Lunar Eclipse Events at Bryce Canyon

December 20, 2010 events at Bryce Canyon celebrating the total lunar eclipse on the winter solstice. Next chance: December 21, 2401.

Dress warmly! Free hot apple cider and cocoa are provided at all events.

5:30 p.m. Full-Moon Hike on Snowshoes! A ranger-led, 2-hour full moon hike. 30 participants, ages 6 and up. Meet at the Visitor's Center or call 435-834-4747 to reserve a spot .

10-10:30 p.m. Pre-eclipse Moon Viewing through large telescopes on the Bryce Canyon Visitor's Center patio.

10:30 p.m. "All I Want for Solstice is Our Moon to Come Back!" A one-hour multimedia program in the Visitor's Center.

11:30 p.m. to 12:40 a.m. View the Total Eclipse. View the eclipse through large telescopes on the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center's patio.

For more information, see Hoodoos, Winter Solstice, and Lunar Eclipse Converge.

News Around Town - November 18, 2010

Escalante City Council: The Escalante City Council devoted the beginning of the November 16th meeting to a public hearing on the new Planning and Zoning Ordinances. A formal Planning and Zoning Hearing was held on September 28th. The purpose of last Tuesday’s meeting was to adopt the new ordinances. The public was invited to address the council and express concerns.

One citizen pointed out that, in order to get a water meter, one must have a building permit in hand. Property buyers are reluctant to purchase land without available water. In other communities, a significant deposit on a water meter is required with a two-year build-out interval allowed for design, permitting and construction. If the project is not completed within that window of time, the deposit is forfeited.

Another citizen discussed the irregularity of many city lots and suggested that, “Required minimum lot widths are not compatible with required minimum acreage as they relate to the typical Escalante lot.” He made a suggestion as to how this inherent conflict might be remedied: a simple change in the minimum frontage.

Councilman Dunn stated that he spent much time reviewing the ordinances. “What we have before us is a good representation of what we want to see.” He made a motion that the ordinances be passed. The Council went on to describe the ordinances as a working document, amenable to revision at any time. Indeed, further changes are anticipated, as Justin Fischer will be meeting again with P & Z in January to further review the complex issues surrounding subdivision. The ordinances were passed and thanks were expressed to the tireless work done by the Planning & Zoning group. In addition, the many citizens who attended the Planning and Zoning meeting were acknowledged.

A citizen made personal comments to the Council regarding potholes, particularly on Center Street. This issue was discussed at length at two points in the meeting. The City will work to fill the more severe potholes in the near future; however, filling many of the holes will be more cost effective if the projects can be done in the spring.

The City Council tabled three items on the agenda. The City Holiday Party was scheduled. One of the Councilpersons and one of the City workers will be attending pesticide workshops in order to keep pesticide certification current. The old Clinic propane heater, new at the time a fire destroyed the building, will be recycled into one of the City shops in order to keep the diesel sewer truck from freezing. Funding will come from the sewer fund.

Heard Around Town: “Body searches ahead of time may prevent body searches afterward.”

From the Community: Skyhoopi Thrift Store is readying for Christmas. Decorations abound and a sale will begin on Saturday, November 26th. As usual, donations are always welcome.

The President’s Volunteer Service Award is an award that honors those who have demonstrated a commitment to helping individuals or community. The award was established during the recent Bush administration and is being continued by the Obama administration. Six Escalante citizens have been honored for exemplary volunteer service:

• Arnold Alvey
• Dana Waggoner
• Deon Alvey
• Karen Rangitsch
• Pat Sorensen
• Susan Nelson

Guest Editorial: “A democratic government is a privilege and a responsibility. Our system is currently dysfunctional in part because we see ourselves as consumers, not citizens. That is, we expect service. We don’t feel compelled to participate in the well-being of our community or our country.

We, as citizens, like the private and public sectors, have mostly lost the sense of what it means to work towards the common good. Imagine if [we] had been asked to serve our country as caring citizens instead of asking us to go shopping soon after 9-11.

