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)

News Around Town - February 23, 2010

Escalante City Council: City Council met on February 15, 2011. During the Personal Comment section of the meeting, when citizens may express opinions or concerns, the issue of the speed limit on the southern portion of Center Street was raised. Reportedly, many are speeding on Center Street. This issue will be formally addressed at the next City Council meeting and action may be taken. Another citizen extended thanks to the Council for the courtesy shown during the dam-building project.

Planning and Zoning: The Planning & Zoning Board representative reported that the last section of the new ordinances has been completed. A final approval meeting will be held in the near future. A citizen sought and was given permission to change a boundary within his property. A discussion was held regarding a non-conforming building. The Council opted to defer action until issues are clarified and the property owner has returned from a family emergency and can enter into the discussion.

Russian Olive trees: in the sewer lagoon need to be removed. One citizen who owes community service hours may be assigned this project. Alternately, he may be assigned to other work and the city workers may work with the Escalante River Watershed Partnership which has expertise and experience in removal of this challenging plant. Mayor Taylor encouraged the City to work with the partnership. Alternate duties can be assigned to the community service worker.

Impact Fees: A citizen and business owner spoke regarding her letter requesting (partial) refund of impact fees paid last fall when water meters were released, saying that those who paid $5,700 last fall should have the amount adjusted downward. At the last City Council meeting, the Council reportedly lowered the impact fees in order to recruit more businesses and people to Escalante. (The Newsletter did not cover the previous meeting; please request a copy of the transcript at City offices if needed: 826-4644.) According to the citizen, the impact fee cannot be adjusted without a legal process (public hearing etc.). Since such a processes was not utilized, individual citizens have the right to legally challenge the City in order to get money returned. Mayor Taylor stated that the impact fees had been lowered following consultation with Barry Huntington, Esq. and representatives from the League of Cities and Towns and that no such law was described. There will be further consultation with the attorney and the League and until such discussions are completed, no water meters will be released. The citizen requested that the Council respond to her concerns in writing. The Council agreed to do so.

Other issues, events and announcements discussed at City Council were as follows.

• A City employee expressed appreciation to Councilman Graham for filling-in when another employee was absent.
• Mayor Taylor spent time in Boston promoting our area. The cost of the trip, he clarified, was covered by Garfield County. City coffers did not support the trip.
• The airport project will be completed in early March.
• Escalante and surrounds will be covered by a special publication of Sunset Magazine in early May and has been featured in the Boston Globe.

At the end of the meeting, a citizen expressed her concern to the Council, stating, “ I hope you can get this impact fee [lowered] without going to court. We are losing people to Tropic [and other places nearby].”

Cleanup Project by Local Citizen: One of the city businessmen made the decision to devote time to cleaning up winter’s mess along Highway 12. On the 13^th of this month, he removed all trash found between mile marker 61 and mile marker 64. In this three-mile stretch, running through the middle of town, he found the following items:

• 28 beer bottles
• 27 pop & beer cans
• 37 plastic bottles
• 2 coolers
• 51 cigarette packs
• 1 car fender
• 4 steel fence posts
• 3 feed bags
• 2 milk crates
• 2 election signs
• 1 welding helmet
• 5 gloves, 7 socks, 3 shoes
• 6 boxes
• 3 ft. chain
• 2 door hinges with nails
• 3 animal carcasses

After accumulating and disposing of these items, along with miscellaneous paper, he stated, "This is our highway. Every country in the world [will] be traveling through here. Keep clean and don’t litter!" He added that use of the sanitary landfill (aka ‘dump’) is FREE, as is use of the dumpsters.

The New Escalante Irrigation District held its annual meeting on 2/19. Jay Branson, engineer for the dam project, stated that, "The dam is finished; the project isn’t." Completion of the project requires slope protection and other construction detail by ASI as well as the "in kind" tasks required of the irrigation company members. The basin of the structure is being filled in a controlled manner and there should be adequate water for members assuming adequate moisture during the remainder of the winter and spring. Mr. Branson suggested that, unlike previous years, water be conserved in April in order to insure water to last through the summer. The Dam Project brought $1.6 million into the local economy in the form of payroll. Local purchase of fuel, groceries, other services and gasoline and sales tax may have increased local revenue another one million dollars, more or less. The financial status of the irrigation company was explained as well as the current status of an embezzlement case in which an employee illegally used NEIC funds. Although the penalty phase of the legal proceedings has been completed, the restitution plan has not yet been established. For this reason, Mr. Carter did not expand on the details of the case. Finally, Bart Carter and Dale Wilson were elected to the Board of Directors.

