A violent case of road rage lands a Utah County man in jail. Police say the man hit the biker with his truck then began punching him, but they say the biker wasn't completely innocent either.
The biker told police he was following the pickup driver closely to avoid deer. Police say he shouldn't have done that. They say the pickup driver shouldn't have done what he did either. "It's a non-issue. It shouldn't have happened. It's a silly incident," said Cpl. Aaron Rosen, of the Saratoga Springs Police Department.
What may have started out as a misunderstanding apparently went too far. "That's the result of those who unfortunately don't have control of emotions," Rosen said.
On Tuesday night, a pickup truck driver and motorcyclist were heading south on Redwood Road near Camp Williams. Police say Arlon Miller, the pickup driver, became concerned because the biker was following too closely. "He tapped his breaks to say, 'Hey, I need you to back off.' But that didn't happen," Rosen said.
Investigators say the two exchanged words at a crossroad on Redwood Road and state Route 73, and things escalated from there. "The driver of the pickup truck then tried to turn into the motorcyclist," Rosen said.
Police say the biker made a U-turn in an escape attempt, but Miller followed him to a neighborhood. Police say Miller hit the biker with his truck then got out of his vehicle and began assaulting the biker as he lay pinned beneath his motorcycle.
Miller was arrested for aggravated assault, but officers also say the biker shouldn't have been tailgating Miller's truck. They say lessons were learned all around.
"You need to be focused on driving; not texting, not reading, not doing your hair, not doing your makeup, not doing anything. You need to be driving. Keep a safe distance and keep your emotions in check," Rosen said.
We went to Arlon Miller's home. He wasn't there, but his wife told us we didn't have the whole story. However, she declined to tell us their side of it.
The biker had minor injuries, and police say he could get a citation.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Snakes’ Mating Season Can Pose Bite Threats For Utahans
This time of year happens to by mating season for snakes. Experts say the snakes can be more aggressive during this time and that people need to take precaution. James Dix, from the Reptile Rescue Service, says that the only poisonous snake along the Wasatch Front is the Great Basin Rattlesnake. He says they are being seen more and more in Utah.“They’re in Saratoga Springs, with all the bulldozers and rumbling in the ground, they’re popping up out of there, so you have to be aware,” said Dix.The Great Basin Rattlesnake is mostly docile but Dix says that experts are seeing a disturbing trend; more snakes are attacking without warning.“Watch the trails that you are in, don’t be cutting from bushes because this is where you’re gonna get bit,” said Dix. In Southern Utah, the Mojave Rattlesnake is a threat because it is more aggressive and it is more venomous. Scientist are studying the snake to see if its venom is becoming more toxic.Snake experts say that if you are bitten by an adult snake it is 75 percent likely that the snake did not have venom in the fangs. However baby snakes always have venom in their fangs.If you are bitten by any snake you should seek medical attention. If you find a snake at your home, Reptile Rescue Service will remove the reptile for free, just call 801-860-2497.
Friday, May 30, 2008
BYU's Cosmo visits Saratoga Shores Elementary
| Charlynn Anderson - NORTH COUNTY STAFF | |
| Cosmo, Brigham Young University's mascot, strolled into Saratoga Shores Elementary School Friday amid enthusiastic students many dressed in BYU blue and cheering, "BYU! BYU!" Jogging the halls and giving high-fives to the young fans, Cosmo provided a light-hearted break during a hectic school day filled with year-end projects. But for one Saratoga Shores student, Cosmo's visit was more than a happy diversion. It was a dream come true.Chase Miller, an autistic sixth grader, loves everything associated with sports, especially team mascots. By far Cosmo is his favorite. "He is Cosmo's very biggest fan. He loves Cosmo. He wants to be Cosmo when he grows up," said Chase's mom, Jen Miller. "He practices handstands at home and he's currently the mascot for his twin brother's baseball team," said Chase's dad, Mike Miller of Saratoga Springs. Chase's fascination with the grinning BYU Cougar prompted him to take action toward getting Cosmo to visit Saratoga Shores Elementary. Every time Chase saw his former third grade teacher, Tim Goodman, on the playground, Chase asked Goodman if Cosmo could come to the school. One day Goodman suggested that Chase put together a petition requesting a visit from his favorite mascot, and then ask students to sign it. Composing a petition and speaking to large numbers of students would probably intimidate most elementary school-age students, but for Chase it was doubly daunting because of his autism. "He came out of his shell to do this. He approached literally hundreds of students and got them excited about it," said Goodman. When the petition was complete, Chase turned it in to Goodman, and the teacher put in a call to Cosmo. "It's the least I could do for this exceptional young man," said Goodman. Meanwhile, Chase kept his sixth-grade class informed about everything going on in the world of sports, particularly his favorites, the BYU Cougars and the Utah Jazz. "Chase is our Monday morning sports news. He knows everything about the games, the scores, stats, and even the individual players," said Janet Cook, Chase's sixth grade teacher. "He talks about Cosmo every day," said Holly Ghisolfo, Chase's educational aide. When Cosmo called back and set up the visit, the Saratoga Shores students joined Chase's enthusiasm and made signs and posters to make the visiting mascot feel welcome. Signs proclaiming, "Thank you Chase and Cosmo," and "Chase, you rock! Go BYU!" lined the halls and gymnasium. On Friday, when he spotted Cosmo walking toward the school, Chase dashed out to the parking lot to meet his favorite mascot. Wrapping the young supporter in a fuzzy cougar hug, Cosmo greeted his number one fan. Once inside the school, Cosmo joined Chase and his twin brother Dylan onstage in the gymnasium to greet cheering third and sixth graders. Chase performed a puppet show he had written especially for Cosmo's visit-an imaginative dialogue between Cosmo and the Jazz Bear. Then the rest of the Miller family, mom Jen, dad Mike, big sister Jordan, and baby brother Bo joined Cosmo and the twins onstage. While waiting for the rest of the Saratoga Shores students to assemble in the halls, Cosmo tossed a football with Chase on the front lawn of the school. "This is awesome for us. My dad played football at BYU," said Chase's twin brother Dylan. Cosmo greeted the cheering students lining the halls of Saratoga Shores with his furry paws extended towards their outstretched hands. "Chase is the one that saw this through. I hope this experience encourages him as he moves on to junior high," said Saratoga Shores principal Glenn Martin. |
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Saratoga Springs boy hit by car while riding bike
SARATOGA SPRINGS, Utah (ABC 4 News) - An 11-year-old boy was hit by a car Thursday afternoon in Saratoga Springs.
Police said the boy was riding his bike on SR-473 and Commerce Drive when he was hit.
Police said the boy was taken to Primary Children's hospital with a fractured leg, broken femur and hyperextended shoulder. The boy is listed in serious condition.
Police said the boy was riding his bike on SR-473 and Commerce Drive when he was hit.
Police said the boy was taken to Primary Children's hospital with a fractured leg, broken femur and hyperextended shoulder. The boy is listed in serious condition.
Man arrested as stolen art is recovered
Man arrested as stolen art is recovered
May 29th, 2008 @ 4:05pm
Courtney Orton reporting
Authorities have found some of the artwork that was stolen from three different galleries in the past several months. Three different agencies have been working to find the stolen artwork, and so far, they've found most of it.
Yesterday, detectives dropped off four of the nine prints that were stolen on two different occasions from the Canyon Gallery in Fruit Heights. With the exception of a few dents and scrapes on the frames, the James Christensen paintings are in good condition.
Davis County sheriff's deputies say these paintings had been sold to a collector who likely had no idea the artwork was stolen.
Darren Peel, the owner of the gallery, is just happy to have them back. He's hopeful he'll get the rest back too. "[I'm] very happy that they've been working hard and have been able to recover some of them. [I'm] hoping to see more. We'll see," he said.
Thousands of dollars worth of art was also taken from the Repartee Art Gallery in Salt Lake and a gallery in Saratoga Springs. Detectives from those cities say some of the artwork has been recovered, but they are still trying to find the remaining pieces.
Police say a man is in custody, but because formal charges have not been filed against him, they are not releasing his name. He is currently being held at the prison, not the jail, because he was picked up on a routine traffic stop and held on a separate parole violation.
The man has been convicted of burglary before, and police say he has admitted to stealing the paintings and has cooperated in leading them to the stolen artwork. Authorities could file charges against the man as soon as tomorrow.
Baby arrives in car, barely missing sibling's birthday
Baby arrives in car barely missing siblings' birthday
May 28th, 2008 @ 12:41pm
Randall Jeppesen reporting
A Saratoga Springs couple had a crazy night after their baby decided to be born in the car.
Franki Huber says she and her husband, Brent, had just started to head toward the hospital when she knew they weren't going to make it.
"She's telling me to pull over ‘cause the baby's coming, and I'm saying, ‘No, we're going to get to the hospital,'" Brent said.
"Yeah, [I was] very surprised," Franki said. "It wasn't as hard as I thought. She just came right out and landed right there in my lap."
They called 911 from there. "They had me take my shoelace off and walked me through all that stuff; tied the umbilical cord off," Brent said.
Baby and the rest of the family are doing great. If the baby would have come 24 minutes earlier, she would have shared the same birthday with two other siblings.
May 28th, 2008 @ 12:41pm
Randall Jeppesen reporting
A Saratoga Springs couple had a crazy night after their baby decided to be born in the car.
Franki Huber says she and her husband, Brent, had just started to head toward the hospital when she knew they weren't going to make it.
"She's telling me to pull over ‘cause the baby's coming, and I'm saying, ‘No, we're going to get to the hospital,'" Brent said.
"Yeah, [I was] very surprised," Franki said. "It wasn't as hard as I thought. She just came right out and landed right there in my lap."
They called 911 from there. "They had me take my shoelace off and walked me through all that stuff; tied the umbilical cord off," Brent said.
Baby and the rest of the family are doing great. If the baby would have come 24 minutes earlier, she would have shared the same birthday with two other siblings.
Neighborhood Groups to improve communication
| Lance Madigan - NORTH COUNTY STAFF | |
| In an effort to strengthen community involvement and give citizens the opportunity to contribute, the Saratoga Springs City Council is working to create neighborhood groups within the city.¬ "[These groups] provide the opportunity for the residents to take ownership of their neighborhoods which will improve appearance, deter crime, assist city staff in communication, et cetera," said Denise Kelly, City Council member and discussion leader.Although discussed on and off for some time now, the City Council and city staff talked at length last week on such things as purpose, structure, and accountability for the groups. Kelly researched what other cities in the community were doing, especially Provo and Orem as they were most reflective of Saratoga. Kelly summed up the role of neighborhood groups as follows: to monitor city actions that affect local neighborhoods, to provide information to neighborhoods about city action, to create a channel for sharing information among neighborhoods, to advise communities of ways to defend and improve their neighborhoods, to communicate with the city regarding common neighborhood problems, and to coordinate with developers in a neighborhood setting. Although still very much in the design stages, the current idea is to divide the city into five or six geographic areas, with a representative from each area. These groups could decide much of their own structure under guidelines from the city, but would be allowed to adapt to best meet the needs of their community.¬ The representative or chairman would be designated to take specific concerns or topics of discussion back to the City Council.¬ They would also be a point of contact for the city to disburse information back into the community, especially topics of particular interest to a given area such as development plans. "The key concept with these groups is to find another avenue to communicate more effectively with the residents of our city," said Jefferson Moss, City Council member. "We don't want to make it too formal and it become a quasi-council. We don't want individuals to feel they can come to us and say 'you will do this and you will do it this way.'" Kelly pointed out that the groups would not be there to replace the City Council or city staff, replace the regular legislative process, or to speak for any specific coalition or special interest group.¬ "We need to be careful," said Mayor Timothy Parker. "This process is leading to the selection of a very powerful person in their neighborhood. They could have a great deal of influence. They have the assignment of communicating with the city about their neighborhood."¬ ¬ ¬ |
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Recap of City Council Meeting Last Night
Last night, the council continued to work on the budget. As I mentioned in a previous post, the proposed budget for the upcoming year originally put the city at a $3.5 million deficit. Department heads then cut an additional $1.8 million off of that, leaving a $1.7 million deficit. In order to meet that deficit, staff proposed increasing property taxes and utilities. The average home would see an increase of about $50 a month. Staff has since come up with several other options of ways that we could make further cuts. Last night was not a fun night. We had a number of residents make comments about the impact that a tax and utility increase of that amount would have on them. As a full time student, I have empathy for those that are living on a tight budget. The council was given the opportunity to speak about their perspective and approach on the budget deficit. I mentioned that I believed strongly in limited government and lower taxes. Even though our city has never raised taxes in the history of city, I don't agree with making up for that in one year. I made the comment that I would like to meet individually with each department head (as a council) and go through every detail to see if there are other areas where we can make cuts. Going through this experience has been an eye-opener for me. It was interesting to see the different perspectives of members of the council. Those that have been in the private sector were much more aggressive in finding ways to cut the budget than those who have spent their careers in the public sector. I understand the emotional toll that making cuts has on the morale of an organization. The last thing that I want to do is create an environment in our city where everyone is constantly in fear for losing their jobs. However, I do think that this budget shortfall has reemphasized my concern about fiscal responsibility in governments. I want the city to put checks and oversight in place to ensure that we don't have this situation again in the future. Having said that, I don't think anyone could have projected or even considered the housing to decline this far. At the end of the day, it might be fiscally responsible to impose an increased tax and/or utility increase. But I want that to be after we have exhausted all of our options. I do believe that this situation will be relieved significantly as our commercial development comes on line. Currently, the city has a number of projects that are in the works that will bring much needed revenue to the city. My hope and goal is that we learn to live lean even in good times to make sure we are financially healthy. This Saturday, the council will begin meeting with each department head to hammer out each department. We will continue to hold our Tuesday meetings which will involve the budget. I would encourage everyone to get involved to help us make the right decisions for the overall good of the city.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Utah County plans projects to improve commute
Utah County plans projects to improve commute
May 27th, 2008 @ 7:32am
Randall Jeppesen reporting
A lot of new transportation options are opening up in Salt Lake County with new TRAX lines and commuter rail. And Utah County is hoping to roll out its own options soon to solve commuter problems.
Commuter rail will be built, a TRAX-like bus rapid transit system is being planned, and then there's reconstructing I-15. They're all projects Mountainland Association of Governments Transportation Planner Chad Eccles says Utah County needs to keep commuters moving.
"It's coming. Not as quickly as sometimes you'd like to see it coming," Eccles said.
Getting the money is always the big hurdle. Mountainland and the Utah Department of Transportation first must agree on plans then work together to find funds. The biggest cost will be rebuilding I-15.
"UDOT is working on the cost," Eccles said.
The cost will be some where in the billions, and they would like to start construction in 2010.
E-mail: rjeppesen@ksl.com
May 27th, 2008 @ 7:32am
Randall Jeppesen reporting
A lot of new transportation options are opening up in Salt Lake County with new TRAX lines and commuter rail. And Utah County is hoping to roll out its own options soon to solve commuter problems.
