Snowplows and potholes

That season is upon us when the roads are snowy and car eating potholes appear. Here are a couple of links to helpful information on the Orem City website. Click on the highlighted words to go to the links:

City Snowplowing Policy
While the policy focuses on city streets, it does mention UDOT roads. UDOT roads are State Street, University Parkway, 800 North, University Avenue and Geneva Road. I did this list from memory, so I can't vouch for its completeness :)

Report A Pothole
Go here if you want to report a small hole that bugs you or a large one that could swallow your car, pet or child. Or any pothole size in-between.

New Library Hours

While at the Orem Library, I noticed it now opens at 9 am rather than 9:30 am. That means more time to visit one of my favorite places!

Christmas Tradtions

The Orem Times published an article on Mayor Washburn's and the Councilmembers' Christmas traditions. You can find it here.

Live Nativity in Orem

I love live nativities and the peace I feel visiting them. I appreciate those who are willing to sit or stand still and freeze so they and those who come to visit the nativity can feel the true spirit of Christmas. I like the sights and sounds of the live animals too.

There is a live nativity coming to Orem. Thank you Orem Community Church for having a live nativity. I will be there!

From the Orem Times:

Live Nativity at Orem Community Church -- Actors and live animals will portray a live Christmas nativity Dec. 22-23 at the Orem Community Church, 130 N. 400 East. Hours will be 6 -9 p.m. Hot drinks and cookies will be available inside Memorial Hall. Please come by and help Orem Community Church celebrate this special time of year.

I thought they would make good candy canes,

but I didn't do this. Someone with holiday cheer was inspired by the CUWCD's vents on 800 North. It looks blotchy because the wrapping is silver and red.

What happened at last night's City Council meeting?

Well, I got home a midnight, for one thing. Since it was the only meeting to be held this month (except we may have to meet to review some bond financing), the agenda was long. Here is the rundown:

1. New Library Commission, Arts Council and CEDO board members were approved. We have some awesome people on our community.

2. Councilmember Shiree Thurston will serve as the Mayor Pro-Tem from January to June 2009.

3. The Council approved the following items:
1. Changing the quorum of the Arts Council from six to seven.
2. Setting the 2009 City Council meeting schedule.
3. Making changes to CARE tax policies and procedures.
4. Accepting and approving the City's audit-the city earned a clean report.
5. Changing city ordinances regarding improvement bonds and storm water utilities.
6. Purchasing the Lindon Hollow Ditch. NW of 1600 N and Geneva road, in Vineyard. Orem and Lindon will bought the property for storm water drainage.
7. Changing the Parkway Crossing (PD-21) concept plan and allowing hotels as a permitted use in the PD-21 zone.

4. Reviewed and accepted the staff's report on Sandhill Road speed limits and are arranging a work meeting with the Transportation Commission.

5. Shown a presentation on the Library's new internet touch table. The library put together a funny, informative video that will soon debut on the City's website.

5. Denied an application to eliminate Assisted Living Facilities as a permitted use in the C-3 zone.

6. Continued until January 13th an application requesting that private primary and secondary schools be allowed to locate across the street from public primary and secondary schools.

7. Had a closed door meeting for litigation and city manager evaluation.

Not too bad for a six hour meeting!

A New Feel Good Internet Hangout-try Freecycle.org!

OK, I have a new place to hang out, one that makes me feel good. I am trying break the bands of packrat-dom and am using the link in the title and D.I. as my helpers.

I have yet to acquire anything at Freecycle (there has been good stuff, but I am trying to downsize), but have given a number of things away. I can't believe the stuff that is given away. Appliances, clothes, plants, craft items, decor, beds, cribs, books, spaghetti-os and soup! One can request items too.

The rules are simple and the feeling is good. Go try Freecycle.org

Awake Utah Lake

It looks like the Utah Lake Commission has completed its draft master plan and is going to have public comment open houses. While the Commission doesn't have any regulatory authority, it is a great forum to share ideas and coordinate conservation and development of Utah Lake and surrounding lands.

When I first moved here, I remember seeing t-shirts for sale that said "Ski the Scum-Utah Lake" or something like that. I have never water skied in Utah Lake, but did an open water swim in a triathlon in the lake. Sounds like its image is in for a change.

A Newspaper Article I Look Forward to Reading

As a councilmember, being quoted in the newspaper is a common occurrence. I always hope the reporter will accurately quote me and reflect my thoughts on the subject being discussed. I am always nervous during the time between the interview and reading the finished product. For the most part, I haven't been disappointed.

However, there is a forthcoming newspaper article by a favorite reporter, Reva Bowen of the Orem Times, that will be featuring Orem Councilmember's Christmas traditions. From what I know, I am going to be spending the Christmas holidays travelling to my colleagues' homes, ready to eat!

Share the Season Drive

From Orem City's volunteer coordinator:

“SHARE THE SEASON”Once again we will have the opportunity to work together as a community to offer support to one of the many non-profit organizations here in Utah County that assists in nurturing those in need. The organization that we will be focusing on this season is the Food & Care Coalition. The Food & Care Coalition is a nonprofit organization that serves hot meals seven days a week to the homeless and needy in our community. Their mission is to work toward alleviating hunger and diminishing the plights of poverty for those in Utah County. Their approach creates an environment where homeless men, women, and children can restore their self-esteem, retain their human dignity, and regain the power and abilities necessary to become self-sufficient and productive members of this community. To learn more about the Food & Care Coalition visit www.foodandcare.org or call Nancy at 373-1825.

Between December 1 and 19 the City of Orem will be collecting items to benefit the hungry and homeless here in Utah County. Collection boxes in the form of sleighs are located at the Orem Library, Orem Fitness Center, and Public Safety building. Items can also be dropped off at the Public Works building located at 1450 West 550 North.

The most critical items at this time are grocery store gift cards. These cards are used by the Coalition to purchase the perishable food items needed to make hot meals daily. Any donation amount is appreciated.

The following is a list of other critically needed items:canned turkey, beef, chicken, or pork spaghettie sauce, beef stew, canned sloppy joe sauce,chicken or beef broth ,canned vegetables, canned pie filling.

Other suggested items: low-sudsing concentrated laundry detergent, hygiene items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, soap, deodorant, razors, shaving creamhand lotion, chapstick. Warm blankets (any size), sleeping bags (new or gently used), warm coats (new or gently used), baby wipes, diapers (any size), children’s books, games, art supplies, and stuffed animals.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact the Public Works volunteer coordinator at 229-7560 or email questions to lrbascom@orem.org. Thank you so much for your donation.

I Hope To Be Like Her When I Grow Up

I was in the City Manager's office today and an elderly woman came to the front desk asking for assistance. She was going out of town and wasn't sure where to put her donation for the Food and Care Coalition. It was a gift card for a substantial dollar amount. "It is for the Food and Care Coalition to purchase perishables." Our Assistant City Manager, not wanting to put the gift card in the foyer sleigh, assured her the donation would get to its destination. Thank you, mysterious resident! How cool is that? The true spirit of Christmas.