Like a phoenix out of the ashes, a new office building will rise out of the pile of dirt which currently is located at Pad C of the Alpine Olde Towne Center. Carter Construction is planning on constructing a one-story building which bucks the recent trend of two-story buildings being erected.

The current building plan shows the basement listed as storage for the office building. Some expressed concern about that space and its relation to parking. If it was ever to be turned into working space, then the plans would not meet the ordinance.

Developer Dennis Carter went on record saying that the space would remain storage as stated in the proposed site plan.

When the motion for approval was issued by commission member Troy Stout, on the advice of commission Chairman Jannicke Brewer, the wording was specified that the area labeled as storage in the basement must remain so. Stout's motion was seconded by Steve Cosper and was passed unanimously.

There was some discussion on the landscaping plan submitted to the city. While the submission met the current ordinance, it doesn't show full details of where each tree and shrub will be located.

"Austrian Pines aren't good in some locations," city staff member April Riley said, referring to the plants' tendency to destroy pipes. Those who submit future submissions for buildings should be aware of these and other plants if they wish to pass the eye of Shane Sorenson, who works in the city office.

Brewer said that the current ordinance says that a site plan must contain a list of all vegetation and its location.

"Most cities we work with do that," Cosper said, agreeing with Brewer's statement. Cosper is in construction when not attending to his duties to Alpine City.

The Alpine Olde Towne Center consists of five lots which have multiple owners. Carter said that the maintenance of the area including plowing the snow and maintaining the landscaping is taken care of similar to a condominium agreement in which the owners pay in to an association which manages the upkeep throughout the year.

"Less is more," Alpine City Council member Tracy Wallace who represents the council on the Planning Commission said about the council members's view on restrictive ordinances in the past.

"We want to be pleasing," he said about new construction and the aesthetics of new buildings within the city.

COMMUNITY NOTES

Highland

Layout for new park previewed -- The Highland City Council got a preview of two possible layouts for the new Spring Creek Park on June 3. The 12-acre sports park will feature a restroom, playground, parking lot, two baseball fields and either one or two soccer fields which will overlap the baseball area. The location is on 6300 west and about 9850 North.

Recommendations from nearby residents included more landscaping , a tot lot and just one soccer field. However, city administrator said, "This park is being paid for by all residents of Highland. It is primarily a sports park so we are struggling to maximize the intent.

Councilwoman Kathryn Schramm expressed her concerns about the location of the park.

"A sports park in the middle of a residential area is not right," she said. "It will have a huge impact on the roads and the residents. This area has been very pleasant and quiet for a long time. I would like to see just one soccer field."

Councilman Brian Brunson said he was happy to see a restroom included. "Would the design be similar to put in other parks?" he asked.

City administrator Barry Edwards said it would be similar to the forest service restrooms. "It will have stainless steel fixtures," he said. "I need to remind the council about the need for athletic fields in Highland."

Garbage fees to increase -- The cost of garbage disposal in Highland will go up 20 cents per can. The Highland City Council approved the increase on June 3. Although he said he struggled raising fees Councilman Brian Brunson who made the motion said it was necessary. "The city has been subsidizing this for some time. We have to let the users pay the fees in order to keep property taxes down."

Councilwoman Kathryn Schramm agreed. "If the cost of living index has gone up four percent this is a reasonable increase," she said.

It was also noted surrounding communities which have had to bid for new garbage service are now paying more.