The Deep End of the Pool

Off and Running!

2009-07-06T21:39:00.003-06:00

I filed for re-election today. My preparatory work has been keeping me busy. Campaigning is coming back to me. I am looking forward to becoming better acquainted with my opponents and running a hardworking, fun campaign.

City Council Meeting-Third Grade Style

2009-05-14T10:25:00.003-06:00

Today I and some other councilmembers are speaking to two groups of third graders. My 15 minutes will be a mock city council meeting. The third grade city council will decide whether to amend Orem's dog ordinance to ban specific breeds. The "real" City Council has not formally discussed this and I am still doing research, so I will be interested to hear what some of Orem's third graders think.

Bike to Work Day on Friday!

2009-05-13T07:44:00.003-06:00

Click here to go to the Daily Herald article. See you there!

Way To Go Garrek!

2009-02-03T12:05:00.002-07:00

Garrek, whom I know, saved family members from a house fire. Read about it here. And here. Garrek kept his wits about him and did the right things.

What happened at last Tuesday's city council meeting?

2009-01-29T06:44:00.002-07:00

This article sums up what happened at Tuesday's city council meeting.

Coming to Orem: A Bicycling Plan

2009-01-28T16:43:00.006-07:00

The City Council met with the volunteer, citizen Transportation Commission yesterday. Among the items we discussed is developing an Orem City Bicycling Plan. The City Council gave an enthusiastic, unanimous charge to the Transportation Commission to start working on it. We discussed Ft. Collins, Colorado's bike plan and the possibility of it being a model for Orem. You can see Ft. Collins' plan by clicking here. It also appears Orem can get funding to complete most of the plan. Hooray!

Update: Read about the meeting here.

January 27, 2009 City Council Meeting Agenda

2009-01-26T12:09:00.002-07:00

The agenda has been posted at http://www.orem.org/ . Click "find it fast" and then "agendas" and then "City Council". We are meeting with the Transportation Commission at 4 pm to discuss transportation in Orem. I think bicycling will come up in the meeting.

Transit Trip

2009-01-26T11:54:00.004-07:00

I recently returned from a 36 hour trip to Portland and Eugene Oregon, courtesy of UTA. The trip's sole purpose was to see, first hand, bus rapid transit (BRT) and transit oriented development. I literally rode planes, trains, buses and automobiles. It was very helpful and informative to see transit options first-hand. I get questions about BRT and now am quite confident in being able to explain it. I hope to have pictures and info. up soon. In the meantime: Eugene Emx System

SCERA Art Classes

2009-01-21T22:15:00.004-07:00

Explore your artistic side at one of Orem's great places!

Click on it to make it bigger and see the coupons at the bottom. SCERA said to forward this if I wanted to, so here it is!

Pink Floyd, PTA and the Political Process

2009-01-14T17:26:00.019-07:00

"It doesn't have to be like this. All we need to do is make sure we keep talking" -Pink Floyd "Keep Talking" from the album "The Division Bell"

These words came to my mind after I read an article by Ronda Rose on page 14 in this month's Utah PTA Perspectives Newsletter. I received it at today's PTA meeting.

Ms. Rose encourages PTA leaders to become acquainted with local, county and state government officials. She then recounts a personal experience. Ms. Rose describes working with local school and government officials, local staff, state transportation staff and eventually the Governor's office to resolve a situation. In closing, Ms. Rose states how important it was she and the other PTA members had started locally before going to the Governor's office and she again encourages PTA leaders to get to know local officials.

I pictured this group of school leaders, who probably didn't have a lot of experience in "the process", trying to work their way to a solution. While most policies and procedures may make sense to those who work with them every day, they may not to other members of the community. Then there are some policies that don't even make sense to me, and I have spent years in government.

Ms. Rose's experiences have caused me to reflect how I treat those who come to me with city issues. How can I make a resident's experience with Orem City as pleasant and streamlined as possible? What can I do to improve my communication with residents? I think some of the answers lie in the ability to "keep talking".

January 13, 2009 City Council Meeting

2009-01-13T09:59:00.005-07:00

The agenda has been up for a few days at http://www.orem.org/ . Click "find it fast" and then "agendas". It looks like most of the items are land use related.

The City Council also has a joint meeting with the Provo City Council this Thursday at noon in Provo.

