By Julie Johansen
Castle Dale Mayor Danny Van Wagoner reported at a recent meeting that the new Castle Dale City building is about 66% completed and expected to be finished shortly after the new year.
Neal Peacock presented a potential lease proposal to the city council for the old city hall building to be vacated following the completion of the new building on Main Street. The Peacocks, Neal and Gwen, would like to form a non-profit 501(c)(3) theatre company known as “Off Center Playhouse.” The purpose of this company would be to bring fun-filled theatre experiences to the people of Castle Dale, help maintain the historic city hall building and provide another small venue for meetings, weddings, receptions, etc. The Off Center Playhouse would produce at least three or four plays each year and include people of all ages but would not be a community theatre. The council was enthusiastic about this venture and made a motion that they would be supportive of the Off Center Playhouse. The non profit will be looking for grants or other funding to help finance the company.
After granting relief on a couple of water bills due to leaks, the council looked at a map from Jake and Amanda Frandsen requesting annexation into the city. This action had been approved by the Land Use Committee and forwarded to the city council. A public hearing will be held at the next regular meeting on Nov. 10. The proposed parcel of land is located at the junction of Highway 29 and Ghost Road and includes 12 acres. A map will be posted with the public notice of the hearing.
Zoning Administrator Kerry Lake reported that the new Land Use Committee Chairman chosen at the last meeting was Clyde Huntsman. New committee members include Diana Thompson, JoAnn Jeffs, Andrew Larsen and Dallas Magnuson.
Mayor Van Wagoner announced that the new visitor center opening is tentatively scheduled for Oct. 28. The city recorder and clerk reported that a grant for the climbing wall on the back of the center has been received. The Sterling Scholars from the high school will be helping at the center as part of their service hours required for competition. Pamphlets and flyers from around the county will be offered to visitors at the visitor center as well as a few souvenirs.
Fire Chief Ignacio Arien reported that fire department member numbers are down a little and new members will be chosen upon approval of the city council. Names were presented and approved.
Councilman Joel Dorsch discussed tentative dates for the city’s Christmas party and next year’s city celebration in June. Finalized dates will be posted at a later date.