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Show r I m iR':53 PZZ:i. v SALT LAKE I ?o. Cll i " I MAGNA TIMES ADDS DISTRIBUTION AREAS FOR CONVENIENCE Are you interested in whats happening in Magna? What about Cyprus Hgi High School, the Top Hat Theatre, the community councils, Kennecott, Hercules and other events. What about the Library placement? Well you can keep abreast by reading THE MAGNA TIMES. Places where the MAGNA TIMES can be purchased are : Dyches Pharmacy, 9105 West 27th South Colosimos Standard Market, 9009 West 27th South News stand at Smith Food in Arbor Park Rainbo Convenience Station, 8145 West 35th South Two locations of : 8400 West and 7200 West. Scoutosave boy's life 7-- Redevelopment meeting tonight at Sr. Center Page 5 .v. USPS .v.VVv.v.y.V. viv.v.v.v.vv.v.;. THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 1888 VOLUME 81 NO. 10 3255-880- 0 iw.v.v .v.v.v.v MAGNA, UTAH FMeveEopmeiriiti spscBffics govern) odd Ytairscflay meetiomig By J. Howard Stahle and Dale J. Neilson formed Magna is association A recently businessmens seeking to promote the community through its historic value. Magnas future hinges on what were going to do right now," predicted Magna Times owner J. Howard Stahle, who is spearheading the redevelopment effort. The past three weeks has seen the merchants association meet to discuss the communitys revitalization through several different avenues. The election of officers is on the groups agenda for tonights meeting in the Magna Senior Citizens Center, besides further discussion on redevelopment. The gathering will convene at 7:30 p.m. in the senior center, 8962 W. 27th So. Ron Wall (left) and Harold Bullock Change odd EMagirDa dhiainfDllxeir finds fficcers odd cooperaiftiioin) By Dale J.Neilson The Magna chamber of commerces recent leadership change should not come as a surprise to anyone, traditionally, the vice president succeeds the role of the presidency. Cpl. Ron Wall of the Salt Lake County Sheriffs Office followed through with this tradition recently as he assumed the chambers leadership reins. Wall envisions the Magna chamber as an organization which can do a lot to help build the communitys dreams and its people. The chambers responsibilities are to help in the relationship of the businessman to the consumer and to assist the less fortunate. The chamber should help anyone within the boundaries of Magna. Wall, who has been involved with d the community roup since 1984, Harold Bullock as president. Previously, Bullock, an employee of Utah Power and Light, has served as president of the Magna Chamber of Commerce in 1986 and 1987. He has been associated with the group since suc-cede- 1981. Many of the same concerns the former president has had have also carried over into Walls tenure of leadership. Hercules Aerospaces annexation bid to West Valley City, Magnas downtown redevelopment and participation in the Magna chamber are all concerns of Wall, as well as the former presidents of the organization. Bullock believes the purpose of the communitybusiness group is to unite business people, meet with one another and increase business opportunities. This chamber isnt as able to help as we would like because Redeveloping historic Magna of geographic location and being in -- former years, celebrations, the do railroad, etc. In short, anything to y with Magna, from the includes This now. until days in surrounding areas as well. Back those days there was a common bond between communities. what Magnas future depends on we can do now with this new Me- . Magna, that also restricts the groups to an "advisory position with Salt Lake County. Even with the problems unin Grant-matchin- IHleirciuiDes offffccoa!! By Dale J. Neilson Despite what you may have heard concerning Hercules Aerospaces bid to annex to West Valley City, there is another side to the controversy, said a company official earlier this week. to annexation Hercules West Valley will not have any negative impact on Magna, claimed Dave Nicponski, the companys manager of government affairs. Well continue to spend $1.4 million - $1.5 million per year in Magna after the annex. . Nicponski's come assertions barely over a week before the states boundary commission meets to decide if West Valley has a right to annex Hercules. The commission will convene on Feb. 5 to decide the matter, which could significantly af-feet Magna and its residents for years to come. The controversy arose when Hercules accused Salt Lake County of apparent inability to deal with the zone. Her- cules contends if it were to have a major explosion, shock waves comparable to 100 mph winds would rock the surrounding area, probably up to 14 miles away. Consequently, the company requests that no homes be zone. built within this over-pressu- A light industrial restrictive county planning Magma Boss reGnoffis industrys overpressure Redevelop historic Magna? You bet! The community, a cultural melting pot' has much to offer history enthusiasts, and tourists, as well as folks who enjoy the easygoing life of Magna. The Magna Times wants to build the community through publishing old pictures and the events of former times. You can help. Do you have and old photos of Magna or surrounding areas that would be of interest to tourists or history being printed to help develop Magna as the Historic area that it is. Here are some ideas ot what may be good to help us: old elections, shootouts, the nationally renowned American Drum and Bugle Corps of corporation causes, Wall said he'd . still rather live in Magna than anywhere else. I wouldnt trade this town for the whole Wasatch Front, declared Wall. The citizens here are probably some of the best in the whole state, In the Feb. 4 issue of The Magna . Times, the publication will review the feelings of these community leaders on the top community an unincorporated area. But there are other reasons, too, said Bullock. We dont have the input on either community council that we would with a city council. He also noted with the chamber and both community councils in unincorporated area and recreational facilities would apparently be