Read my other blog, lehicityut.blogspot.com

Read my other blog

lehicityut.blogspot.com

This blog takes a look at the City of Lehi from the perspective of one of its citizens who vows to keep on eye on its government.

Choice, you get to choose what you think, act, say or do

CHOICE

YOU get to choose ….

What you think about, your thoughts.

How you feel.

How you will act or react, how you behave.

What you say or don’t say.

Your perceptions, beliefs, opinions, ideals, values, morals and dreams.

What you put in your body, the foods and liquids, pills and potions are all your choice.

Not every choice you make is wise, but every choice you make has a consequence.

YOU OWN the consequence of your choice. There is no one to blame for the choice you make BUT YOU.

When you choose not to make a choice, one will be made for you. Better to make your own choices and be in control of your destiny than to allow others to make choices for you that you may not want.

TAKE OWNERSHIP OF THE CHOICES YOU MAKE. YOU ARE NOT A VICTIM.  

Take what time you need to think before you speak and act.

REMEMBER, NO ONE MAKES CHOICES FOR YOU UNLESS YOU LET THEM.

YOUR choices are yours and yours alone!

Go therefore and choose wisely. 

Life is filled with choices

I can choose to love, be loved, not to love or I can choose nothing at all.  What I do or don’t do are my decisions.  How I act or react is my choice.  What I think, believe or say are completely under my control.

I choose to not hurt others in any way.  I choose to honor and respect the feeling and beliefs of others.

I also choose not to be hurt by others.  I will stand up for myself and not allow others to control or manipulate me.  I will call them out on their behavior.

How I react to others personal insults, hostile words, degrading or belittling comments, harsh criticism, angry or punishing words and tone of voice, threats, bullying and intimidation is within my control.

I can remain positive, upbeat and not be influenced by the words or actions of others. 

I understand the angry outburst of others towards me is their problem.  The fact that they have chosen to direct their anger and hostility towards me does not influence how I feel about myself. 

I will remind myself that my value is not on the line.  What others think about me, say to me or act towards me does not influence who I am.  I am unique, one of a kind, amazing, talented, child of God who is love by many and who loves all.

I choose to be a giver of love, attention and validation to others and I choose to not make things about me.  I recognize that when I see life through the lens of others, I am inspired to love them just as they are.

I choose to love and serve all those I come in contact with and pray for those who could use a little assistance from God our Father in Heaven.

I accept the location in my journey through life as it is right NOW. Where I am at right now is my perfect journey for me.  

I am on this earth to love, more specifically to learn to love, myself and those around me.  

The need to be right is not a desire of mine.  When others feel a need to be right, get the last word in, prove their point, win me over to their way of thinking and attempt to beat me in to submission, I will remain strong and not be influenced by their words or actions.

I am healthy in my thoughts and remain strong in my beliefs. 

I recognize the past is in the past, the future is not yet here and the present is the only time I have.  I choose to live in the present, learn from the past and hope for the future.

I respect the right of others to express how feel and think as they do. I respect their right to hold opinions different than mine.  No two people are exactly the same; that is what makes us different.  What we say, do, think, believe, how we interact, communicate and our ability to listen, accept and understand others helps us in our quest for joy, peace and happiness.

Love and cherish the time you have on this earth. 

Be grateful for the blessing you have received and love all those you come in contact with. 

Pray to God our Father for wisdom to learn how to love and forgive.

This time on this earth is yours to do with what you will, make the most of it.

Cruising: The Perfect Place to Start Anew

Cruising: The Perfect Place to Start Anew 

A cruise is the perfect place to break old habits and start new ones. With no cell phones, emails, or texting, and none of the responsibilities of home or work, it’s your chance to refresh, rejuvenate and recharge.  

That’s what I did anyway. I just got back from cruising and, I have to say, I feel like a new guy. 

Healthier physically and mentally. And you can, too. Everything you need is right there—food, entertainment, solace, activities, spa, new friends. Well, the list is endless. So while you’re traveling the high seas in style, here are some tips to get you started in freshening up your old self.  

1. Make a pledge to shed (weight)! Sounds like an oxymoron. I mean, seriously, who loses weight on a cruise? But it’s not only possible, it’s not that hard if you plan a little.
The average gain on a seven day cruise is seven to 10 pounds. Ouch. But I went the opposite direction—I lost 14 pounds and three inches off my waist! While everyone else was gaining weight, I was shedding it at a pace of more than a pound a day.  So what did I do differently than my fellow passengers? I made a promise to myself: no extra pounds! That’s right-- I made a decision that my cravings and lack of willpower were not going to own me. But to do that, I had to rethink how I was going to make that happen. Which brings me to point number two… 

2. Drink, drink and drink some more (of the good stuff)
Water and unsweetened teas were my friends and kept me feeling full and hydrated. I added lots of fresh lemon and honey to spice it up. Plus lemon is a great detoxifier. I stayed away from all sodas, including diet sodas, juices, coffee, energy drinks and, yes, alcohol. I know that sounds painful, but it works like a charm. 

3. Move!
I used the stairs and stayed away from the elevators. It kept my metabolism working and was a great little workout throughout the day. My smart mom once gave me excellent advice:  When walking upstairs, skip every other step. It helps build up quad muscles. Dang, I love the stairs and, I promise, so will your body. 

4. Exercise
Every ship I’ve been on has a great gym and workout classes. If that’s not your thing, walk the outdoor track around the ship and take in the beautiful ocean and scenery. Throw on a pair of good shoes and walk if that’s the best you can do. The important thing is to exercise every day. When you select tours, try and pick options where you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Every time you sweat, you’ll release toxins and salt, and that’s a very good thing. Aim for an hour of exercise each day. That doesn’t mean it has to be all at once, but it certainly adds up.  

