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Show New Utah! (Lehi Free Press) - Wednesday, August 12, 1998 - Page 4 Saratoga Springs invites residents to Thursday council meeting Fee program funds canyon improvements By Brian Brinkerhoff Outdoors Correspondent American Fork Canyon's Fee Demonstration Program has been underway for only one year now, but significant improvements are already changing the canyon experience for its visi- .r... J'ht.i1 V at the mouth canyon. Previously, campground and parking fees had to be paid separately as visitors enjoyed various recreational accommodations. Canyon entrance fees now allow recreationists to enjoy all of the canyon's facilities, with the exception of camping and Timpanogos Cave tours. Loyal Clark, Public Relations Director for the U. S. Forest Service, reported that approximately 800,000 people visit American Fork Canyon annuall- v. , v ljy yy tors. Before fall colors return, canyon travelers can look forward to parking lot expansion near Tibbie Fork Reservoir, restroom replacements, North Fork picnic area renovations, and trailhead remodeling for winter recreationists. One of the most significant changes will include the expansion of parking facilities near Tibbie Fork Reservoir. Parking capacity has more than doubled and reservoir visitors will no longer have to cross a busy street to reach this popular recreational destination. Old, worn out restroom facilities have been replaced with the newest designs and road work has made the scenic Alpine Loop Forest Service employees collect fees from cars of American Fork Canyon. amenities. Tim Garcia, coordinator of various canyon projects, report-'e- d that canyon facilities have been in need for several years. With funding finally becoming available to improve restrooms, worn out picnic areas, and trail-head- s, visitors can look forward to a safer, more enjoyable canyon experience. In addition to summer facilities, winter recreation a more enjoyable ride. Approximately $420,000 has been collected, since fee stations were established, one year ago, with 100 percent of the collected funds utilized to improve canyon 0 ists will enjoy snowmobile trail-hea- d developments, linking Tibbie Fork Reservoir to Wasatch Mountain State Park, where Olympic events are scheduled in 2002. Although significant funds have been collected, current needs are even greater. Garcia reported that, currently, a $4 million dollar backlog of canyon needs exists. Each improved pic ing winter trailhead parking costs around $10,000 each year. Surveys indicate that visitors appreciate the simplified fee approach and many actually save money as they enjoy the y. She added that although canyon visitation has not significantly decreased, undesirable activity has decreased. Positive aspects, resulting from the established informa- tion booths, include significant decreases in crime. The Utah County Sheriff's Department reported a reduction from 120 violations to 20 at a routine canyon road check station. Vandalism and litter have also been significantly reduced. Water Continued from Front Page ing the city's reservoirs, which is completed every year or every other year. The water systems are protected by telemetering equipment, a dedicated computer that monitors the water levels in the storage tanks and the operation of the pumps. A more manual backup system also allows Barnes to monitor the facilities in the event that the computer goes down. Barnes has received Grade Four certification as a water distribution operator, the highest offered through a examination. He must also complete continuing education classes on a regular basis as well. Some of his specialized training includes classes in backflow prevention, source protection, cross connections, metering and the disinfection of tanks and pipelines. As department head and as a son of Ernest L. Barnes of Lehi member of the Development and the late Shannon Barnes. Review Committee, Barnes has He and his wife, the former also assisted in the drafting of Janine Peterson, daughter of new city ordinances to prevent Norma Peterson of Lehi and cross connections, important the late Berl Peterson, have because of the city's dual water five children, all of whom live in Lehi: Mrs. Shawn (Janalee) system. He also serves as a consultant to the Lehi Fire Department, ensuring that connections to the hydrants are delivering adequate water. Barnes has been with Lehi City for about 18 years, starting first as the operator of the garbage truck. He transferred to the waste water department, where he worked on the inspection crew, then later on the maintenance crew for the culinary system. He became the lead man on that crew until May 1997, when he replaced the retiring Dale Walker as head of the department. A Lehi native, Barnes is the Mrs. Kel (Brenda) Brady; Nathan (soon to be married to fiancee Erica Holmes); Lindsey, a sophomore at Lehi High School; and Colby, who will enter sixth grade at Lehi Elementary this month; Barnes also has two grandchildren. Hardy; visit jjtsneyianci from Magfc Inn Suites (714) Katella CA Anaheim, Fax (714) 772-724- 2 11-pa- long-ter- win-wi- the city." The newsletter begins, "We want to hear from you about: water and sewer issues, marina access, representation on the home owners association and annexation of the cross roads, with a quote at the bottom "by the people, for the people."" The newsletter includes three pages of documents and has five pages of explanations including an explanation about why the city took certain actions against the Lake Mountain Mutual Water Company. A statement in the newsletter refutes a statement in last week's Free Press stating that Saratoga Springs was contemplating condemning the local water company. There are no plans for condemnation. According to the newsletter: "...The town, in discussion with two separate attorneys and other towns, determined that it was not Johnson explained how the city was founded. "Under state law, a new town can be created by petition if there are between 100 and 800 residents. A petition for annexation to Lehi was tried and negotiated, but there were issues which could not be resolved. Because of this, a petition was begun, and a feasibility study was conducted. Following the results of this study, the Board of County Commissioners found that the concept was indeed viable, and forwarded our recommendations to the Lt. Governor," Gardner recalled. Also under state law, Ve also interviewed candidates for mayor and city council. We made these appointments," Gardner wrote. A story in last week's Free Press erred when it stated that some of the city council members lived outside the city limits. All are Saratoga Springs residents. JL Baium (kh COST ckckkg-N- O pi m mum. W. The Saratoga Springs City Council is expecting a big turnout for its Thursday, Aug. 13, meet- city-operat- state-administer- 1030 in the town's best interest to incur the cost of condemnation and fight the potential litigation. The town has passed an ordinance that requires ANY new ing. To accommodate a crowd, the development to contribute water city will hold the meeting at 6:30 shares to the town and contribute p.m. at the Best Western to the development of a single Timpanogos Inn meeting room, town infrastructure. "Because the Lake Mountain 195 S. 850 West, Lehi. The announcement of the Mutual Water Company already upcoming city council meeting exists, it is EXEMPT from this ordinance. The water company came in the form of an newsletter entitled "Town of can remain a separate entity, Saratoga Springs - Town Forum," supply the water to the residents distributed to Saratoga Springs of the Saratoga Springs development and set its own rates. The homes Aug. 5 and 6. will be town 13 encourages the developers The meeting Aug. an important one," said Saratoga to cooperate with the town, howbest Springs City Council member ever, to meet the Ron Kramer said. "We (the city interests of the residents within council) are very interested in the development," Kramer states. A letter from Utah County hearing from all sides. We are n situation Commissioner David J. Gardner still seeking a for residents, the developers and faxed Aug. 3 to Mayor Larry By D. Lee Steffner nic area will cost around $3,000 to $4,000. Replacement toilets cost up to $20,000 and maintain- :'TT 92802 772-546- 1 j.y QuickBooh wftwane Boukm-Fii- ee una wwiuiw mmmmmmmmmmmmmwmMmmmmmyC:''2St uiii-u- ui - .imiini mu iihiii im n pi mk vmiu. Across the street from Disneyland Park J7: It ! I if customize a Combo Deal of your own. But hurry, Combo Deals are offered for a limited time. 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