Elmo Town Clerk Delena Fish opened the meeting by informing the council that Mayor Daryl Wilcox has resigned as of July 12. The reason for the resignation was given as health problems. The first order of business then was to appoint an interim mayor until the replacement process can be completed. The council appointed Councilman Dennis Jones to act as mayor while the advertising and selection process proceeds.
Fish then read a letter from two Elmo residents stating their support for the construction of the new fire station/community center. They wanted to make known their vote for the original plans. Fish stated that this letter was the only one received and the comment period ended July 14.
Council person Betty Labrum informed the council that the cemetery grant has been extended for one year. “We are in need of a lot of volunteer hours to comply with the grant, and we are encouraging any town resident to call and volunteer their help,” said Labrum. Another portion of the grant will be used to purchase a computer and program to enable more accurate record keeping and mapping of the cemeteries in and near Elmo.
Fish announced that originally four bids had been received for the jobs of meter reader, park, and cemetery caretaker. Following the closure of the bid acceptance period, several of the bids were withdrawn. The council opened the remaining bid for the park and cemetery job, and awarded the position to Cassie Lake. Lake was instructed to mow, water, fertilize, and spray weeds, for the remaining summer months.
Councilman Jones expressed the need for a more consistent watering program for those areas of town. Council person Labrum also stated the need for the council to begin thinking about the need for snow removal.
Council person Labrum also questioned the council whether the town has an ordinance concerning abandoned properties. She noted that a resident has recently moved from town and left no forwarding address. She stated that the property has hazardous wastes in buckets around the property. She also stated that there are numerous non-functional vehicles on the property. “This could be a real health hazard, not only the hazardous waste, but the probability of rodents,” said Labrum. The council decided to try to contact the owners of the property before any further action is taken.
Fish explained to the council that a letter has been received from the Emery County Commissioners with the new agreement dealing with building inspections. This new agreement has been revised concerning the issue of responsibility. Councilman Jones urged all members of the council to read the document thoroughly before signing. It was noted, although, that the deadline for the return of the agreement to the commissioners is Aug. 2.
Fish informed the council that several years ago, the existing council signed an agreement with the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers. This agreement stated that Elmo Town would pay the portion of the power bill for the DUP building that the town was responsible for. She said that the town has not received a bill since May of 2003. An itemized bill has been received from the DUP for the overage of the past two years in the amount of $1,057.97. The DUP has been paying the bill during those years, and has now billed the town for their portion.
The council entered into a lengthy discussion concerning the timely billing process, and this item has not been entered into the budget for this year. Councilman Kirt Rasmussen suggested paying the bill to the DUP, and enclosing a letter explaining the need for timely billing. The council approved this action.
With Elmo Horse and Buggy Days coming up, and the town is without a meter reader and maintenance person, the council decided to host town clean-up days to prepare Main Street for the parade on Aug. 13. The young men and young women, and any other residents willing to volunteer, will come out on Aug. 3 and Aug. 10 from 7-9 p.m. and clean up the weeds and do the work necessary to be ready for Horse and Buggy Days. The town will supply pizza for the volunteers.
During Horse and Buggy Days, a parade, games, a magic show, a bike ride, and breakfast will be held. The next Elmo Town Council meeting will be Aug. 23 at 7:30 p.m.
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