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.