Thursday, June 26, 2008

South Ogden Days- Day 3

South Ogden Days Parade- Wednesday, June 25

The South Ogden Days Parade had its largest parade ever. We had over 80 entries in the parade. Once again we have had an event with its largest participation that we've ever had. You get a feel that the community is really getting into South Ogden Days and all of the events. We hope people continue to get involved.

After the parade was a picnic in the park. Maceys and Chick-Fil-A provided yummy dinners for those that wanted to sit in the park and eat some food. It was unseasonably warm, but most people were able to find shade in order to stay out of the heat.

Bed Races- Wednesday, June 25

After the parade we had the fifth annual bed race and once again we had our largest field ever (I'm sure you're all getting the pattern). This years winner was Costco with Remax taking second place. This is quite a unique event if you've never gotten a chance to see it. We'll be having it again next year so remember that it's always held after the parade on 39th Street just north of the park.

A special thanks to Mountain Ridge Assisted Living as the main sponsor of the bed race.

Next up: 3-On-3 Basketball Tournament
Thursday, June 26th 6:00 p.m.
40th Street Park

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

South Ogden Days- Day 1 and 2

Monday Night, June 23rd

The Movie in the Park on Monday night was the second time we tried this event. Last year we had about 200 people attend. This year we had between 400-500. It was kind of hard to gauge as a quite a few kids were there, some of which to hang with friends as opposed to watching the movie. Which made it more festive anyway.

Before the movie started we were entertained by impromptu music and dancing. We did the Chicken Dance, YMCA, Cha Cha Slide amongst other tunes. The weather was perfect and it cooled off just in time for the movie. I can't speak for the movie as my young kids couldn't handle the 9:30 p.m. start time. I'll assume that it was a good show. It was a fun time and great community builder. This event will definitely be a keeper.

Tuesday Night, June 24th

Last night was the South Ogden 5K race. This was the fifth year for this event. The first two years we held the 5K on a Saturday morning and had about 60-70 participants. The last three years we've held it in the evening and have had over 200 runners each time. Last night was an all-time high with about 300 runners. Once again it was another successful event with an all-time high in participation.

Just so you know your out-of-shape City Manager finished with a time of 41:42 which was good for 215th place. It humbles me to know that I was beaten by a 7, 8, and 9 year old.

Next Event- South Ogden Parade and Bed Races at 40th Street Park
Wednesday, June 25th at 6:00 p.m.

Monday, June 23, 2008

South Ogden Days- Day 1

Let's try a little running diary for South Ogden Days. Time will get a little tight by the end of the week, but I think we can get this done.

I'll try to bring the flavor of what a full week of South Ogden Days is like.

Monday, June 23rd- Golf Tournament

The golf tournament was held at Schneiter's Riverside Golf Course with a 7:30 a.m. shotgun start. We had 23 teams this year which is a record for participation in the tournament. We had beautiful weather for the tournament. I think in the five years we've had this tournament we've always had good weather.

The format is a four person scramble. The winning score was -16 under par (55) on the par 71 course. For those non-golfers that's a pretty good score for a scramble tournament.

A special thanks to Waste Management of Utah for sponsoring our golf event. Their sponsorship money helps make South Ogden Days a better event each year.

On a personal note: My team shot a -16 under par as well, but we lost on the tiebreaker. I guess we'll have to get them next year. Ultimately it's a fun time and it's a great way to start South Ogden Days.

Tomorrow's Report: Monday Night Movie at the Park

In case you're thinking of attending the movie, it is held at Friendship Park. We'll be starting around 8:00 p.m. to get people situated, but the movie won't start till dusk. Tonight's movie is "August Rush".

We'll have Dominos Pizza on hand selling pizza as well as regular movie stand-by's like popcorn, candy, and drinks available for purchase. The weather should be wonderful tonight as well so come and join us for a relaxing night in the park.

Thursday, June 19, 2008

South Ogden City Adopts FY 2008-2009 Budget

Last Tuesday the City Council adopted the Fiscal Year 2008/09 budget for South Ogden City. This is a process that takes us over 6 months to complete. To learn more about the budget process click on this link: http://southogdencityblog.blogspot.com/2008/03/budget-process.html

The new budget takes effect on July 1, 2008 and runs till June 30, 2009. While we are implementing our new budget we are also in the process of closing out our old budget. Budgeting is a year-round process.

Budget Numbers

South Ogden General Fund: $8,735,445

Total Funds (includes water, sewer, garbage, etc.): $15,737,000

Capital Projects

These projects are expected to be completed this fiscal year:

Nature Park Phase II
Yearly Road/Sidewalk Project
New Animal Control Shelter
Traffic Signal Emitters for the Fire Department
40th and Adams Traffic Signal Upgrade
Increase Capacity of 5600 S. Waterline for new South Jr. High School
Burch Creek PRV
Reline 40th Street Sewer Line
Install Sewer Line Maintenance Program
Replace Grate for Storm Sewer

The city was able to realize some budget savings this year on its health insurance and by combining our Public Works and Parks Department department head.

There were also a handful of items that city council has not funded due to lack of funds. This included additional personnel and fleet purchases.

Friday, June 13, 2008

What's the Latest at South Ogden City?

Neighborhood Meetings

The Mayor and City Council will be making a series of neighborhood meetings this summer at our various parks. Please come and share your concerns with your elected officials in an informal setting. All meetings will start at 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, July 22nd
Friendship Park
655 E. 5500 S.

Tuesday, July 29th
Nature Park
5874 S. 1175 E.

Tuesday, August 12th
Meadows Park
5775 S. 1900 E.

Tuesday, August 26th
40th Street Park
555 39th Street

South Ogden Nature Park Phase II

Phase II of the Nature Park consists mainly of any asphalt trail that will wind through the property just south of Phase I of the park. This trail will be wide enough for both walker/runners and bikers. It will also have three trailheads linking three different neighborhoods together. Look for the trail to be completed in the early fall.

Splash Pad

By the time you read this you might have already discovered our new splash pad. The splash pad is located at the Nature Park (5874 S. 1175 E.) and it is open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., seven days a week. Best of all, the splash pad is FREE of charge. Come and cool yourself off during the hot summer months.

Off-Leash Dog Area

We have recently opened an off-leash dog area at Club Heights Park (4150 Palmer Drive). This fenced in area is open seven days a week from dawn until dusk. We ask all that use it to observe the rules of the park to make it safe and fun for everyone.

Friday, June 6, 2008

Grand Opening of Off-Leash Dog Area

South Ogden City will officially open the off-leash dog area at Club Heights Park on Monday, June 9th at 6:00 p.m. Club Heights Park is located at 4150 S. Palmer Drive which is behind the Shopko in Riverdale. The off-leash area will be at the south end of the park.

The off-leash area is about 2 acres in size and is completely fenced in. The area will be open 7 days a week from dawn to dusk. The rules to the off-leash area will be posted on the fence.

We ask those that use the park to please take care of it particularly by picking up dog waste. We expect this to be a pretty popular site and so we ask that people be courteous to one another and enjoy the opportunity to allow your dogs to run free.

We would like to thank Costco, Goldenwest Credit Union, Burch Creek Animal Hospital, North Ogden Animal Hospital, and Brookside Animal Hospital. They have all donated money which will be used for a sign, bench and 3 Dogi-pots.

If any problems arise at the park please call police dispatch at 629-8221 and a South Ogden officer will respond.