Saturday, July 23, 2011

Pioneer Day Schedule

Pioneer Day Schedule

Friday Evening, July 21, 2011
6:00 PM: Kid’s Rodeo 6:00
Dance accompanied by the world famous
Mechanical Bull Challenge

Saturday, July 22, 2011
Cheerful good-morning tradition
6:30 AM-----------------Fun Run
7:00-9:00 AM----------Free Bishop’s breakfast at Park
9:30-10:00 AM---------Kid’s parade
10:00-3:00--------------Free Ice Cream Cones at Escalante Outfitters
10:00 AM---------------Parade and float competition
11:30 AM----------------Boy Scout Dinner at Ward
1:30 PM-----------------Program at High School
2:00-5:00 PM----------Drifting Blues Band at Park
3:00-5:00 PM----------Carnival at Park
6:00-9:30 PM----------World Famous Rodeo
~10:00 PM-------------Festive Fireworks Display

News Around Town: July 21, 2011

The Escalante City Council met on July 19, 2011. The meeting opened with a public hearing regarding the recent revisions to the subdivision ordinances. A citizen voiced concerns about the meaning of ordinance wording, expressing that there might be unintended confusion. City Council members, most notably Greg Hughes, stated that the revised ordinances were intended to streamline and simplify the subdivision process. Essentially, there are now three types of subdivision: a simple parcel split into two lots, “minor subdivisions” and “major subdivisions.” Each type of subdivision has its own set of rules and regulations. If interested, please contact City Offices for more detail (826-4644).

Public Comment: During the Public Comment section of the meeting, Susan Nelson, representing Envision Escalante, proffered funds generated at Skyhoopi Thrift Store. Five hundred dollars were designated for the construction of a toddler park. Another citizen commented on the appearance of town. She stated that while returning to Escalante after a time away, she saw the town with new eyes and was impressed with how well kept our city looks. She is also very impressed with the new fence along the city park. Mayor Taylor credited our great city employees with the improvements and added that much work has also gone into the rodeo grounds. Mayor Taylor invited all citizens to visit the grounds and take a look.

Airport Light: The flashing light emanating from the new airport has bothered a number of citizens. A citizen, who has volunteered to head-up a fund-raising campaign, shared with the Council information as to how the problem of the night-long flashing light might be remedied. She described the construction of a potential shielding box. (This information is available from Sandy Brown: 826-4708.) Greg Allen, whose City Council province is the airport, stated that he has contacted the engineering group, Armstrong Consultants, which is the engineering organization for our airport. Mr. Allen went on to say that construction of a freestanding box is more complicated that one constructed atop a building. Mr. Allen acknowledged that the flashing light, personally, does not bother him. He would like citizens to contact him regarding their thoughts on this subject: 826-4002. A final citizen voiced concerns about the road to Wide Hollow Reservoir that is badly compromised. City Council assured her that Garfield County would be fixing the road.

Planning and Zoning reported no new announcements. A single parcel split, as well as a proposal to move a modular home from Las Vegas to property in town, was presented. Property for which the modular home is destined has current water and sewer hookups. The Council passed both petitions.

Scheduled items in the agenda included a written request for an upgraded water meter. This meter was improved with some contingencies attached. A small group of children were given a donation of $50.00 toward their participation in raising sheep. The Lions Club was given an equivalent donation toward the prizes for floats in the Pioneer Days Parade. The Fire Chief, Donny Porter, requested permission to hold a fund-raiser lunch as well as an advance to cover the cost of meat that will be served. The lunch will be held on July 23rd as part of the Pioneer Day festivities. In addition, the Chief petitioned the Council for funding for new shirts for members of our volunteer fire department. City Council approved these requests. Finally, a city employee presented the option of leasing an additional backhoe. There is an opportunity to obtain such a lease at a very reasonable price and doing so would save wear and tear on the backhoe the city currently owns. The Council decided to seek further information and will schedule this item at forthcoming meeting.

During the Council Reports, Vickie Schulkoski demonstrated her persuasive skills by assigning City Council members to spots on the Pioneer Days City float. Although the City is not in the business of caring for dogs, there is a need for a few dog runs. Recently, several excess and/or mistreated dogs have been removed by court action. They have been parceled-out to city employees. (One dog is described as a particularly nice animal. There is also a beautiful male chow that was left when his tourist owner became ill. If interested in any of these dogs, you may contact the city offices: 826-4644). The City is considering building a few dog runs for such animals. Mayor Taylor again expressed appreciation to our City employees for their contributions to our community. Councilman Greg Allen further discussed the flashing airport light as described above. Mr. Allen invites comment and stated that “even if 90% (of the population) wish the light to be shielded, it does not necessarily mean that” this will come to pass. Councilman Graham reported on road problems on the Forest Service road leading to the city spring box. Information from the Forest Service is being pursued.

Around Town
The Escalante Riding Club cordially invites you to top off your Pioneer Day Celebration at the Rodeo. The Rodeo begins at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday. In addition, the Kid’s Rodeo will be held on Friday evening. Young visitors and area children will be demonstrating their cowboy skills. Indeed, 80 kids have already signed up for mutton busting! On Saturday evening, enjoy the improvements to the arena, nosh on a burger or two and watch regional cowboys and cowboy-wannabes take-on all forms of ornery domestic critters. These rodeos are the “real thing” and very much a part of our cherished culture and customs. The Riding Club would like to express appreciation to Valerie Sparks and Terry Olsen for their tireless efforts to improve the Rodeo Grounds.

Skyhoopi, our charitable thrift store, now has new hours. Due to budget cuts related to the recession, the hours will be Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 to 5:00.