Let’s change that. Can we work together as citizens for the common good? We can be the model for others – including congress – to follow.” (The Coffee Party, an Internet group that strives to promote civil political discourse.)

Bountiful Baskets is a food co-op serving several western states including Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Colorado, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. From Aurora to Willard, approximately 225 monthly deliveries are made in Utah alone. Escalante receives deliveries two Saturdays per month. Remarkably fresh produce, the mainstay of the organization, arrives and is separated into baskets by local volunteers. Indeed, volunteers alone operate the whole organization. Prices are remarkably low. In addition, fresh bread, special selections and cases of seasonal produce are offered. Sign up and ordering are done online on an individual basis. Some people, especially those with small families, choose to split an order. People who are interested in participating may contact Brenda Lyman at 826-4459.

Stylin’: Salt Lake City fashionistas have been observed wearing skinny jeans tucked into knee-high boots. A matching long, knit scarf and beret, completes the ensemble.

From the Mayor’s Desk: Thanksgiving is just a few days away and overall we have a lot to be thankful for. We live in a wonderful place with great friends and neighbors. Having said this, though, let us be aware of those around us. We have been fortunate with some good jobs in town this year but there may be some people who are still in need. It is my hope that we could all be good neighbors and lend a helping hand when we can.

Speaking of good neighbors I had one person approach me and talk to me about growth in town. They would like to build a place but felt that our impact fees are a little high. She felt that it’s important that we should help young couples and families get started here. So I’m asking you, what do you think? How do you feel about growth, about impact fees, about water meters? What should be the criteria to get a water meter? Should we allow meters outside city limits? As your mayor I want to hear from you, as does the city council. Growth is important to the survival of this community, but what kind of growth would you like to see? It means a great deal to me when we work hard and stick together as a community. Being able to do this will help us meet the challenges that occur during change. Remember Escalante is a great place to live and raise a family.

Escalante Newsletter is the product of a partnership between Escalante City and citizen volunteers. Letters and comments may be left at the City Offices. Respectful letters of 250 words or less may be published, anonymously if requested.

Happy Thanksgiving to All!

News Around Town - November 6, 2010

Escalante City Council met on Wednesday, November 3, 2010. The meeting began with enthusiastic “thank yous” from citizens who were pleased with the recent maintenance of city lighting. The light at the front of the city office building was rehabilitated and old light bulbs were replaced on Main Street. City Council thanked the employees and Lenza Wilson for the recent work on various projects.

Planning & Zoning announced that next Tuesday Justin Fisher will attend its meeting to help complete the new set of ordinances providing advice on the legalities surrounding subdivisions. A conditional use permit was authorized in order to allow visiting family members to use water in, and install temporary skirting around, a recreational vehicle that is driven to Escalante seasonally. A business license was granted, as was a building permit for a garage. Lori Coleman was designated as the new alternate for the Planning and Zoning committee.

Among the scheduled items on the agenda, water rights with the New Escalante Irrigation district, airport business and Fire Department sign were all tabled due to absence of key persons or need for additional information. The city will no longer offer online billing to water customers and has sent letters to those who have previously used this service. The service is no longer cost-effective. Clarification of the city’s obligation to maintain the planting on Main Street has been clarified. A city worker will contact a potential source for the use of an air compressor in order to clear the drip irrigation system. The annual city Christmas party was discussed.

Mayor Taylor described a number of community issues that need to be addressed. Citizens who need to report a concern, particularly a nuisance issue such as barking dogs, should contact Police Dispatch at 676-1134. If an individual is experiencing an emergency, then 911 should be called. 911 should be used for emergencies only. (Ed. Note by Jean Bramble: Some communities levy fines for non-emergency use of 911. Abuse of 911 has the potential to invite fines, and therefore, more intrusive government, into our independent lives!) Calls to dispatch are automatically compiled as important data that helps determine deployment of police personnel around the county. On another subject, Mayor Taylor emphasized that, contrary to current rumor, he has not spent, nor has he authorized, $6000 for windows on the new fire station doors. Donny Porter discussed the $600 that is presently in a donation fund for the Fire Department. A vacuum cleaner is needed for the building. Taylor and Porter will review this operating expense in the near future, making the suggestion that the vacuum may not need to come from donated funds. Future discussions at City Council and in more informal situations are expected to center around growth in Escalante. A consideration of decreasing impact fees and attracting young families is anticipated. Finally, Mr. Taylor expressed gratitude to those who have been helping with the recent difficulties with the sewer system (see below).

