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Show I I WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 1983 Job Thankless But Gratifying, Irvine Reports By GARY R. BLODGETT said Commissioner Irvine. consumers, This firm, like many others, has an excellent record of management. Meanwhile, Mountain Fuel increased its rates several times in recent years. Why? And who suffers from the increased rates of utilities? The elderly and those on fixed incomes or without jobs, he said. Some families simply cannot afford public utility costs and I cant promise they will go dow n. But if rates continue to rise, there will be many Utahns without heat next winter. BOUNTIFUL Being a member of the Utah Public Service Commission (PSC) is a thankless but gratifying job. THIS IS the way David Irvine, of Bountiful. one of three members of the board, summed up his commission post at a general membership meeting of the Bounti-lu- l rate-contr- ol Area Chamber of Commerce last W ednesday. "A judge hears a case and in the end at least one side is happy, said Commissioner Irvine. But when we on the Public Service Commission hear a case, no one is happy COMMISSIONER Irvine, responding to a question from the audience, agreed that efficiency in operation is essential to keeping costs down-a- nd subsequently keeping utility rates to a minimum. But how can a commission measure efficiency? We are concerned, too, and the commission is in the process of measuring auditing processes, wages and salaries, operation costs, managment expenses, etc., but beyond this, what can we do, he asked. . BUT COMMISSIONER Irvine says his iob is very gratifying, just the same. "We know the job we have is important to not only the consumer but the utility company as well, he said. Even though both, in the end, may not be satisfied, we know that we have done the best job we can to control rates and maintain an economic ba- COMMISSIONER Irvine said the Public Service Commission has a limited staff but the best qualified personnel in the commissions history. He said the budget is about $1 million and the staff includes researchers, economists, auditors, legal advisors, public accountants, secretaries, 30 total. Asked by this writer if PSC members should be elected rather than appointed, Commissioner Irvine responded: Im not so sure that PSC members should be elected because that would add another outside pressure to the pressure-packe- d job. lance." COMMISSIONER Irvine says the most frequent criticism is why dont you (PSC) ever say no to requests for increased rates. "It's just not possible to deny rate increases as often as the public would like, he said. We must always keep in mind that by statute we must allow a reasonable rate of return based on what the public could get with a similar risk. etc.--abo- ut HE ADDED: We have to deal with realities of investment, including how much it costs to borrow money and how much could be gained if that money was invested at a reasonable rate. Commissioner Irvine emphasized that Mountain Fuel Supply Company, for example, invests up to 50 percent of its revenue into capital expenditures and buys from of all other fuel sources nearly two-thirthe product it sells. WHEN THE governor (a Democrat) nominated me (a Republican) for the appointment there was no outside political pressure. I entered the position without owing anyone anything and simply did the best job I could. I was not affiliated with any utility or group that may be approaching the (PSC) Commission and I feel this has been a great advantage ovec someone being elected to the same post. YET, MOUNTAIN Fuel is still among the lowest in the nation for rates it charges Housing Projects Are On Schedule - FARMINGTON Two n dollar housing projects under construction for the Davis County Housing Authority in Bountiful are on their way to an early complemulti-millio- tion. the SHE INDICATED au- thority anticipates receiving about $85,000 - slightly more than had previously been thought - from communty block grants as awarded by the county after state scrutiny. In -- addition, $30,000 in solar ener- JANE WILSON, assistant director for the authority, says contractors are hoping for a September finish on the multi- unit family and elderly housing although their contracts dont call for completion until later. The type multibedroom family units are being built at 2160 S. Orchard Drive and 410 W. Center while the senior citizen housing is being built adjacent to the existing Meadows in south Bountiful. gy grant funds have been received and in some cases can be combined with rehab funds to assist in certain houses with energy-relate- d problems. Like many other groups, the housing authority didnt refor a possiceive the ble share of $1.5 million in additional rehab money that had been sought from the Legislature. It wouldnve been divided between various parts of the state. AT THIS point, it hurt-- we wont hadnt planned for Mrs. Wilson said optimistically, adding that approval was received for a word processor that will assist the office in Farmington, tb it, Sunset Finances In The Pink By DONETA GATHERUM SUNSET - Mayor Norm Sant reported