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Show northern council and southern council, hoping to get more representation and funding from RAMP for our area by this division. Elaine Leebman from Weber Pathways spoke to the council. The group is a non-profit organization who promote trail use and trail corridors throughout cities. She presented a matted picture showing the pathways which are established. She thanked the city for seeking to link trails to existing community trails, and encouraged the city to continue with its trail programs. Individuals can and do beautify their property. As one source of help, compost can be purchased from the Weber County Compost Facility, 2618 W. Pioneer Road, in our city. Different colored mulches, wood chips, firewood, as well as "black gold," or compost, are available. Early spring is the best time to get the compost as it has had time over the winter to process. Small branches, grass clippings, leaves and wood chips, which they accept in covered loads, are used in the compost. A $10 surcharge is made for materials delivered uncovered. Prices for compost can be obtained at the facility phone number 726-8212. GOVERNANCE As usual, the beginning of a new year brings new events and changes that impact our city. At the first council meeting of the year on January 19, 2006, the Oath of Office was administered by the City Recorder, Becky Burt, to Keith Butler as mayor, and Delbert Hodson and Kim Slater as council members. All three are beginning a new term of service. Dennis Ilium was elected, by acclamation, as Council President and Rob Smout as Vice President for another year term. Mayor Butler has served on the Weber Fire Board for the past 12 years and now felt the position should be given to someone else. He appointed Scott Van Leeuwen to serve on this board. Mayor Butler will remain on the Central Weber Sewer Board for another term. Kim Slater will continue to represent the community with the Mosquito Abatement. President Illum assigned Delbert Hodson to handle issues with Business Depot Ogden. President Ilium will work on transportation issues and attend any UDOT meetings. Les Syme, Ned Allred, Don Lassen, Kent Schofield and Mike Hunsaker were appointed to the Planning Commission. All the appointments made by Mayor Butler were approved by the city council. Letters of appreciation were sent to retiring members of the Planning Commission, Sherry Morris, Carl Parker and Dale Thompsen, for their valuable service. A two-day training session for the three new members of the Planning Commission, Mike Hunsaker, Don Lassen and Kent Schofield, was set up with ULGT in March. Keeping development within the general plan is the important duty of this commission, and their actions affect all residents. As of March 1, 2006, Bill Morris and Becky Burt took over the prosecution work for the city, and it has worked out very well. Legislation makes it difficult to set up a new justice court in our community, as the county already has one. Having our own court would entail meeting requirements such as proximity to other available justice courts, as is our situation. Also a judge, plus an additional clerk, would have to be hired, and the council room prepared for use as a court. In the past, Ken Bradshaw represented the city on citations which were challenged at the Weber County court. Mrs. Burt now prepares the information concerning the citations issued, and Mr. Morris handles the actual court work as prosecutor, with cases tried at the Weber County court. Weber County retains 50% of fines collected for the use of their facilities. Greg Seegmiller is no longer the city engineer. Chris Brianeholt, of Jones and Associates, took over this duty in October. City Administrator Bill Morris explained the open meeting law and amendments to the city council. If there are two council members together, they can discuss issues in the city without violating the Act, but three council members constitutes a quorum and requires a public meeting. Mr. Morris indicated that if there are only three council members at a meeting, all three must vote in favor of a matter for it to pass. An absent council member essentially serves as a no vote. President Dennis Illum cautioned the council that if a council |