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Show y 4' APRIL 6, 1983 . Davis School Board Grapples With Policy On Education Just Calls They Have Answers By TOM BUSSELBERG FARMINGTON Help? Call or 546-415- 1, - Need 451-515- 1 451-338- MORE THAN 8,000 county residents did just that, last year, seeking help whether it was to find an affordable home to what hours the library is open. Davis County Information and Referral has been trying to steer people to where the answers are for about seven years, headed for the last two by Roselyn Dechart, who operates in an office shared with United Way, the almost total backer for the I&R that seemed in peril due to scarce funding two years ago. SOME 5,200 calls received during 1982 were social service related, that is, questions that were relayed to so- cial service agencies from Council on Aging to the county housing authority, and thats the emphasis sought by I&R, Mrs. Dechart emphasizes. Its object of helping by referring resources (to callers) that can help them, not to provide counseling our other assistance from our office, she says, noting that often people will turn to I&R when theyre at a loss of assistance. SHE CITES several recent cases that are becoming more of their first child. and more common in these difficult economic times. In one instance, a man sought help after he and his wife returned to the area, all their possessions stuffed into their car. They had used their last change to buy a doughnut and coffee and had been living out of their car for several weeks. Through I&Rs efforts, he landed a temporary job that And while many are being helped, there are dozens of HE RETURNED to thank Mrs. Dechart for I&Rs success in his case, noting the fulltime job position and location of housing they could afford. Another young man, father of two children, highly skilled in his profeseion, had lost his job. It was down to a situation. His appearance had deteriorated with his experience and it was doubted others in need, such as a handicapped woman whos in need of housing and another handicapped individual highly skilled as a secretary who needs e work to support herself and a teenage daughter. In another instance, a woman needs a job she can do at home while caring for her bedridden husband. part-tim- hand-to-mou- th la-t- er became permanent, emergency housing was located with rent paid back through work the couple did around the apartment, some food was provided and she was directed to the health department and given medical attention in anticipation of the birth he would be considered for MANY PEOPLE dont seem aware of the program, or cant see a need until they personally are affected, she notes, indicating presentations can be given to civic clubs or other groups. work on first glance. WITH SOME appropriate assistance, such as clothing, he apparently succeeded in finding work, she notes. 3 C 3 Commissioners Get Ready For Start Of New Approve Weber Water Coirnty Maimer - FARMINGTON The from 1966 to 1969. He also has been president Davis County Commission approved the appointment of a of his own consulting firm in new County Planner last Bozeman, Mont, and AssociHeleWednesday. Richard Mayfield ate Planning Director in will take up the position starting May I. na, Mont. MR. MAYFIELD was selected over 34 other appliMR. MAYFIELD will come cants for the position which to Davis County with 17 years has been vacant since the first of planning experience. He is of the year. Former County no stranger to Davis County Planner Harold J. Tippitts left either since he used to be the position when he was Assistant County Planner here elected to the County Commis April 15th the Weber Basin Water Conservancy District will begin turning water into irrigation lines. Because of the large area served by the District (Ogden to Salt Lake City), this process takes two to three weeks, and because certain facilities are more exposed to the elements there is no definite order in which lines are charged. WE ASK your indulgence during this period and remind you to make sure all valves are closed. sion. The need for a new planner became even more urgent with the recent death of Assistant Planning Director Albert Cole. When Mr. Mayfield takes his new post, he will help select a new Assistant County Planner. MR. MAYFIELD attended Weber State College and completed his graduate studies at Montana State University. He is the father of four children. Phot Beadlme -- BUT, LIKE so many of the rest of us, the rest of their bodies dont often get the exercise needed to keep those bones limber and muscles toned. In the end, that can mean attacking each day sluggishly, to say the least down to where the mind might not be as alert as it could be, pricked by exercise. Several hundred Davis County teachers and other school employees are doing something enrolled in the positive about Healthy Lifestyles program that has them bending and stretching, eating more sensibly as they more closely watch their weight and learning ways to better cope with mental stress. AS EXPLAINED by Dee Bumingham, Davis Education Assoc, executive secretary, the program, now in its second session that began late last month, has hundreds attending exercise, weight control, fitness stress management and a host of other classes on a regular basis in schools scattered across the county. association Its all part of a district-teachegoal to help trim those pounds for hoped-fo- r greater personal efficiency while cutting back on the insurance bills that tend to lead to ever-highthat--they- re rs er premiums. PARTICIPANTS first put themselves session of a "stress through a grueling 4 test where theyre asked to run, walk and perform other physical activities while monitoring devices record results