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Show 2 An Educomment BOX ODER JOURNAL, Brigham City, Utah Thursday, February 12, 1976 Where does Editorially Speaking he stand ? The housing code: Is it good or bad ? A new of a property owners rights. This, however, depends upon ones point of view. Building Inspector Muir would use such authority to help renters enjoy living' quarters which at least meet minimum standards. There are several other provisions which we find objectionable. For example, to refuse the city agent entry to a dwelling after proper demand is made constitutes a misdemeanor. violation controversy has erupted on the Brigham City scene, as evidenced by several letters to the editor in todays Box Elder Journal. It involves the pending approval of the uniform housing code of the International Conference of Building Officials. In last weeks regular meeting, die city council voted to have City Attorney Omer Call prepare the necessary papers for adoption of this code plus others (building, fire, . and electrical plumbing, mechanical codes). However, Councilman Douglas Wight stood against adoption of the ' housing code. He voiced several objections. And they were valid ones, dealing with invasion of privacy, conflict with existing ordinance, certain ambiguities and an unnecessary permit requirement. COUNCMAN WIGHT by Ray M. Hall Northern Utah UalServ In the frequent discord between teachers and central office 4minitrtinrT where does the principal stand? Once the answer was obvious. Squarely with his teachers, of coarse. He was the principal teacher, the bead teacher, but nevertheless a teacher. It was recognized that if he was to be a successful leader, he had to have the confidence and trust of the faculty. One of the prime qualifications of a good principal was his ability to win the cooperation of his fellow teachers. He has been forced Subtly and sadly, his role has changed. to take sides when only one side should exist He has had to pledge allegiance to the board of education. That allegiance, of course, should not be in conflict with his is not known as an obstructionist. He obviously had ' read the proposed code thoroughly. He was right to object if his conscience so dictated. At the same time we cant condone the reaction of certain other opponents of the measure who, during the past week, have been abusive, as indicated in a letter today from City . Building Inspector Max Muir. enjoy seeing the demonstration of concern and involvement by local dtizens on such issues. But AND, NO person, firm or lob, but if boards continue to consider teachers as yea, adversaries, it places the principal in a paradoxical an impossible position. In effect, the board hires a man to do a Job then labels him - disloyal if be does it. cor- and guilty of a misdemeanor. It seems that adoption of the housing code will permit the housing inspector (whoever be or she is) to have authority which is not even granted to the police department. Before an officer of the law is permitted entry to a home without permission of the owner be must obtain a warrant signed by a judge and imprinted with the seal of the court Unfortunately the uniform bousing code truly constitutes what councilman Douglas Wight termed an unwarranted invation of pri- poration shall erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, convert, or demolish any building or structure, or cause or permit the same to be done, without first obtaining a separate building permit for each... Does this mean every time a faucet washer is replaced or a new hinge installed on a cupboard door that a permit is needed? Thats what the code says. Frankly, were not excited about the dangers posed by this measure. Why? Because the people involved with its passage and enforcement are not ogres. We dont know of a person who works harder or with greater concern for this city and its residents than Max Muir. vacy. I do not agree with the decision of the city council to allow the building inspector to demand entry without a warrant (or permission of the owner). And race again in the words of Councilman Douglas Wight 1 believe the city council has no right to impose laws upon the people of this community which tend to regulate their lives unless there is a proven need for these laws. It is still not too late to stop this kind of ordinance from being enacted. I urge every home owner or businessman to contact his councilman and let him know how you feel about unwarranted demand for entry by the city building inspector or his authorized representative. In closing I ask, Where are the guardians of constitutional freedom in Brigham City? La w is force and if this housing code is passed your right to unwarranted invasion of your household will no longer exist We - the caustic and unreasonable manner of some are lea welcome, to the least. ayBecause other council members, B. Harold Felt and Muir Mayor believed the code should be passed, FURTHERMORE, code. the lea concerned about the ay welfare of this community. - - PERMIT us to make this dear: The authority