| Millsite Reservoir might see changes in the future. |
In the Dec. 8 meeting, Mayor Gil Bowden informed the council of a recent event concerning the Millsite Reservoir dam. Several engineers and a representative from Washington, D.C were at the site and began an evaluation of the problems and possible solutions for the loss of storage capacity in Millsite. Some possible solutions are to raise the dam or dredge the reservoir. One point to be considered is the price of dredging the site would be considerably more than building a new dam. But, if the dam is raised, the state park would be lost. Another solution is to raise the dam only five feet. This can be accomplished without harm to the state park, but the question remains as to how long this solution would work before more sediment is deposited and more action would be necessary.
“Whatever decision is made concerning which repairs to complete, the storage capacity of Millsite will increase. The decision may not be made for a year, but we need to plan for the eventuality that in the future the amount of water allotted per share may increase also. Does Ferron City want to continue to purchase water shares as they come available or do we have enough now?” asked Mayor Bowden.
The council entered into a lengthy discussion about future projects and the possibilities for growth in Ferron. The consensus following the discussion was to put a hold on purchases until the decisions are made and the winter conditions can be analyzed.
A concern was raised about a city drainage ditch which has been filled in by a private landowner. Councilman Joe Trenery informed the council that this particular drainage ditch provides drainage for 400 South and the fairgrounds. “The city is liable for the drainage and if a problem arises during next spring’s run-off, there could be repercussions,” said Trenery. Mayor Bowden said he would look into the situation and get if rectified.
In another matter concerning the fairgrounds, the council was informed that there are 12-13 horses in stalls at the fairgrounds for which there is no stall rent being collected. Mayor Bowden and Councilman Trenery are looking into contacting the owner of the animals and resolving the problem.
Councilperson Melinda MECCAriello requested information concerning the youth city council. The youth are wishing to hold an activity and need to know about the insurance coverage for such an activity. They wish to have an ice block party. Brenda Bingham will research the insurance and inform Councilperson MECCAriello.
Councilperson MECCAriello informed Mayor Bowden and the council that the signage for the ATV routes will be completed in the spring when the weather is warmer. Mayor Bowden asked about the mounting of the signs. MECCAriello stated that Mark H Williams will provide the funding for mounting the signs, and he will also provide a crew to do the installation work.
Councilperson Jo Sansevero reported about the town Christmas party. “It was a great success. We appreciate everyone who helped make the party so great. I have had a lot of positive feedback from residents, and have many ideas and we will be bigger and better next year. Again, I want to thank everyone for their help,” said Councilperson Sansevero.
“I’m sure Santa has a tender lap. More than 300 children climbed on his knee to have a talk with him during the party,” stated Mayor Bowden.
Tiffany Larsen, an Emery High student and Ferron resident, has been invited to attend the Congressional Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. in June of 2006. She requested a service project for the city that will help her with the fund raising to accept this invitation. The council took the matter under advisement and will respond at a later date.
Lou Sansevero requested the council consider allowing Larsen help with the general plan for the city. The formulation of this plan is underway, and soon the committee will need help preparing the questionnaires and getting them to each resident. Following the return of the questionnaires, a tabulation of the responses will be required. Sansevero stated the grant which has been awarded to complete this general plan for the city will pay the wages of those involved in the process.
Councilperson Sansevero informed the council that at the next meeting she will present a revised rental policy concerning city facilities. “The current policy needs some serious work and revision, and I am doing research and will have a proposal at the next meeting,” stated Councilperson Sansevero.
Councilman Trenery presented five residents for appointment to the planning commission. Those approved were Kern Behling, Dale Roper, Vickie Shreve, Gerald Stotler and Kent Wadley.
Councilperson MECCAriello said the fund-raisers for playground equipment to install in the lower park have raised $2,000. She has researched and ordered several pieces of equipment, including swings, a slide, and a toy. The equipment will arrive in the next two-three weeks, and installation will take place in the spring.
Lou Sansevero introduced a checklist which the planning commission has formulated concerning subdivisions in Ferron City. He explained there has been some confusion about the requirements for a property owner to subdivide a portion of land. The planning commission has put together this checklist to be given out to help the landowner through the process. As the steps are completed in accordance to Ferron’s ordinance, the landowner checks it off and moves on to the next step.
Councilman Randy Fox reported on an assignment given at the previous council meeting. He has looked into the compensation for EMTs made by the county. There are two statewide meetings for EMTs held each year. The county will pay for the EMT to attend one of those meetings at a rate of $60 a day with a maximum of three days. This $180 is to pay for the lodgings, travel expenses, meals and registration fees for the conference. He stated that Sgt. Martin Wilson said this figure has been the same for the past 20 years without a raise. “This puts a hardship of the EMTs in Emery County to attend and receive the added training that the conferences provide,” said Councilman Fox.
The next Ferron City Council meeting will be held Dec. 22 at 7 p.m.