MARRIOTT-SLATERVILLE CITY HISTORY December 2007 We quickly went from summer to winter in December with very cold weather and more snow that we have experienced in recent years. The snow is badly needed in our mountains to prevent another year of drought. Councilman Rob Smout wrote a Christmas message to residents in the December 2007 Pioneer Post. In it he suggested that as Christmas is meant to celebrate the birth of Christ, we should follow His example and teachings, taking time to give thanks and to treat others as we would like to be treated. Look for opportunities to give and serve. Forgive past offenses and make restitution where it's due. He also expressed his thanks for the community which we call home. We're one of the few cities without a municipal property tax, and we have no debt. He thanked the many volunteers who help with parks, senior services, planning and zoning, events, maintenance and the youth program. He is grateful for our law enforcement, fire protection, and for the veterans who have and those who continue to protect our land and our freedom. Breakfast with Santa was again a great success. Santa arrived for breakfast on December 8, 2007. A breakfast of ham, eggs, pancakes, cereal and gingerbread was served to about 75 people. Children enjoyed visiting with Santa and making craft items. Shauna Meyerhoffer was in charge again, ably assisted by Stacee Meyerhoffer, Dean and Lois Slater, Karleen Warner, DeAnn Hufstettler, Susanne Savage, Hannah Brandley, and Kirsten, Cara and McKenlee Davis. A public hearing was conducted by the Central Weber Sewer Improvement District on December 17, 2007, beginning at 6:00 p.m. The meeting was held at the District's Administration Building at 2618 West Pioneer Road, Marriott-Slaterville City. The District is proposing to increase its property tax revenue by 64.87% over the prior year. The tax on a $161,587.00 resident would increase from $46.13 to $71.10, or $24.97 per year. A business valued the same would see an increase from $83.86 to $129.27, or $45.41. Concerned citizens were invited to attend. A very successful CERT training series of classes has been held this fail with 26 community members completing the course. A short meeting was held on December 6, 2007, at the city hall, followed by a Christmas party. Mayor Keith Butler and City Administrator Bill Morris spoke at the meeting, expressing their appreciation for the CERT members willing to take the training and being ready to serve the community, as well as their family, in case of an emergency-large or small. Rick Taylor met with the coordinators about their responsibilities. About 33 attended the potluck meal, which was followed by games and a drawing for door prizes. An early work session was called for the City Council on December 20, 2007, beginning at 6:00 p.m. The city now is required to have a dual independent audit, so this year Wood-Richards and Associates assisted Steve Davis in the audit. At this time, Ryan Child, representing Wood-Richards, discussed the audit report with the council. He said 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 will submit the audit report to the state. Copies of the report are available to the public upon request. The audit report was approved later at the regular meeting of the council on this date. The council reviewed the Venture Charter School subdivision and site location, off of 400 North at about 1500 West. The subdivision of one new lot consisting of 5.62 acres is proposed by the developer. The school will be built on the rear part of the property. It is zoned A-1, and public or private schools are permitted in that zone. The city has the final subdivision plan, a landscape plan, subdivision application and preliminary plan fees. Still needed are comments from the Fire Marshall, completion of remaining requirements on the memorandum from the City Engineer, and compliance with final plan requirements 126