December 2003 The holiday season, with all its warmth, activities, and rush, came to our city as well as the rest of the state and nation. Friendships were renewed and new acquaintances met at the annual Christmas party for the council, staff, the many volunteers and their partners held at 7:00 p.m. on December 18. Aromas from the delicious Maddox dinner greeted arrivals in the council room, where decorated tables were set. Excellent food and visiting made an enjoyable evening for the guests. Our thanks go to Shauna Meyerhoffer, her husband Glen, and all those who helped with the party. Orvil Holley retires this month as a member of the City Council where he has served since incorporation in 1999. Mayor Butler expressed the thanks of the council, staff, and residents of the city, to Mr. Holley for the years of dedicated service he has given. He presented him with a certificate during the Christmas party. Mr. Honey's knowledge, wisdom, foresight and dedication will be missed. One of the biggest snow storms in years commenced on Christmas Day, and continued on for several days, piling two feet or more of heavy snow throughout the community. Snow plows cleared our roads, and snow blowers and shovels, not used for several years, made an appearance. Everyone, even those who are not "snow people," appreciated this much needed moisture to replenish our drought parched lands and reservoirs. One storm doesn't end a drought, so we are hopeful this is the beginning of a wetter weather cycle. Branches and entire trees were broken from the weight of the snow, and much of the clean-up in yards must wait for better weather. Our community was fortunate not to suffer the prolonged power outages that occurred in other communities along the Wasatch Front. Although festivities and good cheer abounded, all was not play for the residents, including the City Council. Many matters were discussed at their December 18, 2003, meeting, preceding the party. A business license was approved for Phipps Products and Services, and Extreme Peaks Auto Transport, the latter subject to compliance with the zoning. A business license application by RCS Stables was denied as they had failed to obtain a conditional use permit, and have failed to appear before the planning commission on several occasions. Also, terms for the Board of Adjustment were set according to state law. Utah Code requires the board to consist of five members, each who serve a five year term, with one term expiring each year. Von Allred's term expires at the end of this month and the mayor reappointed him to another term Ned Allred's term expires in January 2005, but the mayor appointed him to the planning commission and appointed Jay Miller to fill the remainder of that position. Ned Allred replaces Scott Van Leeuwen on the Planning Commission, with his term ending December 31, 2005. Mr. Van Leeuwen vacates that position to take his place on the City Council, as Councilman At-large, following his November election win. The council gave its advice and consent to the Mayor's appointments, unanimously approving them. Other appointments included the reappointment of Mr. Kim Slater to the Mosquito Abatement Board. The Mayor will replace Joe Deru on the Bona Vista Water Improvement Board, at the request of other mayors in areas served by Bona Vista. He expressed his appreciation of Mr. Deru's fine work on the board over the past years. Mayor Butler has finally persuaded the sewer district to put Marriott-Slaterville on its documents instead of Ogden. President Ilium and some of the office staff toured the sewer treatment facility with Mr. Lance Wood of that agency. The plant generates half Its electricity from the methane gas captured from the sewer sludge. The place