"My fellow Americans: Over 350 years ago, a small band of Pilgrims, after gathering in their first harvest at Plymouth Colony, invited their friends and neighbors, who were Indians, to join them in a feast of thanksgiving. Together they sat around their bountiful table and bowed their heads in gratitude to the Lord for all that He had bestowed upon them. This week, so many years later, we, too, will gather with family and friends and, after saying grace, carve up a turkey, pass around the cranberries and dressing, and later share slices of pumpkin pie. We Americans have so much for which to be thankful. ... We will give thanks for these and one thing more: our freedom. Yes, in America, freedom seems like the air around us: It's there; it's sweet, though we rarely give it a thought. Yet as the air fills our lungs, freedom fills our souls. It gives breath to our laughter and joy. It gives voice to our songs. It gives us strength as we race for our dreams. ... Yes, as we gather together this Thanksgiving to ask the Lord's blessings, as we of whatever faith we are give praises to His name, let us thank Him for our peace, prosperity, and freedom. Happy Thanksgiving!"
--Ronald Reagan
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Obama plan could quickly revive I-15, Mountain View freeway projects
Obama plan could quickly revive I-15, Mountain View freeway projects
By Brandon Loomis
The Salt Lake Tribune
Salt Lake Tribune
Updated:11/26/2008 06:46:40 AM MST
Interstate 15 and the Mountain View freeway could get a federal lift out of the budget ditch.
The massive economic "jump-start" advocated by President-elect Barack Obama could recharge those projects and others in Utah that went dark last week.
Officials in Washington and Salt Lake City agree that Utah is unusually prepared to capitalize on an envisioned stimulus plan that would pour hundreds of billions of dollars into roads and bridges. The state stalled major planned projects -- including Interstate 15 reconstruction in Utah County -- because of plunging sales taxes, but not before securing environmental permits that could make its roads a ready recipient of federal funds.
"We can turn the switch on very quickly," Utah Department of Transportation deputy director Carlos Braceras said Tuesday.
UDOT last week shelved all projects not currently under contract, a list adding up to $3.9 billion. Among them are the I-15 rebuild in Utah County and a start to the Mountain View freeway in western Salt Lake County.
Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, said an infusion of federal road dollars probably would reach the Beehive State.
"To the extent that there are projects that are ready to go -- for example I-15 in Utah County -- clearly they are well-positioned to hit the ground running," he said. Infrastructure generally is a good government investment, he added, because "it's how we compete with the rest of the world."
"Utah is ahead of most states in having projects that are ready," said Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah, who met Tuesday with Weber County commissioners and mayors.
Matheson and Bennett cautioned that there are scant details about a stimulus package. Matheson said he would need to review the details, including whether highway work would be paid through open-ended deficits, before deciding how to vote.
Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, also withheld judgment on the stimulus plan. "Support for another stimulus package may hinge on how fiscally sound it is and whether it can meet the demands of the House to offset the cost," Hatch said in an e-mailed response.
Obama told reporters at a Chicago news conference Tuesday that he would reduce budget deficits, but only after a quick emergency jolt to the economy.
The Associated Press estimated his plan at between $500 billion and $700 billion.
"We're more confident than we've ever been that we will see something for infrastructure pretty quickly with the new administration," UDOT's Braceras said.
If Congress grants Utah as much as the $2.6 billion needed to rebuild and widen I-15 in the state's second-most-populous county, it could even mean an expedited schedule for that project.
Mindful that road projects take notoriously long to inject wages into the economy, congressional staffers are asking states which roads and bridges they can start building within three months of a stimulus plan's passage, Braceras said.
Originally, UDOT hadn't planned to start I-15 work until late 2009. It could move up, Braceras said, as could Mountain View. If Congress requires a local match, he said, UDOT could find it -- even if it meant siphoning from other current road projects. Getting the federal match would be worth that.
