Showing posts sorted by relevance for query event center. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query event center. Sort by date Show all posts

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

How's the Event Center Doing???

Addendum May 22, answers to some questions included below
           (Apparently, It's doing "better than it was.")

After ten years and a several million dollar investment, many wonder how's it doing (for the taxpayers)?    (Click here to See Some 12 year old History)     (It wasn't several.  How much was it? Maybe a few.  How much is a few?  Less than several)

For many years, we've been told that the County Council (aka Parks and Rec SSD Board) receive periodic reports about the events.   For many years, a profit and loss or revenue and expenditure statement has been requested.    A few promises, but no results.

A couple of months ago, an additional request was made to get the revenues and expenditures for each event held over the last year of so.  The response was revenues would be easy, but expenses are harder to define to each individual event.   The request was modified to ask about providing it within six months.

About two weeks later, some revenues were given, with the comment that the public should really have all of this information and they would work to get it made available.   As usual, the data raised a few questions.     Data was provided for not only EVENTS, but, apparently, the entire Event Center/Rodeo Complex.  A summary of the data is presented here:


2012 2013 1st qtr 2014
Outdoor Facility $1,500.00 $3,900.00
Shavings $2,894.25 $1,940.00 $440.00
Stall Rentals $11,803.00 $28,306.85 $2,380.00
Ride Passes $192.00 $1,677.00 $1,175.00
Misc Revenue $1,535.00 $5,491.00 $1,964.05
Events $28,324.50 $77,994.50 $11,265.00
Cowboy City (RV park) $470.00 $6,005.00
Concessions $10,009.67 $5,384.72
Advert Sponsor
$7,418.00
Sponsorship & Advertising
$59,590.00 $7,812.00
Membership
$175.00




Totals $56,728.42 $197,882.07 $25,036.05

On May 4, this Email was sent, with a few of the questions:

"Thank you for the revenue data.  I had actually requested a profit and loss statement for individual events over the last couple years, but this was also of interest.

hopefully you can enlighten me, as I assume you would have an idea about these items:

  • If the revenues were only $57K in 2011, what  were they in previous years?
    1. The event complex was put into the parks and recreation department in 2011 and only have records from that time forward.
  • How much has been invested in the Event Center?  (They are working on that one, see the History 
  • What caused the LARGE increase from 2012 to 13?  What caused the event revenue increase?
    • More events, larger events. Started an advertising and sponsorship program for businesses to advertise at events and the Events Complex on a yearly basis. Wasatch County parks and Recreation received monies from TRRT for two (2) large events. The Wilderness Circuit Rodeo Finals and the Professional Bull Riders event along with percentages of tickets sales from these events.
  • What was the cost of the marketing?   Where are those cost in the budget?
    1. The cost are on an event by event basis. The Mountain Valley Stampede has an advertising budget the County Fair has an advertising budget. They are listed as advertising in the area of the budget listed Rodeo and County Fair. Events are required to pay for their own advertising for their specific event. Wasatch County Parks and Recreation does not pay for advertising for event that are not Wasatch County Parks and Recreation sponsored events. Events may apply for grants thru the Wasatch County Tax advisory Board for advertising their events.
  • Why did the concession revenue drop drastically? 12 to 13?
    1. The concessionaire contract expired at that the end of 2012. The previous concessionaire was paying 15% of gross income. An RFP was put out and the new concessionaire that received the bid is required to pay 8% in the new contract. Midway Food Services was awarded the bid from the Wasatch County Parks and Recreation Board and the new contract to runs thru December 31, 2018.
  • When was Cowboy Village enlarged or improved, is that the cause of the 12/13 increase?
    1. Cowboy Village has not seen any capital improvements since it was completed. The revenue difference is from the LDS church. We rent the village to the church camp missionaries when they are unable to get up to the camp due to weather. In 2012 they did not need the village and in 2013 they paid $5640.00 for the services.
  • How many people are involved with "Ride Passes"?
    • No response
  • What's the difference between the two 'advert sponsor' and 'Sponsorship and Advertising' categories?  
    1. 1 is for the Event complex and 1 is for the Recreation Center. We just started the Recreation Center this year. The $7418.00 was put into the wrong account number and has been transferred to the correct account. The Event Center total for 2013 was $67008.00.
  • Is the increase in stall rentals due to new construction?    At what cost?
    1. We have not added any stalls on the Events Complex recently. The revenue increase is due to added and larger equestrian events. 
  • What are the projections for 2014?
    1. The adopted 2014 budget has projections as followed
    Revenue: $2,434,361.00
    Expenditures: $2,351,062.00
  • Does the P&R 2014 budget include all expenses and revenue for the event Center? 
    • If not, where is the Event center budget?
    • If so, how can it be determined? 
      1. Yes, The Wasatch County Events Complex is part of the Parks and Recreation budget as of January 1, 2012. It also includes Parks, Recreation, Recreation Center, Wasatch County Fair, Demolition Derby, Memorial Day Celebration and the Mountain Valley Stampede.
In searching for more info, I tried Transparent Utah, SAO audits, UASD,  the county website and, even, the Utah Public Meeting Notice website..  Could you tell me why there is no information from the Wasatch Parks and Rec SSD?  

