By Julie Oliver

PROVIDENCE -- The City Council dealt with its outlined agenda items for Tuesday night's meeting and then dived head first into heated discussion regarding issues of snow removal and the role of the city manager, that were addressed by Keith Watkins, resident and owner of Watkins Printing.

Watkins sat in the back row of the council chamber at 15 S. Main and requested a valid reason for the increased problems with snow removal this year compared with years past. The council did its best to address his concerns.

"You're evading the question," said Watkins. "There is a group of people requesting service."

Watkins told the council about the problems he witnessed in association with the large amount of snow in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saint's 1st Ward parking lot. Watkins explained that cars were parked on both sides of the street and it hindered the flow of traffic.

"It was substantially different this year," said Watkins. "The only difference is that Vern is on the job." Watkins made many references to the changes that have taken place since the appointment of City Manager Vern Keeslar.

Council members explained that the unusual weather had caused some problems with the snow removal. Councilman Randy L. Eck explained that the last storm lasted for an extended period of time and after it passed, Cache Valley experienced warm weather followed by sub-zero temperatures.

"If it were a perfect scenario, I would agree," said Eck.

"We will be satisfied it it's being done by your expertise," said Watkins in response to comments made by Eck, who currently works as a snowplow driver.

The council brought attention to the Providence City Snow Removal Policy that is currently being constructed.

"We've seen people come in and change our city," said Watkins. "Now we are evolving into something different." Watkins expressed concern about the city manager's presence on the council stand. "He is our imported dictator," said Watkins, who continued to explain that Keeslar is a "subordinate" to the council members and should remain that way.

One council member told Watkins that three of the major surrounding cities have a city manager on the council bench. "He's responsible to the commission and to this council," said Mayor Alma Leonhardt.

Many council members made comments in defense of Keeslar and expressed appreciation for the information he offers during the meetings. "I want to be informed the best I can," said Councilwoman Stacie Gomm about the importance of Keeslar's presence on the stand.

The discussion came to a close and every council member expressed appreciation for Watkins' questions and comments.

The agenda items for the evening began with the council's unanimous approval of Elyse Johnson's request for the conditional use of an accessory dwelling unit located generally at 47 N. 300 East.

The council approved the sketch or concept plan for Chugg Farms subdivision located generally at 270 N. 200 East with a 5-1 vote. One council member voted against the resolution because the concept plan has not been zoned.

The city code ordinance modifications were approved with a unanimous vote. One modification was changing the term chairman to chairperson. Vic Saunders told the council that he thought this change and many others put into view changes that need to be made for the future.

NW
MS