From the Mayor’s Desk: Mayor Taylor will not be contributing to this issue of the Newsletter. However, when asked about the increasing attendance at City Council meetings and the sometimes lively participation of those present, Mayor Taylor stated that he loves to see such active involvement and hopes that many more folks will attend and express their points of view.

News Around Town - January 24, 2011

Escalante City Council: City Council Met on January 18^th. During the Personal Comment section of the meeting, in which citizens are invited to share thoughts, ideas and concerns, the gentleman who spoke at the last meeting about initiating a walking trail project in and around town provided an update. He has been contacting private landowners about permission to establish a trail along the river and has received generally positive response.

Planning and Zoning described an upcoming meeting with attorney Justin Fischer regarding legalities of subdivisions. Elaine Lott expressed appreciation to Vicki Schulkoski and Stephanie Steed for their assistance in making up folders for the new ordinances.

The City discussed and passed a motion to raise the filing fees for subdivisions. This action will be referred to Planning and Zoning where an ordinance will be written and referred back to City Council for final approval. It is expected that the cost will increase to $200. Lori Coleman, previously an alternate to Planning and Zoning, will assume a regular position due to the resignation of another member of the board. One building permit was passed for a fence.

Highway 12: John Holland gave his annual Report on National Scenic Byway Highway 12. In the past year, the Highway 12 Committee has been replacing route signs along the road. All 60 new signs are to be replaced again because of a defective adhesive that delaminated under ultraviolet light. The signs were under warranty, so replacement monies are unnecessary. Six additional signs, mostly in the Bryce Canyon area, will be added. Highway 12 Committee has also been replacing the older route guides, typically given away at travel shows or in businesses and visitor’s centers.

Mr. Holland stated that the counties would be funding route guides. A joint grant with the Dixie National Forest to replace the restrooms in Red Canyon and, possibly including interpretive paths and landscaping, may be in the future. Future issues facing the Highway 12 Committee include a decision to extend the existing paved bicycle route or construct a pavilion in Cannonville. Mayor Taylor asked if extension of the bicycle path across the county was being considered. Mr. Holland replied that the Garfield County Commission is interested in paving to Bryce Canyon National Park and possibly through Tropic. Henrieville has not weighed in on this issue. Torrey is enthusiastic about a bike-pedestrian path.

Russian Olive: Representatives from the Escalante River Watershed Partnership provided an information session and a PowerPoint display regarding one of their premier projects. This project involves the removal of Russian Olive, often considered a noxious weed, from the Escalante River. The partnership has spent much of its time in the past two years on planning for and removing Russian Olive from the river.

It is clear that Russian Olive is taking over the river environment, choking out access by animal and man, displacing native plant and animal habitats and disrupting farm and rangeland. Ten years ago, an Escalante resident spearheaded Russian Olive removal in the lower Escalante. During the past two years, Russian Olive removal has been accomplished in parts of Boulder, adjacent to the Escalante-Calf Creek junction and near the Main Canyon turnoff west of Escalante.

As the project evolved, “Best Practices” for the removal of Russian Olive have been developed. Simply cutting the trees down is ineffective because the root system of the plant is massive relative to the visible part of the tree. Once cut the vigorous roots waste no time in sending up new shoots, thus ultimately worsening the problem and increasing the potential for further seed production. Systematic observations of tree removal results have yielded what seem to be the most effective procedures for elimination of the plant.

The partnership now has funding for Russian Olive removal on private land located primarily to the west of town. Landowners in the designated area have been contacted and most, if not all, have agreed to participate in the project. The partnership anticipates hiring local residents as part of this year’s project as well as for the future monitoring that will be needed to insure that the plants have been eliminated.

Mayor Taylor described his involvement in previous Escalante River Watershed Partnership meetings and made clear the fact that the city has influence only over land that lies within city limits. The next meeting of the Partnership will be held on Tuesday, the 25^th of January in the conference room of the Richfield Quality Inn from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The meeting is open to the public.

Additional information about the Watershed Partnership will be available in a future edition of the Escalante Newsletter.

