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Show Paga A7 ffhe nbrpcnbcnt Thursday, March 9, 2000 Response to Letters to the Editors In response to "Mean-spirite- d letters mean-spirite- d letters," Thursday, March 2: Mr. Welier: You say that Zone changes and other complaints Dear Sam, The city offers the zone change for a fee, and so we asked for one, we re into it more then two years and finally got through planning, then we faced a stacked deck in the city meeting, didn't matter that the property has been used commercially for 50 years, all that mattered was public sentiment, and the sentiment was from people who don't even live adjacent to us. We researched this and found that in '91 the city passed a general plan and m it they stated that the should be 'See general plan under Old 'ibwn Areas, it infers that the land-us- e area wasn't being used the way it was intended, even back then. One councilman said in the meeting that a zone change wouldnt even be considered, when in the general plan it clearly states it will be. Zone changes would be considered, it says in plain English. See general plan under old town areas. And it also goes on to say that the city should review the current zoning map and correct inconsistencies in each zone to meet current and future needs. And protect the economic base of Moab by providing areas in which desired and appropriate economic activities can occur. See general plan under growth & urbanization. So our argument is that the people opposing our zone zones as well, it was mentioned change are living in in the Moab general pirn that the city themselves preferred housing and other uses used in this defined area. The opponents of the zone change are using l criteria model data. See land criteria models to stop us, even though we meet the activity zone. criteria of the The Old Moab Overlay map specifically shows that we are in the overlay area and that the intended use we submitted to the city is an acceptable use around an R-- 3 R-- 3 high-densit- y g R-- R-- 3 R-- 3 zone. We should not be penalized for our neighbors havzoning and misusing it, we have shewn that ing under the Residential (High Density) zones allow for public services and business districts to be nearby. R-- 3 R-- 3 See complimentary activities residential (high-densit- if our neighbors wanted l zoning and the less use criteria they should have applied like we did, but instead have gotten an l which allows for no commercial growth nearby, or they could have bought property in a less multi-us- e zoning area, for they knew when they multi-uniand bought it, it had R-- R-- high-densit- t, y, use zoning. No simple solution to by-pa- ss Dear Editor, , I find myself very torn about this highway bypass. Having lived here for almost nine years, I have always wanted the trucks controlled through town. I want to be able to ride my bike safely across town. I often see trucks going through red lights, and have almost been hit by one of those. As a matter of fact, one of those trucks just hit a friend of mine just this year. Anyone who has been to a parade has been astounded by the truck parade afterwards. Ironically now I find myself very concerned about the bypass solution. How will it affect the downtown area? Granted there will be fewer trucks. There will also be fewer cars traveling through and stopping at our businesses. Will it have an impact on the businesses already in existence? Will most of the hotels and restaurants relocate south of town on the highway? Maybe even that would be OK. Certainly would be good for the real estate business. It would make it easier or more possible downtown. to create a pedestrian-friendlHow many people will it have a direct or indirect impact upon? Anywhere else it goes there are people living close by. We are a residential community. Plus the slough and the wildlife refuge. These are important considerations. The biggest problem I foresee is the noise level. y Also as to the mayor's implied comments that Center Street is dead, we have shown with the city's own written words that they knew lighting or the lack of it caused areas not to be used. See spatial analysis under lighting and signage, also look under plaza lighting And that furthermore it also raises public safety issues, because our walkways aren't lighted. is an air quality issue as well. See in general plan under air quality. The city's own general plan on vacant lota and allows for deencourages to meet that goal. And what we intend to build velopment doesn't conflict with the new development proposed by the city, library and county across the street from our property, we have shown that the models for those uses are compatible with our intentions. And also we have shown good faith in regards to the predatory developer' statements in the spatial analysis, we have shown we are not developers, by working with the city staff and planning commission closely and for a matter of years. Our development isnt a "get rich scheme," for we arent selling out, but instead we are building for the future, and I'd also like to mention the fact we aren't playing to the tourist buck like others around us. We are building on Center Street for the locals to enjoy and benefit from, making some of the offices, and services they need and use within walking distance. And our question to the mayor is, what concern is it of government to determine what a shop owner makes? I didnt know that our zone change was to be determined by the amount of money our small building would make, that and you inferred we were stupid to even open it, people wont walk a block off Main why would they walk there is what you said, we say get out the books and plans written