Ferron City hears golf course expansion project update

By COREY BLUEMEL Staff writer

Ferron City Council heard an update concerning the golf course expansion project at their regular meeting. Proposals are in and opened, the only thing the project is waiting for is the permit from the Bureau of Land Management for construction to begin.
The golf course is operating on an existing permit which encompasses most of the expansion project as well. A small portion of the new nine is outside the existing permit boundaries. A permit is required to do work on that parcel of land. In the beginning of the expansion process, the BLM assured the golf course committee the permit would not be a problem. Now, three years later, the permit has not been issued.
Ferron City Council did award the preconstruction services contract to Nielson Construction of Huntington. Nielson’s will meet with the engineers and the golf course advisory committee to discuss some considerations which need to be completed before the award is made for the construction portion of the expansion.
When the permit comes through, the construction contract will be awarded. In a previous meeting, Bryan Barton of Jones and DeMille Engineering said the last date for the construction to begin is April 15. “We would really like to begin construction before April 1 to meet the seeding deadlines,” said Barton. “If this project is not completed this year, the costs could exceed the budget.”
In other business conducted by Ferron City Council, one new business license was issued. A discussion concerning proposed improvements to the Fairgrounds building was heard. Some of the improvements suggested were to repaint the inside, enclose the water heater, install doors on the storage room, lower the ceiling, and take out the bleachers. Most of these improvements are for cosmetic reasons to make the building more pleasing for rentals.
Another building was discussed. Mayor JoAnn Behling said she feels the city hall belongs to the residents of Ferron and they should be allowed to rent the building for family or business functions. The council discussed new rental fees and conditions and agreed to allow the residents of Ferron to use the facility. More specific information can be obtained by calling city hall.
Councilman Michael Behling stated new school zones signs are needed around the elementary school. He also informed the council he is researching automatic water meters, the type which can be read electronically.
Councilman Trent Jackson said spring cleanup will be held on April 25 or May 2. The committee is still discussing the event and will finalize decisions as it draws near. He also stated the town is in need of a person to run the youth baseball program which is slated to begin in May.
Councilman Ronny Bloomer said he is working with Mark from Gilly’s to bring an up and coming country artist to perform in Ferron. This may be an opportunity for a free concert as this artist is coming to Utah to perform at the Black Hawk Arena in Salina. More details will be discussed at a later date. Bloomer has also worked with the Co-op and purchased 14 pens and a new show ring for the sheep barn.
In the public hearing held by the city council, the approval to open the budget from 2008-2009 was given. Following the public hearing, the resolution was adopted to make adjustments to balance that budget. Some funds have come in for the youth city council and that income needs to be added. Other revenue that was not collected in the form of scholarships which were declined need to be added back into the budget. A grant received by the fire department will also be added into the revenue.
The next Ferron City Council meeting will be held Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. at city hall.