River
Heights approves city plan
By Patrick Oden
February 12, 2009 | RIVER HEIGHTS
"Thank God, two years," said Mayor Bill
Baker exuberantly, following the passage of the city's
general plan.
After lengthy discussions
concerning Logan's extension and development of 100
East, which borders River Heights, and the possibility
of future development of 200 East through River Heights,
the city's plan was passed with caveat
Councilwoman Kathryn Hadfield, speaking
on behalf of residents in the 500 South area of the
city, said there were concerns about increased traffic
flow through the residential area.
"We're all interested to see
what 100 East is going to do," said Councilman Blake
Wright, who works closely with the Planning and Zoning
Commission. Wright attempted to reassure Hadfield that
"dotted lines" on the maps contained in the plan didn't
indicate the city's intention to connect 200 East through
the city, rather it allowed for preservation of the
space, preventing development on the land.
"Believe in the general plan
and pass it," said Councilman Rob Gines, interrupting
Hadfield and Wright in a frustrated tone. Gines continued
by reiterating Wright's remarks to Hadfield about the
plan calling for the "preservation of a corridor," and
nothing more.
Hadfield suggested the General Plan
be tabled pending the addition of language clarifying
the council's intent regarding 200 East.
"That's goofy, that's not appropriate,"
Gines said.
Councilman Doug Clausen moved to
adopt the plan contingent on the addition of clarifying
language and updates to "historical information" being
added at a later date.
In other matters, the reallocation
of monies from the capital projects fund to the water
fund brought the water fund from a deficit of more than
$200,000 to a surplus of approximately $200,000, leaving
more than $100,000 in the capital projects fund. The
total of roughly $500,000 in the city coffers remains
unchanged.
"There's a logical reason for
doing this," Baker said. In 2001 a water tank built
to hold an additional 266,000 gallons of water for fire
protection was billed to the water fund. "That whole
water tank came out of the water fund and some of it
should have come out of the fire fund," Baker said.
Fire protection is billed to the capital projects fund.
Additionally, on recommendation of
the Cache County Sheriff's Animal Control Division,
the council decided by consent to begin utilizing the
Cache Humane Society to house stray animals picked up
by animal control. The change will save the city $7.50
per stray dog picked up and the humane society will
post photos of strays on its Web site to make it easier
for pet owners to identify and claim their missing animals.
The city was using Bridgerland Animal Hospital to house
strays.
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