News Around Town - April 8, 2011

Escalante City Council

Following a month’s hiatus, the Escalante City Council met on Tuesday, April 6^th. All members of the council were present.

One citizen introduced herself and shared her thoughts about how the city can keep its children and youth safe from dangerous influences.

Planning and Zoning

Planning and Zoning reported a number of items:

• The commission continues to work on zoning and subdivision issues, for which there will be a public hearing in the near future. Optimal lot size, (½ vs. 1 acre minimum), adequacy of current water lines and availability of well water were concerns discussed among the council and those present.
  
  
• A new steel building on the east end of Main Street was approved.
  
  
• Business licenses for a guide service and a landscaping and yard maintenance service were approved. One business license was ‘tabled’ pending further information.
  
  
• The librarian presented his research, complete with diagram-on-whiteboard, which explained why the historic pioneer lots, measured in “chains,” would make subdivision and sale of some inner-town properties difficult. In all likelihood, the minimum street frontage for city lots will be reduced from 120’ to 110’. This, along with other aspects of the subdivision section of the new zoning ordinances, will be discussed at the aforementioned public hearing.
  
  
• A permit to remodel the old Golden Loop was granted.

Scheduled Items

Of the scheduled items on the agenda, several issues generated much comment.

• Speeding on Center Street below 300 South was described as a “big issue.” Two reckless drivers have hit dogs. Pedestrians, including children, have been endangered. Among the audience, people were outraged. Problem solving suggestions included improved signs, lowered speed limits, speed bumps, citizen actions, including report of license plates, and more frequent police patrol.
  
  
• Adequacy of water lines for the anticipated development along South Center Street was explored, including fire hydrant needs, meter placement and responsibilities of the City and that of homeowners.

Buildings, Parks & Recreation

• Councilwoman Torgersen requested funding for new lawn care equipment. The budget was checked and monies were authorized.
  
  
• The Fire Protection Agreement, an annual agreement for reciprocal fire protection with the county, was renewed.

Council and Department Reports

• The city librarian reported the presence of young cougars in town. Discussion followed regarding the city’s responsibility to notify citizens when wildlife threats are present. Citywide emergency response strategies will be developed.
  
  
• Mayor Taylor attended a Garfield County School Board meeting on April 5^th. Twenty-eight people made application for the School District Supervisor position. Mayor Taylor went on to describe the needs and plans for increased community involvement in education.
  
  
• The BLM will be offering "Host" training to business owners and other interested individuals. Several members of the audience shared thoughts about better reciprocity between community businesses, Super Host training, the need to have information about Escalante’s customs and cultures provided to the many new people, as well as guests in town, and continued fostering of a “Friendly, Positive Attitude” toward guests and neighbors.
  
  
• A Main Street Clean-up date is set for Friday evening, April 15^th from 4:00 p.m. to dusk, followed by a hot dog and hamburger roast at the Pavilion. Councilwoman Torgersen asked everyone present to enlist 10 people to help out. The Council encourages us all to help beautify the city.
  
  
• The completion of the airport is pending, dependent on weather. There are plans to rebuild city fences along the water line and lighting city entrance signs is being pursued. Asphalt for the Heritage Center will be completed soon and, at that time, our potholes will be repaired. Similarly, clinic repairs were discussed.

Happenings

• Mark Buckley from ECONorthwest will be speaking on The Economic Value of Beaver in the Escalante River Basin, on Wed. April 20^th at both 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. ECONorthwest specializes in the economic and financial analysis of public policy. All are invited.
  
  
• Main Street Cleanup and Party: April 15^th- 4:00 until dusk.
  
  
• Information about Art Festival plans, Skyhoopi and the Community meeting held on March 28th is forthcoming.

Heard Around Town: Congress likes its own drama.

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From the Mayor’s Desk

It seems like forever since I’ve had the opportunity to write in our newsletter. We missed city council meetings the month of March. However, it feels good to be back holding city council meetings and even writing a little paragraph for our city newsletter. As I look back many wonderful projects that have been moving forward come to mind. Our reservoir is completed, our airport is in the final stages of being complete, the new and improved water system is running well and we are in the process of trying to lower our impact fees to encourage growth. Water meters are available for sale. We have a landfill committee who will help make landfill runs more available to all of us. (Ed note: Landfill is FREE.) We are looking forward to establishing an emergency preparedness committee, one that will guide us through any and all emergencies. Our fire station is complete. We have a great fire department and Emergency Response Unit. Our parks and city property are being worked on and improved all the time. Main Street will have a clean-up day within a week, we encourage all to come out and help us beautify our city. We are working on ways to help our schools and as a community we should all be involved in this process. Our schools are the heart of this wonderful town. We have the opportunity to work with the county to start another special event for the area. The county will help with the start-up cost. We are looking for new ideas and events to bring to town. We are encouraged that the county wants to be a helpful partner with our city and appreciate all they bring to our table. We, as well, want to be a good partner and always found doing GREAT things for the area. I appreciate the involvement of the community; I would only ask that even more people would come out and get involved. Remember we live in a wonderful place.

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Escalante Newsletter: A partnership between Escalante City and volunteers. Letters and comments may be left at the City offices or on this post. (How to comment)