before and read your own guidelines, this We also feel the city should live by isnt a the rules they wrote, just like an average citizen would free-for-a- have to. One statement struck me as funny in the spatial planning guide under emerging visual planning issues The highway of Main Street should be visually altered to invite visitors to stop in downtown and at other sites in Moab." Guess we could always hand out flashlights to people who venture off Main Street after dark. The Borresons RS. We think the greatest challenge facing Moab is the lack of year-rounjobs, so maybe you could work on that, mayor. And let us worry about our bottom line, when it comes to our business and property. d which I am very afraid will be dramatically increased with this highway. Right now they are NOT going 70 mph. There will be a constant hummmm which I dread. Just hearing one truck or car going down Potash Road is amazingly noisy. I just dont see how we can control the noise bouncing off the cliffs. Im hoping that we can figure out a solution that will make our town, and Main while keeping our noise and light Street, pollution to a minimum. New York City is a constant buzz of activity. Thats what some people love about it. I prefer the peace and relative quiet of Moab. Thats why I moved here. I dont have the perfect answer. I just want to know that this aspect is being considered. Right now it seems to me that the best choice would be to save money NOT building the bypass, and make money ticketing the speeding trucks that go through town. They learn quickly which towns they need to slow down in and which ones they don't. That opinion may change as the discussions continue in The Times and elsewhere. I do wish that we could discuss this without the personal attacks, and unnecessary snide comments, This is not an easy issue, and there is no perfect or simple solution. Sincerely, user-friendl- y, Judy Powers Moab Last Sunday I walked out my front door and saw one familiar impostor and a newcomer, a blue heeler, as it turned out, romping on my front lawn. I yelled my usual "get out" at them, but instead of going to another lawn, as they often do, these dogs attacked me. Tb make a long story short, I received a dog bite on my foot that required 14 stitches and will put me out of commission for three weeks. The blue heeler had not had rabies shots and I am still Merrell not running for the people of Grand County: I have made the decision not to run for to the county At Large seat on the Grand County Council. At the end of this year I will have spent almost ten years 'as County Commissioner and Council member. I have enjoyed serving you over the years but I feel I must move on and do other things with my life. Some of the goals that I set for myself in tine Grand County Council have been accomplished. Some are being worked on. Some may never be completed. I have tried to be honest and objective in all of my dealing with the public and other government agencies. In my opmion there should be new council members who will bring new ideas to the council and not allow the council to become mired down in a rut by not plans. considering any new ideas and long-terWhen the voters initiated the "New Form of Government there was a stipulation that no changes could be made for six years. The six-yeperiod is up and perhaps now is the time to review the present form of government in Grand County and see if there should be any changes made. If any changes or adjustments are thought to be needed, they should be placed on the ballot and voted on by the people. ar t, re-electi- on Tb m waiting to see if I am the one who has to have the shots. I try to maintain a pretty yard; my water bill in the summer reaches $80 a month. But if I have company, I try to warn them to walk on the driveway because my lawn is too dirty. My lawn gardener quit last summer because of dog dung. Tb add insult to this unpleasant story, in last week's the court news listed three cases fined less than $100; two $40 fines for speeding, and one $50 fine for dog bite. I am not through chalking up bills, but I would guess my dog bite is going to cost closer to $5,000 than $50. One bottle of antibiotics was $85. The mayor assures roe the dog problem will be handled. There is only one way up the fine for an unleashed dog to $300 and there wont be a dog on the streets in two weeks. I beg the people of Moab to get behind this problem; I know from the calls I have had, I am not alone. Sincerely, Maxine Newell , Moab Some, changes in our New Form of Government could be: Two-terlimit of council members. Recall of elected officials. designation of elected officials. This part of the law was reaffirmed by the voters in the last election. I would like to see it back on the ballot because when any of the county officials go up to the State Legislature there is one door for the democrats and one doer for the republicans and nowhere did I ever find a door. It probably doesnt make any difference in local elections, but it does make a difference in state politics. Change the Council so that all the voters of Grand County elect all of the Council. . Perhaps reduce the size ofthe Council from seven members down to five members. This would reduce the costs of the Council about I want to thank the people of Grand County for allowing me to serve you, and I wish the person who replaces me all the luck in the world. Rezpectfully Harvey Merrell m Non-politic- al non-partisa- 29. . Moab Now, we all know that 600 doubled is 1,200 but give it a re6t. In my book 1,100 is pretty damned close And just to add ray opinion, your Duh!" at the end of that statement w as uncalled for and childish, you really could have