5. Get on the scale
Weighing yourself every day helps you notice any gains while they’re small and easily corrected. It’s a lot easier to lose two pounds than 10. 

6. Sign up for shipboard activities
While it’s tempting to join the others who are endlessly sunbathing, drinking, playing roulette, reading and eating, get involved in the daily activities. Look for ping pong tournaments, basketball games, and dance contests. Not only are they fun, you’ll meet new people and burn calories. Also try classes on upcoming ports and excursions, trivia contests, and ship tours. When you stay busy, you have less time to walk past the buffet line and grab cookies and fries. Plus, doing stuff is way more fun anyway.
7. Get off the ship and… walk! 

If you’re not doing an excursion, get off the ship and explore by foot. This is actually my favorite way to explore a port of call. Grab a guidebook so you see the best attractions at your own pace. On a few of our ports, I simply got off the ship and got in the ocean and spent an hour swimming and jumping in the waves. It was my own little heavenly water aerobics. (It’s pretty hard to swim and eat at the same time. Bonus!)
8. Eat wisely 

When you’re surrounded by a 24-hour buffet, this can be tough. Except it doesn’t have to be. For me, breakfast consisted of fruit, yogurt, and protein (like eggs). After a big breakfast, I skipped lunch, but ate a midday snack. I indulged on dinner, with appetizers and dessert. After a day of exercise and sensible food choices, hey, I deserved it. I was done eating by seven o’clock. In my opinion, going to bed with an extremely full stomach is pure misery.
9. Unplug 

Put that phone and laptop down. I promise you, the world won’t stop spinning because you aren’t texting and emailing. Your investments won’t implode and your house will still be there when you return. Taking an electronic break is manna for the soul. You’ll feel amazingly “better” after just a day. Stress and anxiety will vanish in a snap and you’ll enjoy your cruise far more.
Yes, you can enjoy a cruise, lose weight, start new habits, and have the time of your life. Doesn’t that sound like fun?

4 words that may change your life forever

4 words that may change your life forever

We are the sum (total) of our thoughts, words and deeds (actions or behaviors). What we think, do and say affects who we are and who we are to become.

  

Negative thoughts produces negative results, same holds true for our words and deeds.  Positive thoughts may lead to positive outcomes, same for words and deeds.  

If the outcome of our life is not what we want, then it makes sense that something in our thoughts, words and deeds must change to affect that outcome.  In other words, if you desire change in your life, you are required to change how you think, act and speak. 

In our life we become addicted to thinking a certain way, acting a certain way and even speaking a certain way.  I use the term addicted because it is true.  We become addicted (form habits) in our thoughts, words and deeds.  Some of these addictions are producing results in our life which are not productive.  Some are producing results that negatively impact who we have become and our relationships with others.  Some are producing emotions that create insecurity, unhappiness, loneliness, sadness, depression, anger, frustration, pain, suffering and many other unhealthy or unwanted feelings.

What ails you?  

What thoughts cause you the most pain, fear or anxiety?  

What actions or behaviors negatively impact your life and stop you from living the life you truly want? What words do you use that cause conflict in your relationship with other people?

Whatever your situation, if you want to change, truly want to change, the following four words may help impact your life positively and help you change your life forever.

NO, NOT NOW, NEVER

Throughout the day, thoughts come to our mind which triggers actions or behaviors that impact us negatively.  Some of the time we give into triggered thoughts and act in a manner we later regret or which cause us harm.  Some of the thoughts we tell ourselves also negatively impact our self-worth and self-esteem and breed fear and insecurity within us.

What we tell ourselves is important!

What we think about ourselves, others and our life is important!

The words we choose to speak are important!

How we behave and interact with others is important!

When you want to act out and misbehave in a manner you do not want, simply tell yourself, no, not now, never.

That action initially came from a thought. Something triggered that thought.  Do you know what that trigger is?

It is important to identify the trigger that creates the thought that produces the action that you do not want.

When the trigger is identified, it is easier to change the thought and therefore the unwanted behavior.

Let me give you an example. 

Joe recognizes he has a problem with alcohol or at least thinks he may have a problem with alcohol.  Joe recognizes that when watches football that he likes to consume a few beers and occasionally a few turns into a few to many and sometimes Joe is not able to control himself and the amount of alcohol he consumes.  The trigger in this case is a football game, the behavior is drinking alcohol.  Joe has conditioned himself to believe that drinking beer while watching football is OK.  However, for Joe, this on occasion has caused him a few too many problems which he later regretted.  Next time Joe sat down in front of a TV to watch football and the urge to drink beer comes upon Joe, he could simply say, no, not now, never.  If the urge comes back, again he could say, no, not now, never and repeat as often as he needed.

The good thing about thoughts, triggers, urges are that they are momentary and fleeting and can be controlled by becoming consciously aware of them and correcting them or redirecting them to a thought that has the positive outcome you prefer.  (read that again)

Using the words, no, not now, never redirects your thinking and causes you to think a new thought as to the behavior or action you truly want or desire.

Let’s look at another example.

Ben has difficulty staying away from watching pornography and when he does watch porn he always masturbates.  This has gotten in his way of maintaining a healthy relationship with his wife.  Ben knows his addiction to pornography is unhealthy, but he does not know how to stop. One of Ben’s many triggers is seeing an attractive female, which for Ben seems to be everywhere.  His relationship with his wife is strained and difficult and one of Ben’s ways of overcoming the stress in his life is to masturbate to pornography.  A solution to Ben may be that when he finds the urge to plop himself in front of the computer, view pornography and masturbate is to say no, not now, never when the urge is upon him.  He can then remind himself as to why the behavior is unhealthy and unwanted.  If the urge continues, Ben should continue to say, no, not now, never and remove himself from the computer and the environment he finds himself in.

