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Archive for February, 2010
Council Meeting Preview – March 2
If you want to share your thoughts on Provo issues, don’t miss next week’s council meeting. In addition to the regular comment period, the first meeting in March has public hearings scheduled for six topics.
At the meeting, council members will vote on a resolution to support the 2010 Census and an ordinance that amends the city code to clarify Neighborhood Meeting requirements for development proposals.
Public hearings will be held on the following matters:
- Requests from the Mayor to appropriate funds for various city departments.
- A potential change to the development agreement with Clydesdale Bend Subdivision. The developer is asking for permission to use a new, higher-quality vinyl siding product on homes he builds. Currently, vinyl is excluded from the list of materials that may be used to finish homes.
- A hearing regarding a proposal for the city to vacate the public street on 100 W. between Center Street and 100 S. This would allow Nu Skin to construct an atrium connecting a new building with their old building. In return, the company would create a privately-owned public space where people can gather to enjoy downtown.
If you want to comment on any of these issues or hear what your neighbors have to say, be sure to show up on Tuesday March 2nd at 7:00 p.m.
As always, you can download the official council agenda from the Provo City website.
Bowls for Humanity
Want to enjoy a bowl of hot soup while helping those in need? Attend the “Bowls for Humanity” fundraiser on March 5th.
Date: Friday, March 5, 2010
Time: 6-9 pm
Location: Historic Southworth Reception Hall 116 West Center Street, Provo
Check out local art, visit with friends, and learn more about how the Food and Care Coalition helps our community. A bowl of soup with a roll is only $3. Collectible bowls made by local artists are available for $5 and $20 (including the soup and roll). You can bring the whole family.
For more information or to donate a handmade bowl, check out the Food and Care Coalition website. Hope to see you there!
Council Meeting Recap – Feb 16
This week’s municipal council meeting was an unusually short one. The council was able to make some key budget cuts and approve the city code in a little less than an hour.
At the council meeting, quick and unanimous approval was given to update the yearly city code. This is a fairly routine ordinance as the city code needs to be updated each year.
Several budget cuts were made including a reduction on council travel expenses. The council is making every effort to to help balance the budget during the current recession, from eliminating unnecessary expenses to taking turns as the office janitors. A public hearing produced unanimous support for the cutting of travel funds. The council voted unanimously to approve this budget cut.
The council voted 6-1 to amending Parks and Recreation fees on the Provo City Consolidated Fee Schedule. Sterling opposed the portion of the resolution that proposed a 300% increase in fees paid to access The Center by 8-12 year olds.
The council unanimously supported a resolution consenting to the appointment of Mayor Curtis as Provo City’s liaison to the Board of Veracity Networks as required by the City’s agreement with Veracity Networks. Veracity requires that the board liaison be someone they recommend, and submitted their recommendation that Mayor Curtis assume the position formerly held by Mayor Billings. Mayor Curtis certainly has a big job ahead of him in filling this role.
Since the meeting ended early (before 8:00), Mayor Curtis invited the council and the audience out for ice cream at the local Baskin-Robbins. This new tradition began at the first meeting of 2010 and has been quite the incentive for council members to keep the meetings efficient!
As always, you can watch the entire city council meeting online at any time through Provo Chanel 17. You can also view meeting agendas and minutes through the Provo City website.
Councilman Beck Meets with Franklin Neighborhood
On Thursday, Sterling attended the Franklin Neighborhood Meeting to give updates on city issues and listen to resident’s concerns. Many residents were excited about new businesses and jobs coming to Provo. Local police officer Jackson was also given hearty thanks for the reduction of drug houses in the area.
Some ongoing concerns included:
- Farmer’s Market – Market parking has become a major issue for people living near Pioneer Park. Sterling agreed to meet with neighbors to discuss possible solutions before the Farmer’s Market begins in the Spring.
- Litter – A resident talked about the importance of picking up litter in the neighborhood.
- Budget – The recession has resulted in less revenue for the city. Some residents wanted to make sure that city plans weren’t delayed. Others wanted to stress the importance of frugality with public funds.
The Franklin Neighborhood Meeting was a great way for residents to talk about their ideas and plans for the area. A snapshot of the meeting was even featured as the Utah People’s Post Pic of the Day.