done without that remark! Finally why should they have to go through all the trouble with your suggestion of the two houses in two names. They haw lived in Moab, on and off, for over 20 years that I know of. They brought good businesses here many, many years ago that are still here and doing very well. I dont blame them for being upset and 1 don't blame them if they dont ever want to move back. I wouldnt... Lifetime resident K. Davis Moab Largest education increase in a decade Dear Sam and Adrien, Thank you for providing space in The Times Independent in recent weeks for us to inform the community about education funding issues during the legislative session. Wed also like to thank everyone who responded by contacting legislators. Due to the efforts of many people, the Legislature's approved budget for additional new funding available next year for public schools is $113.4 million. That is the largest increase in a decade. The Weighted Pupil Unit (WPU) is the formula for distributing funds to school districts. This year the Legislature increased the value of the WPU by 5.5, from $1,901 to $2,006. A task force has been formed to determine how to sustain this rate of increase for the next 10 years, helping Utah catch up to the national average for education funding. Since 1988, increases to the WPU have been minimal, so funding for public education had fallen to an his- - toric low when compared to the overall size of Utahs economy. Substantially increasing the value of the WPU, which funds school districts' Maintenance and Operations budget includes operation of district facilities, salaries of all staff, and the purchasing of textbooks and supplies. We are grateful for the continuing support of Rep. Keele Johnson and Sen. Mike Dmitrich for educational issues. Their bipartisan efforts to raise the level of school funding were instrumental in averting a statewide job action. We also appreciate Superintendent Ferguson and the school board for w irking closely with the association to plan for student safety in the event a job action had been necessary. The local media should be commended for their prompt action to inform the public that school would be in session as usual last Monday Sincerely, Linda Warren end Bernie Radcliffe of the Grand Education Association Letters to the editor policy . . . The welcomes opinions from its readers concerning any subject pertinent to Southeastern Utah. Letters should be to the point and must include the writers name, address and telephone number. Letters may not be used to replace advertisements, or to list and thank sponsors or participants to a particular event. Letters to the editor will be not be accepted from any candidate who has filed for political office or from anyone writing in support of a filed candidate. Anything unsigned, of a libelous nature, or containing defamatory statements will not be considered for publication. All letters must be typed or legibly written, and be 800 words or less. Letters are subject to editing. Mail to Letter to the Editor," P.O. Box 129, Moab, Utah, 84532. Deadline is Monday, 5 p.m. Letters may also be sent via to editormoabtimes.com. The may not accept letters from persons who write more frequently than once every four weeks. Times-Independe- nt Times-Independe- issue Unleashed dog problem in Moab Dear Sam and Adrien: The subject of this gripe is dogs. For years I have been running stray dogs off my property. I have protested to the city offices many times; once I was assured that a second dog catcher had been employed. I have had traps installed in various locations on my property, but the only animals I ever caught were my lawn gardeners dog and my own cat. People are kind to their pets; they are stuffed on dog biscuits before they let them out, and you steak. Recant tempt them inside a trap with a cently I met the dog catcher on one of his two trips a day down Walker Street. He was unaware that a block behind him a dog was trotting down the street. the letters on Feb. 10 and Feb. 24 contained extreme, unwarranted and vicious attacks on bike people." Well, what about your vicioua attack on people. Tb the letter on Feb. 24, you ask who cares about how much money they apent in furniture? Let me just point out where that $4,500 was spent. Right here in Moab at Knowles Home Furnishings! I would imagine that was the point. You also point out that in your Websters Dictionary the word incur" reads to bring up oneself Ira sorry, but in mine it reads, "1. To come into or acquire 2. Tb become subject to through ones own action; bring upon oneself." (Not bring up oneself. Probably a printing er- - ror right') nt Legislative Report by Rep. Keele Johnson One of the most intense legislative sessions in years is over. We are worn out and glad to be home, but also I believe most people involved ere proud ot the work that was accomplished. A total ot 393 bills were passed. Each of these were discussed in committee, then on the floors of the House and Senate. Almost three times that many bills were proposed, dis- cussed and then defeated. The amount of work that is accomplished y in a session is staggering. The following are some ot the main issues legislators grappled with: Education was definitely the focus of the entire session. With 46.7 percent of the state's budget going to public education and 15.7 percent toward higher education, it is a huge investment for the state. Feelings ran high at the Capitol as everyone tried to support schools without raising taxes. Lawmakers were committed to helping teachers and students, and at times were disheartened to see the possibility of a strike looming. While everyone involved is a little battle scarred, the