What a beuatiful Morning
Our West Gate this Morning
It looks like Bob and Claudia are in the process of trimming 
Errol's Backyard
We sure live in a special neighborhood
Mill Creek Pond Action Committee
Meeting Minutes
Saturday October 09, 2010
Present: Terrell McPhee, Chris Meeker, George Mierisch, Jerry McPhee, Steve Norr, Ken Mears, Alan Bennett, Pam Bennett, Judy Mincher, Kimarie Overall, Michele Johnson, Shelly Norr
Minutes from September 25, 2010:
Jerry moved to accept the minutes as written, seconded by Ken. The motion passed.
Homeowner Association Officers were elected:
President: Steve Norr
Vice President: Michele Johnson
Secretary: Terrell McPhee
Treasurer: Chris Meeker
HOA Documents, Members and Dues:
We need to be incorporated and need a resolution in order to open a bank account. We must be organized as a charitable organization in order to receive the land from RDA. We voted to adopt the RDA Bylaws as presented for an interim period not to exceed 120 days from today’s date. We voted to adopt and file the articles of incorporation. Jerry will file the articles of incorporation and get a tax ID number for us. Jerry will write the resolution and deliver it to Chris so she can open the bank account. Checks will require the signature of the Secretary and one of the other officers. We need to research insurance options. Jerry will check with USAA. Each household will pay $100.00 at incorporation and then $10.00 per month in dues beginning in January.
Door-to-Door Campaign:
Steve will send out all information electronically, and will post notices of the doors of those whose email addresses we don’t have.
Mill Creek Pond Clean-up Project:
Steve used his chain saw to cut down trees along the south shoreline. Others used loppers and leaf bags to remove trash and invasive weeds. Shelly removed most of a tree that had fallen on the west island. Then we moved on to Michele’s house where Shelly’s chest waders were put to good use cleaning debris from the creek. Everyone helped carry logs and stack debris by the curbs.
Assignments:
Jerry will check with USAA for insurance options, file the articles of incorporation, get a tax ID number for us, and write the resolution so we can open the bank account
Chris will open the bank account and obtain the necessary signatures.
Other Business:
1. Michele suggested we get a copy of the city’s Storm Water Management Plan to ensure the county doesn’t violate it.
2. South Salt Lake will be removing the tree from behind Rocky’s place as early as next week.
3. We need chain link or chicken wire on trees to protect them from the beavers.
4. Everyone needs to friend the MCPAC Facebook page.
5. Minutes, articles, etc, will be sent through email. Charitable activities can be posted on the blog or Facebook.
The next meeting date has not been set.
Mill Creek Pond Action Committee
Meeting Minutes
Saturday September 25, 2010
Present: Chris Meeker, Ken Mears, Kathy Boysen, Lela Fenn, Kimarie Overall, Shelly Norr, Alan Bennett, Jerry McPhee, Steve Norr, Pam Bennett, George Mierisch, Judy Mincher, Michele Johnson, Terrell McPhee, Lewis Galway
Homeowners Association:
1. Everyone is in favor of forming a homeowners association (HOA). Those who did voice concerns felt that this was the best way to preserve the property, and that we could run into serious issues later if we postpone forming the HOA.
2. Jerry McPhee will be the initial contact for the HOA. The office address will be 535 East 3195 South,
3. HOA trustees were elected. Jerry moved that Steve be elected to the three year position. George seconded. The vote was unanimous. Steve moved that George be elected to the two year position. Jerry seconded. The vote was unanimous. Steve moved that Jerry be elected to the one year position. George seconded. The vote was unanimous. The term of office will begin on the date of the HOA incorporation.
4. Jerry will change the bylaws to specify four officers; president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer. We may elect officers as early as next meeting.
Bylaws and Articles:
George, Steve and Jerry met with the Redevelopment Agency (RDA) attorney to discuss the HOA bylaws.
