Welcome to Wasatch City

A little over a month ago the Wave heralded the development moratorium passed by the County Council. At last we were to take a stand about the loss of our "small town" atmosphere and rural environment. During polling on the Walmart issue the people had spoken - the consensus was to maintain the valley as it has been, in so far as feasible.

This moratorium can, by Utah law, only run for six months; during which time we would all hope for some proposals to help alleviate the perceived problems. By County law, amendments to Title 16 - Planning, Zoning and Development Code - and the Master Plan may only be amended annually before 30 November. With public hearings, notices and other meetings, there appears to be little time to prepare and approve changes. It is, perhaps, possible that "emergency" authority might be used to avoid this restriction, but, to date, little has been done (as far as I can tell) to formulate any proposals to correct the RA 1 development concerns that apparently precipitated the moratorium.

Early in September, as a member of the Planning Commission, I emailed Council members asking: " What specific problem(s) are we trying to solve?" and "What is the suggested direction for solution?" See wasatch.blogspot.com/ for full text. This was met by a deafening silence. Oh, there have been a few minor general discussions at Planning Commission meetings and I have had some brief discussion with a few Council members, but the only proposal thus far set forth is a proposed Title 16 change which would allow greater "bonus" density (MORE Houses) to developers "willing" to build on SMALLER lot sizes. Instead of 100 homes on 100 acres, they would be allowed to put 125 "clustered" homes on 50 acres and keep the remaining 50 acres "open" or in a park for the use of those in the development. Is this the direction the residents of the County want to go?

To get a feel for our future "rural" atmosphere, I might suggest driving up 1200 South and comparing Cobblestone (2000E -clustered high density), then close your eyes while passing The Crossings (2600 E - very high density - 500+ homes) and continue to Stonebridge (4100E - one acre lots); then turn right into Lake Creek Farms (one + acres). Then amble over to Center Street and visit Greener Hills (4200 E - 5 + acres) and Pole Estates (6000 E -1 acre) and decide for yourself which example you might prefer as an example for future growth in the county. Consider our supposed plan to grow from the cities outward, then contact members of the County Council and Planning Commission and give them your impressions.

There is a process called Public Involvement in local planning matters, it might have an effect - if used. May I suggest attending the October 20 Planning Commission meeting. Go to the Council meetings (Oct 19, Nov 2, Nov 16) - listen and express your opinion on these issues. Take a look at http://wasatch.blogspot.com/ where I infrequently post some items of County interest and leave your comments, please. Join a new discussion group concerning Wasatch County issues by sending an Email to wasco-subscribe@yahoogroups.com Everyone is welcome. Our 2001 General Plan, which actually considers up to 91,982 homes (pg. 86) in Wasatch County, is up for review at the end of five years.

Personally, I fear that our desire for rural and small town is a long gone vision and the best we might hope for is a small town facade disguising Wasatch City. But, who knows, some of you out there may have a solution. In the meantime, I am researching the possibility of purchasing 10,000 plastic cows which can be placed strategically around the county to at least maintain the appearance of a rural environment, but I'm not sure how to provide an authentic smell - perhaps our local politicians can help.

September News Bits

9/1 Forest Service asks for help spotting marijuanaSalt Lake Tribune - United States... Tim Clark, Heber City-based patrol captain for Utah's national forests, advises people who come across pot groves to retrace their steps out of the area then ...
Wasatch County Utah 'Swiss' country a leisure-time havenDeseret News - Salt Lake City,UT,USA... scenic rides originate from the Heber area. One of the more popular and accessible is Guardsman's Pass, which links with Big Cottonwood Canyon and Park City. ...

9/2 Utah sports in briefSalt Lake Tribune - United States... Krista Mahoney of Heber City and Travis Shupe of Pleasant View are alternates on a 26-member team representing the United States at the World Trampoline and ...

9/4 "Arkansas' Voice on the Internet"Arkansas Democrat-Gazette (subscription) - Little Rock,AR,USAJamie Lauren Beecher, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William K. Beecher of Heber City, Utah, and John Douglas Bradshaw III, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Douglas Bradshaw ...

9/6 Taste of friendshipSalt Lake Tribune - United States... "The food's good, but we don't come for the food," says Kathy Olsen, a daily regular ever since she and husband Berdell moved from Heber City in 1984. ...

9/7 UDOT cautions closures in September for constructionThe BYU Newsnet - Provo,UT,USAMany projects are underway in Utah and Wasatch counties that will affect traffic ... be similar to bridge work that occurred elsewhere in Utah County earlier this ...

9/8 COLT Technologies Names D. Bret Smith as New Chief Executive ...PR Newswire (press release) - New York,NY,USA... with Dale T. Smith & Sons, Bret Smith was previously with Heber, Utah-based ... also served previously as quality manager with Daily Foods in Salt Lake City and as ...

9/11 Wasatch County: Squeezed by housing sprawl, farmers learn to adaptSalt Lake Tribune - United StatesHEBER CITY - Any farmer, even one from Mars, would take one look at Heber Ranch & Farm Supply and know this is the place to go. ...
Waters of Jordanelle keep secrets of WWIISalt Lake Tribune - United States... Officials in nearby Park City and Heber complained to Gov. Herbert Maw, who privately asked Wada to go back where he came from. But Wada and the settlers stuck. ...
State of the StateSalt Lake Tribune - United StatesDuring a Wasatch County Council meeting last month, Ken McConnell and Howard Peterson asked the council for support with the idea of a Heber Valley balloon ...

9/14 Star teacher speaks at UVSC, inspires desireNew Utah - American Fork,UT,USA... Kay Tuttle of Heber City, an elementary education major at UVSC who attended the speech, said it was easy to see why Escalante's students achieved so much. ...

9/18 Manhunt Underway For Fugitive In Wasatch CountyKUTV - Salt Lake City,UT,USA(KUTV) HEBER CITY, Utah Officials in Wasatch County are searching for a fugitive from Duchesne County. Sgt. Todd Royce with the ...
Police Look for Fugitive Near Heber CityKSL-TV - Salt Lake City,UT,USAAuthorities in Wasatch County are searching the mountains outside of Heber for a fugitive. The suspect is from Duchesne County and ...
Park City stuck in a housing quagmireSalt Lake Tribune - United States... miles downstream.". Nonetheless, many Park City workers do live elsewhere, including in neighboring Wasatch County. "I cannot afford ...

9/20 US GymnasticsSFCPressPoint (press release) - Tampa,FL,USA... with 34.00 for a total of 103.00. Krista Mahoney of Heber City , Utah , is the fourth member of the silver-medal team. Canada scored 92.50 for the bronze. ...

Bingham perfect in regionSalt Lake Tribune - United States... Wasatch 7, Union 0: At Heber City, Wasatch pulled away 6-0 in the first 20 minutes to secure the game. Amber Ford had two assists ...

9/22 Heber Valley, St. George grapple with soaring growthSalt Lake Tribune - United States... It is actually pretty frightening," said Heber City Mayor Lynn Adams. "It gives you a sense of the magnitude of the problems we can face in the future. ...
Colorado town fastest-growing in US: studyReuters - USA... Heber, Utah, 45 miles east of Salt Lake City, was second at 15.1 percent, and East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, 75 miles west of New York City, grew 11.4 percent ... See all stories on this topic

Top picker guesses 9 of 10 winnersSalt Lake City Deseret News - Salt Lake City,UT,USA... Last week's winners are: Jan Rostron, Ephraim, Sanpete County; Mike Skogerboe, Salt Lake City; Courtney Gressmen, Midway, Wasatch County; Wade Gee, Nephi; Mont ...
St. George growth 2nd fastest in USSalt Lake City Deseret News - Salt Lake City,UT,USA... The Heber micro area (Wasatch County) was also the nation's second fastest-growing, up by 15.1 percent from 2000 to 2003 -- second only to Palm Coast, Fla ...