Commuter rail will be built, a TRAX-like bus rapid transit system is being planned, and then there's reconstructing I-15. They're all projects Mountainland Association of Governments Transportation Planner Chad Eccles says Utah County needs to keep commuters moving.
"It's coming. Not as quickly as sometimes you'd like to see it coming," Eccles said.
Getting the money is always the big hurdle. Mountainland and the Utah Department of Transportation first must agree on plans then work together to find funds. The biggest cost will be rebuilding I-15.
"UDOT is working on the cost," Eccles said.
The cost will be some where in the billions, and they would like to start construction in 2010.
E-mail: rjeppesen@ksl.com
Sunday, May 25, 2008
New roads in Utah County move closer to reality
New roads in Utah County move closer to reality
May 23rd, 2008 @ 6:07pm
Randall Jeppesen reporting
Some needed new major roads are becoming closer to a reality in Utah County.
A new road planned to be built in the next couple of years could allow commuters to drive from Saratoga Springs to Orem on major roads, without ever using I-15.
The Utah Department of Transportation's Scott Thompson says the state transportation commission this week approved $170 million for what's being called the vineyard connector, so things look good.
"That certainly puts all the project folks at ease that that road's going to happen now," Thompson said.
This road would connect 800 North in Orem to the new 1000 South road to Saratoga Springs. Another $60 million has been set aside to expand the Highland-Alpine Highway.
May 23rd, 2008 @ 6:07pm
Randall Jeppesen reporting
Some needed new major roads are becoming closer to a reality in Utah County.
A new road planned to be built in the next couple of years could allow commuters to drive from Saratoga Springs to Orem on major roads, without ever using I-15.
The Utah Department of Transportation's Scott Thompson says the state transportation commission this week approved $170 million for what's being called the vineyard connector, so things look good.
"That certainly puts all the project folks at ease that that road's going to happen now," Thompson said.
This road would connect 800 North in Orem to the new 1000 South road to Saratoga Springs. Another $60 million has been set aside to expand the Highland-Alpine Highway.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
City Council Agenda May 27, 2008
WORK SESSION – Commencing at 6:30 p.m.
1. Reports:
a. Mayor
b. City Council Members
c. Staff
2. Adjourn to Policy Session
POLICY SESSION – Commencing at 7:00 p.m.
• Call to Order.
• Roll Call.
• Invocation / Reverence.
• Pledge of Allegiance.
• Public Input, Awards or Recognitions – Time has been set aside for any person to express ideas, concerns, comments, questions or
issues that are not listed on the agenda. Comments are limited to three minutes.
POLICY ITEMS
1. Ordinance #08-18 (5-27-08): An ordinance amending the parking regulations ordinance for the City of Saratoga Springs
boat harbor establishing the fines for parking infractions.
2. Resolution #08-19 (5-27-08): Consideration for adoption of a resolution authorizing the issuance of an interim warrant for
the purpose of extending the maturity date of an outstanding interim warrant issued for the purpose of financing on an
interim basis the construction of improvements and the furnishing of services performed in connection with the City of
Saratoga Springs, Utah Special Improvement District No. 2005-1; authorizing the execution and delivery of such warrant by
the Mayor and City Recorder; and related matters.
3. Consent Calendar:
a. Warrant Register.
4. Motion to enter into closed session for the purpose of discussion litigation matters, acquisition of real property or
authorized personnel matters.
5. Action from closed session, if any.
6. Discussion of the Fiscal Year 2008-2009 Tentative Budget.
7. Adjournment.
1. Reports:
a. Mayor
b. City Council Members
c. Staff
2. Adjourn to Policy Session
POLICY SESSION – Commencing at 7:00 p.m.
• Call to Order.
• Roll Call.
• Invocation / Reverence.
• Pledge of Allegiance.
• Public Input, Awards or Recognitions – Time has been set aside for any person to express ideas, concerns, comments, questions or
issues that are not listed on the agenda. Comments are limited to three minutes.
POLICY ITEMS
1. Ordinance #08-18 (5-27-08): An ordinance amending the parking regulations ordinance for the City of Saratoga Springs
boat harbor establishing the fines for parking infractions.
2. Resolution #08-19 (5-27-08): Consideration for adoption of a resolution authorizing the issuance of an interim warrant for
the purpose of extending the maturity date of an outstanding interim warrant issued for the purpose of financing on an
interim basis the construction of improvements and the furnishing of services performed in connection with the City of
Saratoga Springs, Utah Special Improvement District No. 2005-1; authorizing the execution and delivery of such warrant by
the Mayor and City Recorder; and related matters.
3. Consent Calendar:
a. Warrant Register.
4. Motion to enter into closed session for the purpose of discussion litigation matters, acquisition of real property or
authorized personnel matters.
5. Action from closed session, if any.
6. Discussion of the Fiscal Year 2008-2009 Tentative Budget.
7. Adjournment.
Leaders may raise property taxes
NORTH COUNTY STAFF
Cathy Allred
Cedar Fort has had bragging rights to the lowest municipal tax rate among the 14 north Utah County cities and towns for several years, Saratoga Springs now holds that distinction, pushing Cedar Fort into second place from the bottom.
It's a distinction Saratoga Springs' elected officials are considering giving back to the small Cedar Valley berg.
Saratoga Springs city leaders are looking at a $1.5 million shortfall for the fiscal year beginning July 1 in proposed 2008-2009 budget expenses.
"This a serious problem, you have to understand that," Saratoga Springs city manager Ken Leetham said during a May 13 preliminary budget presentation to the council members and Mayor Tim Parker.
"If you are reluctant to raise property taxes than we need to look in other areas," he said. "These are difficult choices to make. This is by far the most difficult budget we've had."
The council will have to approve a final budget by June 22 according to state statute. Residents can find the budget proposal on the city Web site at www.saratoga-springs.net.
The city's total tentative budget is $14.9 million with several items left unfunded such as vacated staff positions that haven't been refilled.
A hike in the city's tax rate, which hasn't been raised since the city's incorporation 10 years ago, would help the municipality meet necessary staffing, operations costs and supply needs.
Several other cities' leaders in north Utah County are planning conservative budgets for the coming fiscal year but their budgets are growing, not shrinking.
The term "belt tightening" has been coined by council members in other communities reflective of the slowed economy in the area.
"It's not belt tightening, it's liposuction," said Saratoga Springs council member Brent Call about his particular city's tentative budget. "I'm not happy about it. I don't think the citizens will be happy ... it is a difficult time. Ken lost sleep over it. We all lost sleep over it."
A down turn in the economy and consequential decline in development revenue for the city has hit Saratoga Springs hard, contributing to the need for a tighter 2008-2009 fiscal budget.
"We looked at our current property tax revenue. Our current property tax revenue doesn't cover a third of the cost of the police department," said assistant manager Spenser Kyle.
Possible future revenue from new commercial growth cannot be figured into the budget until it exists.
"I don't think we're projecting Wal-Mart or Walgreen's coming on as tax revenue," said Councilwoman Denise Kelly. "I don't want to raise property taxes if we're not projecting potential sources of revenue."
The city manager said he struggled particularly with setting a budget for the Saratoga Springs Fire Department.
When the city hired Chief Tim Fay, Leetham planned to hire three captains the following year.
"There are numerous staffing problems in the fire department. He needs these positions filled very badly," Leetham said. "I just want you to know that if we are able to fund any department that we fund three new captains."
Currently, the department has one chief and a certified administrative firefighter.
"We're going to have to hold tight," Leetham said of the future fiscal year. "We are hoping to provide for the community.
Tax rate comparisonCity 2007Cedar Hills .002616American Fork .002213Fairfield .001914Lehi .001834Orem .001670Draper ,001616Pleasant Grove .001608Vineyard .001485Highland .001420Lindon .001390Eagle Mountain .001163Alpine .001051Cedar Fort .000954 Saratoga Springs .000933
Cathy Allred
Cedar Fort has had bragging rights to the lowest municipal tax rate among the 14 north Utah County cities and towns for several years, Saratoga Springs now holds that distinction, pushing Cedar Fort into second place from the bottom.
It's a distinction Saratoga Springs' elected officials are considering giving back to the small Cedar Valley berg.
Saratoga Springs city leaders are looking at a $1.5 million shortfall for the fiscal year beginning July 1 in proposed 2008-2009 budget expenses.
"This a serious problem, you have to understand that," Saratoga Springs city manager Ken Leetham said during a May 13 preliminary budget presentation to the council members and Mayor Tim Parker.
"If you are reluctant to raise property taxes than we need to look in other areas," he said. "These are difficult choices to make. This is by far the most difficult budget we've had."
The council will have to approve a final budget by June 22 according to state statute. Residents can find the budget proposal on the city Web site at www.saratoga-springs.net.
The city's total tentative budget is $14.9 million with several items left unfunded such as vacated staff positions that haven't been refilled.
A hike in the city's tax rate, which hasn't been raised since the city's incorporation 10 years ago, would help the municipality meet necessary staffing, operations costs and supply needs.
Several other cities' leaders in north Utah County are planning conservative budgets for the coming fiscal year but their budgets are growing, not shrinking.
The term "belt tightening" has been coined by council members in other communities reflective of the slowed economy in the area.
"It's not belt tightening, it's liposuction," said Saratoga Springs council member Brent Call about his particular city's tentative budget. "I'm not happy about it. I don't think the citizens will be happy ... it is a difficult time. Ken lost sleep over it. We all lost sleep over it."
A down turn in the economy and consequential decline in development revenue for the city has hit Saratoga Springs hard, contributing to the need for a tighter 2008-2009 fiscal budget.
"We looked at our current property tax revenue. Our current property tax revenue doesn't cover a third of the cost of the police department," said assistant manager Spenser Kyle.
Possible future revenue from new commercial growth cannot be figured into the budget until it exists.
"I don't think we're projecting Wal-Mart or Walgreen's coming on as tax revenue," said Councilwoman Denise Kelly. "I don't want to raise property taxes if we're not projecting potential sources of revenue."
The city manager said he struggled particularly with setting a budget for the Saratoga Springs Fire Department.
When the city hired Chief Tim Fay, Leetham planned to hire three captains the following year.
"There are numerous staffing problems in the fire department. He needs these positions filled very badly," Leetham said. "I just want you to know that if we are able to fund any department that we fund three new captains."
Currently, the department has one chief and a certified administrative firefighter.
"We're going to have to hold tight," Leetham said of the future fiscal year. "We are hoping to provide for the community.
Tax rate comparisonCity 2007Cedar Hills .002616American Fork .002213Fairfield .001914Lehi .001834Orem .001670Draper ,001616Pleasant Grove .001608Vineyard .001485Highland .001420Lindon .001390Eagle Mountain .001163Alpine .001051Cedar Fort .000954 Saratoga Springs .000933
County property tax hike likely
A property-tax increase for schools isn't set in stone yet, but it's probable for Utah County residents this year. Both Alpine and Provo School districts' boards of education met Tuesday and Wednesday respectively in work sessions to discuss the upcoming school district budgets that must be passed in June. Each district has to determine its budget and the assessed value for its area before determining what the tax rate will be. Truth in taxation hearings, which are held if a school board wants to increase taxes, would be held in August.
Provo School District business administrator Kerry Smith said it is possible to create a budget without raising taxes, but in order to meet all the board's priorities, an increase is probably coming.
"I think it's a pretty safe bet that you're going to have to go through truth in taxation," Smith said.
In Alpine, the hearing has been scheduled already.
"We do that every year whether we need it or not," said Alpine School District business administrator Rob Smith.
Growth accounts for more than a third of new expenditures in Alpine's proposed budget. Rob Smith said there is $5 million or $6 million in increases for teachers, both in hiring new ones and granting raises.
Charter schools are costing both districts money, too. The Utah Legislature passed a new law this year that requires districts to share property tax revenue with charter schools, and Alpine School District will have to turn over nearly $1 million to those schools. Provo will have to turn over about $170,000.
After their top priorities of teachers and professional development, Provo School District is looking at buildings. According to Kerry Smith, Provo has $130 million in building upgrades and repairs to be made. In order to expedite the process and stop relying solely on bonds for building expenditures, the proposed budget creates a $2 million fund for capital improvements that is designed to act as a savings account for building repairs, maintenance and replacement.
"We're trying to take care of business today and leave some board in the future some options," said Provo School District Superintendent Randy Merrill.
The new capital fund, plus $500,000 for seismic upgrades, will require Provo to increase taxes.
By law, school districts have to pass a budget by June 22. All three boards will address budgets in their June meetings. Nebo School District will also hold a work session on its budget in June.
Provo School District business administrator Kerry Smith said it is possible to create a budget without raising taxes, but in order to meet all the board's priorities, an increase is probably coming.
"I think it's a pretty safe bet that you're going to have to go through truth in taxation," Smith said.
In Alpine, the hearing has been scheduled already.
"We do that every year whether we need it or not," said Alpine School District business administrator Rob Smith.
Growth accounts for more than a third of new expenditures in Alpine's proposed budget. Rob Smith said there is $5 million or $6 million in increases for teachers, both in hiring new ones and granting raises.
Charter schools are costing both districts money, too. The Utah Legislature passed a new law this year that requires districts to share property tax revenue with charter schools, and Alpine School District will have to turn over nearly $1 million to those schools. Provo will have to turn over about $170,000.
After their top priorities of teachers and professional development, Provo School District is looking at buildings. According to Kerry Smith, Provo has $130 million in building upgrades and repairs to be made. In order to expedite the process and stop relying solely on bonds for building expenditures, the proposed budget creates a $2 million fund for capital improvements that is designed to act as a savings account for building repairs, maintenance and replacement.
"We're trying to take care of business today and leave some board in the future some options," said Provo School District Superintendent Randy Merrill.
The new capital fund, plus $500,000 for seismic upgrades, will require Provo to increase taxes.
By law, school districts have to pass a budget by June 22. All three boards will address budgets in their June meetings. Nebo School District will also hold a work session on its budget in June.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Saratoga Springs holds first outreach meeting
S. Springs holds first outreach meeting
Cathy Allred - DAILY HERALD
The city of Saratoga Springs hosted the first of several neighborhood meetings Tuesday and drew a hearty response, partly because of a misleading notice some residents received about the open house. Residents got "something to the effect of the 'police chief has an urgent message,' " said Mayor Tim Parker. "I think it was a case of somebody told somebody else told somebody else and the message you got at the end of the line was different from the original."
Initially, an e-mail message had been sent by the city to residents in the city's "Zone 5," or Harvest Hills area, about the neighborhood open house.
There was no urgent message given at the Harvest Hills Elementary School meeting, but the police chief was there along with other officers. Additionally, more than seven other city departments and staff were on hand to answer questions residents might have had.
Saratoga Springs's proposed master transportation plan was a popular item and was snatched up quickly by those who attended, approximately 50 in the first hour.
