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 11th and the 15th, 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 2nd. 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.
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