MARRIOTT-SLATERVILLE CITY HISTORY August 2008 City residents, along with the rest of our state and nation, have been enduring rapidly increasing gasoline prices. Filling up a car's fuel tank with gas at over $4.00 per gallon is a huge shock. The problem doesn't stop there, as grocery prices, and the cost of many necessary day-to-day necessities, have risen dramatically because of the increased cost of transporting them to the place of sale. Diesel prices are higher than unleaded gas. Utility companies are asking for rate increases; heating oil will undoubtedly be much higher for users, with the arrival of winter. Local and state governments face budget problems with increased costs and decreased tax revenues as citizens conserve. Many state offices have gone to a four-day week to help both the state and employees conserve. Now we are told that road construction on all levels face another problem-difficulty of obtaining asphalt as well as chip seal oil. Our city has postponed this year's chip seal projects until next year, as has the county in unincorporated areas. The coming months will be important as we learn to face the many problems arising in our nation. The Evening of Music at the Park scheduled for August 16, 2008, was cancelled as performers were not available. The August issue of The Pioneer Post kept citizens aware of important changes coming to the city. Many children walking to Pioneer Elementary School will have a safer passage for their walk. A grant from UDOT to install curb, gutter, and sidewalk on the east side of 1600 West, from Pioneer Road to the school, was obtained by the city. UDOT will do the work this fall, completing it by September 1, 2009. The park committee has been working hard to evaluate the needs of the Marriott and Slaterville Parks. It was determined that the old bowery in the Slaterville Park had deteriorated to where there are structural hazards. The City obtained a R.A.M.P. grant to reconstruct the bowery. It will have a kitchen, storage area, ADA restrooms, and other amenities. The target date for completion is November 1, 2008. A matching grant for playground equipment for the Marriott Park and the park behind the city office was also received. A fence will be installed at the Marriott Park. It is hoped this will help reduce ongoing vandalism at the park. Residents were asked to contact law enforcement if occurring vandalism is seen. Both projects should be completed by September 1, 2008. The storm drain line from 1200 South to 800 South is also scheduled for completion by September 1. The UDOT utility work and reconstruction of 12th Street from I-15 to Washington Blvd. will not be completed until mid-2009. On August 13, 2008, in The Standard Examiner, UDOT announced that the I-15 construction project from 31st street to 2700 North in Farr West, was nearly finished-three months ahead of schedule, and under budget! Just when we thought we were to be free for a while from orange cones, the 12th Street project assures us that we will still have plenty of them in our future. At the August 21, 2008, City Council meeting, an Award of Appreciation was presented by Mayor Keith Butler to Pam Slater and Kelly Slater for their work on the July Fourth celebration. He praised them for their hard and dedicated work in making the celebration a success. Business licenses were approved for Dazzle Window Cleaning, 360 South 2100 West, home business, and MS Diesel, LLC, 3551 West Pioneer Road, mobile roadside assistance home business. After discussion, the council unanimously awarded the Saunders Construction the bid for the demolition and reconstruction of the Slaterville Park Bowery and the full amount of the R.A.M.P. grant for the project. This item was tabled at last month's meeting. The council unanimously approved the allotment of $20,000.00 for the sprinkler system installation, and approximately $31,000.00 for cement work for the park behind the city office.