This post contains a summary of the City Council meeting held September 21st 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 21st. 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 5th. 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 6th, 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 14th 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 26th. 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.
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