Without federal aid, the state must decide whether restarting I-15 and other projects is worth a rare gas tax or other revenue hike. Lawmakers last week said they would consider such options in the upcoming legislative session.
By Brandon Loomis
The Salt Lake Tribune
Salt Lake Tribune
Updated:11/26/2008 06:46:40 AM MST
Interstate 15 and the Mountain View freeway could get a federal lift out of the budget ditch.
The massive economic "jump-start" advocated by President-elect Barack Obama could recharge those projects and others in Utah that went dark last week.
Officials in Washington and Salt Lake City agree that Utah is unusually prepared to capitalize on an envisioned stimulus plan that would pour hundreds of billions of dollars into roads and bridges. The state stalled major planned projects -- including Interstate 15 reconstruction in Utah County -- because of plunging sales taxes, but not before securing environmental permits that could make its roads a ready recipient of federal funds.
"We can turn the switch on very quickly," Utah Department of Transportation deputy director Carlos Braceras said Tuesday.
UDOT last week shelved all projects not currently under contract, a list adding up to $3.9 billion. Among them are the I-15 rebuild in Utah County and a start to the Mountain View freeway in western Salt Lake County.
Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, said an infusion of federal road dollars probably would reach the Beehive State.
"To the extent that there are projects that are ready to go -- for example I-15 in Utah County -- clearly they are well-positioned to hit the ground running," he said. Infrastructure generally is a good government investment, he added, because "it's how we compete with the rest of the world."
"Utah is ahead of most states in having projects that are ready," said Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah, who met Tuesday with Weber County commissioners and mayors.
Matheson and Bennett cautioned that there are scant details about a stimulus package. Matheson said he would need to review the details, including whether highway work would be paid through open-ended deficits, before deciding how to vote.
Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, also withheld judgment on the stimulus plan. "Support for another stimulus package may hinge on how fiscally sound it is and whether it can meet the demands of the House to offset the cost," Hatch said in an e-mailed response.
Obama told reporters at a Chicago news conference Tuesday that he would reduce budget deficits, but only after a quick emergency jolt to the economy.
The Associated Press estimated his plan at between $500 billion and $700 billion.
"We're more confident than we've ever been that we will see something for infrastructure pretty quickly with the new administration," UDOT's Braceras said.
If Congress grants Utah as much as the $2.6 billion needed to rebuild and widen I-15 in the state's second-most-populous county, it could even mean an expedited schedule for that project.
Mindful that road projects take notoriously long to inject wages into the economy, congressional staffers are asking states which roads and bridges they can start building within three months of a stimulus plan's passage, Braceras said.
Originally, UDOT hadn't planned to start I-15 work until late 2009. It could move up, Braceras said, as could Mountain View. If Congress requires a local match, he said, UDOT could find it -- even if it meant siphoning from other current road projects. Getting the federal match would be worth that.
Without federal aid, the state must decide whether restarting I-15 and other projects is worth a rare gas tax or other revenue hike. Lawmakers last week said they would consider such options in the upcoming legislative session.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Residents striving for self-sufficiency
Residents striving for self-sufficiency
North County Staff
Saratoga family to harness wind and solar power
Lance Madigan
Wind power is becoming more and more common as a source of clean energy throughout the state, and one resident in Saratoga Springs has received approval to join the bandwagon.
"I am in a position where I have a large enough lot; I would like to do this," said Joe Galloway. "I have been looking at it for several years. I also intend to put in some solar panels too."
Joe and Gloria Galloway submitted a request and received approval from the City Council on Nov. 11 to erect a wind turbine on their one-acre property. The turbine pole will stand 33 feet tall, and the 8- to 10-inch blades will extend another six feet.
Galloway said the turbine would generate 1.8 kilowatts of electricity when running at full power.
"It will probably produce a third or better of the electricity that the home will use in a year, based on the winds we get through here," he said.
Since electricity generated cannot be stored efficiently, the Galloway's will also be able to contribute to the system.
