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Show Page B7 - CEIe Etmcg-3nhepmftc- -- Thursday, May 19, 2005 nt Audit: Some local Utah governments keep Joe Public out of public business But overall , state gets a B for following public-record- s A state-wid- e audit gave Utah cities, counties, school districts, police and sheriffs departments a solid B average for how well they stick to s the states law. Government workers also earned an average B for how they treat the Joe Public who comes in and asks for public would be much harder at a police or sheriffs department. On average, school districts are in between. The auditors were allowed to grade the attitudes of the people they encountered in public offices, so there would be both subjective and objective measures of the way such public-record- documents. The Utah FOI Audit was law ists (SPJ). It was supported by a $5,000 grant from the National Freedom of Information Coalition (www.nfoic.org) and contributions from Utah media. With this audit, SPJ shines a light on what it is like for ordinary citizens to find out what their government paid , designed to answer two Judging from the audit... a citizen generally would have an easy time accessing a public docu- questions: How well do local gov- ernments and law enforcement agencies comply with ment from the city or county. It would be much harder at a police or sheriffs department... Utahs Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA), the state law that governs the publics right to access public documents? How do government workers treat citizens who ask to see public documents? Overall, Utah earns a good for complying with the s law, said the audits principal investigator, Brian L. Massey. But thats only part of the story. There were big differences among the five groups we audited. Judging from the audit, he added, a citizen generally would have an easy time accessing a public document from the city or county. It public-record- public employees treat aver- age citizens, Massey said. While some freedom of information audits in other states have been conducted by professional journalists, the de- signers of the Utah study wanted to measure how regular residents were treated when they asked for documents guaranteed them, under Utah law. The audit was conducted the Utah Foundation for by Government (UFOG), Open which is part of the Utah Headliners chapter of the Society of Professional Journal for by their taxes is doing, said Linda Petersen, president of UFOG and Utah Headliners. Access to government records is not just access to words on paper, computer disks or computer screens, she said. It is access to those who carry out the publics work for the publics good, and to their actions on our behalf. Thats important. There is no greater public good than that of the governed knowing how they are being governed. Twenty-si- x volunteer au- ditors visited 141 city councils, county commissions, police Warmer in winter Cooler in summer Regulates temperature and humidity Proven in Alaska, WA, ID, MT, Virtually impervious to wind & hail GROWS VEGETABLES & FLOWERS IN ALL WEATHER! 8 wide, by any length in 5 sections. Base model 11'. Moduled ULTRA VIOLET REFLECTING FIBERGLASS helps prevent plant burning and overheating. No maintenance. No foundation needed. Purchase cost, only cost. DIRECT FROM THE MANUFACTURER. Delivered and assembled, with a 20 year warranty. SEE US AT: Do It Best Home Center (parking ON DISPLAY 21-2- 2 May Sales rep. available 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 uihhmh i At city hall and county commissions, they asked to see the mayors or commission chairs most recent expense report. They asked police and sheriffs departments for their most recent dispatch log, or the report of calls to which they responded. At the school , districts, the auditors asked to see the superintendent of schools employment contract. Each is a public document under state law, said Jeff Hunt, a Salt Lake City attorney with expertise in 1845 South Highway lot) 