MARRIOTT-SLATERVILLE CITY HISTORY September 2008 The calendar tells us that Autumn begins this month, but summer-like weather has continued. Vegetable gardens still produce, and flowers brighten the landscape. While we enjoyed the warmth, we continued to water our lawns as we experienced few rain storms, the dry summer continuing. One of the ominous "clouds" we see is the slowing of the nation's economy. Many people, with overextended credit and no savings, are facing the loss of their home, when the mortgage payment cannot be met. Banks, mortgage lenders, and the stock market increasingly reflect the seriousness of the situation. In the September issue of The Pioneer Post, Mayor Keith Butler reminded citizens of our good fortune in not having a city property tax. Other cities and towns are increasing property taxes, because of the country's economic woes. Many cities and counties plan on building permits and development revenues for budget needs. Mayor Butler's policy anticipates a potential for recession and sustains the General Plan, and does not rely heavily on building permit revenue. It also keeps development from over-pressuring our infrastructure. The Planning Commission, City Council and residents hold development to the General Plan, which was approved by the Council after input from residents and the public. "Take comfort that your community's budget is doing well." A business license for J C Decorative Concrete, 388 South 2075 West, was approved by the City Council at their meeting on September 18, 2008. It will be a home business office for the company which does concrete sealing. A road dedication by Advanced Paving was approved by the council. This dedication allows the city to take over the road and to collect a small amount of road funds. Ordinance 2008-08, to adopt the Flood Control Measures Act, was discussed at length by the council. City Administrator Bill Morris explained that the city would like to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program. Representatives from the state and FEMA Region VIII located in Denver Colorado, recently visited our city. They said the levies along the Weber River are not "certified" and are not "certifiable" in accordance with the appropriate standard for such levees, and further that levees will not provide protection for properties within the flood prone areas in the city. He further explained some of the changes that FEMA recommended to the Ordinance. Councilman Kim Slater asked if a home could be built in a flood zone if the land was raised. Mr. Morris advised that currently no homes can be built in the flood plain because the city did not participate in the flood insurance program. Adoption of this Ordinance would allow limited development in the flood plain, under a variance procedure, for 6.5 acre parcels. The Ordinance would also prohibit the building of future state roads, such as Legacy Highway, as well as public utilities, in the flood plain. FEMA informed staff that this Ordinance will have the effect of federal law since it will be approved by FEMA, and will pre-empt contradictory state laws. After continued discussion, Mr. Slater moved to amend the Ordinance changing the lot sizes from 6.5 to 5.25 acres in the flood plain, which was seconded by councilman Delbert Hodson. The motion failed 3 to 2 when a roll call vote was made. Councilman Scott VanLeeuwen moved to approve Ordinance 2008-08, adopting the Flood Control Measures Act in order to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program. After a second by councilman Rob Smout, the motion passed unanimously. Grass is growing in the park behind the city. Al Donoviel and Jerry Hess, who helped construct the park were at the council meeting, and were thanked for their service. Some residents have donated a tree for the park, in memory of a loved one or former resident, as noted in The Pioneer Post for September. Anyone wishing to do so should contact the city staff. The Slaterville Park Bowery has been demolished and the new one is under construction. Mr. VanLeeuwen reported that two trees at the park have been taken down, one of which was completely 136