Spice: Barry Huntington, Esq. has contacted the city regarding a new manufactured drug called "spice." The drug is a marijuana-like substance and is so new that no laws currently exist regarding manufacture or possession. Mr. Huntington suggests that the city be proactive in establishing ordinances against "spice." A model ordinance has been written which may be adopted. "Spice" will likely be one of the first items to be addressed by the state legislature when it meets in the forthcoming weeks. The City Council approved a motion to adopt the ordinance at the next City Council meeting.

Odds & Ends: Councilman Allen reported that the airport project will be starting back up on the 1^st of March. Councilwoman Torgersen expressed gratitude to those who helped with the seasonal lighting along Main Street.

Christmas Train: There are few places outside of Disneyland and Disneyworld where a person can experience the nighttime magic of a lighted train. The City of Escalante and the Escalante Newsletter would like to thank the Wilson and Shurtz families: Lenza Wilson, Zack Wilson, Dale Wilson, and Susan Shurtz for the wonderful Christmas train. The family put in many hours creating one of the very special aspects of living in Escalante. Thank you.

From the Mayor’s Desk: Mayor Taylor is unavailable this week. Look for his comments in the next edition.

News Around Town - January 4, 2011

Escalante City Council

The City Council met on January 4, 2011 following a month hiatus. The meeting began with personal comments by members of the public.

Walking Path: One gentleman proposed that a walking path or trail be developed, possibly from the Escalante River to the State Park. He volunteered to initiate this project and hopes to obtain funding from grants and possibly from the State Park. He requested that the city provide him with the names of property owners along the river in order to obtain their approval for the project. Property ownership can be obtained from the city offices during regular business hours.

Community Development Meeting: On a related topic, Mayor Taylor will be exploring the option of having another community development meeting like that held last year. A woman who has been active in the community expressed appreciation for the gestures made by the city and community members during the holidays.

Holiday Festival: During scheduled business, one citizen asked Council permission to develop a holiday festival to be held the Friday and Saturday preceding Thanksgiving. The concept would include a crafts fair, a fully decorated Community Center and a street festival on Friday evening where hot chocolate would be served. In order to insure the best outcome, vendors need to have the dates established well ahead of time. In addition, the planting of an evergreen tree on the Community Center grounds would serve as a focus for decoration in the forthcoming years. The City Council approved this project. Mayor Taylor designated Melani Torgersen as supervising councilperson as festival plans develop.

Airport: The airport lease agreement, as written by the city attorney, was approved.

Lighting: The Potato Valley Lions Club requested that the new entrance signs be lighted at night. The Council discussed of this matter and concern was raised that on the west side of town the sign is located too far from available electricity to light without costly infrastructure. Solar lighting is often used in such situations. Greg Hughes will explore the possibility of solar lighting and will also check with D.O.T. The topic will be put on the agenda at a future date when a more informed decision could be made.

City Employee: Hiring a new city employee will be deferred until later in the year. This decision was made based on cost saving as well as decreased need for city labor in winter.

Landfill Management: The city suggested that citizens might participate in a committee who will be trained in landfill management and be available “on-call” so that the people of Escalante may have more frequent access. Better access will spare employees, allow citizens to avoid illegal dumping in the dumpsters, and presumably save the community money. Folks who are interested in a landfill opportunity may contact Vickie at the city offices (826-4644)

Water Rights: Water, water everywhere… The subject on the agenda was “Water Rights-Irrigation Company.“ The city of Escalante has been asked to "transfer" 260 acre-feet of water to the New Escalante Irrigation Company. The City would undertake this action with the understanding that the transfer would be temporary and revocable at any time. An extensive discussion ensued related to the complicated water laws in the western United States. During the past few years, our city has experienced multiple water crises as the result of an aging culinary water system. Now that our water system has been rebuilt, (with many thanks for the years of effort by Councilman Graham), it is important to monitor and evaluate how we use water. "Unused" water risks loss of the water rights based on the archaic Prior Appropriation Doctrine*.

Hence, unused water attached to empty houses or homes that are used only for short periods of the year, as well as water saving measures such as low-flow fixtures may actually be harmful to the city’s access to water resources. The city will continue consulting with attorneys regarding water law and will proceed to insure our water future. The legal "use" of water by Wide Hollow/New Escalante Irrigation Company will insure that water is used (in a legal sense) and will protect our water from "takings." City employees and councilpersons will be attending conferences/trainings regarding new impact fee laws, well and water system maintenance and EMT training.