191, Moab mm iiihhwium 250H494I3226 Minima city and county governments earned an A- - for their compliance and attitude toward the auditors. Police and sheriffs departments averaged a C each on the audits attitude grade. But on the compliance grade, police departments averaged a D and sheriffs departments averaged a CSchool districts earned an average B- - on both grades. At of the audited governments, the volunteers were showed the requested public documents on the spot, on either an oral or written request. That is above and beyond GRAMA, said Massey, which requires only that a government take a written request and respond within 10 business days. City and county governments did the best at doing more than the law requires, according to the audit. Doing no more than what the law says is what 37 local governments and law enforcement agencies did. Another 18 failed the audit. About three-fourtof those were police and sheriffs departments that either refused to accept an auditors written GRAMA request or did not respond to a -. two-thir- hs UT, WY, NV, CO DAYS ONLY: Valley from March 17 to April 14. The volunteers fully or partly completed audits for 135 of the organizations, or nearly 96 percent. GRAMA. On average, MMTOMMIIIMaMMroOIII 2 and sheriffs departments and school districts in 25 of Utahs 29 counties and the Salt Lake www.canyonlands.net written request within 10 business days. The survey found that city and county governments were not as likely as the rest to ask an auditor to identify him or herself beyond what the law requires. Police and sheriffs departments and school districts were the most likely to ask an auditor to give a reason for his or her request to see a public document. But GRAMA does not require that. Also, the survey found that workers at nearly of the audited governments and law enforcement agencies sought the permission or advice of superiors or before responding to a request to see a public two-thir- Canyonlands Realty b North Main 131 435-259-78- 70 4910 LA SAL CREEK ACREAGE This unique property includes 136 acres, water rights and views, views, viewsl $499,000 5972 PANORAMIC VIEWS of La Sals & Abajos. 320 acres NE of Monticello. d Fence, corral, unpaved road. Year-roun- vH 6441 ONE LOOK WILL DO when you see this 4BR2.5 BA 1 550 sq. ft. home in a new neighborhood on 0.21 acres. fenced wsprin-klin- g Great backyard-ful- ly system. Floors in pergo, tile & carpet. Too good to last. $164,500 RESIPENTIAI 5891 BUNGALOW IN LA SAL 2BR 1BA, fireplace, fenced yard, and storage shed on 0.43 acre; shared well. $45,000 (UC Accepting Backups) 5763 MOVING TO THE COUNTRY? 4BR2BA home bit. 2001 has 1800 sq. ft. Formal dining rm., wonderful views. duck 2.17 acres wfrontage on pond, La Sal. $125,900 6008 UNIQUE CASTLE VALLEY home wbreathtaking views! 2BR1BA main level. Artist studiobdrm. bath upstairs. Custom deck whot tub. 2160 sq. ft. $259,900 (UC Accepting backups) 6137 RETRO MOBILE ON LARGE LOT Fully fenced, 0.30 acres. New outdr shower won demand water heater. Guest loft in shed. Includes kitchen table, chairs, fridge & closet organizers. $69,900 (UC Accepting Backups) 6031 BREATHTAKING VIEWS come with this unique home in Wilson Arch Resort Community. 2BR2BA, sleeping loftartist studio. 4 decks, 0.35 acres next to BLM land. $225,000 6187 NICE LOT WMOBILE HOME in an up and coming neighborhood. 3BR 2BA Large front porch. Two storage sheds. Beautifully manicured yard. $59,500 (UC Accepting Backups) HORSE PROPERTY 5778 TURN-KE4.61 acres, horse barns & runs, irriga- Y tion shares, pressurized irrigation & drip system. 3BR2BA home bit. 1995 1 BRBA cottage. $495,000 6313 NEW IN RIM VISTAS 1760 sq. ft. 3BR2BA stucco home in Spanish Valley. Fireplace in living room. Central air. 0.21 acres. 2 car attached garage. $329,900 6312 NEW CONTEMPORARY HOME 3BR3BA home now under construction. 2273 sq. ft. on 0.23 acres in Rim Vistas. Central air, fridge, range, dishwasher included. $365,000 6278 WONDERFUL SECLUDED PROPERTY 3BR2BA mobile home on 1 acre. Fully landscaped w sprinkler system & fenced yard. WshrDryer, dishwasher, range included. 