OCR Text |
Show Volume X Issue II THE OGDEN VALLEY NEWS Page 3 May 1, 2004 Guest Commentary Letters to the Editor Community Invited to Usborne Book Fair Have you noticed lately how much emphasis is being placed on the importance of books in our children’s lives? It seems like there is a never ending stream of studies to show how reading positively impacts a child’s success in the future. However, it can be a challenge to know which books will be the most beneficial. There are so many choices available, everything from SpongeBob Squarepants to the Encyclopedia. Ever since I was in college earning my teaching degree, I have been on the lookout for good children’s books. I have to confess that I have done very well collecting some fabulous stories, but I have often wished I could find the great information books that I have seen on other people’s bookshelves. In my quest for these books, I kept finding myself drawn to “Usborne” books. What is so special about Usborne books? Let me share with you some of what I have learned. Explanatory books, which merely explain, are doing only half the job; if a book fails to make its subject attractive and interesting to the reader, chances are that the explanation will fail. Usborne books are designed graphically to draw the students in, to make them want to learn the material, and to help them retain the knowledge. The magic of Usborne books is that they make both reading and learning fun—not a boring or intimidating experience. They incorporate activities and puzzles to challenge a child’s observation and intelligence. Their exceptionally well-produced graphics, high ratio of pictures to text, short magazine-like format, and unique detail set Usborne books apart from anything yet produced. There is a wide range of subjects that truly appeal to all ages, infants to adults, with prices to suit everyone. I believe wholeheartedly in the Usborne mission statement. “The future of our world depends on the education of our children.” We will get out of our children what we put into them; thank goodness there are still companies producing quality products to help us in providing great and interesting material to consume! I invite the community to the Usborne Book Fair that is being held on Wednesday, May 12 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Ogden Valley Montessori School (in the Great American Reality Building in Eden). This is a great opportunity for you to come and see these books that are so much more than just books! For more information, please feel free to call me at 745-1871. Holly Ferrin, Liberty Eden Incorporation Could Impact Water Rights, Delivery Systems The proposed incorporation of Eden has generated a lot of letters to various local newspapers. As a citizen who would reside within the proposed Eden City boundaries, I notice that the issue of water has received little, if any, discussion. The issue of water in Eden is not a simple one. First, there are multiple small, private water companies serving residents within the proposed Eden City boundaries. Second, the vast majority of property owners in Eden own one or more shares in these water companies; each share costs about $5,000. Third, because these companies serve a small number of people, water standards are different than those for a city’s water system. For example, water in Eden does not now contain chlorine; a city water system, by law, must contain chlorine. Fourth, pipes, pumps, and other infrastructure of these two companies are of different size, configuration, etc. The Utah State Code clearly directs what water services cities must provide. Also clear are the standards for water quality and treatment of waste water in the municipality. In fact, during the March 16, 2004 Weber County Commission meeting, the supporters of Eden City stated that one of the goals of the incorporation supporters was to “provide for the water and sewer needs of the city.” This quote comes directly from meeting’s transcript. Now that Eden City supporters are on the record to provide for these services, the following is what the State Codes will allow a city to do to achieve this goal: Title 10, Section 7 of the Utah State Code, 10-7-4 covers Water Supply, Acquisition, Condemnation, Protest, and Special Election. This section states: “ . . . any city or town may acquire, purchase, or lease all or any part of any water, waterworks system, water supply, or property connected therewith, and whenever the governing body of a city or town shall deem it necessary for the public good, such city or town may bring condemnation proceedings to acquire the same.” The section goes on to state that within thirty days of approval of the purchase, lease, or condemnation of these water systems, one-third of the resident taxpayers of the city or town can protest against the proposed action, in which case the proposed action will be referred to a special election. If confirmed by a majority vote in this special election, the proposed action shall take effect; otherwise it shall be void. The Code also states that in all condemnation proceedings, the value of the land affected by the taking must be considered in connection with water or water rights taken for the purpose of supplying the city with water. This means that, by law, a city can take over a private water system by condemning the system for cause. Since the vast majority of the home/property owners within the proposed boundaries own water shares of great value, these owners are at risk of losing all or most of the value of their shares in such a condemnation. Would it be possible for an Eden City to purchase the two major systems? Since preliminary estimates have shown that the city would already be starting with a tax deficit, the chances that Eden City could afford to purchase these two major systems at the current market value are slim. Could Eden City lease the water systems? (Utah code 10-7-5.) Residents already pay a water company. What would be the benefit of having a city act as a middle man in the water supply systems? From the city’s point of view, water revenues are a cash cow since the city can set the rates. To have Eden City tack another fee to your water bill just for the privilege of having the city “managing” the water systems would have no benefit, and would increase costs to residents. Furthermore, this approach does not meet the needs of any larger residential and commercial development. Eden City, with whatever form of government the supporters choose, would almost certainly change any zoning in the proposed boundaries. And, if they did so, how would they be able to provide water for any expanded development? The only way would be to control the water systems. That brings up the thirty days that the resident taxpayers have to organize a protest and force any issue to a special election. This means that the burden of fighting a condemnation of a water system falls right on the users’ shoulders. Also, this means more costs to the taxpayers for that election to take place. The last point to consider; what about the individuals who live outside the Eden City boundaries who own water shares and/or use water from the two Eden water companies? If the city takes over the water systems inside the boundaries and increases water rates, would the water rates also increase for users outside the boundaries? And who would maintain the systems outside the city boundaries? Would the current water supplies be available to users outside the boundaries if the city decides to rezone for more homes and businesses than already planned? In the Valley’s general plan, one of the major constraints to increased development is the two “. . . separate and un-coordinated water systems.” Water is the most precious commodity in the west. Whoever controls the water controls development and expansion. Within an Eden City, with a group pushing for incorporation and increased development, you don’t have to look far to see what a city’s likely action would be if one of these companies decided not to supply water to support increased development. Under Utah Code, the city has the right to condemn and take over that system. We would lose all or most of the value in our water shares. And, by the City taking over the system, there would be increased costs to meet additional State and Federal requirements imposed on city (versus rural) water systems. These costs would be passed on to us with only thirty days to fight it. Think about it. William T. Siegel Jr., Eden May Day! May Day! May Day! IT’S THE GRAND OPENING OF EDEN COFFEE & COCOAS “JAVA THE HUT” The Valley’s first drive-thru. Also offering seating inside, in a pleasant, warm atmosphere. “N e w -Grogg on Ta p” daily-Everybody’s favorite. M a y 1 st Offe ring All Drink s $ 1 oo So Come in and Try one! Also raffling off a FREE Night at the Red Moose Lodge OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY 6:30 A.M. - 5:30 P.M. SATURDAY & SUNDAY 7:30 A.M. TO 4:30 P.M. MOM THE GIFT OF TIM E V I G for E HERSELF “Relax & Renew” Gift Certificates just $59 Relax in one of our bubbling spas Sit and read by the waterfall . . . tea & cookies await Enjoy a leisurely breakfast ... read all of the newspaper ... uninterrupted! Watch a favorite old time movie . . . popcorn and tissues provided Work all night on scrap booking . . . we’ll clean up the scraps Massage/Pedicure/Manicure/Facial may be added for additional amount (call for prices) Gift Certificates good through June 30, 2004 (bring a friend for an additional $10.00). Call The Red Moose Lodge (801) 745-6667 www.TheRedMooseLodge.com |