Emery Town works on planning and zoning

By PATSY STODDARD Editor

Emery Town has been busy working on their planning and zoning. Mayor Mistie Christiansen asked for a report from Corrine Dalton. She is the council person in charge of planning and zoning and she reported on their platted subdivisions and on non-conforming uses and non-compliant structures. A few changes were made to the platted subdivisions. A performance guarantee of one year for workmanship was added to the document.
The treasurer’s report was given reporting on the financial condition of the town. Things are looking good for the town.
The beautification committee reported they are working with Eldon Holmes on Welcome Signs to the town. Their next meeting is the first Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m.
The council spoke to Jodi Christensen who is the liaison on the project for the new fire station and town hall. She wrote the grant and hired an engineer to oversee the process and she did the presentation before the CIB in the request for funding. Jones and DeMille will prepare the paperwork and oversee the project. They said the city can keep a file of the paperwork on hand at the city office.
The council members wondered if the office people could help with the project. The council thanked Christensen for her work on the project. The council decided there might not be a need for the grant/project liaison person any longer.
Christensen said that was fine, whatever the town decides is OK, but she needs to be paid for what she has done and has submitted an invoice with her expenses outlined. The council made a motion to pay the invoice. Councilperson Dalton said they need someone to go before the CIB in February and wondered if Christensen would do that. Christensen said she would not be interested in going as she has been released from the project.
The mayor outlined responsibilities for council members for 2009. The mayor said she will supervise city workers, attend the Council of Governments and will also head-up the committee for the annual July 24 celebration.
Eric Anderson will sit on the Castle Valley Special Service District board. Patrick Sundstrom will oversee the fire department; Gary Jensen will oversee the historical society and animal control; Dalton will head-up the planning and zoning.
Jensen reported they have some dogs in town that are bothering livestock.
The council approved the Veterans monument plaque and names can be added to it as needed.
Alicia Roberts reported on the work of the historical committee. She said they have plans to clean up the old cemetery and do projects there. They are also requesting old photos to be compiled into a calendar for next year which will be sold at the July 24 celebration.
Anderson commented that sometimes youth groups looking for projects can help. A group from Sandy came and helped clean-up the cemetery at one time.
The kiosk signs are turning pink and Alicia is working with Joyce Staley from the Emery County Historical Society to see what can be done with them.
The fire department has had some problems with radios not charging and working properly.
The council discussed the community center and the fees involved for its use. If it is a community event, then a fee is not charged; but if it is a private event, then there is a charge to use the facility. It was determined a checklist be developed so everyone knows what is expected of them for cleanup of the building. There have been many instances where the building was not cleaned properly after use. Another problem is the user doesn’t get the key back to the city in a timely manner. One suggestion was to have office personnel unlock and lock up again after use.
Mayor Christiansen reported Emery Town did well in the audit and they have made the recommended changes. Pam Anderson helped put everything together for the audit.
Dalton reported she is still working on the annexation plan. Currently they are making sure all construction projects around the city have received the proper building permits required. Some people need to request a final inspection and get that taken care of.
They are still working on the code book and a public hearing will be needed for administration and enforcement of the code.
Jensen reported a class on historical preservation will be taught at Ft. Douglas and wondered if the town could send Roberts to the training. The council instructed Roberts to check her schedule to see if she would be available to attend.
Anderson reported on the showing for the chip and seal project which will be completed in Emery this year. The next Emery Town council meeting will be on Feb. 10 at 6 p.m.