The Ferron City Council met in a public hearing to discuss two issues. One being the increase in the water rates for out of city limits water users. The other issue was the discussion of the contract for the land for Justin Snow to purchase to build a gas station/convenience store in Ferron.
Mayor Adele Justice explained in 2012 the Castle Valley Special Service District raised the rates for the water users in the county outside of city limits. In the last service district meeting they voted to raise the rates again to $45 per month for each water user.
Mayor Justice said these water users are currently paying $38.25. “People in the city pay a property tax which goes to the service district. Those outside the county do not pay that tax explained Justice. The district wanted the rates to be more equitable so this increase in rates will go into effect on Sept. 1.
Randy Nielsen explained the cost of treating water has raised. Back in 2012, the district didn’t raise the rates enough. They wanted to go to $50 but it was decided the new rate would be $45.
Some public comment included statements that the users in the county were paying enough already and bills were similar to in-city residents.
Mayor Justice said the district board voted the raise into effect and the cities have to raise the rates as well or absorb the costs, which Ferron City can’t afford to do.
The other discussion item was entering into an agreement with Justin Snow for property. The city is still negotiating with Justin and the city attorney is working on an agreement.
Mayor Justice emphasized the city will not be entering into a no-compete clause. Anyone else wishing to open a gas station or re-open Gilly’s can move forward as the no-compete clause will not be part of the agreement with Snow.
Mayor Justice said they are still working out a few things in the agreement. The city will be responsible for moving a power pole on the property. It’s estimated the cost to move the pole will be $2,500. The property the city has available is valued at approximately $24,000. The suggested purchase price for Snow will be $1,000. The city will be responsible for curb and gutter on the Molen Road portion of the property and an approach off State Street.
There will be a clause in the agreement should Snow sell the gas station, he will be responsible for paying the city for the total value of the property.
Mayor Justice asked the residents of Ferron for their input. “These are your tax dollars and your property, the property belongs to the citizens of Ferron,” said Mayor Justice.
The property is an L shape and is .8 acres. The pumps will be out in front by the Main Highway. At the time of the property purchase Ferron City paid $55,000 for it. There were buildings and a shop on it.
Citizens wondered what the costs incurred by the city would be and where that money will come from.
Citizens said they have rescued people out of gas who were sitting at the pumps at Gilly’s. He picked them up and took them to Castle Dale to get gas.
Citizens said to let Snow have the property for what the city feels is appropriate. Ferron City has been without gas for two years, and they need it. One citizen said moving the power pole could be more costly than they think, and to be aware that costs may go up.
Snow explained the project he wishes to develop will come in two stages. The first step will be putting in the gas pumps. He has talked to Pierce Oil and Fuel Tech. They do these types of projects all the time. He would proceed with putting in the pumps when the agreement is signed. He has put his house up and will be meeting with the bank again about a loan. He cannot secure a loan until the agreement for the purchase of the property has been signed. The gas pumps will go in and will be pay at the pump. After this work is complete he will begin working on the store building.
He sees the work going quickly putting in the gas pumps as soon as all paperwork is complete.
Snow said he will see how things go and he would like to pay for the property outright and then Ferron City will have no more responsibility with the project.
Citizens agreed the project could have expenses associated with it that need to be taken into consideration.
Gil Bowden cautioned the city to watch for these expenses. He said it takes more people coming into the area to support the gas station than just the Ferron residents.
It was agreed Ferron City should help get Snow going on the project, but the city shouldn’t assume the burden for the project or experience financial hardships. Mayor Justice estimated the city would incur around $10,000 in expenses in getting the agreement ready, power pole moving, approaches to the property, etc. She said the city will place dollar amounts on the expenses they are responsible for in the agreement. The agreement will also contain a clause on any hidden expenses which may arise and how these expenses will be paid.
Another Ferron resident asked if Ferron City would be willing to help other businesses as they are helping Snow. She would like to bring a beauty shop back to Ferron.
Mayor Justice said their hands are tied as to how much they can do for private business, but they are willing to help bring business to Ferron in anyway they can. “We want economic development in Ferron, we need to bind together. Anyone who wants to come to Ferron City we will support them.”
Former mayor Trent Jackson said the entire town of Ferron is an enterprise zone. Tax breaks and incentives can be offered to help businesses locate in Ferron.
Residents wondered what the time frame for the gas station project will be. Snow said he is ready to roll as soon as the agreement/contract is ready.
Mayor Justice said they are working on the paperwork, but it will take some time.