  ("We obey all the laws.  We trust our managers."   answer, Trust - but,verify.   We have payroll on utahsright.com.   answer, that's a private website.
I assume . . .  that you are familiar with the "Little Manual" for SSD's. "

Answers received May 22,  posted Above under each question :
  • PS: There ARE still 5 mos. to fulfill the 6 mo. request 
  • PPS:  The 2014 Parks and Rec SSD proposed budget is $2.4 Million (up 17% in one year) - For comparison, the entire COUNTY budget is $16.5 M (which does NOT include P&R, which is a separate government entity)
  • PPPS:   The proposed Aquatic Center will be under Parks and Rec. 


Thursday, January 30, 2003

Event Center Approval

Event Center History
Commission Minutes 3/25/02

APPROVAL OF SPECIAL EVENTS CENTER

Commissioner Provost indicated that a public hearing is not necessary in this matter is because the building is allowed in that zone and a public hearing was held when the zone went into effect. Mike Davis, speaking for Tom Bonner, addressed the commissioners and indicated that there is a real need for this facility and this location was best suited for the building. Mike Davis also indicated that other facilities throughout the state were visited so that Wasatch County could get a comparison and ideas and indicated that this will be the largest indoor arena in the State of Utah of its kind.

Commissioner Provost then asked if there is anyone that has a problem with this matter please come forward and state your name. Commissioner Kohler indicated that he has visited with Dwayne Meeks , a neighbor to this project who has a problem with the location and the noise. He indicated that he will monitor it to see how it affects the neighborhood.

Fred Schloss addressed the commissioners and indicated that he does not live by where the new facility will be built but was here speaking for the people who lived in that area and was concerned about how it would affect the people in the neighborhood, noise, traffic, influx of people in their neighborhood, parking, etc., and would like to see the facility put in another location in Wasatch County. The commissioners indicated that money is an issue and that is why it can’t be built in another location. The commissioners indicated that the facility will be paid by an revenue bond that will be paid back with impact fees and restaurant tax money. Commissioner Duke made a motion that we go out for bids for the building on the Wasatch County Special Events Center. Commissioner Kohler seconded the motion and the motion carries with the following vote:

4/8/2002

PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT

OPEN STEEL BIDS FOR EVENT CENTER

Tom Bonner, Wasatch County Recreational Director, addressed the commissioners and indicated that he has received four bids. A.D. Construction for $438,400.00. Brownies Excavation $665,335.00. C0 Building Systems, $317,491.00. Atkinson Welding, $300,000.00. Commissioner Kohler made a motion that we approve them and to get Paul Wilson to help him review them. Commissioner Duke seconded the motion and the motion carries with the following vote: http://www.co.wasatch.ut.us/ma/commission/2002/04082002cc.htm

4/22/02

CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING PARAMETERS WITH RESPECT TO SALES TAX REVENUE BONDS IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF NOT MORE THAN $4,200,000 AND SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING DATE AND RELATED MATTERS (Resolution #02-10a)

Jon Bronson from Zions Bank addressed the commissioners and indicated that he is here regarding

a Parameters Resolution which lays out the proposed sales of bonds and in this particular case sales tax revenue bonds. John also indicated that this resolution is the first step in getting started for the issuance of a bond and the bonds would not be paid back with sales tax revenue. John also indicated that the Wasatch County Sales Tax is only being used for the collateral security for the bond issue. John indicated that this will just be the restaurant tax and impact fees, but not the TRRT tax. John also indicated that the collateral can be separated from the source of repayment. Commissioner Duke made the motion that we approve Resolution 02-10a, a resolution establishing parameters with respect to sales tax revenue bonds in the total amount of not more than $4,2000. Commissioner Kohler seconded the motion and the motion carries with the following vote:


5/13/02

A Resolution Authorizing the Issuance and Sale of Not More Than $4,200,000 Aggregate Principal Amount of Sales Tax Revenue Bonds, Series 2002 of Wasatch County, Utah for the Purpose of (1) Refunding the Outstanding Municipal Building Authority of Wasatch County, Utah Lease Revenue Bonds, Series 1998 and (2) Financing the Acquisition and Construction of a County Events Center and Related Improvements; Calling a Public Hearing and Establishing a Time, Place and Location for Said Public Hearing; Providing for Publication of a Notice of Public Hearing and Bonds to be Issued; Providing for a Pledge of Sales Tax Revenues for Repayment of the Bonds; Fixing the Maximum Aggregate Principal Amount of the Bonds, the Maximum Number of Years Over Which the Bonds May Mature, the Maximum Interest Rate Which the Bonds May Bear, and the Maximum Discount From Par at Which the Bonds May be Sold; Providing for the Running of a Contest Period; Expressing an Intent to Reimburse; and Related Matters

