November 2004 Mayor Keith Butler gave a "Fall Report" in the November issue of The Pioneer Post, providing insights to residents on community affairs. Crime statistics are down from previous years, but theft and burglary occur too often in our city. Mayor Butler urged residents to lock doors, secure valuables and watch for suspicious activities in their neighborhood. It is hoped that a new city office, including a senior center, can be built next year, without any loans, bonds, or other debt. City officials have saved money for a new building for several years, and have received a senior center grant to aid in the construction. Local mayors in the county have asked for an intra-city committee to explore a county-wide recreation program. Jim Ito will represent Marriott-Slaterville on that committee. Sales tax revenue was better than expected for the last quarter of the fiscal year, ending in June 2004. Expenditures were also down, due to careful management. The annual independent audit is now underway, to be completed by January 2005. State transportation problems are significant, and the 2005 legislature is expected to act on them. Mayor Butler is still attempting to get better funding for transportation needs in our area. The city is doing its part to keep city roads in good repair. Repair on 1200 West was made this past spring after damage last winter. The area of this road between 700 South and 12th Street may require extensive repairs next summer. Our city has never had a voting member on the Central Weber Sewer District board. The mayor has tried for years to get representation on it, and recently his request was granted. A voting seat on the sewer board will allow the city to address issues with that board. Our Bona vista water users conserved 78 acre feet of water in August 2004 compared to the same time in 2002. Mayor Butler thanked residents for conservation efforts and urged all of us to keep it up. Our county had no cases of West Nile Virus this year. We are fortunate to have a full time mosquito abatement district. Without their efforts, our hungry mosquito problem would be much worse. Weber County Animal Services encourages us to spay or neuter our pets, to cut down on unwanted and unloved animals. Their employees deal daily with the sad result of stray and deserted pets. Taxpayer expense associated with this situation compounds the problem. The Community Services Department has organized a Sub for Santa drive for needy residents of the city. Names of families in need are requested, as well as help and donations for the project. Youth from the 9th to 12th grades are invited to join the Marriott-Slaterville Youth Council. Emily Allred is the Youth Advisor. Young members can gain a greater knowledge of our political system, promote community pride, and make a difference in our city. At the November 18, 2004, City Council Meeting, a business license was approved for Boat and R. V. Storage at 1250 South 1775 West, owned by James and Elisa Steele. Scott Feston from Wasatch Front Regional Council and Bob Terragno, Envision Utah, gave a slide presentation on future transportation issues confronting the Wasatch Front. Their goal is to create 30-year future scenarios with broad-based, grassroots input and a public process steering committee. Land use remains under local control, while the visioning outcomes will guide the creation of the Regional Transportation Plan. Increased population, land consumption and air quality all play an important part in future considerations. They encouraged the city to participate in available workshops, which will allow all involved entities to work together to avoid future transportation disasters. The region involved in the plan is from Pleasant View to Santaquin.