| OCR Text |
Show THE ZEPHYR JULY 1990 PAGE Zephyr: There ire stories around town about a possible new problem near Center and Main Streets. Tom: Youve probably heard a better story about It than I have. They always tell the news media better stories than they tell me. One of my staff people said that when the states department of transportation had a culvert dug out on Center and Main, when they got down In the hole, they could smell old gasoline, similar to the plume on 3rd South. They called County Health. He came to the site, talked with UDOT, and from that point, I dont know what transpired. I know that the state and Public Health are aware of the situation. Zephyr: Has the state had a chance to look Into It? Tom: To my knowledge, no. Zephyr: Where Is the culvert? Tom: It runs ust outside the curb and gutter from the Library, In front of the old Movies, In front of the barber shop, down the street to Main, then towards the Canyonlands Cafe, then across the street near the gas company. Youll see a black patch In the road where they did the digging. Zephyr: Im trying to figure out where the oas came from. Tom: OK, figure It out There Is only one service station there presently, within 50 feet, the one where we planned the plaza development Zephyr: Is It another gas plume? Tom: I'm an accountant I dont have a professional knowledge of the subject There can be a lot of theories. Somebody could have thrown some gasoline down there when nobody was looking, who knows? Im not the expert to Judge that I could run you a tale of woe, but you could do the same with anybody else who walks down the street And probably be a lot more accurate than what I can tell you. signs In P.O. BOX 387, 83 N. MAIN MOAB. UTAH 84532 Zephyr: The council recently voted a temporary moratorium on putting up large town. And some members want to hurry to pass a sign ordinance. Should Moab have one? Tom: Sign ordinances are public. The community should be Involved, whenever you pass any ordinance. If the majority of the people would like to aee a community that Is very aesthetic, and we have people on the council and the planning commission who do, then they should cflscuss It with businessmen and residents, and they ahould decide what we need. One local motel owner, he has one of the most obtrusive signs, he told me, That In brings 80 percent of my business. Do we take away his sign because It's too big? Even If he goes broke? Weve been crying for economic development What kind of signs we allow should be made by everyone In town. Not Just council members. Zephyr: You mentioned that some people In town are very concerned with Moabs aesthetics. Do you think It Is a malorttv? Tom: I haven't heard about people, after the fact complaining about living In a nicer looking city. But I have heard a lot of people get upset when It appears you are pointing a finger right down their throat When they hear things like, This would be a nice place If It wasnt for your trashy yard." That upsets people. You dont have people against aesthetics. Its when people Impose laws and regulations demanding you bring up your property to their standards. Thats the problem. Zephyr; Is the city council pushing too hard for a sign ordinance? Tom: Well, they are pushing hard, but not too fast I think It should have been considered a few years ago. Now, were being caught up In making a decision all of a sudden. Then, there will be criticism that they are moving too fast And that criticism Is proper. But for the council, It may be worse If they don't make a decision at all. Its a tough one to deal with. Zephyr: Council members have also made a bio push recently for ordinance enforcement and they have talked about hiring a new employee to carry out that enforcement Does the city need an enforcement agent? Tom: The perception of the council and the planning council Is that If we are going to be able to get aesthetics put Into place In a hurry, enforcement la necessary. A few years ago, we werent as concerned, we didn't have as many people not abiding by some of the rules. Consequently, It becomes more of a focused problem, and were trying to deal with It, without being unfair to people. Zephyr: Who Is responsible, right now, for making sure zoning and similar ordinances are followed? Tom; Well, It comes under the building Inspector and zoning administration. Zephyr: What should people who are concerned about possible violations do? Tom: Give me a call. The council hears about It all the time, but the council Is a legislative body. They're not supposed to go out and enforce the laws. I'm the administrator. We have departments, and If people feel the departments are not functioning, I need to know about It And If a always proper to go to department heads. Zephyr: Following the resignation of Sergeant Morck from the Moab Police, there have been a number of people who have .... Tom: Glee? Zephyr: Yes, but not because of his arrest on a misdemeanor, but because of allegations that he. and other police officers, have mistreated some residents. Have you been hearing these complaints about the police? Tom: No, I havent Zephyr: Are vou generally pleased with the work of the police department? Tom: There Is a lot more activity for the police than meets the eye. The problems we had years ago, the rash of thefts, the use of drugs In the schools, I dont hear as much about that, and I'm pleased with that If people feel they have been mistreated by the police, they should talk to Alan West about It (801)259-515- 4 Canyon Countrys Full Service Book Store special orders and mail orders welcome. fl TEMPORARY PERSONNEL Connies Temporaries CONNIE BLAINE 400 E. UT 84532 141 N. 259-812- MOAB, 0 BBBBBBBBBnBBBBBBMMBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBaaBBBB Canyon Country Bed & Breakfast Moab, Utah Mountain bikers and river runners often :ay at the Canyon Country bed-anreakfast. OUTSIDE magazine d- Children six and over welcome nouse with large patio Spacious ranch-styl- e Comfortable beds Private and shared bathrooms In town, quiet and off Main Street Air conditioning Delicious and Ailing Continental Breakfast Assistance in selecting the best local tours -Bike, Hike, Raft, Jeep & Scenic Flights No smoking on premises No pets, please Rooms start at $35.00 mountain bike rentals available Chuck A Judy Nichols 390 N. 300 W. Moab, Utah 84332 82 800-633-17- 11 |
