MARRIOTT-SLATERVILLE CITY HISTORY NOVEMBER 2001 The municipal elections were held on November 6, 2001. All incumbents were unopposed and Mayor Keith Butler and Council Members Delbert Hodson and Kim Slater were reelected for a four year term. Nearly 20% of the registered voters exercised their franchise, also indicating their support of the City and its officials. The Weber County Sheriff's Metro Gang Unit presented a Gang Awareness Night at Pioneer School on November 1, 2001. Residents of the City were invited to attend. Detectives Gary Worthen and Vernon Hairston defined a gang as "three or more people who engage in unlawful, criminal behavior." They informed us that there are 100 active gangs in Weber County. Symbols, names, letters or colors are often used by gang members to indicate their affiliation. Those in attendance were given a list of things that individuals can do to help keep youth from involvement in gangs, which was also published in the November issue of The Pioneer Post." Parents should watch for drastic changes in their children's behavior, including dressing in gang-related clothing, associating with a new group of friends, and acquiring new unexplained possessions. Getting out of a gang isn't easy, but can be done. Youth need adult people to show their support and encouragement, and that the young person is special. Youth need to believe in themselves and know that gangs are a dead-end street, and that they deserve better. Shirley Nelson was the November recipient of the Mayor's Volunteer Service Award for her outstanding work in maintaining a clean and pleasant City office building. At the November Meeting of the Park Committee, Mike Hunsaker reported on his visit with Charles McFarland of West Haven Trails Committee, on November 2, 2001. When completed their loop trail will be approximately 3 miles long. They do not plan on extending the trail west of I-15. Construction of a bridge crossing the river near the confluence of the Weber and Ogden Rivers is scheduled to begin next spring. They have experienced considerable difficulty with beavers in their wetlands area, which is similar to the wetlands in our park. Dog owners were asked to keep their pets under control as some elderly residents have told City officials that they have been accosted by dogs as they venture onto streets. So far, the animals have been friendly, but they can frighten walkers as they come near them. Debbie DeVries has asked residents age 55 and older who are interested in volunteering for community service projects to contact RSVP to offer their assistance. Bits and Pieces DeLos Bingham celebrated his 90th birthday with a family sponsored open house. He was also one of our faithful senior citizens who voted in our municipal election. Curtis and Michelle Hodson have a new daughter, Olivia ReNae, born November 11, 2001.