MARRIOTT-SLATERVILLE CITY HISTORY January 2007 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 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. 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. Mayor Butler reported that over 120 volunteers participated in some way in our city, and their service is greatly appreciated. He also expressed his appreciation of his staff, who are effective and hard-working. 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." Council President, Dennis Ilium, gave a Legislative Report in the same issue. 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 ail executive power, but is required to have an administrator and staff to assist him. The city council controls oversight, the budget, tax and spending authority and makes the laws. Residents may contact council members to give input which helps formulate the laws and budgets. Complaints and other concerns can be made to the executive branch, at 627-1919. Weber County Animal Service will host rabies clinics on January 6, January 20, February 3 and 10. Dog licenses will also be available. 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. Business licenses were approved for Toad's, 1760 West 400 North, seasonal amusement; Vicki's Cleaning Service, 1712 West 250 North, house cleaning, and Curb Masters, 2085 West 150 South, curbing. The business "Toad's" is an addition to the businesses at Mulligans. New recreational amenities including go-carts and batting cages, will be added. In conjunction with the January 18, 2007, council meeting, a public hearing was held concerning three matters, reviewed in order. 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 is assisting the staff with completing the grant applications. No public comments were offered. The second part of the hearing involved garbage service. Jerry Stanger chaired an ad hoc committee which investigated garbage service for the city. The Request for Proposals by contractors brought in five bids from garbage service businesses. The bids were opened publicly on January 8, 2007. Committee members ranked the bids individually. A score was assigned to each contractor with a total of 100 points