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Show Page Eight - The Springville Herald - January 26, Open letter City official explains power shutoff policy Dear Editor This letter is written by way of explanation concerning procedures within Springville City regarding delinquent utilities accounts and subsequent shutoff of power, and is done so reluctantly at the insistence in-sistence of Mrs. Robert Benson who has publicly stated that no answer has been given from the city concerning shutoff of power at her residence on December 14, 1977. The normal procedure within Springville City is to not discuss publicly, or disclose names of individuals in-dividuals who are delinquent in paying accounts, as this constitutes con-stitutes a violation of privacy. Therefore, this information is given at the insistence of the individual, in-dividual, who on two separate occasions has written to the newspapers concerning this matter. The procedure for collecting unpaid accounts ac-counts involving Springville City utilities has involved allowing home accounts two months' billings, which if not paid by the billing time of the third month necessitates a notice being sent with the third month's bill instructing the delinquent party that they have a two-week period to pay their delinquent bill or face having the power shut off. In the case of the Robert Cal Benson account ac-count at 1805 South Main, located in Utah County, their August, September and October bills were delinquent and a notification was sent with their November bill informing in-forming them that if payment was not made within two weeks their electricity would be shut off. It so happened that the city's billing method was being computerized during that interval of time and the notification for shutoff was not sent out in October, as is normal procedure. Then the notice to the Bensons of intent to shut off their power in November was sent to them, but the electrical service "When you're sick or hurt and can't work, your car payments don't stop! E. DEAN BRIAN 295 S. Main 489-9444 See me for State Farm single premium oisaniiuv income insurance, i Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. SW Mului' iuWnOD '"Su'WCf C(W"Wt Hon 0" ce aooromqio" nnos End of January Specials MENS at STORE 224 LADIES I MEN'S BELTS I Girls pre-washed Values to Ml- Denims Now Selected Values to $2300 3 Group NOW All other Belts REDUCED 20 1 O" Pre-washed All Winter Pants, Denims Gouchos, Skirts, Values to $2300 Jackets, Tops & Now 27-36 Dresses 10" y2 PRICE Men s Suits Slacks values to Dress Shirts values to $1400 Sportshirts values Special Rack values to $18 6" department in Springville City was not notified, so the power was not shut off during November. However, when no payment was received, nor any word received from the Bensons by the December billing, notification was again sent stating that the bill should be paid prior to December 12 or the power would be shut off. When no communication was received by the city prior to the shutoff date, the serviceman from the electrical department of Springville City utilities shut off the power at the Benson home at 3:30 p.m. on December 14. Councilman Baxter received a call from Mr. Robert . Benson the evening of December 14 at approximately 8:45 p.m. notifying him of the action of the city due to the unpaid bill. The payment of the bill was discussed and it was mutually agreed that if the payments could be arranged and a commitment com-mitment made by the Bensons at the billing office the next day, that a serviceman who was on call could be dispatched to their residence to turn the power back on. Mr. Benson agreed to this and the power was turned on at approximately 9:30 p.m., December 14. Based on the verbal agreement to pay in the immediate future, the Bensons then paid most of their overdue account on December 21, 1977. The above procedure has been the only method by which the city is able to collect overdue accounts. ac-counts. It has been fe't that inasmuch as the majority of the citizens are not excessively delinquent, it is better to allow this much grace period, that is three months without shutoff, than to levy an interest or carrying charge for past due accounts; however, it should be understood that Springville City purchases pur-chases power from the Federal Government, and Utah Power and Light through the Strawberry tap and these accounts must be paid within ten days from receipt of the month's invoice or the city must pay interest charges on the unpaid balance. When bills remain unpaid they amount to an interest free loan which causes the city cash flow problems. The case in point involving in-volving the Benson account ac-count is particularly disconcerting, and should be to most citizens in the community, because their failure to pay on an "as billed" basis constitutes con-stitutes added costs to all citizens of the community, com-munity, as the Bensons live outside the corporate limits of the city and do not pay any taxes to Springville. The fact that the power was shut off for a six-hour period is apparently very upsetting to the Benson family inasmuch as they have contacted at least 10 to 60 2500 10 to $27 00 11 . OPEN 10 to 6 USE FAVORITE BANKCARD All SALES FINAL STORE 224 BHBI SokM Strati . SprintviUc UtthJ 1978 Open letter Hutchings museum praised Editor, In this age of computerization, com-puterization, terrorism and scandal in previously impeccable institutions, an alternative to "get away from it all" is just a short drive away. I am referring to John Hutchings Hut-chings Museum of Natural History in Lehi. Where most museums specialize in one field, Hutchings Museum offers a variety of collections. On display for your enjoyment en-joyment are Pioneer relics, Indian artifacts, minerals, fossils, seashells, and birds and their eggs. The Pioneer and Indian specimens are of local origin, so knowledge can be obtained about our local history. Mr. Hutchings Hut-chings has one of the largest