One resident wondered if the gas station could sell ethanol free gas. Snow said maybe in the future.
The council moved out of the public hearing and approved raising the water rates to the $45 the service district will be charging.
The council approved pursuing the agreement with Snow for the gas station project.
Megan Crosland approached the council regarding using their projector for a movie fundraiser at Ferron Elementary. She is the parent organization president this year. She has plans for a back to school party.
The council agreed to let her use the projector, but the screen is hard to move so to look for an alternative screen.
A concerned citizen approached the city concerning the area the city is preparing for the Mud Bog at the Peach Days celebration. The Mud Bog will take the place of the Demolition Derby.
There’s been a lot of activity at the Mud Bog location and he would like to know if other activities will be planned in that spot in the future.
Council person Wendy Price said it’s not known at this time what future activities might take place there. But, currently the Peach Days Mud Bog is the only event planned. Mayor Justice said if it is popular and future events want to come in, then the neighbors will be contacted for input and measures will be taken so neighbors will have minimal impact on their residences with noise and dust.
Mayor Justice apologized for not talking to the neighbors before the Mud Bog pit went in.
Jeremy Guymon said Nielson Construction donated the equipment to put the Bog together, there has been a lot of work done and it would be crazy to only use it one time, he would like to see it used more.
Mayor Justice said they will assess the situation after the Mud Bog event at Peach Days and will proceed from there.
The list of projects to submit to the Community Impact Board was approved. This list goes to the Castle Valley Special Service District and they submit them to the CIB board. Some projects will be approved every year. The council listed several projects for curb and gutter improvements.
Council member Brad Richman asked the council to consider a $50 stipend for attendance of planning and zoning members at their meetings. They are having a hard time getting the members out to the meetings.
Council members were agreeable to the $50 payment and it will be voted on in the next council meeting.
Ferron City received a grant of $3,500 for Peach Days advertising from the Emery County Travel Bureau. They will do posters, water bottles with logos, newspaper ads, radio and Facebook ads.
Council member Dell Mead said they are looking for a good place to shoot the fireworks from. The mud bog area was suggested.
The Friday activities this year will be at the Mayor’s Park and not at the fairgrounds. The dinner and Veterans monument dedication will take place at Mayor’s Park. There will also be a street dance that night. Kaylynn Winn will do the Sidewalk Picasso on Thursday night. There will be a bike ride and dessert contest.
Council member Nielson said plans are in place for the soapbox derby. Mrs. Chamberlain will help with the dessert contest. The Hypno Hick show will be Friday night at the fairgrounds. The band will play from 8-11 p.m. The band will come to the park and locate a spot to set-up. Mayor Justice asked the neighbors surrounding Mayor’s Park be informed of the street dance.
The Mud Bog event on Saturday will have prizes. There will be different classes of ATVs-motorcycles, etc. There will be an obstacle course event. There will be a splash pit for those not wanting to do the mud event. The bleachers will be moved to the Mud Bog after the Field of Flags program on Saturday morning.
There will also be a blow-up toy obstacle course at the arena from the National Guard. You can also bring your own chairs to the Mud Bog.
There will be a ranch rodeo take place between the Horse Races.
Exhibits will be accepted in the city hall beginning on Wednesday of Peach Days and Thursday morning for baked goods and horticulture entries. Dennis Worwood is the judge and will judge Thursday at noon.
There are volunteers who will place the flags at the Field of Flags.
Mayor Justice is still working on the patriotic program. Grand Marshals have been chosen and drivers for them arranged. The council will ride in an entry.
Council member Nielson said there will be a team roping on the Thursday of Peach Days. The ranch rodeo will have mini bulls, chicken chase, and he would like to do a saddle race. There will be cash prizes for the events.
The horse races will begin at 1 p.m. The draw for the races will be on Tuesday night. He asked for extra help at the starting gates. There will be a cornhole tournament on Saturday at the baseball fields. Kasey Edgehouse will run the event.
The cemetery hasn’t looked good this year, due to the drought. The pine needles from the trees are killing the grass. The crews are working on sprinkler issues.
Mayor Justice reported Ferron City received a successful audit. One area they will work on in the future is for the council member in charge of a department to sign the invoices for expenses related to their department, mainly major expenses.
This will allow for more checks and balances within the system.
The council appointed Brad Richman to be the councilmenber on the recreation board for the county. Meetings are held every other month.
The council approved a scarecrow contest for fall.
A thank you to Ferron City was given for the use of the fairgrounds for the annual stock show, it was appreciated.
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