"Rocky Mountain Power by law is required to put in a special meter," said Galloway. "When [the turbine] is generating electricity, it can be sold back into the grid. So basically that meter turns backwards when we are pumping more electricity out then we are using. The excess is all utilized; it is not wasted."
The City Council not only unanimously approved the conditional-use permit, but also complimented the Galloways for their efforts.
"I am very much in favor of this," said Mayor Timothy Parker. "They won't let me put one in in my subdivision -- it is against CCNR's."
The mayor actually encouraged the Planning Department staff to start looking at regulations so conditional-use permits wouldn't be necessary.
"I am in favor of these types of things as well," added Denise Kelly, City Council member. "These are the wave of the future. We want to be careful of where they are placed, of course, but I would like to see the day when the city can offer incentives for this type of thing."
Galloway said he wasn't doing it for incentives or for cost-savings so much, since the unit would cost between $10,000-12,000 to install.
"I like to be as self-sufficient as I can. And with the economic situation the way that it is, and President-Elect Obama's several statements about breaking some of the coal companies that produce our electricity, that is a concern," said Galloway. "Also, because we are so isolated out here, if we do have a disaster, we are really isolated and cut off."
He said there would be some savings with selling excess power and harnessing his own energy, but his main interest isn't the savings.
"My interest is not so much in the savings as it is in the self-sufficiency and providing some other alternative for out here in case of disaster," he said.
Besides providing electricity in an emergency, Galloway explained that many individuals had wells to provide water.
"Council member Poduska lives about two miles from me to the north," he said. "People like him who are on a well, if they have no power, they have no water. By charging several batteries using the wind turbine, we can use a converter to pump up enough water to fill his tanks. ... And it is a good source of water to supply to the community in case of an emergency."
The only concerns raised were potential noise and the blocking of views. Currently, there is limited development around the Galloway's property so it could potentially obscure the view of one neighbor.
Galloway said he and the neighbor talked, and came to an understanding that when the subdivision is developed across the street on Redwood Road, views wouldn't be an issue anyway.
Galloway said they hoped to have the cement for the foundation put in this week, and unit raised and generating power within the next two weeks.
As for noise, Galloway said, "It isn't any louder than the wind blowing through the trees. There are no gears clanking around in this thing. The head is one large generator. You essentially have a rotor turning in a magnetic field."
North County Staff
Saratoga family to harness wind and solar power
Lance Madigan
Wind power is becoming more and more common as a source of clean energy throughout the state, and one resident in Saratoga Springs has received approval to join the bandwagon.
"I am in a position where I have a large enough lot; I would like to do this," said Joe Galloway. "I have been looking at it for several years. I also intend to put in some solar panels too."
Joe and Gloria Galloway submitted a request and received approval from the City Council on Nov. 11 to erect a wind turbine on their one-acre property. The turbine pole will stand 33 feet tall, and the 8- to 10-inch blades will extend another six feet.
Galloway said the turbine would generate 1.8 kilowatts of electricity when running at full power.
"It will probably produce a third or better of the electricity that the home will use in a year, based on the winds we get through here," he said.
Since electricity generated cannot be stored efficiently, the Galloway's will also be able to contribute to the system.
"Rocky Mountain Power by law is required to put in a special meter," said Galloway. "When [the turbine] is generating electricity, it can be sold back into the grid. So basically that meter turns backwards when we are pumping more electricity out then we are using. The excess is all utilized; it is not wasted."
The City Council not only unanimously approved the conditional-use permit, but also complimented the Galloways for their efforts.
"I am very much in favor of this," said Mayor Timothy Parker. "They won't let me put one in in my subdivision -- it is against CCNR's."
The mayor actually encouraged the Planning Department staff to start looking at regulations so conditional-use permits wouldn't be necessary.
"I am in favor of these types of things as well," added Denise Kelly, City Council member. "These are the wave of the future. We want to be careful of where they are placed, of course, but I would like to see the day when the city can offer incentives for this type of thing."
