Orangeville Council Tackles Issues

By COREY BLUEMEL Staff Writer

During their August council meeting, the Orangeville City Council covered a wide range of topics. The 4-H Patriots made a presentation to the council concerning their suggestions for a project to be addressed by the council.
The club members have been observing the drainage situation in the city. Jacob Tuttle, from the club, informed the council of the location of several drains in town that since recent roadwork are in need of work themselves. Several of the drains are lower now and create a tripping situation for residents who walk or bike on the roads.
Other club members who addressed the council were Clair Gilpin, Beverly Gilpin, Breeahna Harvey, BreAnna Russell, Courtney Tuttle and Tiffany Tuttle. Their leader, Dawnette Tuttle was also present at the meeting. Some of the other problems noted were that the lower drains collect more trash and yard debris.
Casey Murray, one of the girls staters sponsored by Orangeville City to attend the American Legion’s Girls State, was on hand to express their appreciation of the opportunity to attend and represent Orangeville. She said that it was a great learning experience and all the girls had a great time.
Linda Jewkes reported to the council concerning the upcoming economic summit sponsored by Emery County Economic Development Council. She urged all council members and employees to attend the summit as the breakout sessions being planned will be very helpful and informative. The council approved to support the summit by way of becoming a gold sponsor.
Jewkes then gave the council a copy and CD of the recently released draft RMP for BLM lands in Emery County. She explained that chapter two covers the management of the San Rafael Swell and that alternative D is the one most likely to be adopted.
Trina Branson, a resident of Orangeville was next to speak. She informed the council of her dilemma in acquiring a copy of the minutes for a previous Orangeville City Council meeting. Due to pending litigation, Branson needed a copy of the minutes to answer by a deadline. She explained that the workers in city hall had told her the minutes were not available. Upon subsequent attempts, she was told the minutes were not available as they were being archived by the State of Utah.
Branson stated that she discovered at a still later date, the minutes were being archived by the State at the Emery County Archives here in the county building. She was dismayed that this information was withheld from her. She said that by the time she discovered this, her deadline for the lawsuit had passed.
Orangeville resident Laurel Miner spoke to the council next. She read several passages that had been written by famous politicians concerning the principles of government officials and the personal property rights of citizens. “Beautification is our right, we don’t have to ask your permission,” she stated.
Paul Riddle informed the council concerning the weeds in front of his home. According to city ordinance, the property between the fenceline and the sidewalk belongs to the city. He stated that the weeds on the city’s property were so high, that the view of his yard was obstructed from the street. He requested the city take care of this problem.
Mayor Thayne Cox told Riddle that this process has been started.
Dennis Tuttle, Orangeville zoning administrator, explained the city ordinance concerning the issues brought by the residents. Councilman Kelly Alton explained that changing ordinances and zoning laws takes time and the council would be open to suggestions.
Riddle told the council that several of the residents of Orangeville are forming a committee to attend council meetings. This committee will be open for comments from concerned citizens and then in turn address the council with these concerns. “It is our hope that this committee can clear up some of the foggy areas between city council persons and the public,” said Riddle.
Mayor Cox then asked Bean to respond to Trina Branson’s comments earlier in the meeting. Bean stated that all the minutes and records from each city go to the state for archiving. It was bad timing that Branson’s request came when it did. At the time of the archiving, Bean did know that the work was being done at the county building, and was unable to contact the person doing the microfilming. The city was not denying access to Branson, but could not grant that access at that time because they did not have possession.
Bean also explained that the notes she takes during the meetings are not public record. The minutes do not become public record until they have been transcribed, any corrections made, and approved by the council at the next meeting. Bean also stated that Branson did receive a copy of the minutes as soon as they became available.