A public meeting on November 15, 2007, considered potential projects for which funding may be applied under the CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) small cities program for the 2008 program year. Suggestions for potential projects were solicited, verbally and in writing. The money must be spent on projects benefitting primarily low and moderate income persons. The Wasatch Front Regional Council, of which our city is a member, is expected to receive approximately $1,837,624.00 this program year. All eligible activities covered under this program include public works facilities, water and sewer lines, and blight elimination. Also eligible are loan programs for private business who would hire low or moderate income persons, and housing rehabilitation for low or moderate income households. In the past, the city received CDBG funds for the construction of the senior center. The city's capital improvements plan has been made a part of the regional consolidated plan. This shows projects the city has identified, ranked by need. Public comment included suggestions for a cemetery, secondary water for the whole city, a bridge across the river for the trail, and improvements to the Marriott and Slaterville Parks. City Administrator Bill Morris responded to the comments by stating that a cemetery does not qualify for this grant money because it would not benefit living low or moderate income persons. Funds may possibly be used for secondary water or for parks in certain circumstances. The city is now required to have a dual independent audit, so this year Wood-Richards and Associates assisted Steve Davis in the audit. On December 20, 2007, Ryan Child, representing Wood-Richards, reported to the council that his firm had completed the annual independent audit and prepared the financial statements for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007. He reviewed highlights of the audit, and indicated the city is in good financial shape and has a good surplus. The city is in overall compliance, and Mr. Child submitted the audit report to the state. Zoning To some, "zoning" is a nasty word, but actually it determines what our city will be like in years to come, as we grow. A somewhat thorny issue on zoning arose when Metro Waste applied to locate a waste transfer company within city boundaries, in a M-1 zone where, under their definition, such a business is permitted. Metro Waste offered several incentives for the city, if the business was approved. Charlie Luke and John Moss from Metro Waste met with the council on April 19, 2007, and explained their operation. About 50 trucks per day at the site are expected, where each would be unloaded within a building, and recyclable waste would be pulled. The remainder would be compacted, bailed, and transported to the Skull Valley dump. Because all activity would be in the building, noise and odor would be minimized. Both the City Council and the Planning Commission were somewhat skeptical about the business. Metro Waste has not taken further action to date. Ordinance 2007-04, amending Chapter 13.17 of the zoning ordinance to add and eliminate various uses in the manufacturing zone, was requested by the Planning Commission in response to the Metro Waste transfer company issue. The Planning Commission wanted the uses in the manufacturing zone compatible with the intent of the zone to service light manufacturing purposes. The Metro Waste request would be grandfathered as they applied for the transfer company site before the changes in this ordinance, if they pursue the matter. The ordinance was approved unanimously by the council on August 16, 2007. The city has been involved in the long-standing zoning matter with Frank Blair since incorporation, with original action being taken by Weber County in 1990. A public hearing concerning the problem was held on August 16, 2007. At the City Council Meeting following the public hearing, considerable time was again spent on this issue. The Planning Commission recommended approval of Ordinance 2007-02. Under this Ordinance, the property would revert back to the A-1 zone, which would allow Frank Blair and Jimmy Blair individually to come to the council with their own developments addressed separately. 5