Galloway said he wasn't doing it for incentives or for cost-savings so much, since the unit would cost between $10,000-12,000 to install.
"I like to be as self-sufficient as I can. And with the economic situation the way that it is, and President-Elect Obama's several statements about breaking some of the coal companies that produce our electricity, that is a concern," said Galloway. "Also, because we are so isolated out here, if we do have a disaster, we are really isolated and cut off."
He said there would be some savings with selling excess power and harnessing his own energy, but his main interest isn't the savings.
"My interest is not so much in the savings as it is in the self-sufficiency and providing some other alternative for out here in case of disaster," he said.
Besides providing electricity in an emergency, Galloway explained that many individuals had wells to provide water.
"Council member Poduska lives about two miles from me to the north," he said. "People like him who are on a well, if they have no power, they have no water. By charging several batteries using the wind turbine, we can use a converter to pump up enough water to fill his tanks. ... And it is a good source of water to supply to the community in case of an emergency."
The only concerns raised were potential noise and the blocking of views. Currently, there is limited development around the Galloway's property so it could potentially obscure the view of one neighbor.
Galloway said he and the neighbor talked, and came to an understanding that when the subdivision is developed across the street on Redwood Road, views wouldn't be an issue anyway.
Galloway said they hoped to have the cement for the foundation put in this week, and unit raised and generating power within the next two weeks.
As for noise, Galloway said, "It isn't any louder than the wind blowing through the trees. There are no gears clanking around in this thing. The head is one large generator. You essentially have a rotor turning in a magnetic field."
Volunteers needed for Saratoga Splash
Volunteers needed --¬ The City of Saratoga Springs is inviting residents to get involved in their community with its city celebrations, particularly the annual Saratoga Splash event. Those interested in volunteering their organizational, marketing, people skills or who want more information can email council members Mia Love at mialove4cc@hotmail.com or Denise Kelly at denisek62@q.com. Thanks for your email. Mia and Denise were asked to get with the former civic events manager, Mandi Johnson, and put together Splash this year.¬ In light of our current economy, the elected officials opted to embrace a new philosophy with respect to civic events.¬ They want to pursue them by obtaining sponsors for events.¬ In the past, the city has subsidized all activities 100 percent.¬ The city has limited resources at this time -- declining building permit fees and minimal sales tax revenue due to the limited size of our commercial sector.¬ They are optimistic about the future, but they need have to make decisions based on what they know today, not what they hope will happen tomorrow.
¬ They are interested in finding volunteers that have fundraising experience, large event planning experience, or no experience but time and energy.¬ They are in the planning phase so these volunteers are the foundation of Splash.¬ Anyone interested should contact Denise at 362-4639.¬ We hope to get a group together very soon so that we can get going.¬ They are also welcome to contact Mia via e-mail through the city Web site.
¬ They are interested in finding volunteers that have fundraising experience, large event planning experience, or no experience but time and energy.¬ They are in the planning phase so these volunteers are the foundation of Splash.¬ Anyone interested should contact Denise at 362-4639.¬ We hope to get a group together very soon so that we can get going.¬ They are also welcome to contact Mia via e-mail through the city Web site.
$4 billion in roads projects on hold, including I-15 South
$4 billion in roads projects on hold, including I-15 South
Joe Pyrah - Daily Herald
State transportation officials have put the brakes on $4 billion worth of road projects, including the massive Interstate 15 reconstruction through Utah County.
Sales tax revenues have tanked in the deepening economic crisis, leaving the Department of Transportation with an unknown amount of money to work with, said Deputy Director Carlos Braceras.
"We have to make sure we don't paint the governor or legislators into a corner," he said. "We could have easily painted them into an awful corner by putting all this money out for construction."
Anything currently under contract will continue to get funding, but it will be up to Utah's 104 lawmakers to hammer out as-of-now postponed projects in the 2009 session.