* Prior Appropriation Doctrine: state statues regard all water as public property. Rights to use water are based on the quantity, source, priority, nature of use, point of diversion, date and beneficial–physical use of the water. Beneficial use is the basis of all water rights in the state. The “water code” was enacted in 1903, then revised and reenacted in 1919. Much of Utah is closed to new water appropriations. Therefore, new allocations require obtaining existing rights. The Code, Title 73, can be seen at http://www.le.state.ut.us/~code/TiTLE73/TITLE73.htm.

Annexation: Citizens to the east of the city limits are requesting annexation. The council discussed the need for annexation and the challenges of providing services to out-of-city-limits residents but only getting partial compensation from the county. One person in the audience stated that as much annexation as possible would be helpful to the city’s future. The Council appeared to agree.

Saw Mill: Mayor Taylor will be attending meetings (1/26) with Sen. Hatch, Rep. Matheson, the Forest Service and others regarding the revitalization of the Saw Mill.

Emergency Preparedness Committee: Mayor Taylor asked that an Emergency Preparedness Committee be established to involve the Police, Search & Rescue, the EMTs, Fire Department, the Forest Service and the Monument. Councilman Greg Hughes will head the committee.

Welcoming Committee: A volunteer is being sought to head a welcoming committee that would help people moving into town.

Holiday Lights: Councilwoman Torgersen requested that holiday lights be included in the next budget.

Main Street: Councilman Hughes will be sending a letter to all city businesses regarding the previously reported serious problem caused by grease in the sewer lines and to businesses which front on Main Street regarding their obligations to remove snow.

From the Mayor’s Desk
"Happy New Year". I hope each of you had a wonderful holiday season! The year 2010 is behind us now and it's important that we look forward to 2011. Let us use the past to help us shape the future. As your Mayor I'm excited for this New Year and the challenges that it brings.

During the past year we made some great strides in our community. As we look to the future there is much to be done. I ask for your help and enthusiasm in making our community the best place to live. We need to create jobs and opportunities in our city. We need to work to strengthen our schools. This can only be accomplished by working together. Please remember that my door is always open and I am open to great ideas and help. No one person can do it alone.... So let us work together. Remember Escalante is a great place to live.

Escalante Newsletter: the product of a partnership between Escalante City and citizen volunteers. Letters and comments may be left at the City Offices or entered at EscalanteNews.blogspot.com.

Lunar Eclipse Events at Bryce Canyon

December 20, 2010 events at Bryce Canyon celebrating the total lunar eclipse on the winter solstice. Next chance: December 21, 2401.

Dress warmly! Free hot apple cider and cocoa are provided at all events.

5:30 p.m. Full-Moon Hike on Snowshoes! A ranger-led, 2-hour full moon hike. 30 participants, ages 6 and up. Meet at the Visitor's Center or call 435-834-4747 to reserve a spot .

10-10:30 p.m. Pre-eclipse Moon Viewing through large telescopes on the Bryce Canyon Visitor's Center patio.

10:30 p.m. "All I Want for Solstice is Our Moon to Come Back!" A one-hour multimedia program in the Visitor's Center.

11:30 p.m. to 12:40 a.m. View the Total Eclipse. View the eclipse through large telescopes on the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center's patio.

For more information, see Hoodoos, Winter Solstice, and Lunar Eclipse Converge.

News Around Town - November 18, 2010

Escalante City Council: The Escalante City Council devoted the beginning of the November 16th meeting to a public hearing on the new Planning and Zoning Ordinances. A formal Planning and Zoning Hearing was held on September 28th. The purpose of last Tuesday’s meeting was to adopt the new ordinances. The public was invited to address the council and express concerns.

One citizen pointed out that, in order to get a water meter, one must have a building permit in hand. Property buyers are reluctant to purchase land without available water. In other communities, a significant deposit on a water meter is required with a two-year build-out interval allowed for design, permitting and construction. If the project is not completed within that window of time, the deposit is forfeited.

Another citizen discussed the irregularity of many city lots and suggested that, “Required minimum lot widths are not compatible with required minimum acreage as they relate to the typical Escalante lot.” He made a suggestion as to how this inherent conflict might be remedied: a simple change in the minimum frontage.

