City of Fruita Tidbits

Thanks to Mary Caywood, the now in process of being built, Fruita Community Center, has just been awarded $25,000 by the El Pomar Foundation. This foundation played a huge role in the construction of Mesa State's wonderful new pool facility. Between the Fruita Senior Task Force and the Penny Possee Citizens Group, the community has raised $1,999,095 through grants and contributions for the Center. More grant applications are in the works, so with good luck the $2 million mark is a real possibility.
There are still those in the community who misunderstand the funding for the center, perhaps due to lack of knowledge about what is really going on. So, one more time, monies "given" to the Community Center are in the form of grants and donations, NOT given from the City. If anyone has suggestions as to how the community can be successfully informed about the Center, how the City can get information to all citizens, this information would be most happily received and acted upon.
The government mandated upgrade of Fruita's Water Treatment Facility is progressing. Everyone has been repeatedly warned about sewer rates increasing. These new rates will hit the bills mid-February.
The amount of the project was increased when the Davis Bacon wage issue (Google this) was suddenly changed when the State struggled with budget. This would add one million to the cost. Cities who had started their upgrades before the decision, are still waiting to see if they are grandfathered in and not effected by the wage issue. Fruita is one of these. Cross your fingers. Fruita's engineering Department has been hard at work as it examined the waste treatment's 5 million dollar interceptor. At present the staff has managed to figure a way to cut that expense by 20 percent or a million dollars. The City Staff is working for its citizens.
The Fruita Planning Commission sent on to the Council three resolutions for approval or disapproval.
The three are: the finding that annexation of approximately 186 acres west of Big Salt Wash, north of Highway 6 and 50, just south of L Road into the City is eligible for such action, the annexation itself to be called Peregrine Village, and a first reading amending the official zoning map and zoning for this Pergrine Village, to PUD or Planned Unit Development.
The Commissioners were happy to see the project, but along with approving the submission of the three requests to Council, they also passed on their determination that the project has to be transparent for both the City and the community to prevent big problems that could arise in the future. The Commissioners felt that the developer's idea is wonderful, but that it has too many unknowns which should be made clear. These unknowns are necessary to be defined and explained for the project to be passed onto the further steps needed for approval, such as street plans, what goes where, housing, commercial structures as well as density numbers plaited. Infrastructure plans that meet Fruita's newly revised Master Plan are needed to meet all proposed construction needs for the project. This project could include a new grocery store and other commercial endeavors, high density housing, single family dwellings and open space.
The Commission approved the submission of Robert Jones', (Vortex Engineering) request for approval of a preliminary plan for
Palmer Heights Subdivision on to the Council for approval. This plan is for a 74 unit, single family residential subdivision to include 46 attached units (townhouses) and 28 detached dwelling units on approximately 18.5 acres of land in a requested CMU, Community Mixed Use zone. The property is located on the west side of 19 Road, south of J.2 Road and north of Wildcat Avenue (J Road). This property had been approved for annexation May 6, 2008.

City Council hosts County Services, Dino Journey, Tom Huston and snow removal

 Fruita City Council heard a presentation from Tracey Garcher and personnel from the Mesa County Department of Human Services regarding the "open for business" day tomorrow, Jan. 21 in their new location, the old Fruita Family Health West Hospital.
Using a floor plan of the newly remodeled facility, Garcher pointed out the rooms now occupied by the Department of Human Service and Work Force Center and those by the Mesa County Health Department. Michello Trujillo, Dividion of Self Sufficency gave a brief rundown of services available from Food Assistance, Medicade, Quest Card issuance. Sue Tuffin, Director of Mesa County Work Force Center talked of that center's ability to offer service job help, availability of unemployment specialists on site, workshops concerning skills needed to apply, to interview and soft skills when applying for jobs. Veteran services will be offered, such as help in securing disability, survivors benefits and more. Triva Hauck, Child Welfare, described services available in that department. Jennifer Sorenson, Adult Services gave an over view of adult services including disables, elderly and other resources. the Director of Human Services, Len Stewart summed up the presentation stating that he was grateful to the City of Fruita for the opportunity to partner in service to the community.

 John Foster and Mike Perry introduced "Fruitadens" --the world's smallest dinosaur and
update on the Dinosaur Journey Museum. John Foster presented several slides of dinosaurs having the name Fruita within their titles. The smallest dinosaur"s bones are housed in the Natural History Museum inLos Angeles. It is the smallest discovered in North America. According to Foster, it was the size of a house cat.
It probably ate plants and hunted bugs in the late Jurassic period, 150 million years ago. It probably darted between the legs of larger dinosaurs according to Foster.
Foster unwrapped a model of the dinosaur which will be on display at Dino Journey.  An official unveiling will take place on February 10 , 11 a.m. to celebrate this discovery which was made in the Fruita Area.