"I think we had a decent turnout and it's a little bit more informal," Councilwoman Mia Love said at the meeting. "Not everybody can get up and talk into the microphone. This way they can get out and talk to different departments and different council members that they would like to speak to. It's nice. I think it's kind of good for the residents to be able to get out and express how they feel or just find out some information."
The next city neighborhood meeting, one of five scheduled, will be June 17 at the Saratoga fire station for residents in the Saratoga Heights, Sage Hill, Coyote Creek, Sunrise Meadows, Saratoga Meadow, Lexington Hills, Sierra Estates and Sunset Haven subdivisions.
"I learned a lot of stuff I didn't know," said resident Randall Taylor. "It was good." He said he had questions about the master transportation plan draft and land use questions about his Harvest Hills area.
Planning director Jim McNulty was able to show him several maps at the Planning Department booth to answer his questions.
Julie King, a Neighborhood Outreach Program block captain, attended the open house to check up on things.
"To make sure the city is as fantastic tomorrow as it is today," she said.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Schoolchildren name Lehi highway connector
LEHI — Laughter, cheering, squealing — the pending construction of most roads doesn't get this much excitement.
But most plans to name new roads don't involve input from an elementary school.
Children at Snow Springs Elementary School in Lehi anxiously awaited the announcement for the name of the new east-west connector Monday morning. The Utah Department of Transportation announced the name, which was submitted by a class, during an assembly with about 1,200 students in attendance.
Pioneer Crossing Boulevard will connect 300 East and Redwood Road at about 1000 South in Lehi. UDOT wanted to involve the community in the naming, asking the children at the school to submit names. Each class submitted a name and UDOT, Lehi and Saratoga Springs officials voted for which name would be best.
Michelle Bird's fourth-grade class submitted the winning entry after students researched the history and environment of the area. During the assembly, Bird read part of the entry that said that the state, county and Lehi were all rooted in the pioneer movement.
She said that every day thousands of Saratoga Springs and Lehi residents make their own treks through the cities to work, and as the new east-west connection will connect Saratoga Springs and Lehi, the name connects the past to the present.
Bryan Adams, UDOT project manager, told the Deseret News he was impressed with the 50 names entered by the school.
"Every name had history attached to it," he said. "We were blown away at all the good names."
During the assembly, Lehi Mayor Howard Johnson said because of all the people moving to Saratoga Springs and Lehi, transportation is the most important issue and this road will help in relieving some of the congestion from Lehi's Main Street.
He also thanked the students for taking the time to name the road.
Adams said construction should begin sometime this fall on the four-lane road, which will only be a couple of blocks south of the school. To illustrate the dangers of construction and stress safety to the kids, Brent Wilhite, a public involvement specialist for the east/west connector project, had several children run a relay through the gym wearing construction gear — vests, hard hats, gloves and protective glasses — around other children representing holes, dump trucks and debris.
Pioneer Crossing Boulevard will also be part of the I-15 expansion project when UDOT expands the American Fork Main Street interchange and will connect the road from 300 East to the new interchange.
Two men fall from scaffolding in Saratoga Springs
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Two men who fell 20 feet from a scaffolding this morning are currently being Life Flighted to a hospital, police say.
The two men, whose identities have not been released, fell from scaffolding near 2745 S. Stillwater Drive around 10:15 a.m., said Saratoga Springs Police Cpl. Aaron Rosen.
Rosen couldn't give a report on the condition of the two men. But given that Life Flight is involved, Rosen said, "It's safe to say it's a pretty severe injury."
Friday, May 16, 2008
Jordan River future being planned
Caleb Warnock - DAILY HERALD
Local governments are hoping residents will speak out about the future of the Jordan River. A dozen residents from north Utah County gathered in Saratoga Springs on Thursday evening to give their opinions about how the river corridor would ideally be preserved and used. The meeting was the last held along the river over the past two weeks. More than 200 people in total have attended.
"This is a once-in-a-generation kind of event, a chance to plan the corridor and dream big," said Christie Oostema of Envision Utah, which hosted the event.
Residents who did not get to one of the public meetings can still fill out a survey on their vision of the river's future at www.blueprint.slco.org.
Using remote controls, residents on Thursday were asked to vote for various options. The results showed that residents preferred a deep buffer between the river and development, want the government to purchase or require land for a buffer from developers, and want to provide a buffer along streams running into the river.
Residents also said their top priority was preserving habitat along the river, providing trails and river access, and investing more in open space.
If open space is preserved, residents may have to change their thinking about sharing space with animals, organizers said.
"As urban residents we would have to get used to living next door to fox or deer," Oostema said.
A year-long effort to create a vision for the entire Jordan River corridor is being funded with $100,000 from Salt Lake County and an equal amount from 15 cities along the river, she said. Taking feedback from the public meetings, planners will formulate a vision for the future of the area and will eventually ask local cities to adopt ordinances to preserve, plan and develop the river corridor.
Open houses to get public comment on proposals for the area will be held at the end of August, organizers said.
After the remote-response survey, residents on Thursday sat in circles around huge maps of the river corridor and wrote suggestions that included everything from river water taxis for tours and shopping areas, to skate parks, to trails and trailheads, to dog parks, to preserving open space.
Lisa Hardman of Lehi said perhaps the Utah County section of the river, which is less developed, should be preserved more as open space, with commercial areas along the river saved for Salt Lake County.
Hardman and Cali O'Connell of Orem said that if habitat is preserved, it should be away from roads so that animals will be less likely to be hit by cars.
Hardman, who said she owns land along the river, also said she would like dog parks with access to the river to be part of future plans.
A birdwatcher, Becky Tietze, who lives in unincorporated Salt Lake County, said that with proper planning, the river could become "a jewel in the desert."
Providing access for hikers, birdwatchers, sport fishers, skaters, horse riders and anyone else who would like to use the river is important in building public support for the river, she said.
"If you have something nice, people will come out, and the more they enjoy it, the more they will support it," she said. "I think more people would use it if they thought they had input into it."
Local governments are hoping residents will speak out about the future of the Jordan River. A dozen residents from north Utah County gathered in Saratoga Springs on Thursday evening to give their opinions about how the river corridor would ideally be preserved and used. The meeting was the last held along the river over the past two weeks. More than 200 people in total have attended.
"This is a once-in-a-generation kind of event, a chance to plan the corridor and dream big," said Christie Oostema of Envision Utah, which hosted the event.
Residents who did not get to one of the public meetings can still fill out a survey on their vision of the river's future at www.blueprint.slco.org.
Using remote controls, residents on Thursday were asked to vote for various options. The results showed that residents preferred a deep buffer between the river and development, want the government to purchase or require land for a buffer from developers, and want to provide a buffer along streams running into the river.
Residents also said their top priority was preserving habitat along the river, providing trails and river access, and investing more in open space.
If open space is preserved, residents may have to change their thinking about sharing space with animals, organizers said.
"As urban residents we would have to get used to living next door to fox or deer," Oostema said.
A year-long effort to create a vision for the entire Jordan River corridor is being funded with $100,000 from Salt Lake County and an equal amount from 15 cities along the river, she said. Taking feedback from the public meetings, planners will formulate a vision for the future of the area and will eventually ask local cities to adopt ordinances to preserve, plan and develop the river corridor.
Open houses to get public comment on proposals for the area will be held at the end of August, organizers said.
After the remote-response survey, residents on Thursday sat in circles around huge maps of the river corridor and wrote suggestions that included everything from river water taxis for tours and shopping areas, to skate parks, to trails and trailheads, to dog parks, to preserving open space.
Lisa Hardman of Lehi said perhaps the Utah County section of the river, which is less developed, should be preserved more as open space, with commercial areas along the river saved for Salt Lake County.
Hardman and Cali O'Connell of Orem said that if habitat is preserved, it should be away from roads so that animals will be less likely to be hit by cars.
Hardman, who said she owns land along the river, also said she would like dog parks with access to the river to be part of future plans.
A birdwatcher, Becky Tietze, who lives in unincorporated Salt Lake County, said that with proper planning, the river could become "a jewel in the desert."
Providing access for hikers, birdwatchers, sport fishers, skaters, horse riders and anyone else who would like to use the river is important in building public support for the river, she said.
"If you have something nice, people will come out, and the more they enjoy it, the more they will support it," she said. "I think more people would use it if they thought they had input into it."
Commuter rail, bigger I-15 may be in Utah County's future
The Utah County of 2030 could look drastically different if the Mountainland Metropolitan Planning Organization's regional transportation plan unrolls as anticipated. The organization, which works with the state Department of Transportation and the Utah Transit Authority on regional transit planning, anticipates the county's population will boom from about 460,000 today to more than 900,000 in just more than two decades, said Transportation Planner Chad Eccles.
To compensate, a 12-lane stretch of Interstate 15 could reach from Draper through Provo. The FrontRunner commuter rail could run from Brigham City down to Payson. And a bevy of other transit options, including a high-tech bus system with dedicated lanes, could join the fray as options for commuters to get from home to work and back again.
"It's fun and confusing all at the same time," Eccles told Provo residents in a Dixon neighborhood meeting at Dixon Middle School Thursday night. "Utah County has been growing faster than anywhere in the state. It's staggering. It's nonstop."
One of the central ideas of Eccles's presentation to residents of Provo's Dixon, Joaquin and Franklin neighborhoods was an intermodal hub on University Avenue near the Provo Towne Centre. The hub, which would sit on 10.6 acres at University Avenue and 600 South, would offer residents a spot to transfer between different forms of transportation including cars, bikes, buses and commuter rail as they travel around the county.
"It's very conceptual right now," Eccles said.
He also brought up the concept of bus rapid transit, or BRT, which uses high-tech buses on specialized routes to get through traffic quickly. Among other advances, the buses would have the technology to communicate with traffic signals and keep green lights green a bit longer if it helps them make it through the intersection, Eccles said.
"Oh, I want one of those," joked Kathryn S. Allen, a resident of the Franklin neighborhood.
Eccles also discussed the future of I-15 in Utah County. A $3 billion overhaul of the road would widen it to 12 lanes in the northern part of the county and 10 in the south. It would also straighten out the road and rejigger the ramps at Center Street in Provo into what's called a single-point urban interchange to move traffic more quickly on and off the highway.
"The whole south of the state relies on this corridor," Eccles said. "This is a state need. This is not a Utah County need."
Eccles said, as one might expect, the major constraint for any of the proposed initiatives is fundraising. Road work is funded partially by the Legislature, partially by increases to sales tax and car registration fees and partially from other sources.
One Dixon resident, Dave Harding, raised concerns that the money Utah's transportation agencies have invested in public transit has not always proved to be well-spent.
"My experience with buses is that it wasn't a very pleasant experience," he said. "It's inconvenient. The time, the routes and all of this stuff is difficult."
Harding said that as a University of Utah student, he would often ride buses during rush hour that had only one or two other people on them.
Allen agreed, saying a public education initiative is crucial to the success of any public transit.
"Don't we need to start an education program?" she said.
Initial skepticism has been a regular companion of most large transportation projects in Utah, Eccles said. But in the case of UTA's TRAX line, while he was regularly scolded by concerned residents about the cost, ridership turned out to be triple what was anticipated, Eccles said.
The first projects to get attention will be the I-15 interchange at Center Street and the extension of FrontRunner into Provo, Eccles said. Both should occur within the next two or three years, barring any unforeseen complications, he said.
To compensate, a 12-lane stretch of Interstate 15 could reach from Draper through Provo. The FrontRunner commuter rail could run from Brigham City down to Payson. And a bevy of other transit options, including a high-tech bus system with dedicated lanes, could join the fray as options for commuters to get from home to work and back again.
"It's fun and confusing all at the same time," Eccles told Provo residents in a Dixon neighborhood meeting at Dixon Middle School Thursday night. "Utah County has been growing faster than anywhere in the state. It's staggering. It's nonstop."
One of the central ideas of Eccles's presentation to residents of Provo's Dixon, Joaquin and Franklin neighborhoods was an intermodal hub on University Avenue near the Provo Towne Centre. The hub, which would sit on 10.6 acres at University Avenue and 600 South, would offer residents a spot to transfer between different forms of transportation including cars, bikes, buses and commuter rail as they travel around the county.
"It's very conceptual right now," Eccles said.
He also brought up the concept of bus rapid transit, or BRT, which uses high-tech buses on specialized routes to get through traffic quickly. Among other advances, the buses would have the technology to communicate with traffic signals and keep green lights green a bit longer if it helps them make it through the intersection, Eccles said.
"Oh, I want one of those," joked Kathryn S. Allen, a resident of the Franklin neighborhood.
Eccles also discussed the future of I-15 in Utah County. A $3 billion overhaul of the road would widen it to 12 lanes in the northern part of the county and 10 in the south. It would also straighten out the road and rejigger the ramps at Center Street in Provo into what's called a single-point urban interchange to move traffic more quickly on and off the highway.
"The whole south of the state relies on this corridor," Eccles said. "This is a state need. This is not a Utah County need."
Eccles said, as one might expect, the major constraint for any of the proposed initiatives is fundraising. Road work is funded partially by the Legislature, partially by increases to sales tax and car registration fees and partially from other sources.
One Dixon resident, Dave Harding, raised concerns that the money Utah's transportation agencies have invested in public transit has not always proved to be well-spent.
"My experience with buses is that it wasn't a very pleasant experience," he said. "It's inconvenient. The time, the routes and all of this stuff is difficult."
Harding said that as a University of Utah student, he would often ride buses during rush hour that had only one or two other people on them.
Allen agreed, saying a public education initiative is crucial to the success of any public transit.
"Don't we need to start an education program?" she said.
Initial skepticism has been a regular companion of most large transportation projects in Utah, Eccles said. But in the case of UTA's TRAX line, while he was regularly scolded by concerned residents about the cost, ridership turned out to be triple what was anticipated, Eccles said.
The first projects to get attention will be the I-15 interchange at Center Street and the extension of FrontRunner into Provo, Eccles said. Both should occur within the next two or three years, barring any unforeseen complications, he said.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
New Housing Permits Down Nearly 60 Percent (in Utah)
New housing permits down nearly 60 percent
May 14th, 2008 @ 5:25pm
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- The phones don't ring as much as they used to at the Summit County building division.
In the first three months of 2008, the number of new home permits in the county dropped 77 percent compared with the first quarter of 2007 -- part of a crash over two quarters that's hitting all but one of Utah's 29 counties, according to James Wood, director of the University of Utah's Bureau of Economic and Business Research.
The university reported Wednesday that 2,234 permits for homes, condos and apartments were issued from January through March -- down 58 percent from the same period in 2007.
The drop follows a 53-percent decline in the last three months of 2007. "We haven't had anything like that before," Wood said. "This is going to be a rough year."