9/25 Sunday Focus: Heber City a haven far from New OrleansStandard-Examiner (subscription) - Ogden,UT,USAHEBER CITY -- Luc and Stacia Robitaille's summer home overlooks a tranquil Rocky Mountain valley where the autumn leaves are just starting to change from green ...
Robitailles Open Home to Katrina VictimsNew York Times - United States... California. They spend summers and holidays at the giant log home just east of Heber City, about 15 miles southeast of Park City. ... See all stories on this topic

9/26 Heber mayor race hinges on Main StreetSalt Lake Tribune - United StatesAnd Heber City's three mayoral contenders - two City Council members and a newcomer - are divided over how best to revitalize the flagging thoroughfare. ... See all stories on this topic

Fatal Shooting, Rollover On US 40 Near JordanelleKUTV - Salt Lake City,UT,USA(KUTV) WASATCH COUNTY An altercation between two vehicles on US Highway 40 resulted in a fatal shooting and rollover Sunday night. ...
Heber mayor race hinges on Main StreetSalt Lake Tribune - United States... in attracting businesses. To that end, he said Heber City should partner with Wasatch County on economic-development initiatives.

9/29
Shooting Victim Remembered for Service to CommunityKSL-TV - Salt Lake City,UT,USAProsecutors intend to charge two men arrested in the shooting. The victim is well-known in Wasatch County. Armendariz served hundreds through St. ...
Gunshot victim a 'leader'Salt Lake City Deseret News - Salt Lake City,UT,USA... A Wasatch County Sheriff's Office probable cause statement said the victim and one of the men arrested had been "associates . . . in a school setting.". ...

Moratorium on Developments

An Open letter to the County Council:

I left town for a week and returned to find we now have a development moratorium. If we are to propose a solution prior to the end of the six month period, many considerations must be made to solve the indicated problems. In actuality, as any Title 16 changes (16.02.05) must be made by 11/30/05, there are less than 90 days to complete the process. Two public hearings (PC and Council), with appropriate notice (14 days), appear to be required to make this change.

With the last Council meeting scheduled 11/16, notice would have to be sent for Wave on 11/2; after the Planning Comm meeting of 10/20 to consider the proposed change which would require a notice on 10/5. So basically, it appears there is about a month to create this law change. There is currently one PC meeting scheduled on 9/15.

In my understanding no specific proposal has yet been created or under consideration. It appears to me that gathering more public opinion on these issues ASAP is paramount to creating an acceptable solution. I hope that we are NOT using Cobblestone as a standard of desired development. Although very successful in sales, to me Cobblestone does not appear to be "rural" or even "small town;" (obviously The Crossings has to be the worst example of rural planning). If we do not want to create Wasatch City, Stone Bridge, Lake Creek Farms, Greener Hills and Pole Estates might be better examples.

As a member of the Planning Commission, I would ask the following questions:

1 What specific problem(s) are we trying to solve?
Maintain rural atmosphere?
Maintain Open Space?
Keep agricultural use viable?
Slow the speed of growth?
????
2 What is the suggested direction for solution?
Rezone to 5 acres?
Require x % open space in any development over x acres or x units?
Purchase of open space by County?
Transfer Development rights?
Larger property tax abatement for agricultural with longer rollback on development?
Dedicated Parks? County maintained?
Create a facade of rural environment - 10,000 plastic cows?
One story homes - at least we will be able to see some land?
Open space on roads - not in back of homes?
Impact fees for buying open space ?
Limited annual building permits - to control the RATE of growth?
No more new roads - Build on current roads only?
No more PUD's?
No more SSD's - No mechanical Waste treatment?
Minimum distance between houses?
Water??
Cap the number of homes allowed in the Heber Valley?
????
A few sites mentioning limiting annual building permits, to better control the rate of growth and necessary infrastructure and "to promote the prosperity, improves the morals, peace and good order, convenience and aesthetics of the community":

http://www.capecodcommission.org/bylaws/buildcap.html
http://64.233.187.104/search?q=cache:vRoFBygixqkJ:nh.gov/oep/resourcelibrary/referencelibrary/g/growthmanagement/documents/growthmanagementinnh.doc+building+permit+limit+number+ordinance&hl=en
http://www.islamorada.fl.us/newsite/ordinances/04-16.pdf
http://www.emmitsburg.net/towngov/bulletins/ordinance_14.htm
http://www.sprawlwatch.org/election.html
http://sunnyvale.ca.gov/City+Council/Council+Meetings/2005January/Reports/05-003.htm
http://www.smartvoter.org/2002/11/05/ca/sac/meas/R/

August Newsbits

8/5/2005
Soldier can't flee deadly heroinSalt Lake Tribune - United States... Heroin on the march: With a criminal investigation under way by the Wasatch County Sheriff's Office, the details of Reiser's death remain unclear - but his ...

8/7
White knight musters boarders, bladers to police own skate parkSalt Lake Tribune - United States... Above, Kyron George, 16, of Heber City, skates Tuesday in the Oakley Skate Park. Officials were considering closing the park due to vandalism. ...

Scare tacticsSalt Lake Tribune - United StatesI recently bought a ticket to the Mountain Valley Stampede PRCA rodeo in Heber City. Much to my surprise I read on the front of ...

8/9
Trial Set For Man Accused Of Taking HostagesKSL Radio - Salt Lake City,UT,USA(Aug 9, 2005) --HEBER CITY, Utah (AP) -- The trial for a man accused of taking several hostages at a Heber City medical clinic earlier this year is set to ...

8/11
Alternative routesSalt Lake City Deseret News - Salt Lake City,UT,USA. Another option between the Wasatch Front and Price and beyond is US 40, which links the two areas via Heber City and Duchesne; then, US 191 connects ...

8/13
Swindler who cheated couple gets prisonSalt Lake Tribune - United StatesA former attorney who sold a Heber couple thousands of shares of phony stock was ... was working for the Bonneville Investment Group in Salt Lake City, he offered ...
Man must serve up to life for bludgeon slayingSalt Lake Tribune - United States... on Friday for the baseball bat slaying at Kaaloa's Salt Lake City apartment last ... up the crime scene, Kaaloa later dumped the body in a remote area near Heber. ...
8/14
Memory of ex-coach will serve as inspiration for Wasatch WaspsSalt Lake Tribune - United StatesHEBER CITY - It didn't take long for Wasatch running back Bart Todd to notice a difference in his team's summer workouts, compared to those under former coach ...

8/17
Taxes go up ... and downProvo Daily Herald - Provo,UT,USA... Piute, Juab, Salt Lake, Summit, Wasatch, Duchesne, Uintah and Sanpete counties. It will generate about $4.5 million more per year in the 10-county area, said ...

8/18
District hears water gripesProvo Daily Herald - Provo,UT,USA... Bob Mathis, who works for Wasatch County, said county officials are concerned that the reasons for the tax increase are not clear. ... See all stories on this topic
8/19
Man Sentenced for Heber StandoffKSL Radio - Salt Lake City,UT,USAHEBER CITY, Utah (AP) -- A man accused of taking hostages at a Heber City medical clinic in January has been sentenced. A judge ... See all stories on this topic

8/20 Water district board to decide on tax proposalProvo Daily Herald - Provo,UT,USA... In Wasatch County, where the average home value is about $215,000, the increase would be 53 cents a month, and in Juab County, with an average $140,000 home ... See all stories on this topic
Conservancy boardProvo Daily Herald - Provo,UT,USA... Claude R. Hicken of Heber City: Rancher, farmer and business owner, president of the Wasatch Irrigation Co., and chairman of the Wasatch County Soil ...
8/22
Abels and Burnham tops at TF MuniTwin Falls Times-News - Twin Falls,ID,USA... Steer wrestling -- 1. Wade Ryan, Heber City, Utah, 4.3 seconds; 2. Brock Andrus, St. George, Utah, 4.9; 3. Ryan Shaw, Plain City ...

