Marathon Garden City P&Z Meeting

Randall Knight, Reporter

Rich Civic Times 

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  April 2, 2014.  There was a marathon Planning and Zoning Commission Public hearing and regular meeting held. The public hearing meeting started at 4:30 PM and the regular meeting wasn’t adjourned until 10:30 PM.  The 6 hour marathon focused on the wording for 9 ordinances that have been discussed over the last several months.  Mike Schiess, acting chair, hoped to get final approval of the ordinances. At the end of the night 6 were passed and 3 were tabled. The board members in attendance were: Mike Schiess, Jim Stone, Susan House, Pat Argyle, and Dewayne Gifford.  Lance Bourne supported the regular meeting via telephone.   Gary Cox and Jim Hanzelka were also seated at the table and provided insightful information to various topics.

 

Schiess stated there were several items to discuss and asked for comments from the board and public.  Norm Mecham, developer, asked a question about what bonding ordinance 14-01 wording meant in regard to infrastructure maintenance and operation costs continue to be the responsibility of the developer after the specific infrastructure had been inspected and signed off.   Susan House pointed out the topic was already addressed in the document where it states once the final plat is recorded the developer is no longer responsible.  Additional wording was requested to provided clarification because the plat may be signed off prior to the city engineer’s inspection.  There was a long discussion on who would be responsible for the costs of damage done to infrastructure that had been signed off in phase 1 but damaged in subsequent phases.

Darin Pugmire stated Parking ordinance 14-03 was not written as he expected.  The number of parking spaces is not as clear as it should be.  He also stated the city needs to purchase property to establish additional parking areas within the city. 

Mike Schiess stated he had issues with sign ordinance 14-10 in regard to off premises signs for those businesses not paying taxes to the city. 

During a discussion in regard to the height ordinance 14-04, a question was asked if the ordinances should be worded so they don’t have to be rewritten in the future.  The commission agreed the ordinances are living documents and will most likely be rewritten to meet the needs of the future generations and developments.

 

During the regular meeting the minutes were approved for the March 5 regular scheduled P&Z meeting with corrections. The March 20 Public Hearing meeting minutes were set aside until clarification is provided.  Minutes for a special meeting held March 20 was passed with corrections to add a request for the P&Z to provide a check list of what the developers need to complete prior to their next P&Z meeting.

Ordinance 14-01 an ordinance updating the bonding of infrastructure in 11E-505 was approved with some minor wording changes to make the document clearer.

Ordinance 14-03 is an ordinance to update parking requirement in 11C-303-E.  It was pointed out egress and ingress was not addressed for commercial property.  Lance said that will be a topic for May.  He also stated the additional parking spaces provided by the city will be discussed in May as well.  The Fire Chief said he is only responsible to determine the maximum occupancy number and not the number of parking spaces.  There was a recommendation to determine the number of parking spaces based on occupancy and not on square footage.  The Chief stated there is not a set way to calculate the maximum occupancy, and it would be on a case-by-case bases.  He uses the final floor plan and left over available space that can be occupied.  The formula he uses assigns 3 square feet per occupant, so he divides the available square footage by 3 to determine the maximum limit.  After the estimated limit is determined he and the owner agree to the final acceptable limit.  So the required number of parking spaces would be the maximum occupancy limit divided by 3.5, the average number of people assigned to a vehicle.

It was also pointed out that if a business doesn’t own enough property to provide the necessary parking spaces, they would be required to pay the city a determined amount for the additional parking spaces in one of their parking lots.  Jim Stone said he thinks there is too much emphases given to parking.  He stated for his business, most of his customers are walk-ins from Ideal Beach but the ordinance requires him to have a certain number of parking spaces that are never used.  This was tabled for future discussion.

Ordinance 14-04 updating height and phasing in PUD/PRUD 11F-100 was discussed.  A request was made for future plans to show the height and not just elevation.  Wording changes were made to replace any definitions with references to the ordinance definition document.  The ordinance was passed with corrections.

