Cleveland looks at planning and zoning issues

By COREY BLUEMEL Staff writer

At the recent Cleveland Town Council, Mayor Chris Parkins addressed a building permit application in which the existing single wide trailer home on the property will be replaced by a new double wide modular home. The property line between the city limits and the county limits runs exactly through the middle of the home. As a result, the property owner has had to apply for permits through both the city and the county.
County attorney David Blackwell wrote a letter to Mayor Parkins stating the county will not stop any improvements to the land and will abide by what the city decides in the matter. The property owner then applied for building permit from the city and was granted that permit, and will now have to apply with the county for the additional permit for the portion of the home that will sit in the county.
“The lot is a nonconforming lot and the home straddles the line,” said Mayor Parkins. “Cleveland Town will also welcome the improvements to the property.”
Cleveland Town has approached the Emery County School District with a proposal to acquire the property adjoining the elementary school to the south. Mayor Parkins informed the council the school district has responded and is not ready at this time to let go of the property. He stated the district is willing to lease the property, but under that situation, Cleveland Town cannot approach the Permanent Community Impact Board for the funds to build a ball field. The town must have ownership of the property to apply for the grants.
The Student Neighborhood Access Program, by the 3M Company, grants money to cities and towns to provide safe access for children to the schools. “We need to work out a few details and we can apply for money to buy signs, build sidewalks and retaining walls, or whatever else is needed to provide our children with safe access to school,” said Mayor Parkins.
The council reviewed the short term and medium term list for the PCIB which is due to the Council of Governments before Sept. 25. Project money cannot be applied for from the PCIB if that project is not on one of the lists. Some of the items on the lists were sidewalks, a bridge for 600 East, and replace the street signs in Cleveland. Many of the signs are on wooden posts and need to be replaced.
Owen Olsen, a resident of Cleveland, approached the council about a building permit to build a building to house the fire truck he was recently given. “I want to build it like a fire station to park the truck in. I have a lot of ideas about painting and decorating it. I want it to be someplace the children can come and see Jasper,” said Olsen. The council decided to research the site and a decision will be made as soon as possible.
A concerned resident approached to council concerning speeding on 40 North. He said the street is very narrow and the yards are close to the street. The worst time of the day is before and after school. The council will ask for more patrol and will survey the site and consider what can be done.
The council made the decision to have repairs made to the sidewalk in front of the library. The current sidewalk is heaving in a spot and a contractor will be contacted to do the repair work. The approval was also made to raise the pay rate of the person who takes care of watering the flowers around town. It was also decided to give them a performance bonus based on the amount of hours which have been put in this summer.
The Emery County Commission has informed the council of the costs for the upcoming election. The town has budgeted $700 for the election but it will be more than that for the election costs. Emery County will pay the amount for Cleveland that is over the $700 budgeted. The council agreed to pay the amount budgeted to the county.
Jamie Jensen announced that more Cleveland Rocks T-shirts have arrived. They can be purchased at town hall during business hours.
As a closing note, Mayor Parkins stated his appreciation for everyone who helped with the funeral of Kerry Allred. “Our condolences go out to the family, and the volunteers who have helped are greatly appreciated by the family and by the town of Cleveland.”
The next Cleveland Town Council meeting will be held on Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. at town hall.