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Show The election was held on November 6, 2007, and incumbents Scott Van Leeuwen, Dennis Ilium and Rob Smout were re-elected. Results, as listed in the Standard Examiner, were: At-large Gerald Bischoff 129, Scott Van Leeuwen 264, East District, Dennis Illum 137, Randy Phipps 76; West District, Rob Smout 177. The election, carried out by the county, saw a surfeit of judges and voting machines. An unfortunate circumstance saw some provisional ballots being cast, as the County Poll Book had some of our citizens listed in the wrong district. Money Matters The January 7, 2007, edition of the Standard-Examiner, listed Marriott-Slaterville City as number 9, in the top 10 per capita spenders in the Top of Utah for fiscal 2007. They reported $650 was spent per capita for our city in that period. We know it was spent wisely, frugally, and that our new building was part of the expenditure. In the September 2007 issue of The Pioneer Post, Mayor Keith Butler reminded residents that the recently received property tax notice does not include any tax imposed by our city. Marriott-Slaterville City is one of the few cities in the state that does not impose a property tax. This has been possible due to careful planning and frugal fiscal management. Volunteers who assist with city activities also help to keep expenses down. We have no debt, no bonds, and no property tax. Most residents incurred a large increase in their property tax, levied by other entities, and we all are most grateful that city government doesn't add to the burden. As residents we appreciate that our city does not levy any property taxes or franchise tax on utility bills. Mayor Butler's policy, and that of the staff, is "pay our own way." A special service district was created the past year to manage services and maintain improvements in new subdivisions. Thank you-all of you who are a part of our excellent city government. An amended FY2006-07 budget and the FY2007-08 budgets were approved by the council after the May 1,2007, public hearing on the budgets. The city received grants in the last year totalling about $228,521. The administration also sought an allotment of funds to purchase playground equipment. A grant was received for playground equipment for the park behind the city office and the basin on 700 South, but a 50% match was required. The City Council approved an amount not to exceed $50,000 for the match, shipping and installation, on September 20, 2007. Requests for RAMP funding for park improvements, freeway murals, trails, and the purchase of the Bowen property were submitted. The first involved the seeking of RAMP funds to purchase a portion of property from Bowen Enterprises, which lies along the Ogden River on 17th Street. This is the preferred location to cross the river by bridge to access the West Haven Trail and the Ogden Parkway. Last year's request was denied. This year the city hopes to match funds from the Federal Transportation Enhancement Program. The RAMP funds would be used for property acquisition, with the federal funds used for trail construction. Cindy Gooch with J-U-B Engineers assisted the staff with completing the grant applications. The city applied for, and received, a small grant from RA.MP funds for the July 4th events. Several projects were allotted funds, following discussion by the City Council on May 17, 2007, at the council meeting. Those receiving funding were the 1200 West Quail Meadows Road Re-design in accordance with the bid submitted by Advanced Paving; the 400 North 1200 West intersection reconstruction plan in conjunction with Ogden City for a portion of funds for future traffic light facilities, the 700 South regional storm water detention basin construction grant, and the 2007 RAMP grant project at Marriott Park. The city received a $5000 grant from the J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation for historical preservation, office furnishing, and equipment. The city began interviewing elderly residents about their life in the community, and recording their memories. Some of this fund will be used to pay for this on-going project. 4 |