Rodney Steurer, partner in Sunwest Development in St. George, said his company's business has remained steady over the last several years but subcontractors, especially over the fall and winter, showed signs of struggling. "Definitely a lot of the trades out there were not as busy as they used to be," he said.
But in recent months, business seems to have picked up again and developers are now having to get on subcontractors' waiting list -- which he says is a good sign for the industry.
Wood said construction of single-family homes took the biggest hit, dropping 65 percent in the first quarter of 2007 to break a record set 28 years ago when permits fell by 54 percent.
This year could end with just 14,000 to 15,000 residential permits, Wood said, a far cry from Utah's building heyday that peaked in 2005 with about 28,000 units. "Housing cycles exist, and they can't always go up," Wood said.
The number of permits fell in 2006 and 2007 and worsened with the financial crisis that began last summer, Wood said. Many buyers either stopped looking or no longer qualified under more stringent loan requirements. That's left builders with unsold inventory and potential buyers in the driver's seat, Wood said. "For buyers: choices, choices, choices," he said. For those with a good credit rating and money for a decent down payment, "you're going to be able to negotiate."
The biggest drops were in Utah County -- where new residential permits fell from 1,458 in the first quarter of 2007 to 408 in 2008, a 72 percent decline -- and Summit County, where the 77 percent dip meant permits fell from 160 the first quarter of 2007 to 36 this year. Salt Lake County's permits decreased from 1,192 to 570. Rich County saw a slight increase.
Only Rhode Island, Arizona and Illinois had greater declines than Utah in new housing, Wood said.
Taz Biesinger, executive vice president for the Utah Home Builders Association, said the market is making a correction from artificially high numbers in 2007.
He's said there's still an underlying demand for housing in Utah, including for homes on the lower end of the price scale. The downturn has meant that some builders are cutting back on staff or taking other measures to reduce expenses. "Some of them are in good shape and some were overextended, and they're hunkering down and trying to weather the storm," he said. "I personally think we're on the upswing now."
May 14th, 2008 @ 5:25pm
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- The phones don't ring as much as they used to at the Summit County building division.
In the first three months of 2008, the number of new home permits in the county dropped 77 percent compared with the first quarter of 2007 -- part of a crash over two quarters that's hitting all but one of Utah's 29 counties, according to James Wood, director of the University of Utah's Bureau of Economic and Business Research.
The university reported Wednesday that 2,234 permits for homes, condos and apartments were issued from January through March -- down 58 percent from the same period in 2007.
The drop follows a 53-percent decline in the last three months of 2007. "We haven't had anything like that before," Wood said. "This is going to be a rough year."
Rodney Steurer, partner in Sunwest Development in St. George, said his company's business has remained steady over the last several years but subcontractors, especially over the fall and winter, showed signs of struggling. "Definitely a lot of the trades out there were not as busy as they used to be," he said.
But in recent months, business seems to have picked up again and developers are now having to get on subcontractors' waiting list -- which he says is a good sign for the industry.
Wood said construction of single-family homes took the biggest hit, dropping 65 percent in the first quarter of 2007 to break a record set 28 years ago when permits fell by 54 percent.
This year could end with just 14,000 to 15,000 residential permits, Wood said, a far cry from Utah's building heyday that peaked in 2005 with about 28,000 units. "Housing cycles exist, and they can't always go up," Wood said.
The number of permits fell in 2006 and 2007 and worsened with the financial crisis that began last summer, Wood said. Many buyers either stopped looking or no longer qualified under more stringent loan requirements. That's left builders with unsold inventory and potential buyers in the driver's seat, Wood said. "For buyers: choices, choices, choices," he said. For those with a good credit rating and money for a decent down payment, "you're going to be able to negotiate."
The biggest drops were in Utah County -- where new residential permits fell from 1,458 in the first quarter of 2007 to 408 in 2008, a 72 percent decline -- and Summit County, where the 77 percent dip meant permits fell from 160 the first quarter of 2007 to 36 this year. Salt Lake County's permits decreased from 1,192 to 570. Rich County saw a slight increase.
Only Rhode Island, Arizona and Illinois had greater declines than Utah in new housing, Wood said.
Taz Biesinger, executive vice president for the Utah Home Builders Association, said the market is making a correction from artificially high numbers in 2007.
He's said there's still an underlying demand for housing in Utah, including for homes on the lower end of the price scale. The downturn has meant that some builders are cutting back on staff or taking other measures to reduce expenses. "Some of them are in good shape and some were overextended, and they're hunkering down and trying to weather the storm," he said. "I personally think we're on the upswing now."
Police Week in Saratoga Springs
Police Week --¬ In conjunction with National Police Week, beginning the week of May 15 each year, the City of Saratoga Springs has declared May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which it falls as Police Week in order to honor its peace officers and all police.
The resolution for Peace Officers Memorial Day was unanimously approved by the City Council and signed by Mayor Tim Parker. City staff will have the national flag flown at half staff on this day.
The resolution for Peace Officers Memorial Day was unanimously approved by the City Council and signed by Mayor Tim Parker. City staff will have the national flag flown at half staff on this day.
Special Olympics Fundraiser (with Police Serving Meals)
Special Olympics fundraiser -- The Saratoga Springs Police Department and Utah Special Olympics would like to invite everyone to its first Special Olympics Tip-A-Cop fundraiser on Friday from 5-9 p.m.¬
Uniformed officers will work in Café El Lago, 262 E. SR-73 in Saratoga Springs, waiting tables and accepting "tips" from customers to help support Special Olympics athletes.
Uniformed officers will work in Café El Lago, 262 E. SR-73 in Saratoga Springs, waiting tables and accepting "tips" from customers to help support Special Olympics athletes.
Outreach Meeting in Harvest Hills
Outreach meeting -- The City of Saratoga Springs is hosting a Neighborhood Outreach Meeting in Harvest Hills Tuesday at Harvest Elementary, 2105 Providence Drive, from 6:30- 9 p.m.
The open house is an opportunity to ask city officials questions or share concerns regarding your home and area. The police, fire, building, planning, public works and other departments will be represented and ready to provide information during the 2-hour meeting.
The open house is an opportunity to ask city officials questions or share concerns regarding your home and area. The police, fire, building, planning, public works and other departments will be represented and ready to provide information during the 2-hour meeting.
Volunteers Needed
Volunteers needed -- The City of Saratoga Springs has projects available for youth and other groups looking for service hours.
While general liter and clean-up is most needed, some park improvement and tree planting projects are also available to help to beautify the community. Anyone interested in finding a project for their group should contact Spencer Kyle at the city offices at (801) 766-9793.
While general liter and clean-up is most needed, some park improvement and tree planting projects are also available to help to beautify the community. Anyone interested in finding a project for their group should contact Spencer Kyle at the city offices at (801) 766-9793.
Saratoga Springs donates fire truck to school
Saratoga Springs donates fire truck to school
Lance Madigan - NORTH COUNTY STAFF
The Jordan School District's Applied Technology Center (JATC) administration was excited to receive a 1973 Sutphen aerial truck from the Saratoga Springs Fire Department.¬ One of the original trucks donated to the Saratoga Springs Department when the city started serving the community in 2006, the donated truck has since been replaced with a new truck, and the 100-foot yellow ladder truck has been out-of-service for sometime in Saratoga.
JATC was looking for just such a truck.¬ Saratoga firefighters delivered the aerial fire truck on Friday to the school.
"We needed one to complete our fire science program," said Brandon Widdison, JATC instructor. "We got the word it was just sitting in a field and that the Saratoga department was -- for lack of a better word -- trying to get rid of it. We sent a letter explaining our program and that we could use it."
"Since the truck is operational, I believe that its education value is much more than its worth to the city if it were sold," said Chief Tim Hay, Saratoga Springs fire department.
JATC representatives agreed. The Fire Science program at JATC Sandy readies high school juniors and seniors for employment in firefighting. Widdison said they have class instruction, and then take students out and work with the equipment.¬
"It will also really help with our accreditation with [Utah Valley University]." He said currently students have concurrent enrollment with UVU, but receive accreditation from the Utah Fire and Rescue Academy. "That way, students could come right out of school and start working fires."
The JATC program has been operating in Jordan School District for three years. It began as a basic firefighting class suitable for volunteer firemen, and has evolved into a program to certify students for either career firefighting or wildland firefighting. Currently, there are two classes of approximately 20 high school students each. Three instructors are career firefighters who rotate to teach classes on their days off.
"This truck will be a huge asset," said Widdison. "It will totally change the quality of our program. We greatly appreciate it."
Hay said he understood the JATC to also offer diesel mechanic training, so they will have an easy way to maintain the truck.¬
"We had planned on doing something with it, but this way it can continue to help train fire fighters," he said.
Lance Madigan - NORTH COUNTY STAFF
The Jordan School District's Applied Technology Center (JATC) administration was excited to receive a 1973 Sutphen aerial truck from the Saratoga Springs Fire Department.¬ One of the original trucks donated to the Saratoga Springs Department when the city started serving the community in 2006, the donated truck has since been replaced with a new truck, and the 100-foot yellow ladder truck has been out-of-service for sometime in Saratoga.
JATC was looking for just such a truck.¬ Saratoga firefighters delivered the aerial fire truck on Friday to the school.
"We needed one to complete our fire science program," said Brandon Widdison, JATC instructor. "We got the word it was just sitting in a field and that the Saratoga department was -- for lack of a better word -- trying to get rid of it. We sent a letter explaining our program and that we could use it."
"Since the truck is operational, I believe that its education value is much more than its worth to the city if it were sold," said Chief Tim Hay, Saratoga Springs fire department.
JATC representatives agreed. The Fire Science program at JATC Sandy readies high school juniors and seniors for employment in firefighting. Widdison said they have class instruction, and then take students out and work with the equipment.¬
"It will also really help with our accreditation with [Utah Valley University]." He said currently students have concurrent enrollment with UVU, but receive accreditation from the Utah Fire and Rescue Academy. "That way, students could come right out of school and start working fires."
The JATC program has been operating in Jordan School District for three years. It began as a basic firefighting class suitable for volunteer firemen, and has evolved into a program to certify students for either career firefighting or wildland firefighting. Currently, there are two classes of approximately 20 high school students each. Three instructors are career firefighters who rotate to teach classes on their days off.
"This truck will be a huge asset," said Widdison. "It will totally change the quality of our program. We greatly appreciate it."
Hay said he understood the JATC to also offer diesel mechanic training, so they will have an easy way to maintain the truck.¬
"We had planned on doing something with it, but this way it can continue to help train fire fighters," he said.
Will a third attempt be the charm for Lehi hospital renovation?
I had to post this article because not only are the developers from our city, but they are good friends of mine.
Will a third attempt be the charm for Lehi hospital renovation?
Cathy Allred - NORTH COUNTY STAFF
After failed attempts by previous owners, a new investor is interested in restoring the old Lehi Hospital on 206 E. State St. to some of its original beauty. The worn, dilapidated structure has been stripped down to an empty shell, is in danger of its south wall collapsing and is naked of any of its historical grandeur.
The Lehi Planning Commission has given a recommendation to a site plan for the project, and now the plan needs City Council approval. Construction could begin as soon as 10-12 weeks from now.
The structure was built in 1891 for the Lehi Commercial and Savings Bank after the establishment of the sugar beet industry and Lehi Sugar Factory, which paid its workers in cash instead of script as was previously done for goods and services purchased by the People's Co-op in the town.
The Deseret Telegraph Company office, managed by Mosiah Evans, moved its office to the building.
After the bank began to fail, the building was sold to N. O. Malan in 1923. He operated a funeral parlor and automotive repair service on the main floor until 1925 when Dr. Frederick Worlton purchased the building and moved his Lehi Hospital onto the second floor. The following year, the ground floor was also renovated to become part of the hospital.
The large building has also housed the Utah Sugar Company offices, a notary public, an attorney, a photo studio, a school and a ballroom. In 1989, the building was vacated and since then there have been a few attempts to either condemn the building and raze it or to renovate it. A full history of the building up to 1990 can be found in "Lehi: Portraits of a Utah Town" by Richard Van Wagoner.
In the process of closing on the property, Ryan and Jamie Danforth of Saratoga Springs propose to renovate the building into 6,000 square feet of retail office space on two levels and retain the basement for storage.
"We've done historical research of the use of the building," said Warren Lloyd of Lloyd Architects. "It has the potential of being one of the most significant historical structures that Lehi has. ... It is a tribute of this part of town."
He said there would be a challenge with the building's south wall because it is structurally and seismically unsound.
"The south wall must be replaced in its entirety," Lloyd said. "The building brick material is different from the material on the other walls. It's a common, lower fired brick material."
He said a new foundation and a new wall would be built on the south. The owners are proposing a change of use for the site -- the previous one was a proposed photo studio, flower shop and bed and breakfast -- and the building codes will require seismic upgrades.
The renovation project qualifies the owners for a tax credit through the National Park Service.
"It's one of the key elements I think financially for them to carry out the renovations," Lloyd said, adding they were interested in preserving the historic nature of the building. The project will not be a full restoration since items such as the original cupola are no longer part of the building.
That fact didn't deter the Lehi Historical Commission members present at the city meeting from showing their excitement about the proposed project.
"It's going to be a diamond on State Street," historical commission Chairwoman Connie Nielsen said.
Carl Mellor, another member of the commission, said the building was the site where early pioneers wrote up the Utah State Constitution. It was also a central office for the first telegraph system in Utah.
"Many people don't realize the historical significance of that building," Mellor said.
Bill Veach, who has lived next to the crumbling, abandoned building for several years, attended the commission meeting. He was excited to hear construction might begin soon.
"I'm glad," Veach said. "I'm very pleased."
Lehi historical preservation commissioners were hopeful that the third try "is a charm."
Will a third attempt be the charm for Lehi hospital renovation?
Cathy Allred - NORTH COUNTY STAFF
After failed attempts by previous owners, a new investor is interested in restoring the old Lehi Hospital on 206 E. State St. to some of its original beauty. The worn, dilapidated structure has been stripped down to an empty shell, is in danger of its south wall collapsing and is naked of any of its historical grandeur.
The Lehi Planning Commission has given a recommendation to a site plan for the project, and now the plan needs City Council approval. Construction could begin as soon as 10-12 weeks from now.
The structure was built in 1891 for the Lehi Commercial and Savings Bank after the establishment of the sugar beet industry and Lehi Sugar Factory, which paid its workers in cash instead of script as was previously done for goods and services purchased by the People's Co-op in the town.
The Deseret Telegraph Company office, managed by Mosiah Evans, moved its office to the building.
After the bank began to fail, the building was sold to N. O. Malan in 1923. He operated a funeral parlor and automotive repair service on the main floor until 1925 when Dr. Frederick Worlton purchased the building and moved his Lehi Hospital onto the second floor. The following year, the ground floor was also renovated to become part of the hospital.
