Explore Escalante
jana@exploreescalante.com

What a wonderful weekend. The village was full, and merriment abounded. The rain on Saturday dampened a few spirits, but all-in-all it was a great day.

The Boy’s Scouts and volunteers fed about 500 and the carnival saw several hundred folks. To all those that made it happen – thanks!!

At the July 21st City Council Meeting, Tim Olsen of Broken Bow RV Park ask the council to finish reviewing and control the water drainage situation on 500 W from Garkane’s facility. Mr. Olsen has dug a water catchment basin to hold off some of the flow. But a significant amount still runs down to the Circle D. Ken Ruick, owner of the Circle D, said he was disappointed the City and Garkane had done very little to solve the problem. Yet Tim has done work on his property and the Circle D has installed a retaining wall and drain system to protect their Eatery, and the backside of the Motel. He looked forward to the City and Garkane doing their share.
In other business:
• Heard a request from Mike Spark to build a new home on 420 W 350 N while they live in the old one. Council authorized him to go back to Planning and Zoning with a building permit request with the stipulation the water meter can only be hooked to one home and the old home must be removed from the lot upon completion of the building.
• Awarded Municipal Airport Runway Lighting Project to Mesquite Electric.
• Presented outgoing Councilor Lott with a plaque of appreciation.
• Discussed the need for a sprinkler system design and bid for the Community Center, Library and Town Center Park. Jerry Taylor will be the contact for the project.
• Officer Dunton will have a report for the Council at the next meeting regarding Allen Porter.
• The speed sign will be activated .
• Council Dunn thanked Emilee for 7+ years of service and was proud to have served on a Council where so much had been accomplished.
• Anyone interested in serving on the Council for the remainder of Emilee’s term should submit a letter of interest to Mayor Porter at City Hall.

Countdown to Election 2009. – 100 days Who are your choices?

City Council – Two positions open – two filed: Jeff Dunn for a second Term; Lenza Wilson for another term after a few years break.

Mayor – Incumbent Don Porter file for a second term; City Councilor Jerry Taylor filed.

Until Next Week – - –

Explore Escalante

jana@exploreescalante.com

Congratulations to Justin Porter for his 6^th place finish in Bull Riding at the Silver State International Rodeo.  Not only did he come away with placing in the top 15, he has a silver buckle as well.  I think the welcome home parade this week was for Justin and parents Nancy and Blaine, who should be congratulated for sticking with him, hauling horses and gear all over Utah for the High School Rodeos these past few years.  He told me he plans to attend in “Little Britches” Rodeo in Arizona in two weeks.  We wish him all the best and parents much needed rest.

We made far too many trips to Cedar City this week, but on one return we stopped at the new Rice King Restaurant in Panguitch for dinner.  They’re on the East end of town at the Truck Stop (next to the Red Rock Eye Clinic) and serve Chinese Food.  It’s good, adequate servings, the place is clean and the staff friendly.  Add in the price of $6.99 to $8.50 it’s a perfect combination.

Desert Doc did his quarterly road clean-up on Highway 12.  3 tires; 41 beer bottles; 37 beer and pop cans; 1 t-shirt;1 pair of shorts; 1 car jack; 1 pair of pliers; 1 Canadian $10.00 bill; 3 rolls twine; 3 charcoal bags; 2 milk crates; 1 fishing pole; 1 roller skate; and 18 plastic H20 Bottles.  Disposable America. Sigh!

Photography Contest Round Two Winners are:

Adult Division – 1^st- Peter Christensen; 2^nd – Elaine Lott; 3^rd – Desert Dr. ; Honorable Mentions to Alex Christensen, Carol Kracht and Tom Mansell.

Student Division – 1^st – Caleb Christensen, 2^nd – Caiti Christensen; 3^rd – Jacob Christensen; Honorable Mention to Adam Christensen.  Certificates and Award monies were given out Sunday, July 12, 2009.

Round 3 – Closing date is September 14, 2009.  Theme – “Old Escalante”.

City Council Meeting on July 7^th was full of surprises.  Mayor Porter was out on a Fire at the Sawmill.  Pat Sorenson spoke during public comments on the speed limit sign.  Kevin Griffin attended to inform the council of his Eagle Scout project to finish installing the post and numbers to match the historic walking guide, 1^st Edition.  There is a committee working on updating the list and printing a new brochure, but Kevin will finish out the old list first.  Posts will be on private property.  The council thanked him for his interest in the City.

In other business:

• 11 applicants will be interviewed on Tuesday, July 14^th  beginning at 5 PM, for the open Maintenance Position.  They intend to hire that same evening. 
• Approved a one year extension for the Hassett’s for their conditional use permit to delay construction of a boardwalk.
• Discussed the large amount of unfinished maintenance projects and the need for additional staff ASAP.  Blaine just returned from vacation (with Son) and Layne left for two weeks on the 10^th.

There were no Council member reports except from Councilor Lott-Woolsey, who informed the Council of her intent to resign her seat and next meeting would be her last.

Emilee has been a City Council Member for 7+years.  During the 3+ years I’ve attended Council meetings I’ve watched her tackle her assigned areas with the will to complete the task.  She and Sister Elaine have dutifully put up and taken down a majority of the City Christmas lights each year.  When she was responsible for City Sanitation, she spearheaded the improvements to the dumpster area; oversaw the installation of the fence and hand-painted the sign.