The words, no, not now, never can be used with any thought that comes to mind that causes you to behave in a manner which does not bring a positive outcome to your life. 

It will take practice. 

It might be helpful for you to purchase a notebook and on the outside of the notebook write the words, no, not now, never. Inside you can record the moments those triggers come into your head.  Identify the trigger, where were you, what were you doing, what time of day was it, what was going on in your life at that moment, what may have caused the trigger.  Write everything and anything that comes to mind that will help you identify the trigger.  This too will help you take your mind off the behavior you are trying to change.

When you find yourself overcoming a trigger, say to yourself, yes, right now, always. 

The process of changing your thoughts and behaviors happens over time and will take practice.  It took you some time to get into habit you find yourself in and it will take some time to get yourself out. 

These four words will help you shape your thoughts, help you redirect your thoughts and help you change your behavior.

Remember….

NO, NOT NOW, NEVER

Our thoughts are addictive, our behaviors become addictions and in order to change, you have to change the way you think.  This tool, these words will do just that.

The MOST powerful word in the English language is the word NO

The MOST powerful word in the English language is the word “NO”.

I am spending Thanksgiving with my daughter, her husband and their 20 month old baby girl.  When asking the little girl if she would like this or that, on numerous occasions I witness her turn her head side to side indicating she does not. On other occasions when asked, not only does she turn her head side to side, she also says no.  Still on other occasions, she turns her head away, for example, when I was attempted to give her a bite of fruit salad, she simply turned her head to the away so as to say, no, I don’t want that.

My granddaughter has no problem saying no.

She is not thinking of the consequence of her saying no, or I don’t want that or I don’t like that.  She is not thinking of what other people think of her when she says no.  She is not thinking of her future or her past; she is living in the moment. To her, no means no, no to what you are offering her, no to the question you are asking her, no to the opportunity you are presenting her, no means no, I don’t want it, don’t like it, don’t need it and quite honestly, I don’t care what you think.  I am thinking for myself and at this point in time and I chosen to say no.  Because she can’t talk, she doesn’t even have to give a reason or explanation as to why she is saying no, the word or head gesture is sufficient, NO.

As she grows, it may be more difficult to say no without explanation, without the fear of what other people may think or even what she may think of herself.  What if as she grows she cares deeply about what others think of her? What if as she grows from time to time she feels un-loved, not cared for, depressed or hurt and angry and turns to drugs or alcohol to deaden the pain of her frustration. What if at a young age she is shown pornography on a friend’s cell phone becomes intrigued by what she saw and becomes addicted to pornography.  What if her Father leaves her mother and the family before she turns 10 and in her teen years she is looking for any boy to give her reassurance that she is worthy of love and begins a sexually active life in her teen years.  What if while out one night with her friends they offer her drugs, drugs that could kill her if she overdosed and she is too weak or afraid to say no out of fear of what her friends might think of her.

Are you addicted to prescription drugs, drugs, alcohol, pornography, people pleasing, tobacco, or a self-destructive behavior that is not desirous to you? Do you find yourself repeating behaviors that you know do not benefit you and that you would like to stop? Are you aware of the triggers that draw you into that behavior? How do you feel about yourself after you have done that behavior? What do you tell yourself?  Do you praise yourself for a job well done or do you beat yourself up?

Would you like to STOP?

If the answer is yes, the solution may be as simple as telling yourself “No, not now, never or simply NO!”. At the moment the trigger speaks to you directly in your head to participate in a behavior you know is not beneficial and you know you would like to stop, simply tell yourself, no, not now, never.

When you want to take that next drink.

When you want to pop that next pill or ingest that next drug.

When you want to view porn and masturbate.

When you want to act out sexually.

When you want………, you can fill in the blank.

When the moment is upon you, just say NO or no, not now, never!

When some boy/man is enticing you to go further than you like sexually, just say NO and leave.

When you know consuming more alcohol will impair your judgment in any way or your ability to drive, just say no.

When there is a part of you that speaks to you and in any way that is not truthful, honest, loving, kind, thoughtful and is destructive in any way, just say no.

No, not now, never.  Repeat as many times as you need,  no not now, never. Repeat with me now; no, not now, never. No, not now, never, no not now, never.

It matters not what other people think of you, your value, self- worth and who you are is not on the line.  You are unique, one of a kind, amazing and there is no one else exactly like you on this planet and in fact there has never been anyone that ever lived that is exactly like you, no one, ever.

What you think of yourself is important and the good news is that you get to create the image of who you are by the way you think, again, not by what other people think of you.

You get to choose your thoughts, feelings, behaviors, emotions, actions, words, the outcome of your life is in your hands and no-one else’s.

As a young child, saying no, was easy, natural and we didn’t care at all what others thought of our saying no.  We liked what we liked, we did what we did, we behaved the way we wanted, we chose. As we grew, our family, community, schools, friends, help shape us into who we have become today.

Overtime and as we grow into adulthood,  saying the word NO may actually become difficult because we fear the consequence, we fear what others think, we fear the life we are living and we fear our future.

Sometimes it is easier to say yes in the moment and suffer the consequence afterwards.  But what is the cost of the consequence? What is the cost of saying yes in the moment versus saying no?

Who are YOU and who do YOU want to become?

Isn’t it time you do what you know is right for YOU without fear? Fear of what others think, fear out of what you think of yourself?

Fear is crippling you from becoming the person you want to become.  So, sometimes it is easier to say yes and suffer the consequence, but is it wiser, is that what you want?

Now is the time that you start say NO to the destructive, fear based behaviors that are holding you back from becoming the person you were meant to be.

When the trigger that drives you to behaviors you know are self-destructive and does not promote the person you want to become, simply say to yourself, No, not now, never.  No, not now, never.  Repeat as many times as you have to. 