Volunteers are needed to put up Christmas lights in the city. Melani Torgersen and others announced that volunteers are needed to place lights along a designated portion of Main Street. In addition, the city is requesting that each business decorate for the holidays.

Sewage and the City: A ten- to fifteen-yard-long grease plug was found in the city sewer lines. According to Blaine Porter, city employee, without the recently purchased sewer tool, the plug would have remained fixed in position. The mess caused by the plug unpleasantly affected South Central Communications. A number of citizens and council members engaged with one another and the mayor regarding this repeated difficulty. A suggestion was made to pour a grease-eating chemical into the sewer system. Some citizens voiced concerns regarding the use of potentially toxic chemicals and possible impact on animals. The city may consider use of the sewer camera to ascertain the source(s) of the grease. Once determined, a hefty fine could be levied. All establishments that cook and serve the public are required by law to have grease filters. The city is legally liable for any untoward effects from dangerous sewer build-up (Ed. Note by Jean Bramble: Think: methane explosion, disease). Used grease is to be put in containers and disposed of in those containers. Commercially used grease is to be put in special containers. The toxic waste specialist who services Ruby’s Inn has signaled willingness to come to Escalante and pick up locally generated commercial grease on the same trips. His name is available from the city: 826-4644.

Daylight Savings Time Ends this Saturday night. Clocks should be turned-back one hour. (Fall back!)

From the Mayor’s Desk: it seems to me that we didn’t have a summer; it came and went so quickly. Now we are into fall and our Thanksgiving time. Before you know it winter will be upon us! The work on the reservoir is moving along, our airport is being paved at this very moment. We planted lawn at our park and things are looking good there. What’s next? Have you ever thought about starting some community education classes for the winter? Maybe we could have some around the world cooking classes, or cake decorating, music, woodshop, or maybe even woodcarving, or a painting class or two. The sky is the limit. We have a lot of talent in this little community! Now what else can we do as a community? We need to look for job opportunities; we need to get our support behind our sawmill. What about an assisted living center? I’m sure many of you have some GREAT ideas; don’t be afraid to share them with our city council and me. You never know where the next idea will come from. I appreciate all of you, and all that you are doing. Let’s work together to make Escalante the Best Community ever. Remember Escalante is a great place to live.

News Around Town - October 20, 2010

Escalante City Council met on Tuesday, October 19, 2010. During the Personal Comment portion of the meeting, one citizen spoke of concerns about streetlights on 100 West. Although city workers have recently replaced the bulbs, some of the street lights have ceased to function. The City made a commitment to remedy the problem lights.

Planning and Zoning reported that Justin Fisher will be attending a P & Z meeting in the very near future to advise the committee on ordinances involving subdivision of property. Copies of the proposed ordinances continue to be available at the City Offices. It is possible that the new ordinances will be ready for final approval by the 16th of November, but will certainly be ready before year’s end. An “alternate” on the Planning and Zoning committee is needed in order to insure a quorum. The City will post this open position and anticipates making an appointment at the next City Council meeting.

A representative from the EMTs approached the Council asking for funds to assist with continuing education requirements for those who volunteer in the emergency program. There are now six EMTs on the team; previously there were five. Costs have gone up. Each EMT has been paying for some portion of his or her expenses, but with escalating costs, an increase in the amount provided by the City is requested. Mayor Taylor and the Council, after some detailed discussion, opted to authorize the full amount ($1,000) existing in the budget at this time. They recommended that the EMT representative approach the Council next May before the second education session is held. Funds in excess of the City’s annual budget may be available at the end of the fiscal year.

