May 2004 Some important future meetings were announced in The Pioneer Post A Neighborhood Watch Program meeting will be held on June 1, 2004, at 7:30 p.m. at the City Office, 1140 West 400 North. Do we need this program? In the first quarter of this year, there have been 20 thefts, four burglaries, and three assaults within our city. A CERT training course scheduled for June 12 and 19, has been postponed until August. A senior citizens health day was held at the city office on May 17, 2004, during regular office hours. Blood pressure checks were made and health readiness information packets for use in case of an emergency were given out. Summer is on its way! We remember the "Evenings of Music at the Marriott Park" that we enjoyed last summer. Two will be held this year, the first on June 28 and the last on August 23. Residents were invited to share their talents at these events by scheduling performances with Buzzy Ito. Mountain West Miniature Horse and Shetland Pony Owners invited the community residents to a free fun weekend featuring around 400 classes for Registered Miniature Horses and Shetlands. It was held on May 28-30 at the Weber County Fair Grounds. Participants came from six states and parts of Canada in Region VIII. Comcast Excavations made life (and traffic) interesting as they commenced a large scale excavation this month. Comcast is moving cable television lines underground throughout the community. Every road seems to have a crew working on some phase of the project. Public comments are wanted by UTA on the draft environmental study for a proposed commuter rail system, copies of which are available between April 30-June 15 at the city office. A public open house was held on May 27, 2004, at the Ogden Union Station, 2501 Wall Avenue, at 8:00 p.m. Various road projects will take place during the spring and summer. A portion of Pioneer Road, below 2000 West, will be chip sealed. Additional projects include work on winter damage on 1200 West between 200 South and 700 South, and 1700 South which will be patched. Public hearings were held by the city council on May 20, 2004, for public comment on ordinances and resolutions concerning zoning map changes, budget amendments, budget approval, and other matters. A public hearing is the public's opportunity to have input on matters which concern our community. The FY 2003-04 amended budget and the FY 2004-05 budget were both approved by the council on that date. The $861,000+ budget includes projects such as a new office and senior building. The Quail Meadows Subdivision, approximately 901 South 1200 West was approved subject to ten outstanding requirements being fulfilled. At the May 20, 2004, City Council Meeting, Dirk Bailey gave a presentation on the RAMP (Recreation, Arts, Museums, Parks) program. This is a Weber County citizens' initiative requesting that a proposal be placed by the County Commissioners on the November genera! election ballot, to impose a sales tax of one cent per $10 purchase to support the RAMP program. The estimated three million dollars brought in annually would benefit quality of life for all residents. The Standard Examiner wrote the city regarding the proposed four-way stop on 1200 West and 400 North. Mayor Butler's letter in reply, indicated the decision was UDOT's that a stop light was no longer warranted at that site. At present, a blinking red light, indicates the four-way stop, but no signs are in place.