August 2006 Weber County Sheriff's Sgt. Dale Bridges has asked citizens to be aware of suspicious activity in the area, as thieves have been stealing metal of all types to sell at record-high scrap metal prices. Cell phone towers, and unused power lines have been the most recent targets. However, copper wiring and plumbing from unfinished homes have been taken, as well as aluminum irrigation pipes in fields. Other targets have included metal from agricultural equipment, businesses, lived in homes, and lawn mowers. Many of the thieves are drug addicts, who steal to feed their habit. The sheriff's department said more than 50 cases have been investigated in the past three months. UDOT notified the city it will close the 700 South overpass on I-15 beginning mid-August to rehabilitate the bridge structure. It will be closed approximately four to six weeks. Ordinance 2006-05, which relates to amendments to the zoning ordinance, consolidating or repealing certain chapters to more accurately fit the community, was passed unanimously by the planning commission after a public hearing was held on August 15, 2006. One change would prohibit industrial traffic through a residential neighborhood. The ordinance was also approved unanimously by the city council following a public hearing at the council meeting on August 18, 2006. Jerry Stanger gave an overhead presentation on information his committee has gathered concerning garbage collection at the August 18, 2006, City Council Meeting. He showed the costs of neighboring communities for garbage pick-up as well as the rates of several garbage haulers with whom the committee met. In some cities there is a tipping fee involved, while cities who own their cans do not have to pay a tipping fee. He said a resident would not be required to use the service, but could rent a dumpster or take their own garbage to the dump. Residents can purchase a can for garbage and a can for recycling. Another option would be if the city paid for a can for each resident. He suggested that the city send out a Request for Proposals (RFP), so that the garbage companies could bid the job. President Dennis Ilium asked the committee to meet again and make a list of what the city would want on the garbage service RFP. A compensation increase for elected officials was discussed by the council, particularly for the mayor and council president. Delbert Hodson suggested that the planning commissioners also need compensation for their time and effort. City Administrator Bill Morris was asked to survey other cities to ascertain what elected and appointed officials are paid, and advise the council at the next meeting. Ordinance 2006-06 broadens the franchise ordinance to include municipal service contracts. This gives the municipality the ability to manage and regulate businesses that provide services to city residents. The ordinance was approved unanimously. The city's booth in the Weber County Fair won 3rd place in the community booth category. Mayor Keith Butler thanked the staff for their work for this display. Brent Perkes has donated an organ to the city. The Yoshida family donated $100.00 in the name of George Yoshida, who recently passed away. This fund will be used for improvements on the park that will be established behind the city office. Two trees did not survive transplant on the landscaping, but they will be replaced this fail by Cory Combe Nursery. The August 7 Music in the Park was the last for this season. It featured members of the Pizzicato Strings, including Kaitlyn and Dallin Holley, Lauren Holley and Sariah Cook. Buzzy and Steve Ito presented a musical number. Marc M*** also entertained us. We are certainly proud of these talented members of our community. Buzzy Ito has been in charge of the program since its inception, and this will be her last year in that position. Daylynn Brandley will fill that position for the coming year.