Editor,
The letter writer of Feb. 29, "Kaysville looked to Big Brother" expressed concern for Kaysville city's seeking $500,000 in relief from FEMA for damages related to recent severe winds. He cites that the majority of the funds are to address a failed electrical infrastructure that should have withstood the winds. Sadly, he is misinformed in his comment. Having been involved in electrical distribution systems for several years plus I'm the son of a retired city power superintendant, the truth is the system was built to withstand winds of 80 to 100 mph and is in as good of repair as any municipality in the state.
The issue at hand is not the state of the electrical distribution systems performing under sever wind, the issue is the failure of trees breaking and falling across and through the power lines. It is possible to remedy this by cutting all the trees down near or around power lines, however it is my guess that most citizens would take issue with this approach.
The letter writer is also misinformed about revenue generated by the city's electrical department. The electrical revenue generated is one of the city's most significant. Referenced is electrical revenue being used for real estate investments. It is believed that he is referring to the city's using electrical revenue to purchase and develop the industrial park. From what I know, this is true and city officials should be congratulated for their execution of prudent fiscal principles.
The land purchased by the city would have only generated a meager estimated $35,000 per month with homes built in that space. However, my understanding is that the city invested $8 million in the space and has recouped all but $1 million. It also generates $200,000 in monthly revenue from the same space, not to mention there is still space for future sales which will increase future revenue when sold.
Personally, I am in favor of Kaysville city's seeking the $500,000 from FEMA.
This will help in offsetting costs incurred by the trees taking out the power, other damage, and will allow the city's electrical revenue to be used as it always has, for the betterment of the city.
Rody Meacham
Layton
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