Retire to Orem

2009-01-13T09:37:00.009-07:00

In Smithsonian magazine, tucked away among the ads for berets, bathrobes and bow ties was the following small advertisement: "Retire to Fearrington A charming country village near Chapel Hill, NC with bluebirds, belted cows and fascinating people of all ages. 800-277-0130 http://www.fearrington.com/".

This intrigued me. Belted cows? Fascinating people? Bluebirds? I wondered why Fearrington advertised in Smithsonian and not some other magazine? If it advertised in other magazines, which ones were chosen and why? I went to the website to see.

Fearrington is a 35 year old planned community of about 1800 people that as far as I can tell is not actually incorporated, but a "real estate community". It appears to be something like Daybreak. It is annual village events like Donald Davis' storytelling and pumpkin festivals. They have belted cows, belted fainting goats, restaurants, a spa and a village center. I can see why this would be a nice place to retire.

While I discovered Fearrington isn't actually a city with a government, the ad made me think if Orem were to advertise in a magazine in an effort to expand its population, what would the ad say? What magazines would receive Orem's advertising dollars?

Snowplowing In Orem

2009-01-08T10:20:00.004-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, I posted a link to Orem's snowplowing policy. Since that time, I have received emails asking about Orem's snowplowing policy. I decided to post a response (with permission) Steve Weber, a division manager in Orem's Public Works department, wrote to a resident.

Dear (name withheld):

Your email pertaining to the City's street snow removal strategy was forwarded to me. We appreciate your concerns and I hope I can address them in this email. I also received your second email pertaining to those streets that maybe weren't cleared as good as they could have been the first time but we did get to them later. For future reference, I thought I would send you a brief overview of our snow removal program and challenges. If you still have questions or need further information, please give me a call. Also, if there is a specific address where a problem exists, please let us know and we will take care of it. (Stan Orme, Street Section Manager @ 229-7534 or myself @ 229-7530)

Snow removal can be a difficult issue to deal with on a City wide basis. There are over 230 center line miles of city streets, which equates to over 500 lane miles. As an example of reference, St. George is 260 miles from Orem. So, what we are trying to do is keep a lane of traffic open from Orem to St. George and back during a snow storm over varying types of terrain and weather conditions.

Street terrain is a factor and it varies from the very flat, which encompasses most of the City, to the very steep hills of northeast and west Orem. Other factors that are taken into consideration are the types of streets, (arterial, collector, and residential), the storm itself (intensity, duration, wind, etc.), time of day that a storm hits Orem, as well as the cost to Orem's taxpayers.

Arterial streets are the major arteries which carry the highest traffic volumes as well as higher traffic speeds. These include Center Street, 1600 North, 800 South, 800 East as examples. Residential streets comprise the greatest number of miles but also have the lowest priority in most cases simply because they don't carry large volumes of traffic. However, there are exceptions. These exceptions include the steep hilly streets of north and northeast Orem, as well as along the west side and south where streets drop off the bench into the lower flat lands of the valley. We also consider streets by schools, churches, and hospitals and making sure these are open and safe traffic movement.

A storm's intensity, duration, as well as the air temperature and wind play a role in how we can deal with street snow removal. If a storm arrives just as the morning or evening commute is happening, makes our job more difficult and puts more pressure on the streets carrying the higher traffic volumes. If winds are a factor, then drifting snow can cover a street just as fast as we can clear it. How much snow is falling and at what rate plays a role in our ability to keep streets open and safe. On Monday, December 22nd for example, in about 90 minutes to 2 hours, Orem received between 6-8 inches, depending on location. That is an average of 3-4 inches per hours coming down. On average we may receive 3-4 inches in an average storm over a 24-36 hour period.

Currently our policy is not to have a 'bare pavement policy' when it comes to snow removal. What is a 'bare pavement policy'? It is a policy whereby an agency employs measures necessary to removal or eliminate all snow from its streets or highways. UDOT has a bare pavement policy largely due to the type of highways/freeways they are empowered to maintain. They carry huge volumes of traffic at much higher speeds which are considered major transportation corridors for interstate transportation as well as commuters. Bare pavement policy comes at a higher price. It takes more equipment, manpower, and material to maintain these types of streets. Our main goal in providing snow removal is for the safe movement of traffic throughout Orem. Not necessarily maintaining 'bare pavement'.

