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Show Page Four - The Pyramid - December 23, 1998 Students help Sub for Santa Auditor gives approval of Moroni City annual report by C.R. Truitt MORONI Mayor Roger Cook conducted the Dec. 9, city council meeting where the audit report and water project update led the discussion. City auditor, Gary Kedding-togave the council a thumbs up review on the 1998 fiscal year audit report. Although the city finances continue to get better, Kedding-to- n again announced that the fund balance of $140,000 was over the states allowable five percent to 18 percent budget. said that the Keddington overflow came from $12,000 from B and C road funds and an utilities $11,000 unexpected income. Agreeing that it was t, better to be he said he would help the city put funds where they should be and help them avoid the problem for 1999. In other findings, he said salaries have increased $3,000 and although the update had been made, it wasnt at the time of the audit. He said the state is particular and he had to cite the city for not sticking to the purchase order policy. The policy states any purchase over $75 must have a purchase order. He said it didnt matter what city policy is as long as they stick to it. In three sample purchase orders, two were not filled out correctly, he suggested the city raise the limit $200 to $250. The city also received a "separation of duties black mark. This is a common finding small Utah cities get every year because typically one person handles many jobs. Last on the short list of findings involved a form titled TC-63This is a tax rate summary that has to match the budget amount and needed to be filled better, Keddington stated. He suggested the city consider getting one program to do all city business. He said that the city currently uses QuickBooks and another program to track all business and recommended they should look into one system. Treasurer Scott Cook said they have looked into other programs, but the ones they have looked at didnt handle water needs. n, project application. He said the city is approved for $175,000 loan grant money and a for $525,000. The interest rate will be 1.92 percent and the council needs to check on existing debt service amount which will be paid for in the year 2002 for determination of feasibility before bringing the proposal to the people. Cook stressed that taxes will not be raised and said he is "adamantly against that." He also stated the it is a project and it would fix all hydrants in the city. 20-ye- ar Councilman Merwin Kjar added that the city ought to let people know the city is being patrolled. Morley made a suggestion to put a message in the city newsletter. Scott Cook expressed concern about the legality of an all part-tim- e force. He suggested the council contact League of Cities for confirmation, since the city had started the part-tim- e force until they hire a new officer. Drug problem A resident attending the meet- er Police department Mayor Cook announced that Officer Gene Openshaw will take over the department at the first of the year, replacing Officer Claude Pickett who won his bid for County Sheriff. Cook defended the part-tim- e department saying the amount of work does burn out one cop, mostly because people keep calling them on their time off. With a three-ma- n part-tim- e force, he said the city gets better coverage especially during high crime times during the night and early morning. Councilman Morley brought up questions and citizen complaints. He said citizens complained that they cant get a hold of police and they dont see them during the day. He suggested the city have set policemen to set times, and more daytime patrolling. He also suggested that officers sit on Main Street when kids go and come from school at high visibility times. Mayor Cook said in order to have set policemen the city would e have to hire a officer which could only handle 40 hours a week where the city needs 50 to 60 hours, totaling a 140 per month. He said wages would have to go up to handle benefits, increasing costs. He added since they e have gone to a force they have a better relationship with the county and Highway Patrol, and receive 140 hours coverage. He credited Officer Pickett for his efforts. He also told the council that citizens need to be involved and sign complaints to curb crime. Cook did agree that the city Water project could up the hours to 200 and Mayor Cook reported that the have an officer available when Rural Water Department apchildren come and go from proved the citys upgrade water school. over-budge- full-tim- 9. part-tim- White Christmas We wish you all the very best! the effectiveness of the police force. She said she still sees drug trafficking going on in front of her house, but admitted they are smarter about ing questioned it. Later in the meeting. Cook told the council that a veteran undercover cop from Las Vegas will be working in the three county area, spending two years making cases against drug dealers. Meeting monthly Council Kjar reminded members they had discussed going to one meeting a month. City recorder Gordon said the city has an ordinance which says the change must be made by a resolution and passed at a council meeting. The council directed Gordon to write the resolution and put it on the Jan. 13 agenda. Landfill payment Barbara Gordon was to check the date when the city joined the county landfill. Residents have been paying $5 on city bills, and $2 have been going to the additional outlay for the county penalty to join the landfill. Moronis landfill charge will drop to $3 which other municipalities in the county are paying. Miscellaneous Councilman Larsen expressed concern that "a kid will get injured or even killed" from illegal driving on city roadways. He thought it will just be a matter of time and questioned police effectiveness. Cook said the department has caught a few of them and felt the police department is handling the problem. Councilman Kjar received permission to look into the costs of a lawn mower or tractor with lawn mowing attachments that could also double as smaller alternative to the back-ho- e for the cemetery. 