| Narrow streets in the cul-de-sac could lead to problems in an emergency. |
Castle Dale City is seeking solutions for some problems with safety on city streets. The main street in question is 75 East. The street is narrow and with people parking on both sides of the street a narrow trail is left in between which poses hazards for pedestrian as well as vehicle traffic. Mayor Neal Peacock and fire chief Richard Herring have been touring the city looking for trouble spots.
The fire department also conducted fire drills in the subdivisions in the area at 680 East and 640 East to assess how a fire in these areas could be handled. Parking is tight in the area and the need for access for emergency vehicles needs to be considered. The width of 75 East was measured at 27 feet.
Castle Dale City held a public hearing at the recent city council meeting to discuss the problems in the area. Many concerned citizens attended to offer suggestions. Mayor Peacock said the city’s main concerns are snow removal, garbage trucks and emergency vehicles.
Citizens said their area doesn’t receive much in the way of snow removal anyway and usually someone in the neighborhood or cul-de-sac plows for them.
Firefighters are trained to backup the firetrucks and in the cul-de-sac area, the truck would be backed in so it could make a quick exit if needed. During the fire drill it took 25 minutes to get hooked to a fire hydrant. With vehicles parked on both sides of the road, backing becomes very dangerous. It was also mentioned that with a structure fire in Castle Dale crews from Huntington and Orangeville automatically respond which can add to traffic congestion.
It was also mentioned that cars parked on both sides of a road that narrow is against state fire code. The council took suggestions for possible solutions which included: additional fire hydrants in the area; visitor parking areas; one way street; parking only on one side of the road; garbage pickup only on one side of the street; alternate days for parking on one side of the street; allow no parking on the streets at all; walking trail; no parking on entries to cul-de-sacs or do nothing.
Castle Dale City will draw up the suggestions and place them on a ballot for the residents of these areas to vote for their favorite solution and allow them to prioritize the solutions in what they think is the order of importance. There will also be a place for additional suggestions. Mayor Peacock said the city is just looking for ways to make residents safer and serve them with fire and snow removal services.
It was estimated that 75 school children walk through this area every morning and afternoon on their way to and from school. It was also suggested the city ask for a stronger police presence in the area. High school students are using the streets at lunch to have a clear shot at Maverik without stop signs and speeding in the process. Mayor Peacock reminded everyone that police would pull everyone over and not just the kids so be aware.
Citizens expressed their thanks to the mayor and city for being concerned with their neighborhoods and allowing them a voice.
In other city business the garbage collection contract was awarded to City Sanitation. The rate is $5.50 per month residential and $3 for an additional can. The rate will go up 10 cents a year after the first year. At no additional charge they will collect from parks, cemetery, rodeo grounds and ball fields.
A public hearing was held to discuss the reopening of the 2004 budget to include the monies from the CIB grant which was used for the purchase of a new backhoe and the purchase of the playground equipment at the rodeo grounds. The budget reopening was approved and the money added to the 2004 budget.
A public hearing was also held on the establishment of a historical preservation commission for Castle Dale City. The ordinance was approved. This action was taken to aid in applying for a grant.
The council expressed appreciation to councilman Joel Dorsch for the pumpkin party held at the recreation center in October. Plans are underway for the Castle Dale Christmas party which will be held on Dec. 16 at 6 p.m. at the recreation center. Dorsch said there will be activities inside and out which will include a chili dinner, Santa and surprises. The city office will prepare a flyer to send to all city residents.
Gaylee Jeffs gave an update on the activities of the youth city council. They are planning a youth ice blocking party on Dec. 4 at the Ferron church hill. This will also include a chili and roll lunch and donuts. Also on April 16, 2005 will be the youth leadership conference. On Nov. 20 the youth city council will decorate the park in Castle Dale and they will also be helping with the town Christmas party on Dec. 16. The youth city council for Castle Dale now includes 25 members and Ashlin White recently recruited 10 new members.
It was also reported that drainage in Castle Dale has been a lot better since the installation of the new drains and a few problem areas will be addressed next season.