to the Sunset -- City Council at the last regular council meeting that the city annual audit had been accepted by the state of Utah. This means the operation of in Sunset City is acceptable according to the standards set by the state. IN OTHER council busi- ness, Mayor Sant said an agreement between the Davis School District and Sunset City public safety officials had been reached regarding parking problems on 2050 North by Sunset Elementary School. This summer, the school district will build some parking space on the south side of the building. The Mayor indicated he would write a letter to the school district stating that he and other city officials were displeased with the way contractors are working on the Sunset Junior High School THE MAYOR believes loading and unloading of equip- ment could be done better by moving the trucks onto school property. Complaints have been made about the mess contractors have left in the city streets. The public works department reported meetings are being scheduled with Clearfield City officials to develop plans for 800 N. Street and to discuss expenses shared by four cities in this street project . FLNALLY, Mayor Sant reported to the council that the County Board of Health had the Store at 2385 N. Main. A great deal of improvement has been made. About one month ago, the Board of Health reported this 1 Store management was in violation of several county ordinances, dmg Display Ad Deadline Thurs. 12:00 Noon New Legislation Could Mean Savings For School Busing word has been received on three other, smiliar accounts. Rehab funds, as they're called, are used to renovate homes with faulty electrical wiring to leaking roofs, for example, with funds required to be returned when a house is sold or the owner dies, for example. Fashions For Handicapped Displayed CLEARFIELD-- A fashion showing of clothing especially adapted to severely physically handicapped people will be presented Wednesday, March 30 in the Clearfield Convalescent Center Day Room, 1450 S. 1500 E., Clearfield from 8 7-- p.m. THE COMMUNITY is vited. There is no charge. This in- Functional is a new and innovative idea designed to provide specially adapted clothing for the severely physically handicapped. THE PROGRAM is sponsored by the Voluntary Action Fashions" concept of the Community Services Council of Salt Lake City. Any handicapped person may obtain the service. For more information contact Jannie Kirk or Frankie Draidfort at dmg 776-655- 3. while, he recalled, noting many ineligibles were the bus but that brought picked up to fully utilize the state. from reimbursement zero He indicated about 1,600 students are being transfilled with eligibles while ported on buses partly are entirely ineligible. bused another 1,400 being unless we decide to that Nothing will change added. he change the policy, THE EQUIVALENT of 22 busloads are being and each bus transported with ineligible students filled or not, whether its a costs about $15,000 year when driver compensation and other costs are considered, Dr. Butler explained. "If we can eliminate three buses we can save $45,000. The reason were transporting some (students) with lower rating (hazard) is because the parents made so much noise. Since we never had an objective way to (determine) transportation in the past, those who kept quiet didnt get hauled. QUESTIONS WILL have to be decided affecting 175 students living across the highway from Bountifuls Adelaide Elementary School, for example, and more students living across from the Camelot Subdivision in Layton where parents were successful in getting their kids bused to Lincoln Elementary. Were transporting some students with a lower rating than others are, Dr. Butler continued, adding some parents had claimed that was true although it was impossible previously to precisely determine without a point system in place. WELL TRY to come to a reasonable conclusion and provide adequate information to the board for future action, adding its a lot easier to keep hauling than not when considering possibly dropping some students already being bused. We are trying to systemize so we have some kind of analysis, so we can determine which area is more hazardous than another, Supt. Lawrence Welling said, to eliminate the cry from parents asking why mine arent being transported. - North County Editor - FARMINGTON Depending on how a new law is School District could save Davis interpreted, the thousands of dollars in transportation costs while implementing a strict busing policy. THE DISTRICT was penalized $157,000 last year students, or by state officials for busing those who live slower than 1 Vi miles to school or two miles for secondary. At the same time, work should be completed on a new transportation policy by May for board approval, as well. That would remove busing some students who live distances who have closer than the been bused because of parent pressures, many times. Some students are bused currently because of hazard, such as near Woods Cross Elementary where busing is conducted because students would have to cross freeway ramps and other major traffic state-support- arteries. by District