PUBLIC INPUT FOR CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING PARAMETERS WITH RESPECT TO SALES TAX REVENUE BONDS IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF NOT MORE THAN $4,200,000

Jon Bronson addressed the commissioners and indicated that there was an error in the document last time and this revision just adds both the elements of the sales tax in the document that was adopted last meeting. We can now go ahead and advertise for the sales tax issue. Commissioner Provost then asked if there was any public comment regarding the matter. Commissioner Kohler made a resolution that we adopt Resolution No. 02-03. Commissioner Provost seconded the motion and the motion carries with the following vote:

http://www.co.wasatch.ut.us/ma/commission/2002/05132002cc.htm


5/28/02

AWARD ARCHITECT AND ENGINEERING FOR EVENT CENTER

County Attorney Derek Pullan indicated that the following three firms submitted bids for the architect and engineer for the event center:

Lythgoe Design Group, Inc.

George E. Bennett, Jr. Architectural Development

CD Design

Attorney Pullan stated that Lythgoe Design Group, Inc. was the low bidder, but their proposal included language of a cost plus arrangement which is unlawful. He indicated that the language would have to be eliminated and an exact proposed cost would have to be prepared. Commissioner Kohler made a motion to award the architect and engineering for the event center to low bidder Lythgoe Design Group, Inc. subject to making the language changes in the proposal as discussed above. Commissioner Duke seconded the motion and the motion carries with the following vote:

6/10/02

PUBLIC HEARING

TO RECEIVE PUBLIC INPUT FOR CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING PARAMETERS WITH RESPECT TO THE ISSUANCE OF THE SALES TAX REVENUE BONDS IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF NOT MORE THAN $4,200,000.

Jon Bronson from Zion’s Bank addressed the commissioners and indicated that this hearing is for the Commissioners to take any public comment and take it into consideration and no action is required other than to allow public comment on the bond issue. Jon indicated that the bond is being issued for two purposes, first is to refund a Series 1999 MBA Lease Revenue Bond on the issue to build a fire station and the other is to provide new money to build the new Events Center at the fairgrounds. Jon indicated that the bond is to be paid over 20 years. Jon indicated that the interest rate is in the neighborhood of 4.8 to 4.85 percent if the bonds were issued today. John indicated that the repayment will come from Transient Room Tax and basically the restaurant tax. Commissioner Provost then asked for any public comment.

Tish Dahmen from the Wasatch Wave commented that she understood that the Jordanelle Fire Station isn’t profitable, isn’t working at a profit and inquired about the bonds. Bronson indicated that the refunding of the bonds up at the Jordanelle Fire Station is to take advantage of lower interest rates. Bob Wren inquired about why put the two bonds together instead of having them separate. Jon Bronson indicated that it is better marketing advantage to put the two bonds together and also to obtain bond insurance and to a get a good rating on the bonds which right now they have a triple "A" rating. Tish Dahmen inquired if there was any donations made at this point. Commissioner Provost indicated that he wasn’t sure, but has been told that there has been some donations. He indicated he will probably be able to answer that in a day or two. Tish inquired about the bonding capacity of Wasatch County and what Wasatch County is in debt at the present time. Jon Bronson indicated that the county could issue approximately another 26 million dollars in general obligation debt. Jon indicated that the current debt of Wasatch County is 3.89 million and that is on the jail. Bob Wren inquired about whether the bond has to be paid off first before another bond can be issued. Jon indicated that the Non-Impairment Clause in the State of Utah takes care of the matter when the sales tax secures the repayment of the bonds. Bob Wren then inquired about putting the matter up for a bond election to find out what the people of Wasatch County wants to do. Commissioner Provost indicated that one of the reasons for not having a bond election is that the commissioners didn’t want to use property tax money because the bond was being run through sandwich tax money.