The large building has also housed the Utah Sugar Company offices, a notary public, an attorney, a photo studio, a school and a ballroom. In 1989, the building was vacated and since then there have been a few attempts to either condemn the building and raze it or to renovate it. A full history of the building up to 1990 can be found in "Lehi: Portraits of a Utah Town" by Richard Van Wagoner.
In the process of closing on the property, Ryan and Jamie Danforth of Saratoga Springs propose to renovate the building into 6,000 square feet of retail office space on two levels and retain the basement for storage.
"We've done historical research of the use of the building," said Warren Lloyd of Lloyd Architects. "It has the potential of being one of the most significant historical structures that Lehi has. ... It is a tribute of this part of town."
He said there would be a challenge with the building's south wall because it is structurally and seismically unsound.
"The south wall must be replaced in its entirety," Lloyd said. "The building brick material is different from the material on the other walls. It's a common, lower fired brick material."
He said a new foundation and a new wall would be built on the south. The owners are proposing a change of use for the site -- the previous one was a proposed photo studio, flower shop and bed and breakfast -- and the building codes will require seismic upgrades.
The renovation project qualifies the owners for a tax credit through the National Park Service.
"It's one of the key elements I think financially for them to carry out the renovations," Lloyd said, adding they were interested in preserving the historic nature of the building. The project will not be a full restoration since items such as the original cupola are no longer part of the building.
That fact didn't deter the Lehi Historical Commission members present at the city meeting from showing their excitement about the proposed project.
"It's going to be a diamond on State Street," historical commission Chairwoman Connie Nielsen said.
Carl Mellor, another member of the commission, said the building was the site where early pioneers wrote up the Utah State Constitution. It was also a central office for the first telegraph system in Utah.
"Many people don't realize the historical significance of that building," Mellor said.
Bill Veach, who has lived next to the crumbling, abandoned building for several years, attended the commission meeting. He was excited to hear construction might begin soon.
"I'm glad," Veach said. "I'm very pleased."
Lehi historical preservation commissioners were hopeful that the third try "is a charm."
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Growth will force a lake bridge
Growth will force a lake bridge
Daily Herald
'Not in my backyard" attitudes have plagued cities across the nation for years, and they're beginning to wreak havoc in Utah Valley, especially when it comes to building needed east-west roads. Lehi fought tooth and nail against a 2100 North freeway connecting the Mountain View Corridor to I-15. Officials and residents didn't want it in their backyard. They complained it would divide their community and bring in noisy and dangerous traffic. The Utah Department of Transportation finally compromised, and committed to cutting the width of the road in half, making it an expressway of two lanes in each direction, with traffic lights along the way.
It's a pipsqueak compromise that won't put a significant dent in Utah County's long-range transportation problem. Space has been left to expand the compromise road, but to do that UDOT will have to start from scratch with a new environmental study, new hearings, and all the other rigmarole associated with highway construction. And that means that a bigger highway won't be built for many years to come, when it will be far more painful, if it's even possible.
Whatever UDOT's reasoning, we are sorry it gave in. Lehi's NIMBYs are identical to those in many cities across America who have blocked the construction of a needed freeway only to discover, too late, that snarled traffic and the attendant costs of lost time, wasted gas and added pollution have hurt the livability of their community.
Lehi's unfortunate refusal to accept the project will prove to be one of the more nearsighted episodes in the city's history. One day, not so far in the future, sheer growth will force the construction of new corridors, and they might not fall in ideal places.
By 2040 the Cedar Valley area is expected to grow to a quarter-million people, with only 17 percent of wage earners heading north for work. The employment connection for the vast majority will be Utah County, a fact that boldly underscores the desperate need for more east-west routes.
Here's an interesting comparison: Salt Lake County has a dozen east-west corridors of five to seven lanes each from it's western areas. Utah County has only two east-west arteries -- that's right, two -- from Cedar Valley. They are Lehi's Main Street (S.R. 73) and Santaquin's Main Street (U.S. 6). And Lehi is already clogged.
Now imagine that measly two-lane compromise that Lehi forced on Utah County trying to handle tens of thousands of vehicles from Cedar Valley a mere 15 years from now. What comes to mind is an image of hardened arteries and heart failure. That is the gift to the next generation from Lehi's NIMBYs.
If there are any environmentalists who cheered the downsizing of the 2100 North proposal, they should now recognize that it will only hasten the construction of an east-west bridge across Utah Lake -- likely from Pelican Point on the west shore to the Orem-Vineyard area.
It's true that the environmental challenge of a lake crossing will be significant, but all those questions will eventually be answered and a bridge will be built. Heavy growth in Cedar Valley is going to force the issue. A bridge will cut the long loop around the top of the lake to a mere 8 miles, which will save fuel and reduce air pollution. You can bet that a lake bridge will be heavily used even if it's a toll road.
This undertaking will cost something like $500 million -- in line with other highway construction. A $3 toll could bring in $35 million annually to pay for it.
Household growth sufficient to fully justify a lake bridge is just 15 years off, and that time will flash by in a heartbeat. So the government studies currently under way are timely. We are eager to see their findings on this and the other inevitability: a freeway running south through Cedar Valley and connecting to I-15 in southern Utah County.
The unstoppable reality is that Utah County will have a million inhabitants in 25 or 30 years, and we owe it to the next generation to plan now. We want Utah Valley to continue to be recognized as one of the best places to live in America.
Daily Herald
'Not in my backyard" attitudes have plagued cities across the nation for years, and they're beginning to wreak havoc in Utah Valley, especially when it comes to building needed east-west roads. Lehi fought tooth and nail against a 2100 North freeway connecting the Mountain View Corridor to I-15. Officials and residents didn't want it in their backyard. They complained it would divide their community and bring in noisy and dangerous traffic. The Utah Department of Transportation finally compromised, and committed to cutting the width of the road in half, making it an expressway of two lanes in each direction, with traffic lights along the way.
It's a pipsqueak compromise that won't put a significant dent in Utah County's long-range transportation problem. Space has been left to expand the compromise road, but to do that UDOT will have to start from scratch with a new environmental study, new hearings, and all the other rigmarole associated with highway construction. And that means that a bigger highway won't be built for many years to come, when it will be far more painful, if it's even possible.
Whatever UDOT's reasoning, we are sorry it gave in. Lehi's NIMBYs are identical to those in many cities across America who have blocked the construction of a needed freeway only to discover, too late, that snarled traffic and the attendant costs of lost time, wasted gas and added pollution have hurt the livability of their community.
Lehi's unfortunate refusal to accept the project will prove to be one of the more nearsighted episodes in the city's history. One day, not so far in the future, sheer growth will force the construction of new corridors, and they might not fall in ideal places.
By 2040 the Cedar Valley area is expected to grow to a quarter-million people, with only 17 percent of wage earners heading north for work. The employment connection for the vast majority will be Utah County, a fact that boldly underscores the desperate need for more east-west routes.
Here's an interesting comparison: Salt Lake County has a dozen east-west corridors of five to seven lanes each from it's western areas. Utah County has only two east-west arteries -- that's right, two -- from Cedar Valley. They are Lehi's Main Street (S.R. 73) and Santaquin's Main Street (U.S. 6). And Lehi is already clogged.
Now imagine that measly two-lane compromise that Lehi forced on Utah County trying to handle tens of thousands of vehicles from Cedar Valley a mere 15 years from now. What comes to mind is an image of hardened arteries and heart failure. That is the gift to the next generation from Lehi's NIMBYs.
If there are any environmentalists who cheered the downsizing of the 2100 North proposal, they should now recognize that it will only hasten the construction of an east-west bridge across Utah Lake -- likely from Pelican Point on the west shore to the Orem-Vineyard area.
It's true that the environmental challenge of a lake crossing will be significant, but all those questions will eventually be answered and a bridge will be built. Heavy growth in Cedar Valley is going to force the issue. A bridge will cut the long loop around the top of the lake to a mere 8 miles, which will save fuel and reduce air pollution. You can bet that a lake bridge will be heavily used even if it's a toll road.
This undertaking will cost something like $500 million -- in line with other highway construction. A $3 toll could bring in $35 million annually to pay for it.
Household growth sufficient to fully justify a lake bridge is just 15 years off, and that time will flash by in a heartbeat. So the government studies currently under way are timely. We are eager to see their findings on this and the other inevitability: a freeway running south through Cedar Valley and connecting to I-15 in southern Utah County.
The unstoppable reality is that Utah County will have a million inhabitants in 25 or 30 years, and we owe it to the next generation to plan now. We want Utah Valley to continue to be recognized as one of the best places to live in America.
City Council Meeting Recap Regarding the Budget
Last night the council was presented with some very difficult-to-swallow information. Like many other cities, our city has been greatly effected by the significant decrease in housing and the overall economy. Our projections for next year's budget show a $3,500,000 deficit. The main reason for this is that our housing has almost come to a complete standstill (although we are seeing a big jump in commercial.. including Walmart and Walgreens which will be very helpful in next years budget). We had our staffing levels at a high level to service the tremendous growth that we have experienced over the last 5 or so years. In addition, the cost for the police department was higher than what was originally projected (although the service level that we receive is significantly better than what we previously had). Through internally proposed budget cuts, the staff was able to reduce the proposed deficit by $1,885,000. This still leaves a deficit of $1,615,000. Over the next month, the city council will be looking at all possible options to determine how we will make up the difference. The cuts that have already been proposed by staff will decrease service levels in a number of areas and put a number of projects in the city on hold. Making additional cuts in other areas could significantly decrease services in other areas. One of the challenges that we face as a current council is that our city has not raised taxes in about 8 years. Our current tax rate is one of the lowest in the county (second to only Goshen) and possibly the state. The lower tax rate was reasonable when we were generating significant revenue with the housing growth in the city, but very quickly becomes inadequate as housing is significantly decreased. One option that was proposed last night was to increase our tax rate as well as increase the utility fees. Based on the average home in Saratoga Springs, the average tax rate would increase from $11 a month to $33 a month (for those that aren't familiar with how property taxes work, the city only takes a small percentage of property taxes. The city provides the county with a specific dollar amount that the city needs to tax and the county provides the rate at which we would need to tax in order to achieve that. We have not increased our tax rate for many years, even though the tax rate from other entities that are part of the property tax have.. like the school district). That would make up $1,300,000. Additionally, the proposal would increase the utility fees on the average home $25 a month, which would make up an additional $315,000. This proposal gives me serious heartburn for a number of reasons. First off, I believe strongly in low taxes and limited government. Secondly, many people in our city (myself included) are trying to cope with raising gas prices, food prices, and overall inflation. This is a very difficult time to propose making this large of increase in both taxes and fees, but we may be forced to make a jump in order to keep our city financially sound and keep up the critical services we need in the city. I would encourage our residents to get involved in this budget process and bring any ideas or suggestions that you have. I promise I will go through every detail of the proposed budget and look for any possible other cuts that we can make to decrease the budget. Having been through this several times in a business setting, I understand what it takes to get as lean as possible. I do feel that it is different in a city setting because of how critical many of the services that the city provides are to the residents of our city. Other than next Tuesday (which will be a neighborhood outreach meeting in Harvest Hills), every Tuesday will involve the budget (some will be before and after the policy meeting). We might add several Saturdays to get through this. I'm bringing this information up because I feel that the residents should not only be fully aware of the situation, but also participate in the discussion and help with a solution.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Herald Editorial on Growth on West Side of Utah County
IN OUR VIEW: Peering into the future
Daily Herald
Local residents ought to buckle their seat belts. The destiny of Utah Lake and development on the west side is being mapped out now, and it's going to be quite a ride over the next couple of decades. Currently, three organizations are crafting plans that attempt to direct what happens to the lake and its environs.
• The Utah Lake Commission is writing a master plan meant to guide government, business, and individuals in pursuing development around the lake. The plan is scheduled to be ready by the end of the year.
• The Mountainland Association of Governments is putting together a Utah County east-west study on traffic flow, to be presented to the Legislature in the fall.
• The Utah Department of Transportation, which begins its own analysis of the Utah Lake in July, is focusing on transportation options and environmental impacts. State Reps. Steve Clark, R-Provo, and Ken Sumsion, R-American Fork, obtained $3 million in the state budget for that study in the last legislative session.
Apparently, state lawmakers understand the importance of the lake, not only to the future of Utah County but to the future of the whole Wasatch Front.
All three plans are still in the vision stage, and those involved declare that any and all possibilities are still up for grabs. Yet ideas are forming, and some of those will become reality.
The Lake Commission's public meetings to date have brought out a host of competing views, including the option of doing nothing. All three groups are soliciting public feedback on their approaches, which not only envision what the lake itself can become as a recreation center and ecosystem, but how the west side should develop.
Here's one vision that excites some and may worry others who are squinting into the future: The vast area west of the lake -- Saratoga Springs, Eagle Mountain, Fairfield, Cedar Fort and other Cedar Valley locations -- will see explosive growth.
In 2000, about 3,000 people lived west of Redwood Road. Now, in less than a decade, the population has grown to about 30,000, a growth factor of 10. Planners think that by the year 2040, a quarter-million people will live there. Imagine taking a population equivalent to today's Davis County and plunking the people down in Cedar Valley. That's what is coming.
How in the world will the region cope with such an influx of people west of Utah Lake? The answers are being worked out, but it's certain that transportation will be critical.
MAG's Utah County east-west study draws on figures that show that daily auto trips from the west side of Utah Lake to the east side totaled a bit more than 18,000 in 2005. That number will explode to more than 140,000 by 2040.
You say you never drive to the west side of the lake? Maybe not. But this isn't only about getting from Eagle Mountain to Provo; it's about traffic throughout Utah County. Like the old ditty about the hip bone being connected to the thigh bone, traffic flow in one part of the county affects other parts. It's all joined in a single circulatory system. Congestion spreads, as drivers who use Lehi's Main Street have discovered.
Of course, the adoption of any future proposal will involve complex politics. The Lake Commission alone represents 20 towns, agencies and the state Legislature. Other entities involved include water districts, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Army Corps of Engineers and even the Coast Guard. Add to that the property owners around the lake, plus nearby homes and businesses, and it's clear that charting the lake's future won't be easy.
But it's not too early to begin the process of envisioning communities and corridors. Growth is going to happen, like it or not. The only question is whether it will be good growth or bad growth.
"We have the opportunity to get on top of this," says American Fork's Sumsion.
We agree. And guiding growth now is a far better course than trying to cope with the aftermath of haphazard development.
Daily Herald
Local residents ought to buckle their seat belts. The destiny of Utah Lake and development on the west side is being mapped out now, and it's going to be quite a ride over the next couple of decades. Currently, three organizations are crafting plans that attempt to direct what happens to the lake and its environs.
• The Utah Lake Commission is writing a master plan meant to guide government, business, and individuals in pursuing development around the lake. The plan is scheduled to be ready by the end of the year.
• The Mountainland Association of Governments is putting together a Utah County east-west study on traffic flow, to be presented to the Legislature in the fall.
