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Show Council examines metro force By MIKE CANNON : Record reporter Informal discussion and action was conducted during the April 16 Cedar City Council meeting regarding the possible adoption of a metro law enforcement en-forcement force for Iron County. A transition to the metro system would significantly affect the Cedar City Police Force, and city law enforcement en-forcement cost and effectiveness. According to figures presented at the meeting, it would cost an additional $100,000 the first year to make the switch. A major concern expressed by the Council is whether the investment would actually benefit the city itself. Councilwoman Barbara Starr raised a question about the actual effectiveness ef-fectiveness of a metro system, aside trip from Sawyers, Fife, City Attorney Robert Braithwaite and visiting citizen Robert Linford. All four concurred that the D.C. trip was very successful. "It was a good step in the right direction" Fife stated. Braithwaite echoed, "I think that the city's being there was worthwhile. I didn't see either of them (Fife and Sawyers), coming across as being pro-MX. pro-MX. "We wanted to talk about the impacts" im-pacts" Sawyers said. "I tried very hard not to identify myself as a pro MX'er." Other decisions made by the Council included Deciding to reconsider on tennis court bids due to the fact that only one bid had been received. Some concern was tatpresdbd that ptopw wui'kation ' had not been given to contractors. The Iron County Record had it listed see CITY on page A3 from cost factors. It seems that there is no concrete evidence available to city leaders as to specific impacts which would be felt in terms of protection and cost for Cedar City citizens. Based on Council discussion, the technical aspects of making the change have been basically ironed-out between the Cedar City Police Department, the Iron County Sheriff and the Parowan City Police. Cedar City Manager Joe Melling cautioned council members that in other areas where a metro law enforcement en-forcement has been adopted, outlying rural . areas have wanted the same protection as the central population sectors. Councilmen agreed that a base service could be provided county-wide, snd th-"t ere?1 Hsiring greater service fenouia liave ur&nto-del im it ' All present were in agreement that alternatives should be considered, especially since Cedar City would probably receive less protection, especially during the first year. This would have to be something watched closely and adjusted for, the Council decided. Councilman Harold Hiskey felt that it's a good time to make a decision regarding the change to Metro because the change could accompany the move into new jail facilities, which is pending. pen-ding. "I think we ought to look at it really close now" Mayor Jack Sawyers remarked. "In my opinion we could really benefit." The Council will further examine the matter. In other council action, a public hearing about possible changes in the city garbage system was attended by one city resident and a 90-pound roving garbage can. A question was raised about what impact a new automated system would have on city employees currently involved in-volved with garbage pickup. According 1 to Joe Melling, the impact would be minimal and any people phased out by an automated system could possibly be utilized elsewhere in the city. Specific data will be gathered by the Council with regards to costs and service effectiveness of an automated oaliM" A HiOwOii ,Va " liuottotl pursue the automated route along these lines. Councilwoman Starr reported on a recent Southwest Utah Power Federation Board meeting in which a decision to reallign representation on the Board was informally approved. Board approval is expected to be given to the change which will see representation based on geographic location. Iron County should soon have three representatives instead of only two, as is now the case. Other council business included a report on the recent Washigton D.C, City continued from page A 1 in its April 9 and 16 edition. Approval of a beer license for the E-Z Shop. Acceptance of Utah State designated holidays as city observed breaks. , ' Denial of a water connection outside out-side city limits to Grant Giljis. Endorsement of Iron County Jeep Patrol , desires to obtain a carnival permit. - - Sustaining of an assessment ordinance or-dinance concerned with special improvement im-provement district number two. Approved a sidewalk sale for the Downtown Merchants Association. Called for a public hearing dealing with a zone change for commercial use. |