Green River News

During the Green River City Council meeting on Aug. 12, Joni Pace from the Green River Community Center awarded the volunteers of the month awards to Geraldo Stocks and Tom Burr.
Another item that came up was the condition of the drinking water in Green River. For the past week, the water has had a bad smell and taste. Mayor Dale Johnson assured residents that tests have been taken and the results all concur that the water is safe to drink. Due to a wind storm a week ago, and the extreme temperatures, the water has undergone some unpleasant changes.
The wind storm caused the pond to turn over. The high temperatures have encouraged a green algae bloom. These two combined events are the cause of the smell and taste of the water. Jim Adamson, from the department of health office out of Moab, reported that all the necessary tests have been done and the results are that the water is safe. The condition of the water is nothing to do with the water treatment plant or wrongdoing by the city.
“I have taken samples all over town and from different parts of the system. All the results are negative. Your water plant is working just fine and the water is safe,” said Adamson. “The only other thing I could recommend would be to install activated charcoal filters on the system. That would eliminate the smell and the taste, but by the time that can be done, the problem may have already taken care of itself,” Adamson said.
Mayor Johnson then informed the council that the CDBG had written him a letter informing him of the deadline to apply for grants for 2004-05. That deadline is April 2, 2004. He will attend a meeting concerning this on Sept. 4. The council approved the application to be made for the purpose of low income housing.
Mayor Johnson also read a letter from Emery County Commissioner Drew Sitterud requesting that properties within Green River which are owned by Emery County be moved from the commercial water rates to residential rates. After much discussion and comments from the audience, the council denied this request.
Discussion was then entered into to determine if the city should establish rates for the city equipment and employees to clean up nuisance complaints where applicable. The council was in agreement that these types of things should be done by private firms in the city. There are several businesses in town that could handle this type of work and city employees and equipment should do the city’s work and not compete with private industry. The council approved to advertise and accept bids for contracting of this service on a yearly basis with a private business. The source of the nuisance complaint would be liable for repayment to the city.
The council members then approved to accept bids and let out a contract to trim the trees in the city park and on other city property. Dead limbs and overhanging branches are becoming a safety issue and require attention.
Joni Pace informed the council that a Bountiful resident who owns property adjoining the community center wishes to donate this property, which measures 50 by 125 feet, to the city. The council discussed the matter and moved to accept the donation.
Mindy Cassingham from the Smart Site reported that the site is up and running now and the grand opening was a great success. The website had 6,000 visitors last month.
Diane Chandler reported that the Emergency Preparedness Fair went fairly well. Next year, they plan to do more advertising and try to get more residents out to the fair. Chandler said the presenters all did a wonderful job.
Jack and Verna Watterson informed the council that the booth at the county fair had been a fun assignment, and that it had been a lot of work. They requested permission to install the booth inside the information center at the museum.
Christine Monroe of the community center reported that all the grants had been secured to keep the center operational next year. She also reported that there are two additional grants that she is looking into, to help build a new center. She also asked if everyone had received their newspapers. The center is organizing a Green River newsletter and requests that all news items be sent to news@greenriver-ut.com.
Joann Wetherington thanked the council for the new computer at the museum. She said it has been a great improvement.
Conae Black reported that Kids WB featured Green River on their show. The cartoon show came to Green River and the monster star of the show ate some famous Green River watermelon.
Councilman Ben Coomer reported that the shooting sports park is having a shoot in October with people coming from as far away as Alaska to participate. He also stated that there is substantial interest in memberships. They will host a media day in October or November and a brochure is coming to put in the museum. He informed the council that the roto-mill project on I-70 has been postponed until spring.
Councilman Trent Fluckey reported that the airport project should be complete by the end of the month.
Councilman Doug Richards complimented the information center staff and the city workers for their excellent jobs they do. He also informed the council that the Melon Days preparations are coming along nicely.
Mayor Johnson finished up the meeting by informing the council of the tabletop meeting at College of Eastern Utah on Aug. 26. He then handed out a questionaire from the Emery County Economic Development subcommittee requesting suggestions to help promote business in the county.
The next Green River City Council meeting will be Sept. 9 at 6 p.m. at the Green River City Hall.