• The Utah Department of Transportation, which begins its own analysis of the Utah Lake in July, is focusing on transportation options and environmental impacts. State Reps. Steve Clark, R-Provo, and Ken Sumsion, R-American Fork, obtained $3 million in the state budget for that study in the last legislative session.
Apparently, state lawmakers understand the importance of the lake, not only to the future of Utah County but to the future of the whole Wasatch Front.
All three plans are still in the vision stage, and those involved declare that any and all possibilities are still up for grabs. Yet ideas are forming, and some of those will become reality.
The Lake Commission's public meetings to date have brought out a host of competing views, including the option of doing nothing. All three groups are soliciting public feedback on their approaches, which not only envision what the lake itself can become as a recreation center and ecosystem, but how the west side should develop.
Here's one vision that excites some and may worry others who are squinting into the future: The vast area west of the lake -- Saratoga Springs, Eagle Mountain, Fairfield, Cedar Fort and other Cedar Valley locations -- will see explosive growth.
In 2000, about 3,000 people lived west of Redwood Road. Now, in less than a decade, the population has grown to about 30,000, a growth factor of 10. Planners think that by the year 2040, a quarter-million people will live there. Imagine taking a population equivalent to today's Davis County and plunking the people down in Cedar Valley. That's what is coming.
How in the world will the region cope with such an influx of people west of Utah Lake? The answers are being worked out, but it's certain that transportation will be critical.
MAG's Utah County east-west study draws on figures that show that daily auto trips from the west side of Utah Lake to the east side totaled a bit more than 18,000 in 2005. That number will explode to more than 140,000 by 2040.
You say you never drive to the west side of the lake? Maybe not. But this isn't only about getting from Eagle Mountain to Provo; it's about traffic throughout Utah County. Like the old ditty about the hip bone being connected to the thigh bone, traffic flow in one part of the county affects other parts. It's all joined in a single circulatory system. Congestion spreads, as drivers who use Lehi's Main Street have discovered.
Of course, the adoption of any future proposal will involve complex politics. The Lake Commission alone represents 20 towns, agencies and the state Legislature. Other entities involved include water districts, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Army Corps of Engineers and even the Coast Guard. Add to that the property owners around the lake, plus nearby homes and businesses, and it's clear that charting the lake's future won't be easy.
But it's not too early to begin the process of envisioning communities and corridors. Growth is going to happen, like it or not. The only question is whether it will be good growth or bad growth.
"We have the opportunity to get on top of this," says American Fork's Sumsion.
We agree. And guiding growth now is a far better course than trying to cope with the aftermath of haphazard development.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Jordan River users like facilities, but criticize lack of maps, safety, cleanliness (Plus Open House in Sarartoga Springs)
Jordan River users like facilities, but criticize lack of maps, safety, cleanliness
By Tom Wharton The Salt Lake Tribune
When Coral Coffey moved to Salt Lake City from Merced, Calif., in 1963 and began looking for a place to live, she wanted to be near a river. The only river in the valley was the sometimes-maligned Jordan. That didn't matter. She moved to a Rose Park home on the east bank of the river and has lived there ever since. As Envision Utah and Salt Lake County continue to hold hearings this week seeking public input on how the 44-mile waterway that connects Utah Lake with the Great Salt Lake and runs through the heart of the Salt Lake Valley should be managed, Coffey had some suggestions. Planners hope to have a draft plan done this fall. "I hope the quality of the water is improved," she said while enjoying Mother's Day at a Rose Park picnic area and playground next to the river filled with kids and families enjoying a blustery Sunday. While calling the river wonderful, Coffey said she would like to see better access to the water, especially for boaters and canoeists. She would also like to see a few commercial areas where restaurants could be built right on the water. From Rotary Park in Draper to Rose Park on the northern edge of Salt Lake City, people from all walks of life used the parkway facilities Sunday. They rode bicycles, pushed strollers and walked dogs along trails. Some enjoyed picnics and playgrounds at facilities built by cities. A few mentioned seeing wildlife and a surprising
number said they were exploring the trail system for the first time. Common complaints included fears about being accosted by the homeless, lack of good maps and disgust with dog owners who do not clean up after their pets. Many, though, simply sang the praises of what is a popular, if incomplete, parkway. "It would be nice if everyone was as far along as Murray," said Betsy Wade, of West Jordan, who bicycles the trail regularly with her husband, Russ, and had high praise for the section of the parkway in Murray. "It's still my favorite. I like the landscaping, the boardwalk part and the Kennecott environmental area. I see a lot of birds there. There are pelicans and fox dens." Russ Wade said the goal of the plan should be to fill all the gaps in the trail that prevent recreation users from utilizing the entire length of the river. "I ride it a lot," he said. "I know where the gaps are. I can't believe they haven't filled in the gaps." Keith Richard, of Murray, would like to see the bicycle areas improved. He worries about riding his bike in the northern part of the trail system after dark because of safety concerns. But he is a regular user. Sunday was the fourth time this week he has been on the trail. Natalie Marrott, of Salt Lake City, said there are places where the trail needs to be widened because, on busy days, things can get cramped. "I wish dog owners would pick up after the dogs," said Julie Houston, of West Valley, who comes to the trail almost every day. Adrian Sample, of Sandy, said gravel on the trail system makes in-line skating difficult in places. Other regular bicyclists often complain of prickly weeds puncturing their tires, especially in the Salt Lake City portion of the parkway. Cyclist Jay Sample said he would like to see someone use a global positioning system to map out the trails and trailheads and then post the information on the Internet. He was among many who wished there were better maps available showing where the trails go and where there are unfinished gaps. Moving into the heart of Salt Lake City near Alzheimer's Grove, just off 300 South, Deborah Ann Mercier said she would like to see more benches, better landscaping and a sandbox provided for children. Most users, though, are glad for the facilities that are available. "All in all, we enjoy it," said Russ Wade, offering a common sentiment among those using the parkway and its facilities Sunday. --- * TOM WHARTON can be contacted at wharton@sltrib.com. His phone number is 801-257-8909. Send comments about this story to livingeditor@sltrib.com. Workshops: Envision Jordan River Salt Lake County and Envision Utah are holding community workshops to discuss the future of the Jordan River. All workshops begin at 6 p.m. * Tuesday: Utah Cultural Celebration Center, 1355 W. 3100 South, West Valley City. * Wednesday: Bluffdale Elementary, 14323 S. 2700 West, Bluffdale. * Thursday: Saratoga Shores Elementary, 1415 S. Parkside Drive, Saratoga Springs. For more information, see www.blueprint.slco.org. Source: Envision Utah Heard on the river Recreationists gave the following suggestions on how to improve the Jordan River Parkway: * 1. Fill in gaps that lack paved trails. * 2. Require dog owners to clean up after pets. * 3. Improve water quality of river. * 4. Provide better boat access to water. * 5. Improve law enforcement. * 6. Remove homeless camps. * 7. Clean gravel and weeds off trail. * 8. Make trail wider in busiest areas. * 9. Provide better maps. * 10. Improve mile markers and signage.
Friday, May 9, 2008
City Council Agenda May 13, 2008
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
7:00 P.M.
POLICY SESSION
• Call to Order.
• Roll Call.
• Invocation / Reverence.
• Pledge of Allegiance.
• Public Input, Awards or Recognitions – Time has been set aside for any person to express ideas, concerns, comments, questions or
issues that are not listed on the agenda. Comments are limited to three minutes.
POLICY ITEMS
1. Proposed Site Plan for the Bank of American Fork located at approximately 1547 North Redwood Road, Bank of American
Fork, applicant.
2. Proposed Site Plan for the Saratoga Crossroads Beto’s located at approximately 1300 North Redwood Road, Dan Carey,
applicant.
3. Concept Plan Discussion for the North Saratoga Center located at approximately 2175 North Redwood Road, Vaughn
Mayo/Ryan Bybee, applicants.
4. Resolution #08-17 (5-13-08): A resolution approving National Police Week.
5. Proposed Interlocal Cooperation Agreement with the Utah Valley Special Victims Task Force.
6. Resolution #08-18 (5-13-08): A resolution adopting the City of Saratoga Springs Tentative Budget for Fiscal Year 2008-
2009.
7. Lease Agreement for the purchase of City vehicle.
8. Consent Calendar:
a. Warrant Register.
b. Minutes:
1. February 12, 2008.
2. February 28, 2008.
9. Motion to enter into closed session for the purpose of discussion litigation matters, acquisition of real property or
authorized personnel matters.
10. Action from closed session, if any.
11. Discussion of the Fiscal Year 2008-2009 Tentative Budget.
12. Adjournment.
7:00 P.M.
POLICY SESSION
• Call to Order.
• Roll Call.
• Invocation / Reverence.
• Pledge of Allegiance.
• Public Input, Awards or Recognitions – Time has been set aside for any person to express ideas, concerns, comments, questions or
issues that are not listed on the agenda. Comments are limited to three minutes.
POLICY ITEMS
1. Proposed Site Plan for the Bank of American Fork located at approximately 1547 North Redwood Road, Bank of American
Fork, applicant.
2. Proposed Site Plan for the Saratoga Crossroads Beto’s located at approximately 1300 North Redwood Road, Dan Carey,
applicant.
3. Concept Plan Discussion for the North Saratoga Center located at approximately 2175 North Redwood Road, Vaughn
Mayo/Ryan Bybee, applicants.
4. Resolution #08-17 (5-13-08): A resolution approving National Police Week.
5. Proposed Interlocal Cooperation Agreement with the Utah Valley Special Victims Task Force.
6. Resolution #08-18 (5-13-08): A resolution adopting the City of Saratoga Springs Tentative Budget for Fiscal Year 2008-
2009.
7. Lease Agreement for the purchase of City vehicle.
8. Consent Calendar:
a. Warrant Register.
b. Minutes:
1. February 12, 2008.
2. February 28, 2008.
9. Motion to enter into closed session for the purpose of discussion litigation matters, acquisition of real property or
authorized personnel matters.
10. Action from closed session, if any.
11. Discussion of the Fiscal Year 2008-2009 Tentative Budget.
12. Adjournment.
Families and police gather at a ceremony to honor fallen officers
One of our outstanding police officers, Aaron Rosen, spoke at this service honoring police officers in our state that were killed in the line of duty.
Families and police gather at a ceremony to honor fallen officers
Veteran of Department of Corrections shot last year, six others eulogized
By Melinda Rogers The Salt Lake Tribune
Eleven-year-old Dallen Hardy placed his hand on his heart and led the Pledge of Allegiance before hundreds gathered in the State Capitol rotunda to honor police officers killed in the line of duty Thursday. It was a solemn day for Hardy, whose grandfather, Stephen Anderson, was gunned down nearly a year ago allegedly by an inmate who managed to gain control of Anderson's gun inside a University of Utah clinic. The 22-year veteran of the Department of Corrections was shot twice allegedly by white supremacist Curtis Allgier, who is now charged with murdering the 60-year-old. Law enforcement members and their families on Thursday gathered to eulogize Anderson and six other police officers during
Fallen officers a memorial service organized by the Utah Peace Officers Association. Family members and police representatives placed a single red rose into a wreath of white carnations to symbolize the deaths. "Most people run from danger, but law enforcement runs toward it," said Utah Department of Corrections Director Thomas Patterson, who spoke at the memorial along with Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff and Salt Lake City Police Department Chief Chris Burbank. For most, the ceremony was bittersweet. "It's been 18 years coming," said Connie Harton of Taylorsville, whose husband Steven Harton was killed in 1990 when a drunk driver hit his patrol car. Harton placed a small photo of her husband on one of 126 flags placed in the Capitol's yard - one flag for each police officer killed in the line of duty since 1853. Harton was seven months pregnant with son Colton when her husband was killed. The Harton family, including Colton; daughter Shannon, who was 8 when her dad died; and son Cameron, who was 5 1/2 at the time of his father's death, attended Thursday's service. Shannon Harton said she's pleased a new memorial is being constructed at the Capitol so she can pass on her father's legacy to her own children. "There will be some place to bring his grandkids that he never met," Shannon Harton said. Anderson was honored posthumously with a Purple Heart on Thursday. His wife, Millie, and five children were there to receive the award in front of a crowd of about 450 police officers. Seven of Anderson's 17 grandchildren also attended the ceremony, said his daughter, Lisa McCloy. "It's a privilege to be here to celebrate my dad's life and his good name," McCloy said.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Eagle Project to create memorial
Many Eagle projects have to do with improving the community, cleaning up the environment, or increasing public safety. Trey Zebley's project is designed to help people remember a mother, neighbor and friend. April Roper of Saratoga Springs and Larry Radford, a Questar Gas employee, were killed in February of 2007 when the Roper home exploded due to a gas leak. Last year a community fund-raising 5k was organized to create a educational trust fund for Roper's surviving daughter, Olivia (now age two).
That gave Zebley the idea of creating a memorial for his Eagle project.
"I thought this would be a good idea, to give something back to benefit the community," he said.
Zebley, age 17, of Troop 1015, proposed a two foot tall bronze statue on a raised platform that would include benches and plants. He envisioned it sitting in Sunrise Meadows park -- the neighborhood where the Roper home had been.
So far, Zebley has the plans and approvals in place.
"I still need to check with the city [of Saratoga Springs] about specs for side walk depth, et cetera, but plans are coming along," said Zebley. "Now I am searching in earnest for funds."
Zebley says estimates for the monument are about $15,000, but he is hoping for in-kind service donations to help lower that cost. "I have a concrete and excavator who have committed to helping," he said. "Helping with the service cuts cost quite a bit."
Another donor is Trey's father, John Zebley. He is a local artist who has designed the statue for the moment. "It just needs to be cast. It will be about $1,500," said the younger Zebley. The statue concept was taking from a poster for the 5k fund-raiser run last year, and depicts a mother and daughter at play.
Zebley says that volunteers have donated more than 200 hours so far to the project. Anyone interested in contributing time or funds is encouraged to contact him. Zebley can be emailed at
bronze@johnzebley.com
and donation checks can made out to John Zebley and sent to 8343 Sagehill Dr. Saratoga Springs, Ut 84045. "I am keeping a record of all donations for the project."
"I am still not finished, and an not giving up," said Zebley. "The concept has been well received by the neighbors and community. Donations are harder."
That gave Zebley the idea of creating a memorial for his Eagle project.
"I thought this would be a good idea, to give something back to benefit the community," he said.
Zebley, age 17, of Troop 1015, proposed a two foot tall bronze statue on a raised platform that would include benches and plants. He envisioned it sitting in Sunrise Meadows park -- the neighborhood where the Roper home had been.
So far, Zebley has the plans and approvals in place.
"I still need to check with the city [of Saratoga Springs] about specs for side walk depth, et cetera, but plans are coming along," said Zebley. "Now I am searching in earnest for funds."
Zebley says estimates for the monument are about $15,000, but he is hoping for in-kind service donations to help lower that cost. "I have a concrete and excavator who have committed to helping," he said. "Helping with the service cuts cost quite a bit."