Transportation Supervisor Richard Butler, the new busing policy would be based on a strict point system, currently being completed by a citizens committee that includes Dr. Butler as chairman; Quay Burbank of Layton; Geri Siddoway and Thuryle Quayle of Bountiful; Dot Fondario of Kaysville, Pennie Alsup of Clearfield, Ernest Hill of Sunset and Colin Hart of Kaysville. Over the last nearly half year, theyve spent hours in good or bad weather visiting dozens of sites where students walk to school, evaluating conditions for a grading system. Included in that is a point system ranging from 10 for an area without sidewalks, curb and gutter and possible visionary blocks, such as curves, to an area with sidewalks, 15 mile per hour school area speed limit that would receive only a AS EXPLALNED one. ALSO CONSIDERED is the volume of traffic one half hour before and after school, with extra points given for trucks, including the number of pedestrian students and their age level, with highest points given for kindergarten students. While he presented a list of hazardous areas during a presentation to the board of education, Dr. Butler declined to provide copies to the board or press due to changes that may be made before the final decision comes in May. BOARD PRES. Sheryl Allen emphasized a decision should be made before schools out the end of May, alerting parents to any changes. While its still uncertain what interpretation state officials will put on Senate Bill 334, Dr. Butler said it should allow carrying ineligible students if no extra expense is allowed and Mrs. Allen agreed that at the worst, transportation shouldnt cost any extra in 1983-8It wont affect the current year. 4. HE USED the example of 400 N. 1000 W. in Kaysville, where a bus must be sent by state distance regulations to pick up 10 youngsters. That leaves 80 empty seats. Should we drive by all the other kids area or route-th- is THERE ISNT A will give some way of judging that in terms of looking at what we can provide with the resources we have. But, speaking of financing busing he added, "I think we can not tolerate using a lot of general fund (monies) to finance it. Questioned about busing private students, Dr. students were bused to BountiButler said four-fiv- e ful on a bus that must travel there empty each day to transport students back north and another afternoon driver returns the students. Were just reporting dont care he said (that trip) as dead miles--the- y He the to state. emphasized carrying those referring students involves no traveling out of the way because the students come to the bus. HE ADDED that a bus formerly picked up some St. OlaFs (Catholic School) students in Maple Hills area of east Bountiful and took them to that Bountiful school but that had been discontinued. We are not required to transport students from private schools, Supt. Welling emphasized. He added that cities have been cooperating as much as money will stretch to build sidewalks near some schools. mr Price For Fmr Site? IB By GARY R. BLODGETT twin-hou- IN A recent housing authority meeting, the board was notified that one rehabilitation housing loan is delinquent and no communication has been made with them on a $4,000 total, she said, although some We overfilled for a just so we dont get penalized? By TOM BUSSELBERG One way or another, Davis County will have to have another site available by the summer of 1985 - or temporarily put aside its traditional fair activities. -- Canoeing Unsafe On Jordan River Canoeists are advised by the Utah State Division of Parks and Recreation to refrain from canoeing the treacherous high waters of the Jordan River until the water level recedes. SURVEY of the Jordan River, conducted this week by Jordan River State Parkway A personnel, revealed many hazards for canoeists. Nolan River Hanson, Provo-Jorda- n Parkway Supervisor, who assessed the dangers of canoeing the river at this time said, Our survey revealed far too many hazards to canoeists for them to attempt any canoeing until after the spring runoff subsides. We found that the river is unsafe for canoeing from the Narrows to the Salt s County line. It was discovered upon sur-Lake-Davi- vey of the river that there is not sufficient clearance at any of the bridges to allow passage of canoes. At some of the bridges only 12 to 15 inches of clearance exists; at others the current is so strong that canoes could be swept into a bridge abutment and capsized. Many bridges have collected debris making passage treacherous. There are also numerous sites along the river where barbed wire fences have become sub- merged creating additional hazards. WATER IS also flowing over many of the rivers diversion dams creating potential hazards to canoeists. Canoeists may keep abreast of canoeing conditions on the Jordan River by calling the Jordan River State Parkway office 6 at or 523-449- 533-606- 8. FARMINGTON -- - Davis County may have selected a site for its new fairgrounds but only if the price is right. complex - DAVIS COUNTY Commissioners said site they are seriously considering a near the Oakridge Country Club in west Farmington. In fact, the site is located