Springville City 2007 Candidate

Dean F. Olsen

Principles

“Coming together is a Beginning, Keeping together is Progress, Working together is Success;”
---Henry Ford

If elected on November 6, 2007, I promise to fulfill the following to the very best of my ability.

 I promise to respect the opinions of others. When attempting to accomplish what is best for our community, I will seek advice from those whose understanding and knowledge exceeds my own.

• I understand the importance of separating Springville City’s WANTS and NEEDS!

• At present, NEEDS, are paramount, yet responsible budgeting and fiscal responsibility to accomplish such needs is a priority.

 

I support the following NEEDS:

New Administration Building:

• The present building is not large enough to accommodate the number of personnel needed to provide the level of service that citizens of Springville deserve. A new facility will dramatically improve the working environment for Springville city personnel.

• The new edifice will have an imposing appearance, which will assuredly contribute to the revitalization of downtown, the “heart of our community.”

• Planning, contracting with architects, input from citizens, and other professionals has been ongoing for the past 10 years! I am confident Springville citizens will understand that the NEED for this new building is not predicated on a sudden or capricious idea!

• I applaud our present city council for being fiscally responsible, and the directors of the various departments who have adhered to tight budgets, which has resulted in the city accumulating $10 million dollars in a capital project fund. These funds are earmarked for construction of this building.

• Due to inflation, further delay in construction will seriously erode the purchasing power of this $10 million fund.

 New Fire Station:

• The proposed location (north of present administration building) will improve response time, as fire equipment will enter Center Street from the building’s bays.

• Currently, vehicle(s) and related fire fighting equipment are exposed to outside weather conditions during summer and winter. Will eliminate incurred rental expense at overflow storage space in a neighboring building.

• Two Satellite Fire Response Centers will be built, one located south east (City has purchased property), the second yet to be determined on the west side (pending acquisition of property.)

• When satellite centers are in place, response time to the fire scene (both the east and west areas of Springville) though currently respectable, will be even further heightened.

• Insurance Services Office (ISO) recently conducted a 3-day inspection of Springville’s Fire Department. The primary purpose of the survey, was is to determine the efficiency and proficiency of our volunteer firefighters, the status of equipment, the response time to the scene, water pressure and access to water sources. Based on their findings, the city was granted a favorable class 5 rating. (Your Homeowners policy premium is based on this rating, and a lower rating means a lower homeowner policy premium)

New Library Building:

• I am strongly in favor of a new library facility. It is symbolic of a community’s commitment to education. A new library facility will enhance existing services, allowing our director and library staff to augment their creativity to the benefit of Springville’s citizens.

• I do believe a community with a premier library facility experiences fewer incidents of juvenile crime than one without. I make this assumption after having been a Justice Court Judge for Springville City for the past 8 years.

 Parks:

• Considerable progress has been achieved in development of new parks, both in the east and west areas of Springville. I commend our current Parks and Recreation board for their commitment and dedication. It is important that the current development of parks continue.

• Recently purchased 60 acres bordering Hobble Creek will greatly enhance the total park acreage.

• I support relocation of the existing smaller park near the current administration building. The new improved park will be located about 150’ south of the present smaller park. The new contemporary park would be composed of about 19,500 square feet, providing approximately 4,500 additional square feet of playground / park space compared to the current smaller park.

• Playground equipment at the new enhanced park will comply with current child safety standards, and will offer children new challenges and enjoyment.

• I will press for completion of the new improved park before construction begins on the new fire station. Safety barriers will be in place to separate the construction site from the park.

• It is important to note only 28 of the existing 82 trees are scheduled for removal due to construction of the new fire facility. Six (6) of the 28 trees to be removed are diseased, and would be removed regardless of construction of the new fire station. 

Recreation Center:

• Multi-purpose recreational facility for adults and youth, staffed with senior volunteer tutors / mentors, would be a tremendous asset to our community.

• Springville is home to numerous retired schoolteachers, professors, educators, and others who have years of experience in industry.

• In the 2000 Census figures, Springville had a total population of 20,424. Springville’s population is now 27,500+. Of these, many hold a Graduate or Professional degree. These numbers have increased with the passing of 7 years, creating an even greater pool of credible tutors / mentors for Springville’s youth!

• Springville youth would benefit, as would their senior tutors / mentors spending time together, sharing ideas and philosophies.

• In addition to the above mentioned, Springville's youth will benefit and enjoy a multitude of activities, and improved personal fitness.

New Public Swimming Pool:

• Historically, the current swimming pool has not been a profitable or a break- even enterprise because of costly repairs, and the facility’s lack of appeal resulting in insufficient patronage.

• The swimming pool committee is comprised of competent individuals. I would receive and review their recommendations with a high level of interest.

• The time for a new pool facility is long over due.  

Preservation of our Neighborhoods:

• I will promote the “Neighborhood Watch Program” throughout Springville City.

• I accept the principles of the “broken windows” theory, which in essence means, if the small crimes are not ignored and are taken care of, you will not have to deal with the big things later.

• Graffiti and tagging absolutely will not be tolerated. I commend the City for their policy of immediate removal of this unsightly and despicable conduct. The City has created and budgeted for a reward fund.

• I implore the judicial system to prosecute, to the fullest extent of the law (ordinance), those convicted of such behavior.

• By making sure building and landscaping codes are strictly enforced, crime will be reduced as well as urban decay. Such ignored conditions send a signal that people do not care and thus disorder escalates into crime, and a once thriving neighborhood becomes blighted.

Traffic:

• When completed, the 400 south interchange will help alleviate current traffic conditions. The two railroad overpasses, and a designed 5-lane road into the heart of the city will accommodate current and expected future traffic needs.

• We must remain cognizant of the need for adequate streets within Springville to accommodate future traffic needs between now, and when the city is fully “built out.”

Commercial Development:

• We should continue to vigorously engage so-called “big box” retailers, by assuring them of Springville’s sincere interest in their locating here. Perhaps a review of our present methods of encouraging these retailers to locate in Springville’s 400 south commercial zones adjacent to the freeway interchange may be in order.

I welcome your comments. We can visit via e-mail deanfolsen@comcast.net , or my home telephone 489-0662

 

• I promise to continue visiting with residents addressing their concerns. I have always become better informed by listening than from talking.

“If we are not agents of orderly change, we are at best, stewards of something that is going to erode.”

Experience

• Graduate of Utah State University with a BS in Business Administration.
• Married 47 years to Rosalie and father of five children.
• Resided in Springville for 32 years.
• Retired January 1, 1995 after 30 years as Agency Manager with multiple line insurance accompany.
• Served as a member of the former Parks Advisory Board.
• Appointed by Springville City Council and served 8 years as Springville’s Justice Court Judge.
• During 2006 was voted by peers as “Justice Court Judge of the Year” and board member of Utah Justice Court Judges.
• Served two (2-year) terms as Education and Training Director for Fourth District Justice Court Judges.
• Currently a member of the Parks and Recreation Board.