By Julie Johansen
During the Castle Dale City Council meeting on Thursday evening, concerned and disgruntled citizens approached the council regarding abandoned properties, graffiti door art, unoccupied homes, overgrown lots and areas needing special attention. In response, Castle Dale City Mayor Danny Van Wagoner said, “We will be stepping up and cracking down.”
The mayor made assignments to Castle Dale Fire Chief Nosh Arrien to survey these areas to determine if they are fire hazards and to take the appropriate action allowed under state fire code. In turn, Castle Dale Councilman Jordan Leonard, who oversees the nuisance ordinance, planned visits and will follow the ordinance steps to correct as many of these problems as soon as possible.
Councilman Bradley Giles reported that the State Board of Health has made a visit to an area in Castle Dale with abandoned vehicles with mandates to be followed. As nothing has happened, they will return. Citations will be issued if necessary to correct these code infractions. The city’s enforcement officer has already made visits to several citizens but will continue to follow the steps outlined by the ordinance.
The citizens that approached the council were thanked for their concern about the city’s appearance and welfare.
Next, two zoning changes recommended to the council by the Castle Dale Land Use Committee were approved. A lot on Esquire Parkway was rezoned to mobile home and the 760 North Spartan Center Street zoning was changed from R1-8000 to Central Commercial.
The following resolutions were also approved: Language Access Plan, ADA Effective Communication Policy, Reasonable Accommodation Policy and a Grievance Procedure. These resolutions are necessary for the city to be ADA (Americans with Disability Act) compliant.
Election results for 2019 city council seats were then canvassed. Votes included Ted Allen (118), Jordan Leonard (249), Bradley Giles (224), Mary Kava (126) and Joel Dorsch (236). All incumbent councilmen were reelected, meaning Leonard, Giles and Dorsch will hold their seats for another term.
Kerry Lake, zoning administrator, reported that the Castle Dale Land Use Committee is revising and updating two ordinances; one on short-term, temporary premise occupation and the other on accessory building set back requirements in residential zones. Seth Smith, Castle Dale Animal Control Officer, reported that he is working with Division of Wildlife Resources on control procedures for unwanted deer within the city limits.
Councilman Leonard concluded the meeting with the announcement that the Castle Dale City’s Christmas party will be Dec.18. The Castle Dale Youth City Council will plan and host the party.