Tom Huston, director of Public Works showed a map on which were pointed out the main thorough fares for traffic, therefore the streets first to receive snow removal. He presented a powerpoint filled with information about the City's equipments used for such. He noted that the City already has spent its budget for snow removal. Several citizens voiced concerns about street drains being clogged with the snow plowed from the streets. 
After approving the consent agenda, items of business already having met all requirements, the request to approve an ordinance creating an additional tax on medical marijuana was approved to be put on the April ballot for voter decision.
Executive session followed.

City Council meets Tuesday, August 18.

The City of Fruita City Council has approved Chrissy Mart to the Arts and Culture Board to fill a vacant position. Her term will expire in 2012.

Derek Elder was approved to take a vacant seat on the City’s Planning Commission, term to expire 2012.

Also on the consent agenda were the following, all of which were approved:

Request for approval of Intergovernmental Agreements with Mesa County Public Libraries for the design, construction and occupation of the Fruita Community Center;

An amendment to the agreement with School District #51 concerning the purchase of Etchart property; Conditional Use Permit for the Wastewater Reclamation Facility and permission to negotiate a contract for that facility with Garney Companies, Inc for the construction thereof. Ten first readings concerning that facility were also read.

Several properties were annexed, one to become a community Residential zone, one as public right of way for 15 Road south of Highway 6 & 50.

Last week saw the Planning Commission discuss at length, approval of the POST, (Parks, Open space and trails).

Well-organized, citizens spoke their minds about what they considered their land rights, which they have the right to do and should if they feel threatened. All of this contention arose due to the interpretation that because a new map showed proposed trails, that sometime in the future the owners would be beset by trespassers, vandals and more. It was Tim Grimsby who held up maps from 1999, 2002 and 2004, noting the map accompanying the concept for the future, he pointed out that the same trails were on all of the maps. Thus he questioned the alarm at having such a map published because the public already has had access to the maps. He also noted that as a policeman himself, crime would not be any worse there as it is anywhere else in the Valley.

POST,  (parks open space and trails) was approved finally, by four of the six commissioners present. Jeff Pace voted no and Ms. Ginter, who had just returned from a prolonged absence due to illness in her family, excused herself.

Council will next address this issue.

According to the City of Fruita’s Audit by Dalby, Wendland and Co, PC, the City did well in 2008  due to wise planning and the manner in which finances have been handled.

“National and regional economic conditions in 2009 are cause for concern with declining sales and use tax revenues, reduction in energy related employment, and the continued slowdown in new construction and development. Continuation of fiscally conservative budgeting procedures is necessary to ensure the continued fiscal stability of the city.”

The upcoming waste treatment facility is one expense that is caused by mandates of the government in requirements for waste treatment per population numbers. The Voter approved Community Center is on board. Grants and other sources are being sought to facilitate this construction.

Land has been acquired for the Waste Treatment Plant, the round abouts are complete.

The Chamber of Commerce report noted there ate 10 vacant businesses in Fruita. There are five Mexican restaurants including Taco Bell in Fruita, yet no dry cleaner or bakery.

The average lease is .66/ square foot. The business master list is made of mearly 400 businesses.

It was interesting to hear that Fruita’s greatest asset was the “abundant receation opportunities” and the fact that Fruita is a small and friendly community.

The biggest weakness is it close location to Grand Junction in the commercial aspect. Some  felt the city and city council have an anti-business reputation.

Businesses most hoped for were: grocery store, restaurant and family entertainment, a bakery, auto mechanic and dry cleaner business.

Although a downtown authority could very well help bring in business, Mary Lou Wilson, Chamber Director, noted it is very difficult to get businesses to talk with each other thus making cohesiveness most difficult.

There will be more ongoing discussion about URR, (Urban Residential Reserve) which is land, a portion of which can be developed, but a portion must be reserved to be developed in the future.

A good explanation of the URR can be found on the Mesa County Web Site.

City Planning Commission meets

FRUITA CITY COUNCIL experienced the shortest meeting ever, 23 minutes duration, last June 2. With no development or other main issues pending, the consent agenda was approved. 