1. The RDA attorney suggested that we burden the properties with cross covenants which would run with the land and force ownership and payment of dues.
2. We want the RDA attorney to be our ally when we go before the council. The city council is the only group that can give the land away, but the RDA can tell the council to deed the land to us.
3. We want to see the RDA comments and suggestions before filing the articles of incorporation. Their attorney contacted Jerry to say that he has not been able to send his comments due to computer problems.
Issues and Concerns:
We want to act upon incorporating so we can get the HOA going, but need to wait for the RDA attorney’s suggestions. Jerry will make any necessary changes and send them to Steve to send on to everyone for more suggestions or approval. All members of MCPAC can be incorporators. Jerry will sign, front the filing fees, list all of the incorporators and will list all properties that want to be burdened. We agreed that we need to incorporate first, then obtain the property, and then deal with the issues and concerns.
1. It is the county’s obligation to dredge and clean the water, but they can’t leave their equipment and silt on private property.
2. Let’s talk to the Army Core of Engineers,
3. Perhaps we can get a grant to reinforce our banks.
4. We should look into insurance to cover any damage caused by falling trees. We would be responsible for any tree damage unless the tree was dead and in the water. In that case, the county would be responsible.
5. Some residents voiced concern over the HOA being too restrictive and that fees could go up 40-50% per year.
6. The following people want their properties surveyed: Jerry, Ken, Steve, Michele, and maybe Lewis.
Small Area Plan Vision:
Judy, Steve and Jerry attended a joint meeting with the city council on September 22nd to discuss the “Small Area Plan Vision” and more specifically, the Granite High plan. The wetlands “located in the backyards of one of the communities highest quality single family detached housing neighborhoods” were discussed.
1. Should allow restricted access for maintenance and organized educational study only.
2. Plants, animals and fish should reflect the historic nature of the area prior to the arrival of settlers in 1847.
3. Bank enforcement was recommended to avoid erosion.
4. An advisory committee consisting of a SSL City Council member, two adjoining property owners and the Director of Parks and Recreation should be established to recommend planning and maintenance of the wetlands.
We should use this information to help acquire the land, and cooperate until the property has been transferred.
Next Meeting Date:
The next meeting will be a fall clean-up meeting October 9th at 10:00 AM on the McPhee’s deck at 535 East 3195 South.
Small Wetland area is tucked among homes in South Salt Lake
By Michael Vigh
The Salt Lake Tribune, Saturday, November 13, 1999
SOUTH SALT LAKE – Picture a pond where ducks paddle through marsh reeds, fish swim in sparkling water and blue heron build nests in towering trees.
Now imagine a majestic setting where red foxes forage for food and geese happily honk as they cross residential streets.
This picture-postcard refuge is located in a most unlikely place – the middle of a modest-income South Salt Lake neighborhood, minutes from commercial strips, congested streets and crowded apartments.
The serene sanctuary is just a stone’s throw from Granite High School. But because it is tucked between homes, few people know about one of Salt Lake Valley’s few wetland areas, says former Mayor Jim Davis.
“Some people who live just a few streets away don’t even know it’s here,” Davis says. The urban oasis is near 3300 South and 500 East.
Built for flood retention, the pond provides citified anglers a chance to catch trout and other native fish. Beaver build dams and muskrats have been seen poking their small heads from the rocks.
The pond, about the length of a football field and as deep as 8 feet in some places, has increased property values and changed the makeup of a neighborhood that had been shabby, poor and crime-ridden.
“This was once a place where it was about 50 percent renters – now it is 100 percent homeowners.” Davis says. “Residents have really taken ownership of their community.”
And it’s no wonder, since there is no place quite like it in the Salt Lake Valley. Davis says homes surrounding the pond were valued at approximately $160.000 – in a setting usually reserved for the most pricey and exclusive of homes.