Here is a little known secret that I would like to share with you.  Did you know that those self-destructive thoughts are fleeting and come and go very quickly.  If you can just get over that triggered thought in the moment, the self-destructive behavior may not follow.

It may not be as easy as it sounds initially, but I assure you, it gets easier over time and in time, the self-destructive behavior which is holding you back, causing you pain, frustration, anger, unhappiness will turn around.  In time you will become more self-confident, assured, strong, courageous and loving.  

Who do you prefer to be?

Saying, no, not now, never is an effective tool for overcoming the fleeting self-destructive triggers that plague you thoughts, words and behaviors.  When you overcome these moments of indiscretion, you are on your path to the life you know you want and deserve.

Free Fear Assessment, isn't it time you start living your life exactly the way you want?

Is there ANYTHING that is not working in your life the way you like it to?

Do you often feel powerless or just don't know how to change situations in your life that bring you pain, misery, dissatisfaction or discontent? What is the cost of not changing or progressing or finding a solution?

Do you sometimes find yourself in a state of confusion, not knowing what you want or where you are going? 

Do you have trouble committing and sticking to changes in your life that you know would be beneficial to you?

Are you having trouble in any of your relationships? Your marriage, friends, co-workers, family? What is the consequence of relationships that are out of harmony?

Do you live in fear of the unknown? 

Does making changes in your life frighten you? 

If you were able to communicate in a way that was constructive, would your relationships with others improve? 

Who are you, really? Why are you here, on this planet at this time? What is the purpose of your life? Do you have a clearly defined purpose to your life? 

Are you effected by what other people think of you? Do you feel inadequate in areas of your life regarding your property, performance and your appearance? Are you achieving the results in life that you feel you deserve?

 

Do you have feelings of insecurity, inadequacy or worthlessness?  

Is there anyone you need to forgive and learn to love? 

In this journey through life, do you feel safe, loved, appreciated, respected, honored, grateful and wanted? 

Take a moment and think about your life and determine if the life you are living could have more meaning and purpose, more love and happiness, more peace and joy.

Fear of failure or loss drive nearly 90% of our behavior, isn't it time you get control of your fears?

TAKE THE (free) FEAR ASSESSMENT

It only takes 10 minutes and we will email you a free report showing how your subconscious programs of fear are affecting your beliefs, values, behavior and relationships.  

 

Click on the link below.....

Free Fear Assessment

 

After you have taken the assessment and reviewed your results, you then have the opportunity to speak with one of our certified life coaches to help you understand methods to living the life you want.

 

Isn't it about time you determine once and for all to make the changes in your life you know you need and want? Don't delay, take the free fear assessment today.

Bill Conley
New Day Coaching
coachbillconley@gmail.com
801 867 7227

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beacon of light and love (the lighthouse of love and light)

A lighthouse shines light to those navigating coastal waters to show them the way.  We can also be a beacon of love, a light in the darkness for those who are adrift in the sea of darkness. Think of yourself as a lighthouse on a hill beaming light and love energy to all those who are near.  Light is energy and likewise, love is energy, love is the light of Christ that shines within us.

As we move throughout our day, we have the opportunity to shine our light and love energy to the world which surrounds us as we pass through.  Prayerfully consider those around you as those deserving of your love energy. Mindfully and consciously move throughout you day as beacons of love, light, hope, inspiration, empathy, compassion, acceptance, trust, honor, respect, faith, healing, kindness, understanding and guidance.

Ask God to open your eyes and fill your heart with love for all those that surround you.  Be filled with gratitude for the many blessing he has bestowed upon you and drink continually of his cup of love and let it overflow spilling endlessly in all directions. 

Prepare yourself to acknowledge, accept, respect and honor all those you meet.  With your eyes, smile and body continence, draw others to you so that they will feel of your love energy.  Silently pray for them in their time of need and recognize the pain in their face and body. 

Appreciate and understand the gifts that you have been given and your role and awesome responsibility to let others know that you care for them.  Become a beacon of love. 

Shine your love light in all directions.  Send your love energy to the Universe wherever you go. 

Pray for those around you.  Lord, I am a beacon of love and light, may those around me at this moment feel and sense your love, the love that lives within me.  May their burdens, pain, worry, stress be lightened and their day brighten by my love, by your love, by our love.  We are a beacon of light of love of hope of inspiration of guidance in a sea of darkness, pain, hurt, frustration, anger, misery and fear. 

I am love, I am light, and I am a lighthouse of Love Energy, shining brightly for all those to see, guiding those in a sea of darkness.

Will you become a lighthouse of love and light?

Send your love freely to the universe and it WILL respond in kind.

Update, a few hours later.

I was walking around the track this morning and continually sent out love vibrations and prayers to all those I saw.  I prayed and said, I see you, I love you, I care about you, I hear you, and you are as valuable as a diamond. God loves you and so do I. I noticed people seemed to smile at me more as I sent my love and acceptance.

Emails to Robert Ranc, assistant Lehi Administrator, lots of questions, not a lot of answers

Here are some more emails I sent to Robert Ranc.  I have lots of questions and request for documents, information and verification of a signature.  Answers were not forthcoming and I have yet to get an answer verifying Todd Munger's signature on the Family Search plat.  I have even sent two text messages to Todd's cell phone, no response from Todd.  Todd never attended a single recorded meeting on the Family Search subdivision, he may have had discussions with other city employees, we don't know, because there is no public record.  Yet he signed the Family Search subdivision along with Gary Smith without even consulting the Lehi City Council or the Planning Commission that we are aware of. 

Here are a few of my emails to Robert.


