OCR Text |
Show being utilized almost daily with senior activities, family gatherings, weddings, meetings, and other functions. The Susan Marriott Camp of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers dedicated a Memorial Library as part of the senior center. Internet is available in the center. The Mayor would like citizens to collect photographs, and community and family history, which can be scanned to CD or DVD and made a part of the library. In July, Mayor Butler reminded that us that the city is starting its 10th year. He praised the Planning Commission for the great job they do, which is appreciated very much. Elected officials, staff, and volunteers all work to make our city successful. One of the ominous "clouds" we saw was the slowing of the nation's economy. Many people, with over-extended credit and no savings, are facing the loss of their home, when the mortgage payment cannot be met. Banks, mortgage lenders, and the stock market increasingly reflect the seriousness of the situation. The reality of a deepening economic depression is apparent. Residents were asked to support the Mayor's policy of "pay as we go" government by continuing to volunteer in various capacities. in the September issue of The Pioneer Post, Mayor Keith Butler reminded citizens of our good fortune in not having a city property tax. Other cities and towns are increasing property taxes, because of the country's economic woes. Many cities and counties plan on building permits and development revenues for budget needs. Mayor Butler's policy anticipates a potential for recession and sustains the General Plan, and does not rely heavily on building permit revenue. It also keeps development from over-pressuring our infrastructure. The Planning Commission, City Council and residents hold development to the General Plan, which was approved by the Council after input from residents and the public. "Take comfort that your community's budget is doing well," the Mayor's Message in the October Pioneer Post reminded us. We have an excellent business base, which provides revenue for running our city. He thanked all the businesses within our boundaries, and encouraged residents to patronize these nearby businesses. As the Christmas season approached, Mayor Keith Butler wished the residents of our city a Merry Christmas, in the December issue of The Pioneer Post. He recognized the many changes in our world and nation that have resulted in great difficulties for many people as they lost jobs, homes, and even hope. In this time of troubled housing, Marriott-Slaterville has the lowest foreclosure rate in Weber County, according to the Wasatch Front Regional Council. Mayor Butler attributed some of this to that fact that we know and help each other in this community. CITY GOVERNMENT City government in the new year required the administering of the Oath of Office by Bill Morris, City Administrator, to Dennis Illum, Rob Smout, and Scott VanLeeuwen as council members. This took place at the City Council meeting held on January 17, 2008. By acclamation, Dennis Ilium was re-elected Council President and Rob Smout re-elected as Vice President for the year. Much of the work of the City Council and staff is seen through the ordinances and resolutions which are passed each year. For clarification, ordinances are laws of the city while a resolution is policy. Throughout 2008 many ordinances were written, discussed and approved by the council as part of their duties. The first, Ordinance 2008-01 was passed unanimously by the council, at their January meeting. This ordinance changed the duties of each department in anticipation of hiring new staff. In March, the city hired a new employee, Trent Meyerhoffer, who is over Community Services, which includes public works, parks, and planning. In October, a new CRO for the city, Deputy Matt Pittman, replacing Brent Fowers, was introduced to the council by Mayor Keith Butler. 4 |