Ordinance 14-05 an ordinance updating the height and phasing in subdivisions in 11E-303-A and 11E526-F was discussed.  Wording needs to be changed for clarification.  The document needs to provide references to specifications and definitions and not repeated in the document.   The comments stating a maximum of 35 feet would be removed and replaced with a reference to ordinance giving the height requirements for the specific zone.  The ordinance was passed with corrections.

Ordinance 14-06 an ordinance making changes to all zones in 11C was discussed.  The main discussion focused on the wording for conditional use.  This was tabled for future discussion.

Ordinance 14-07 an ordinance adding definitions for infrastructure, phasing and stand alone to 11A-200 was discussed.  The ordinance was passed with corrections.

Ordinance 14-08 an ordinance making changes to the abatement of garbage and other deleterious material ordinance in 9-500 was discussed.  The main discussion focused on inoperable and/or unregistered vehicles in commercial zones. A recommendation was made to remove the references to unregistered vehicles and commercial zones.   The ordinance was passed with corrections.

Ordinance 14-09 an ordinance stating that property needs to conform to all City ordinances was discussed.  Recommendations was made to change the wording for clarification to ensure the property is cleaned up and conform to all city ordinances before a permit would be released.  Individual water meters for two businesses sharing a single building or lot was used as an example.  The ordinance was passed with changes.

Ordinance 14-10 an ordinance discussing sign requirements was discussed.  Joey Stocking presented a revised document in an attempt to make it easier and clearer to read.  Some of the main changes removed liability insurance in some sections because it is covered in other sections; the small and large sign sections were combined; and the need for a permit for temporary signs was removed.  Off premise signs were discussed.  The revised document would not allow signs for companies not within the city limits.  A recommendation was made to allow signs be posted for items sold by the business; i.e. Chads Raspberry Salsa was used as an example.  It was also pointed out there are a few businesses in the surrounding area that are a big draw  to tourists and subsequently add to the revenue the city gets; i.e. Beaver Mountain ski and lodge, Bear Lake West Golf.  This ordinance was tabled for further discussion.

The commission discussed changing commercial setback requirements.  The Fire Chief was asked for his opinion on setbacks.  He stated there is not a requirement for setbacks from a fire department standpoint.  The building codes would have to be written to include fire resistant walls between adjoining business, inflammable roofing material and adequate access to at least one side of the building.  

Bear Lake Watch Website

There's a lot going on as Bear Lake wakes up from winter. Several new updates for you are posted at the new website. ... Water Forecasts, Lake Level, Mussels, Save the Date and more.

Check it out:

www.keepbearlakeblue.com.  

County Commission Discusses School Board & Proposed Conservation Easement

Bruce and Kathryn Warner, Reporters

Rich Civic Times

RANDOLPH, Utah.  April 2, 2014. Bryce and Jennifer Huefner presented the results of a study about how voting precincts might be realigned to equalize representation for all residents across the county. The study considered data from the 2010 national census. Under the study, the county would be divided into five generally equal districts. The Commission agreed to consider the results from this study. They will wait to see if the School District will agree to finalize the study; otherwise, a committee will be selected representing all areas in the county to develop and present to the Commission two or three alternatives. The Commission indicated this work will take some time to complete, and expressed reservations about the accuracy of the census data.  However, it is too late to legally challenge 2010 census data.

Christa Cline discussed the possibility of obtaining a conservation easement for 50 acres of land owned by the Winters family in South Eden on the east side of the Lake. She asked for a letter of support from the county commission, but did not ask for funding or any other action. The Commission said that they were willing to issue the requested letter, subject to review of legal counsel. Part of the family who has inherited this land wants to develop the property beginning this spring, rather than have it remain as agricultural land. Some funding may be available from the Eccles Foundation to support the conservation easement designation.

Kim Wilson, assessor, reviewed the personal property statements that have been filed. The Commission approved the statements, but asked for a report next month on the tax revenues that have been lost by raising the exemption level to $10,000. Most of the businesses in the area will not owe any personal property tax.