Robert

I was reviewing the Family Search Plat recorded by Utah County on July 9th, 2015.  It appears that the subdivision was accepted and approved by the Lehi Public Works Director and Chief Building Official on behalf of the Legislative Body of the City of Lehi on June 24th, 2015.  I can make out the name Gary Smith on the recorded document as the Chief Building Official, however, I am unable to make out the signature of the Public Works Director.  Could you please take a look at the Family Search Plat subdivision and provide me with the name of the person who signed as the Public Works Director. 

Thank you

Bill Conley
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Robert

 

Can you verify Todd Munger signature on the Family Search plat? I would like to see a copy of his signature. 

Secondly, it does not matter that the city believes a plat is more comprehensive than meets and bounds, the code clearly states, the recording documents are to be meters and bounds, NOT A PLAT!

I have found numerous examples where the city us not following its own code, this is just one very clear example. This needs to be corrected. The city can't pick and choose which of its codes it enforces, they must live to the letter of the law as they, the city has defined it. Read Chapter 28 of the resort community code, there are numerous examples where the city is not enforced the code as it is written.

Can't pick and choose.

Bill Conley

 

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Robert
Thank you for pointing that out, it is an important distinction.  This is ONLY relevant for Chapter 28 or are the Chief Building Official and Public Works Director designated as having authority, on behalf of the City Council, to approve and sign final documents elsewhere?  If so, where and I requested some type of document identifying them as having been given authority, does one exist?  Or is it ONLY in the language you referenced? 

The designation of a plat versus metes and bounds needs to be corrected at the County!  The code says metes and bounds, not plat.

As for other enforcement examples.

Check out Chapter 2.14, Campaign Finance Disclosure REQUIREMENTS FOR CANDIDATES, 2.14.030 "Each candidate for elective offices shall file with the city recorder, dated, signed and sworn financial reports which comply with this chapter.  The reports required by this chapter shall be filed at least 14 days before BOTH THE PRIMARY AND GENERAL ELECTIONS..."
This was not adhered to and nobody seems to care!  This was handed out by either the city attorney, mayor or city recorder at a meet the mayor night, this MUST be adhered to, otherwise, why hand it out? Not everyone handed their financial disclosures in on time.  Marilyn even sent out an email requesting we hand out disclosures in by July 28th, 5 pm, 14 days prior to the primary.  If we were not required to hand one in at all, why did she send out the email.  I still contend, Kim Holmes is disqualified from running in the November ballot and I have contacted the Lieutenants Governor's office for a ruling. However, I think the city of Lehi needs to step up and adhere to the code as it is written! I know mistakes were made and I want them corrected. 

Chapter 28 Resort Community Zone
Several enforcement issues and problems that nobody seems to care about and are not enforced by current city government. I will point out a couple relevant sections and words within these sections.
Section 28.010
C.  "Outside the state"
D.  "While protecting the health, safety and long term welfare of the community."  This phrase is used by multiple departments, BUT NEVER SUBSTANTIATED!  In the future, I request that that those who use these words, substantial their position in writing.  Words are just words and mean nothing if there is nothing backing them.  This phrase is never questioned and should be. 
F.  "dedicating land or utilizing certain space within the Resort Community Zone at no cost to the city."  This certainly has not happened.  When is the city going to start enforcing their own code?
Section 07.050 Public support REQUIREMENTS
A-D, not happening!  When is this going to be enforced?

These are but a few of the codes that I believe enforcement by the city is lacking and there is no consequence to those breaking or enforcing the code.

Thanks
Bill Conley

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Email thread between Robert Ranc (Assistant City Administrator) and myself this past week.

Email thread between Robert Ranc (Assistant City Administrator) and myself this past week.

Robert

 Another question for you. 

In chapter 28 of the Lehi resort community code, page 28-4 section 28.060 - Development Approvals and Permits in A.1 there is a sentence that is causing me some confusion.  It states that the Chief Building Official and the Public Works Director have the authority to sign on behalf of the City Council "if they are designated by the City Council as the officers having authority, on behalf of the City Council, to approve and sign the final document (s). 

Is there any kind of document you could send me that states that the Chief Building Official and Public Works Director have been given this authority and have the right to sign on behalf of the City Council and then provide me with examples where this has been the case.  I would like to see the document authorizes them to sign on behalf of the City Council.

Secondly, in that same section it states, "The lots in a minor subdivision WILL be divided by a metes and bounds document rather than a PLAT."  I have contacted the Utah Recorders office and the Family Search subdivision is recorded as a PLAT, not by metes and bounds as outlined in the resort code.  I would like an explanation as to why the code as written above was not followed. 

I will be sharing your response to the hundreds of those Lehi residents who are outraged by the proposed destruction of the Thanksgiving Point driving range to put up two massive office buildings.

Thank you

Bill Conley

Here is Robert's response

Bill,

 

Section 28.080A1 does not use the word “if.”  It uses the word “are.”  This is a very important legal distinction.  I have directly copied the language below.  You are, of course, welcome to verify this for yourself.

 

The Preliminary and Final Plans shall be submitted and reviewed simultaneously, and the Chief Building Official and Public Works Director are designated by the City Council as the officers having authority, on behalf of the City Council, to approve and sign the final Document(s)

 

On the issue of metes and bounds, you are correct as to the language.  However, you misunderstand the difference between a metes and bounds document and a plat document.  A plat document is completed to a higher standard than a metes and bounds document.  So when a developer offers a plat document rather than a metes and bounds document, the city is happy to accept a plat.

 

Based on this information, the city is maintaining its position that the developer for this project has followed all applicable requirements.

 

Regards,

My response back to Robert

Robert 

 Thanks for the point of clarification. It seems as though words matter or you would not have pointed out a specific word.  If words matter, than so do the words metes and bounds.  You seem to believe the term plat is superior to the term metes and bounds and therefore the city will accept a plat over a metes and bound description.  If words matter than the city MUST follow what is written and what is written is not plat, but metes and bounds language.  You, I and no one else gets to determine that a plat is superior to metes and bounds.  If you are going to suggest the word "are" is relevant, well then, so are the words, "metes and bounds".  You can't simply pick and choose what you will and will not enforce. 

