OCR Text |
Show Rock crushing operation in Panguitch is center of controversy with owners claiming they are operating legally and many nearby residents claim- Eighty-three citizens have signed .a petition-asking the Panguitch City. . Council to resolve its ongoing conflict with a local rock crushing and cement business. The petition, and a followup letter signed by some 10 residents who live near the operation complained about noise, dust, lack of fencing and potential danger to children from deep water-filled holes left by excavation. Mr. and Mrs. Jerrald Mosdell ing industry is a nuisance and threat to children. Petition has been signed by 83 persons condemning the operation. Petition Outlines Complaints Against Crushing Operations owners of Jerry's Ready Mix at 406 . . .North 30Q East.claim their operation is legal and that efforts to resolve differences with their neighbors and meet their requests had caused them to run behind on a $200,000 state contract. When was asked about the water in the excavation pits, Mrs. Mosdell replied that they had attempted to pump water from the holes to comply with their neighbors requests, but had been reported to the Water Resources Board and were forced to cease pumping. At one of the meetings with concerned citizens and the Mosdells, Mayor Jon Torgerson pointed out in answer to one of the questions posed, that the crusher plant was situated in an industrial zone and the plant has a right to operate there. Torgerson was then asked if the county has any zoning responsibilities there and he answered no. The writer of an unsigned letter claiming to represent a group ;iC nearby residents acknowleged that the crushing operation provides an important and necessary service to the area, but it adds that the city was negligent in permittting the Mosdell business to exist and to expand in and adjacent to a residential area. The letter stated further that the city should recognize the incompatibility of the situation, and the direct violation of the lawful rights of those affected. The letter asked that Mosdell's operation be declared a public nuisance and that an injunction be issued to abate the problem until appropriate action can be taken. The letter concluded with "to initiate the requested action and to resolve the situation will automatically result in a class action suit against Mr. Mosdell which will unfortunately name as co-defendents the City of Panguitch and Garfield County." One resident present at the council meeting noted that on a trip to Salt Lake City a number of cities were seen that had crusher operations. She said she admires the way that Mosdell has worked so hard to build his plant, She further said that the money brought into the community because of the crusher operation is an asset and noted that industry sometimes brings inconveniences but that citizens working together' should be able to resolve the problems. One of the concerned persons said "We are not asking for a six foot fence, only one that could stop a 2 or 3 year old." To which another replied, "What kind of fence is child proof?" Another individual stating that it is not the wish of the petitioners that the problem go to court, said she was willing to donate $750 towards a fence. |