MARRIOTT-SLATERVILLE CITY HISTORY January 1 - December 31, 2007 At the close of 2007, residents of Marriott-Slaterville City look out at a snow covered landscape, and shiver when outside, due to the below normal temperatures. It is time to reflect back on some of the events of the year. In a world that knows little peace, we live in a peaceful community. Where hunger is a daily fact, and other necessities of life are very meager, we receive them from a land of plenty. Freedom is not a way of life for many; we enjoy freedom everyday. How fortunate we are to be living here and now. This does not mean there are no problems for citizens of our city, or for the city and those who govern. The past year has had ups and downs, as does every year, but as we review it, we can again say, "What a great place to live!" Many conversations this year concerned our weather. Winter storms and spring rains gave us moisture enough to somewhat alleviate the drought we have been experiencing. A record-breaking hot summer followed, with clear skies, and unrelenting heat. Yards and gardens (and people) showed stress. Autumn came on the calendar, and though temperatures moderated, we didn't have our usual fall weather. There was no killing frost until November, as people continued to harvest food from their gardens. Then suddenly, it was severely cold and temperatures plummeted. Snow came in December, in sufficient amounts to make water watchers more optimistic. Only one thing we can say: who knows what weather in Utah will bring. Mayor Keith Butler's "State of the City" message was printed in The Pioneer Post for January 2007. He reported to citizens that the new city building, built on land donated by James Blair, Jr., through his son James Blair III, has been enjoyed by the staff, volunteers, and residents. Senior citizen activities, weddings, funerals, parties, meetings, community events, and family activities have been held in the building successfully. The best news is that the building is paid for in full, thanks to frugal money management. The city has no debts, loans, bonds, or other obligations. The books show a modest surplus for the past fiscal year, which was set aside for future capital projects. Mayor Butler reported that over 120 volunteers participated in some way in our city in 2006, and their service is greatly appreciated. He also expressed his appreciation of his staff, who are effective and hardworking. He concluded his report by saying:" I enjoy and envision our community being a small, quiet place to live...I take comfort in our community because we have a plan. Our leaders follow the plan, and we are proactive rather than reactive when we face an issue." In the same issue, he commended the volunteers responsible for the community cookbook which was a great success. LaRae Brown and Carolyn Deru were the co-chairs, with Maurine Parker, Judy Fuller, Barbara Messerly and Barbara Phipps as committee members. It preserves recipes from many sources and gained about $3,000 for the city senior program. Congratulations and thanks from all of us as well as the Mayor. MATTERS OF GOVERNANCE At the January 18, 2007, City Council meeting Dennis Ilium was elected by acclamation as Council President and Rob Smout as Vice President, for 2007. Council President, Dennis Ilium, gave a Legislative Report in the December 2007 issue of the Pioneer Post.. There is no fight for power between the mayor and council as evidenced in some other cities, as our form of government is stable. We have two separate but equal branches of government, the executive and the legislative branch. The Mayor is vested with all executive power, but is required to have an administrator