mineral collections collec-tions in the nation and a second "rock" room is under construction. A Smithsonian Institution scientist has termed the Hutchings' bird egg collection "best coverage ever accorded a region." A major seashell collection from Puerto Rico as well as fossils from the Western deserts are shown. John Hutchings recently passed away, but he preserved his life's work for future generations. He never sought fame nor fortune by collecting for a living. He was a mail carrier until his retirement in 1948. He has tutored thousands of friends and always had time for anyone. We owe this great man who gave so much of himself. He will be missed by all who knew him. The museum is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Be sure to visit soon. Tony Fores tier Lehi, Utah two of the major daily newspapers, as well as the Sringville Herald, and have, in addition, con-, tacted Representative Gunn McKay's office, who in turn called the city to get clarification as to the actions that were taken in attempting to collect this account. It may be that in the future, a carrying charge will have to be levied on outstanding accounts not paid by the date of the next month's billing. Such a practice may provide incentive to accounts, such as the Bensons, to pay their bills on time thereby reducing the incidence of power curtailment for failure to pay; however, this seems like a rather severe penalty for the rest of the accounts serviced by Springville City utilities who may, on occasion, miss payment during the month billed. Very Truly yours, Calvin J. Baxter Springville City Councilman Chairman, Electrical Department Lingerie Robes, Gowns & Dusters Selected Group REDUCED y3 Open letter Citizen supports city There has been a number of letters in the Herald about the cost of our city power and about the treatment of citizens when not paying these bills. I'm very surprised that more people haven't spoken out about this; unless they feel the situation so far out that it doesn't need answering. In the first place our city bills are quite reasonable when you think' of what you receive Open latter Reader decries dog treatment Many nationalities have recognized the value of dogs, including Indians for centuries. Because some dogs have caused trouble is not an excuse for taking away from all our rights. Owners should be liable for the full extent ex-tent of damages, and dogs causing loss of farm animals should be destroyed, but to abolish dogs is evil, taking away rights, and using force. These laws are far worse than anything Man's Best Friend has ever done. People have been used cleverly to be the in-thing to complain about dogs, and in this way they are unwittingly taking away rights, and all of us our protection. These people will have another worry when dogs are gone and it is not safe on streets at night, or in locked homes. Is this Christian? More lives have been saved or protected than have ever been hurt by dogs. People have always had the God-given right to have dogs for pets, friendship, love, and protection, but the new laws will eventually take away that right, as it fines the owner $299 for any undefined infraction of their ordinance. It also requires that all dogs be spayed, or neutered. This is done by licensing, and inability to buy a dog not spayed or neutered. A death sentence for dogs means high fees for any left, and is an unjust law. Laws taking away people's rights should be voted on by the people. If you care about dogs for pets instead of bugs, call your city office, and compalin. R. Harmison Springville, Utah Happy birthday to Boone Thomas, son of Richard 'Dick' and Annette Thomas, who celebrated his first birthday January 13. Grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. G.W. Rawlings, Orem, and Mr. Eldon Thomas, Orem. o 2&M1 Winter Coats, Robes, Jump Suits . Other Winter Fashions still Wc 284 South in return. My family's electric bill runs around $21 a month. That is less than $1 a day for all the appliances or whatever we use. I would hate to think of giving up my clothes dryer or the fan on the furnace, this time of year. Can you imagine a worse job than having to take care of the family garbage or sewage? It costs $5.75 a month for these services that we use everyday, and are a necessity to our lives. If the tare Mrs. Benson tells about an old lady going without light or heat is true, you cannot blame the city for this. Her pride was her failing; she couldn't even go to he own children. I've talked with the workers at the city hall and they will bend over backwards to work with anyone in paying utilities. If the money isn't available on the day the bills are due, call the office and make arrangements to pay. But like any other business they must have their money to operate, so keep your word of payment. In this day and age when waste and corruptness is all around us, I should think people could find other problems to get irate about and other organizations to black list rather than something we wouldn't like to do without in our lives. A citizen, KayeJ.WUey SSG Robert E. Stephens Delay entry popular enlistment Out of five men and women entering the Army today, four choose to take the DEP Delayed Entry Program route. According to the United States Recruiting Command, in fiscal year 1977 alone, more than 150,000 volunteers joined the Army via DEP. This program allows Army prospects to join and report one-month-to-a-year later. The increasing popularity of DEP since its inception in 1972 is due to a variety of reasons. Many highly qualified high school undergraduates un-dergraduates join to be sure they would have a job waiting after graduatioa Some want to make sure the Army job of their choice would be available. Still others would want simply to take a "little longer" time to say their goodbyes to their loved ones. Regardless of the reason, the DEP entry is off Vou 4 Main Editorial Dispose of unwanted pets in proper way Sunday afternoon my 10-year-old Philip