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Millville man defends foster care services offered in home
By Bryce Petersen
Espinoza said he gives foster care to youth who have been in trouble with the law. While he did not name specific crimes, he said that many of the youth he has cared for have been involved with gangs. He said that he did not accept anyone who had been convicted of sexual offenses or of aggravated assault. "I can sympathize and I do feel bad for the kids, but my responsibility is not for them, it's for their neighbors," said Mayor Gale Hall. Councilman Gene Eggleston defended Espinoza's record as a proctor, saying that he has been in the valley for years and has never had a problem. "Luis has had a tremendous success rate," Eggleston said. The council let the matter stand without action. David Madsen, who lives near Espinoza, said that he was reassured by the discussion. The council also addressed the concern of inconsistent meal expenditures by unanimously approving a $26 per diem for meals on official business. But due to the unpredictability of hotel costs, the council voted 4-1 to reject Councilman Larry Lewis' proposal that would have established a $65 per diem for lodging. Gary Larsen, Millville's maintenance superintendent, reported to the council that the proposed parking lot expansion at the Millville City Park would cost about $13,000. The council approved and assigned Councilman Duane Harvey, who is over Parks and Recreation, to draw up a more specific proposal. The parking lot is expected to be finished by July 1. Mayor Hall asked council members to prepare budget proposals for fiscal 2000. He set a March 16 date for the preliminary discussion of the budget. The fiscal year begins on July 1. Councilman Lewis weighed in early on the side of lowertaxes. "It's almost getting unbearable," Lewis, who presides over city finances, said. In other business: •Rod Hobbs was appointed to a two-and-a- half year term as a Planning and Zoning commissioner. •Bob Bates was appointed as an alternate commissioner. •The council approved Heidi Bentley's request for a Home Occupation Permit to teach piano lessons. •The revised Family Hill Subdivision plan was submitted and sent out for comments. The plan will go before the Planning and ZoningCommission on March 9. •The piping of the Millville City Park ditch was continued to
look at alternatives. Mayor Hall said that the ditch needed to be moved
to accommodate additional parking, as well as for maintenance reasons. |
Archived Months:
September
1998 |
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