Green River City Employees Give Reports

By COREY BLUEMEL Staff Writer

At the recent city council meeting, Green River City employees gave their reports to the council. The first to report was Diane Chandler of the emergency planning committee. She reported that Judy Lang had been to the last meeting and given them some good information. Lang’s suggestion was to divide the city into parcels and establish phone trees. This plan goes along the same lines as neighborhood watch. Lang also suggested using the LDS church’s maps as a starting point for the city sections.
Chandler also reported that Lisa Weihing and Doug Ekker would be the CERT trainers and that Mike Winters will be in charge of communications. Their goal on the emergency planning committee is to get a good system working that will tie in with Emery County’s plan. Their meetings are the fourth Wednesday of each month at 3:30 p.m. at city hall.
City Treasurer Janet Keele thanked the council for allowing her to go to the treasurers conference. She felt that experience was a valuable one and would be very beneficial in the future. She also stated that the records management class was a great resource.
Mindy Cassingham reported the Smart Site progress. They have received white boards and paintings. The carpets and drywall work are complete and the air conditioning work will be completed by June 11. There is one remaining need, and that is for a refrigerator. As soon as the water is turned on, they will be on track to open the facility. On June 13 at 3 p.m., there will be a tour of the worksite.
Cassingham also stated that a computer has been set up at the John Wesley Powell Museum that displays continual photos of the Green River area. This computer will also allow visitors to send emails to home for a small fee. She has also received the topographic software that will allow printing and selling of area maps. The kiosks are down and are in need of reprogramming.
Concerning Channel 18, Cassingham reported that new slides have been added of the attractions in the area. She expressed the need to inform businesses of the service that this TV station provides.
Christine Monroe, from the community center made the council aware of the cuts to the senior citizens meal program. Because of budget constraints, the number of meals has been cut from three to two. She pointed out the need for these meals and how important they are to the seniors. She also reported on the progress of the newspaper. People are encouraged to bring their articles to Connie Copenhaver as soon as possible for typing and a printer needs to be ordered.
Monroe informed the council of a PAC board meeting on June 19 at which Judy Lang will speak about the neighborhood watch program. The children at the community center have completed a service project in which they painted Maxine Baker’s fence. Monroe said the children will begin painting the curbs on Main Street soon.
The community center’s summer hours are noon-8 p.m. Monroe reported that during the last month, the center has had 1,117 guests, 355 volunteer hours and served 937 Kids Cafe meals. She also stated that the summer reading program has 68 children enrolled and will host their summer performance July 22 at 3 p.m. in the Community Church.
Conae Black reported that the codification project is moving along well. Joann Wetherington informed the council that the JWP Museum has three new volunteers and both pools are up and running with a new life guard.
Councilman Ben Coomer said he is busy coordinating the roto-mill project. Also, the deadline for completion of the Shooting Sports Park is June 30 and they need some help to finish several of the projects.
Councilman Arden Sherrill informed the council that the curbs and streets projects are moving along nicely. Councilwoman Carol Ekker reported that everything at the medical center is on track.
Councilman Doug Richards told the council that Solomon Street looks great. He also reported that at the recent Emery County Travel Council meeting, the Emery County commissioners have requested the $14,914 from Grand County that belongs to Emery County for the transient room taxes collected. The animal control building that was recently purchased is adequate for their needs, the one project remaining is to pour a concrete pad for the building.
Trent Fluckey, airport operator, said the FFA had inspected the facility and their want list included a lighted taxiway and that this could be accomplished with the electrical work in the airport project. He also said that several roads are being chip sealed.
Mayor Glen Dale Johnson reported to the council that the city has received the paperwork on the road easement widening. Also the Make-A-Wish Foundation has asked for a donation.
Mayor Johnson also reported on the visit last week from the Utah National Guard. Several interested groups came in a Black Hawk helicopter to tour the missile base. He accompanied the visitors and they had a good meeting and are making progress in that project.
The next Green River City Council meeting will be held July 8 at 6 p.m.