Councilman Dunn stated that he spent much time reviewing the ordinances. “What we have before us is a good representation of what we want to see.” He made a motion that the ordinances be passed. The Council went on to describe the ordinances as a working document, amenable to revision at any time. Indeed, further changes are anticipated, as Justin Fischer will be meeting again with P & Z in January to further review the complex issues surrounding subdivision. The ordinances were passed and thanks were expressed to the tireless work done by the Planning & Zoning group. In addition, the many citizens who attended the Planning and Zoning meeting were acknowledged.

A citizen made personal comments to the Council regarding potholes, particularly on Center Street. This issue was discussed at length at two points in the meeting. The City will work to fill the more severe potholes in the near future; however, filling many of the holes will be more cost effective if the projects can be done in the spring.

The City Council tabled three items on the agenda. The City Holiday Party was scheduled. One of the Councilpersons and one of the City workers will be attending pesticide workshops in order to keep pesticide certification current. The old Clinic propane heater, new at the time a fire destroyed the building, will be recycled into one of the City shops in order to keep the diesel sewer truck from freezing. Funding will come from the sewer fund.

Heard Around Town: “Body searches ahead of time may prevent body searches afterward.”

From the Community: Skyhoopi Thrift Store is readying for Christmas. Decorations abound and a sale will begin on Saturday, November 26th. As usual, donations are always welcome.

The President’s Volunteer Service Award is an award that honors those who have demonstrated a commitment to helping individuals or community. The award was established during the recent Bush administration and is being continued by the Obama administration. Six Escalante citizens have been honored for exemplary volunteer service:

• Arnold Alvey
• Dana Waggoner
• Deon Alvey
• Karen Rangitsch
• Pat Sorensen
• Susan Nelson

Guest Editorial: “A democratic government is a privilege and a responsibility. Our system is currently dysfunctional in part because we see ourselves as consumers, not citizens. That is, we expect service. We don’t feel compelled to participate in the well-being of our community or our country.

We, as citizens, like the private and public sectors, have mostly lost the sense of what it means to work towards the common good. Imagine if [we] had been asked to serve our country as caring citizens instead of asking us to go shopping soon after 9-11.

Let’s change that. Can we work together as citizens for the common good? We can be the model for others – including congress – to follow.” (The Coffee Party, an Internet group that strives to promote civil political discourse.)

Bountiful Baskets is a food co-op serving several western states including Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Colorado, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. From Aurora to Willard, approximately 225 monthly deliveries are made in Utah alone. Escalante receives deliveries two Saturdays per month. Remarkably fresh produce, the mainstay of the organization, arrives and is separated into baskets by local volunteers. Indeed, volunteers alone operate the whole organization. Prices are remarkably low. In addition, fresh bread, special selections and cases of seasonal produce are offered. Sign up and ordering are done online on an individual basis. Some people, especially those with small families, choose to split an order. People who are interested in participating may contact Brenda Lyman at 826-4459.

Stylin’: Salt Lake City fashionistas have been observed wearing skinny jeans tucked into knee-high boots. A matching long, knit scarf and beret, completes the ensemble.

From the Mayor’s Desk: Thanksgiving is just a few days away and overall we have a lot to be thankful for. We live in a wonderful place with great friends and neighbors. Having said this, though, let us be aware of those around us. We have been fortunate with some good jobs in town this year but there may be some people who are still in need. It is my hope that we could all be good neighbors and lend a helping hand when we can.

Speaking of good neighbors I had one person approach me and talk to me about growth in town. They would like to build a place but felt that our impact fees are a little high. She felt that it’s important that we should help young couples and families get started here. So I’m asking you, what do you think? How do you feel about growth, about impact fees, about water meters? What should be the criteria to get a water meter? Should we allow meters outside city limits? As your mayor I want to hear from you, as does the city council. Growth is important to the survival of this community, but what kind of growth would you like to see? It means a great deal to me when we work hard and stick together as a community. Being able to do this will help us meet the challenges that occur during change. Remember Escalante is a great place to live and raise a family.

Escalante Newsletter is the product of a partnership between Escalante City and citizen volunteers. Letters and comments may be left at the City Offices. Respectful letters of 250 words or less may be published, anonymously if requested.

Happy Thanksgiving to All!

News Around Town - November 6, 2010

Escalante City Council met on Wednesday, November 3, 2010. The meeting began with enthusiastic “thank yous” from citizens who were pleased with the recent maintenance of city lighting. The light at the front of the city office building was rehabilitated and old light bulbs were replaced on Main Street. City Council thanked the employees and Lenza Wilson for the recent work on various projects.