A design and a bid for the new Fire Department sign have been submitted. The bid was for $1,500. While the bid is not considered excessive for a metal cut sign, the City will look at other estimates.

There are approximately 600 accounts on the City water system. Of those accounts, twenty-two have been using the electronic payment system offered by the City. Of those who use electronic payment, most use the system offered by their bank. Recently, the company, which historically has billed each patron $49, has announced intent to also bill the City $9.95 per month for the service. The city workers were directed to negotiate with the company. The city’s electronic billing will be retained if the fee is waived. Letters will be written to the twenty-two customers to inform them of the situation.

The next City Council meeting has been changed. The date has been moved to Wednesday, November 3rd. Thereafter, meetings will return to the first and third Tuesdays of the month. As usual, citizens are encouraged to attend. One citizen was heard to comment, “This is a remarkably participatory meeting. It’s wonderful.”

Bodies in the dumpsters are against the law. Similarly, tree limbs, appliances, large furniture, mattresses and construction waste are all designated refuse for the Sanitary Landfill. (Some people in town call it the dump, but the politically correct term is “Sanitary Landfill.” Call the City at 826-4644 to arrange a time to go to the landfill or contact one of the many citizens who carry a key in order to make this resource more available.

The Escalante Canyons Art Festival Committee held a recruitment event this week. A number of bright, new people were present and other interested people who were unable to attend sent word. Committee goals for the forthcoming year include providing new ways for artists to sell their work, recruitment of additional patronage for the event and involving more people in the community, including teenagers, in the festivities. Anyone who wishes to be involved may do so by calling Dana at Escalante Outfitters: 826-4266.

“Health is not simply absence of sickness.” (Hannah Greene). The grant application for the expanded Kazan Clinic moves toward completion. Over 200 letters of support from Escalante citizens will be included in the application. People from Boulder have also written supportive letters and those who have spoken with Boulderites describe much enthusiasm for the new option for health care in Escalante. Because over 300 people from Garfield County seek services in Wayne County, the healthcare committee anticipates more patients at Kazan. This week‘s issue of The Garfield County Insider includes detailed articles regarding questions and specifics of the plan and proposal. In addition, citizens may contact members of the Healthcare committee with questions.

To Shred or Not to Shred. Many of us throw our routine paperwork directly into the trash which then goes to the dumpsters. Sightings of personal information in and around the dumpsters have caused concern due to the potential for identity theft. It turns out that once paperwork leaves the owner’s property, it is no longer legally private. Although dumpster diving is a misdemeanor, picking up somebody else’s personal paperwork from public property is not illegal (Supreme Court decision). We are fortunate, in this community, to have the option of burning some trash. Paperwork containing personal information should be shredded or burned. No one wants the two-year headache of having to re-establish his or her financial life following an episode of identity theft.

So That’s What the Guys at the Golden Loop are doing! Steven Johnson says that it’s what makes coffeehouse innovations so much more impactful than market-driven interventions. “If you look at the long view, the good ideas that underlie most of the great changes in our society—that have driven progress--more often than not actually have roots in the open kind of information commons of the [Escalante] coffeehouse…. in those environments, ideas are free to connect with each other and build on top of each other,” he says. “That remixing is really where great ideas happen.”

From the Mayor’s Desk: Mayor Taylor asks to be excused from Newsletter duty this week.

News Around Town - October 8, 2010

This post contains a summary of the City Council meeting held September 21^st as well as a report of the meeting held earlier this week.

The Escalante Newsletter is available in print, as well as online. For those who prefer to read from real paper, the newsletter will continue to be available in the usual places.

A number of comments were presented to the Council during the City Council meeting of September 21^st. A citizen described concern regarding fire hazard due to the high weed population coupled with dry conditions. Continued difficulties with dogs in the City were also described: dogs chasing horses, dogs barking at night and disturbing sleep as well as upsetting guests in local businesses. Citation histories were described.

Main Street plantings and beautification were discussed and will be on a future agenda. Interactions between our City and the Federal government were addressed and a suggestion made that the City work to increase interaction with the Federal Agencies such that we may have input into decisions affecting our lives.

