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Show COjbJ WESTERN AMERICANA salt lake a v ?" v f . free not for sale gwfaagp1 Z rmiiiifiiriiir.iirijAr-- in ff ririMftrtriiifiifrirlnl iMffirt Arfim august 31, 1972 volume two number two Council Votes To Support Joint Board The Model City Laxton, health; Ben Woodsen, Jane Civish announced an Coordinating Council met manpower and economic upcoming Regional Citizens Thursday, August 24 to discuss the proposed administrative change-ove- r from a Joint Board of Commissioners to a Mayor and City Commission arrangement. development; Wayne Horrocks, Don Austin, representative of the Government Task Force, presented a letter to be sent to the Joint Board which was read and request. Conference which will be held in Salt Lake City on October 12,13, and 14. Residents are encouraged to work together on planning for this event and can contact Mrs. Civish at the People's Free Way for more Center, 328-474information. approved by the Council in a vote of 10 to 2. The letter urged that the Model City program not be transferred to the Salt Lake City Commission because "the City Commission has not specifically stated what it would do to improve the operations of Model Cities." The letter continues, stating that although the Joint Board has not been a perfect form of government, it has been a workable demonstration of how well two political jurisdictions can work together in dissolving varied problems within the Model Neighborhood. There has been an effort toward consolidation of urban services, according to the letter. Concern about Salt Lake City having the resources to eventually assume full funding responsibility for currently federally funded projects was expressed in the letter as well as a question about the planning capabilities of the City Planning Department. The letter cited examples of dialogue between Mayor Jake Garn and Model Neighborhood resident representatives, stating that the Mayor "exhibited impatience bordering on intolerance." Some Council members expressed disagreement over the wording of the letter and its being directed at the Mayor. Dorothy Pulley, People's Free Way Center, however, urged residents to "push for what we believe is right for the program." Signing the letter were; Steven Holbrook, head of the social services task force; Ralph Schamel, transportation; Beth James, crime and delinquency; Alberta Henry, education; Viola physical environment; and George Wedding, government. Leo Adams, housing task force chairman, did not sign the Commissioners Remain Undecided The Model City Joint Board of Commissioners, in its weekly meeting on Wednesday, voted to approve two continuing contracts - the Community School project and the Early Childhood Education project. Two other contracts. Urban Beautification and Historic Living District were submitted for approval but tabled for further study. Commissioner Philip Blomquist pointed out that all projects included in the CDP (Comprehensive Demonstration Plan) for the second action year should have been reviewed and studied prior to the time for signature on the contracts. Model City director Pete Grundfossen reported on the training workshop held in Cedar City from August 14 through the 17th, calling it, "the most outstanding training program held so far." Approximately 65 residents. Community Action Program personnel and Model Cities staff were involved. He then expressed concern over the present controversy of the City Commission proposing to take over administration of the Model City program and dissolving the Joint Board and the County's reluctance to agree to the change. This "period of flux" has lowered agency staff morale and caused residents to back off of planning new projects, until a decision is reached by the City and County Commissioners, Grundfossen said. He added that the agency could "live with the Joint Board or the City Commission but work is slowing down now which could cause problems later in meeting deadlines for submitting plans to HUD for the third action year. Mayor Jake Garn responded saying, he had never been involved in anything where there had been so much undermining and such a deliberate attempt to "scuttle" a program. He said he had tryed at all times to be straight forward and open to communication with residents. He advised the Board that he has only one vote and that it would be impossible to "control" the Don Austin, Government Task Force, reads letter to be sent to the Joint Board regarding change in administration. because it would "streamline and coordinate federal programs so we can get as much for the residents as possible." He said he bordering on intolerance" toward residents. Board Chairman Ralph Y. McClure said he felt many of the rumors and confusion could have been eliminated if residents had been involved in the decision from the beginning. "We wonder what makes people distrustful of government, it's because we do something and then ask for comments," he said. Garn explained he wanted to see the City handle the program Commissioners resolve the will attempt to issue as soon as wanted to see citizen possible but agreed that in the meantime the Joint Board should participation increased continue to administer the in the program, not lessened to any program and make final decisions. degree. Northwest Training Best -- Center Yet (1300 West 2nd No.) Presents by Viola Laxton City Commission. His reply was aimed at Grundfossen and the Board but apparently stemmed from the receipt of a letter forwarded by the Model City Coordinating Council which accused ' him of "impatience The City and County for Action Election '72 personnel was held in Cedar City, Utah from August 14 through the 17th. Fourteen people attended from the Central City area. The County Commission A training program residents. Community Program and Model Cities Utah Technical Assistance Program (UTAP) conducted the training. A T.V. film and audio tape were made to demonstrate how people can work together for improved communication and better understanding. Entertainment was provided the evenings and included a cook-ou- t and an unforgettable trip to Cedar Breaks just before sunset. in Tuesday Sept. 5,7:30 p.m. Learn About the Men Seeking to Represent You |