8/27 $15.5M hydroelectric facility to produce powerProvo Daily Herald - Provo,UT,USA... "We've been waiting a long time for this," said Heber City Mayor Lynn Adams. ... Heber City had 7,000 residents in 2000 and has 10,000 now. ...

Heber City Public Works Study

The U of U Center for Public Policy and Administration recently completed a study of Heber's Public Works future needs due to growth:

"The study concludes that Heber City is on a track for continuous rapid growth.
It is becoming a resort area on its own, as many homebuyers and retirees are being priced
out of Park City and other relatively close resort areas in the West such as Jackson Hole
and Sun Valley. With the increase in home and commercial development, new burdens
will be placed on the Public Works department to provide services to the new and
secondary residents. Unfettered growth in the surrounding unincorporated areas of
Wasatch County will also place large burdens on the city and its public works in terms of
infrastructure demands.
The scenarios provided in the study will show where Heber City will likely be in two
years, five years, ten years and beyond. The following recommendations address
changes that can help the city cope with its demands over the short run – a few years at
best. It is very likely that more strategic, long run plans are needed to deal with expected
growth. "

This report gives an informative comparison with other Western small "cities." It's a sobering analysis for those who are hoping to maintain a "rural" small-town atmosphere.

Water? (from the 1999 archives)

Water, Water Everywhere???

Is anyone else concerned with the source of water to be used by all of the new growth in the Heber Valley? We hear a lot of talk about water rights, water shares, Special Service Districts, and millions of acre feet for this, that and the other. I have a simple question: who is responsible to insure that water is available for me to pump in my well?

It seems fairly obvious that there is a limit to the supply of water in our valley. Our water currently must come from underground aquifers or from lakes, ponds and reservoir. Most of Jordanelle and Deer Creek water has apparently been allocated elsewhere by the ubiquitous CUP.

We therefore seem to be limited basically to that which we can pump from the ground. That water can only come from three places: precipitation, runoff or recycling. Precipitation is obviously rain and snow, runoff is the result of the snowpack and recycling occurs through septic, sewers, irrigation, watering, etc.
Ten years ago, it was difficult to get a building permit. The avowed reason - there wasn't enough water. Now it seems we have created an almost unlimited supply. We are building more and more sewer systems which take water from the local areas and pipe it somewhere for recycling. That water then returns to the aquifer. Is that the same aquifer that MY well pumps from? I have no idea. I fail to see how sewers can INCREASE the available water supply.

Effluent does not flow uphill. These new sewer systems allow greater housing density
Not too long ago there was an irrigation ditch which had water flowing in it most of the summer. With the diversion of water by the new CUP system that seems to have dried up. We are converting irrigation water into home usage. Does that decrease the recycling effect? We had an irrigation system pressurized by gravity, now we are converting to a system requiring electric pumps for distribution. Is this progreess?

Heber City is building a large reservoir which must be filled by pumping from this
underground supply. Will this affect the water level? I have to think that it must. Does anyone know the quantity of our underground water? Where does Heber City obtain their water rights?

Wasatch County recently allocated millions of acre feet to the Jordanelle SSD. Won't all of the new construction in the County need that water? Is there anyone in this county in charge of protecting the water rights of the current valley residents? Are new developments required to insure that proper amounts of additional water will be available to use in those new homes? How much water is, or should be, allotted to each proposed residential unit?

There is a new Planning/Zoning proposal to all "Clustered Development" in RA zones.
This will greatly increase the allowable building density. (County Commission to vote on 13 December!) This seems to violate the rural agricultural setting that the 1973? Master? Plan? was supposed to protect. Is there any such thing as a master Water Plan? Do we hear anything about water conservation? Are we emphasizing low water usage building and landscaping concepts?

These are just a few questions about an item that should concern everyone in this valley. Water is not an unlimited resource, no matter how many sewer lines we build. The overriding question is: In ten years and after hundreds (or thousands) of new homes will you and I be able to turn on our taps and get water from our wells or will we be required to hook up to a public water system (at our expense, of course) which will provide me water from an Alaskan pipeline?

More July tidbits

7/23
UVSC taps community input at forumProvo Daily Herald - Provo,UT,USA... some input.". Washburn outlined the purpose of the forum, another of which UVSC held at its Wasatch Campus in Heber City. "We're ...

All eyes on Sanderson at Heelan clinicSioux City Journal - Sioux City,IA,USA... The personable Sanderson won three Utah state prep titles at Wasatch High in Heber City then captured his four NCAA crowns in 1999-2002. ...

Fire danger heads north for the holiday weekendSalt Lake Tribune - United States... In September 2003, the Forest Service's 600-acre controlled burn at Cascade Springs spiraled out of control and scorched 8,000 acres southwest of Heber City.

7/21
Recreation RoundupSalt Lake Tribune - United States... Ice Center in Murray, call Joe, 801-270-7293; for Salt Lake City Sports Complex ... July 30 - Heber Valley Fair Days 10K is at 8 am Visit http://www.sportsnuts.com ...

7/20
From campsite barrier to a feeding pump, Utahns issues patentsSalt Lake Tribune - Salt Lake City,UT,USA... patent No. 6,920,223, invented by James W. Fosgate of Heber City, assigned to Dolby Laboratories Licensing of San Francisco, Calif. ...

7/19
County appeals for control of senior programsProvo Daily Herald - Provo,UT,USA... He told the county the initial application lacked input from senior centers, Wasatch and Summit counties and minutes from meetings in which the proposal was ...

7/18
Search Resumes For Missing Boater On Utah LakeKUTV - Salt Lake City,UT,USA... sonar that helps scan the depths of the water for foreign objects. Wasatch County Sheriff's Office is also helping in the search.

7/17
Deal broker promoting Utah behind the scenesSalt Lake Tribune - Salt Lake City,UT,USA... Checketts spends much of his time in the northeast, commuting between his home in Connecticut and his offices in New York. He also has a home in Heber City. ...
DNC chairman Dean rallies Utah DemocratsWyoming News - WY,USA... ''It wasn't as high-key as I would have expected,'' said Rudi Kohler of Heber City, vice chairman for Wasatch County Democrats. ...
Power goes out in three citiesStandard-Examiner (subscription) - Ogden,UT,USA... Leslie Alan Wilson, 36, of Heber City was killed Thursday by a piece of steel that fell from a construction project on a Mississippi River bridge connecting ...
Utah team set for national rodeo championshipStandard-Examiner (subscription) - Ogden,UT,USA... tie-down roping) and Raechel Wade (girls cutting) swept state saddles during last month's Utah High School Rodeo Association State Finals in Heber City. ...

7/16
Utah Man Killed Building A Bridge In ArkansasKTVX - Salt Lake City,UT,USALeslie Alan Wilson, 36, of Heber City, was helping the crew build a bridge over the Mississippi River to connect two towns when the accident happened. ...

7/15
Dead man's family sues drunken driverSalt Lake Tribune - Salt Lake City,UT,USA... when the company-owned truck he was driving collided with Lott's vehicle on Nov. 5, 2004, east of Soldier Summit in Wasatch County. ...

Board appointment law changes (proposal?)

Proposed ordinance #1 (NEW)

ADD
Section 2.02.16 Appointment to County Boards
(1) Wasatch County Board members will be appointed by the County Manager with the advice and consent of the County Council. The County Manager will submit the names of all interested individual applicants, with his recommended preferences.
(2) All County Board positions will be filled within 90 days of vacancy.
(3) Board Members shall not serve concurrently on the Planning Commission and the Board of

Adjustment Rationale:
1 The current system being used gives too much power to the County Manager, allowing him to submit a single name for approval or disapproval; the Council is not necessarily provided the names of other interested individuals, who might be preferred by the Council members. This will expand the Council's input into the selection process.