The Council passed proposals that had cleared Planning and Zoning. A representative from The Daughters of the American Republic presented a proclamation for Constitution Week. Our librarian described plans for the new library shelves and obtained permission to hmove forward. Fees for group use of the Lion’s Club

Pavilion at the City Park were discussed. Prior to establishing a procedure for making reservations, the City will review our contract with the state. Capital improvements and the Policy and Procedures Manual will be reviewed at the next Council work meeting. A city worker described the need for a new flow meter to replace the (finally) defunct model.

Officer Jared Dunton requested that all calls for his assistance be made through Dispatch, rather than his private phone. Dispatch number is 1-435-676-1134.

An efficient forty-five minute City Council meeting was held October 5^th. New citizens to the community were recognized and welcomed by the Council. A representative of the Healthcare Committee described progress toward an enhanced clinic. IHC/Garfield Memorial Hospital, the Garfield County Commissioners, Wayne County Community Clinic and Escalante City are preparing to sign a memorandum of approval for the proposed grant. A community meeting will be held in Boulder to inform citizens there about potential clinic improvements. Planning and Zoning expressed thanks to those who attended the recent Public Hearing.

A Fire Department Auxiliary has been started. A representative from the group asked for and obtained the City’s permission to engage in fund-raising. The Auxiliary is open to everyone. Councilperson Torgerson will be evaluating the purchase of a lawn mower with bagger. Regarding the ‘weed issue’ (see above), the City determined that a letter would be sent to all residents as well as out-of-town property owners regarding the need for weed control. City Council announced the one and five year Capital Improvement Plans. Plans for Holiday Decorations were initiated, as were plans for an updated emergency plan including a “phone tree.” The Policy and Procedures Manual has been updated. Fire Chief Porter discussed water capacity and flow and described work with the Insurance Services Offices in rating the town of Escalante. These ratings affect the insurance costs to all of us. Councilman Allen described continued work with Armstrong Engineering regarding seal coating and asphalt for the airport. Due to recent weather conditions, these plans are on hold. Roads continue to be monitored by Mr. Allen and Mr. Dunn as abnormally high rainfall continues.

On Wednesday, October 6^th, a public hearing was held in Panguitch regarding the impact on air quality by mining at the planned Alton mine. The meeting was reportedly not publicized outside Kanab. Because the three representatives from the State of Utah were restricted to discussion of air quality only and may not have had full information regarding monitoring criteria and processes, citizen participants are asking for an extension of the public comment period. Currently, public comments are welcomed only through the 14^th of this month.

Heard Around Town: “He’s better than Nixon” (Referring to Mayor Taylor!)

The Healthcare Committee met twice this week. Endorsements from Chris Coombs, regional vice president (South West region) of IHC and Alberto Vasquez, administrator of Garfield Memorial Hospital have endorsed the plans for further improvement of the clinic. Letters from individual citizens have been sent to Boulder, to Gina Flanagan at Wayne County Community Clinic, to Escalante City and to Mr. Vasquez. At this time, more than 70 letters have been received in the city offices. Letters of support or those describing healthcare experiences in the community are being sought in the next two weeks. Lori Coleman has a form letter which may be used. She can be reached at the South Central offices or at loric@socen.com. Elaine Lott is available to help anyone who would like assistance in writing a letter. A “question and answer” informational form will soon be available. Collaboration with Boulder is occurring. Three members of the Community Healthcare Committee will attend a Boulder City Meeting to provide information about plans for an expanded clinic in Escalante. Particular concern regarding access to emergency medical care during winter months has been expressed. (Roads over Boulder Mountain and ‘the Blues’ will not be plowed during night hours due to state budgetary constraints).

Late Breaking News: Mayor Jerry Taylor announced the signing of the City’s portion of the letter to accompany the Community Health Center grant application. The City Council completed the letter by adding their signatures.

The Escalante Canyons Art Festival concluded its annual event on September 26^th. The festival was a success and uncovered at least one more skilled artist: Arina Mortensen won the People’s Choice Award. City businesses were active. Community organizations & charities, new and old, made money for various causes.