6/10/02 Unofficial Notes of Public Hearing on Bond issuance: Per Mike Kohler, the firepalace is being refinanced because Jordanelle Property Owners (JPO) were not keeping up with the 'promised' payments - of the 3 large payees, one paying slower, one went bankrupt (?) Jon Bronson (Zion's Bank Underwriter) responded to most of the questions. Refinancing will put the payments more in line with what is actually being rcvd. and get a lower interest rate (4.85%).
Q Is there a provision in the new bond saying JPO is responsible for repayment. A NO (If JPO fails to pay, responsibility falls to County (read taxpayers).
Q Why not hold an election on the bond? A We don't want to have to depend on the "whims" of the voters, and/or It costs money to hold an election.
Q There's an election on the library bond 6 Aug, why not vote then (no cost)? A They kind of skipped over that one.
Q Why not split the two issues (fire and convention)? A One bond issuance has lower underwriting costs or lenders do not want to deal with 'small' loans (<$ 4 to 5 million) or lower interest rates.
(Therefore we need to borrow more to save money.)
Q What is Wasatch current bonding capacity and debt? A $26 mill and $3.8 mill
Q Will the issuance of the bonds restrict future gov from using the Sales tax for something else? A NO, it only will require not canceling the sales tax.
Here's the law, what do you think it says? Are we protecting the taxpayers or the bank?:
UT code 11-14-17.5 (d) When any bonds payable from excise tax revenues have been issued, the resolution or other enactment of the governing body imposing the excise tax and pursuant to which the tax is being collected, the obligation of the governing body to continue to levy, collect, and allocate the excise tax, and to apply the revenues derived therefrom in accordance with the provisions of the authorizing resolution or other enactment, shall be irrevocable until the bonds have been paid in full as to both principal and interest, and is not subject to amendment in any manner which would impair the rights of the holders of those bonds or which would in any way jeopardize the timely payment of principal or interest when due.
Q Have there been any donations as suggested earlier for payment? A We think there's been some, we're not sure.
Q Where will the money for operating the convention center come from, general tax revenues or center revenues? A Parks and Recreation Budget
Q That's general taxes, right? A Yes
Q What is the operating budget and projected revenue? A We've already had public meetings on that, this is a hearing about the bond issuance.
Q You do have some figures though? A Yes
Wouldn't it be nice to have them presented publicly (newspaper, website, etc.) Later, Bronson said, 'these operations always cost the government money.'


6/26/02

The Board of County Commissioners met in a special session at 5:00 p.m. at the Wasatch County Administration Building, Heber City, Utah and the following business was transacted.

PRESENT: Commissioner LaRen Provost

Commissioner Ralph L. Duke

Commissioner Michael L. Kohler

Brent Titcomb, Clerk/Auditor

Jon Bronson, Zions First National Bank

AWARD BONDS AND ADOPT BOND RESOLUTION FOR EVENT CENTER (#02-16)

Jon Bronson from Zion Bank reported to the Commission the terms and repayment of the bond. The bond amount is $3,855,000.00. The money will build the event center and refinance the Jordanelle Fire Station. (See the Wasatch County, Utah $3,855,000.00 Sales Tax and Revenue Refunding Bonds Series 2002 in the supplemental file). The commission acknowledged eighty-eight signatures of protest from citizens of the county. Commissioner Provost asked for a motion. Commissioner Duke made a motion to approve and adoption Resolution 02-16 that will approve the bonding of series 2002. Commissioner Kohler seconded the motion


June 17, 2002 To the Honorable Brent Titcomb, County Clerk

WE, the undersigned persons in interest, residents and/or taxpayers of Wasatch County hereby contest the resolution or proceeding published in the Wasatch Wave on May 15 and 22, 2002 entitled "NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND BONDS TO BE ISSUED" hereby reserve our right to any cause of action to contest the regularity, formality, or legality thereof for any cause.

This resolution and debt issuance:

apparently removes, or minimizes, the obligation of property owners in the fire protection SSD which was provided in, or with, the previous bond.

removes, or substantially reduces, guarantees by the County Commission that the debt responsibility will not fall to the general taxpayers of Wasatch County.

inappropriately pledges Sales Tax allocation at a time of changing form and composition of county government, which will restrict their actions in issuance of further bonds and their choices of allocation of the excise tax. There is no apparent need for action prior to the institution of that new government.

does not offer any substantial savings to the taxpayers of Wasatch County.

is inappropriately tied to construction of Convention Center. Said issue is important enough, on its own, for more extensive study and public input.

We call for this debt issue to be postponed until the seating of the new government or, at a minimum, brought before the voters at the general election in November of 2002. The delineation of these items of contest does not exclude other deficiencies that might be found.

Saturday, October 25, 2014

Parks and Rec SSD Pool operations

 Now that we know, according to Kimberly Gilboy, (MBA) in her paid Wave advertorial recently  that the "estimates of M&O costs were developed by the County's planning team. . ." 
    
Would that be the same Parks and Rec SSD "planners" who have not been able to provide a profit and loss statement for the Event Center???    I believe Parks and Rec Special Service District will be responsible for the pool oversight and operation.   If the costs of operating the Event Center are difficult to obtain, will an aquatic center be any more transparent??