2 There is currently no (?) time limit on filling vacancies, a procedure should be developed (see 3.04 (6)) to identify vacancies and interested individuals and fill vacancies as soon as practical. A file of interested applicants and their qualifications for various boards could be kept for future vacancies.

3 As the BoA sometimes acts on appeals to Planning Commission decisions, it seems inconsistent to allow one member to act as an appeal judge to a decision in which he may have participated.

4 This is consistent with Optional plan sect 3.04 and Ut Code: Section 3.04. . . . The specific enumeration of powers herein shall not be construed to limit or expand the executive powers of the County Manager as provided for in Section 17.52.505(2) and (4) of the state code. Except as limited by an ordinance by the county council pursuant to Section 17-52-505(2) (a), the County Manager's powers include, the power to: 6. Appoint, suspend and remove the members of appointed County commissions and boards, with Council advice and consent. In the exercise of this power, the Manager shall have the power to establish standards, qualifications, criteria and procedures to govern these appointments, in accordance with state statute and county ordinance.
UT code 17-52-505 (2) The county manager shall be the administrative head of the county government and shall have the powers, functions, and duties of a county executive, except:(a) as the county legislative body otherwise provides by ordinance; (4) In the council-manager form of county government, the legislative powers of the county shall be vested in the county council, and the executive powers of the county shall be vested in the county manager.

Proposed Ordinance #2 (modification)
Section 2.02.08 Planning Commission
(1) Establishment and Membership. There is hereby established a county-wide Planning Commission consisting of seven regular members. Members of the Commission shall be appointed by the County Manager with the advice and consent of the County Legislative Body.
DELETE: The remaining member of the Commission shall be a member of the County Legislative Body and shall be appointed by majority vote of the County Legislative Body.

(3) Term of Office. DELETE: Except for the member of the Commission who is a member of the County Legislative Body, Each regular member of the Planning Commission shall be appointed for a three-year term. Alternate members of the Commission shall be appointed for two-year terms. The terms of at least two regular members shall expire each year.

(4) Removal and Vacancies. Denote the last sentence as (a)
ADD at end of paragraph: (b) Attendance requirement: Two (2) unexcused absences or three (3) excused absences within a twelve (12) month period will be cause for removal from the Board.

Rationale:
1 As many decisions are recommendations to the Council, one member should not be making decisions in both groups.

2 Continuing regular attendance is desirable to maintain familiarity with continuing issues.

JULY Wasatch News you may have missed

7/10
Plane Goes Down at Heber City Air ShowKSL-TV - Salt Lake City,UT,USAPeople who went to the Heber City air show got a more dramatic performance than they anticipated. A vintage Russian World War II plane was making a fly by... ...

For the RecordSalt Lake Tribune - Salt Lake City,UT,USA... Air Show, the plane lost power, forcing it to land, said Heber police Sgt. ... About 18,000 Utah Power customers, including the Salt Lake City International Airport ...

Man Drowned at Jordanelle ReservoirKSL-TV - Salt Lake City,UT,USA... located the body. The Wasatch County Sheriff's Department has not released the name of the man, pending the notification of relatives.

7/9
UVSC community forum briteNew Utah - American Fork,UT,USAThe university will hold a pair of Board of Trustees Community Forums -- one each in Heber City and Orem. The meetings will be held ...
Faith in actionSalt Lake Tribune - Salt Lake City,UT,USA... group featuring high school students from Provo, Orem, Midway, Heber, Lehi, American ... 11. KidsGames Salt Lake City 2005: Hosted by Holladay Baptist Church, the ...

7/7
No hearing for Hacking until 2035Salt Lake City Deseret News - Salt Lake City,UT,USA... "It just gives the public a feeling that we are more responsible in putting people away," said Heber City Police Chief Ed Rhoades. ...

7/4
Man Fires Several Rounds at Police OfficersKSL-TV - Salt Lake City,UT,USA... reading. Gunfire rattles a quiet community in Wasatch County... when a man starts a standoff with police in Heber City. Tammy Harrison ...
Wasatch County man jailed after firing at neighbors, copsSalt Lake Tribune - Salt Lake City,UT,USAInvestigators are unsure why a Wasatch County man fired several rounds from a shotgun at neighbors and police through the windows of his home Sunday afternoon. ... See all stories on this topic
Bullets Fly In Wasatch County, Suspect Arrested After StandoffKTVX - Salt Lake City,UT,USA(ABC 4 News/AP)-- Police and SWAT teams surrounded a cabin in Wasatch County Sunday evening, after a man reportedly started shooting out of his window. ...

7/2
8 days of wonderArizona Republic - Phoenix,AZ,USA... It wasn't supposed to be there. "That used to be the way to go," said Steve Sanderson, 50, a middle-school assistant principal from Heber City, Utah, who since ...

7/1
Students' creative ads smoke competitionSalt Lake Tribune - Salt Lake City,UT,USA... first radio ad. "It was pretty cool," the Heber City 12-year-old said. "I liked watching it be edited and stuff.". But the Rocky ...

There oughta be a LAW

Got a good idea for a Wasatch County law - or one to repeal????

Pursuant to Wasatch County Code Section 3.03.03

(1) Drafting Proposed Legislation. Any person, County Council Member, or County Department who desires the County Legislative Body to consider enactment of an ordinance or an amendment to an existing ordinance shall present the proposed ordinance or amendment to the County Clerk in writing and in electronic format.

County Board appointments

The primary function of the County Council as described in the Optional Plan:

"it is the intent of this Plan to establish the Council as a citizen body whose members serve on a part-time basis in a legislative, policy-making role, and membership on the Council is not intended to be a full-time position involving day-to-day oversight of County operations and functions."

One of the other main intentions of the change of government was to promote more citizen involvement - involving more citizens. Wasatch seems to be regressing toward a "commission" form of government, with Council members serving on many boards (some of which may require a Council person). Consequently, their time is divided and seems to be more than "part time" service.

To alleviate this, I would suggest encouraging more citizen involvement on the various boards - If everyone does a little, we can all do a lot. Call up and volunteer!!!!

Wasatch County Code related to Boards: http://www.co.wasatch.ut.us/code/Wasatch_County_Code/Title_2/02/index.html
You may also download the Board Application Form: application (PDF)

Current Board info:

Section 2.02.01 Accident Review Board
(1) Establishment and Membership. There is hereby established an Accident Review Board for Wasatch County. The Board shall consist of five members, one member representing the Wasatch County Attorney's Office, one member representing the Wasatch County Sheriff's Office, the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, the Wasatch County Public Works Director, and one member of the County Legislative Body.

Section 2.02.02 Board of Adjustment
(1) (a) Regular Members. The Board shall consist of five members appointed by the County Manager with the advice and consent of the County Legislative Body.

Section 2.02.03 Board of Equalization
(1) Establishment and Membership. There is hereby established a Wasatch County Board of Equalization consisting of the members of the County Legislative Body.

Section 2.02.04 Boundary Commission
(1) Establishment and Membership. There is hereby established a Wasatch County Boundary Commission consisting of: (1) two members who are elected county officers appointed by the County Manager with the advice and consent of the County Legislative Body;

Section 2.02.05 Constitutional Takings Review Board
(4) Establishment and Membership. There is hereby established the Wasatch County Constitutional Takings Review Board. The County Legislative Body shall act as the Wasatch County Constitutional Takings Review Board.

