Orangeville City Council

By COREY BLUEMEL Staff Writer

A public hearing was held at the recent Orangeville City Council meeting to take public comments concerning vacating a portion of one street, and dedicating another portion of an existing road as a city street.
The first issue was vacating a portion of 100 West at 200 North. This portion of the city street has not been improved but the city has the right of way and owns the property. A resident wishes to build a home on his property that is adjacent to this piece and wishes to encompass this portion into his lot. In exchange for the property, the resident has made known his intention to donate another portion of his own property to the city for a nature trail walk along the creek through the town.
A concerned resident expressed his concern that the city should value both parcels of property and ensure that the exchange is in the best interest of the city. His questions dealt with the acreage of the proposed transaction. “This should be a deal struck in fairness,” the citizen said.
“The property in question would complete the river walk from Creek View Park,” said Council person Carol Ware. “This will be a good deal for the city.”
The second public hearing item was dedicating part of 400 West at 200 North. A home is being proposed for construction in the area, and dedicating this portion of road as a city street would permit access to the property for emergency vehicles and utility installation. No public comments were heard against the dedication of this road. Following the closure of the public hearing the council approved the action on both parcels.
Sandra Huntington addressed the council during the public comment period. She was asking for comments concerning the July 24 celebration. This years celebration was changed from previous years, and the celebration committee wishes to continue with the new format. A questionnaire was sent out with water bills, but the residents have not responded yet, and the council explained that when the responses come in, they will make the results known.
Another citizen concern was the nuisance properties in Orangeville. He noted the number of properties that need to be cleaned up, and these properties are presenting a health hazard due to rodents and insects. “It’s time we all do what we were called to do,” he said. “There are those in town who say they don’t need to clean theirs up because nobody else does.”
Three young women, Katie Reynolds, Jasha Hinkins, and Kari Sharp, recently attended Girls State sponsored by Orangeville City. Their supervisor is Lorraine Frandsen. They reported they learned about how the government works, and all three agreed that it was a good opportunity to learn government procedure.
More than 300 girls attended Girls State this year, and 10 scholarships were given to those who attended. Two of the representatives from Orangeville, Reynolds and Hinkins, were awarded two of those 10 scholarships.
Orangeville’s zoning administrator, Dennis Tuttle, informed the council of Senate Bill 60, which has recently been reviewed. The bill states that names changes be instituted in certain departments of government. He said that the board of adjustments will now be known as the appeal authority. Along with that name change, the planning and zoning commission will be known as the land use authority.
These two changes do not suggest that new panels be made, but merely change the names of the existing boards. He also stated that there will be more changes coming under SB 60, but those changes have not yet been reviewed.
Mayor Thayn Cox opened two bids from construction companies which bid on the construction of the fire station. Those bids were from Royce Stilson Construction and Nielson’s Construction. The council approved to accept the low bid which was from Royce Stilson Construction.
Council person Ware informed the council that she has been on a walk through inspection with the builder at the concession stand in the park. She stated that she has several concerns and plans to meet with the builder again and discuss the items. She added that work at the ball complex is continuing and there is a need for many volunteers to help with the removal of rocks from the area of the girls field. She also noted that new bleachers have been ordered.
Councilman Randall Stilson reported that Commissioner Drew Sitterud has been named to the Community Development Block Grant committee. He also noted that attendance at the free concert at the Emery County Fair was overwhelming. According to the remarks he has heard, the fair was a great success.
Mayor Cox informed the council that Utah Governor Jon Huntsman, Jr. wishes to relocate the Utah State Prison. The Emery County Commissioners have asked the cities to discuss the possibility of pursuing this enterprise and respond soon with the feelings of the councils. Orangeville City discussed the possibility of pursuing the new prison, and it was not considered a favorable proposition.
As far as a new swimming pool, Mayor Cox encouraged the council to consider all the options that have been presented and contact the school board representative, Rue Ware, and voice their opinions.
The next Orangeville City Council meeting will be Sept. 8 at 7:30 p.m. in city hall.