process was healthy and we can be proud of the level of funding that was found for education. Public schools will receive the best funding package in years. A total of $1.9 billion will be channeled to the 2 system. Higher education is slated to get $6.8 million in new funding for enrollment growth and $6 million for salary increases. These increases come at a cost. Increases must come from either raising taxes or squeezing other budgets. We chose to squeeze other state budgets and not raise taxes. Gun legislation is always a controversial topic. A number of bills were proposed to limit and control guns, but aH failed for lack ot support. One of the most controversial proposals was to restrict 45-da- people with concealed weapons permits from carrying a gun into schools and churches. Those in favor of the proposal believe guns have no place In scnools or churches. Those opposed believe concealed weapon holders have never been a problem and in fact could be a deterrent to violence. Many legislators believe the voters should decide this issue. There is a good chance you will see this as a referendum on this fail's ballot. Marriage and adoption legislation made the news almost nightly. The state's laws have not been clear as to whether single individuals should have the right to adopt children or to be foster parents. This has caused great controversy as Social Services has tried without clear guidelines to determine who should be eligible to care for children in the state who need homes. A bill passed overwhelmingly the last day which prohibits any adoptions or foster care except in homes of legally married couples. Tobacco money is the responsibility of the legislature to budget. Some, including Attorney General Jan Graham, wanted to see the money go solely to youth tobacco prevention programs, but the majority wanted to address a number of needs. The final numbers ended up with $5.5 million going to the CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program), $4 million to the Utah Department of Health for prevention programs, $4 million tor the University of Utah Health Science Center, $2 million for the state drug court expansion program, and finally $13.5 million to be saved in a constitutionally protected trust fund. Sex education in public schools became more restricted with the passage of House Bill 411. The bill prohibits schools from giving students any Library Comer Featured readings and new materials at Grand County Library by Sonja Plummer, Director Grand County Public Library Having computers for our library is a positive addition for a number of reasons. The computers expand our reference materials and make our online catalog accessible from home, and it allows for new means of communication such as email. This advancement in technology brings us to the doorstep of an electronic library much larger than any library in history. For some, this resource has become invaluable. However, as useful as the computers are, navigating the Internet can be frustrating for the learner. As a result, this new resource proves more Irritating than helpful. To ease this frustration and offer help In developing confidence with computers, Grand County Public Library is pleased to host an Internet training session. This training will be facilitated by Ginny Carlson, a new resident in Moab who has been Involved w'th computers for many years. She and her husband taught computers and email to high school students In Romania. Ginny gives hands-o- n training to friends, fam information about birth control and requires teachers to tell students that sex before marriage is against the law. Sex education will focus on abstinence before marriage and fidelity after. Mental health Insurance coverage will be available to many families needing relief, thanks to Rep. Judy Buffmire's bill which will require insurance companies to offer that service. Some fought against the bill believing it Infringes on the free market system, but the majority saw a need to help some families care for members in very trying circumstances. Under the bill, it Is not a mandate that companies buy this service, but it is a mandate that insurance companies have to offer it as a part of their portfolio. Martin Luther King Day will be celebrated in Utah in the coming year. Currently Utahns observe Human Rights Day. Utah is one of only a handful of states that does not acknowledge the contribution of Dr. King. The argument to be more in step with the rest of the nation centers on some perceptions that racism is a problem In Utah, and not celebrating Martin Luther King Day is an indication of those attitudes. Those opposing the change assert that singling out Dr. King for recognition ignores many others who have also contributed to civil rights. While the regular session is concluded, we will be working on a number of issues throughout the year and in the summer interim session. Your views on issues and information you send to me are very helpful. Please feel free to contact me with your concerns and suggestions. I appreciate the opportunity to represent you in the legislature. My goals are always to represent you fairly and aggressively, while voting my conscience. Your sup- port and help are truly appreciated. it ily, and various organizations but the best" student is her father who accesses his email daily The sessions will be held at the Library every Tuesday in March from 12 to 2 p.m. The first week will be an overview of the Internet, the second will focus on how to set up an email account, tfie third, the basics of navigating web pages. The last session Ginny will attempt to answer questions or address specific concerns regarding computer use. non-prof- |