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.

Escalante Farmers' Market

Escalante Farmers' Market
Saturdays beginning July 2, 2011

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

St. Sylvester's Catholic Church

This year's Escalante Farmers' Market opens for the season on Saturday, July 2, 2011, along with other 4th of July events, and runs through Saturday, September 24, 2011. Open from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM at St.Sylvester's Catholic Church.

Anyone can come and participate as a vendor, but food that is offered for sale must be prepared in a commercial kitchen. .

The market is a great place to visit with neighbors, see who's growing what, and pick up extra fresh, local fruits and veggies. There is also room for artisans to sell their wares. We are looking forward to another great season!

News Around Town: May 10, 2011

Escalante City Council: City Council met on May 3, 2011.

During the personal comment section of the meeting, our country’s accomplishment regarding Osama Bin Laden was honored.

Following this patriotic discussion, Kendall Farnsworth announced the Road Rally in support of Utah State Parks to be held on the 14^th of May. Kendall described the significant cuts made by recent state legislation. Our own park lost one FTE (full-time employee/equivalent). The Road Rally will appear at Escalante Petrified Forest State part at approximately 8:45 a.m. and will consist of park employees, the media and citizen supporters. The public is invited to attend.

Planning and Zoning had no general information updates. Several permits/licenses were granted: a Country Kitchen business license, an addition to a storage shed including water for summer canning and a 10 x 20’ kiva-like room. Discussion of the rules, regulations and procedures about buildings and additions ensued. Watch for further information regarding regulations in the future.

Scheduled Items on the agenda included a request for the City to provide the ‘up front’ monies for the Fire Department’s fund-raising breakfast on the 4^th of July. The City would be reimbursed after the event. City Council approved this request. Additionally, Fire Chief Porter requested monies for purchase of a stove and refrigerator.

The City’s cell phones will not be functional after May 31^st due to the change in ownership of local cellular service. Verizon will be the new service operator for our area. The City will replace phones for the Public Works department, the Fire Department and the Police Department. Verizon approached the city regarding the lease or purchase of a 55’ x 55’ plot of land near the water tanks on which to construct two new cell towers.

Digital recorder: The State of Utah (Senate bill 318) now mandates that court business must be recorded on a digital audio recording device. This device may also be used by City Council. A motion was made and passed to buy the device with a $2,000 limit.

Council and Department Reports included a discussion of the dumpsters. Many have noted the slippery, mucky grounds during wet weather. Councilman Hughes described the need to level the turnout and increase the drainage. In the near future, a trench will be built to carry water away from the site. Use of gravel or road base will be discussed in the future. (Editor's Note: Meantime, citizens can help out by NOT placing things like mattresses and large appliances in the dumpsters.). To further improve the appearance around town, a city worker was given permission to scrap an old truck from the city yard.

Escalante Library: Our librarian, who works without a budget for books, asked for donations of non-fiction books for the library. Citizens donate many fiction books, but the non-fiction section of the collection is sparse. Mr. Christian expressed thanks for donations.

Airport: Councilman Allen reported that, with “one good work day (weather-wise)” the airport should be complete.

Heard Around Town: During a recent City Council meeting, a discussion of ‘host services’ took place. Escalante would be better off if we developed a reputation as a very friendly and welcoming place. In the last week the following occurred. A tourist entered Griffin’s Market and asked the clerks if they carried or knew where he might obtain reading glasses. His glasses had gone missing and he could not read maps or view certain things during his travels. Neither the clerks nor any customers were able to provide a workable suggestion. Panguitch may be the only place, possibly in the county, where reading glasses can be purchased. One of the customers stated that she had a new supply of reading glasses from a recent trip to Costco. She offered to give the tourist a pair of glasses. Arrangements were made for him to follow her to her home to pick up the glasses so that he might be better able to continue his trip. Kudos to Marty Henrie, a generous, gracious citizen!

Request for Action from Mayor Taylor, Gina Flanagan (CEO of the Wayne County Health Clinic) and members of the Health Care Committee.Please contact Rep. Jim Matheson at (866) 456-3949 (toll free) or and ask for his support. Ask that he submit a program request to the House Appropriations Committee indicating his support for an increase in discretionary funding for health centers in fiscal year 20012. Rep. Matheson’s advocacy is essential. "Community health centers are locally-controlled, nonprofit entities that deliver cost-effective primary and preventive care to 23 million Americans. There are over 1,200 health centers operating in 8,000 rural and urban underserved communities nationwide, with nearly half… in rural areas. To meet the persistent and overwhelming demand for primary care in this country” these centers warrant support (NACHC). The increase in funding would help build 200 new health care centers, including ours. Maybe by this time next year you won’t have to wait until a Monday, Wednesday or Friday to get sick or to drive a nail into your thumb.

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From the Mayor’s Desk: It seems like this column comes around way too often. However, I believe that communication is so very important in our community. We need and deserve to know what is going on.

So what is going on? Hopefully, good things. Have you noticed the equipment out Center Street? We are replacing our water line. This will be a big improvement for some members of our community. So just a word of warning to those who live on Center. Your water could go off and on in a flash. We are sorry for any inconvenience. I have already had to apologize to one member of our community for his water going off without notice and for this I'm sorry. We are trying hard to do our best. Members of our city council are working hard to get our water system right. They are putting in lots of work and spending many hours of personal time to complete this project. We are also looking at fixing up and restoring our parks and racetrack. With these projects we will need much help from all of you. As we get involved, our community pride will grow and great things can be accomplished. Let us work together to clean up our homes and property. We have a beautiful city, let us keep it neat and clean.

I welcome your ideas! How can we better serve you? Is there something that you would like to see us do as a community? As your Mayor I want to do what you want, I am only here to serve. Don't be afraid to bring your ideas forth. As we come together we can make wonderful things happen. Remember we live in a magnificent place. Let us be proud of who we are, where we live, and what we stand for.

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.