| Nibley
P&Z settles lighting request with business
By Jacob Fullmer
November 10, 2006 | NIBLEY -- Emotions ran lower than
anticipated between one Nibley business owner and city
government over the issue of lighting Wednesday night.
"I was ready for a fight today. That took the wind
out of my sails," said Michael Arambell, co-owner of
Little Wonder Daycare located at 3200 S. Highway 165.
Arambell's request for a lighting permit to add outdoor
lighting to the daycare returned to Nibley Planning
and Zoning Commission's agenda after a two week break.
Michael's wife and co-owner of the business, Vicki,
was absent from Wednesday's meeting but represented
their business at the commission's last meeting.
Originally, the Arambells proposed a light they use
on their dairy farm to light the daycare parking lot
during the morning and evening hours. Two weeks ago,
the commission asked the Arambells to look for a different
light with less light pollution. City ordinance prohibits
the use of spotlights and floodlights in exterior lighting
that will in any way send light into an adjoining residential
neighborhood. The Arambells own the residential property
immediately south of Little Wonder but the city is planning
for future residents. They were also asked to comply
with city design standards to supply a nostalgic light
to improve the city's emerging identity.
"The problem is what they want is virtually impossible
to find," Vicki Arambell told the Hard News Café
in a phone conversation after the initial proposal.
"What does it matter if it matches? It's in a parking
lot."
One commission member said some people find a dairy
light nostalgic.
Michael Arambell, a dairy farmer and former professor
at Utah State University, approached the commission
with numerous options to provide an approvable request.
"I've learned a lot about lighting in two weeks I didn't
know before," he said.
The Arambells are concerned for the safety of parents,
employees, and children who daily visit the school which
has been open for just over one year. According to Vicki,
there are approximately 100 children attending the school
regularly and over 200 enrolled. While the approved
light fixture will cost approximately $500, Michael
said they try to do things that are good for the community.
Commission member Larry Jacobsen expressed the commission's
appreciation to the Arambells.
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