Section 2.02.07 Library Board
(1) Establishment and Membership. There is hereby established a Wasatch County Library Board consisting of five members , at least one of which shall be a member of the County Legislative Body , appointed by the County Manager with the advice and consent of the County Council.

Section 2.02.08 Planning Commission
(1) Establishment and Membership. There is hereby established a county-wide Planning Commission consisting of seven regular members. Six of the regular members of the Commission shall be appointed by the County Manager with the advice and consent of the County Legislative Body. The remaining member of the Commission shall be a member of the County Legislative Body and shall be appointed by majority vote of the County Legislative Body.
(3) Term of Office. Except for the member of the Commission who is a member of the County Legislative Body, each regular member of the Planning Commission shall be appointed for a three-year term. The member of the County Legislative Body appointed to the Commission shall be appointed for a two-year term. Alternate members of the Commission shall be appointed for two-year terms. The terms of two regular members shall expire each year.

Section 2.02.09 Daniels Township Planning Commission
(1) Establishment and Membership.
(a) Establishment. Pursuant to Laws of Utah 1996, Chapter 308, at a special election in August 1996, voters approved the creation of the Daniels Township. Pursuant to Laws of Utah 1997, Chapter 389, Section 56, and Second Special Session, Laws of Utah 1997, Chapter 3, Section 15, the Daniels Township was dissolved. Pursuant to section 17-27-200.5(2)(e) and Wasatch County Ordinance 99-04, the Daniels Township was reconstituted as the Daniels Township Planning Commission.
(b) Membership. The Daniels Township Planning Commission shall consist of seven regular members. Registered voters residing within the Township shall elect three regular members. Except as otherwise provided in this section, the County Manager, with the advice and consent of the County Legislative Body, shall appoint four regular members.

Section 2.02.10 Emergency Medical Services and Local Emergency Planning Council
(1) Establishment and Membership. There is hereby created the Wasatch County Emergency Medical Services and Local Emergency Planning Council, hereinafter, (EMS/LEPC).

Section 2.02.12 Weed Board
(1) Establishment and Membership. There is hereby established a Wasatch County Weed Board consisting of five regular members, and one ex-officio member who shall be a member of the County Legislative Body. The County Manager may appoint, with the advice and consent of the County Legislative Body, such additional ex officio, non-voting members as the Manager may deem necessary and appropriate.

Section 2.02.13 Tourism Tax Advisory Board
(1) Establishment and Membership. There is hereby established a Tourism Tax Advisory Board consisting of five regular members from the County.
(a) Regular Members. The Board shall consist of five members appointed by the County Manager with the advice and consent of the County Legislative Body. Members shall be residents of the County and shall be representatives of any of the following local industries: restaurants, hotels or lodging facilities, recreational facilities, convention facilities, museums, cultural attractions or other tourism related industries.
(b) Non-voting Members. The County Manager may appoint, with the advice and consent of the County Legislative Body, such additional non-voting members as the manager may deem necessary and appropriate.

Section 2.02.14 Wasatch County Fair Board
(1) Establishment and Membership. There is hereby established a Wasatch County Fair Board consisting of five regular members, one of which shall be a member of the County Legislative Body. The County Manager may appoint, with the advice and consent of the County Legislative Body, such additional non-voting members, as the Manager may deem necessary and appropriate. Members of the Board shall serve without compensation, except for reimbursement of actual expenses incurred, upon presentation of proper receipts and vouchers.

Section 2.02.15 Fair Rodeo Board
(1) Establishment and Membership. There is hereby established a Rodeo Board consisting of four regular members, and one ex-officio member who shall be a member of the County Legislative Body, who shall have the same right to vote as the other members of the Board. The County Manager may appoint, with the advice and consent of the County Legislative Body, such additional ex-officio, non-voting members as the Manager may deem necessary and appropriate. Members of the Board shall serve without compensation except for reimbursement of actual expenses incurred, upon presentation of proper receipts and vouchers.

Convention Center Board of Directors

Is this Utah law being complied with by Wasatch County?

1. From time of bond issuance
2. B of D has complete management and control
3. Qualification and terms
4. Without Pay
5. Vacancies filled by Board
6. Reducing taxes
   
   
   17-12-4. Bond issue for auditoriums, etc., and "convention complex" facilities -- Required -- Board of directors -- Use of revenues from facilities -- Purpose of act -- Rights of bondholders.

Any county legislative body adopting proceedings authorizing the issuance of county bonds for the purpose of acquiring, improving, extending, furnishing, and equipping auditoriums, sports arenas, stadiums, convention centers, and all properties and facilities ordinarily forming part of a so-called "convention complex," or for any part or combination of the foregoing, shall in the proceedings authorizing such bonds:

(1) Provide for the creation of a board of directors which, so long as any of the bonds remain outstanding either in original or refunded form, shall have complete management and control of the facilities acquired with the proceeds of the bonds. Such board shall have the number of members, possessing such qualifications and selected for such terms, and shall operate pursuant to such rules and regulations as may be provided in such proceedings. The members of such board shall serve without compensation except for reimbursement of expenses actually incurred in the performance of their duties. After the appointment and organization of any board of directors, all vacancies thereafter occurring, whether by expiration of term or otherwise, shall be filled by majority vote of the remaining members of the board. Subject to the provisions of such proceedings, the members of the board of directors shall have the powers and duties ordinarily enjoyed by the directors of a private corporation operating similar facilities.

(2) Provide that all revenues of every nature derived from the operation of the facilities so acquired with bond proceeds and not expended in the reasonable and proper costs of maintaining and operating the facilities, including the making of necessary repairs and replacements, be pledged to and utilized for the payment of principal of and interest on the bonds and, if so provided, the creation of a reserve for such purpose.

This act is adopted for the purpose of eliminating or reducing so far as possible the ad valorem taxes necessary to be levied for the payment of such bonds and for the purpose of improving the security of such bonds, and accordingly the holders of the bonds from time to time shall have a vested and enforceable contract right in the provisions of this act and in the provisions of the bond proceedings adopted pursuant hereto.

Amended by Chapter 227, 1993 General Session

JUNE Wasatch News you may have missed

6/30
Orem hospital begins work to welcome even more mothersProvo Daily Herald - Provo,UT,USALindsee Cordova, a Heber City native, knew where she wanted to give birth to her first child. Ignoring hospitals in Heber and Provo ...

6/29
Another Brick at the WalSalt Lake City Weekly - UT,USA... Dicker also dives into the kind of "site fights" that made local headlines in towns from Sandy to Centerville to Heber City, and finds them to be a rare ...

American Capital Invests $55 Million in Add-On Acquisition for ...Yahoo News (press release) - USA... Founded in 1991, Heber City, UT-based Bear Creek is the second largest manufacturer and marketer of dry soups and soup bases in the US Bear Creek offers a ...

6/28
Scientific discoverySalt Lake Tribune - Salt Lake City,UT,USA... students represent 22 Utah schools, including Wasatch Junior High in Heber Valley and ... the American Association of University Women in Salt Lake City - which is ...

Decision by state on aging issues appealedProvo Daily Herald - Provo,UT,USA... He offered to organize a meeting between Utah County and Wasatch and Summit counties. Utah County hasn't requested the help yet. ...

6/24
Utah golfers speak out on favorites of gameSalt Lake City Deseret News - Salt Lake City,UT,USA... It's a little surprising with all the new courses that have been built over the past decade that Wasatch is still No. 1. Two Davis County courses, Valley View ...

6/20
The cowboy wayProvo Daily Herald - Provo,UT,USA... Two weekends ago, he worked with other UHSRA directors setting fences at the Wasatch County Fairgrounds in Heber City, getting ready for the state rodeo finals ...

6/19
Wilderness combed for boy, 11Salt Lake Tribune - Salt Lake City,UT,USA... Whether searchers find Brennan may depend on how far the boy wandered after getting lost, Wasatch County Sheriff Dave Edmunds said. "It's dicey. ...