"We're not going to build a project if we don't have money," said Sen. John Valentine, R-Orem, who led the push for last year's approval of the I-15 project.
The state slashed $35 million from the transportation budget earlier this year as part of a 3-percent across-the-board cut because of revenue shortfalls. And just this week, revenue projections show a decline of 7.3 percent.
Valentine said he suspects that number will be in the 11- to 12-percent range come January.
"It's serious," he said of the state's economic situation, though with the caveat that Utah seems to be doing better than most other states.
The I-15 project was slated to begin within the next year and would have added lanes and new bridges from Lehi Main Street to U.S. 6 in Spanish Fork. Lawmakers approved a $2.6 billion price tag in this year's general session that would have drawn on much of the state's bonding capacity for years.
Braceras said it is still UDOT's No. 1 concern.
"By putting these projects on hold, we're not saying we're canceling," said Braceras, who sees himself as an optimist. "Things turn around faster than most people believe."
Braceras said he and others made the decision to put the projects on hold over the past few days.
"Sometime over the last three days we've had a sense of where we needed to draw that line."
County Commissioner Steve White said the county would have liked to have been in on the talks instead of simply being informed about the decision. The county passed a sales tax increase this year for roads that are supposed to support I-15 reconstruction. Commissioners also recently got an advance on future taxes from the Utah Transit Authority for about $55 million total over the next three years to boost the building of roads that are needed as Interstate 15 alternatives.
Utah County projects on hold:
Interstate 15
SR-198: Spanish Fork Main Street, Fairgrounds to Arrowhead
Geneva Road: Provo Center Street/I-15 to Orem 1600 North
US-89 (State Street): Pleasant Grove Boulevard to 100 East
US-89 (State Street): 2000 North in Orem to Geneva Road
SR-265: University Parkway at 2230 North, Provo
SR-92: I-15 to Highland
Utah Valley Connector (Utah Lake study)
800 North to I-15 American Fork interchange (Vineyard)
East/West connection in Utah County (Mountain View Corridor)
Joe Pyrah - Daily Herald
State transportation officials have put the brakes on $4 billion worth of road projects, including the massive Interstate 15 reconstruction through Utah County.
Sales tax revenues have tanked in the deepening economic crisis, leaving the Department of Transportation with an unknown amount of money to work with, said Deputy Director Carlos Braceras.
"We have to make sure we don't paint the governor or legislators into a corner," he said. "We could have easily painted them into an awful corner by putting all this money out for construction."
Anything currently under contract will continue to get funding, but it will be up to Utah's 104 lawmakers to hammer out as-of-now postponed projects in the 2009 session.
"We're not going to build a project if we don't have money," said Sen. John Valentine, R-Orem, who led the push for last year's approval of the I-15 project.
The state slashed $35 million from the transportation budget earlier this year as part of a 3-percent across-the-board cut because of revenue shortfalls. And just this week, revenue projections show a decline of 7.3 percent.
Valentine said he suspects that number will be in the 11- to 12-percent range come January.
"It's serious," he said of the state's economic situation, though with the caveat that Utah seems to be doing better than most other states.
The I-15 project was slated to begin within the next year and would have added lanes and new bridges from Lehi Main Street to U.S. 6 in Spanish Fork. Lawmakers approved a $2.6 billion price tag in this year's general session that would have drawn on much of the state's bonding capacity for years.
Braceras said it is still UDOT's No. 1 concern.
"By putting these projects on hold, we're not saying we're canceling," said Braceras, who sees himself as an optimist. "Things turn around faster than most people believe."
Braceras said he and others made the decision to put the projects on hold over the past few days.
"Sometime over the last three days we've had a sense of where we needed to draw that line."
County Commissioner Steve White said the county would have liked to have been in on the talks instead of simply being informed about the decision. The county passed a sales tax increase this year for roads that are supposed to support I-15 reconstruction. Commissioners also recently got an advance on future taxes from the Utah Transit Authority for about $55 million total over the next three years to boost the building of roads that are needed as Interstate 15 alternatives.