for evaluation that can be used to determine what level of THE BOARD pondered its statement of the philosophy of education that says: We in Davis County, subscribe to the philosophy that education is a means of individual and social improvement, that every individual should be provided educational opportunities, and that enlightened is dependent on education of the masses. Thats broken down into the primary purpose of schools that reads: To serve the individual; therefore, the schools should provide for each child and youth the kind and amount of education which will assist him-hto achieve maximum adequacy in all phases of living. THE BOARD also discussed a section in the comand church, home the with munity, sharing that relates the schools part with Board Member Robert McIntosh emphasizing the schools role should be aligned with that of the home. Twcbers Work Ob Bodies By TOM BUSSELBERG THE BOARD met in a special session to in that document, much of which has been in place for nearly 20 years, as it relates to the role of the board vs. the administration and what the aims should be in providing students with an education. Board Pres. Sheryl Allen recalled statements by former Stae Supt. of Schools Walter Talbot and said we have a high caliber of student in many families with high expectations. Ive been asking how that came about, she said, emphasizing she would like to see strengthening in college entrance requirements. Id like to see a statement that says we realize the quality of the student to strive for a higher degree of excellence. start preparing revisions er 3 FARMINGTON - Most teachers have developed strong, steady voices to carry them through a five, six or seven period day. - The Davis Board of FARMINGTON Educations policy statement became a lot more than a piece of paper, last week. exercise is optimum. In addition, eating, sleeping and other regular habits are recorded on paper and compared with actual age and other factors to find the ideal, age and program for each participant. More than 700 went through that test with hundreds signing up for that first session of classes that began after Christmas. Many of those have returned, joining others, for the second session. MANY OTHERS followed suggestions formulated in the county health department prepared health appraisal on their own, without taking formal classes. Mr. Bumingham says people are looking at the program as a great opportunity to improve peoples health. There are obvious advantages to everybody and lower medical coss are quite apparent. ' A sampling of classes includes exercise fitness workshops of supervised and directed exercise held three times a week. The first course includes warm-u- p exercises, walking, jogging, weight-liftin- g and sports activities best suited to the individuals needs while the second course includes warm-u- p and aerobic dance. STRESS MANAGEMENT includes two parts, with the first segment emphasizing development of cognitive skills for managing stress such as time management and problem solving while the second portion explores relaxation response through progressive relaxation and meditation techniques. A third class is designed to develop personal assertiveness to reduce the effects of interpersonal stress. Weight control classes follow the Utah Heart Assoc.s Slim for Life of a behavior modification diet and exercise program includ ing classroom instruction and individual exercise out of class. The second half features supervised exercise and exercise instruction. SPEAKING OF those involved in that first session, Mr. Bumingham said it appears 75 percent will meet their weight goals and will have begun some sort of systematic program that often includes running. Assertiveness-stres- s management classes are taught in conjunction with Davis County mental health while many of the instructors are teachers whove taken similar classes or wanted to get involved. NOTING A survey will be used to assess feelings of participants, asking what changes have been made in lifestyles, he said medical costs have already been impacted in some cases. Most wont show major medical cost reductions for years but the preliminary report from the insurance company indicates they may be finding some demonstrated decrease in insurance claims this year. This program is just one of many things the DEA is working on to reduce medical care costs. Weve initiated a clearance before they go to the hospital in hand with the insurance company for elective surgery and includes advise on whether a second medical opinion is advisable before acting, Mr. Bumingham explained. THE NORMAL length of stay for such a procedure is checked vs. average cost with encouragement for people to check out of the hospital as soon as possible. In maternity cases, that could mean a small payment back to those patients who stay two days rather than the usual three, he added. In conjunction with that, Board Member Ray Briscoe questioned teaching of English sonnets that students may find hard to relate to their daily lives. My thinking is that we will succeed when the things kids talk about in the hall will become a part of the classroom. HE EMPHASIZED youngsters are often having to deal with dads who might punch their lights out if they find out theyre dealing with drugs for example, or when some students are having to choose husbands or wives. If kids cant come out to English literature and see how it relates to them, it isnt education. Speaking of the need to prepare students adequately for college or other post-hig- h school pursuits, Mr. McIntosh went on, By TOM BUSSELBERG North County Editor FARMINGTON Laytons forging new ground when it cor es to forcing its hand on the countys community block grants. THE MAYOR and other city