6/17
E Heber thin skinusBenton Courier - Benton,AR,USA... Reading the state daily, it has been a continuing saga for the Heber City Council to decide on how to open a deer season on the critters running loose within ...

Science, technology scholarships awarded to two Utah graduatesSalt Lake Tribune - Salt Lake City,UT,USABlodgett recently graduated from Wasatch High School in Heber City, and Hopkins just earned his diploma from Waterford High School in Sandy. ...

Utah Summer Games open with 9,000 athletes on handSalt Lake Tribune - Salt Lake City,UT,USA... of Utahns for Utahns," said Gerald Sherratt, the mayor of Cedar City, as he ... She was there with the Heber Handspringers, one of 17 power tumbling and trampoline ...

Dining Out: Make Dad's day with a hearty breakfast or juicy steak ...Salt Lake Tribune - Salt Lake City,UT,USA... in Midway also offers an intimate setting and beautiful views of the Heber Valley ... desserts awaits Dad at Little America's Grand Ballroom in Salt Lake City (500 S ...

6/16
Defendant guilty in bludgeon murderSalt Lake Tribune - Salt Lake City,UT,USARobin Lance Kaaloa admits he destroyed evidence last summer by cleaning up his Salt Lake City apartment and dumping a body in Wasatch County following a bloody ... See all stories on this topic

Biker learns the hard waySalt Lake Tribune - Salt Lake City,UT,USA... Sherwin, now of Heber City, steadily has risen through the ranks of mountain biking from novice to the pro level. She is rated No. 10 in short track and No. ...
OFFICIALS TALK RAFTING RISK FACTORSAlbuquerque Journal (subscription) - Albuquerque,NM,USA... Police have said that Carol Whalen of Heber City, Utah, who drowned June 5 north of Embudo in the river's Race Course section when the commercial raft she was ...
Two Utah Students Awarded Prestigious Micron Scholarship -- Each ...Business Wire (press release) - San Francisco,CA,USAMicron will honor Blodgett of Wasatch High School (Heber City) and Hopkins of Waterford High School (Sandy) this summer during a leadership and mentoring week ...
US Open Notes: Miller still thrilled to be part of broadcastSalt Lake Tribune - Salt Lake City,UT,USA... the US Open from my bedroom in Charleston and nobody would know the difference," said Miller, who recently moved to that Heber Valley town from Salt Lake City. ...

Misc. Wasatch News you may have missed

6/12/05
Prep Rodeo: Christensen wins barrel riding, barely Salt Lake Tribune - Salt Lake City,UT,USABy John Coon. HEBER CITY - A drizzling rain made several difficult events harder at the State High School Rodeo Finals. But stormy ...
A home away from home Deseret News - Salt Lake City,UT,USA... After purchasing a 1.5-acre lot in Timber Lakes, a mountain subdivision east of Heber City, Nielsen started construction this year on a $175,000 log cabin. ...
County waiting for aging services decision Provo Daily Herald - Provo,UT,USA... MAG officials have said moving services from the association to Utah County could hurt senior citizens in Wasatch and Summit counties because there will be ...

6/11
Cheap power or big eyesore? Some are fighting windmillsSalt Lake Tribune - Salt Lake City,UT,USA... Heber City-based Wasatch Wind is now churning through the details of the project's first phase to get an initial turbine in the industrial area by next spring. ...

More retail - or - Big Box

Congratulations to the Heber City Council for their rational decision on the Big Box. During that Public Meeting questions were raised about the apparent inconsistent desires of More Shopping Facilities (28% "would like to see in the next five years") vs. Small town feel (28% identified it as the "best about living in Heber). A closer analysis of those wanting more shopping showed that only a third wanted Walmart, Target, etc. but 2/3 of that category want various degrees of other types of retail business (restaurants, clothing, specialties, etc.)

While 5% indicated a desire for a new High School, another 5% decried the deficiencies in the general education system. 14% wanted growth control and 14% complained of traffic and road woes - generally a resultant problem of growth. Rural community and "Small town" were the big winners in the survey.

Recent Wasatch News

6/8/05
Thackers make rodeo finals a family event Salt Lake Tribune - Salt Lake City,UT,USA... Events (go-rounds) begin each day at 10 am and 7 pm at the Wasatch County Fairgrounds. Saturday's championship rounds are at 1 pm and 5 pm. ...
Sanderson grapples with career on mat Salt Lake Tribune - Salt Lake City,UT,USA... Heber City's Sanderson, the best wrestler in US college history, hasn't competed or trained since winning a gold medal at the Athens Olympics last August. ...
For the Record Salt Lake Tribune - Salt Lake City,UT,USA... A Heber City woman who couldn't swim was killed Sunday in a rafting accident on the Rio Grande River in northern New Mexico. Carol ...
Recent deaths on Rio Grande prompt discussions about safety Newsday - Long Island,NY,USACarol Whalen, 61, of Heber City, Utah, drowned Sunday after the raft she was riding in flipped on a section of the river between Pilar and Embudo. ...
6/7/05
Heber votes against big-box stores Salt Lake Tribune - Salt Lake City,UT,USA... The City Council decided Monday night that there just wasn't room for a Wal-Mart SuperCenter or other big-box stores in this rural Wasatch County community. ...
6/6/05
Heber wants big-box stores of limited size Salt Lake Tribune - Salt Lake City,UT,USA... A Dan Jones poll of 463 Heber Valley residents - commissioned by Heber City - reveals a solid majority would limit big-box stores within the city limits to ...
6/1/05
Designated Driver Was 14 Years Old KSL-TV - Salt Lake City,UT,USAPolice said the Orem boy's mother and two men had been drinking in Heber City Sunday afternoon, and when it was time to go home, none of the adults was in a ...

Misc. News

5/30/05
Prep Football: Popular Wasatch coach dies at 54Salt Lake Tribune - Salt Lake City,UT,USABy Andrew Aragon. People in Heber City were shocked to learn that Wasatch High's popular football coach, Ron Tree, died of unknown causes on Sunday afternoon. ...
Good Race Turns Bad For NemechekInsider Racing News - USA... s top-three series. The Heber City, Utah --based organization has sponsored ppc Racing since 2001. "We recognize the two weeks ...
5/29/05
Park and pilgrimage honor war casualtiesProvo Daily Herald - Provo,UT,USA... The story of the Lockhart brothers is an unusual one. During August 1917, George labored on the family farm in Wallsburg, Wasatch County. ...
5/27/05
Bear Creek Soups to Sponsorship Michel Jourdain Jr. PaddockTalk - USA... four race teams in NASCAR's top-three series. The Heber City, Utah --based organization has sponsored ppc Racing since 2001. ...
5/26/05
PG man who wielded shotgun agrees to plea deal Provo Daily Herald - Provo,UT,USA... Until his sentencing on July 6, Chipman will be transported by authorities to the Wasatch County Jail where he is wanted on warrant in Heber City. ...
5/25/05
Utah inventors lock in patents Salt Lake Tribune - Salt Lake City,UT,USA... 6,896,682, invented by Scott B. McClellan and Annette ML McClellan, both of Heber City; Patricia M. Moulis, Thomas G. Taylor and David L. Wells, all of Salt ...
5/24/05
Ought cops zap folks? Rocky creates a panel Salt Lake Tribune - Salt Lake City,UT,USA... Late last year, an Orem man died after Heber City police shocked him with a Taser. The Wasatch County attorney found the jolt didn ...
5/20/05
State of the StateS alt Lake Tribune - Salt Lake City,UT,USA... will probably experience a 10 percent to 20 percent decrease in sales if a big-box retail store with a grocery store component locates in Heber City, says an ...
5/16/05
USSA Presents 05 Honors at Annual CongressSkipressworld - McMasterville,QC,Canada... West Family Cup for outstanding service as a USSA official: Molly Laramie (Heber City, UT). Laramie has been involved in competition ...
5/15/05
Utah Business in BriefSalt Lake Tribune - Salt Lake City,UT,USABackcountry.com, a Heber City-based online retailer of adventure-sports equipment, is helping to sponsor a May 21 fund-raiser at Park City's Club Suede for ...

