to attend the various meetings and workshops. 

The meeting for next month was pushed back a week and will be held February 26.