Utah County projects on hold:
Interstate 15
SR-198: Spanish Fork Main Street, Fairgrounds to Arrowhead
Geneva Road: Provo Center Street/I-15 to Orem 1600 North
US-89 (State Street): Pleasant Grove Boulevard to 100 East
US-89 (State Street): 2000 North in Orem to Geneva Road
SR-265: University Parkway at 2230 North, Provo
SR-92: I-15 to Highland
Utah Valley Connector (Utah Lake study)
800 North to I-15 American Fork interchange (Vineyard)
East/West connection in Utah County (Mountain View Corridor)
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Money still a problem for Mountain View Corridor
Money still a problem for Mountain View Corridor
November 19th, 2008 @ 12:03pm
By Randall Jeppesen
UDOT has the green light to build the Mountain View Corridor, but it isn't going to come quickly.
After six years of working on plans and doing studies, UDOT finally has the thumbs up from the Federal Highway Administration to build the Mountain View Corridor, but there's still a major issue.
UDOT spokesman Nile Easton said, "It's a $3 billion project with about 10 percent of that funded."
With the funds they do have, Easton says they'll start building the road in Lehi from I-15 to Redwood Road next year, but the rest of the road from Utah County to I-80 will have to wait for more money. "[It will take] three different phases for the majority of the project for the next 25 years," Easton said.
The first phase of the road will have stoplights and raised intersection, but will be designed to later change into a freeway.
November 19th, 2008 @ 12:03pm
By Randall Jeppesen
UDOT has the green light to build the Mountain View Corridor, but it isn't going to come quickly.
After six years of working on plans and doing studies, UDOT finally has the thumbs up from the Federal Highway Administration to build the Mountain View Corridor, but there's still a major issue.
UDOT spokesman Nile Easton said, "It's a $3 billion project with about 10 percent of that funded."
With the funds they do have, Easton says they'll start building the road in Lehi from I-15 to Redwood Road next year, but the rest of the road from Utah County to I-80 will have to wait for more money. "[It will take] three different phases for the majority of the project for the next 25 years," Easton said.
The first phase of the road will have stoplights and raised intersection, but will be designed to later change into a freeway.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
No source pinpointed for Utah Lake PCBs
No source pinpointed for Utah Lake PCBs
November 18th, 2008 @ 12:55pm
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- Manmade chemical compounds known as PCBs are showing up in fish at Utah Lake, but it's still unclear where they're coming from.
The Utah Division of Water Quality had hoped to have some answers this fall from a study of the lake's bottom sediments. But the results released Tuesday didn't pinpoint one source.
State officials say levels of PCBs were relatively low in the sediments, meaning they likely aren't a key source for PCBs showing up in fish at the lake.
They say it's possible the PCBs aren't coming from a new source, but are simply being passed from one animal to another in the lake's food chain.
Meanwhile, a fish consumption advisory for catfish and carp caught at Utah Lake remains in effect.
November 18th, 2008 @ 12:55pm
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- Manmade chemical compounds known as PCBs are showing up in fish at Utah Lake, but it's still unclear where they're coming from.
The Utah Division of Water Quality had hoped to have some answers this fall from a study of the lake's bottom sediments. But the results released Tuesday didn't pinpoint one source.
State officials say levels of PCBs were relatively low in the sediments, meaning they likely aren't a key source for PCBs showing up in fish at the lake.
They say it's possible the PCBs aren't coming from a new source, but are simply being passed from one animal to another in the lake's food chain.
Meanwhile, a fish consumption advisory for catfish and carp caught at Utah Lake remains in effect.
Feds approve Mountain View freeway plan
Feds approve Mountain View freeway plan
Final approval » Utah still needs money for west-side route
By Brandon Loomis
The Salt Lake Tribune
Salt Lake Tribune
Article Launched:11/18/2008 12:32:15 PM MST
The Federal Highway Administration has approved Utah's plan for a Mountain View freeway through the western Salt Lake Valley and northern Utah County, the Utah Department of Transportation announced Tuesday.