brought home a stray puppy, to be included, along with two other dogs, five cats, two rabbits, and five chickens, in the Sumsion menagerie. Of course, his father immediately said, "We don't want another dog!" To which, of course, great big teardrops formed in sorrowful looking blue eyes. And so Phillip constructed a makeshift make-shift dog house from a cardboard box, fed the puppy some water and bread, petted it lovingly, and settled it down among all the other "strays" he had brought home. But this editorial is not being written to tell the public all about the stray animals acquired by the Sumsions since moving to the country 18 months ago. It's being written to blast the despicable and inhumane act that goes on almost daily of dropping animals off in front of someone else's property by unthinking un-thinking and uncaring people. A woman who lives in a Springville mobile home park telephoned us Monday morning to report that she is sick and tired of her yard being used as a drop-off point for strays. Not only is it expensive to feed an extra dog, but it's terrible to witness time and again six children crying their eyes out while she hands a stray puppy over to the dog catcher. Well-meaning John Q. Public might think he is being kind to his unwanted pet by merely dropping him off in front of someone else's home. But, in truth, he is a coward. He can't face the thought of taking the animal to a dog catcher or humane society himself. So he does the easier thing and takes it a few miles away, to fend for iteself, or find another, more welcome place to live. Some sort of fine should be levied against those who abandon animals. We suggest . a stiff, heavy fine, with double consequences if the person is caught more than once. There are proper ways to dispose of unwanted animals. And throwing them out of your car in front of someone else's house, is not one of them. the sure way of taking advantage of a "delay that pays." Take the cases of identical twins John and Joseph S. Spoto, Jr. of Coconut Creek, Fla. Both brothers joined the Army by way of the Delayed Entry Program in December of 1976 while still attending Coconut Creek High School. Since brother John's choice of training was as a medical technician, he did not have to report for training until December exactly a year after deciding to join the Army and seven months after graduation. Joseph picked the infantry for "its opportunity for adventure" ad-venture" and decided to go on active duty two months after graduation. A merchant placed an order with a wholesaler who reminded. him that the merchandise would not be delivered until the amount outstanding on the books had been paid. The merchant replied: "Please cancel the order. I can't wait that long." Remember, the average burglar will break into a house only when the going looks easy. Here are 7 effective ways to discourage him. 1. Install deadbolt locks on all exterior doors. 2. Make certain all windows and patio and garage doors are securely locked. 3. Buy an inexpensive timer to turn on your lights and radio when you're out for an evening. 4. When you go on vacation, ask neighbors to keep an eye on things. Have deliveries stopped, mail picked up and your grass cut. The point is, make your house look occupied. 5. Keep your lawn mower and bikes locked up when they're not in use. 6. There is no place you can think of to hide a key that a smart burglar hasn't thought of first. 7. Never leave notes to delivery men indicating that nobody is home. CHME CHECK Pi . W W III. i - 27 77 3 a ExfflpgDaiPo Make Crime More Trouble Than It's Worth. Send for tree crime prevention booklet. Write: Utah Council on Criminal Justice Administration, 255 South 3rd East, Salt Lake City, Utah 84111. Toll Free Phone, 800 662-3613 or in Salt Lake, 533-5731 Phone your Police or Sheriff's Department for more information. Paid advertisement Imperial appoints Ned L. Anderson Cattlemen to meet February 1 Utah cattlemen will have the privilege of hearing Dr. Robert deBaca of Iowa in Utah county at Spanish Fork high school, Little Theater, 99 North 300 West, on Wednesday, February 1 at 10:30 a.m. according to Clair R. Acord, Livestock Specialist. Dr. deBaca is an internationally in-ternationally known geneticist. He was born and raised in New Mexico on a New Mexico ranch. He did his under-graduate work at New Mexico State at Las Cruces and obtained ob-tained his masters and doctorate degrees from Oregon State in genetics. He spent 14 years with Iowa State University where he was responsible Come as you are but DO COME to our very special CLEARANCE SALE Everything Winter Vi Bess Dresses Formals Pants Jeans Pant Land Title Anderson Ned L. Anderson of American Fork has been appointed Assistant Vice-President and Utah County Manager of Imperial Land Title Orem operation, according to Steven Lee Astle, corporate cor-porate Vice President. Mr. Anderson was previously a closing officer of-ficer for another local firm. Mr. Anderson is a 1970 graduate of BYU. He is currently bishop of the American Fork LDS 19th Ward and active in local politics in American Fork. The firms underwriter, National American Title Insurance Co. is a subsidiary sub-sidiary of Home Savings & Loan, the largest Savings and Loan Association. Mr. Anderson and his wife Sandra and their seven children David, Brenda, Douglas, Kristin, Nathan, Rachelle and Joseph reside in American Fork. for the Iowa Beef Improvement Im-provement Association. In his 14 years he ran more than one-third of a million records in performance per-formance testing. Dr. deBaca has done consulting work in Argentina, Peru, Mexico and Costa Rica. He left the University to go with the Garst Corporation to manage its 4,000 cow spread. He has been secretary of the National Beef Improvement Federation and now owns and operates a purebred Angus herd and is a consultant for several beef herds in Iowa and surrounding states, keeping records on 7,000 cows. Sweaters Blouses Housecoats Short Skirts Suits |