Fruita's Planning Commission sent a concept plan by Vortex Engineering,(Robert Jones), Garden Estates onto the City Council.  After much discussion as to access, density and irrigation on to the City Council for consideration.. During the public speaking time slot, only one individual talked with positive comments concerning the idea. Residents who live next to the proposed development in South Fruita, brought up issues concerning density, too much traffic, and only one access to handle the added number of vehicles.

Fruita Parks and Rec Master Plan is being worked on

The Parks and Rec Committee continues to review and revise the Parks, Open Space and Trails Plan. After meeting with representatives of the Riverfront Commission, BLM and other agencies, the group was able to identify the so called missing links between Fruita and Grand Junction, and Fruita and the Loma Boat Launch along the Colorado River corridor segment.

Major components such as the concept of centering on neighborhood park (2 to 8 acres) rather than small, pocket parks; perceiving  land next to washes and drainages as right-of-way rather than giving park development fee credit for such; investigating how parks impact fee can ve changed decxreasing the dedication requirements from 12 acres per 1000 people to 6 acres per 100 and yet achieve the broad goals written in the POST Plan.

Many people had the opportunity to review the maps and information displayed at the Thursday night free concert on the Civic Center lawn. Committee members and Staff were on hand to answer questions from the public. The feedback from the information on the trail system was very positive. The report was submitted to the County Commissioners upon which found two couples opposed to the plan. More discussion and revisions are in the works before being reviewed on July 1 by the steering committee. If it is approved then, it will go through the public hearing process.

Fruita Planning Commission and Sign Code

The Fruita Sign Code was the topic for Fruita Planning Commission on May 12, 2009. Fruita’s Council had continued the study of the code to give the Commission the opportunity of reviewing the comments made by Council.
Thirty-five foot tall signs would be permitted in the yellow zone, meaning all properties touching Highway 340 and Highway 6 and 50 as well as Plum Street, West Aspen and S. Willow. Businesses included are the Coop, Gofers, Munchies, the new tanning place and City Market
Other issues of concerns were the lighting of signs 500 feet from the State Park or residences.
Upon driving through the state Park at night, this reporter found that the only “light pollution” actually seen were the lights from Shell which shine down on the gas pumps, the lights which act as security for the relatively new mini mall at the far end of Kalispell along 340, the entrance door to Taco Bell, the lights from La Quinta and the pole lights which illuminate the areas around both sides of 340. Trees and a tall berm pretty much shelter the State Park from anything else. It is this reporter’s opinion that much is being made about nothing, concerning the few signs, which may be put around Kokopelli to pull business in from I 70. Perhaps some of the dissenters should make a midnight run.
Variances were discussed and recommended to go before Council for such, as necessary.
Mark Martin Williams, chamber and Alpine Bank, addressed the fact that he felt 200 square feet of sign on a 20 to 35 foot height was sufficient for Fruita. He also felt that if a big business came with the request for larger could be dealt with through a variance clause.

Commissioner Bob Fuller remarked that roof signs were possibly four feet above the highest point of the roof and not more than 35 feet wide.
Williams had concerns about the 10 o’clock sign turn off, noting that businesses who normally stayed open until midnight.
With only one business affected, he felt it unreasonable to make them adhere to such a mandate. The Jacklope sign, which causes Taco Bell’s sign to be hidden, has made it necessary for Taco Bell to plan for a pole sign.
Fuller noted that if the sign were at an angle to the State park, then would it violate visual interference with State Park, which actually is questionable when one visits the park to see just which signs presently interfere.
Commissioner Mulder felt the recommendation for changing the size of signs from 300 square feet to 200 square feet was a good one.
“Taco Bell should have the opportunity to have a pole sign,” he said. “They are a business that can help bring in more business to the area if their sign is easily seen.”
Multiple color electronic signs were another issue.
Tim Grimsby felt that multi color pole signs technology is here. He felt that since the purpose of having signs is to garner business, therefore he felt such signs should be allowed. He pointed our signs he has seen designed by Bud’s Signs.
“If you see Bud’s signs, you might change your mind and allow multi color signs,” he said.
“Someone talked about these signs as seen in Las Vegas and other places,” he said. “They are prime examples of what Fruita does not need.”
In order to be sure the motion on the Sign Code was clear, the Planning Commission made separate motions for each point concerning the codes. 

The voted to approve 200 square foot signs instead of 300 square feet, to allow 35 foot pole signs only in commercial areas as designated by a map available at City Hall. Signs in the Kokopelli business park would remain lightd during business hours, whatever those hours might be. These signs would face north and south, not directly at the state park. They voted to send their decisions onto the Council for the May 19 meeting.