to gain right of entry to a dwelling already exists. It is not new. The housing code would simply allow the city representative to inspect for con- ditions of- repair, sanitation and safety. TO some this is repugnant, a AND - every ,fX 4 However. an issue has been made of this proposed set of regulations, We cant whistle past the grave yard this time. The alternative is to select tions of the code which the building inspector and other city leaders conclude that we really need. Toss the rest out. We cant expect a measure that was obviously tailored for large cities to fit Brigham City perfectly. Lets make some alterations. por-poi- nt 15 The opeuing of bids on the stretch between Plymouth and the 1-- 15 was . a welcomed development this week. With weather permitting, actual construction should begin in the near future with completion of the highway expected next fall. This segment of the federal interstate system has been carried through with essentially no opposition, moving along in smooth Idaho line fashion. However, as the project the moves toward completion Hot same where the stretch from Springs to Brigham City is 6.5-mi- le con-con- the ed it makes more prominent 1-- 15 gap which continues to exist north from El wood. That phase, as you probably know, has encountered much variance of opinion as to what route it should follow. Opposition has been heavy to right-of-wa- y a swath cutting through some of Box Elder countys most fertile farmland, those opponents opting for a route around Bear River valleys perimeter. While this controversy was allowed to cool, the Utah Department of Transportation turned its attention to the project north of Plymouth. Before long, however, highway officials must finally come to grips y with and resolve the issue. 50-b- 1 ed by Hospital Corporation of America. This wu demonstrated in the recent contest to name the facility which attracted more than 200 suggestions. Hopefully, this is just the start of a king family relationship with the community. Some may be surprised that BOX" EIDER JOURNy Mwtptpar uitablishud In INI, published avtry Thursduy by tin A wMkly 55 South ox Eldar First Wast, Iriqlnm City, Utah. 44MI Sacond Class postaqa paid it ttsa 14 South First Wast post offica, Irigham City, Utah, MM2. t Charlat "Tuff" Claybaugh Fublishar Gonaral Managar Iruca T. Kayos, Managing Editor Mika tarry, Sports Editor Sarah Yatas, Soelaty Editor Arland Tiagay, Nawspapar Supr. Vaa Claybaugh, Fhoto-Fras- s Supr. H. E. And arson, Commarcial Friating Supr. rata $9.00 par yaar pay Subscription abla In advanca in connaction with tha lor Eldar Nnws (publishad Sun- I On February 15, 1776, at Cambridge, Mass., a Council of War came out in favor of occupying and fortify- chosen. Remember when Brigham City Municipal Golf course was Sun Meadow? City fathers decided that letters to the Editor,.. Editor: e sub-standar- I would like to add my voice to those who are opposed to the pending new ordinances and codes. I think councilman Wight called it right when he said they are an unwarranted invasion of privacy. I am also concerned with the considerable loss of free agency for all citizens if these codes and unlimited inspections are adopted. The Constitution was prepared by our founding fathers to provide a limited government with responsibility for control and guidance resting with the individual This makes for big individuals and small government These new codes would place control of people with the government and make for big government and little individuals. We dont want a city of little people and big government. Shouldnt such a serious loss of freedom at least be submitted to the voice of the people at the next election? If the people stand by and let their freedoms go down the drain, there soon wont ever be heard the voice of the people but only the force of the bureaucrats. Our mayor and councilmen should lode within themselves and see if they desire to represent the people or desire to control them. Keith H.Bradbory, South Main Street Brigham City low-inco- , Max Muir, Brigham City Building Inspector 412 Where are guardians? In a recent newspaper article I noted that the Brigham City council has moved to adopt the Housing Code of the International Conference of Building Officials. Of particular interest was the statement, Whenever the building official feels he has cause to inspect the premises he may demand entry to inspect for substandard conditions. The words demand entry were very interesting because n right to they imply the building officer has a warrant a without in (or City Brigham inspect any building the consent of the owner). After reviewing a copy of The Uniform Housing Code, I found that after a demand for entry is made, the home owner is required by the ordinance to allow entry or be declared in violation of the bousing code as long as this municipality owned the course and paid the bills and because its name appeared with frequency on sports pages across the state, folks should be aware of Brigham City. And so they changed the name. Much the same