The Malad City Council met for its monthly meeting on Wednesday May 10.  After approving the minutes, the council began its regular business.

Older American Proclamation

Mike Hirshi submitted a proclamation for Older Americans Month, in support of older adults.  May was so declared and the document was signed.  Older Americans Month seeks to recognize the contributions of older Americans to the town’s culture and vibrancy, as well as assure that public facilities remain accessible and responsive to the needs of those individuals.

Parking Action

Fred Jones spoke to the council about the parking lot near KJs.  Signs were recently put up regarding the noise ordinance, which prohibits idling for long periods of time and during certain hours.  The signs had been removed.  Jones requested that the city place additional signs in the parking lot to advise of the ordinance.  Jones had spoken with the sheriff, to advise him that the violation had been changed to ticketable offense.  Jones’ concern was the violation of the ordinance had not lessened.  The council and Sergeant Dallas Jones discussed various possibilities for sign locations and response protocols.  Jones requested that someone from the council observe the situation during some night to get a fuller sense of the problem.  Jaime Olsen suggested contacting the owners of KJs to discuss any possible solutions on their end.  Jones has been experiencing this issue for a number of years.

Skate Park

Lance Tripp invited a number of local skaters to discuss a replacement skate park for the one removed by the city recently and replaced with a new city Shed.  Gavin Cotney, Carter Jeppsen, Gage Shellman were present to represent a committee dedicated to designing and planning for a new park.  Lance Tripp set a time to meet on Saturday at City Hall to survey the location and explore options.    

Ruth Zivkovic spoke to the council about the history of the original skate park.  Ruth was one of the principle forces behind the construction and design of the original facility.  As a city councilmember under Mayor Horsley, she was tasked with coming up with a project to serve the needs of “at risk youth.”  After a meeting at the pavilion with a number of local young people, it was determined that a skatepark would help fill the lack of recreation opportunities in town.  The funds for the park were raised by donations, bake sales, car washes, and other means.  Work for the project was also donated by the county.  The park was officially opened in 2000.  Initially, it consisted of a cement pad alone, but eventually ramps were added to the facility.  The total cost was $4000.  After some mischief and vandalism, a fence was erected around the park, paid for by the Presbyterian Church.  

Ruth was displeased about the new city shed put on its place.  The council assured Ruth that a committee was in the process of being formed in order to create and design a new park.  Council member Lance Tripp explained that the condition of the park’s ramps created a situation of liability for the city, as the structures had become rusted, and some of the features were no longer safe.  Gavin, Carter, and Gage presented a number of ideas for updated ramps, a box, and a better anchored rail, which Ruth was gratified to hear.  

Ruth advised the council and the committee to make sure that whatever they did for the new park, to make sure they do it well.  “I’m grandma Ruth, don’t forget it.  And make sure that you do this for the kids—they need something like this here.”

Arbor Day

The council discussed moving the date of the Arbor Day event to June 7.  The city’s event will be held in conjunction with a class demonstration hosted by the Oneida County Library.  A decision to move the date of the event was agreed to.

4th of July

Decisions about the theme, Pioneer, Volunteer, and Grand Marshall(s) for the Fourth of July Parade were discussed.  Selections for each of the categories were made, though they will be announced in the upcoming weeks to the public.  The traditional park events will proceed as they have in the past, with a street dance time to be finalized soon.  

Park Fire Ring

The council has received two quotes for building a fire ring for the city park.  The existing cement area will have a metal fire ring bolted onto it.  The ring will be laser cut with the city logo, or text reading “Malad City, est. 1864” and “Everybody’s Home Town.”  The council approved an allowance of up to $800 from Western Fabrication for the project.

City Maintenance Shop Custodian

Last week, the council discussed the possibility of hiring a custodian for the city maintenance shop.  Assigning an already employed city worker to take up some of those cleaning duties was suggested and approved.  This will save costs on hiring a dedicated individual for the position, but allow for the shop to be better maintained in the future.

Comprehensive Plan Review

The council continued its ongoing discussion of the city’s comprehensive plan.  The comprehensive plan is a broad vision for the future growth and development of the city, and lays out what the city sees as its goals and values moving forward.

One goal is the promotion of multi-modal transportation options.  Under this goal was the issue of potentially lowering the noise for residents on Main street.  The idea of providing another route for semis was discussed, though given the ongoing construction projects on the road, there was no feasible alternative available.  Maintaining continued safe access to I-15 was another goal subpoint, though it was determined that the current access points are sufficient for the traffic needs of the city.  

Another goal is housing.  The council discussed ways to involve the public in ongoing discussions of the Comprehensive plan.  Ideas such as surveys, meetings, and wider distribution of the comprehensive plan issues were mentioned.  

One of the main goals with regard to housing was the promotion and development of adequate/safe housing, with a variety of options for potential homeowners/leasees.  The plan also prioritizes logical development of the area, which the city felt was being handled through the planning and zoning process.  It was also determined that the data sets for residences needed to be updated with the most recent census information.

Council Reports

Tyler Webster

Webster updated the council about some leaking in the city pipes.  Some areas may need to be replaces soon, especially from Jenkins to Hess Pumice.  

He also reported that water can be turned on for the south end of Deep Creek line.  A number of leaks have been found as the water opens up.  

Webster reported that so far, flooding had not become a major issue inside the city.  

Larry Thomas 

Thomas reported that the historical museum plaques were being placed around various locations in town.  The Oneida County Museum recently obtained 20 historical markings explaining the history of a number of local landmarks.

Tyrell Neal

Neal noted that the street sweeper was back up and running.

He also mentioned the potential need to improve drainage for the 2nd Ward church in front of new city shed.

Updating a prior concern, Neal discussed the potential for lowering the speed on 50 South.  A speed study, conducted by the state will determine the average speed, and a turn study by Maverik will determine the traffic flow logistics.

Jaime Olsen

Olsen discussed the lack of communication with building permits.  The building inspector has encouraged people to bring permits to PZ for clarity.

Olsen also raised the need to integrate an account for emergency water and other issues.  The potential for Impact fees covering new developments was raised.

Lance Tripp

Tripp reported that the new Pickleball pad will be formed Tuesday.  The project should be done by the Fourth of July.  It requires a month after the cement is laid to paint.  Once things are done, there will be a large tournament held to open it.

One component of the age friendly community designation is accessibility.  Tripp raised the issue of whether the walking path needs a sidewalk to connect with existing street sidewalk.

Joan Hawkins

The mayor met for the last time with this year’s youth council.  An end of year party is being planned.  Three of the council members will have graduated, but four more have signed on.