+++++++++++++++++++++++
Below is a query sent 21 May 2014 (NO response received, but I did subsequently find out that the information that should be posted on transparent.utah.gov for the SSD is posted with Wasatch County's report - although they are supposedly separate legal entities.) 

Monday, October 31, 2005

October News Bits

10/1 Tabby Mountain roads open to ATVsSalt Lake Tribune - United States... ATV use of that road and the newly improved Coleman Basin Road, on the west side of the block in Wasatch County, is permitted. No ...

10/4 Preparation is important before heading to the huntSalt Lake Tribune - United StatesTim Clark is preparing for the emergency calls that will flood his Wasatch County office this month, with the opening of the rifle elk and deer hunts. ...

10/5 Mayors of Murray, Sandy win first roundSalt Lake Tribune - United States... Roberts. Heber City: Two well-known City Council members, Shari K. Lazenby and David R. Phillips, emerged in the mayoral chase. ...
‘Jewel of the Wasatch'EastOregonian.info (subscription) - OR,USA... Jordanelle State Park is located about 40 miles east of Salt Lake City between Park City and Heber City on US 40 (exit 8). It is a full-service park with ...

10/6 Hot TicketsStandard-Examiner (subscription) - Ogden,UT,USA... ArtTix. HEBER CITY COWBOY POETRY AND MUSIC FESTIVAL, Nov. 3-5, Wasatch High School, Heber City. Multiple events, dinner included with some tickets. $15-$33. ...

Layton steamrolls past FremontStandard-Examiner (subscription) - Ogden,UT,USA... WASATCH, 25-15, 25-17, 25-17: At Heber City, BreAnne Haslam had 12 kills, six solo blocks, three block assists, two digs, eight service points and two aces in ...

10/8 Father, son charged in slaying of Catholic deaconSalt Lake Tribune - United States... On Sept. 25, Armendariz, 42, and his wife had attended a Mass in Park City and he was driving the couple's Nissan pickup to their home in Heber City. ... See all stories on this topic
Courier Dispatching Software Without Using EmailXtvworld (press release) - IndiaHeber City, UT, USA, October 7, 2005 -- DocuDirector Software, a division of MasterTrac (www.mastertrac.com) has just introduced a courier software program ...

10/8 Courier Dispatching Software Without Using EmailXtvworld (press release) - IndiaHeber City, UT, USA, October 7, 2005 -- DocuDirector Software, a division of MasterTrac (www.mastertrac.com) has just introduced a courier software program ...

10/9 Father and son charged in highway shootingNew Utah - American Fork,UT,USA... Armendariz, 42, and his wife had attended church in Park City and were driving to their home in Heber City when he was killed Sept. 25. ... See all stories on this topic
RSL: Holding on to hopeSalt Lake Tribune - United States... Only the Los Angeles Galaxy's 24,017 per game outdrew RSL's 18,600. "The atmosphere's been really good," said Real fan Thomas Stannring of Heber City. ...
New Salt Lake County arts director has a visionSalt Lake Tribune - United States... He chose the wide-open allure of the Summit County town of Wanship - though he is renting in Heber - and a chance to tackle Salt Lake City's theater scene. ...

10/11 Missing Elderly Man In Wasatch County WildernessKUTV - Salt Lake City,UT,USA(KUTV) The search is on at this hour for an elderly man missing in the wilderness of Wasatch County. John Bjarnson, a 78 year-old ...
Update: Missing Midvale man found in good conditionSalt Lake Tribune - United StatesJoel Kohler, a Wasatch County Sheriff's Office captain, said searchers in a fixed-wing airplane spotted John Bjarnson. He was taken ...


10/12 Shadow workers: Hungry, hard-working - boon or bane?Deseret News - Salt Lake City,UT,USA... documentation. Ask the houseful of undocumented workers in Heber who all work at construction or restaurant jobs in Park City. One ...

10/17 Christmas tree permits going on sale Nov. 4Provo Daily Herald - Provo,UT,USA... Midway. Any remaining permits will be sold beginning Nov. 7 at the Heber Ranger District Office, 2460 S. Highway 40, Heber City. ...

10/19 GHS HomecomingTooele Transcript-Bulletin - Tooele,UT,USA... Trudy Aagard Peterson, who now lives in Heber City, said that even though she lived in Gundersen Acres (west of Grantsville) when the school burned, "I could ...
Knights, Darts in must-winStandard-Examiner (subscription) - Ogden,UT,USA... A road victory Thursday over third-place Wasatch (2-2) in Heber City gives the Trojans a 5-0 league mark. The Wasps lead the all ...


10/20 State Names Child-care Centers With Convicts PresentKSL-TV - Salt Lake City,UT,USA... Ashlee Lake, licensed to care for eight children in her Heber City home, said she got a variance for her 27-year-old husband. He ...
Outside PicksSalt Lake Tribune - United States... 7 at the Heber Ranger District Office, 2460 S. Highway 40 in Heber City. For directions to Soldier Hollow, log on to http://www.soldierhollow.com. ...