2 storage sheds & 2 covered patios. $144,900 (UC Accepting Backups) access from county-maintaine- d road. $192,000 document. COMMERCIAL 4459 COMMERCIAL BUILDING one block off Main St. Great historic build- That could suggest that some local governments may be willing but not be institutionally prepared to handle a citizens request for a public document, Massey said, or ing on the Historic Homes Walking Tour. Zoned C-Building is currently run as a bakery. $395,000 6246 RARE COMMERCIAL PROPERTY on Main St. 1050 sq ft building built in 1951 perfect for retail. 0.03 acres included along with the building. 220V electricity. $249,000 3205 3 GENERATIONS OWNERSHIP since 1920. Unique business opportunity for right entrepreneur. Business & home, Indian artifacts included in this 318 acre property. $6,360,000 6091 LOOKING FOR A GREAT LOCATION on Main Street? We have a great commercial building on the north end of town. Rustic characteristics and high visibility. $249,000 6229 AWESOME MAIN STREET LOCATION Commercial lot Zoned 220V Electricity. Building and land included, great retail frontage on one of the most popular routes to the Slick Rock Bike Trail. $550,000 5750 GREAT COMMERCIAL LOCATION 2 acres adjacent to new Maverick store. Utilities are in street, not to property lines. No water rights. $539,500 (UC Accepting Backups) C-- RIM VILLAGE One of Moabs Finest Communities For more information call Meredith or at toll free at RESIDENTIAL LAND 8 LOTS 6443-644- 4 TUCKED AWAY at the end of a quiet street are these 2 lots, 0.45 acres.each. Amazing views of the valley and mountains from Country Club Estates. Both for $1 10,00 or $62,000 each 6257 GREAT LOT IN LA SAL 1 acre property with a beautiful view of the La Sal Mountains. Electricity in street, approved for septic & well. $25,000 We have commercial space available. Call for detailsl Dave Bierschied Lenore Beeson beesoncfrontiernet.net Barbara Holcomb bholcomb Meredith Gauthier Dan Neuss remax.net them. For example, two auditors who visited the Price city police department reported that we were asked at least four times who we were with and why we wanted to see the dispatch log. Then they were told that we couldnt see it, even with a written request, without a good reason. That was a typical comment from the law enforcement audits. But not all police and sheriffs departments were that resistant, Massey said. In contrast, the employee at the Carbon County Commission who handled the auditors request got up and got the document, showed it to us and even explained confusing things on it, the two auditors wrote. That was typical for city rockrealtoratt.net 260-98PamWashnock pamelong that they may misunderstand or not know enough about what GRAMA requires of aol.com and county governments, Massey said, although not all of them were that open. Continued on page B8... T7T7T7.moabtimes.com 505 No. Main Street Moab, Utah 84532 (435) 259-502- 1 (800) 223-241- 7 II THE BEST OF THE WEST! 3 BR. 2 barn home on 6 acres in Blulf, Ut high on a hill with awesome views In every direction. Call tor more info. 6386 RESIDENTIAL: THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM! Unique prime property offers 3 BR, 1 bath cozy ranch home with all the amenities. DREAM Privacy and seclusion can be yours where wildlife abounds on 18 acres with a tremendous amount of water surrounded by mature shade trees. $1,150,000 5874 1272 SQ. FT. 3 BR, 134 BA HOME on 1 .84 acres in Green River. Good condition home in a semi rural area, edge of town. $105,000 6342 UNBELIEVABLE VIEWS of Wilson Arch from this 3 BR cottage with large master bed. 360 views from the deck and a 2 car garage for your toys. Priced to sell at $189,000. 6404 OLDER MANUFACTURED HOME with add-o- n in town with mature trees. 