Another donor is Trey's father, John Zebley. He is a local artist who has designed the statue for the moment. "It just needs to be cast. It will be about $1,500," said the younger Zebley. The statue concept was taking from a poster for the 5k fund-raiser run last year, and depicts a mother and daughter at play.
Zebley says that volunteers have donated more than 200 hours so far to the project. Anyone interested in contributing time or funds is encouraged to contact him. Zebley can be emailed at
bronze@johnzebley.com
and donation checks can made out to John Zebley and sent to 8343 Sagehill Dr. Saratoga Springs, Ut 84045. "I am keeping a record of all donations for the project."
"I am still not finished, and an not giving up," said Zebley. "The concept has been well received by the neighbors and community. Donations are harder."
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Neighborhood Groups
I wanted to mention that the city council held a work meeting last night to discuss the formation of neighborhood groups. This is something that I have been trying to help get started in the city since I first ran for City Council. We had some great discussion regarding the purpose, role and potential for these groups. The key concept with these groups is to find another avenue to communicate more effectively with the residents of our city. The general idea is to have one person from each area being a representative, with about 5 or 6 areas in the city. This individual would meet with the council and Mayor on a quarterly basis and to help bring issues to the attention of the council. This would also provide an avenue for the council to get information out to the residents in a particular. This would be especially helpful when an issue comes up that relates to a certain area. This individual would be responsible for getting the word out to other residents in that area. Of course this would be in addition to our current process of posting the agenda and emailing it out to those that are currently on the city's email list. We discussed the possibility of having developers hold a meeting with the neighborhood group in the immediate area prior to coming before the planning commission and city council. The goal is to have the residents involved in the development process earlier. Although we didn't finalize the formation of these groups, we did make some progress in moving forward. Councilwoman Kelly has been given the assignment to research the codes of other cities that have similar programs. The goal of several of the council members is to get these groups up and running in the next few months.
Saratoga Springs Police car featured on cover of Police Magazine
I thought this was pretty cool. Chief Hicken emailed this to me. One of our police cars was featured on the cover of Police Magazine.
Man arrested in probe of Saratoga Springs child sex abuse, rape
PROVO — A man is in the Utah County Jail on $250,000 cash-only bail after being arrested for investigation of aggravated kidnapping and rape of a child.
A father went to police Friday to report that he believed his 12-year-old daughter had been sexually assaulted by a distant relative, according to an affidavit of probable cause filed in 4th District Court.
The girl told police that she was taken to the man's house in Saratoga Springs and that he began rubbing her genital area, according to the affidavit. The girl said "no" many times, and asked the man to stop, according to the affidavit.
The man then allegedly pulled down his pants and forced himself on the young girl, according to the affidavit.
The man was booked into the Utah County Jail for investigation of aggravated kidnapping, rape of a child and forcible sex abuse.
He will be in court again Tuesday, and is ordered to have no contact directly or indirectly with the alleged victim.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Saratoga man arrested for child rape
Saratoga Springs man arrested for child rape
May 6th, 2008 @ 6:46pm
Randall Jeppesen reporting
A Saratoga Springs man was arrested last night for kidnapping and rape of a child.
At this point police aren't saying much other than the victim was held for a time in a home against her will.
"We're trying to talk with the victim, do some follow-up interviews, then see if this spreads out at all," said Cpl. Aaron Rosen, with the Saratoga Springs Police Department.
Rosen says they used a tactical team to arrest the man last night at his residence.
He was booked for aggravated kidnapping, forcible sexual abuse and rape of a child. Court documents show the victim was a 12-year-old female relative of the man.
May 6th, 2008 @ 6:46pm
Randall Jeppesen reporting
A Saratoga Springs man was arrested last night for kidnapping and rape of a child.
At this point police aren't saying much other than the victim was held for a time in a home against her will.
"We're trying to talk with the victim, do some follow-up interviews, then see if this spreads out at all," said Cpl. Aaron Rosen, with the Saratoga Springs Police Department.
Rosen says they used a tactical team to arrest the man last night at his residence.
He was booked for aggravated kidnapping, forcible sexual abuse and rape of a child. Court documents show the victim was a 12-year-old female relative of the man.
Wasatch Front Mayors trying to clean up the Jordan River
What do you get when you put 16 mayors in a canoe? It sounds like the start of a joke, but it actually marks the start of a very serious project to clean up the Jordan River.
Mayors from Saratoga Springs to North Salt Lake came together today for the canoe trip. But it wasn't all about fun and games. They want to change the Jordan River's bad reputation, and they're asking for the public's help.
The preparations were that of a normal river run, but this group is unique. Leaders from more than a dozen cities and counties along the Wasatch Front gathered with one major thing in common. "Unfortunately, in the past it's been neglected," said Murray City Mayor Daniel Snarr.
"We're putting a lot of money and time into it. It's a high priority with the city," said South Jordan City Councilwoman Aleta Taylor.
The purpose of the trip is to gather support and input regarding efforts to clean up the Jordan River.
Flowing from Utah Lake to the Great Salt Lake, some areas are known for wildlife and recreation, but other parts are not.
Area resident Angela Trinite said, "[There's] lot's of graffiti down that way; lots of litter."
Raw sewage, garbage and dumping are also a part of the river's history. Environmental groups say neighborhood leaders have been talking about cleaning up the river for 30 years. They're also hoping the public gets involved.
"We've had a difficult time bringing all the necessary parties together and creating a comprehensive management plan for the river," said Jeff Salt, with the Great Salt Lake Keeper organization. "Without the input, then it's going to be the same old cities' government agencies fighting, not really getting anywhere; and then developers just come in and take what they want."
But the mayors say this time it's different. They're committed. "It will take many years to put it back to what it once was," Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon said.
It all starts with this trip down the river.
The public meetings for what is being called "Blueprint Jordan River" start tomorrow at Sandy City Hall. For detailed times and locations for those meetings, click the related link.
Mayors from Saratoga Springs to North Salt Lake came together today for the canoe trip. But it wasn't all about fun and games. They want to change the Jordan River's bad reputation, and they're asking for the public's help.
The preparations were that of a normal river run, but this group is unique. Leaders from more than a dozen cities and counties along the Wasatch Front gathered with one major thing in common. "Unfortunately, in the past it's been neglected," said Murray City Mayor Daniel Snarr.
"We're putting a lot of money and time into it. It's a high priority with the city," said South Jordan City Councilwoman Aleta Taylor.
The purpose of the trip is to gather support and input regarding efforts to clean up the Jordan River.
Flowing from Utah Lake to the Great Salt Lake, some areas are known for wildlife and recreation, but other parts are not.
Area resident Angela Trinite said, "[There's] lot's of graffiti down that way; lots of litter."
Raw sewage, garbage and dumping are also a part of the river's history. Environmental groups say neighborhood leaders have been talking about cleaning up the river for 30 years. They're also hoping the public gets involved.
"We've had a difficult time bringing all the necessary parties together and creating a comprehensive management plan for the river," said Jeff Salt, with the Great Salt Lake Keeper organization. "Without the input, then it's going to be the same old cities' government agencies fighting, not really getting anywhere; and then developers just come in and take what they want."
But the mayors say this time it's different. They're committed. "It will take many years to put it back to what it once was," Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon said.
It all starts with this trip down the river.
The public meetings for what is being called "Blueprint Jordan River" start tomorrow at Sandy City Hall. For detailed times and locations for those meetings, click the related link.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Freeway likely to be built in pieces (Mountain View Corridor)
The proposed
"It makes sense for us to do those [segments] first so we don't lose out on the donation," project manager Teri Newell said.
The result likely will be several stretches of freeway stopping and starting between a number of major intersections by 2015, Newell said. But the Utah Department of Transportation will engineer those segments to handle traffic individually until they can be linked to the full 40-mile freeway, she said.
"Whatever we build, we want to make usable right away," she said.
The donated land bookends a 10-mile stretch of the freeway in southwestern
"I was just trying to give a reality check that we don't have enough money to build the entire 10 miles,'' Newell said after the meeting.
At the same meeting, commissioners added $3 million to the environmental permitting process in hopes that UDOT can finish its studies and get approval for construction by the end of the year.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Eagle Mountain Signs on its First Grocery Store
Eagle Mountain signs on its first grocery store
Caleb Warnock - DAILY HERALD
A spunky bet by Eagle Mountain leaders paid off in a big way on Thursday when the city announced its first large-scale grocery store. Associated Foods will begin construction of a $9 million, 50,000-square-foot store in August, slated to open in spring 2009. The store will be located on the north side of State Road 73 at Ranches Parkway.
Called Coop's Market, the store will be the first of that moniker, said Steve Miner, president of Market Development Inc., the real estate arm of Associated Foods. The name Coop's Market is a derivative of Phillip Cooper, who is president of CWC Inc., a new independent grocery store operator in Utah.
When it opens, Coop's will be what Miner called a superstore, and will include a bakery, deli, butcher's counter, indoor pharmacy, drive-up pharmacy and organics.
In addition, another 50,000 square feet of smaller stores will be built around the grocery store, and tenants in those spaces are likely to include financial services, sit-down and fast food restaurants, pizza, dry cleaners and similar businesses, Miner said. The grocery store alone is expected to employ 125 full-time and part-time workers.
That the grocery store, which Jackson said could add hundreds of thousands of dollars a year to city tax coffers, ended up in Eagle Mountain was no accident.
Eagle Mountain had watched as Saratoga Springs, with is prime retail location at the crossroads of Redwood Road and Lehi Main Street, garnered a major grocery store, followed by a series of smaller businesses and now a Wal-Mart.
As all this happened, Eagle Mountain, just a few miles up the road, had no major offers. Many planners said the city was simply too small to attract large businesses.
The city did not listen. City leaders decided to woo Associated Foods, working to convince the company that a grocery store here would be a success. It took time, and the city is still finalizing a package of financial incentives, but Thursday's announcement is the most outward sign that Eagle Mountain's hubris paid off.
"We had to work that much harder to get development going," said Jackson when asked about the city's work to win the grocery store. "We have a lot of courage. One thing I think is so great is that we have really a younger population. I think we see things through different eyes and we are willing to dream big and go after it. We don't see ourselves as the little guy who is going to wait."
Even as Wal-Mart is built down the road, Eagle Mountain could not afford to wait until later to begin to develop, said Miner, who noted that Associated Foods was drawn to the area in part because there are more than 20,000 people living west of Redwood Road.
"This [store] is critical for people that live in Eagle Mountain and Cedar Valley because it will bring not only services and jobs but a critically important tax base to the city, county and school district," Miner said.
The new store in Eagle Mountain is prepared to do battle against Wal-Mart, and is banking in part on the loyalty of the Cedar Valley community. "I can tell you with confidence that although Wal-Mart plays an important role in society and the community, people want choices," he said. "This feels like the door just opened," Jackson said. "We really hope to have several announcements [of more stores opening] through the next year."
Caleb Warnock - DAILY HERALD
A spunky bet by Eagle Mountain leaders paid off in a big way on Thursday when the city announced its first large-scale grocery store. Associated Foods will begin construction of a $9 million, 50,000-square-foot store in August, slated to open in spring 2009. The store will be located on the north side of State Road 73 at Ranches Parkway.
Called Coop's Market, the store will be the first of that moniker, said Steve Miner, president of Market Development Inc., the real estate arm of Associated Foods. The name Coop's Market is a derivative of Phillip Cooper, who is president of CWC Inc., a new independent grocery store operator in Utah.
When it opens, Coop's will be what Miner called a superstore, and will include a bakery, deli, butcher's counter, indoor pharmacy, drive-up pharmacy and organics.
In addition, another 50,000 square feet of smaller stores will be built around the grocery store, and tenants in those spaces are likely to include financial services, sit-down and fast food restaurants, pizza, dry cleaners and similar businesses, Miner said. The grocery store alone is expected to employ 125 full-time and part-time workers.
That the grocery store, which Jackson said could add hundreds of thousands of dollars a year to city tax coffers, ended up in Eagle Mountain was no accident.
Eagle Mountain had watched as Saratoga Springs, with is prime retail location at the crossroads of Redwood Road and Lehi Main Street, garnered a major grocery store, followed by a series of smaller businesses and now a Wal-Mart.
As all this happened, Eagle Mountain, just a few miles up the road, had no major offers. Many planners said the city was simply too small to attract large businesses.
The city did not listen. City leaders decided to woo Associated Foods, working to convince the company that a grocery store here would be a success. It took time, and the city is still finalizing a package of financial incentives, but Thursday's announcement is the most outward sign that Eagle Mountain's hubris paid off.
"We had to work that much harder to get development going," said Jackson when asked about the city's work to win the grocery store. "We have a lot of courage. One thing I think is so great is that we have really a younger population. I think we see things through different eyes and we are willing to dream big and go after it. We don't see ourselves as the little guy who is going to wait."
Even as Wal-Mart is built down the road, Eagle Mountain could not afford to wait until later to begin to develop, said Miner, who noted that Associated Foods was drawn to the area in part because there are more than 20,000 people living west of Redwood Road.
"This [store] is critical for people that live in Eagle Mountain and Cedar Valley because it will bring not only services and jobs but a critically important tax base to the city, county and school district," Miner said.
The new store in Eagle Mountain is prepared to do battle against Wal-Mart, and is banking in part on the loyalty of the Cedar Valley community. "I can tell you with confidence that although Wal-Mart plays an important role in society and the community, people want choices," he said. "This feels like the door just opened," Jackson said. "We really hope to have several announcements [of more stores opening] through the next year."
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Silver Star Day in Saratoga Springs
Silver Star Day -- Saratoga Springs Mayor and City Council proclaimed today as Silver Star Day.
"The Silver Star Families of America was formed to make sure we remembered the blood sacrifice of our wounded by designing and manufacturing Silver Star Banners," said Parker.
Thousands of banners have been given to wounded soldiers and their families across the county. They are designed to be hung in a window or on the outside of a military family home.
The Silver Star Families of America also provides such services as care packages and a Yahoo message board as a safe place for families to talk and pass along vital information. More details are available at www.silverstarfamilies.org.
Parker acknowledged he could make the proclamation without the City Council, but wanted to give them opportunity to lend their support as well. The Council agreed unanimously.
"Sometimes individuals bear the wounds on into life after service, so I appreciate this organization giving us the opportunity to honor and support them," Parker said.
"The Silver Star Families of America was formed to make sure we remembered the blood sacrifice of our wounded by designing and manufacturing Silver Star Banners," said Parker.
Thousands of banners have been given to wounded soldiers and their families across the county. They are designed to be hung in a window or on the outside of a military family home.
The Silver Star Families of America also provides such services as care packages and a Yahoo message board as a safe place for families to talk and pass along vital information. More details are available at www.silverstarfamilies.org.
Parker acknowledged he could make the proclamation without the City Council, but wanted to give them opportunity to lend their support as well. The Council agreed unanimously.
