Tag Archives: Escalante

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 Updates

Posted on May 6, 2011 by Jana| Leave a comment

It’s nice to see repeat visitors to Escalante and many more new faces.  The first few small groups of motorcycles have passed through.  Last weekend we saw our first car club visit – Circa 2000+ Corvettes in every color and mostly convertibles – should have been a nice ride.

 We’re only 3 weeks from High School graduation on May 26th.  Class of 2011 is 13 strong.  And with declining enrollment, it  will be difficult to keep from having the Elementary School moved to the High School – unless there’s a change in the Boulder enrollment.  I’d like to see some hard number of costs for different scenarios

  • Boulder Elementary School Operating Costs and Revenues
  • Escalante Elementary School Operating Costs and Revenues
  • Escalante High School Operating Costs and Revenues
  • Costs to bus students from Boulder to Escalante.

 New Escalante Irrigation District will charge lines and open at 100% May 7th.  ASI did a great job rebuilding the dam and it looks wonderful.  Rumor has it DNR has stocked it with trout already.  Public access is just before the entrance to Escalante Petrified Forest State Park – along the face of the dam and up the west end – no fee.  You can walk and fish along the top – but no vehicles.  Great place for kids to fish.

Weather this weekend – outstanding.  Come on down.

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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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Escalante Business Council

Posted on April 13, 2011 by admin| 1 Comment

Could Escalante benefit from a Business Council and how is that difference from what we currently have? 

Usually, a Business Council is made up of equal number of people representing the business community of an area, focused on recruiting new businesses to an area.  The members talk about what other businesses or services the community needs and seeks ways to bring them in. 

That kind of group usually consists of business owners, a couple of City Council members, a banker and a community services person.  They review the goods and services currently available and what else is needed. 

For Escalante, we need to consider length of travel and declining population.  If we’re going to be a resort, what do we need to make it successful?  What goods are here that need upgrading?  What services are lacking? 

Then you look to possible City Taxation programs and see if they help or hinder.  We have an Enterprise zone for Main Street.  Anyone know what it is, how it works and how you benefit?  Maybe there should be a flyer at City Hall to pass out to prospective buyers of Main Street properties. 

Is there anyway to utilize our Municipal Bonding Authority to get our sidewalks repaired and water hungry plants replaced with natives?  What our greatest asset? 

Our historic homes and backhouses are one of our greatest assets.  How can we help someone buy the Isaac Riddle House and create an authentic turn of the century Bed and Breakfast?  And so many more things to consider. 

Do we need a barber shop, a larger Laundromat, an ice cream shop, an auto/atv parts and repair shop, an internet café, country store for local crafts and craft supplies, and the list goes on. 

How can the Chamber of Commerce help?  By creating, printing and distributing a complete business/services guide to match their website.  To work on getting support for Escalante flag banners for Main Street power poles using the colors of the Indian Rug that served as our fist flag.  Advertise and promote the July 4th celebration and Clayte’s Run.  Encourage every business in town to have a black metal cut-out with their sign similar to expand the Welcome Sign theme.  Create a closer association with the Heritage Center by having a member on the Business Council.  

The history of Escalante is one of its greatest assets.  The backhouses make it different from every other historic district in Utah.  The updated and corrected Historic Homes Guide should be available for Heritage Festival weekend.  Perhaps Clayte’s Run should be moved to Memorial weekend. 

As another new business gets ready to open, we must be sure our younger business owners are on the committee.  They’re the future of Escalante.

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Hiking the Escalante

Posted on April 9, 2011 by admin| Leave a comment

The weather has been fairly wet.  Snow turned to rain has left some of the slot canyons full of water.  Come prepared to hike what’s available rather than what you planned.  The hike up to Lower Calf Creek Falls should be good and the sand packed (for now).  The wind is making the days just a little cooler than sitting around weather, but great for hiking.

Four restaurants are open, most of the motels, and both galleries.  Come on down.

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Escalante Business 2011

Posted on April 7, 2011 by admin| Leave a comment

 A great article by Randy Slaven in the current edition of “Art Business News” defined sales in the gallery business “as good news and bad news – this is the recovery”.  He related it to the recovery of an addict, “it has no end.  The patient ends up healthier but has to continuously guard against relapse”.

 We were all riding on easy money high, not just art galleries.  “No Vacancy” signs were becoming the norm and waiting at restaurants normal.  Artists were everywhere and so was the money to buy their work.  And in Mr. Slaven’s words, “the art business boomed because of (wealth and liquidity) and that boom led to a widespread tolerance for mediocrity”.

 His prediction is now the need for excellence in order to survive and thrive.  Excellence from owners in every business, and “artists now need to be exceptional creators”.  Owners of all stores will need to find their niche and perfect it.  Over the next 2-5 years you’ll see slow but steady sales increases.  But the boom is gone.

 And that is true for every other sector of the economy.  So what will that do for Escalante?  Slowly but surely the “No Vacancy” days will return ,but excellence will matter. 

