Huntington City looks to improve city park and rodeo grounds

By GARY ARRINGTON Staff Writer

In the August meeting of the Huntington City Council, a public hearing was held to discuss CIB funding for proposed improvements to Huntington recreation sites.
The city is preparing the paperwork to proceed with an application for $1.1 million to fund new seating at the city rodeo grounds, new restrooms and concession facilities at the city park along with more grass and a walking trail that would go between Main Street and 400 East somewhere along the river.
Proposed work at the rodeo grounds would cost $628,700 and work at the city park would cost $285,000 with the rest going towards the trail. All in attendance were favorable with the proposal.
The city is looking at several other funding sources to help offset the direct costs that would be incurred by Huntington.
The Council approved business licenses for Aim Handyman Services, Little Bugs Preschool, 4+ ranch and rides and Michelle’s daycare.
The city also approved ordinance 4-2013 that pertains to the cemetery. This ordinance clarifies who receives the resident rate at the cemetery and who does not.
UDOT has approved funding of 600 feet of curb, gutter and sidewalk along north Main Street in Huntington. The work will proceed from the Heritage Funeral Home to the bridge going over the river. UDOT will fund $28,425 with Huntington City funding $9,475. The work will be performed this fall. It was also reported by Mayor Hilary Gordon that UDOT will be upgrading street lighting along south Main Street this year along with lighting at the intersection of Canyon Road and Nielson Loop by the rodeo grounds and complex. UDOT will also be installing Emery County’s first stoplight next spring at Main Street and Canyon road.
Huntington City is soliciting bids to remove one and possibly two cottonwood trees located behind city hall. The trees root systems are into the foundation and possibly the sewer and pose a long term threat of falling over. The trees would be replaced with less invasive trees.
The city approved funding the lease for 2014 of a new back hoe. The city has been leasing for several years and it is working out well for the city. The owner takes care of all maintenance and the city just has to get in the machine and go to work. The fee for the year will be $7,343, up just over $300 from this year for a $90,000 piece of equipment.
Councilperson Gloria Wilson reported that drivers are not paying attention as the new school year has begun. Two days in there has already been several incidents along Main Street involving drivers going through crossing guards with children in the road. Wilson encourages drivers to be aware and to pay attention to the flashing lights.