COUNTY WIDE

The Women's Legislative Council of Utah County will meet on Thursday from 9:45 to 11:30 a.m. in Room 201 of the Provo City Library at Academy Square, 550 N. University Ave., Provo. Larry Ellertson, Utah County Commission, and Russell Hillman, field coordinator for Rep. Chris Cannon, R-Utah, will the guest speakers. Ellertson will speak on energy issues and Hillman will address oil shale in the Uintah Basin. Membership to the group is open to all and visitors are welcome. For information, call Emily Wiscombe, president, at 224-1964.

ALPINE

The city has a new animal control officer, Officer Wayne Herker. He has a certificate in law enforcement from the College of Southern Idaho, an associate degree in veterinary medicine, Veterinary Technician Program, Utah Career College, and is a Nationally Certified Veterinary Technician.

AMERICAN FORK

A potential developer of ground in northwest American Fork has offered to meet with the future neighbors to consider how the land will be used. Dave Rose, of Arizona Partners, is considering purchasing the land owned in part by Wade Carson near 900 West, north of State Street. The property has long been considered to be residential, but the proximity of Costco and Lowe's across 900 West in Lehi has changed that. "The Costco project changed the whole dynamics of this area," Carson said.

CEDAR HILLS

The city is accepting bids for a 2003 Dodge Dakota pickup. It is a V6, five-speed truck with 27,600 miles. Sealed bids are due to Kim Holindrake, the City Recorder, by 2 p.m. on Feb. 15. Call 785-9668, ext. 101 for more information.

HIGHLAND

Matt Shipp, city engineer, asked the City Council to consider adopting a stiffer road base design standard. The previous requirements only specified 3 inches of asphalt over 8 inches of road base. However, Shipp told the panel this has not been sufficient in some of the clay-based soil in the northwest sections of town. "In 2004 the council voted to use the higher standards of the American Public Works Association Design specifications," he said. "We have been going by that since but I would like to solidify it as standard practice with an ordinance which I will present in the future." The new design standards call for 4 inches of asphalt over an 8 inch road base with 18 inches of sub-grade over a Geotextile fabric barrier.

LEHI

The Lehi District Roundtable is Feb. 2 at 7 p.m. in the LDS chapel building on 3200 North and 600 East in Lehi. All Scout leaders are invented to attend.

LINDON

Kenneth John Miller is the newest member of the Planning Commission. The City Council recently appointed Miller to fill a vacancy on the commission at the recommendation of Mayor Jeff Acerson. Miller ran for the City Council last November but was defeated. Council members will also need to fill an alternate position on the commission next month when Evan Nixon's term ends.

OREM

A four-way stop for the intersection of 1200 North and 800 West was approved by the City Council Tuesday. The four-way stop addresses a sight distance issue for north/south traffic, which could not safely negotiate the intersection without east/west traffic also being required to stop. Under state law, the school zone flashing lights and reduced speed zone will be removed, but a crossing guard will still be stationed to help children cross back and forth to Bonneville Elementary School. In making the motion to approve the change, Councilwoman Karen McCandless said the four-way stop was "something my neighborhood has worked for years."

PAYSON

The first monthly meeting concerning the problem of tinnitus will be held Feb. 7, from 7 to 8:25 p.m. in the cafeteria of the Mountain View Hospital, 1000 E. 100 North. Tinnitus is the perception of noises in the ears or head when no external source is present. The Utah County Tinnitus Self-Help Group will offer the latest treatment information, coping and stress reduction techniques, and encouragement and camaraderie to help combat this debilitating condition.

PLEASANT GROVE

The City Council has authorized Mayor Michael W. Daniels to purchase four acres near 220 South and Pleasant Grove Boulevard to be used as a public park. City Attorney Tina Peterson said the current property owners donated one-third of the property value to the city. The remaining money needed to purchase the land will come from recreation park impact fees and the city's storm drain fund, Peterson said.

This story appeared in The Daily Herald on page A9.