Planning & Zoning announced that next Tuesday Justin Fisher will attend its meeting to help complete the new set of ordinances providing advice on the legalities surrounding subdivisions. A conditional use permit was authorized in order to allow visiting family members to use water in, and install temporary skirting around, a recreational vehicle that is driven to Escalante seasonally. A business license was granted, as was a building permit for a garage. Lori Coleman was designated as the new alternate for the Planning and Zoning committee.

Among the scheduled items on the agenda, water rights with the New Escalante Irrigation district, airport business and Fire Department sign were all tabled due to absence of key persons or need for additional information. The city will no longer offer online billing to water customers and has sent letters to those who have previously used this service. The service is no longer cost-effective. Clarification of the city’s obligation to maintain the planting on Main Street has been clarified. A city worker will contact a potential source for the use of an air compressor in order to clear the drip irrigation system. The annual city Christmas party was discussed.

Mayor Taylor described a number of community issues that need to be addressed. Citizens who need to report a concern, particularly a nuisance issue such as barking dogs, should contact Police Dispatch at 676-1134. If an individual is experiencing an emergency, then 911 should be called. 911 should be used for emergencies only. (Ed. Note by Jean Bramble: Some communities levy fines for non-emergency use of 911. Abuse of 911 has the potential to invite fines, and therefore, more intrusive government, into our independent lives!) Calls to dispatch are automatically compiled as important data that helps determine deployment of police personnel around the county. On another subject, Mayor Taylor emphasized that, contrary to current rumor, he has not spent, nor has he authorized, $6000 for windows on the new fire station doors. Donny Porter discussed the $600 that is presently in a donation fund for the Fire Department. A vacuum cleaner is needed for the building. Taylor and Porter will review this operating expense in the near future, making the suggestion that the vacuum may not need to come from donated funds. Future discussions at City Council and in more informal situations are expected to center around growth in Escalante. A consideration of decreasing impact fees and attracting young families is anticipated. Finally, Mr. Taylor expressed gratitude to those who have been helping with the recent difficulties with the sewer system (see below).

Volunteers are needed to put up Christmas lights in the city. Melani Torgersen and others announced that volunteers are needed to place lights along a designated portion of Main Street. In addition, the city is requesting that each business decorate for the holidays.

Sewage and the City: A ten- to fifteen-yard-long grease plug was found in the city sewer lines. According to Blaine Porter, city employee, without the recently purchased sewer tool, the plug would have remained fixed in position. The mess caused by the plug unpleasantly affected South Central Communications. A number of citizens and council members engaged with one another and the mayor regarding this repeated difficulty. A suggestion was made to pour a grease-eating chemical into the sewer system. Some citizens voiced concerns regarding the use of potentially toxic chemicals and possible impact on animals. The city may consider use of the sewer camera to ascertain the source(s) of the grease. Once determined, a hefty fine could be levied. All establishments that cook and serve the public are required by law to have grease filters. The city is legally liable for any untoward effects from dangerous sewer build-up (Ed. Note by Jean Bramble: Think: methane explosion, disease). Used grease is to be put in containers and disposed of in those containers. Commercially used grease is to be put in special containers. The toxic waste specialist who services Ruby’s Inn has signaled willingness to come to Escalante and pick up locally generated commercial grease on the same trips. His name is available from the city: 826-4644.

Daylight Savings Time Ends this Saturday night. Clocks should be turned-back one hour. (Fall back!)

From the Mayor’s Desk: it seems to me that we didn’t have a summer; it came and went so quickly. Now we are into fall and our Thanksgiving time. Before you know it winter will be upon us! The work on the reservoir is moving along, our airport is being paved at this very moment. We planted lawn at our park and things are looking good there. What’s next? Have you ever thought about starting some community education classes for the winter? Maybe we could have some around the world cooking classes, or cake decorating, music, woodshop, or maybe even woodcarving, or a painting class or two. The sky is the limit. We have a lot of talent in this little community! Now what else can we do as a community? We need to look for job opportunities; we need to get our support behind our sawmill. What about an assisted living center? I’m sure many of you have some GREAT ideas; don’t be afraid to share them with our city council and me. You never know where the next idea will come from. I appreciate all of you, and all that you are doing. Let’s work together to make Escalante the Best Community ever. Remember Escalante is a great place to live.