| Jackie Rogers and Brandon Larsen present blankets to Bruce Anderson from Castleview Hospital. |
At the recent Castle Dale City Council meeting, the youth city council donated blankets they had made to Castleview Hospital. The 12 baby blankets were given to Bruce Anderson who was there representing the hospital. “You have been making these blankets for 15 years and donating them to Castleview Hospital. That’s a total of more than 300 baby blankets. These blankets are really appreciated and given to the newborns to be taken home with them. These blankets help a great deal with the need,” said Anderson. Youth city council members who made blankets were: Jackie Rogers, Courtney Peacock, Laura Peacock, Jake Fausett, Austin Gillins, Brantz Woolsey, Brandy Jeffs and Darian Huntsman.
Roseanne Fillmore and Chanel Atwood, from the Castle Country Information Center were at the council meeting. Fillmore explained the purpose of the information center. She said that when out of the area visitors come into the center, the question that is usually asked is “What can I do around here for a couple of days?”
“Thirty five thousand people came through our center last year, and when possible we try to direct them into Emery County. The San Rafael Swell is a big attraction right now for Emery County. We have already been getting calls for information concerning the county fair and the Castle Valley Pageant.
“Tent camping, rock climbing, and ice climbing are bringing many visitors to Emery County. More facilities are needed to accommodate the visitors. At the center, we need more information about the events which are happening in Emery County. Many times someone will come in and ask what is going on around here and if we have the information we can direct them to those activities. Call us at 613-5754 or e-mail at ccric@ceu.edu with the information,” said Fillmore.
Mayor Neal Peacock next explained the reason for having a public hearing. “From time to time changes in ordinance need to be made. The purpose of this public hearing is to consider adopting an official Castle Dale City zoning map. This map includes two changes from the last map. One is a rezoning issue and one is an annexation,” Mayor Peacock stated.
Following this introduction, time was given for residents to comment on the changes in the zoning map. No comments were given, so the public hearing was closed. Following the public hearing, the new official zoning map was approved by the council.
The next public hearing which was held concerned the adoption of an ordinance establishing use and vending requirements on city streets, sidewalks and property by local vendors, citizens, and retailers. Councilman Brad Giles stated the ordinance was written and submitted to the city’s attorney for review. The ordinance as it now reads incorporates the changes and suggestions by the attorney.
“Anyone who uses the city’s property, like sidewalks, to make money for themselves or their business, should have a specific business license to do that. This license will be in addition to a regular business license. We felt that is in unfair for certain people to profit from city property when that option is not available to all residents. This gives the city a little more control because these licenses must be approved by the city council. This ordinance will also include advertising, such as signs, which are placed on city property. This is the right thing to do,” said Mayor Peacock.
During the public hearing on this issue, one question that arose was about a private citizen selling an RV or car from the street in front of their own home. In the ordinance, it states that a private resident may sell private vehicles, those which are properly registered in their name, from their home.
Following closure of the public hearing, the council voted to approve the ordinance.
Councilman Jack Rogers informed the council of the proposed changes and additions to the city’s animal ordinance. “This has been a work in progress. I have researched other towns ordinances and tried to work this to fit our needs in Castle Dale. I need all the input I can get about this issue. I know there have been concerns about why we are updating our animal control ordinance. Times change, needs change, and ordinances should keep up with the changes and needs,” said Councilman Rogers.
During the discussion of the proposed animal control ordinance, many comments were heard. Those comments were: don’t raise licensing fees; the animal control officer needs more equipment; the impound fees and boarding fees of impounded animals needs to be readjusted; consider a graduated fee scale; control the feral cat population; license cats; and stress spay and neuter for personal pets.
“Our duty is to go through these proposed changes and review them in depth. When that process is complete, we must hold a public hearing on this issue,” said Mayor Peacock.
Councilman Rogers suggested forming a committee comprised of councilmembers and private citizens to review this ordinance indepth, and bring the final draft back for the public hearing. The council approved forming the committee.
Councilperson GayLee Jeffs announced that Castle Dale City will hold a Miss Castle Dale pageant this year. Angela Huntington will head up the pageant committee. Jeffs also announced that the Easter egg hunt will be held April 12 at 5:30 p.m. at Cheddar Field. The city celebration will be held July 22. She also requested volunteers for the beautification committee.
Then next Castle Dale City Council meeting will be held April 13 at 7 p.m. at city hall.