The federal agency signed off on the state's environmental study and road plan, which won wide praise from environmentalists and health advocates for its inclusion of a parallel transit system and air-pollution filtration at nearby schools. If or when the Utah Legislature funds the $3 billion project, an eight-lane freeway will run along 5800 West from Interstate 80 in Salt Lake City to 2100 North in Lehi and a link from there to Interstate 15. The plan includes a bus rapid-transit system running on its own lanes down the middle of 5600 West.
"Five years of collaboration has resulted in a balanced solution of roadway, transit and trails that fits within the framework of the communities," UDOT project manager Teri Newell said in a written statement.
Final approval » Utah still needs money for west-side route
By Brandon Loomis
The Salt Lake Tribune
Salt Lake Tribune
Article Launched:11/18/2008 12:32:15 PM MST
The Federal Highway Administration has approved Utah's plan for a Mountain View freeway through the western Salt Lake Valley and northern Utah County, the Utah Department of Transportation announced Tuesday.
The federal agency signed off on the state's environmental study and road plan, which won wide praise from environmentalists and health advocates for its inclusion of a parallel transit system and air-pollution filtration at nearby schools. If or when the Utah Legislature funds the $3 billion project, an eight-lane freeway will run along 5800 West from Interstate 80 in Salt Lake City to 2100 North in Lehi and a link from there to Interstate 15. The plan includes a bus rapid-transit system running on its own lanes down the middle of 5600 West.
"Five years of collaboration has resulted in a balanced solution of roadway, transit and trails that fits within the framework of the communities," UDOT project manager Teri Newell said in a written statement.
Friday, November 14, 2008
City upgrades poles
I just wanted to add that the funds for this will come out of impact fees, not general funds.
City upgrades poles -- Saratoga Springs City Council voted Oct. 28 to upgrade traffic signal poles for the Four Corners intersection. UDOT will be replacing the poles as part of the Redwood Road improvements at a cost of $13,851 per pole. Saratoga Springs was given the opportunity to put in a more decorative pole, but needed to make that decision quickly before UDOT orders materials for the Redwood Road project.
The poles will include a base with the city logo, be painted black and include other decorative features. The upgrade would cost $4,100 more per pole, for a total of $16,400 to the city.
City upgrades poles -- Saratoga Springs City Council voted Oct. 28 to upgrade traffic signal poles for the Four Corners intersection. UDOT will be replacing the poles as part of the Redwood Road improvements at a cost of $13,851 per pole. Saratoga Springs was given the opportunity to put in a more decorative pole, but needed to make that decision quickly before UDOT orders materials for the Redwood Road project.
The poles will include a base with the city logo, be painted black and include other decorative features. The upgrade would cost $4,100 more per pole, for a total of $16,400 to the city.
Gateway area expanded
Gateway area expanded -- The City of Saratoga Springs expanded its Gateway Area to include 2,604 feet north and south along Redwood Road, and similar distance west on State Road 73.
City planning staff said the new definition would extend from Redwood Road all the way to the city boundary at the Jordan River along SR 73. The zone extends back from the street's center line for 600 feet on both sides.
As the entry to the city, the council supported the move at its meeting Oct. 28. The Gateway Area is subject to certain land use restrictions in its Regional Commercial Zone as identified in the city's building code, available at the Saratoga Springs City Offices.
City planning staff said the new definition would extend from Redwood Road all the way to the city boundary at the Jordan River along SR 73. The zone extends back from the street's center line for 600 feet on both sides.
As the entry to the city, the council supported the move at its meeting Oct. 28. The Gateway Area is subject to certain land use restrictions in its Regional Commercial Zone as identified in the city's building code, available at the Saratoga Springs City Offices.