10/21 Hard work & love of horses yeald state wins for Outbacks 4-H Horse ...Tooele Transcript-Bulletin - Tooele,UT,USA... qualified for state competition. However, Cassie and Brandi were unable to attend the Utah competition held Sept. 20-23 in Heber City,. ...

10/23 "Arkansas' Voice on the Internet"Arkansas Democrat-Gazette (subscription) - Little Rock,AR,USA... The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bill Beecher of Heber City, Utah. Parents of the bridegroom are Mr. and Mrs. John Bradshaw II of Glendale, Ariz. ...
A beautiful day for opening of Utah's deer huntSalt Lake Tribune - United States... For example, Keith Bates of Heber City had a northeastern region permit while his wife and grandson had central permits. "We should ...
Entrepreneurs Say Utah Is Slow To Buy Wind PowerKUTV - Salt Lake City,UT,USAHEBER CITY, Utah Six years ago, Tracy Livingston sold his $8 million medical device company and �went looking for the next big thing.� An engineer, he ...


10/24 Provo Canyon construction to improve roadwayThe BYU Newsnet - Provo,UT,USA... Also, the US Census Bureau in September named Heber City the second fastest-growing small city in the nation, and growth in the area is expected to continue. ...
Helping hands for uninsuredSalt Lake Tribune - United States... Representatives from Heber Valley Medical Center as well as LDS, St. ... Although Park City is an affluent community, she says, many nonimmigrants working in the ...


10/25 Utah lags behind neighbors in alternate energy productionBillings Gazette - MT, USAHEBER CITY, Utah - Six years ago, Tracy Livingston sold his $8 million medical device company and "went looking for the next big thing." An engineer, he ...

10/28 Mayor hopefuls envision trails, business park in Heber's futureSalt Lake Tribune - United States... And both want to re-tailor this Wasatch County community's commercial district with a new flavor that could include re-routing tractor-trailer rigs off Main ...
Mayor hopefuls envision trails, business park in Heber's futureSalt Lake Tribune - United StatesIt's not exactly an identity crisis, but Heber City is in the throes of discovering what it wants to be. As City Council members ...

10/29 Saddle up and head on downSalt Lake Tribune - United States... He will demonstrate colt starting with Ben Quinters, Friday at 9 am at the Wasatch County Event Center as part of the 11th annual Cowboy Poetry Gathering & ...
NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series - FRI Results from THE STRIP at ...Autochannel - USA... Beach, Calif., '69 Camaro, H/SA, 11.546, -1.214 9) Steve Wann, Modesto, Calif., '70 GTX, B/SA, 10.632, -1.208 10) Harry Doolittle, Heber City, Mich., '02 ...

10/31 Writers in the SkyNew West - Missoula,MT,USA... as fast food workers. One of these gatherings, natch, is in our fair state, Heber City to be exact. At the Cowboy Poetry Gathering ...




Monday, February 10, 2014

Demolition or devolution

School Demolition  (expansion of a local Letter to the Editor)

About two weeks ago the School District was seeking public comments concerning demolition of the old high school. I responded with this Email to the board (to their .edu addresses):

“As I was not able to attend your public comment period concerning the disposition of the old high school, I will offer you my 'outside the box view,' if I may.

I would strongly oppose demolishing the old High School. I maintained when the new school was proposed that it was a viable building and continue to view it as such. I have not yet seen the analysis of the financial 'benefits' of the demolition, but question whether the school district should become a developer or land manipulator.

All schools are, obviously, built with taxpayer dollars. (mainly local). I understand an attempt was made to sell the building to the County for several ($9 ?) million when it was vacated. That exchange would have simply transferred money for the taxpayers left pocket to the right pocket. A simple transfer may have been a benefit to all. It could have provided office space, theater and a rec center (for which the county subsequently spent other tax millions on).

I would strongly urge, before demolition, a sincere consideration of:
  • (1) using the building as a school (I understand that is apparently not given much approval by the education establishment.)
  • (2) selling, trading or donating the building to Heber City, which is currently considering a large expenditure for a public safety building. Again it is nearly the same basic taxpayers (Heber has about 60% of the county population) There is also a problem with required impact fees (which would not be a problem if Heber owned the building)
Demolishing the building would NOT necessarily guarantee a sale. So, if that becomes the chosen avenue, I would urge including the demolition in any sales agreement and hold out hope that the building might be used.

