North
Logan Planning Commission welcomes two new members
By Diana Hurren
January 29, 2006 | NORTH LOGAN -- The North Logan Planning
Commission met Thursday night for the first time this
year to welcome two new members, elect the new 2006-07
chairman and say goodbye to the city planner.
Mayor Cary Watkins attended the meeting to thank City
Planner and Economic Development Specialist Cordell
Batt for the work he has done for the community in his
four years of service. Batt recently resigned because
he has accepted a new position in Arizona.
"I'm very sad to see him go," said Watkins.
Before Watkins left the meeting he reminded Batt and
the commissioners that the things they do in life for
themselves will be gone when they die, but things done
for others will remain. He thanked them all for their
willingness to serve others, specifically the North
Logan community, and told them to keep it up.
The two new appointees welcomed onto the commission
last night are Glen Hansen, who was previously serving
on the board of adjustments, and attorney Mark Hancey.
"I look forward to getting my feet wet. It's gonna be
exciting," said Hancey.
The commission broke tradition last night and elected
a new chairman and vice chairman, which is usually done
during the first meeting in February. Larry Hepworth,
who had been serving as the group's chairman, decided
to step down from the position because he said he currently
had too many other commitments.
"I know the responsibility of the chair and what needs
to happen and I just don't feel like I can do that and
do a good job," said Hepworth.
Keith Christensen was the first and only nomination
for chairman. Christensen seemed reluctant to accept
the nomination, but with prodding from fellow commissioners
he finally agreed and was elected. Hancey was then elected
vice chairman.
Watkins was serving on the planning commission until
he officially became mayor earlier this month. He mentioned
at the meeting that the relationship between the city
council and the planning commission has not always been
very good. Watkins promised commissioners that relations
between the two groups would get better and that he
would be supportive of the planning commission and their
recommendations.
As part of that change Watkins asked Councilman Mark
Williams to serve as a liaison between the planning
commission and the council. Williams was at last night's
meeting; he agreed to represent the commission and said
he will attend many of their meetings in order to do
so accurately.
Much of the meeting was devoted to reviewing the planning
commission's official policies and procedures. Batt
reminded the commission last night of their many resposibilities
and told them that their primary obligation is to serve
the public interest. He counseled them to attend every
meeting and to be familiar with the items on the agenda.
He also told them to pay attention to the task at hand
and to do things in a timely manner.
"It is our job to keep on task and discuss what is
going on at that time and not past grievances," Hepworth
added.
The city's new general plan was presented to the planning
commission during the last part of the meeting. There
are seven guiding principles in the plan, all laying
the foundation to make North Logan a "healthy family
community," a "city known for its parks and trails"
and an "entertainment and educational center" in the
region.
"This is the guiding document for the city," said
Batt.
The planning commission will be reviewing the new
plan and making changes to it throughout the year and
as soon as they are satisfied the city will put the
plan into action.
The North Logan planning commission meets at 7 p.m.
every other Thursday at the North Logan library and
all meetings are open to the public.
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