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Show Volume XIX Issue VI The Ogden Valley news Page 3 July 1, 2011 2011 Legislative Session in Review With the Legislation Session over, I wanted to take this time to say thank you for your support and ideas. Your continued encouragement and involvement this year has helped me to make good decisions for the people in the State 8th District. Representative The year has been busy Gage Froerer and, from the look of things, it’s not going to slow down any time soon. Our Weber County Caucus is growing in leadership in both the House and Senate, which bodes well for Weber County. Once again, despite difficult financial times, Utah managed to balance the budget and fund growth in public education. There were difficult decisions to be made. Our goal was, and is, to generate income by creating a business friendly Utah—not raise taxes. The decisions we made placed us in a position to be named the most fiscally well-managed state in the Union, as in years past. This year, the two top issues and bills, which trumped many of the useful things we accomplished, were, first, Immigration – HB116; and, second, GRAMA – HB466. HB116 – Immigration - I voted for this bill, not because I believed it was perfect but because I believed it was a good starting point. If nothing else, understand that bills are often a starting point to get an often slow-moving train rolling. Every year I send out approximately 6,000 surveys to every single person in my district. This year, I specifically asked about immigration. Without question, the number one preferred option was a Utah Compact type solution. HB116 was that answer in embryo. HB116 cannot be enacted without federal waivers. The State cannot orchestrate a federal program, yet we have a Constitutional right to protect our citizens. Therefore, HB116 asks our federal government to make a choice. HB116 was a proverbial kick in the federal pants. It’s not an amnesty bill. It does not grant citizenship. It addresses the immediate need for immigration reform. I, for one, hope the Federal Government rises to the challenge we laid before them. If so, rest assured, this bill will be amended to fit federal parameters. HB466 - GRAMA - GRAMA is old but not dead. By far, this was the most misunderstood bill this session. I voted for it. However, given the overwhelming call for its repeal due to the torrent of misinformation, I voted to repeal as well. Once again, this bill was a starting point; a spark to light a much-needed fire. It was only passed because we were promised it would be studied in interim. Laws can, and do, become outdated and even harmful if not updated. This is the case with GRAMA. I have faith in the review committee to bring forward workable solutions. I think we will come out with a bill that keeps government records open without costing Utah hundreds of thousands of dollars. We certainly can put that money to better use. Here is the legislation I passed this session. Again, I always appreciate your involvement. Please continue with your phone calls and emails. HB0023 – Spice - Spice is harmful synthetic marijuana. In just a few short years, it’s reached alarming levels of usage. Its negative, harmful effects are firmly established in fact. We made it illegal in Utah. Along in the spice bill, we also included a product called White Ivory—synthetic cocaine. Bringing harmful products to the forefront and establishing laws to protect our children make this job very fulfilling. HB0004 General Obligations Bonds Authorizations - This bill authorizes the issuance of general obligation bonds for certain capital facilities. HB0007S01 Infrastructure and General Government Base Budget - This bill appropriates funds for the support and operation of state government for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2011 and ending June 30, 2012. HB0010 Renewal of Judgment Act - This bill amends the process and fee for renewal of judgments. HB0091S01 Real Estate Related Amendments - This bill modifies provisions related to real estate in general and the Division of Real Estate to address the regulation of activities involving real estate. This is a cleanup bill which we do in conjunction with the Department of Real Estate. HB0190S01 Delinquent Property Tax Amendments - This bill changes provisions related to delinquent property taxes making the penalty system much better and fairer. HB0412 Land Use Revisions - This bill amends municipal and county land use provisions. It prohibits a municipality or a county from enforcing or enacting an ordinance in a way that fails to comply with state or federal law. Specifically, it defines a Therapeutic School. HB0432 Nuisance Amendments - This bill clarifies language pertaining to nuisances. HB0489 Housing Authority Application Process - This bill provides for the creation of a uniform online application for the housing choice voucher program. If there are two or more housing authorities established in a county of the first or second class, then those authorities will create a uniform online application with links to each of the housing authorities within the county. This law coordinates and expedites the housing process. Montgomery currently works for Weber State University as their fire marshal. He also worked 25 years for the Weber Fire District after beginning his career as a fireman with Weber County. The Ogden Valley Township Planning Commission meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month. Work Sessions are held on the first Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in the Weber County Commission Chambers at the Weber Center, 2380 Washington Blvd., Ogden; they begin at 5:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted. More information can be found on the Weber County web Dennis Montgomery site at <www.co.weber.ut.us> COMMISSIONERS cont. from page 1 if he would serve as a planning commissioner. “I have already served on the planning commission— about nine years ago to complete the term of my brother Norm Montgomery after he suffered a stroke. I am glad I will be able to serve again. Things are changing in the Valley; we need to make sure that we have smart growth . . . that we are planning for the future, and that we keep the Valley fairly rural. There is only so much infrastructure to support growth. -- Eden Park Notice – The Eden Park Board is in need of new members. Board members must be an Eden resident, over 18 years old, and willing to attend quarterly meetings and contribute to resolving park issues that arise. This is a volunteer position. If interested please call Steve Waldrip at 801-745-8399. Fireworks, Pyrotechnic Effects, and Flame Effects—A guide for consumers For many in Utah, the use “cake” fireworks need at least a 30-foot of fireworks has become a tradition. The beautifully colored sparks fly though the air in concert with thunderous reports. As exciting as this may seem, people often forget that they are playing with explosive materials, dangerous chemicals, and combustibles that can destroy property or harm or cause death to unsuspecting victims. These deceptively simple objects explode, throwing unburned powder, hot sparks and embers through the air at high velocities, often creating temperatures hotter than 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit. In Utah from 2002 to 2006, 367 fireworks related fire incidents were reported, resulting in over $490,000 loss. The safest way to enjoy the thrill of fireworks, pyrotechnic displays, and flame effects is to let the professionals handle these products and attend a public fireworks display, a concert where pyrotechnics react to show design, or professional community displays. For fireworks enthusiasts who enjoy shooting their own this year, there have been some significant changes in Utah fireworks laws that go into effect this firework season. Please, pay particular attention to safety recommendations and safety tips from manufacturers and retailers who sell fireworks. Reading instructions this year will be significantly important and necessary to help reduce the chances of a destructive fire or debilitating injury. • Purchase fireworks from reliable, licensed fireworks dealers. Read all instructions to reduce the chances of a destructive fire or debilitating injury. Follow all safety guidelines exactly. • Children should not handle fireworks. You must be at least 16 years of age to handle or light fireworks. Adults are to supervise any activity that includes fireworks. Never let children handle, play with or light fireworks. Only knowing and clear-headed adults should handle fireworks. • Adults should never use alcohol or drugs or be impaired while engaged in handling, using, placing or lighting fireworks. • New aerial-type fireworks are now lawful. Aerial devices, also known as “multiple tube,” “repeater,” or “cake” fireworks often look like miniature professional displays and can travel high into the air, as much as 150 feet. • Aerial-type fireworks need sufficient space from trees, carports, structures, power lines, or other high or low obstacles. Aerial or clearance around on the ground and at least 150 foot clearance in the air. • Not allowed still are: firecrackers, M-80’s, cherry bombs, bottle-rockets, roman candles, single or reloadable mortars, and ground salutes. All local, state, and federal laws must be adhered to. • Use common sense at all times when handling fireworks. Do not alter, change, or experiment with makeshift or any firework device and do not allow others to violate the law. • Store fireworks in a cool, dry place. Do not place fireworks or matches in your pockets. • Only use fireworks out of doors. Never play with, set or light fireworks under a carport or overhang, or inside a building or compartment. • Never shoot fireworks in windy conditions. • Keep a bucket of water or running hose nearby during the time of lighting and disposing of fireworks and in case of an emergency. • Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks. Keep all unused fireworks 30 feet away from the shooting area. • Make sure other people are out of range at a reasonable distance before lighting fireworks. Do not point or throw fireworks at people, animals or where they may not be under proper control. And remember, sparklers burn at 1200 degrees Fahrenheit. They are extremely deceptive in nature and can be an extraordinarily dangerous device in the hands of children, causing serious burns and injuries if not cared for properly. • Light fireworks one at a time. Do not attempt to light multiple fireworks at any time. Do not relight a firework whose fuse has burned away. Do not attempt to repair broken fireworks. Soak fireworks that did not ignite in a bucket of water. Once the firework is lit, get away quickly to a safe distance. • Keep clear of the firework. Never place a body part above or around a burning firework. Never pickup a burning firework. Never look into the tube or stay close to the burning end of the device. Never hold a lit firework in your hand. • Use caution with animals. Excitement, noise, and lights can cause fear and stress. Fireworks are an American tradition. Safety and common sense are so important as we celebrate the holidays with fireworks. Shooting fireworks can provide hours of wholesome family entertainment, but must be used carefully and safely. Happy 4th of July |