permitted, though. Hercules officials emphasize the county has not done its job in keeping residential development, or encroachment, out of this county overpressure zone. Most all of Magnas community leaders claim the countys Hercules Area Master Plan adequately deals with the encroachment problem, while the company argues otherwise. Apparently for this reason, Hercules hierarchy say the company has oniy two alternatives: annex to West Valley, who have addressed the problem or ' move its facilities elsewhere. If Nicponski has his way, only the former choice will become a reality. Were planning to continue our operations in this area, with the governors plan in place. If we arent able to annex to West Valley, all of our plans will be jepardized. We will continue to support the organizations in Magna and our 200 employees who live there. liie government affairs manager noted if the boundry commission denies Hercules bid to annex and West Valley isnt able to secure a $10 million bond to help finance the deal, not only Magna, but all of Utah could be penalized. We would have to take a long, hard look at what were doing here. It took us 14 years to get it (encroachment possibly resolved) this far and we dont want to go through it again. Nicponski claimed the governors plan, which calls for the annexation, has been accepted by every taxing entity. This plan means Sallt Lake County will not protest Hercules' bid to annex to West Valley. In return, the county would receive $1.1 million. The company official said not only the governor has approved the annexation bid, but each of Salt Lake Countys commissioners and both the mayor and city council of West. Valley City. Besides these entities, There are only two taxing entities affected: the Salt Lake county Water Conservancy District and the Kearns Sewer and Water Im- provement district. Our legal advice is that the Magna Water Co is not a legal taxing entity, because it does not have any property in Hercules area and is not affected. Nicponski stressed his companys desire is to keep Hercules inUtah at its present location. Were trying to protect jobs and dont want to go elsewhere. horse-and-bugg- rchants association and the businesses that can help develop or this great area. In last weeks meeting with the Salt Lake County redevelopment personnel, a Salt Lake City developer-planne- r suggested three ways for Magna to promote itself. The previous meeting Richard Chong set out a plan which has three phases, which would have a timetable of completion of at least three years. Cleaning, painting, and renovating different buildings, construction a museum and promoting Magna through the printed media are all part of Chongs main idea. In the first phase, buildings would be cleaned up and painted. Vacant lots will be improved with parking space, grass, trees or other plants. Any old foundations would be removed. Wooden signs could depict Magnas early history, which would probably he a unique attraction. Chong recommended to allow at least a year for this part of redevelopment to take place. The second phase includes the renovation of at least two buildings g in the second year. money and a revolving loan could help property owners to renovate their property, while back alleys in the community could be used as oneway streets. Waiving an apparently Sorryl In the January 21 issue of The Magna Times, Magna resident Jim Brusatto was inadvertantly referred I to as Joe Brusatto, which just happens to be the name of four of his relatives. The publication regrets the error and appreciates it being brought to the attention of the newspaper staff. or- dinance and property back to the county on the alley-wa- y streets is another possibility to help the revitalization effort. It was revealed in the meeting that the VFW is expanding their facilities on Main Street to include the building next door. The Magna Water Companys building is con demned and will be torn down this spring. A museum might be best suited in the second or third phase of redevelopment, said Chong. Ideas for the attraction have included a walking museum, as well as a specific location to house whats important in Magnas history,. Another way to promote the community is through the printed media. We want to get on maps that have anything to do with Utah, said Stahle. We want people to know there are places to see and things to do in historic Magna. Table place mats are also a possible way for Magna to put itself before the public in an attractive manner. These mats (or maps) would be placed in any number of eating establishments and would help people to become aware of whats available in historic Magna. There are seveal other ideas taking place also. An information center at the Great Salt Lake beach would be a realality this year, said Marlene Norcross. This will be helpful to Magna. They are even looking for some volunteers to help man the booth. Two area historians, Irene Hulse Mitchell and LaRee Pehrson, are seeking to update information on Magna and publish it in separate books. Stahle claimed the merchants association would be recognized by Salt Lake County as soon as it is formally organized. The countys ad-h- redevelopment committee would then apparently be scrapped. Editorial FBease ftaEie pride odd SMUagoDa; Btis By Dale J. Neilson The spunk and determination of Magna and its residents is something the majority of the Salt Lake valley may never come to know or appreciate. People here, for the most part, dont like the idea of Hercules Aerospace annexing to West Valley City and arent afraid to say so. Many residents believe redevelopment will eventually encompass all of the downtown area, though they know there is a time factor involved. I believe redevelopment is a very serious matter and should be taken as such by everyone. Salt Lake County, as ell as a local businessmens association, are apparently doing all they can to help. So when someone or somethin maliciously destroy public property in Magna, I get just a little ticked off. The county recently installed a mound of dirt, covered with grass, at the corner of 9085 W. 27th so. Before the grass was