By Jacob Fullmer

October 23, 2006 | NIBLEY -- In a public meeting following City Council Wednesday night, council members continued discussion on the future of Nibley city.

Guest speaker George Shaw, the city of Sandy's planning director, was invited to share his expertise on city planning with the council. Members of the council encountered Shaw at a recent Utah League of Cities and Towns meeting earlier this month. Shaw said the Utah State Land Use Development Management Act requires all municipalities to have a general plan but doesn't regulate strict enforcement of it.

Shaw referred to a city's general plan as the decision "that governs every other decision."

Councilman Scott Larsen says the city doesn't have defined goals. Other council members, and Mayor Gerald Knight, said the city is working toward a general plan to address the health, general welfare, and safety of the community. Larsen would like to have specific goals in those areas to accomplish what is desired.

One community asset Shaw encouraged the council consider is a system of walking trails.

Councilmen Scott Wells said his experience with these "jewels" in other communities across the nation has been positive.

Councilman Thayne Mickelson said he has spoken with citizens involved with the trail system along the Jordan River in Utah. Those citizens, he says, would not consider their trail system an improvement to their way of life.

The council and Shaw also discussed providing for the unique rural lifestyle of Nibley, the larger than national average size of families, and the importance of having a city identity people can connect with.

NW
RB