Marriott-Slatetrville City History January 1 - December 31, 2003 History: A systematic record of past events, especially those concerning the life of a nation and in which man has taken part. History recounts events with careful attention to their importance, their mutual relations, their causes and consequences, selecting and grouping events on the ground of interest or importance.1 That is a formidable task to undertake each year as an effort is made to record the words and deeds-the history -of Marriott-Slaterville City. It's not our nation, but it is our home, the center location around which our daily life revolves. Where does one properly begin? In his 2003 State of the City Address, Mayor Keith Butler told residents that the state revenue short-fall has impacted the community as the legislature has limited funds received from the gas tax as well as other areas. With no property tax, the City must continue to look at all expenditures carefully. Road improvements may need to be postponed; benefits versus the costs to the community from developments must be carefully evaluated. In that address, the Mayor also expressed concern about the federal EPA mandate for storm water management, the possibility of disasters affecting our community, and the seriousness of the drought situation. The development and cost of implementing the unfunded federal EPA mandate for storm water management, was an on-going major problem faced by the City Council. Requirements and costs were investigated, plans proposed and examined, and all possibilities carefully pursued. The council decided to enter into an interlocal cooperation agreement with Weber County. Dr. George Burbidge, Weber County Storm Water Director, met with the council concerning this agreement for storm water management. Dr. Burbidge mapped the drains in the city, with the help of city officials. He said Weber County will maintain three drains within our community, Four Mile Creek, Mill Creek, and the Ogden-Weber River. He advises the city on other drains within the area, and who has the responsibility for them, according to state law. Dr. Burbidge also explained that one of the mandate requirements is that roads be swept as needed, and that other regulations, such as anti-degradation of water quality, are coming in the future. After discussion by the council, the fee for paying for storm water compliance was set at $3.00 per month for each home, beginning in March 2003. It appears on the monthly Bona Vista Water bill. The cost of a Storm Water Compliance Permit was set at $20.00. A vacant single family dwelling unit is exempt from the monthly $3.00 charge if the water utility services to the unit have been disconnected or terminated. A storm water problem developed when previously unknown drain ditches around D. J. Nursery flooded during a June storm because the opening was overgrown, and the pipe, which was not large enough, had become plugged over the years. A rooter company cleaned the clogged pipes and the drain began normal functioning. Our community is so situated that numerous types of disasters, such as floods, earthquakes, or hazardous spills are a serious possibility. To help community preparedness, the CERT program was begun with the appointment in January of Gerald Bischoff as the leader. Support through volunteers trained to assist in emergencies was encouraged. By November, a twelve person Citizen's Emergency Response Team was in place, under the direction of the Emergency Management Team. This group is headed by Mayor Keith Butler, with Jay Miller, Coordinator, Gerald Bischoff, Information Coordinator, Bill Morris, Director, and Randy Phipps, Interim CERT Coordinator. As part of the emergency management planning, the August Pioneer Post included a synopsis of the American Red Cross pamphlet Your Family Disaster Plan to assist individual family preparedness. Included with the September/October issue of the Pioneer Post were further basic suggestions on how a family can prepare to respond to a disaster. Bill Morris has devoted much time and work on a 45 page disaster plan, still undergoing refinement, for the city. Federal grant funds were obtained by the city to help pay for emergency management and CERT related costs. Awareness, preparedness and management can lessen disasters' effects.