MARRIOTT-SLATERVILLE CITY HISTORY MARCH 2002 Unwanted notoriety came to Marriott-Slaterville City early Sunday morning on March 16, 2002. A Weber County deputy sheriff patrolling 1700 South in our city found an organized cock fighting ring in a warehouse across from the City's new Nature Park. A fight was in progress and many people fled the scene when the deputy arrived. Four suspects were apprehended with the assistance of back-up units. The Sheriff's office informed the City that "dozens of rooster carcasses littered the interior of the warehouse. Over 60 live birds were confiscated from the area and taken to the Weber County Animal Shelter. Evidence indicated that the roosters were shipped into the state for fighting purposes. After investigation is complete, those involved will be prosecuted for all potential criminal charges. A welding shop is registered on the City's business license records as occupying the warehouse. The site is owned by KBC Leasing who advised investigators they had no knowledge of any cock fighting activities. After consultation with several veterinarians and animal organizations, the live birds were euthanized. The whole cock fighting event spurred numerous letters to the editor in the Standard Examiner. Some people are calling for a change to the state law on animal cruelty to make such events a felony. Mayor Keith Butler commended the many volunteers who have assisted in making Marriott-Slaterville City a success. Residents can and do assist in many ways, both in on-going work and one-time events. He cited the generosity of the Meyerhoffer and Van Leeuwen families who donated much of the cost of an attractive entryway sign on 400 North/Pioneer Road and 1200 West. Mr. Israelsen gave his time and equipment to landscape this beautiful marker. An excellent and attractive brochure on trees in the community has been published by the City through a matched grant from the Utah Forestry Council. It features community forestry highlights along with a list and description of trees suitable for planting in our area. It also gives the proper methods of tree planting and care. Lynette Deru, Regina Smout, Bill Morris and Randy Phipps worked diligently in research and preparation of the brochure. A copy was delivered to residents with the Pioneer Post for March. We are all encouraged to plant more trees of the correct varieties to increase the beauty of our city. Trash bags were made available at the city office for residents to use in removing trash and debris along community roadways and front yards. As they are filled, residents should call the office to arrange a time to pick up the bags. James Elmer has resigned as a member of the Park Committee. His work is appreciated by the committee and city officials. A gazebo has been placed in the Riverside Cove by Steve Mecham, with the final site to be approved by the committee. Russ Lawrence of the Department of Wildlife Resources has indicated he will soon be seeding the grass in the park. Landscaping plans are on-going. After all the work expended on leveling and preparing the ground surface, some destruction has occurred in the park itself. Several persons have been riding motorcycles in it, tearing up the surface badly. A truck delivering top soil to a new house used park land to travel through to reach the house. The truck bogged down further digging up the ground. City Administrator Bill Morris and a sheriff's deputy are assessing the damage. If the weather in April cooperates, road strips on 400 North will be painted. A warm, dry condition is needed for the paint to dry properly and to keep the color longer. Other roads will be painted throughout the summer. Residents were encouraged to submit any community or pioneer history to the city. We would like to assemble a file of appropriate histories. Short versions will be published in the Pioneer Post as space permits. Scott Van Leeuwen received the March 2002 Volunteer Community Service Award in honor of numerous volunteer hours given in behalf of the community, and in recognition for his service on the Planning Commission.