Castle Dale City discusses issues

By BRANDY HUNTINGTON Staff Writer

During the August Castle Dale City meeting, Kerry Lake of Castle Dale planning and zoning, spoke of complaints about a resident who has approximately 100 abandoned vehicles in the city. When speaking with the owner of the property, he also asked for two water shares for stock water. The council agreed that it would be best for the owner to come and address the council about the issues with the cars and water shares.
Lake also stated that he would like to have a public hearing to get some input from the city on the new sign ordinance. This will be held in the September zoning meeting.
Shannon Hiatt, Emery County Recreation Director, addressed the council with his appreciation to the Castle Dale City mayor and council, the fire station and all the city workers, for all their help with the Emery County Fair and Desertview Pro Rodeo and for allowing them the use of equipment and the help with the cleanup after the event. “It was a wonderful fair, thank you,” stated Mayor Neal Peacock. “How did you feel the next day when it was all over?” questioned the mayor. Hiatt said, “Very tired but glad everyone had a good time.”
Sharon Earl had a few items of business at the meeting. One was a concern from a meeting in July with PacifiCorp. “With the new scrubber going in up to Huntington Power Plant, they have brought in a PacifiCorp supervisor to do the hiring for the work on the plant. By the time I got the information that they were looking for an office to do their hiring, they were basically already committed to the Greenwell Inn. Due to the lack of housing and office space they are now making their hiring office there and also housing in Price. She talked about the PacifiCorp people getting tired of driving to Price. “But we have nowhere to provide them to work, live and something to do,” said Earl.
“We need to have something to offer them. PacifiCorp is giving us a great opportunity here,” informed Earl. The council asked what they could do as a city. “We can’t just go and build an office building. We do a lot to our city to make it look presentable, so people will want to come here,” said council members. Earl said we need to encourage people to provide more buildings and housing here. Mayor Peacock and Councilman Brad Giles answered and said they have approached someone about constructing an office building and have been denied. “What happened to you building a hotel and restaurant,” a council member asked Earl. She answered, “I’m working on it.”
Earl was concerned that what resources we have are being kept a secret. Mayor Peacock said, “We have never intended to keep things a secret.”
“We need to get better organized and make a list of what buildings and housing are available,” expressed Earl.
“What an excellent suggestion, let me take that on,” said Mayor Peacock.
Earl also reminded the council that there will be an overhaul to each unit at the Huntington Power Plant starting in November. “There will be so many people here, and they don’t want to stay in trailers in the winter. Just be aware that things are going to start popping around here,” added Earl.
Major Peacock started his review with the progress of the guard rail and fence being repaired on Bott Lane. “The insurance has been received and the work will be complete soon,” he remarked.
The mayor and Lake went to a residents place, at the residents request. He wants to build a new home and rent out his present home. After looking over the property they determined that it didn’t meet the land use guidelines. The owners then wanted to buy a piece of land from the city. The council agreed that was a possibility. The mayor recommended that the owner pay any back taxes and any additional fees for the land. The council asked the mayor to look into the legalitites of this undertaking.
Mayor Peacock asked the council their opinion on having a prison built here. “One positive thing it would bring is 1,200 jobs. But one big problem is water. I just don’t know if there is enough water here to run a prison.” he stated. He also talked about his concerns with problems it may cause in the schools. Council members discussed the issue and concluded they were not interested at this time.
“Nina Peay would like to open an RV Park behind Critter Country Fixins. She will need two water shares for the park. She would like to start next spring,” said Mayor Peacock. The council will look into it.
The mayor stated his concern with businesses using city streets for their business. “They shouldn’t be using public streets to make a living,” remarked the mayor. The council discussed having complaints with this problem and the need to make a special license for this. The mayor will check what the other cities are doing.
The next item of business was given by councilman Giles. After inspecting the new cemetery grounds he discovered they owned more property than previously thought. “It can be used as an expansion if needed in the years to come,” he added. The council then looked at the cemetery map and discussed where the sewer lines from Valley View subdivision run around the cemetery.
Giles told the council of problems with water draining to private property. He sent the special service district to help drain the backyard of a resident. Because the spring was there before the house was built, the city is not liable. However they will let the resident discard their water into the city manhole if they build their own drains.
Councilperson, Kollette Cologie took a minute to say how much they appreciated all the help of the Castle Dale Youth City Council at the fair and lamb fry. The Castle Dale City’s float in the parade won the most beautiful award.
Compliments were also expressed to Councilman Joel Dorsch for all his hard work at the Castle Dale City Celebration.
The next council meeting will be held on Sept. 8 at 7 p.m. at the Castle Dale City Hall.