17-ye- ar four-wheel- er Councilman Morley informed Gordon that the water department accounts have been changed for better tracking purposes. Mayor Cook asked Morley to check into the water check-valv- e on the new water tank. He said it was important for keeping the tank from emptying in an emergency. The council received a poster of thanks from the middle school visit. for the Cook reminded the council council meeting that a will be held just before the Christmas party to take care of some business. ls Dr. Steven Bench DDS and Staff Fairview City Recorder Barbara Gordon announced that Pitney Bowes checked out for the Y2K problem. the year 2000 computer problem that has been reported. City hall will be closed from Christmas Eve to Jan. 3, and e employees will receive $200 and pan-tim- e employees will receive a $100 Christmas bonus. The council wished Marietta Henroid a happy birthday even though she wasnt at the meeting. Cook said she has missed very few meetings and they wanted to "thank her for her support." full-tim- C5 Sarea Ol Lets cherish the spirit of Christmas and the joy of friendship. Dr. Bruce Larsen DDS and staff 0 1 I Pleasant r Seniors to hold MORON- I- At w V as the Verla Marx was president for another two-yeterm. Bonnie Fullmer was elected as Verla was bom and raised in Fountain Green and graduated from Moroni High School. She was married to the late Wes Marx and lived in Mt. Pleasant until his death. After she served an LDS Mission to Wisconsin, she moved to Monticello where she lived for 12 years. She has moved back to Moroni and lives in the Senior Citizen Apartments. She is very active in the LDS church and has served in a number of positions. She has had a lot of support in her position as the president and no matter who she asks to help serve, or help in any way, they are glad to do so. Bonnie moved to Moroni from the Rose Park area and is very active in the Senior Citizens program. She enjoys living in Moroni. ar vice-preside- fffKlDS! like to thank you one and all. Hope your holiday Is merry. Country Squire ML -- Snow College is seeking a secretary for the Sanpete School To Work Project. For qualifications and position descrip-- ; tion, contact Snow College Human : Office, Closing date: January 1, 1999. EEOE. Tips for better holiday eating LOGA- N- A recent Utah State University press release lists( tips and strategies to help eat healthier during the holiday season. Think ahead. Make a list of holiday meals and parties and mark them on a calendar. On the day of a party, start with a light breakfast and lunch and try to avoid eating between meals. Avoid going to parties with an appetite. Eat a piece of fruit, drink a small amount of juice or eat a couple of crackers just before leaving home. Be cautious of foods that are high in fat. Hors doeuvres often fit into this category, as well as nuts and dessert. Socialize away from food and beverage tables so temptations to overeat wont be there. If high calorie or high fat foods are served, try a half portion. Be aware of drinks. Diet soda, mineral water and seltzer water are beverages, while alcoholic drinks can contribute substantially to calorie totals. If hosting a party, be sure to choices, including provide low-ffresh fruits and vegetables, low fat spreads and dips. Keep track of what one eats. Try to match days of overeating Recruit a with under-eatinfriend, family member or spouse to help monitor eating, then have d items. a reward of 57. mnmmimM. DOUBLE SECTION HOME Top Pleasant Quality Homes . at Guaranteed Lowest Price. PhDdlm,B Approx 1066 QUALITY WHOLESALE HOMES SdUp. iq. (I. SERVING YOU NATIONWIDE WISHING .YOU. zero-calor- ie Our of prescription (or a happy holiday season includes generous measures from of with dose us. cheer a and gratitude healthy along goodwill We're realty thankful for your conhdence and support. at SKYLINE PHRAMACY 1 g. x W. Main - Mt. Pleasant 462-243- 4 non-foo- Santa: Claus will be coming to, Moroni City December 24 Moroni LDS Stake Center 82 North Center Street rv but wed Mt. Pleasant Elementary recently held their DARE Graduation. Certificates were given to 66 students and a drawing for bears took place. Winners of the drawing are front row, left to right,!; Nick Burr, Lacy Elmer and Jacob Curtis. Back row from left to right, Officer Graham, Mt. Pleasant Police Chief Kay Larsen, and Officer Wilburg. 435-283-70- OQ TfMtdkS, The list Is long Food Bank. Appreciation go to Mr. Thomas and Mrs. Olsen for organizing the event and to students and staff for donated to the project. the Senior I rV'CV'r'' Christmas Food for "Bear" Cupboards project. They delivered four large boxes of canned and packaged food items for the Citizens annual Christmas party, ,yi vvvVW- Mt. Pleasant Elementary students are shown completing the Christmas party c. yvi ML MT PLEASAN- T- North Sanpete High School students did their part to help Santa this year. At lunch, Santas helpers rang the bell for contributions to help the cause. Student body officers put up the "Angel" tree. Students took an angel from the tree which had a childs name on it. They then purchased gifts for the child. Many students brought more gifts then were asked. The LDS Seminary raised over $400 to put with the donations. The Drama Club hosted a party and dance and donated $100 of the proceeds. "Kids feel that this is a worth while donations," said Mr. Han- sen. Christmas Eve Program starts at 6 p.m. presented by Miss Moroni Royalty Santa will arrive shortly after the program to give candy and nuts to all in attendance. SO COME JOIN THE FUN! i |