You seem to suggest that a plat is superior to the term metes and bounds.  Maybe you could show me anywhere within Lehi City code that the term plat is superior to the term metes and bounds and that the City as an official statement accepts a plat description in place of a metes and bounds description, please provide me the relevant code or statute that specifies this. 

This must be corrected at the county, you can't just be happy to accept a plat description in place of a metes and bounds, the code specifies a metes and bounds description and specifically states it cannot be a plat.  "The lots in a minor subdivision WILL BE divided by a metes and bounds document rather than a plat."  What is so difficult to understand about this language.  You don't get to choose or be happy, you must follow the code as it is written.  You commented on the relevance of a single word "are", now you must follow the code, there is nothing to misinterpret, language as written MUST be followed.

I requested that you provide me with a document that was prepared by the mayor or city council granting the Public Works Director and Chief Building Official with the authority to sign legal documents on behalf of the legislative body (city council).  The code says "The Chief Building Official and Public Works Director "are" designated by the City Council as the officers having authority, on behalf of the City Council to approve and sign the final documents."  I would like to see any documents created by either the City Council or may granting them this authority. I would like to know if there are no such documents.  I would also like to know if there is anywhere else in any Chapter within the City Code that grants the authority for the Chief Building Official and Public Works Director to sign minor lot subdivisions on behalf of the City Council or is the only place this shows up in the City code?

Lastly, could you testify that there will not be any requirement for the construction of any public improvement or the dedication of any public right away.  The language in the code specifically states the Chief Building Official and Public Works Director can sign as having authority, if the subdivision includes less than ten lots and the subdivision does not require the construction of any public improvements or the dedication of any public right of way.  Are you or anyone at the city willing to sign a document clearly stating that there is and will never be any requirement for the construction of any public improvement? 

Did you know Todd Munger NEVER attended a reported or recorded meeting to discuss the Family Search subdivision, yet he put his signature on the documents recorded by the county.  How did the city allow Todd Munger to sign off on a subdivision that he was never at a meeting to discuss? All I can say is WOW.  There was no City Council or Planning Commission discussion and one of the two people who signed off on the subdivision was never even in a recorded meeting (there was only one) to discuss the proposed subdivision.  Who told him to sign the document and who gave him the information about the new subdivision.  I can't imagine Mr. Munger signed something he knew nothing about, maybe he did, although that would be incredibly irresponsible of him.

Please fix the situation at the County.  According to Chapter 28, this cannot be recorded as a plat, it MUST be recorded as metes and bounds. 

Bill Conley
 
And finally, it seems as though Robert has had enough and does not want to engage in meaningful dialog, provide me the answers and documents I am looking for.  By the way, Robert in no way provided me with answers to my questions.  Take a look at my question and Robert's response and you let me know if he answered each and every one of my questions. It baffles me that city administrators who work for me and the other residents of Lehi, refuse to engage in a meaningful dialog.

Bill,

 

I have provided you an answer to your questions.  I am sorry you are not satisfied, but I will not be engaging in any additional arguments.  If you have legal concerns you are welcome to contact city attorney Ryan Wood.  You may also contact city administrator Jason Walker or any of your elected officials.  This will be the last communication you receive from me.

 

Regards,

Protect the health, safety and long term welfare of the Lehi Community, what do these words mean?

At a recent Lehi City Council Development Review Committee meeting, the following findings were published, play close attention to number 3.

FINDINGS

The Development Code does not identify specific findings that must be considered when approving a concept; however the

Planning Commission may wish to include the following findings in the motion:

1. The proposed Concept is consistent with the Lehi City Development Code

2. The proposed Concept conforms to the goals and policies of the General Plan.

3. The proposed Concept does not affect the health, safety, welfare, and morals of the City. 

In the Utah League of Cities and Towns Powers and Duties, a handbook for Utah Municipal Officials, page 121 under the Title, "Basic Legal Issues for Land Use Control" it states, "The purpose of this Chapter are to provide for the health, safety and welfare and to promote the prosperity, improve the morals, peace and good order, comfort, convenience and aesthetics of each municipality and its present and future inhabitants and businesses."

Chapter 28 of the Lehi resort community code, section 28.010 - Purpose and Intent, section D, it states "while protecting the health, safety and long term welfare of the community."

If you have been to a Lehi Planning Commission or City Council meeting you routinely hear them robotically recite the words, protect the health, safety and welfare, but what do these words mean? 

For their definition, lets turn to Chapter 39 of the Lehi building code (definitions) and look for these three words.  First the word, health, sorry not there.  Then, the word, safety, again not there, wow, did you know there were two full pages describing Sexually-oriented businesses, but no definition for safety and lastly, what does the word welfare mean as defined by chapter 39?  What, I can't find it. 

Lets ask those that recite these words on a regular basis what they mean to them. So if you are on the DRC, Lehi Planning Commission or City Council, feel free to comment on this blog post what you believe these words mean, thank you for responding.

The meaning, understanding and definition of these words for the long term welfare of the Lehi residents is important if not critical.  City administrators, employees, elected and appointed officials must tell us what these words mean to them personally and also define them in Chapter 39. 

