Payson Staff And Council Reports Highlight Community Activity During Pandemic

Staff and council reports were presented at the April 1 Payson City council meeting as usual, save for the setup.  It was the second Payson council meeting conducted online via Zoom, a format that abides with a COVID-19 directive for social distancing.  Department heads and council members shared updates on issues they are handling in the community from remote locations.

For the Payson Police Department, the work never stops.  Questioned by Councilman Doug Welton about a rise in domestic violence incidents as people are implored to stay home, Chief Brad Bishop remarked that Payson police are not seeing any changes.  Thefts, on the other hand, have been on the incline. The Payson police chief said he’s not certain if this is due to warmer weather or the economy.

For those who are not adhering to a directive for social distance, City Manager Dave Tuckett called for a remedy. He cited a report of larger groups seen playing together on the pickleball courts at Memorial Park.  He suggested that extra patrolling and signage there could discourage it.

Councilwoman Linda Carter asked Chief Bishop how the victim of a recent stabbing in Payson is doing.  “He’s doing really well,” Chief Bishop said. He said he is also very lucky, given that the weapon used in the stabbing nearly missed his heart.

Councilwoman Carter praised the department, as well as city crews that have been actively maintaining the parks and entities of Payson.  Her remarks were followed by Councilman Brett Christensen, who pinpointed beautification efforts, the water department, fire department, and the ambulance association.  He said he hopes that the latter will someday become a full-time organization.

The open burn window opened on Monday, March 30, reported Scott Spencer, Payson Fire Chief. It runs until the end of May.  This year’s Great Shakeout earthquake drill will be conducted via messaging and not active participation, he added. It is yet another modification required during the coronavirus pandemic.

Meanwhile at the city library, Mr Tuckett remarked that Director Dona Gay had seventy people pick up their checked-out items from the temporary curbside delivery system earlier that day.

Stay safe, Councilman Brian Hulet said to the public and staff, for whom he too noted his appreciation. He said that the local ACE Hardware store donated needed face masks and that he has witnessed residents stepping up in other ways to help in the community as the pandemic continues.

The Payson & Santaquin Chamber of Commerce is making strides in helping local businesses whether they are members or not, he Councilman Hulet said.  Utah State has funding that businesses owners can apply for now and SBA (Small Business Administration) loans are available, he added, which can be applied for at a bank.

Councilman Welton lauded Payson Library staff for their entertaining in-house videos, which have been circulating on social media for the public to enjoy at home. He would like Payson City to accentuate the positive throughout the ordeal.  And in keeping with the Arbor Day spirit, he would like to see more trees planted in the city.

Several trees that are either planned for or in the process of being planted, said Mayor Bill Wright, include one that replaces a dying tree removed by crews in Memorial Park and another that the Scottish Festival committee wishes to plant and dedicate in memory of the festival’s co-founder, the late Helen Scott.

As for Arbor Day tree planting, Karl Teemant, Community Services Director, remarked that Community Events Director Janeen Dean will host a small event year with the Parks Department and few others.