It is one of the oddities of this peaceful refuge that it was created by one of the most destructive episodes in Utah history – the floods of 1983 that destroyed or damaged scores of homes through the state, including some in South Salt Lake.
“We knew we needed to do something to help these people and improve this area,” Davis says. “And we did that.”
The City bought the land and sold it to Ivory Homes, which developed the neighborhood and constructed new homes. City officials knocked down the old buildings, Salt Lake County contoured the land and created ponds, and the state Division of Wildlife Resources planted several grasses and other native vegetation.
“This pond was built to mitigate flooding,” says Neil Stack, Salt Lake County flood control director. “Before, residents were forced to deal with flooded basements every year.”
Flood managers built a large flood-retention pond at 3450 South and 800 East at an old fish hatchery in South Salt Lake. Both flood-retention ponds now work in concert with several others along Mill Creek to forestall flooding from rainstorms and spring runoff.
The serendipitous crowning jewel is the little bird sanctuary.
“There is nothing like this.” Says Davis, who has lived in South Salt Lake all his life. “Perhaps not in the entire state.”
Mill Creek Pond Action Committee
Meeting Minutes
Saturday July 30, 2010
Present: Steve Norr, Kathy Boysen, Janett Mayo, Kimarie Overall, Jerry McPhee, George Mierisch, Lewis Galway, Michele Johnson, Chris Meeker, Terrell McPhee, Judy Mincher, Ken Mears, Claudia Lemone, Robert Lemone, Lela Fenn, Shelly Norr
Pond Area Issues and Goals:
Steve brought out maps showing who owns what land next to the water. All of the colored areas on the maps are owned by South Salt Lake Redevelopment Agency (SSLRDA), which should provide more cooperation for obtaining our goals. We need a map showing the properties above the creek, behind Cherie and Judy’s homes before we go before the council. Lewis should be able to get this by Monday.
Steve will ask South Salt Lake to remove the dead trees and to provide a new survey. We will schedule a tree-trimming party for the fall clean up if
Five Reasons to form a homeowners association:
1. Limit access to the property
2. Allow us to use the property
3. Preserve and maintain the nature and quality of the property
4. Approach agencies for grants to maintain and improve the property
5. Take title to the land
Jerry explained the process of forming the homeowners association.
1. The articles of incorporation are public, and the only document we need to go before
2. Bylaws are personal to us. Any covenants should be handled in the bylaws.
3. The Board of Directors will be elected and will determine how any money will be spent.
4. Existing improvements and fences on homeowner association land will be automatically approved. Future improvements and fences must be approved by the Board of Directors.
5. Future policing of the property should not be affected by forming the homeowners’ association.
6. The county owns the water and will continue to own and be responsible for the water and the land under the water.
Jerry will send a draft of the Millcreek Pond Homeowners Association Bylaws to Steve, who will send it on to everyone else. Be prepared to discuss and make any necessary changes at the next meeting.
Next Meeting Date:
The next meeting will be Saturday, August 7 at10:00 AM at Michele Johnson’s home at
Mill Creek Pond Action Committee
Meeting Minutes
Saturday May 29, 2010
Present: Steve Norr, Lela Fenn, Kathy Boysen, Ken Mears, Kimarie Overall, George Mierisch, Judy Mincher, Shelly Norr, Lela Johnsen, Larry Gardner, Lewis Galway, Terrell McPhee, Errol Remington
Pond Area Issues and Goals:
Larry Gardner brought maps of our neighborhood and the Mill Creek Pond area.
1. The city will support our efforts to secure and protect the Mill Creek Pond area.
2. We need a neighborhood or homeowners’ association.
A. Involve everyone who backs the water.
B. Must be official. Jerry McPhee has agreed to do the legal work.
C. Collect dues. An amount of $5.00 per month was suggested.
D. Craig Smith is the Redevelopment Agency’s attorney and may be able to assist.
3. The Redevelopment Agency might be willing to quit-claim land to the homeowners or the association.
4. Once the association’s paperwork is in place, we will need to bring this to the Mayor and city attorney. Errol and Steve have met with the Mayor and will meet with her again.
