Tag Archives: City Council

Towne Center Park Playground

Posted on June 27, 2011 by Jana| Leave a comment

Back in 2008, when plans were finalized for the Fire Station, Potato Valley Lions Club discussed having a toddlers playground on the west side of the park and the balance in grass.  We also talked about having a few metal cook stove stands near the pavilion to keep the stoves off the tables.  Some discussion also took place over having a band stand in the park complete with electricity and speakers.  The club did not adopt any of those as their official projects at that time, and, obviously, nothing has been built.

In 2010, Tracy did a photo project for the Relief Society Anniversary.  Those donated prints were
auctioned off and he asked that the funds be donated to the City Playground fund.  Others have donated to the fund over the last 18 months and we have a little over $3,000, nowhere near the $15,000 needed to complete the project.

I was hopeful the Potato Valley Lions Club might take the project on in 2011/2012 – but what funds will be available is still unknown.  The Pavilion needs some work thisyear – the stove needs replacing; the heat exhaust vent needs to be purchased and installed in the back room; the ceiling of the eating area needs another
coat of sealer.  In addition, our Breakfast Bus meals revenue will be lower than at any time since we started.

I ‘ve been hoping the Artists and Crafters would rent space at the July 4th event – which would help generate foot traffic and sales of lunches, which would increase available funds.  Unfortunately, that hasn’t happened
either.  I asked a couple of the women who support the park to sell items for the Lions Club during the July 4th
event, but they have shown no interest.

So, for all those that have demonstrated support for the playground project – thank you!  We’ll keep working at it until we get enough funds to go forward.  It won’t be anytime soon.  Potato Valley Lions Club has invested over
$50,000 in Escalante, plus grants and donations from others, during the past 9 years through the sale of food.  We hope you’ll continue to support us in the next 9 years.

If you’d like to see the playground or some other project go forward, come join us.  That’s how Clayte’s
Run got started and your project could be next.
See you July 4th, July 24th, and September 24th.  Your support makes a difference.

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Escalante City Reduces Impact Fees

Posted on May 18, 2011 by Jana| Leave a comment

Escalante City Council held a public hearing last evening on Water Impact Fees.  Several residents commented on the proposed rollback from $5,700 to $1,000.  After each Council member voiced their thoughts, Councilman Allen moved, with Councilwoman Torgerson’s 2nd, to lower Escalante City Water Impact Fees to $1,000 and refund the amount over $1,000 paid by 2 residents, making all 10 available meters at the same price.

Mayor Taylor had researched the isse and firmly grasped the scope and spirit of Utah’s Impact Fee Law, making for a focused and knowledgable discussion.  His leadership was much appreciated.

The other part of the public hearing was to abandon the subdivision criteria on the balance of Moqui Gardens allowing for a redivision of the approximate 7 acres into 2 parcels instead of 17 – with much better control of drainage and fewer water meters.

Mayor Taylor commented on the upcoming Budget duscussion and the lower revenues.  The public hearing for the annual budget adoption is June 7th.  There were many other topics discussed.  Click on the link to Escalante City’s Blog (lower right on this page) to see the City’s latest report.

And don’t forget to budget for Lemon/Herb Chicken Dinner with the Potato Valley Lions Club, Saturday, May 26th from 4:30 – 6:30 PM at Town Center Park, during the Heritage Festival.  Meals “to go” available and all proceeds go to the Lions Club for our annual projects like the July 4th celebration and the cost of fireworks.  The meal consists of a huge Lemon/Pepper Roasted Chicken Breast – Dutch Oven Potatoes – Coleslaw – Dessert and a Beverage.    Hope to see you there.

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Escalante Town and Its Future

Posted on April 30, 2011 by Jana| Leave a comment

Civics 101

 Ever played the game of Sim City?  It’s a great lesson in governmental oversight and planning and zoning.  Why should we care about how our city runs and what effects it’s success? – because it affects our property values, the makeup of our blocks and the importance of open and honest government.  Government is not here to dictate what we do with our lives, it’s here to establish a level playing field and a set of rules that everyone plays by.  There should not be special rules for special segments of the population – that was Martin Luther Kings premise – equality.

 How Cities (known as political subdivisions of the states) manage those responsibilities determines the quality of life for the residents of the town, the future development of the town, and how the town grows (if it does).  Escalante has experienced a decrease in population due to the lack of employment.  Not an unusual issue for a small, extremely rural town.  There seems to be pressure to throw away all the rules in order to attract new residents and new companies providing more jobs.  You don’t do that by throwing away all the rules.  And you can’t do it as long as you have an official city controlled by the State Statutes. 

 Escalante City Council members, Mayor, City Recorder and Treasurer have taken an oath of office to “uphold the laws of the State of Utah”.  Attempting to disregard planning and zoning requirements, Business Licensing requirements and City Ordinances is in violation of State Law.  I’m going to do a four-part series, of which this is the first, on these issues.  I’ll provide you with state laws and where you can find and read them for yourself.  I’m not going to interpret them for you – you’re smart enough to do that yourself.  But you’ll have the information you need to decide if your elected officials and hired staff are adhering to the scope and spirit of the laws.  And at the end of each edition I’ll offer my own suggestions on what can be done to address these seemingly thorny issues (from totally my perspective).

 I welcome your comments.  I’ll post anything in the way of comments as long as they do not attack any one person individually.  Thanks for reading.

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