Alton Coal Mine Air Quality Hearing

“The air quality monitoring at Alton Coal Mine will be performed by the coal mine operators. And they are doing it on a voluntary basis, because we cannot require them to do it.” – Jon Black, Environmental Engineer

Public comment on the proposed approval order (PDF) can be submitted in writing or in e-mail until Thursday, October 21 at 6:00 PM. Send comments to Jon Black at jblack@utah.gov. You can also read the DEQ information sheet (web page) and fact sheet (PDF).

Braving a driving rain storm, about 50 citizens of Garfield County gathered at the Panguitch High School Auditorium on Wednesday evening, October 6, to attend the Utah Division of Air Quality Public Hearing about the proposed coal mine in Alton, Utah. Alton, a town of about 100 people, lies 12 miles southwest of Bryce Canyon National Park, 25 miles northeast of Zion National Park, and about 36 miles south of Panguitch on Route 89.

The proposed mine will be the first above-ground surface strip mine in Utah. It will consist of 30 open-pit mines on 244 acres of a 635-acre private parcel. The mine is expected to produce two million tons of coal per year for three years. The coal will be excavated, crushed, and prepared for shipping on-site and then transported north on Route 89 toward Route 70 by a fleet of by 22-wheel trucks. The mine is owned by Alton Development Company, a limited liability partnership formed for the purpose by five businessmen from Florida and Colorado.

The Utah Division of Air Quality determined that the coal mine would be “minor source” of pollutants and prepared a proposed approval order, which was submitted for public review as required by law. “Minor source,” the attendees learned, is a technical category that anticipates lower levels of emissions of nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide and PM-10 (particulates smaller than 10 micrometers), the types of pollutants that this Division regulates.

Attendees were exposed to a bewildering array of terms and data, including descriptions of a fractured bureaucracy where the Division of Air Quality establishes rules, practices, and limits for emissions of some pollutants, but not for water, or for more noxious chemicals, which are regulated by the Oil, Gas, and Mining Standards Agency. Also, the Division of Air Quality does not enforce the standards they set, which are, instead, enforced by the Compliance Division of the Utah Department of Environmental Quality. Trucking, traffic, and road damage estimates are handled by yet another agency, as is mine safety, and all were also beyond the scope of this hearing.

To satisfy federal and state regulations and obtain the Air Quality permit at issue, Alton Coal agreed to install two air quality monitors on site, to expose no more than two open pits at any time, to limit blasting to once per day for a total of 32 explosions in a rolling 12-month period, to limit operations to an average 20.5 hours/day, to use water and chemicals to control dust, and to make sure that the air is no more than 20% opaque on average, among other requirements (for complete list, see Proposed Approval Order). The air monitors will be read and maintained by the operators on a voluntary basis and the data will be sent to the department for review every 3 months.

Supporters and opponents expressed concern that the monitoring would be done by the mine operators and that the only scheduled air quality inspection would occur at some time within the first six months of operation. Any further inspections would be “random,” meaning both without warning and an undetermined number of visits, which could mean every day or never.

The public was given the opportunity to ask questions and comment, and many did. They included Garfield County Commissioner Malloy Dodds, who expressed concerns about random monitoring but said he that supports the mine and has faith in the process, although he thinks there are mine issues “more stressful than air quality.” Panguitch City Manager Allan Henry also expressed support for the mine in the hope that it will bring jobs to the community and said that he trusts the state to “make sure that the mine complies with state and federal law.” Panguitch businessman Arshad Desai called for “transparency” and asked that government-issued mine violations (“pink slips”) be made public so citizens can respond before an accident occurs. He also worried that local officials would use the mine as a replacement for a real economic development plan.

