Mayor Jackie Wilson began Huntington’s first council meeting of 2004 by welcoming the new councilmembers to their duties. She said that the swearing in had taken place on Jan. 5. “Thank you for your commitment and dedication to the citizens of Huntington. There are a lot of issues facing us this year, and decisions that will need to be made, and with that commitment and dedication, we can do it,” said Mayor Wilson.
Council assignments for the year are: Hilary Gordon-Heritage Days, rodeo grounds and beautification; Norman Dingman-streets, zoning and zoning administrator; Bob Mills-water, sewer, sanitation and fire department; Mark Justice-parks, recreation, public safety, animal control and Christmas; Julie Jones-cemetery, youth council, RC&D council member, grants and economic development; and Mayor Wilson will be responsible for the special service district position, OHVs, trails and task for with the Emery County Commissioners.
The Huntington Board of Adjustments consists of Jeanine Thompson, LaRae Kinder, Debbie Newman and Alton Hassell. The Planning and Zoning Committee members are Cato Wagner, Luane Wilson, Wane Justice, Donna Bury and Chris Rowley.
Boyd Wilson made a presentation to the council concerning the OHV ordinance that the council is considering for the designation of roads for OHV use in the city. “The cities in the county that have ordinances in place are Ferron and Orangeville. Castle Dale is close to having a completed ordinance. I have included those two cities current ordinances for each of you to read. There are things in each that would probably work best for Huntington,” said Wilson.
This ordinance would assist law enforcement officials to regulate and control OHV use on the city’s streets. It would also allow OHV users access to trailheads on the trail systems in the national forest and BLM lands in the desert. There are also OHV users who travel the trail systems who need access to the businesses in towns along the length of the trails for refueling and supplies.
Huntington has supported the Arapeen trail system, along with the new San Rafael portion that is on the table at present. These trail systems will entice tourism and tie the mountains to the desert. The BLM has also encouraged designated play areas, and this ordinance would allow Huntington residents access to those play areas.
The council will study the two existing ordinances and hold a workshop to put together an ordinance for Huntington. When this is completed, a public hearing will be held for the residents of Huntington to become familiar with the suggested ordinance and voice their opinions before any more steps can be taken.
Judy Truman requested permission from the council to make the water share lease payments. The council decided to increase the amount of the per share payment and have those payments mailed out as soon as possible.
Mayor Wilson reported that Castle Valley Special Service District and North Emery Water Users Special Service District are requesting Huntington City to enter into an agreement with them for the cooperative use of the water treatment facility. The council approved.
Attorney David Church has suggested the adoption of a resolution to establish a definitive schedule for sponsorships and donations. Mayor Wilson explained the wording of the ordinance. The council approved the ordinance with revisions as to the amounts and justification of the donations.
Mayor Wilson also informed the council that UDOT is requesting a solid policy concerning snow removal from the state highway through Huntington. She suggested that a policy be written for the entire city, to go along with the policy for state roads.
Councilman Justice requested permission to begin a skate park project. Councilmember Jones expressed the need for a park for the children to skateboard. Their suggestions were to make this project a city volunteer project and also look for grant money.
Councilman Dingman reported that the zoning ordinance updates are close to being completed. Councilman Mills requested enforcement of the shut off policy for unpaid bills and bad checks. Truman explained that the policy is coming in March.
Councilmember Gordon announced that the plans for the Heritage Days celebration are moving along nicely. Also, the beautification committee members have a lot of projects for the coming year.
The next meeting for the Huntington City Council is Feb. 18 at 6:30 p.m.
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