In 2007 Emilee took on a new area, buildings, parks and recreation and library.  She’s worked with private businesses and staff to get the Seminary Building repaired and rented.  She was instrumental in getting a room in the Community Center rented to the visiting Chiropractor.

Emilee worked with Care and Share to resolve their problems with old buildings, get new mats and paint.  She helped Sheri & Judy paint the City owned Clinic Building.  She’s worked with staff to beautify the grounds, help the seniors with their problems in the Community Center and generally create pride in Escalante.  Thank you Emilee.  We appreciate your time, energy and community pride.  We wish you well as you go forward with your home, husband, and job.

According to Vickie S., City Recorder, the rules for replacing Emilee are the Mayor appoints a replacement with the Council’s advice and consent.  Since her term is up this December, the election filings will determine the long-term council member.  This appointment will only be until the new council and Mayor are sworn in January 2010.  Who will that be?  Stay tuned.  Next week I’ll tell you who filed for two open Council positions and who filed for the Mayor position.

Until Next Week – - -

Explore Escalante
jana@exploreescalante.com

Silver State Intl’ Rodeo – Justin Porter’s first ride – 72 pts. He was first out of 11. Only two scored. This goes to press before his second ride Tues AM. Let’s hope.

I’m getting questions about the Park Master Plan. What is it? Why do we need it? How can I get involved? The City will hire an engineer/architect to hold public hearings and get input on the three parcels the City owns and is required to maintain as parks. Because of deed conditions, or monies received from State Agencies, all three must remain parks.

First, the Fire Station will take up a chunk of land at Town Center Park. The balance of the property will remain park with the Pavilion and Monument. The Little League Field is being moved to the High School. (I’ll tell you more about that shortly). What would you like to see happen with balance of the park area? Moms with young children would like to see a toddler’s park. Others want to see it left open with grass and trees. What’s your thoughts?

Second, Mohr Christensen Park is in total disrepair. There have been several projects proposed and none have come to fruition. Some thought the lower section would be good for the Little League Field. Some thought an ATV staging area. Some thought the upper park should be repaired for the Hwy 12 traveler. What’s your thoughts?

Lastly, the Rodeo Grounds are in declining condition. The grounds must be kept for equestrian uses, but is not precluded from some other uses. What about upgrading the arena? What about a 30 x 60 building that could be used as a community center? What about renting that facility for small conventions, 4-H events, community dinners, High School rodeo events? The rental fees could help pay for the maintenance. These are all thoughts that have been discussed. You’ll get your chance to bring up your ideas at the public meetings. Watch for them.

So what about the Little League Field? There is an intergovernmental agreement between Escalante City and Garfield County School District that provides for the beginnings of a new park. The School District provides the 4 acres, the water and the mowing and watering service. The City gives $5,000 in water pipe and sprinklers of the original $7,500 requested. Garfield County Commissioners have committed the $2,500 balance. The fencing, etc. at Town Center Park will be moved to the High School by volunteers. And Munson Construction has donated the trenching service to bury the pipe. The water comes from the new well at the High School. Where it goes from here will be up to the volunteers and the parents of Little League. But it’s a great beginning to having all the parties working together.

Speaking of Little League, Denise Olsen sent me this to include:
“Escalante Little League would like to thank all the wonderful sponsors this year:
Wells Fargo Bank, Trails End Real Estate and Skyhawk Helicopters. We greatly appreciate your support. Also, a ‘great job’ to all the young athletes and a big thanks to all the coaches and parent and volunteers. It’s been a great season.” We wish them well in their ongoing efforts to bring summer baseball tournaments to Escalante.

Potato Valley Lions Club would like to thank all those that attended the July 4th dinner at the park. They served over 150 meals and made money for the new entrance signs for Escalante. They won’t have exact numbers until the final reports are in, but they’re pleased so many folks participated. Please mark your calendar for next year. Ideas abound for next year so reserve the entire weekend of July3/4 in Escalante.

Here at the Gallery, we closed for the day, and will be closed the 25th as well. Tracy and I took a ride to Hells Backbone and were delighted to find Sego Lilies in bloom at the very top. There were very few cars and we stopped at Blue Spruce Campground on the way. Babbling Pine Creek was peaceful and hundreds of buttercups colored the stream bank. The last of the Pine Drops nestled near the giant Ponderosa’s. And Cattle called their young. Red Paintbrush, Firecracker Penstemon, and Pale Violet Lupine dressed up the roadsides. Even at 10,000 ft the sun shone bright and warm. The high mountain thermals provided a cool breeze and the cliff faces reflected the morning sun. A nice ride, indeed!

More validation that the village is alive and well – and that it takes everyone in it to be a part; Good Going Doc! An email I received.
“Please pass this along to the Desert Doctor. We’re the couple from Kentucky that needed the rear tire on the Kawa. Nomad.
Thanks so much for your service, your wit, and your wonderful personality.
You were the highlight of our trip! In the twinkling of merry blue eyes (yours to be exact) you turned a very concerning situation into a memorable moment in time. We loved Utah to begin with, and now know a real person in Utah to call friend. We’ll be back to Escalante as soon as possible!
Thanks again for everything! God Bless!
Bobby and Annette Riddle
Lawrenceburg, KY”

Until Next Week – - –