installed, someone proveeded to drive their vehicle over the soft earth, making deep and ugly ruts in the process. It has alos happened since the sod was laid; even now, the ruts are probably still there. This immature and senseless yours act has not happened just once or twice, but several times! Is someone out there just waiting to drive over the sod again, once its repaired? If the guilty individual or individuals had to pay the county in time effort and resources to restore that which was ruined, they would probably think twice before doing it agin! So, what I'm saying is this: If anyone reading thhis editorial has information which might lead to the arrest and nviction of those maligning this property, Im sure both the countys redevelopment Agency and sheriffs office would appreciate the information. Whos to say if those guilty of this type of fun would not do something similar to your house, or mine? Would they also be someone who would make an obscene telephone call, or harasss a young child on the street? Hopefully, it wouldnt ever get that bad, much less worse. Take pride, Magn! If were going to build your town, weve got to do it together. That means cleaning, painting, renovating AND reporting any suspicious aetts to the county sheriffs office. All it takes is a conviction to pride and honesty. Leaders discuss annexation By Dale J.Neilson The community leaders in Magna apparently dont see any good coming out of Hercules Aerospaces possible annexation to West Valley City. In fact, you might even say they think it's a lousy idea. Several of Magnas community leaders met in a special meeting recently, to decide what avenues residents have in defeating Hercules annexation bid. Members of both community councils, besides the chamber of commerce and businessmen and residents alike were all present in this meeting of the minds. We have all the bad aspects of an said Jim industrial community, And they Brusatto, a resident. :other entities) want to make an island out of us! With the boundries of Salt Lake City extending to the immediate northeast of Magna, West Valley City to the east and southeast, only three directions are left. Tooele County lies to the west, Kennecott's tailings pond to the north and Hercules is immediately south of Magna, but would become part of West Valley if annexed. The Magna Water Companys legal counsel said such an act would violate state law. Reading from the Utah Code on annexation Sims said, ... annexation shall not create islands in the county. An island possibility is only the beginning of what community leaders feel is wrong with West Valley annexing Hercules. An apparently large tax base (estimated $370,000 per year) would be lost from Salt Lake County, which Magna would probably never see again, The loss of even if incorporated. this tax base must equal what the county gets in return, added the lawyer. Sims was referring to a plan set I torth by Gov. Norman Bangerter, which would allow West Valley to annex Hercules. As a result. Salt Lake County would apparently receive $1.1 million and would not protest the annexation, which it hasnt to date. The question of annexing for revenue also was discussed. Municipalities shall not annex for revenue, the attorney emphasized, and thats West Valleys sole Sims did concede -revenue. purpose- Hercules overpressure-zon- e be problems would apparently solved if annexation took place. But Magna Area Council and chamber of commerce member Marlene Norcross had a different opinion. Annexation to West Valley doesn't solve Hercules problems," " she warned. "It is so heavy-handed.- Community Council Art Flangas agreed, saying, This is a special interest type of legislation, a sweetheart contract. It's benefiting one particular corporation." Sims said Magna would be the loser in more ways than one, if Hercules bid to become part of West Valley is successful. West Valley is going to take away our tax base, but not pick up any services at Hercules. The county picks up and loses money, but West Valley picks up more money. Magna member The problem can be resolved, but not this way. West Valley doesn't have the ability or intent to provide services to Hercules. Norcross was equally outspoken. Annexation gives Magna the burden of servicing the industrial plants, but well never be the same. A possible constitutional revision before the Utah State Legislature may also cause problems for the community. By the year 2000, all of unincorporated Salt Lake county must either incorporate or annex to an existing entity. Apparently, some legislators want the year 2000 eliminated, which may force the unincorporated county to incorporate or annex sooner. "Whether we annexed to Salt Lake declared City or West Valley, businessman Charles Chick Paris, "Wed become a dumping ground!" Paris favors Magnas incorporation, with Hercules inside the communitys borders. Without the aerospace giant, the businessman claimed, the future is bleak. Wed probably have the highest Paris encouraged each community group to make a stand on the annexation issue at the states boundry commission hearing on Feb. 5 This is apparently the only legal avenue left to stop West Valley from annexing Hercules. The Magna Water Co., who has filed the protest, will make its presentation first, with other Magna groups to follow. If annexation goes through," said Sims, "West Valley would control everything north of 41st South and east of 72nd West. Annexation is not in the natural area of expansion ; West Valley is reaching out to solve Hercules problem. So what does all of this add up to? "Others are trying to trap unincorporated Magna in," claimed Flangas. They want to force incorporation, but take away our tax base. Sims said such an accusation was worth mentioning at the boundry commission hearing next week. Another meeting focusing on the annexation controversy was slated for yesterday in the county com- missioners chambers. Because results of the discussion on the Her- cules Area Master Plan, besides land acquisition and ordinance were not available at press time, the meeting will be reviewed in the Feb. 4 issue of The Magna Times. 1 |