From Deseret News archives:
Springville tree seller resists moving yard lot
Springville man resists moving front-yard lot
This year, however, they can only look, not buy, until Robertson complies with a city ordinance and moves his operation to a commercial lot.
"We're letting customers put their names on the trees," said Robertson's wife, Christine.
Springville banned retail sales in residential neighborhoods in June 2002, and Robertson has been fighting City Hall ever since. He held a one-man protest outside a City Council meeting this week after police cited him for selling the trees in front of his home.
City officials say they have bent over backward to help the Christmas tree salesman. Robertson's competitor, Carl Jensen, also sold Yule trees from his front yard. The two offer the only holiday tree sales in Springville, officials say.
The City Council amended its ordinance in November 2002 to accommodate both businessmen for that year's Christmas season, city attorney Troy Fitzgerald said. That was to be the end of home-based sales.
"We wrote to both a year ago," Mayor Fritz Boyer said. "One complied but the other didn't."
Robertson believes the city ordinance should be amended to allow Christmas tree sales. He has gone before the City Council at least three times to get the ordinance changed but admitted he has never asked the city recorder to place him on the council agenda, a necessary step for the panel to take action.
Robertson presented a prepared ordinance amendment this week during the public comment portion of the City Council meeting, but the council refused to adopt it.
Officials said they would work with the Robertsons to obtain a business license and site approval when he picked a new location.
But Robertson doesn't see why he should have to move his operation.
"I have three acres and the house sits back quite a ways," Robertson told the Deseret Morning News. "I've had no trouble from the neighbors. They weren't complaining."
Before Tuesday's meeting, he parked his vehicle and trailer on Main Street decked out with signs protesting the council action, then he stood nearby for hours holding a similar sign.
Police didn't consider Robertson's actions as picketing, which requires a permit. But a planned demonstration with high school students was apparently called off when police warned Robertson he lacked the permit, Springville Police Lt. Dave Caron said.
The Robertsons say they're looking for a commercial lot, though the move would result in increased tree prices.
E-MAIL: rhardy@desnews.com
Comments
- Lakers booed at home in loss 12:53 a.m.
- Big games keep UHSAA coffers full 12:51 a.m.
- TCU stuck at fourth in BCS 12:50 a.m.
- Students from abroad come to Utah 12:26 a.m.
- Sports on the air 12:18 a.m.
- Sports briefs 12:17 a.m.
- Editorial: Red flags at Fort Hood 12:14 a.m.
- Rid Capitol Hill of 'roaches' 12:14 a.m.
- Health proposal not 'reform' 12:14 a.m.
- Afterthoughts 12:14 a.m.
- BYU happy to escape with victory
230 - TCU creams U.
225 - Editorial: Mormons and gay rights
206 - Will state consider gay rights law?
149 - Can BYU root for (ick) Utah Utes?
131 - RSL heads to MLS title game
125 - Utes remain silent about BCS
120 - Celtics crush Jazz
104 - TCU stays 4th in AP; Y. 19th, U. 23rd
97 - 3A: Hurricane advances to title game
88
Sears is holding a special VIP night Sunday, Nov. 15, in stores and online.
How do you handle kids and contests? Our oldest daughter, 7, is of the...
No, students are NOT safe from predators. If a parent wants to make sure...
If you really think Mormon's are mainstream, you must not have paid attention...
I don't see the schools presidents voting to get rid of WYM or NM, even...
why people complain about how football is covered by the media too much. when...
A little perspective is not a bad thing. Notice the Cougar's won loss record...
I actually was encouraged by some aspects of the game. Any Utah fan who has...
A story about Mormons as minorities? In this paper? Get over the "victim"...
she was an awesome woman someone i looked up to when i was younger she was...
Wow you just made one of the dumbest comments I've heard yet. Fire Bronco????...
Re: Huh?, You like many other haters are probably oblivious to many obvious...

You can be the first to comment on this story.