School "Frills"

Recently the Wave reported that bids for the new school came in over budget so cuts had to made to stay within the funds allotted by the bond.

The question needs to be asked, "Why were the frills there in the first place??" If part of the buiding was not necessary for education, why was it proposed in the first place.

Big Box Baloney

Let me see if I understand this correctly. Some people believe we should embrace a 100,000 sq. ft. Walmart for economic reasons. According to the Heber City Big Box presentation we have "Sales Tax Leakage" on sales on "lost sales" of some $50 million dollars per year amounting to $290,000 per year. That amounts to approximately $3,000 spent out of Wasatch County (Heber City) for every man, woman and child in the County or about $10,000 for each family. Does your family spend and average of $800 per month on merchandise outside the county?

The proposed solution, WalMart, has a forecast sales projection of $1,618 for each person in the buying area or about $5,000 per family. The report also indicates that most local business will suffer 10 to 20% losses. This will reportedly add $200,000 to our tax coffers, (if the inflated projections hold true), or about $12 per person per year. Will your be spending that amount at WalMart, if they build here. Personally, I think my family may have spent $50 last year at WalMart and I doubt it would increase much - I'd rather pay the $12 in taxes.

Is it true that government (tax) incentives are being offered for WalMart to come? Leave the building size cap at 50,000 sq. ft. and continue to encourage people to buy more locally.

The Cost of Growth

The Planning Department has a cost analysis program for developments which should provide breakdown of government cost numbers per family - at least per household. A minimal rough estimate was a $1000 increase in tax expenditures for every home built.

County portion of school costs are about $4,000 per student. The county budget will also provide the overall costs of government provide services, but it's difficult to allocate the costs by a per capita basis of increase in population. More people does not necessarily mean increase in use cost, in fact sometimes it may decrease per capita. - but you already knew that.

Admittedly I have not read the Wikstrom report, but according to Lisa Parkin's letter (very Pro BigBox) in the Wave today, we have a tax leakage on $29 million per year in sales. That amounts to an expenditure of about $6000 per year for every family in the county or $500 per month. Do you spend $500 per month on "groceries and general merchandise" outside of Wasatch? If so, would you stop because WalMart comes to town? Those figures, IMO, are grossly exaggerated. What is the actual sales projection for a Wasatch big box? How are those "tax benefits" computed. Personally, I'd be surprised if my family spent $20 last YEAR and I sincerely doubt that, WalMart was here that we'd spend $200 per year for some item of convenience that I could not get elsewhere. This is the same faulty logic used in the Airport economic analysis.

It is important to note that the sales tax goes mainly to Heber - not the county, Parkin quotes $77K to school (which would be offset by increased people moving in) and $89K to Wasatch.

YES on 3, NO on 1

Everyone is, of course, in favor of clean air and clean water. The fancy commercials present a lovely image of purity and peace, but initiative ONE is not about water - it's about pork. This is a huge spending bill - $195,000,000 including interest, NOT a mere $14 per family. Not generally mentioned is the fact that of the $150 million bond (borrowed money), $25 million will go to convention centers and local buildings - surely, that's not open space. An additional $5million will be spent on museums - how does a museum protect the air? Read the fine print, it's in your Voter Information Pamphlet.

This well-financed "public" initiative was not an instrument of the people, rather special interests with an agenda. If residents of Wasatch County (or any rural county) think they'll get their "fair" share, I would say we're dreaming. The money will be dispensed by the so-called "Quality" Growth Commission.

Remember that the Quality Growth Commission is basically an arm of Envision Utah, prominient promoter of high-density homes on public transportation. They also support state and regional planning through "free" services, while giving lipservice to local control.

For those with short memories, see http://snipurl.com/envUT for Envsion Utah's original, completely biased, 1999 survey which received 15,000 responses from a 500,000 distribution base and launched their movement complete with expenditure of millions of Utah taxpayers dollars. Do not be fooled that these funds will go for "clean air and clean water," it will go to large developers who fiddle to the "smart growth" tune (with, possibly, a few local grants to placate us peons).

Now Amendment THREE, on the other hand, is deserving of support. It will NOT take away anyone rights, nor does it go too far. It will help Utah and Utahns to stand in the forefront in defense of traditional marriage.

Vote YES on Amendment 3 and NO on Initiative 1.

New School Costs
I, too, would congratulate the School Administration on the presentation of this bond proposal as compared to the one this summer. I eagerly await the answers to Francis Smith’s well-postulated questions and I would like to pose a few more.
Question 4: If we are building a new school to accommodate overcrowding, why is it necessary to spend $2+ million on JR Smith which, one would assume, would no longer be over capacity?
Question 5: In the public hearings by the school administration, it was my understanding the next school year would require a change of scheduling to either Year-Round School (YRS) or Extended Day and either possibility would cost about $500,000 additionally funding. A draft of YRS scheduling was even distributed. Either plan would alleviate the crowding for several years (Extended Day by one to three, YRS by five plus). If we are going to change to alternate scheduling for 2005-06, why not continue it for a few years and THEN build the new school, if needed?
By postponing construction until NEEDED,
1 Residents will be able to determine for themselves whether YRS provides the benefits supporters maintain, financial AND educational. (For a further discussion, pro and con, try "year round school" in any internet search engine.)
2 More new homes (which are basically the cause of the new enrollments) will be on the tax rolls, thereby sharing the burden of the bond.
3 If an economic downturn occurs, Wasatch citizens will not be encumbered with increased tax burdens for unnecessary buildings.
4 As a people we will not have succumbed to the philosophies of "buy now, pay later" and no expenditure is too great if "it’s for the children."
5 We can abide by the admonition to avoid (or minimize) debt, which is generally NOT advantageous to us personally OR as a society.
6 We can demonstrate our knowledge of the fallacy of the argument, "It’s only the price of a hamburger a day." Only a few pennies a day still amounts to payment of $15,000,000, with interest, in this case.
I was surprised to read Kraig Powell’s attack on the credibility of Keith Baker personally, (in an unrelated bilingual education debate between "social scientists") rather than the credibility of Year-Round Schools. While Baker’s bombastic approach may be offensive to some, his idea of putting more funding into education (instruction and curriculum), rather than buildings, is correct, in my opinion. It seems fundamentally obvious that better utilization of facilities (year-round) has to be an economic benefit, if not an educational one.
The needs of those PAYING (taxpayers) must be considered, as well as those receiving (students and parents). I would urge a YES vote on the leeway, (to allow for the increased expenses), NO on construction, and adoption of YRS district-wide.

Wasatch County hires manager

By Christopher Smart
Full Article at Salt Lake Tribune

HEBER -- The search for Wasatch County's first county administrator took eight long months, but the new County Council found its man Monday.
The new guy is the old guy -- sort of.
By a 5-1 vote, the council tapped Mike Davis, the acting county manager, to take the position permanently. Davis had served as water resources manager under the previous county commission form of government.
* * *
"The biggest challenge is to bring an understanding of the government to the people," Davis said. "They voted for a new way of doing things, and that's what we owe them."
* * *
Councilman Neil Anderton, the lone dissenting vote, said he would have preferred a candidate with more managerial experience.
"Mr. Davis is relatively new at this," Anderton said. "But I wish him well. I will work with him."