officials are taking their quest for further review of the eight proposals approved as well as 10 others that sought funding. At issue is denial of Laytons downtown rede- velopment grant for a second time in a row with $388,000 asked. It was a new experience for the Wasatch Front Regional Council, the body that reviewed the grants after the COG approval followed by state scrutiny. THE THREE committee members handling the appeals procedure were Mayor Norm Sant from Sunset, also chairman of the Davis Council of Governments who reviewed and decided on those grants initially approved: Mayors J. Farrell Shepherd from South Ogden and Gerald K. Jerry Maloney of West Valley Gity. The trio didnt hide the fact they werent really sure where the appeal was headed but it was determined they didnt have the power to deny or approve those grants given the Davis COGs BUT IT is in the states power, and while it wasnt openly announced in the hearing, the d. press was told that Davis Countys request for a tele- communications system, at a $91,500 cost, didnt quite cut it as far as meeting the federal criteria, including lack of any participating moneys on the countys part. At the heart of Laytons contentions, according to Clark Adams, president of the Layton Downtown Rehabilitation committee, was that many of the grants approved didnt completely follow guidelines set down. He rehearsed the lengthy process he, City Plan- ner Scott Carter, Mayor Shields and Councilwoman Ann Harris used, among others to assure a "perfectly prepared grant. BUT MICK Crandall, assistant director of the Wasatch Front Regional Council, indicated the grants were reviewed more to determine if they met criteria, not whether every section met all technical demands. Grants that were approved included: $85,000 for housing rehabilitation through the Davis County Housing Authority; $69,225 for Centerville water project; $145,000 to West Bountiful for a storm and ground water drainage proposal; $200,000 for Farmington public safety building; $40,500 Clearfield flood control project; the telecommunications system; $160,000 Syracuse secondary water system; $186,950 Kaysville water projects. AMONG GRANTS that fell by the wayside in addition to Laytons were:a $100,000 South Weber road project; $60,000 Woods Cross park; $43,393 for a Fruit Heights flood control dam; $89,131 emergency routing system from Weber State College; $100,000 West Bountiful road and $122,000 park; two Clearfield proposals, for a $250,000 water grant and $42,000 curb, gutter and sidewalk request. A late request was received for a handicapped project, as well, from Laytons Ruby Price. Although no date was set for the state hearing, Mayor Shields said he wants to meet as soon as possible with the hearing to be held in the State Office Building adjoining the Capitol. THIS IS only the second year grants have been handled by the mayoral COG on to WFRC and the state under President Reagans decentralization program, removing power from regional authorities that for this area sat in Denver. During the hearing, Mayor Shields expressed concern a technical review or indepth study of each grant proposal wasnt made before the mayors had to decide criteria. They received packets outlining each proposal before the February meeting, heard five minute presentations about each grant and then had to evaluate proposals. Ranking was based on a point system. I GET a little disturbed with what Im hearing, Mayor Shields said. "I was under the assumption that there was a technical review before we (mayors) ever graded them. I had the assumption there was some kind of screening. How can we judge 18 applications in such a short time, he asked. "We were looking at merits--- I was not making that technical review. There is no way Layton City will ever make it (and receive a grant), he continued reiterating an argument OiiiW raised previously that only small cities-un- 10, 000-a- der re generally funded. That view was strongly contested by Mayor Sant. STRESSING city officials believe the federal criteria werent properly followed, Mrs. Harris said, If (you) addressed every criteria we should have a little more chance than those that came in who didnt meet any of them. And Mr. Adams stressed, I fault the chart (not the people). AMONG THOSE criteria, national objectives include: low and moderate income; prevention or elimination of slums and blight; urgent health and safety needs. A public hearing was required to gain input before ap- plications were submitted although all didn't follow that rule, just added this year. IN ADDITION, population growth was included as well as comparisons with each countys median income and that of those who supposedly would be served by a project. Unemployment was added, as well. Word is expected on the grants from state officials May 15. i graduation accomplished educational system? On a college level, our can t read. I m frankly; Im amazed they education we of board wondering if as a out more to spell dont have a responsibility when grathey directly the responsibility duate. school that HE SPOKE OF a junior high not If theyre tests its students every year. levels of competence, at with students are required classes night paying that fee. stuWhen I read that 40 percent of the in remeare Utah of dents at the University school dial classes and 60 percent of high m the math or science arent taking students conI m are things last two years-tho- se Bruce Member Parry cerned with, Board said. I think there are a number of areas we can improve in. FOLLOWING that same line was Mr. Briscoe. In my judgement, were doing a lot better job training our medical doctors, nurses and engineers than husbands and wives. I think if we did a better job with inwisdom, we would