between U.S. Highway 89 (Mountain Road) and Interstate Highway 15 and south of Shepard Lane. The parcel in question is all or part of tract east of the south nine about a holes of the Oakridge Country Club Golf Course. The sale price is between $37,000 and $45,000 per acre. 60-ac- 100-ac- re ITS THE SALE price that has county officials concerned. Commissioner Harry Gerlach said he believes the location to be ideal for all Davis County but questioned the high price tag -high compared to some other properties in the area. ITS AN IDEAL location but I feel that we would have to put the land to multiple use to justify the purchase and development of a rodeo, fairgrounds and county park complex, he said. THE REASON: an agreement between Davis County Fair Board and Lagoon Corporation expires after 1984. And it doesnt appear that an extension is in the offering. Thus, a new county fair complex site is going to be needed soon if Davis County is to have development - even partial development in time for the 1985 fair. COMMISSIONERS agree there is an urgency for purchase of a new site but they must keep in mind funds necessary to purchase the land and then the taxpayers response for approving a bond issue necessary to develop the land. Commissioner Harold J. Tippetts emphasized that the proposed site near the golf course is centrally located, has good access and has excellent exposure from the Interstate and Highway 89. -- COUNTY OFFICIALS are intent in keeping the fairgrounds site centrally located, preferably in the Farmington-Kaysvill- e area. Jack Bailey, of the Davis County Economic Development Board, said earlier that property is available in north and south Davis County at a lot less money. BUT THIS would not be centrally located and could create problems when it comes to bonding for development of the site, he said. Commissioner Gerlach also noted that the entire county has been surveyed for a possible site and last year about 10 sites were considered. These sites were given priority based on location, accessibility and price of the land. HE SUGGESTED that to make the complex economically feasible, there should be d a park, fulltime horse arena and track, and an exhibition hall in addition to other fairground and rodeo facilities used primarily during the summer. year-aroun- He said the exhibition hall could be used for animals shows, displays and exhibits. Davis County high school and youth groups could also use the facility year around. LOOKING TO the future, development of the fairgrounds could also include expansion of county-owne- d buildings to relieve overcrowding of existing facilities in Farmington, commissioners explained. These agencies could include the Utah State University Extension Service, already involved in county fair activities; Council on Aging, Utah Highway Patrol, and other agencies. Davis Taxpayers Getting Slower By GARY R. BLODGETT - It may FARMINGTON be the tight economy, but whatever the reason Davis County property owners are becoming more and more delinquent in the payment of their taxes. THATS THE word from county officials who noted that an increasing number of home owners are delinquent in the payment of their real estate taxes. County tax rolls, it was explained, have grown to such proportions that the delinquency list now totals more than $2.3 million for the past five years. HOW DOES this affect the cities which get a proportinate share of the tax money from the county? Moneywise, Layton is suf fering the worst while still waiting for about $44,000 in last year's (1982) taxes. Bountiful is still in the hole by about $41,700; Clearfield is in the red by nearly $20,000; Farmington is lacking $16,000; and Centerville is still waiting for about $10,480. BUT ITS the smaller cities that are really feeling the bite, according to County Treasurer Pauline McBride. Even though they may not get as much in total funds, they rely more on the tax money they do receive. She said the delinquency list has increased yearly and now that the information is on computer the picture is vivid and not too br ght. In 1 982, the nonpaying tax list oaled more than 3,000. - ALONG WITH delinquent tax payments is the increasing number of properties being sold to pay for back taxes, Ms. McBride noted. She said nearly 100 properties will be sold to the highest bidder at a public auction on May 25. Property owners have a grace period in which to pay (delinquent) taxes. AND SOME property owners, for one reason or another take advantage of this and dont pay taxes until their property is about to be placed on the auction block, she said, noting that one south Davis property owner is delinquent by five years ad owes about $100,000 in back taxes. Also atop the delinquent list are building contractors and subdividers who hit hard times in recent years and have not been able to pay their taxes. OTHERS surprise you,, "they appear to have money but either have it tied up in investments and capitalize on the interest or use thir money for other purposes while delaying their tax But she cautions theres a high interest rate and a penalty for late payments so its best to pay on time. - |