The Remarkable Kindness of Escalante

When visitors from AZ found themselves in trouble, they couldn't have been in a nicer place. Thanks to Elaine Lott, Nancy Porter, Melani Torgersen, Jeannie Davis, and everyone else who set such a fine example for our town.

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700147221/An-example-for-us-all-The-remarkable-kindness-of-Escalante.html

News Around Town: June 21, 2011

Escalante city Council: June 21, 2011: Following a work meeting, the Escalante city Council met on June 21, 2011. Although citizens participated actively throughout the meeting, there were no personal comments.

Planning and Zoning: Water and sewer rules: requested that the city provide specific, written information about city rules regarding sewer and water hook-ups. Planning and Zoning would like to be able to effectively advise prospective builders regarding rules and policies concerning water meters and sewers. city Council approved construction of an artist’s studio.

Scheduled items on the agenda included several water meter applications, some of which were approved and others which were continued. The application review led directly into a discussion about city water meters and sewer hook-ups.

4-Way Stop Sign: Citizen concerns about the 4-way stop at the intersection of 300 South and Center Street were addressed. Recently, following a contentious argument at the intersection, a citizen suggested that the 4-way stop signs be eliminated. city Council and many individuals commented on the proposal. Many expressed concerns about the speeding and visibility problems on Center Street. Others mentioned anticipated growth on Center or the students who tend to speed on their way to school. In the end, a decision was made to make no changes to the current signage and to re-visit the proposal in December.

The Little League baseball field is to be rebuilt. The Council discussed a possible individual to head up this reconstruction project. This potential ‘victim’ is known to be a fierce baseball aficionado.

Old School Gym: The city continues to entertain the idea of purchasing the old school gym. A grant-writer will be recruited to pursue funds for restoration of the gym.

Council reports

• The option of airplane refueling is not yet available at the airport.
  
  
• Transportation from the airport to other locations can be arranged through one of the jeep rental companies in town. The phone numbers for these businesses will be available at the city offices (and may also be made available on the web, at the information kiosk at the airport, on EscalanteNews.blogspot.com or on the city website).
  
  
• One individual was congratulated for her energetic work along Main Street and other sites around the city.
  
  
• The F.A.A. gave final approval to the Escalante Airport.
  
  
• Covers on the Main Street lights will be repainted soon.

Yard Waste Pickup: July 11-15: The city will be providing a new service for residents this year. Between July 11^th and the 15^th, city trucks will pick up limbs and other vegetative refuse that people have placed along the city streets. The material will be transported to the landfill.

Landfill: Due to telecommunication problems, it has been difficult to arrange to have the landfill opened. For this reason, a city worker will be available to accept items such as old appliances, beds and bicycles at 1:00 p.m. on weekdays. Sewage from the State Park will not be accepted by Escalante city due to potential odor problems.

Airport beacons: A Problem and a Plan. Have you noticed or been affected by the airport’s rotating beacons? Many Escalante residents have had the strobe-like flashes invade their homes for years. Our airport beacons are here to stay, as required by the Federal Aviation Administration, to guide pilots at night. We can build a multiple-sided shielding box to remedy this situation. In a shielding box, the beacon is inside of the box and the top is open. As a result, the rotating lights do not enter resident’s windows at night. Other cities in the West have used such shielding boxes since 1986. Currently, Sandy Brown is investigating how to proceed in installing a shielding box for Escalante Airport’s rotating beacons. She have a petition circulating for this project. If you would like to help or to sign the petition, please contact Sandy Brown at 826-4708. If we can’t remove the problem, let’s find a solution.

Escalante Farmer's Market: Another shopping opportunity will present itself on July 2^nd. The Escalante Farmer’s Market will be open for business starting at 9:00 a.m. The market will be open until noon and will be held weekly until late September. The Farmers’ Market is hosted by St. Sylvester’s church on the grounds on the northeast corner of Main and Center streets. Locally grown produce as well as craft items will be available. Recent research suggests that some of the produce is quite tasty.

Skyhoopi Thrift Store: The current recession hit Skyhoopi in a very big way. Due to Federal spending cuts, the Easter Seal Society no longer has enough money to fund Skyhoopi employees. The thrift store, which has given much to the community, will soon be reduced to one part-time employee/manager. Hanging out and working in the store is low-stress and can be quite fun. Skyhoopi is seeking volunteers or groups to help run the store. Become a team with a friend and multitask by nurturing the store, the community and your friendship.

