By Ranae Bangerter

March 5, 2006 | NIBLEY -- A proposal for a fire department in Nibley was met with no specific decision from the City Council Thursday night. Fire service representatives spoke to the council about their ideas for constructing a building and what they would need to do to start a fire department service for the city.

Representative Steve McBride said fire specialists, including the county fire chief, have recently moved to the city and want to serve but there is not a place to house a fire department. The city currently pays Hyrum city's fire department for their facilities and services.

For Nibley to have a fire service, Hyrum's facility would need at least two more truck bays and some office space. Nibley would also have to contract with Hyrum city until there is a place to house the fire department in Nibley, said McBride.

The county fire department has told McBride they would lend a truck, and others have told him that Nibley is welcome to any of their surplus.

"Each city is responsible for their own fire protection," said McBride.

The mayor said he thought the idea was preliminary and that the council did not have enough information.

"There are no glaring problems," Mayor Knight said about the need for a fire station, "until those come up I don't think we should dump a lot of money into it."

While Councilman Bryan Hansen said the city should be prepared, others said it was too early to make a decision.

"I still think we are premature in establishing a fire department in Nibley," said Councilman Thayne Mickelson.

Council members agreed that the city needs a straightforward plan for it to take effect.

"I would like to just see a plan," said Councilman Jay Harrison. "Something that is at least written down."

In the past, Councilman Scott Larsen said he didn't see a need for a fire department, but if the numbers change then his position might change. "In the long-term maybe in the short-term no," Larsen added.

Until there appears to be more of a need the council will not take action on the issue. City Manager Larry Anhder said that the city money is being spent on other plans.

"Every spare penny we have goes towards 3200 South," said Anhder.

In other business, the council:

-- heard a representative from "Cache Vision 20/20," Craig Petersen, propose the possibility of having a countywide regional council. The council would include 15 elected officials from Cache and Franklin counties and sub-committees will address issues in the valley such as air and water quality, public lands, tourism, better cooperation in government. After brief discussion the council passed the resolution, with one opposing vote from Councilman Larsen.

-- gave preliminary approval for Shadow Crest Subdivision, to be located at 2600 S. 800 West. The subdivision is designed to help families build their own homes at an affordable price. Discussions of where the subdivision would access water, the size of lots, and the issue of one exit for 29 homes was addressed, before approving the subdivision. The motion was passed unanimously.

-- accepted a petition for annexation of about 26.42 acres located at 1500 West and 3200 South.

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