Panguitch resident Robert Cook said the benefits of the mine weren’t worth the risks, and that Utah didn’t know enough about the long-term effects of coal mining on our towns, especially health, traffic, and road damage, and the effect on businesses along the I-89 and I-70 corridors. He called for public officials with a conflict of interest to recuse themselves from decisions about the mine, alluding to the highly publicized $10,000 contribution from the Alton Coal owners to Gov. Gary Herbert, and the approval of their mine development petition just three days later. Panguitch businesswoman Bobbi Bryant voiced concerns that the hearing was advertised only in Kanab, and asked the Division to extend the comment period. She was especially worried that we didn’t know the effect of chemicals sprayed on the coal to control dust.

There were no public officials from Boulder or Escalante in attendance, but residents Mark Austin and Erica Walz both testified. Mark worried about the health effects of mining and said that having the mine owners read the air quality monitors was like “the fox guarding the chicken coop.” He was concerned that the Division did not measure the current air quality as a baseline and that the constant, high-volume truck traffic could harm vegetation in farms and gardens along the route. Among others, Erica noted that the beautiful landscape, clean air, and clear night skies that the mine jeopardizes are highly valued by residents and are crucial to our tourist industry. She asked that the coal development petition and plans that Alton Coal submitted be made public so that citizens could review them, just as the Division did, and provide more informed comments.

The Division managers said that no more documents would be made public without request, but citizens were welcome to request documents in accordance with the Utah Government Records and Management Act (GRAMA). For information and help with GRAMA requests, contact Teri Weiss at the Utah Division of Air Quality at 801-536-4000.

Important Air Quality Meeting

By Bobbi Bryant, Garfield County Insider, Thursday, September 30, 2010

(c) Garfield County Insider

Important Air Quality Meeting

October 6, 2010 - Starts at 6 PM

Panguitch High School Auditorium

This meeting is to talk about the air quality impacts from the proposed strip mine in Alton, Utah. The Division of Air Quality will be here to inform us how dust and pollutants from this mine will be monitored to protect those working at the mine, those living along the mine route, etc.

Please come to this meeting and get the answers to your questions or become informed of what will be in the dust particulates that will be emitted from this mine, how it will affect the respiratory systems of young and old in the area of the mine and the mine route (WE DON'T WANT ANOTHER DOWNWINDERS SITUATION) along with how our water aquifers will be protected from the mine dust left along the truck route, etc. INFORM AND PROTECT YOURSELVES AND OTHERS.

For more information, contact John Black, Utah Division of Air Quality, 801-536-4047 or jblack@utah.gov.

Disclaimer -No one from Utah Division of Air Quality informed us of this meeting. If the offices at Panguitch City or Garfield County were notified they did not publish it in the paper to inform the citizens of this meeting. -- Bobbi Bryant

Raising Goats & Chickens (video)

In this delightful video by Sandy Brown, featured in the Examiner, Shari Miller explains the insider's view of raising goats and chickens at home. You'll be charmed by the great photos and you'll benefit from Shari's years of experience.

Click to watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twHYf3rJahc

Escalante City Council Meeting - 9/07/2010

Escalante City Council met on Tuesday, September 7, 2010. During the Personal Comment section, a citizen requested information regarding television reception. Television signals are now the responsibility of the County and the individual was encouraged to call Panguitch for assistance.

Mayor Taylor reported that the city and the Community Healthcare Committee are proceeding with plans to work with the Wayne County Clinic with respect to clinic grant-writing and expansion. Current clinic employees, along with others, will be visiting the Wayne County Clinic in the near future. Citizens of Escalante are welcome to present questions or express concerns during the Personal Comment section of any City Council meeting or to discuss healthcare issues privately with Deon Alvey, Drew Parkin or Elaine Lott. In addition, community members are encouraged to provide feedback and information in the way of LETTERS of SUPPORT. These letters may document personal medical experiences and/or rationale for attending clinic in Wayne County as well as thoughts about the current Escalante Clinic. Letters may be sent to Gina Flanagan at the Wayne County Clinic or dropped off at the City Offices where they will be gathered and sent to Gina as a packet.