Host an Artist: The Eighth Annual Escalante Canyons Art Festival will be held on September 23-24, 2011. Artists will begin arriving early for the Plein Air competition on September 17 – 22. Motels and B&Bs are booking up and poor artists need help! If you have an extra room, a pretty place to camp or a hook-up, please become a “patron of the arts” by offering to host an artist. (You might get a painting in exchange.) For more information or to sign up, contact Sandy Brown at 826-4470 or Jean Bramble at 826-4498. Learn about the festival on FaceBook at http://www.facebook.com/EscalanteArtFest and be sure to click “Like”.

From the Desk of the Mayor: Some people say we are in tough times. I would agree with that. However, tough times also bring times of opportunity. I don’t think that anyone is just going to give us a handout. So with that said, we need to step up and do it ourselves. I know, I know, everyone is strapped for time and money. We have several projects in the works; one is the Mohr Christensen Park. We need to get it back in shape. Restrooms need to be updated, grass needs to be planted. It definitely could use some paint and some good old TLC. Then we have the little league/softball area out at the high school. Fences need to be put in place, dugouts need to be constructed, backstop, lights and a diamond all need to be set up. Also, we have the Rodeo grounds. By the way, it is looking much better this year thanks to volunteers and to our much-appreciated city workers. However, it could use a little work as well. It needs some mending along with paint and lots of weeding. As you know, the Pioneer Day celebration is quickly approaching! We also need some work done on our springs on the mountain. We need to cut trees and fix fences. We could use some strong, able-bodied men and women for this job.

I guess what I’m saying is that this is a time of opportunity for us to work as a community to help make Escalante the best. Community pride, community spirit, community involvement. Dignity. Together, we can make a difference. The only thing holding us back is ourselves. We determine as a community what we are and what we will become. I suggest we become the best! Remember, we live in a wonderful place.

News Around Town - May 17, 2011

Escalante City Council –May 17, 2011

Public hearing: Escalante City Council began its May 17th meeting with a public hearing during which two subjects were discussed and passed.

Impact fees: The previous impact fee of $5,717 was based on a 2007 study covering water needs and availability. Since that time, water availability has improved greatly. After consulting with the city attorney, Mayor Taylor determined that changing the impact fee is within the jurisdiction of the City and noted that the impact monies are to be used for new construction only, not maintenance. Citizens and Councilpersons discussed various aspects of the impact fee including the high cost of the current fee, reasons for reimbursing the two parties who purchased water meters last fall, the desirability of preventing speculation using meter purchases and the history of inflated prices of properties having a meter. A new impact fee of $1,000 was passed unanimously and those who purchased meters last fall will be reimbursed.

Zoning change: A change in zoning in an area at the south end of Moqui Gardens was discussed. This area, which has drainage problems and was previously divided into seventeen lots, will now be changed to two lots, each having approximately 7.5 acres. The zoning change was approved unanimously with the caveat that the drainage will remain intact and maintained.

Personal comments: A number of people made personal comments. The council was thanked for its support of the Potato Valley Lions Club and its activities. Forms will be available by month’s end for the 5 K Memorial Run held on the 4th of July.

The Escalante Canyons Art Festival will be held on the 23rd and 24th of September. The winner of last year’s Student Award was given an exhibit at the Red Canyon Visitor’s Center, which will most certainly enhance his career as well as further publicize our festival. Mayor Taylor noted that the Festival generates considerable funds for our community. Additionally, because there is often a shortage of housing during the week of the festival and motels & B&Bs turn patrons away, Escalante citizens may be given the opportunity to “Host an Artist” in their homes. Artists who have stayed in local homes have often repaid their hosts with lovely paintings.

The Economic Development Committee, which was proposed at the City Council meeting on the 19th of April, is almost up and running. Melani Torgersen will represent the city on the committee. The committee will meet four times and then will re-evaluate progress and direction. A city-wide business plan and prospectus for new businesses (e.g. Spring Water from the Aquarius Plateau) will be created, seeking to improve the local economy, a high quality residential environment and sustainable schools. The first meeting will be held in the City Council meeting room on Wednesday, May 25th. If you would like to participate, please call Drew at 826-4309.