One resident in the area has been paying too much property tax because their home was misclassified as a second home. The building inspector and assessor will work together to try to prevent similar errors in the future. The Commission granted a refund for the prior five years under the provisions of state law, but did not grant a refund for the two prior years.

Bear Lake Aquatics presented their concerns about the safety of scouts at the scout camp on the east side of the Lake as they cross the road. They asked for the County’s help will signs. The Commission agreed to erect signs to help protect the scouts.

A “Conservation Agreement with Assurances” proposal document was presented to the Commission. This pertains to proposed steps that might be taken locally to mitigate loss of Sage Grouse in the area. Sage Grouse are a national bird, and the United States may issue national mitigation guidelines if the birds are declared an endangered species. The question is whether the County should agree to a local mitigation plan prior to any national guidelines. The Commission will consider what should be done, and stated that this could be a very far reaching issue in its impact on development of the County.

The Commission considered a number of other pieces of administrative business. They approved purchase of a new Ford truck for the Sheriff’s department, authorized work in the computer room including network cable, approved an audit engagement letter, discussed ambulance fees, approved an addendum to the surveyor contract with Wasatch county, and discussed ways to minimize the costs of materials for road repairs.

The County will hold a tax sale on May 21 at 10 am pertaining to properties who are behind in payment of property taxes. For information on properties that are still available call the treasurer’s office at 435-793-5115.

New Emergency Notification Process

Ping4 Advance Alerting Platform

Bryce Nielson, Rich County Emergency Manager

Emergency management officials in Rich, Cache, Morgan, Box Elder, Davis and Weber counties will begin using ping4alerts!.  This is a mobile communication solution that instantly notifies citizens of public safety concerns. Just go to apps and search for ping4.   The app is ping4alerts

Our population in Rich County is shifting from land line phones to cellular devices.  I will bet that over 90% of the cowboys/girls you see on a horse will be carrying a cell phone.  

The past system we have been using in the county, City Watch, has worked well but with declining land line usages needed, to be upgraded.  By using ping4alerts! we now have the ability to send relevant, real-time emergency messages to residents and visitors who have downloaded the app.  There is no signing-up, you just have to download the free app and Go.  Your personal information is not used.  The notifications are delivered over the internet through GPS, cellular and Wi-Fi networks. We can target precise areas down as small as a street or county wide.  The system allows us to deliver media alerts that can include images, custom audio, video and mobile links.

I know we older members of society all hate to deal with apps but just have your kids put it on your phone and theirs too.  Tell their friends to do it too.  Then you can forget it but be assured that when an emergency happens, you will stay in the loop and know what is going on.  

Obituary: Lois Ann Kennedy Esterholdt, Laketown

Lois Ann Kennedy Esterholdt passed away at her home in Laketown, Utah surrounded by her family on Thursday, April 3, 2014. She was born Jan. 7, 1947 in Evanston, Wyoming to Clyde and Ilene Hansen Kennedy. She married the love of her life, Doyle Esterholdt in Feb. 1962.Lois enjoyed cooking, and worked for the Rich County School district in food service for many years. She also enjoyed camping, and going to yard sales, but her greatest joy was found in spending time with her family and devoted her life to doing things for them.

Lois is survived by her husband Doyle; daughter Laura Pehrson; son Troy (Robyn) Esterholdt; granddaughter Brandy Pehrson; grandson Tyler (Cheri) Pehrson; grandson Brady Esterholdt; granddaughter Brittney (Shay) Downs; great granddaughter Taylor Jenny; great granddaughter Alise Pehrson; sister Sue Lutz; sister Gayleen Wamsley; and her Dog Tuffy.She was preceded in death by her parents Clyde and Ilene, and her brother Floyd Kennedy.Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 8, 2014 at 12 p.m. at the Laketown LDS Ward building in Laketown, Utah, with a viewing held from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. prior to the service. Burial will take place in the Laketown Cemetery following services.

On-line condolences can be made at www.crandallfhevanston.com - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/hjnews/obituary.

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.