Thank you for your consideration of this proposal to transfer the property to Heber City. I trust it will yield a discussion with the officials involved. The transfer might also solve a problem with Heber's eventual need for larger office space AND possibly allow Wasatch County additional meeting space. WIN, WIN, WIN
In any event, we, the taxpayers, will continue to pay the bills. Let's look for ways to minimize taxes wherever levied.”
No response, of any type, was received.

Last week in the Wave, I read that Supt. Shoemaker said, “It may be time to look at the property without the existing buildings.” However, it appears that the decision had already been made and plans were well underway well before the public comment meeting!   (Note that there is already discussions with Mountain America CU as a buyer of Lot 1)

Heber City received proposals from the school district for a commercial development last month (or earlier).  Click here for the development plans  (about page 12)   C

Given that school districts are given some exceptions to zoning laws, impact fees and various regulations, a few more questions need to be answered.   

Is it appropriate for a school district to be a land developer? Are they going to be involved with “redevelopment agencies”? Is their any guarantee of a sale after the $700K demolition, and additional development costs? What will be the full cost of the redevelopment, history shows than some previous financial estimates have been more than a little bit off.

The Wave reported Mr Shoemaker saying that “many local government entities expressed interest,” but none acted. Perhaps it was the proffered price which was millions higher than the latest suggested 'value.' Board Chair Baird suggests that the “school would retain rights to types of businesses” on the property. Is the proposal really to sell, or to manage, the proposed 11 lot subdivision with offices, gas stations, restaurants and retail?  (At least no high rises dwellings were suggested.)

If this is such a potentially profitable deal, why hasn't some enterprising individual, or company, jumped on the opportunity? Or will it be easier for the school district to get approval than a normal commercial developer? Just consider how much tax money could have been saved by working WITH “local government entities,” five years ago rather than trying to extract top dollar from the left tax pocket to the right? Let's have the real discussion.
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Addendum:  the Heber Planning Commission gave concept approval in their 9 Jan 2014 meeting  The link contains the agenda, info packet and audio.

WSD estimates demolition cost at $700K for the old high School, Heber suggest $350K (?) for the old central school to build the proposed Public Safety building.

Tuesday, January 31, 2006

January Newsbits

1/30 The Amazing Race: Family Edition - Episode 8Box Office Prophets - USA... Oh yes, they'll pay. The next morning, the Linzs get the first clue of the day, which sends them off to Heber City, Utah, where they have to find Bart. ...

1/26 The Nation in briefSalt Lake Tribune - United StatesMichael, Patrick and Daniel Whalen contend negligence by Santa Fe Rafting Company and guide Kevin Horan caused the death of Carol Whalen, 61, of Heber City. ...

1/25 Baby Hits Head On Sidewalk After Stroller CollapseKUTV - Salt Lake City,UT,USA(KUTV) SALT LAKE CITY A stroller collapses sending a Heber City baby head first onto a sidewalk. The little girl suffered a head ...
Clogged Gene PoolSalt Lake City Weekly - UT,USA... And Wasatch County prosecutors are at a loss to determine who pulled the trigger between a father-son duo on trial for murdering a community activist, because ...

1/24 US Olympic Committee Announces Nominees for 2005 SportsMan ...Rudern1.de - Germany... Sun Valley, Idaho), Bob Balk (Long Beach, Calif.), Steve Cook (Salt Lake City, Utah), Mike Crenshaw (Boulder, Colo.), Chris Klebl (Heber City, Utah), Greg ...

1/22 Icy plunge is for a good causeSalt Lake Tribune - United States... The Wasatch County plunge took place at the Homestead Resort in Midway, and the Utah County event was held at the Pleasant Grove City Pool

1/21 Proudly hosted by IGN FAQsIGN - Brisbane,CA,USA... Haynesville Hays Haysville Hayward Hazard Hazel Crest Hazel Green Hazel Park Hazelwood Hazlehurst Hazlet Hazleton Healdsburg Hearne Heber City Hever Springs ...
Provo girls top OremDaily Herald - Provo,UT,USA... Wasatch 62, Uintah 44: At Heber City, Tara Gehring and Heather Kohler led the way for the Wasps with 12 points each. In addition ...


1/19 Head-On Snowmobile Crash In Wasatch CountyKUTV - Salt Lake City,UT,USA(KUTV) WASATCH COUNTY A nasty snowmobile crash in Wasatch County sent two people to the hospital Thursday. The sheriff's office ...

1/18 Crime lab must choose which tests to do withoutSalt Lake Tribune - United States... Miller's testimony this week in a Wasatch County murder case also puts in stark contrast the difference between sexy TV crime fighters - like those on the ...

1/14 Crime lab must choose which tests to do withoutSalt Lake Tribune - United States... Miller's testimony this week in a Wasatch County murder case also puts in stark contrast the difference between sexy TV crime fighters - like those on the ...