"Sometimes individuals bear the wounds on into life after service, so I appreciate this organization giving us the opportunity to honor and support them," Parker said.
Saratoga Springs Outreach Meeting in Harvest Hills
Saratoga Outreach Meeting to take place May 20 -- Following in the successful pattern from last year, the Saratoga Springs city officials and staff are planning five new Neighborhood Outreach meetings for this summer and fall.
The first will take place May 20 at the Harvest Hills Elementary School. "This will be an open house format," explained Ken Leetham, Saratoga Spring city manager. "Citizens will be able to walk to different stations and have their questions answered. We will have staff from all departments in attendance."
"The real value of that format is that residents and general public can informally approach city staff and elected officials to be able to, in a comfortable atmosphere, get to know the city and its services," said Leetham. "We think that is a better format. It is fairly intimidating to come to a Council meeting, and approach the Council and the microphone. It is a scary thing for some. We want to be approachable to everyone."
Mia Love, City Council member, agreed. "I really, really like that approach. Just sitting there having people talk back and forth. You can field a lot more questions, easier, and a lot less formal. I think that is a really, really good way."
"We had three terrific meetings last year and we learned a lot," said Leetham. "As we got to the third, we had a lot of citizen participation."
Saratoga Springs is also planning public open houses for the third Tuesdays in June, July, August and September. For details on times or locations, residents are encouraged to see the city's web site at www.saratoga-springs.net, or call 801-766-9793.
The first will take place May 20 at the Harvest Hills Elementary School. "This will be an open house format," explained Ken Leetham, Saratoga Spring city manager. "Citizens will be able to walk to different stations and have their questions answered. We will have staff from all departments in attendance."
"The real value of that format is that residents and general public can informally approach city staff and elected officials to be able to, in a comfortable atmosphere, get to know the city and its services," said Leetham. "We think that is a better format. It is fairly intimidating to come to a Council meeting, and approach the Council and the microphone. It is a scary thing for some. We want to be approachable to everyone."
Mia Love, City Council member, agreed. "I really, really like that approach. Just sitting there having people talk back and forth. You can field a lot more questions, easier, and a lot less formal. I think that is a really, really good way."
"We had three terrific meetings last year and we learned a lot," said Leetham. "As we got to the third, we had a lot of citizen participation."
Saratoga Springs is also planning public open houses for the third Tuesdays in June, July, August and September. For details on times or locations, residents are encouraged to see the city's web site at www.saratoga-springs.net, or call 801-766-9793.
IHC Land Rezoned but with Restrictions
Lance Madigan - NORTH COUNTY STAFF
Intermountain Healthcare and the city of Saratoga Springs both got what they wanted Tuesday night after a lengthy rezoning debate. A 30-acre parcel just west of the new Wal-Mart site currently spans three different building zones. Intermountain Healthcare wanted their entire property rezoned so they could build a health clinic now and possibly add a community hospital in the future.
The City Council, however, had the same issues the Planning Commission voiced last week over changing the entire property. "If in the future you are not the owner, someone else could build just about anything," said Denise Kelly of the City Council.
"We understand the concerns the City Council has expressed," said Scott Roberson, Intermountain Healthcare group operations manager. "We take our responsibility very seriously to develop property that is esthetically pleasing to the surrounding community. We want to build a clinic there to service the needs of the community. We think we might be interested in building a hospital there in the future."
The "might" was the rub.
Roberson said that while in all likelihood a hospital would be built, there was no way to guarantee to the City Council when or even if it would happen. Economical development, market forces, and health trends could all work to make the potential hospital open its doors sooner, or could exclude it from ever being built.
The Council agreed, and feared that if they zoned the entire property regional commercial, the "buffer zone" that was created in the city master plan would be completely removed.
"If we can't have assurance now to use the property as we plan, we would likely sell it and build our facilities elsewhere," Roberson said.
A compromise was eventually reached, where the City Council rezoned the entire property as Intermountain Healthcare requested. Intermountain agreed to include a condition in their master development plan that if they were to decide to sell, they would notify the city first.
"The property has been rezoned to Regional Commercial by the City Council with the understanding that a Development Agreement will be finalized prior to issuance of a building permit for the proposed clinic," said Sarah Carroll, Saratoga Springs senior planner.
Development of the clinic will begin as soon that agreement is put together and approved by both groups. The proposed clinic would be approximately 9,500 square feet in size and house the current Instacare that is located just up the street.
It would also provide additional space for other family practice offices as well as limited labs and radiology-type services.
Intermountain Healthcare and the city of Saratoga Springs both got what they wanted Tuesday night after a lengthy rezoning debate. A 30-acre parcel just west of the new Wal-Mart site currently spans three different building zones. Intermountain Healthcare wanted their entire property rezoned so they could build a health clinic now and possibly add a community hospital in the future.
The City Council, however, had the same issues the Planning Commission voiced last week over changing the entire property. "If in the future you are not the owner, someone else could build just about anything," said Denise Kelly of the City Council.
"We understand the concerns the City Council has expressed," said Scott Roberson, Intermountain Healthcare group operations manager. "We take our responsibility very seriously to develop property that is esthetically pleasing to the surrounding community. We want to build a clinic there to service the needs of the community. We think we might be interested in building a hospital there in the future."
The "might" was the rub.
Roberson said that while in all likelihood a hospital would be built, there was no way to guarantee to the City Council when or even if it would happen. Economical development, market forces, and health trends could all work to make the potential hospital open its doors sooner, or could exclude it from ever being built.
The Council agreed, and feared that if they zoned the entire property regional commercial, the "buffer zone" that was created in the city master plan would be completely removed.
"If we can't have assurance now to use the property as we plan, we would likely sell it and build our facilities elsewhere," Roberson said.
A compromise was eventually reached, where the City Council rezoned the entire property as Intermountain Healthcare requested. Intermountain agreed to include a condition in their master development plan that if they were to decide to sell, they would notify the city first.
"The property has been rezoned to Regional Commercial by the City Council with the understanding that a Development Agreement will be finalized prior to issuance of a building permit for the proposed clinic," said Sarah Carroll, Saratoga Springs senior planner.
Development of the clinic will begin as soon that agreement is put together and approved by both groups. The proposed clinic would be approximately 9,500 square feet in size and house the current Instacare that is located just up the street.
It would also provide additional space for other family practice offices as well as limited labs and radiology-type services.
First Arbor Day Tree Planted in Saratoga Springs
Lance Madigan - NORTH COUNTY STAFF
While it was hard to tell it was spring from the cold, biting wind, that didn't stop Saratoga Springs city staff and Boy Scout Troop 1015 from planting the first official Arbor Day tree last Saturday. Bud Poduska, Saratoga Springs City Council member, represented Mayor Timothy Parker who couldn't attend. Brent Call of the City Council also attended, along with other city staff and residents.
"In 1872, J. Sterling Morton proposed to the Nebraska Board of Agriculture that a special day be set aside for the planting of trees," said Poduska. "The holiday called Arbor Day was first observed with the planting of more than a million trees in Nebraska." At the time, Nebraska was a treeless plain. Poduska said that over a thousand students helped in planting those first trees, and a school class was given the assignment to care and nurture the trees until they were well established. Arbor Day is now observed throughout the nation and the world.
Reading from the proclamation, Poduska said that trees can reduce erosion of topsoil by wind and water, clean the air, produce oxygen, and provide habitat for wildlife. The can also help moderate temperature, reduce cooling costs, increase property values, and beautify the community. "Trees, wherever they are planted, are a source of joy and spiritual renewal."
Saratoga Springs planted three London Plain trees in the Marina Park.
"The city is still young," said Rick Kennington, Saratoga parks supervisor. "We are still trying to find out what grows best here." Kennington said that London Plains have done well in other parts of the city. "They are not the fastest growing, but they aren't the slowest either." The trees could grow to be as large as 50 feet tall and 45 feet in diameter.
Besides the trees, Kennington also placed a granite monument in the park noting the first Arbor Day Tree.
Ken Leetham, city manager, and Kennington said the city hopes to continue the tradition and plant more trees in the future.
While it was hard to tell it was spring from the cold, biting wind, that didn't stop Saratoga Springs city staff and Boy Scout Troop 1015 from planting the first official Arbor Day tree last Saturday. Bud Poduska, Saratoga Springs City Council member, represented Mayor Timothy Parker who couldn't attend. Brent Call of the City Council also attended, along with other city staff and residents.
"In 1872, J. Sterling Morton proposed to the Nebraska Board of Agriculture that a special day be set aside for the planting of trees," said Poduska. "The holiday called Arbor Day was first observed with the planting of more than a million trees in Nebraska." At the time, Nebraska was a treeless plain. Poduska said that over a thousand students helped in planting those first trees, and a school class was given the assignment to care and nurture the trees until they were well established. Arbor Day is now observed throughout the nation and the world.
Reading from the proclamation, Poduska said that trees can reduce erosion of topsoil by wind and water, clean the air, produce oxygen, and provide habitat for wildlife. The can also help moderate temperature, reduce cooling costs, increase property values, and beautify the community. "Trees, wherever they are planted, are a source of joy and spiritual renewal."
Saratoga Springs planted three London Plain trees in the Marina Park.
"The city is still young," said Rick Kennington, Saratoga parks supervisor. "We are still trying to find out what grows best here." Kennington said that London Plains have done well in other parts of the city. "They are not the fastest growing, but they aren't the slowest either." The trees could grow to be as large as 50 feet tall and 45 feet in diameter.
Besides the trees, Kennington also placed a granite monument in the park noting the first Arbor Day Tree.
Ken Leetham, city manager, and Kennington said the city hopes to continue the tradition and plant more trees in the future.
North County Dispatch Center in the Works
Lance Madigan - NORTH COUNTY STAFF
Imagine calling 9-1-1 in an emergency, and the operator tells you that help is on the way. Except the public safety radio system is so loaded down with other emergency calls that the dispatch center can't contact the police or fire agency to get you the help you need. This almost happened during the snow storm in February, said Saratoga Springs Police Chief Gary Hicken at the April 22 City Council meeting.
Other recent events -- including the recent pile-up in southern Utah County -- have pushed the current system almost past its limit.
"There is too much to try and run it all out of the county system," said Hicken.
All public safety radio traffic goes through the Utah Communications Agency Networks (or UCAN). When dispatch or an officer uses a radio, they bounce off UCAN "repeaters" that pass the signal along. If too many people are all using the same repeater at once, public safety personnel can literally get a busy signal.
"We call it being 'bonked,'" said Hicken. "You hit your transmitter, and it just goes 'bonk' and doesn't connect."
Currently, all police, fire or ambulance calls go through the Utah County dispatch center in Spanish Fork except for Springville, Orem, Provo, and Pleasant Grove. Those cities have their own individual dispatch centers. The proposed North County Dispatch service would cover everything north of Orem.
"The first step is to form a special service district," said Hicken. He explained it would be run by a governing board with representatives from the cities, public safety, and the county.
Besides taking an ever increasing amount of traffic off the current system, he said it could also be used as a back-up to the current dispatch center. Hicken explained the current center would continue to operate and serve the southern end of the county.
There are economical reasons for the move as well. Recently, the Utah County Commissioners voted to increase the cost per calls charged to the cities. "It was $9.50 a year a half ago," said Hicken. "If we don't do anything, it will be $23.25 next January."
In a recent interview for the Lehi Free Press, Lehi Assistant City Administrator Ron Foggin said, "Putting this together as a group is much more economical. If you can do it for less than $25, and do it by yourself, wouldn't you do it?"
Hicken told the Saratoga Springs City Council he felt the center would be more economical to run than to continue with the Utah County Dispatch Center. "I am not suggesting [they have] unreasonable costs. We would just have more input in policies."
Hicken also feels that it would be easier for city budgeting as well if costs were broken down some other way other than charged by call. He said it could be a percentage of total costs, based on a city's population or their historic volume of calls. That way, it would be a set amount. When they are charged for every call, they never know what the fee will be at the end of the month.
The Saratoga Springs City Council approved the move last Tuesday. Lehi City also approved of going ahead with plans.
"I believe our next step is to have the involved City Councils approve the funding to recruit and hire a North County Dispatch director and begin the process to build a North County Dispatch Center," said Hicken. "We can put it on the ballet in November and let the citizens decide if they want to fund it."
Imagine calling 9-1-1 in an emergency, and the operator tells you that help is on the way. Except the public safety radio system is so loaded down with other emergency calls that the dispatch center can't contact the police or fire agency to get you the help you need. This almost happened during the snow storm in February, said Saratoga Springs Police Chief Gary Hicken at the April 22 City Council meeting.
Other recent events -- including the recent pile-up in southern Utah County -- have pushed the current system almost past its limit.
"There is too much to try and run it all out of the county system," said Hicken.
All public safety radio traffic goes through the Utah Communications Agency Networks (or UCAN). When dispatch or an officer uses a radio, they bounce off UCAN "repeaters" that pass the signal along. If too many people are all using the same repeater at once, public safety personnel can literally get a busy signal.
"We call it being 'bonked,'" said Hicken. "You hit your transmitter, and it just goes 'bonk' and doesn't connect."
Currently, all police, fire or ambulance calls go through the Utah County dispatch center in Spanish Fork except for Springville, Orem, Provo, and Pleasant Grove. Those cities have their own individual dispatch centers. The proposed North County Dispatch service would cover everything north of Orem.
"The first step is to form a special service district," said Hicken. He explained it would be run by a governing board with representatives from the cities, public safety, and the county.
Besides taking an ever increasing amount of traffic off the current system, he said it could also be used as a back-up to the current dispatch center. Hicken explained the current center would continue to operate and serve the southern end of the county.
There are economical reasons for the move as well. Recently, the Utah County Commissioners voted to increase the cost per calls charged to the cities. "It was $9.50 a year a half ago," said Hicken. "If we don't do anything, it will be $23.25 next January."
In a recent interview for the Lehi Free Press, Lehi Assistant City Administrator Ron Foggin said, "Putting this together as a group is much more economical. If you can do it for less than $25, and do it by yourself, wouldn't you do it?"
Hicken told the Saratoga Springs City Council he felt the center would be more economical to run than to continue with the Utah County Dispatch Center. "I am not suggesting [they have] unreasonable costs. We would just have more input in policies."
Hicken also feels that it would be easier for city budgeting as well if costs were broken down some other way other than charged by call. He said it could be a percentage of total costs, based on a city's population or their historic volume of calls. That way, it would be a set amount. When they are charged for every call, they never know what the fee will be at the end of the month.
The Saratoga Springs City Council approved the move last Tuesday. Lehi City also approved of going ahead with plans.
"I believe our next step is to have the involved City Councils approve the funding to recruit and hire a North County Dispatch director and begin the process to build a North County Dispatch Center," said Hicken. "We can put it on the ballet in November and let the citizens decide if they want to fund it."
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