be a better society I individual. the then first stead of society role be to and teachers principals like would models. The board also grappled with its role vs. the administration, with Mr. Parry indicatwhat and adminising we should be saying tration should be saying how. We ought to be identifying what boards should be doing, not dealing in administrative areas. Do we want to be a board, administration, or a combination? THE general pattern of the board approving decisions followed by implementation from the administration and later review again by the board, Supt. Lawrence Welling talked of value through varied input in developing programs. If the people in the field have input on how to achieve goals, they will be more inclined to try to follow them. We can present that to you for evaluation, then you can say how, when its to be done, etc. One of the most difficult things we have to deal with is that very issue of what is the boards domain and where is administration to fit in, he continued. Were giving out mixed signals if we could somehow clear that. MR. PARRY and McIntosh will begin a review and seek input for creation of a revised policy manual with implementation hoped for by the beginning of the coming school year, tb NOTING 3 C Clearfield Discusses Garbage Plant Future By MARK FOTHERINGHAM - You know you are in CLEARFIELD for a lively public meeting when ground rules for public behavior must first be set especially when the first rule is No Violence. JUST SUCH a meeting was held last Wednesday evening at the Clearfield City offices when both supporters and opponents to the proposed Davis County Resource Recovery Plant battled to lure public officials into being for or against the project. The plants supporters, who originally called the meeting to answer the questions of elected city officials in North Davis County, were represented by three experts. THE FIRST to speak was Jeffrey F. Clu-niconsulting engineer with R.W. Beck and Associates. He explained that the results of his firms studies show that the plant would be technically sound if built as proposed. He said even though the plants garbage burning capacity probably would not be reached until the 1990s, the project is still financially feasible. Even in a worst case scenario (where estimates of income from steam and electricity sales are estimated at a reasonable minimum) the operating and maintenance costs will still be covered, he added. THEN CAME the questions. What happens to the tipping fee (cost per ton of garbage burned) in a worst case situation? Mr. Clunie answered that the fee would still remain within a $7 to $13 range. IS THIS project the state of the art in waste disposal? He answered that the proposed technology has the best track record of anything on the market today. How is wet garbage to burn without an external source of heat? The answer was that particularly wet garbage would be mixed with dry refuse before burning. EACH QUESTION on the complex financial issues of the project were referred to the second speaker, Warren Gregory, investment banker with e, Ltsytm Ctmtiwms Quest Of Grtmt students to have What do we want our of 12 years in after Smith-Barne- He explained that y. 95 percent of the financing would come from the sale of tax exempt industrial revenue bonds. This type of bond allows the builder to claim tax credits and allows the bond purchaser exemptions from federal and state income tax on the interest earned from the bonds. GREGORY said the federal government established this type of bond to encourage construction of facilities like the resource recovery plant. Again questions were fired from the audience. WHY ARE BONDS totaling $56 million being sold when construction costs are only around $37 million? Gregory responded that during the two year construction period bond holders will expect interest payments even though the plant is not producing any revenue. Money for those payments would have to be borrowed up front. Also, the federal government requires that a Debt Service Reserve Fund be established to sit as a reserve throughout the life of the project, he explained. What would happen if an unexpected and uninsured event or law change occurred affecting the plants revenues or adding unexpected costs? Mr. Gregory admitted that the responsibility to bear such costs would fall on the communities served by the plant, but he assured that such unlikely occurrences would result in no more than a two or three dollar increase in tipping fees. QUESTIONS were so numerous that the third speaker, a representative from Industries, never made his presentation. Questions on traffic problems, landfill life expectancy, site selection, dioxins in the atmosphere, and contract obligations were all answered in an orderly and professional manner. There was intense disagreement on whether or not Hill Air Force Base would ever contract to buy steam from the plant as opponents to the project grasped for something to continue arguing over. Their frustration seemed to rise with every answer, until finally, a question was asked that the experts had no answer for. WHAT ABOUT my house? asked an unidentified woman who lives near the proposed plant site. The unanswered question of property values began a flurry of angry comments from local residents on the future of the area if the plant is built. North Salt Lake Mayor Robert Palm-quis- t, solid waste disposal board chairman, expressed his empathy for residents adjacent to the plant but also expressed the need for forsight in planning for the future by using the best technology available right now. WHETHER anyone was converted to or diverted from the resource recovery plant Wednesday night is unknown; but at least the meeting was lively. Katy-Seage- rs |