A citizen who lives in “The Moqui” discussed overly bright streetlights. She presented letters from all her neighbors requesting that the light be shielded so that the light would be directed only downward onto the street. Garkane is willing to paint the sides of the streetlights such that light will be directed downward but will only do so with City Council approval. A citizen from the audience described the contrast between urban night skies and those found in our region.Unobstructed views of the night skies are one of the things that make Escalante exceptional. Councilman Allen agreed with this point of view but added that public safety must also be considered. Another citizen reported that there are other corners and other citizens who dislike the bright lateral light. A motion was made and passed that the light in the Moqui would be shielded by Garkane and would be used “experimentally” to determine the safety and aesthetic impacts of the action.

There will be a PUBLIC HEARING on September 28^th regarding the proposed Planning and Zoning ordinances. P & Z requests that citizens attend this meeting in order to provide feedback and voice questions and concerns. An 83-page copy of the proposed ordinances is available at the City Offices.

Envision Escalante and Skyhoopi announced a donation of $1,500 to the City Library. Funds were generated by sales in the thrift store. Envision also reported $3,350, which is designated for tables or playground equipment for the Mohr Christensen Park. More grants will be sought in order to provide monies for park development.

The Potato Valley Lions Club wishes the City to reconsider how organized groups use the Pavilion in the City Park. Currently, there is no charge for groups to meet. However, groups have been ‘trashing’ the park. PVLC would like to change the policy such that a $50 charge is made with a $25 refund if the park is left in good shape. Of the remaining $25, $20 would go to the city and $5.00 would be given to PVLC. A decision was made that the City would revisit the contract and discussion and a decision will be made in the near future.

Escalante City is budgeted for and has approved purchase of a table at the Garfield Memorial Hospital Fund Raiser on October 1^st. Mayor Taylor expressed the desire that our city be represented at this event.

The mayor also asked for volunteer help in clean-up following the Escalante Art Festival. Mayor Taylor reported that he will be seeking information on the cost of windows for the Fire Station Doors. The mayor and Fire Chief Porter discussed the desirability of this improvement. The airport will be shut down on 13 September for runway repairs and placement of a new beacon.

News Around Town - September 2010

The Escalante Healthcare Committee held a community meeting on the 18th of August. It is reported that between 115 and 125 people attended the meeting. Some citizens spoke in support of an expanded clinic or had questions and others voiced their reservations. In the end, a hand-vote indicated that the vast majority of people favored pursuing expansion of the clinic, (approx. 110 in favor, 10 opposed). As described above, letters from citizens in support of an expanded clinic are now being solicited. These letters will accompany grant applications and will go a long way to help obtain the needed funding.

The Escalante Canyons Art Festival is soon upon us. Artists from all around will sign-in and have their canvasses stamped starting the 19^th of September. Jerry Roundy will speak on Thursday the 23^rd, kicking off the event with a talk about the C.C.C. Camps in our area. This year’s featured artist, Howard Hutchison, is an artist whose work spans a complex mixture of renaissance style paintings, scientific accuracy and cerebral, quirky visual humor. Speakers, mostly presenting at the Visitors Center, will explore art, history, geology, land and music. On the Festival Plaza, entertainers will enthrall the audience with all kinds of charming presentations. Vendors will sell hand-made items, art, crafts and food. On Saturday morning, a special workshop will be held for children: making hand-made books under the tutelage of a college art professor. The Potato Valley Lion’s Club will serve dinner, a potato bar, and breakfast on Friday evening and Saturday morning respectively. The Plein Air competition will have its finale on Saturday evening with auctions and awards and an appetizer or two.Finally, the festival will wrap up Sunday morning at a no-host breakfast at the Circle D where art may be purchased and entertainment will be provided.

The Escalante Farmers Market continues to provide a varied array of fruits and vegetables and herbs on Saturday mornings. Hard-to-get items such as eggplant, braided garlic and winter & summer squashes are available as well as boutique cucumbers and other items.

From the Desk of the Mayor: Summer is coming to an end. Fall is fast approaching. We have had a great summer, however now we need to look forward. Next week we will start our airport project, this will take about 30 to 60 days and when it’s done we will have a new surface on our runway. In the upcoming days we will work on our fall cleanup and our community Christmas lights. Let us all get involved and make our community the best!