 Restaurants that provide wonderful service will survive as customer satisfaction comes first, not just trading a plate of food for folding green.  The same is true for lodging.  There are lots of choices in town and the region, but decisions won’t all be based on price.  Creature comforts are important but cleanliness and courtesy will determine where people choose to stay.

 We’ll know in December how we did in 2011.  And for those that continuously guard against mediocrity, you’ll get to increase your quarterly tax payments.

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Escalante, Utah

Posted on March 26, 2011 by admin| Leave a comment

It’s cool here this AM, 35 degrees.  Overcast, but not very windy.  In reality, good hiking weather for a day hike to Calf Creek Falls or PeekaBoo and Spooky Slot Canyons.

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Spring on the Grand Staircase

Posted on March 24, 2011 by admin| Leave a comment

Thursday – Snow on the Wild Current Blossoms doesn’t deter it from its annual march to producing fruit.  The Rosie’s and Goldfinches in spring colors, make for sharp contrast at the feeder.  The scraps underneath are buried by snow, the Eurasian Collared Doves fly off, but they’ll be back later when the snow has melted.

 The bright green iris fronds poke through the white as the wind blows most of the snow from the trees.  It’s spring on the Grand Staircase, coming awake after 4 long, cold, dark, snowy months.  The dreaded Purple Mustard blooming its lovely little flower, which changes to a nasty claw-like weed in a very short time.  There hasn’t been much precipitation this year, so the plants are short – a quick mowing will remove most of them.  Only for something else to take their place – something with burrs or thorns.  Something that goes from seedling to ripe seed in just weeks and sometimes days – it will get hot and dry on the plateau soon – it’s a place for only the hardy and adaptable.

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Are Holiday Homes Killing our Schools?

Posted on March 22, 2011 by admin| 1 Comment

 Another request is before Escalante Planning and Zoning to turn a regular home into a Holiday Home.  There’s another one on 300 S that wants to do the same.  Too many?

 All safety issues aside, are we turning our family oriented town into a resort?  With declining enrollment in our schools, an increase in vacant, absentee owners, fewer family wage jobs – does every request to convert a 3+ bedroom home to a holiday home only psh us in that direction a little faster?

This is a good example of how City Policies and Ordinances shape a town.  So look at it from a financial/business perspective. 

 How much does Escalante City get in Hotel/Motel Tax during the season?  And by the way, the season is 6 months long (with two fringe months that fluctuate with the weather). What percentage of the annual income does that represent?   What is the average expenditure from visitors into the local economy? (i.e. food, gas, gifts, maps, guide services, etc?)  This information is available from City Hall and the Travel Council.   

In comparison, how much does the average family of 4 contribute to the local economy year-round?  That information is available from the Governor’s Economic Council.

So lets look at the 2010 Census results:

Population – 797   18 yrs old +=621 or 176 minors.Ethnicity – 745 white – 52 other with 28 Hispanic, 16 Indian, 4 Asian and 1 black

Total Housing Units – 420   Occupied  334  or 80%  -   Vacant  86  or 20%

 When the Garfield County School Board met in Escalante last week their proposal for declining enrollment was to combine the Elementary and High School students at the High School.  They indicated a savings of $50,000 a year.  We’ve lost 15+ students the past couple of years and we’re going to lose 6 more (that we know of) this summer.

 What do you want Escalante to look like in the future?  Do you want it open year-round with business services available? Be sure to voice your opinion to the City Council members on Holiday Homes.  It will make a difference to the business owners of Escalante whether they provide goods and services year-round or during the season.  It’s your town, you decide.

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Escalante, Ut

Posted on March 4, 2011 by admin| 1 Comment

Escalante

“The Settlement of Escalante began in the spring of 1875. According to a statement in the Later-day Saints Church historian’s records. “A number of the brethren from Panguitch who desired to change their place of residence to a place where the climate was more mild, decided to settle Potato Valley, having been impressed by reports of the explorers from Beaver.”

Agriculture, Educational Services, and Government are now the main industries of Escalante. Accommodation and food service occupations make up about 20% of the workforce . The Median Household Income is $32,143, as of 2000. Figures for 2010 are not yet available.

Population
1876 – 140
1882 – 441
1900 – 723
1940 – 1,161
1950 – 916
2000 – 974
2010 – 797

Local Place Names of Interest

• Burr Trail – named for sheep rancher John Burr
• Calf Creek – named for the practice of early cattlemen of shutting calves in the narrow canyon at weaning time
• Caanan Mountains – Hebrew word meaning low mountain
• Clayton Ranger Station – was the Albert Clayton Ranch
• Kaiparowitz – Piute for “Big Mountains – Little Brother”
• Paria – Pahreah – Indian Word for “Dirty Water”
• Panguitch – Indian for “fish”
• Potato Valley – first name for Escalante, named by the Calvary from St. George for the numerous wild tubors that grew here.

Census Facts

The 2010 Census tells us there are 797 residents in Escalante. 745 White and 52 other (with 28 being Hispanic and 16 Indian).

There are 420 housing units. 334 occupied and 20% or 86 vacant.

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