New County Manager
In an apparent disregard of the qualification requirements of the Optional Plan for a County Manager, the Council has selected Mike Davis to be made permanent."
Mr. Davis has performed adequately in his position as interim County Manger, but of the 100 plus candidates for the office there were surely more experienced, professionally qualifed people that could better fill the job. Regretably several of the Council seemed to have added an artificial "requirement" of current Wasatch County residency.
The plan specified "a Bachelors degree in Public Administration, Business Management, Law, or a related field, have a Minimum of five (5) years of experience working at a management level in business or government. The successful candidate must be willing to live within a one hour drive from Wasatch County offices by the end of their first six months of employment.", Mr Davis has a degree in Mechanical Engineering and his management level "experience" seems debatable, but he is gaining experience "on-the-job."

LIBRARY BOARD
ORDINANCE NO. 2003-10 (2) Powers and Duties. The Library Board shall have the powers and duties set forth in Title 9, Chapter 7, Part 5 of the Utah Code, as amended , including but not limited to, the power to (1) establish policies for collections and information resources that are consistent with State and federal law; and (2) make library rules in a manner consistent with County ordinances, policies, and procedures, which rules shall take effect after approval by the County Legislative Body. In addition to the foregoing powers and duties, the Library Board shall, with the approval of the county Manager and in accordance with County ordinances, policies, and procedures (1) be responsible for the expenditure of the library fund, the construction, lease, or sale of library buildings and land, and the operation and care of the library; and (2) purchase, lease, or sell land, and purchase, lease, construct, or sell buildings, for the benefit of the library.
Is this the actual intent, that the County Council will approve "library rules" but NOT the sale and lease of land and the construction of buildings??? Isn't the purchase of land and construction of buildings a responsibility of the County Council, under UT code sec 17-12 (bonding)?

Why was the requirement to "use as a guideline the Public Library Trustee Handbook (1993), as amended, published by the Utah State Library Division," removed?

Provost Pay

Now that we have learned that Wasatch County has a potential 2003 budget shortfall of over $200,000 and that 2002 spending found a depletion of the surplus fund of about $800,000, I believe it is long past time to officially question the payment of over $80,000 to an outgoing Commissioner.

I would strongly urge at least one of our new Council members to formally request an opinion from Attorney General for a clarification of the legality of the decision that was made in the last County Commission meeting of 2002 to authorize such a payment.

1. There was, and is, no statutory authority requiring said payment in Utah Code.

2. The Optional Plan forming the new government specified "Sec 5.01(5). The office of County Commissioner of Wasatch County shall be dissolved at the time the new council members are sworn in."

3. It was the clear intent of the authors of the plan that no further payment would be made for the office of County Commissioner after the adoption of the Optional Plan.

4. There was a clear understanding at the time of the election that the office of Commissioner would exist only until the new form of government was adopted. Four of the persons who ran for the Commissioner seat agreed that they did not expect to be paid for the full term if the new Council form of government was voted in.

5. Salt Lake County had to pay their outgoing Commissioners because it was specifically required to do so in the change of government plan.

6. The County Attorney’s opinion that the payment could be made was based on Municipal law - not County Law. His argument that the Optional Plan dissolved the office but "made no adjustment to the term of office" is weak, at best. The cited case of Biddles vs. Washington Terrace City is about municipal, not county, offices. While he found it "curious" that no corresponding legislation is found in county law, the clear intent of the Optional Plan Sponsors and the voters, by their approval, was that the office of Commissioner was dissolved and no payment was due.

There were no services rendered for the payment and a return of $80,000 will cover about one-third of the 2003 shortfall. To quote Biddles, there was no "unfairness and financial hardship" unless it is to the taxpayers of Wasatch County because the erroneous payment was made.

The purpose of publishing this little blog is, hopefully, to inform as to some of the occurrences in the County which don't seem to get much publicity and to encourage participation in the process of good government.
An informed electorate is one of the keys to good government. Comments, inputs and opinions always welcome. I notice a flurry of activity in the Wave over the Budget, etc. - to which I cry "Hurrah."

I remember in the campaigns for the new Council seats many promises of more information, better communications, more input from the public, etc. So far, I believe the only thing I've seen from the Council in the Wave was the Council letter complaining of the Wave's bias.

Recognizing that the new Council has been extremely busy learning their new jobs and attending endless meetings, I would encourage them to begin offering some more open communication.

The Change of Government Optional Plan specified that "Meetings shall be held at a time and place that will best accommodate and encourage public attendance and involvement." Sec 2.09. While some on the Council did try to change the Monday 2PM meeting time of the Commission, the best they got was 3PM for regular meetings and 4PM for "work" meetings - still on Monday. Attendance at these meetings by "the general public" has been sparse. I see now that minutes of the meetings are now appearing on the website http://www.co.wasatch.ut.us/ma/council/2003_county_council_meeting_schedule.htm

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.

Shortly before the election of the new council, the Wave reported candidate's answers to the question, "What is the single most pressing issue to Wasatch County today?" The responses overwhelmingly mentioned growth as the number one item, selection of the county manager second and citizen government communications as third.

The new Council was elected two months ago and have, I understand, held several meetings. It appears that little has been done to begin the selection and hiring process. I, for one, in the spirit of good communications, would like to see a report of the proceedings and discussion of those meetings.

As a reminder, and hopefully as assistance, here are some excerpts from those comments in the Wave:

Wayne Hardman: "The hiring of a county manager will be the first and foremost issue to be undertaken by the new council. This is instrumental to how smoothly the council will function, and must be done with great care, This person will need to have skills in management, education and communication. I would like to see someone in this position with prior field experience. Someone who isn’t afraid of getting their hands dirty. This person is not running the county, but will be accountable to the county council."

Jay Price: "The new county manager will also be a key in this process (managing growth while protecting rights). By working together with this essential individual, the success of this form of government will be greatly enhanced."

Annie McMullen: . . . "(The Council’s) finding and hiring the county manager is key to success of our new form of government. Once that manager is hired, I recommend that clear goals and expectations be outlined for the new manager, a system of checks and balances be put in placed to ensure the manager stays on track in the best interest of the county, and performance reviews are scheduled to evaluate their job fulfillment."

Ramona Memmott: "On of the first things the new council will be responsible for is the selection of the new county manager. . . . As soon as the election is completed the new council will need to start the selection process. The council will need to develop selection criteria, do an extensive job search to select the most qualified candidate. In addition the council will need to establish the goals and objects that will be required of the new manager and the process of how the new manager will be evaluated against those goals and objectives."

George Holmes: "The first step that the new council must take is to decide who will fill the role of the county manager. . . . The manager must follow the direction of the council, and not act on his/her own. The people of Wasatch County voted for a seven-member council, not a one person dictator. Clear communication between citizens, county council and county manager, is one of my goals and will move our county along in the right direction."

Steve Farrell: "The hiring of a qualified county administrator will ensure this success. The administrator must have the education, experience and people skills to be the chief administrator of the county. This individual must be a coordinator as well as a team player and not a micro manager. Both the council and the administrator must work to blend the needs of the long-time and new residents."

Ronda Rose: "It is vital that this first council set up specifics of the administrative and legislative code to govern the balance of power between the council and manager. . . . It is also imperative there be a wise and judicious selection of the county manager."

These are the requirements set by the Optional Plan:

Section 3.01. The County Manager

1. The chief executive officer of Wasatch County shall be the County Manager, who shall be evaluated for the position and appointed by at least a two-thirds majority (5 members) vote of the County Council.

2. He shall meet the minimum qualifications for the office of County Manager consisting of a Bachelors degree in Public Administration, Business Management, Law, or a related field, have a Minimum of five (5) years of experience working at a management level in business or government. The successful candidate must be willing to live within a one hour drive from Wasatch County offices by the end of their first six months of employment.