philosophy prevailed in designating Brigham City reservoir in Mantua. Wed like to pat the medical staff at Cooley Memorial hospital for a job well done in judging the contest. Public needs to help Editor: We too think Editor: Washington's proposal to send the troops across the frozen harbor in a direct assault on Boston, which he claimed was too strongly defended by artillery and fortifications. Recently the Brigham City councilmen and the city building inspector have received many calls, some downright insulting and threatening, about adopting the bousing code. Those persons brave enough to identify themselves had one thing in common they were all living in safe, cosy, well-bui- lt homes. These homes were built originally by people following building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing codes, and guaranteed by building inspectors who had the right of entry to inspect and assure the codes were being followed. The right of entry" clause is in every code and has been there for over 20 years. Forceable entry cannot occur without court action. We havent heard yet from the renters and people who are living in housing; people who could be helped by the provisions of the housing code. I might add, the inspration department renovated 22 homes last year in this city fra widows and families and brought their homes up to minimum standards. Maybe those opposed to the bousing code ought to see whats happened to their less fortuante neighbors outlook on life as a result of someone caring enough to do something extra for them. The state furnished the money for materials and the city inspection department, With federal support, furnished the labor along with volunteer help from churches and home owners for this upgrading of housing. Sec. 102 of the housing code states: The purpose of this Code is to provide minimum requirements for the protection of life, limb, health, property, safety, and welfare of the general public and the owners and occupants of residential buildings. Those of us who believe in this code sincerely believe it to be in the best interests of the citizens of Brigham City. , City of big government? ing Dorchester Heights. General Heath opposed right-of-wa- Brigham City Community hospital was selected as the winning name. But, as indicated in a news story today, the citys name was included in about 50 percent of the entires. Further, theres an obvious association with our town that would not exist had another entry deleting reference to Brigham City been Something good about codo Editor: UMocmIhi Community, hospital team up for name Evidence of rapport already exists between the citizens of Brigham City and the new hospital being constructed at 650 South Fifth West LOCAL DEMOLITION EXPERT days) $4.50 for 4 months: in lor Eldar County. Subscription rata $11.00 par yaar pay-ab- la in advanca in connaction with' tho lor Eldar Naurs (publishad Sun$5.50 for 4 months: outsida days) lor Eldar Couunty. route issue coming back again 1-- 8incerely, Arthur Romera municipality, county, state and even the nation has laws and ordinances on the books which are enforced only in part or not at all. This may not justify adopting another' such measure but explains the rationale for tolerating undesirable parts of god-give- Red Cross. The Good Neighbor. it would be great to have the kind of ice skating facilities they have in Cache valley. However, we the public, need to cooperate with the city a little. It takes time, out in the bitter cold when most of us are in bed, to flood the rink. Nearly every Saturday morning, there is at least one truck parted over there. Is it an ice skating rink, or a parking lot fra ice fisherman? And what about those who drive their snowmobiles around on it? Not to mention the joy riders who like to cut whlzzies out in the middle in their cars or trucks and then boiler obscenities when we asked them not too because of ruining the ice or getting hurt themselves. The lights make night skating enjoyable, but several times we have had to go across the street and turn off these bright lights as late as midnight because those who were skating last left them on. These bright lights shine right in our bedroom window, even with the drapes pulled. We dont really mind however, as long as someone is skating. There is even a place to build a fire to warm up by. Our newspaper has been used more than once to start this fire. Sometimes before we have even taken it out of the paper box, let alone read it. We realize that there are emergencies, but when the skating is good, we have a continual stream of people wanting toSKATE? across our carpet to use the telephone, or better yet, our bathroom. The out houses that have been provided are too cold. Parking is a problem. At times we have not been able to get in or out of our driveway fra cars of skaters or spectators. Yes, we agree, it would be nice to have an ice rink like the me in Logan, but it will take the cooperation of all of us, and not just the city workers. ' Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Johnson Mantas |