"How can we provide the best service yet not burden the taxpayer?" Winters vary from year to year. There have been winters in the past in which we received very little snow. Other years or periods, just like the past couple of weeks, we have received large amounts of snow. For example, on Monday, December 22nd, Orem and most of Utah County received upwards of 10-12 inches in a very short period of time. However, Salt Lake City received very little snow. Snow storms are much like thunderstorms, hit and miss. The so called 'lake effect' plays a role in how much snow we may or may not receive. We have a choice, we can plan and staff for storms like the one we received on December 22nd, and have the capability of dealing with every street in a quick manner, or we can staff and equip for the average snow storm. We choose the later simply because it is the one we get most often and has less impact on the taxpayers of Orem. There is no sense in purchasing equipment or having personnel which may or may not be utilized depending on the weather.

For most snow storms that come our way, I feel we do a very good job. In many cases, many streets do get down to bare pavement. Today if you look at Center Street, 800 East, 400 East, as well as many others, there is no snow except along the shoulders. Traffic is able to move smoothly, and safely at normal traffic speeds. However, because we staff and equip for the average snow storm, when a large or heavy storm hits the City, like it did on December 22nd, we aren't able to get to every street in a timely manner. On December 22nd, snow was coming down so fast that when we finished plowing and/or salting a street, it needed to be done again. We just couldn't keep up with it until we got a break in the storm, then it still took us the next couple of days just to catch up and finally get into the residential streets. However, by that time, the local traffic had compacted the snow and the cold temperatures turned it into ice in many locations and even though we did plow and put down salt at intersections throughout the night and into the next day, it is impossible to remove it. In many cases, we just have to wait for mother nature to warm things up and eventually help melt it.

When large storms, such as the one that occurred on December 22nd, hit Orem, we also employ other city crews from other Departments. We have employed members of the Water Section with clearing city streets over the past several days. In some, rare cases, we will hire private contractors, such as Geneva Rock for example, to help. Such was not the case last Monday, December 22nd, but that option is available to us and we have used it in the past.

I hope I have been able to address your concern and answer some of your questions. As I stated earlier, if you know of a specific problem/location, please let me know and we will response and see what we can do to resolve it. We too don't want a situation whereby someone can be hurt or serious damage can occur. In between storms we continue to work on problem areas as well as keeping our equipment prepared for the next storm.

If I can respond to any questions you may still have or if you need further information, please contact me.

Sincerely, Stephen Weber
seweber@orem.org
Division Manager
Department of Public Works
801-229-7530

Recent News Articles

2009-01-08T09:27:00.005-07:00

The post title ain't pretty, but it describes today's post:

Here is a link to an article in Wednesdays' Daily Herald about Orem City's efforts to remain financially in the black. State law requires that cities have a balanced budget, something the federal government can't seem to do. Even if the state law didn't require it, I as a councilmember would require Orem to have a balanced budget.

Here is a link to a Daily Herald article in today's paper about Jared The Galleria of Jewelry opening in Orem. The store is located on the NE Corner of University Parkway and State Street.

Here is a link to a recent Deseret News column mentioning In-N-Out Burger may be heading north. Yum!

Here is a link to a Salt Lake Tribune article about Hillcrest Elementary receiving a Utah Title I High Performing School Award. Congratulations on your success!

Orem Library News

2009-01-05T10:40:00.004-07:00

There is an article in today's Daily Herald about the Orem Library's updated website. The article also includes information on the Library's new 42 inch touch screen computer. There is a funny "how to use the touch screen computer" video I am hoping the Library will post soon. You can find the Daily Herald article by clicking on this post's title.

Orem Community Arts Directory

2009-01-03T19:22:00.007-07:00

I just found handy resource at the Orem Arts Council website. It is a directory of facilities, individuals and organzations that are involved in many different art forms. The directory ranges from woodcarving groups to theater rentals to art museums to performing groups. Check it out by clicking this post's title.

Snowplows and potholes

2008-12-24T13:10:00.012-07:00

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

2008-12-23T17:34:00.004-07:00

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

2008-12-19T14:53:00.004-07:00

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

Live Nativity in Orem

2008-12-11T06:42:00.003-07:00

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,

2008-12-10T13:35:00.005-07:00

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?

2008-12-10T09:22:00.007-07:00

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!

2008-12-05T11:23:00.007-07:00

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

2008-12-04T08:45:00.004-07:00

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

2008-12-03T11:07:00.004-07:00

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!