Fairview considers vacating detention pond
City asking for hydrologist survey before deciding
David L. Olsen
Staff writer
11-3-2016
FAIRVIEW—Discussion of potential flood damage dominated Fairview’s Oct. 15 council meeting.
Mike Jarman from the Fairview Planning and Zoning Commission visited the council to discuss the possibility of vacating a water detention pond located at the south end of a new subdivision in development called Sawmill Lane.
According to Dave Taylor, Fairview City planner, the 0.26-acre detention pond has not been serving its intended purpose, and the city supports converting it into building lot.
“The pond has not been doing what it’s supposed to do,” Taylor said. “The city has been looking into the situation to see what we need to do it about it.”
Taylor said he and Jarman had recently been on site investigating the possibility of abandonment of the pond causing runoff and flood damage to the adjacent areas.
Taylor said he believes the runoff would not cause a problem, but council members expressed concerns that they did not want the city to end up with the bill if runoff did cause damage after the city vacated the pond.
The council decided a hydrology survey was needed before they would consider approval to vacate the pond.
“The council has asked that we do a survey of the homes where the water runoff might go around,” Taylor said. “We are getting it scheduled, and it will happen soon.”
Milette McKay, who has taken over the direction of the Fairview Chocolate Festival, appeared before the council requesting that the city waives the fee to use the dance hall during the event on Feb. 10. The council approved her request.
The council addressed the fact that Sanpete County Fire District has increased the amount it bills Fairview for fire purchase of fire equipment. Starting with the November utility bill, residents will see a 50-cent increase from $3 to $3.50.
The rate increase is countywide, so the other municipalities be addressing it as well.