Too often, I believe these words are recited without understanding there consequence to the residents of the City of Lehi.  Let me give you an obvious example where the safety of Lehi residents is put at risk almost on a daily basis.  For those of you who have had the opportunity to eat lunch at what I will call the outdoor food court in Thanksgiving Point, you all know how difficult it is to park. They have opened up parking across the street (North Thanksgiving Way) where Lone Peak Trailer's use to be.  Hundreds of people on a daily basis have to make there way across this incredibly business road putting their life at risk.  There is no cross walk or intersection, you literally have to dash across the road hoping not to get hit.  Everyone at City Hall knows what a debacle this is, so what are they going to do about it, I know build more restaurants in the area.  The second thing they are going to do is build a dozen or so more fast food restaurants east of I 15 to cut down on the number of people frequenting the open door fast food court, now that is a great solution.  The problem was created by allowing this many restaurants to congregate in one area without sufficient parking, now whose fault was that?  DRC, yes, Planning Commission, yes, possibly City Council, not quite sure, but probably yes.  So, is this a safety concern, yes it is. How are they going to correct the problem?  Ask DRC, the Planning commission and your City Council. There are problems like this all over the city.

Try driving from Thanksgiving Point golf course to the freeway at rush hour, this six block drive may take you as long as 20 + minutes and more than likely you will have to wait for 4 or 5 stoplights before you get to wait to get onto the freeway, where you will wait even longer.  Poor planning and they want to keep building more and more in the Thanksgiving Point area. The City blames the traffic snarl around this area on the State and says one day (many years from now) the problem will be addressed, hey, but, lets keep building and adding more traffic and congestion.  Is this good for the welfare of the residents of Lehi?  Residents in the Thanksgiving Village subdivision talk about planning their heart attack so that they don't have to fight traffic at rush hour.  They know for sure, they will die before they get to the hospital, is this a health related issue, of course it is.

There are countless traffic related issues in Lehi and the mantra continues to be at City Hall, there is no development project we don't like, bring it on, the more the merrier.  Long term welfare of its citizens being taken into consideration, I think not.
 

I recently ran for Lehi City Council and failed to make it on the November ballot.  However, I was able to speak with hundreds of Lehi residents who believe the City has some work to do in regards to... 

Traffic and road infrastructure, making sure and ensuring road infrastructure is ahead of growth and development not lagging behind as it is today

Massive growth and development while ignoring traffic patterns, road congestion and oppressive wait times at traffic lights

Insufficient water supplies and pressure in the pressurized irrigation system

Carbon emissions from increased traffic

Noise and light pollution and the loss of green space to commercial and residential development

The lack of parks and recreation facilities and programs for the residents of Lehi, both youth and adult.
The increase in traffic congestion especially around schools puts the lives of our children at risk.
 

These are but a few of the concerns of the residents of Lehi, there are countless others (I seriously could go on and on, not to many long term residents who are happy with what is happening in their city).  Many residents don't believe that the current city officials and administrators listen to them and believe they really don't care about them.  Many long term residents pine for the old days when Lehi was a small town and believe the current growth is not welcome.   

So when our those appointed, elected or who work for the city ensure us that the long term safety, health and welfare of the residents are protected, what do they really mean and how do we hold them accountable today and in the future for what will be continued traffic congestion, water regulations, unfettered growth and development without proper road infrastructure and mediocre park and recreation facilities and programs for our youth and adults.   

I believe these words have meaning and I believe they need to be defined by and placed in chapter 39 so we all know what they mean.

 
Lehi of old is dying, there is construction everywhere and before you know it we will be a city of over 100,000 people.  Time to define what you mean by safety, health and long term welfare of the residents of Lehi.

Maybe Lehi should consider a building moratorium like Highland.  They may need to step back and re-evaluate the sheer volume of building that is going on.  One last point.  During my run for Lehi City Council, I had an opportunity to speak with many of the department heads in City government and in each case they indicated that their departments where understaffed.  Things are falling through the cracks, codes are not being enforced and things are being overlooked.

Slow down!

Response to Chris Condi's questions and comments regarding a post I made on Facebook regarding Lehi City Hall

Chris Condi wrote the following comment on a Facebook post where I publicized a couple of new blog post I had written.  Below his comment is my response.  I attempted to response in the comment section of my Facebook post but for some reason, it will not post, so I am releasing my response here.

Chris's response.........

Bill, I support your first amendment right to speak out on any issue, to be critical of your local government, and even your fellow citizens and residents. Keep it up and God bless you for using it!

Me personally, I cannot take anymore of your tiring rants, mis-representation of facts, and the demeaning of others to make a point, which to me is illogical.

Your whole argument ignores ones right to own, sale, donate, develop, or do what they want with their property. You do not own the golf course, the city does not own the golf course, residents do not own the golf course. The Ashton's did and they did with it what they wanted to. People like the Ashton's are amazing people. I applaud them, not because they sold the property to the LDS church, but because they wanted to make their community a better place. They saw an opportunity and they took it. God bless them!

When you want to have a serious DISCUSSION I am all in.

BTW, why don't you share your email to this group that you sent to the city attorney requiring that all elected officials and city staff declare their religion? And how if any of them are affiliated with the LDS church should recuse themselves from any LDS decision that comes before them. If you lost it, I have my copy! Thank you for respecting my first amendment right to associate with the religion of my choice.

Oh, where in the constitution, or the law, does it say that I, as an elected official, have to declare my religion and recuse myself? And does your statement just apply to LDS members? What about Catholics, Jews, Non-denominational, Muslims, Baptists, Protestants, Appostalics, Evangelicals, Roman Catholics, .....? Should every candidate for elected office just recuse themselves when their particular religion has a development project come before them? Or just the LDS ones?
My response to Chris's response

Let’s breakdown Chris's comment on one of my blogpost.

 

Bill, I support your first amendment right to speak out on any issue, to be critical of your local government, and even your fellow citizens and residents. Keep it up and God bless you for using it!

 

I most certainly am not critical.  Remember, local government and those who serve in elected positions work for the people of the city, town or community. Speaking out and pointing out discrepancies in city government should not be attacked or ignored by reviewed carefully by those who work at city hall.