Health Clinic: Changes to the new clinic are still moving ahead, although difficulties emerge as a result of the current Congress, which is reluctant to authorize funds. Comments were made about funds being sent to other countries when low-cost health care is needed in the United States. If funded, our clinic will widen its services to local towns including Panguitch where a number of people go all the way to Wayne County for service. Again, people are urged to contact Rep. Matheson as well as our Senators about increased funding for Community Health Centers. A call to our government representatives expressing YOUR point of view regarding funding for Health Centers can be made by calling 1-866-456-3949. It’s easy and with a few phone keystrokes you can reach a Washington office. Make three quick calls and you will have talked to a staff member from the offices of each of the Senators as well as our Representative. Express yourself.

Planning and Zoning announced that there will be a public hearing on the 24th of May regarding zoning on Center Street. Remodeling, two fence projects and a business license were authorized.

Scheduled Items included a request for continued support of the Escalante Farmers' Market. The Council gave continued approval for the market that will be held this summer at the Catholic Church beginning Saturday, July 22nd and running through September.

Livestock Show: Funds were requested for the Livestock Show. This discussion was deferred until the next fiscal year.

Election training for city employees was discussed but, due to financial constraints, tabled pending further information. Funds were released, unanimously, for the purchase of a new rotary cutter to replace the old one. The City is interested in presenting Escalante attractively to our citizens and visitors. A weed-spraying program was discussed and citizens are advised to control weed growth as well as keep up the City right-of-way along the street.

The preliminary budget for fiscal year 2011-2012 has been prepared. A public hearing will be held regarding the new budget on June 7th, 2011. Meantime, in order to participate in financial decision-making, the public is invited to review the preliminary budget in the city offices.

Council and Department Reports

• Councilman Graham was absent as a result of a plug in the Reed Wooley Spring Box. (Reed Wooley was a town marshal and water supervisor in the 1950s and ‘60s and was heroic during a town crisis when water lines froze for nine miles in January, 1961.)
  
  
• Councilman Allen reported that irrigation lines around the airport will be moved next fall.
  
  
• Melani Torgersen consulted with Garkane concerning the over-pruned trees in the City Park. These will be removed and new trees will replace them in somewhat different sites. The Mohr Christensen Park is funded via a grant for water and restroom repair.
  
  
• Greg Hughes described the presentation on the Economic Value of Beaver Ecosystems as “pretty positive” although some citizens have described concern about “creating another spotted owl situation.” DVDs about the project were provided to the council with encouragement to view and evaluate the content. City workers were commended for the trench work in the dumpster center. Consideration was given to weekly availability of a dump truck at the dumpster center in which citizens could place items which are not legal in the dumpsters (see sign next time you dump your garbage). Adding road base at the center and repainting the dumpsters was also discussed.
  
  
• Greg Dunn reported on the filling of the potholes and described a new method for repairing potholes during winter which the city may consider in the future.

From the Desk of the Mayor: I appreciate those of you who come forth to talk with me about your ideas and concerns. I actually like hearing from you. It is tough for me to know what you are feeling unless you come forward and speak with me. I cannot fix something if I do not know that it is broke! I believe by working together as a community we can do GREAT things. I want you to know I feel very strong about this community. Remember Escalante is a wonderful place to live! Let's us all take the positive road as we build a better tomorrow. Thank you for letting me be your Mayor.

Mayor Taylor is seeking volunteers for a Welcoming Committee and to help develop the Emergency Plan. Please call 826-4644 to volunteer.

Escalante Sidewalk Sale

Saturday, June 18, 2011

9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Envision Escalante and the Skyhoopi Thrift Store are sponsoring a sidewalk sale in downtown Escalante, Utah on Saturday, June 18 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.. Come find antiques, hidden treasures, and bargains galore.

Need to clean out the attic and barn and make a little cash for your summer fun? Skyhoopi is selling table space at the sidewalk sale for $10.00 a spot. To reserve a space, stop by the Skyhoopi Thrift Store or call them at 435-826-4566. Everyone is invited to participate. Your table can be an excellent fundraising event for organizations, school groups, individuals, and businesses.

The $10.00 table fee will pay for the replacement of the broken window in the thrift store. Stop by the thrift store and sign up. Skyhoopi Thrift Store is open every week on Tuesday through Saturday.

If you buy table space, please set up between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. on Saturday morning. Bring you own table and chairs, price your treasures, bring a change box, and get ready to sell, sell, sell.

See you on the 18th.