4 BR & baths with woodstove and covered deck. In very good condition. Call today for full details. $95,000 6429 SHADED LOT IN TOWN, close to hospital. Double wide in good condition. Newer roof & air conditioning. New windows. Good rental property. Call for details or appointment to see. $89,000 641 5 under contract NEARLY NEW Orchard Villa luxury townhome 2 BR, 2 bath, 2 car garage. Close to town, hospital, elerhentary school & park. Many extras including gas fireplace and ceiling fans. Call today for full details. $169,000. 6409 pending SPACIOUS FLOOR PLAN with vaulted ceilings. 2 master suites, dream kitchen wpantry and all appliances. 3 BR, 3 bath home w2 car garage. Secluded quiet cul de sac close to town. Manicured grounds; home built in 2000. $179,900 6375 GREEN RIVER 1272 sq. ft. 3 BR, bath home on 1.84 acres. Good condition home In a semi-rura- l area, edge of town. $105,000 6342 BEAUTIFUL SOLANO VALLEJO VILLAS offers this 3 BR, 2 bath, 2 story condo with fireplace, patio and 1 car attached Completely furnished and ready to move into or place in the nightly rentals. $21 5,000 6392 under contract DYNAMITE VIEWS from this spacious 3 BR, 2 bath den, 1400 sq. ft. modular home. Detached 24x24 garage. All of this and more on 1 .26 acres. Priced to sell at $147,500 6263 ONE OF A KIND HOME in one of a kind location, outstanding views in all directions. 4 BR, 3 bath, bar, great room, new kitchen, decks & patios galore. Built for comfort and style. Qualified buyers contact your realtor for a showing today j!61 95 WELL ESTABUSHED RV PARK 65 full tent sites. Store, pool, laundry & showers, AAA approved. Owners quarters. 9 acres. Turn key operation in Green River. Reduced to $415,000 5559 GREAT DESTINATION RESORT with room to expand and fabulous views of canyon rims & La Sal Mountains. 6 Southwesthook-up- s ern style units & picturesque log cabin. y opportunity. $545,000 6140 TOP OF THE WORLD LOCATION adjoins National Forest!! 2 new log cabins with lofts and completely furnished. Turn key nightly rentals. Well established business for $425,000 5830 COMMERCIAL BUILDING for lease -8,000 sq. ft., all or part in excellent retail location on S. Hwy 191. Call today 6235 Turn-ke- HISTORIC mountains. Prestigious home sites. acre lots wrestriclive covenants. $59,500-$79,906286-629- TTREl round access with amazing panoramic views. Surrounded by mature junipers and bordered by Forest Service. Year-roun- d hunting and recreational opportunities. Priced to sell at $1 10,000 6054 IN THE GROWTH PATHI Commercial 1 acre lot with 476 feet of Highway frontage; turn lane runs the entire length of property for easy access from the north and south. Also has access from Holyoak Lane. All utilities available. $89,000 5943 ONE OF A KINDI 2 acres of wooded property in the center of downtown Moab. Fronts Millcreek & Pack Creek. Owner finance with 10 down. $225,000 6310 CATCH THE TRAFFIC COMING NORTH! 418 ft. of highway frontage. C-- 3 zoning. Excellent location for a highway frontage business! $830,250 6076 2.4 ACRES of S. Hwy frontage. Commercial lot. Home ok. Can't beat the price at $69,500. 6074 pending SPECTACULAR VIEWS from this rare affordable commercial lot. High visibility on gateway to La Sals. Unlimited potential on 1 acre. Reduced to $39,500. 5361 :l 3 BR, 2 bath, 2,287 sq. ft. home with garage on 1 acre. Island kitchen with Granite counter tops and Jenn Air range. Reduced to $298,000 6052 pending 398 ACRES ON DOLORES RIVER One of a kind property with 2.5 miles of river frontage. Includes 3 homes. Irrigation from the river and a culinary well. $1,950,000 5990 pending CHARMING HAPPY HOME: many built-inQuiet location on Bowen Circle. Many mature shade and fruit trees. Wonderful garden area all fenced. Plenty of parking. Perfect shop'area for the woodworker. Many extras. Must see to appreciate. $154,000 6331 pending REAL COUNTRY LIVING In La Sal. 3 BR, 2 bath home on 4 acres. Bring your toys... this property has room with garage & 40x40 shop. $139,000 (5732 NOT WHAT IS APPEARS from the street. Charming living roomTamily room addition adds open area to original mobile home. Two bed, 1 bath, fully fenced lot with irrigation well, storage shed and area for your toys. $84,800 6335 - COMMERCIAL: LOCATION! I Prime commercial restaurant 5,000 sq. ft. all trade fixtures included. Plenty of parking on 1 acre. $850,000. Motivated seller. 