Me personally, I cannot take any more of your tiring rants, mis-representation of facts, and the demeaning of others to make a point, which to me is illogical.

 

Chris, if you don’t like it, don’t read it.  I have not demeaned anyone.  I simply pose questions and request answers and speak the truth as I see it. If you want to challenge what I have written, you are free to give a written response to my questions and provide me with the documents I have requested.  Simply ignoring my questions leads me to further believe that City Hall is operating in secret and has a hidden agenda.  It is critical that City Hall follow the code as it is written and not ignore the sections they don’t want to have to deal with.

Your whole argument ignores ones right to own, sale, donate, develop, or do what they want with their property. You do not own the golf course, the city does not own the golf course, residents do not own the golf course. The Ashton's did and they did with it what they wanted to. People like the Ashton's are amazing people. I applaud them, not because they sold the property to the LDS church, but because they wanted to make their community a better place. They saw an opportunity and they took it. God bless them!

 

Sold?  Have you seen the real estate purchase and sale agreement?  Sold, can you say donated.  There was mention that a portion of the property was donated, so what was the portion of the property that was sold, do you know, does the public know, I know I don’t know and would like to.  Through my research, The Church may have been looking for a developer in the Thanksgiving Point area to donate property, looks like they found the Ashton’s.  Agreed the Ashton’s have been amazing people.  They have plenty of property on the other side of the railroad tracks, maybe they could have sold (donated) property where all the other commercial development is taking place.  Donate (sell) a driving range on a PGA caliber golf course. I challenged anyone to find me a similar situation where a driving range was converted into two massive office buildings, no one has brought one to my attention.  This is not typical and in my opinion and the opinion of countless thousands of others, just flat out wrong. Pose this question to any non LDS golfer who lives outside the State of Utah and they would think this was crazy.

When you want to have a serious DISCUSSION I am all in.

 

How about answering the questions I have already asked and providing me with the documents I have requested, then let’s have a serious discussion.  Answer all my questions and provide me with all the documents.  I really don’t want a discussion.  I want those at City Hall to obey the rules and regulations just like the rest of us.  What gives City Hall the right to choose which codes they want to enforce and which codes they want to ignore, shouldn’t they have to enforce them all!

BTW, why don't you share your email to this group that you sent to the city attorney requiring that all elected officials and city staff declare their religion? And how if any of them are affiliated with the LDS church should recuse themselves from any LDS decision that comes before them. If you lost it, I have my copy! Thank you for respecting my first amendment right to associate with the religion of my choice.

 

Done.  I like Paige’s response, she laughs it off and makes a joke of my request.  I am a law abiding, tax paying citizen with the right to ask and receive information from City Hall. Working at or for the City of Lehi requires you to not comingle your religious and civic duties and responsibilities.  When your personal religious beliefs clouds your ability to be objective in your role in a non-religious entity such as working at for  the city, then you may have a conflict of interest and we the public should be aware of that. One of those that signed off on the Family Search subdivision was not at any recorded city meeting to discuss the Family Search plat, yet he signed off on the creation of the plat.  When this individual was asked why he signed off on a plat that he never was in any recorded discussions about the plat, one of his responses was that anything The Church does, they do first class. This subdivision was never discussed in an open meeting by the City Council or the Planning Commission which is typical when you create a subdivision. I think there are many who are LDS who are in favor of anything The Church does.  Remember, not everyone who lives in Lehi are LDS and you have a responsibility to represent them as well.

Oh, where in the constitution, or the law, does it say that I, as an elected official, have to declare my religion and recuse myself?

 

Do you have a problem identifying yourself as LDS in an open public forum?  Read the ethics section in the handbook I mentioned.  It is my opinion that there are many LDS people who have been conditioned to believe anything The Church does is absolutely OK and in fact, The Church conditions its members to believe that any opposition to the teaching of the Church may be wrong.  We have a right to know if you are capable of being objective and stand up for the rights of the citizens of Lehi. Your objectivity in your role as a city official is critical and if you are incapable of being objective because of your religious affiliation, then we need to know that. You work for us, not the LDS Church.

 

And does your statement just apply to LDS members?

 

In Utah County, city of Lehi, pretty much, not to many other religions other than LDS dominate the landscape. In Lehi, I believe you need to identify your religious beliefs, once again, do you have a problem doing that?  I don’t think the Catholics, Jews, Non-denominational, Muslims, Baptists, Protestants etc. as a religion are seeking land donations from wealthy business people who happen to also be LDS to donate property on a golf course to build two massive office buildings.

 

What about Catholics, Jews, Non-denominational, Muslims, Baptists, Protestants, Apostolic, Evangelicals, Roman Catholics, .....? Should every candidate for elected office just recuse themselves when their particular religion has a development project come before them?

 

No, I do believe Utah County is unique and has a rather large LDS membership.  In Utah County, as it concerns a building project on a golf course, I believe we have the right to know your religious affiliation and whether or not you are capable of being objective. Not all LDS members are capable of being objective and believe anything The Church does is OK by them, we have a right to know if that is how you believe. We also have the right to know if you are going to follow and obey all the city codes or ignore the ones you don’t want to have to deal with. Why don’t we have everyone at city hall read Chapter 28 of the Lehi resort community and sign a sworn statement that everything in the code is being followed exactly as it is written, could you sign that statement.  Don’t attack, answer my questions and provide me with the documents I have requested, then we can have a meaningful dialog. Choosing to ignore my questions and requests absolutely means you don’t have the answers and therefore are not in compliance with your own ordinances and codes.

 

Or just the LDS ones?

 

No, not just LDS ones. Please read my responses carefully and craft an answer to all my questions and provide me with the documents I have requested.

 

You will notice I did not attack Chris and I answered his comments and questions, something I hope City Hall and those that work there take a lesson from.