1/13 One Sent To Hospital After Fire At Heber LodgeKUTV - Salt Lake City,UT,USA(KUTV) HEBER CITY, utah One person was sent to the hospital when fire breaks out in a Heber City lodge. Investigators believe the ...
Inside glanceBillings Gazette - MT, USA... Fackrell, a 6-foot-1 senior post from Heber City, Utah, averaged 28.5 points and 15 rebounds per game over the weekend, as the Lady Griffins lost to Rocky ...


1/12 Father and son ordered to stand trial in deacon's deathSalt Lake Tribune - United States... Wasatch County Attorney Thomas Low said he would not seek the death penalty because, among other things, the victim's family did not want it. ...
Escoto's return could boost UGFGreat Falls Tribune - Great Falls,MT,USA... Fackrell was the women's winner after the 6-1 senior from Heber City, Utah averaged 28.5 ppg as the Griffins split their first conference road trip. ...

1/11 'Wasted': Is party over?Salt Lake Tribune - United States... Twenty-year-old Joel Leiser of Heber City said he has heard a lot of discussion about Miller on the slopes and in the lift lines while working for the resort. ...
Girls basketball forDaily Herald - Provo,UT,USA... Wasatch 37, Judge Memorial 33: At Heber City, in a close game the Wasps pulled out the Region 10 victory behind a brilliant performance by Tara Gehring. ...


1/10 Natural Remedies Blow Colds AwayOpen PR (press release) - Hamburg,Germany... Researchers from Heber City, Utah reported that vitamin C decreased cold and flu symptoms reported by 85 per cent of men and women. ...
Disabled Cross-Country Ski Team Preps for Paralympics at NationalsFirst Tracks - Salt Lake City,UT,USA... Chris Klebl (LW-11; Heber City, UT) led the disabled sit-ski competitions all weekend taking first in Saturday's 10K and Sunday's 15K. ...
Cael Sanderson's Streak to be Featured on ESPNU, ESPN ClassicIowa State Cyclones - Iowa,USA... in the 2002 197-pound final at the Pepsi Center in Albany, NY The win closed out the Cyclone's career with a 159-0 record and made the Heber City, Utah native ...


1/8 Skiing: Winters takes sixth among top collegiate skiersGreen Bay Press Gazette - Green Bay,WI,USAHEBER CITY, Utah -- The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay's Johanna Winters finished 23rd overall and sixth among collegiate athletes in the 10K classic with ...
Groethe authors book entitled ‘West River Waltz'Williston Daily Herald - Williston,ND,USA... Folk Festival in October. In November he was invited to Heber City, Utah, for the Cowboy Poetry and Buck-A-Roo Fair. We've had the ...


1/6 Park City, UtahWashington Post - United States... Accommodations are more likely to be available at Kimball Junction , an outlying area of Park City, and in Heber City or Midway , both a 20-minute drive from ...


1/5 Geography lessonsSalt Lake Tribune - United States... of the Carbon High Spanish teacher, her husband and son stated, "Carbon crash claims lives of three." In reality, the accident occurred in Wasatch County. ...
Highland girls become humanitariansSalt Lake Tribune - United States... The medical team, headed by Greg Taylor of Heber City, included certified nursing assistants, Livingston and Bowen. They did medical ...
Biking newsSalt Lake Tribune - United StatesHeber City pro mountain biker Kathy Sherwin, who enjoyed her best year of racing in 2005, has signed with Ford Cycling, one of the top mountain-biking teams. ...

1/3 Midway's new mayor knows she's in hot seatSalt Lake Tribune - United StatesMIDWAY - For years, Connie Tatton kept telling her husband she didn't want to run for an elective office in this quaint Wasatch County town tucked against the ...
Plane crash kills Montana manDeseret News - Salt Lake City,UT,USA... The plane crashed on the rolling hills just a few hundred yards east of US 40 at milepost 6, six miles south of I-80 and about 12 miles north of Heber City. ...
NORTH ST. PAULPioneer Press - St. Paul,MN,USA... He also won the Dean Power Invitational at Trollhaugen last week. He is competing this week in the USSA national championships in Heber City, Utah. ...


1/1 Cell Phone Helps Rescue Lost SnowmobilersKSL Radio - Salt Lake City,UT,USA(KSL News) -- A cell phone came in handy during a search for four missing snowmobilers this morning, in the mountains above Heber City. ...
Four snowmobilers rescued after cold night in woodsSalt Lake Tribune - United StatesThe 31-year-old Alpine man and three friends were rescued Saturday morning after being stranded in the mountains southeast of Heber City for about 16 hours. ...
Update: Missing snowboarder found aliveSalt Lake Tribune - United States... Utah County Sheriff's Sgt. ... efforts Sunday morning, but the weather cleared and the air search was to resume after crews from Wasatch Powderbirds cleared the ...