Wellsville gets grant to help with trail and bridge project

WELLSVILLE–The City Council has accepted a grant from the state of Utah for $123,246, to help the Wellsville Dam trail and bridge project. Councilman Gary Bates, city engineer Chris Breinholt and city recorder Don Hartle met with the Utah Division of Parks and Recreations on Oct. 14 and the city of Wellsville was one of about a dozen communities to receive grants from the state. “There won’t be any out of pocket expenses for the city of Wellsville,” Bates said. “No tax dollars, in other words.” He said the rest of the estimated $247,000 project will be covered by impact fees and VAT taxes. The council also accepted the bid from Jones and Associates of approximately $42,400 to build a pump line from Darley Park to the Wellsville reservoir, a gravel pit and other work in the city. Bids ranged from $19,000-$150,000. Breinholt was representing Jones and Associates and he said he wanted to get negotiations done with because it is key to get surveyors out before the snow hits. “If it were a business we haven’t worked with for years, I would sit down and go over this on a whiteboard,” Bates said. In other business, the council heard from Art Smith, a resident who voiced concerns over the building of a sports complex on the east side of the reservoir. Smith said the complex would be “an eyesore” and would take away from the appeal and aesthetics of the city. Smith said homeowners selling their homes have issues as well. “The city should seriously consider the negative impact on property values,” Smith said. “People are having a hard time because of the city works in their backyard.” He said the site would be safety issue for children, too. Councilwoman Marcine Parker and Councilman Jackie Orton both said they have had second thoughts. Orton said Mayor Ruth P. Maughan has also reconsidered the project. The city is considering hiring a compliance officer who would enforce city code violations. The council suggested the officer’s salary could be paid by money collected from fines. Some violations include 15 trees planted without permission and the moving of a shed on 308 North and Center. Councilman Thomas Bailey said if city codes are not maintained then after awhile there will be a big mess to clean up. On a lighter note, Bates stated that 25 Eagle Scout projects were completed this summer. He suggested sending thank you letters out to be read in LDS wards. He said it would be good to thank others besides the young men. “I think it’s a great idea,” said Parker.

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