Marriott-Slaterville City History December 2009 Holiday festivities brighten the winter landscape in our city. Christmas lights glow from and around houses and reflect on the snow-covered land. It is a time of cheer, well-wishing, compassion, love, goodwill, and sharing. In addition to the many individual parties and gatherings, many residents were involved in city sponsored activities. Our Council-at-large, Scott VanLeeuwen, gave us a Christmas Message in the December issue of The Pioneer Post. He expressed his gratitude that he can live in such a friendly, nice community, and commented on what a great community it is. He also encouraged us to enjoy our parks and other amenities our community offers, and to realize what a choice place we live in. He also thanked everyone who plays a part in making this a great city to live, and wished all of us a wonderful holiday season. About 40 city residents enjoyed a CERT party on December 3, 2009, at the city building. A dinner, catered from Maddox was served. Drawings for prizes were held and games were played. Tammy Folkman, from the Sheriff's office, spoke on disaster planning. She encouraged residents to take the CERT training, and gave upcoming dates for the classes. Santa Claus visited Marriott-Slaterville City on Saturday, December 12, 2009, from 9:00 to 11: a.m. at the Senior Center. About 125 people took the opportunity to have breakfast, participate in activities, and visit with Santa. The breakfast featured ham, scrambled eggs, pancakes, cold cereal, donuts, fruit, hot chocolate, milk, and juice. Paula Okey Hansen told a Christmas story. Lucky children won prizes at Bingo. Santa also gave each one who wanted to visit him a package of candy. Shauna and Stacee Meyerhoffer were in charge, with many helping elves. A Christmas party was held following the December 17, 2009, City Council meeting. The City Council, Planning Commission members, staff, community volunteers, and their partners, were invited to attend. A Maddox dinner, with the choice of chicken, turkey steak, ground beef or country fried steak, was served with a baked potato, green salad, and roll. The meal was very much enjoyed, as well as the opportunity to visit with old friends and new associates. Thanks go to Becky Burt and her helpers for another fine event. A special City Council Meeting was held on Thursday, December 10, 2009, as called for in the November meeting. The meeting schedule for 2010, designating the third Thursday of each month for the City Council Meeting, was approved by the council. Ryan Child, Independent Auditor, whose firm has completed the annual independent audit, reviewed highlights of the audit with the City Council. The firm has prepared the financial statements for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009. He said the city is in good financial shape and has a modest surplus. Copies of the report are available for the public upon request. He also reviewed the income and expenditures in the financial statements and the balance sheets, which he said is a snapshot of the city's financial condition at the end of the fiscal year. The city is in overall compliance, and he will submit the audit report to the state. Steve Davis, Independent Auditor, complimented the city on their great job, and for the great shape the city is in. The council unanimously accepted the Annual Independent Audit. An important part of the special council meeting was the discussion and action on the application by Roger Miller for creation of a 6.8 acre Agriculture Protection Area at 3101 West Pioneer Road, Parcel 15029099. City Administrator/Attorney Bill Morris advised the council that there were some documents from Mr. Long and his attorney that were not in their packets, but which should be looked at. This application arises from a neighborhood dispute; such disputes are best settled before the judicial branch of government. The city council is the legislative branch which makes the law, but the courts interpret them to resolve disputes. The council is to act on the application for an agriculture protection. Discussion by the council followed. Mr. Moms has reviewed some of the findings in the creation document and 170