5734 LOCATION i in i. ftFEl SPECTACULAR LOCATION with privacy and panoramic views of red rocks. 2 BR, 2 bath manufactured home with animal rights on 1 acre. Price Reduced $127,000 5981 pending IMMACULATE BRICK HOME with 2,000 sq. ft. 4 BR, 2 baths. Newly refurbished & painted, Berber carpet & Sard-wooBeautiful landscape $1 99,000 6021 PRISTINE RED ROCK CANYON is the location of this unique partially completed 6000 sq. ft. cave home. 60 acre parcel surrounded by BLM on 3 sides; year round creek runs the entire length of the property. Also includes guest house, storage shed, 20x50' barn, good culinary well. Additional 80 acres available. Call for full details. $495,000 6268 BETTER THAN NEWI 3 BR, 3 bath Townhome. Extra tile, Corian counters, wet bar, extended stamped concrete courtyard and great views. $247,000 6395 UC LARGE HOME WITH ACREAGE! 0 3 PICTURE THIS as a destination resort. 12.41 acres just north of Dead Horse Point turnoff. Magnificent property with excellent views of La Sal Mountains, Arches National Park. Borders BLM. $249,000 6428 THE ILLUSION OF SECLUSION 6.5 acres on the La Sal Mtn. Loop Road. Year located. $299,900 6333 pending l(S,"Hilir- in down- LAND: STAR GAZER'S DELIGHT with commanding views of canyon rims and La Sal PICNIC IN THE PARK in your own front yard. One.share irrigation will keep the fruit & nut trees, berries, grapes, rose bushes and herb garden lush. Adobe home features living room fireplace, wood stove in family room and knotty pine throughout. Centrally - BANK BUILDING town Green River. Formerly housed the bank and Masonic Lodge. 12.000 sq. ft. of great potential with owner financing. $350,000 6330 7,000 SQ. FT. BUILDING on Moabs Main St. Full commercial kitchen, meeting room, 4 baths, bar & banquet room. Unlimited possibilities for the entrepreneur. A bargain at $550,000 6085 OH GIVE ME A HOME where the buffalo roam on 20 acres. Where silence is heard with no discouraging words, and water to owner financmaintain it all. $400,000 ing. Motivated seller 5749 pending BUILD IT & THEY WILL COME The sky's the limit on this highway commercial 14.38 acres with well. More than 588 highway frontage with unobstructed views from every direction. $350,000. terms available. 5735 pending 3 PARCELS, EACH 10 ACRES, MOSTLY LEVEL... Drill a well and build your dream home. Excellent jews of the La Sal Mountains. $49,000 5583, 5582, 5581 PUESTA DEL SOL BUILDING LOT: Only 1 lot remains above the golf course in the red rocks with terrific views. Priced $80,000 5768 pending GET HIGH ABOVE THE VALLE Yll Watch the world below, the stars & mountains from this premier lot at Pack Creek Ranch. Great native vegetation. 1.5 acre lot $149,900 5967 35.96 ACRES OF PRIME WRAY MESA PROPERTY. Pine & pinion trees, cool summers $162,000. 6201 acres at LAND, LOTS OF LAND-2- 40 Summit Point. Lots of frontage, easy access on maintained county road. Completely fenced. Views of La Sals, Abajos and Sleeping Ute Mountain. $120,000 6328 pending 40 ACRE PARCEL, Hastings road 8 miles N. of Green River, UT, in Tusher wash. Near pavement yet remote solitude. $20,000 5964 2.38 ACRES C-- 3 commercial highway frontage lot. First chance at Incoming traffic from the north. $380,800 6347 80 ACRES IN BEAUTIFUL Montezuma Canyon has red rock alcoves, ruins, abundant wildlife and year-roun- d creek on county road. Price includes well permits. $185,000 6269 2.60 ACRES with utilities available. Great for development or a gentleman's farm. Animal rights. Spectacular views. $62,000 6301 STARRY, STARRY NIGHTS are what you'll have when you tuck your dream house Into the trees on the edge of the meadow. Prime lot at Pack Creek Ranch. $154,000 6326 - User ixwjousr- 8 Doug McElhaney, 259-5670 Julie Bierschied, 259-687- Mike Estenson, 260-118- 9 Phil Gramlich, 259-756-4 Ludean Merritt, Susan Noah Shrewsbury, Norma J. Nunn, Broker Sandy Norton, 259-502- 6 259-794- 6 259-727- 5 260-- 1 186 |