5. We will try to secure the whole pond.
Michele Johnsen said we need a storm water maintenance ordinance. She will get information from the
Neighbor Granite High and Neighborhood Plan:
Steve brought maps of the Granite High area and some proposed uses. Our attendance at Tuesday’s Neighborhood Outreach Meeting is critical. The meeting will be June 1st at 6:30 PM in the Granite High cafeteria.
1. South Salt Lake has first right of refusal to purchase the property but the County will likely be a partner to some degree.
2. The county is determined to improve access to the Mill Creek Pond.
3. On of the maps shows, hopefully as a worst case scenario, rezoning some residential properties to commercial.
We are pleased with our city’s new administration’s effort to involve the community in the decision-making process.
Next Meeting Date:
Steve will send an email after the next city council meeting to determine if there is an urgent need to meet or if we can wait until July.
Is Errol building a fence or is this from the snow?
This is a photo of the Tree behind Errols house last week
This is the same tree today!
What a mess!
We have several visiting Quail here this year,
This bird can leap directly into flight from water
Click on Photo to enlarge
The Pelagic Cormorant is usually only found on the West Coast.
These birds are often attracted to concentrations of small birds.
Mill Creek Pond Action Committee
Meeting Minutes
Saturday April 17, 2010
Present: Steve Norr, Ken Mears, Chris Meeker, Kimarie Overall, George Mierisch, Judy Mincher, Shelly Norr, Lewis Galway, Jerry McPhee, Terrell McPhee, Errol Remington
Granite High and Neighborhood Plan:
Judy, Jerry and Steve are on the Granite High Advisory Committee. Jerry gave an update on the Granite High meeting and the
The community would like to see Granite High include the following:
1. Move city hall to Granite High
2. Recreation center, keeping the swimming pool and track
3. Keep the unofficial dog track
4. Ways to generate revenue; renting to non-profit organizations, etc
5. Our group suggested a community garden.
Pond Area Issues and Goals:
The gate on the north side of the pond solves more problems than it creates. Chris is willing to accept a gate to block the access road installed at the back of her property. We will need to ask the city council and
Neighborhood Watch:
It was decided that the Neighborhood Watch officer will be invited to our next meeting. Chris will get information on the other Neighborhood Watch which meets every second Tuesday at the Pioneer Craft House. We could join that group, but feel it is important that we have a separate group specifically for those who live on the water.
Spring Clean-Up Project:
The debris in the water has not been as bad since our clean-up efforts last fall. It was decided that no additional efforts are needed, and that everyone will continue cleaning up the areas around their homes.
Other Items:
Most of the neighbors would like to own the land to the water. Errol said he would e-mail the mayor and then the commission to find out how this can be done.
1. Should MCPAC petition for this as a group?
2. We need consensus from everyone on the water.
3. What can we do with the apartments and the adjoining land?
Next Meeting Date:
The next meeting will be Saturday, May 22 at10:00 AM on Jerry and Terrell’s deck at 535 East 3195 South.
This Seagull wont be hunting our baby's ducks and geese
This is the hard part of living with so much wildlife.
But I suppose it is just a natural part of the food chain. 
I have been watching the Ducks and Geese 
We love to watch the Canadian Geese
This Muscovy Duck is new to our Pond,
We love it when the Mandarin Ducks drop in.
This Pelican stopped in last year.
Shelly got these shots of a Great Blue Heron .JPG)
We haven't seen the domestic Geese for 
Shelly spotted this Beaver
Every 3rd of July is the annual Fireworks Party 
It's a common sight to see Lewis coming downstream in his canoe, 
I enjoy cruising in my kayak or fishing from my raft.
Maybe one day we will even catch one of these huge carp.
I hear that there are also trout but I haven't seen any, have you? 