Transportation Master Plan updated
Transportation Master Plan updated -- In an effort to keep ahead of growth rather than get stuck in grid lock, the Saratoga Springs Planning Department presented an updated Transportation Master Plan to the City Council for approval last week.
Many of the changes were in response to plans presented by UDOT on state projects planned within city limits such as the Mountainview Corridor.
For example, Saratoga Springs's original transportation plan for Lehi's south east-west connector was to have it join with SR 73 and come into Saratoga's Four Corners area. The connecting point has changed, now being aligned south of the Dalmore Meadows subdivision.
Bonneville Drive is another future project that was moved. Previously lower along Saratoga's west slope, city staff felt it better to move it right up to the unbuildable area on the side of the valley where it could also act as a brush fire and wildland buffer.
The new Transportation Master planned was unanimously approved by the Council. Residents interested in the plan are encouraged to visit the Saratoga Springs city offices during business hours.
Many of the changes were in response to plans presented by UDOT on state projects planned within city limits such as the Mountainview Corridor.
For example, Saratoga Springs's original transportation plan for Lehi's south east-west connector was to have it join with SR 73 and come into Saratoga's Four Corners area. The connecting point has changed, now being aligned south of the Dalmore Meadows subdivision.
Bonneville Drive is another future project that was moved. Previously lower along Saratoga's west slope, city staff felt it better to move it right up to the unbuildable area on the side of the valley where it could also act as a brush fire and wildland buffer.
The new Transportation Master planned was unanimously approved by the Council. Residents interested in the plan are encouraged to visit the Saratoga Springs city offices during business hours.
S. Springs teen driver settles case
S. Springs teen driver settles case
Daily Herald
A teenager charged with negligent homicide in an accident that killed a toddler has settled his case in juvenile court.
The 15-year-old, unlicensed and driving alone, struck Cooper Mardesich on Aug. 21. Cooper was riding his bike across the street at the intersection of Parkway Boulevard and Wagoneer Road in Saratoga Springs.
The driver's mother, Regina Tausinga, of Saratoga Springs, is charged with negligent homicide, not having insurance and permitting an unlicensed driver to operate a motor vehicle. The charges are all misdemeanors.
Gregory Skordas, an attorney representing the teenager, said the boy pleaded no contest Nov. 3 in an agreement with prosecutors. He was sentenced to 185 hours of community service and probation for an undetermined time. The teen's charges of driving without a license and driving without insurance were dropped.
Skordas said the case was sensible and the boy clearly should not have been driving. The family wanted their son to deal with the charges and move on.
"The family just didn't want to put the victims through anything at all," he said.
Skordas said the Mardesich family has been very supportive of the teen and he has never seen families work so well together as these have. Skordas said Regina Tausinga's case may or may not turn out as well, but he said everyone felt justice was served and the outcome was good.
"I think everyone felt very good about how the case was resolved," he said.
Daily Herald
A teenager charged with negligent homicide in an accident that killed a toddler has settled his case in juvenile court.
The 15-year-old, unlicensed and driving alone, struck Cooper Mardesich on Aug. 21. Cooper was riding his bike across the street at the intersection of Parkway Boulevard and Wagoneer Road in Saratoga Springs.
The driver's mother, Regina Tausinga, of Saratoga Springs, is charged with negligent homicide, not having insurance and permitting an unlicensed driver to operate a motor vehicle. The charges are all misdemeanors.
Gregory Skordas, an attorney representing the teenager, said the boy pleaded no contest Nov. 3 in an agreement with prosecutors. He was sentenced to 185 hours of community service and probation for an undetermined time. The teen's charges of driving without a license and driving without insurance were dropped.
Skordas said the case was sensible and the boy clearly should not have been driving. The family wanted their son to deal with the charges and move on.
"The family just didn't want to put the victims through anything at all," he said.
Skordas said the Mardesich family has been very supportive of the teen and he has never seen families work so well together as these have. Skordas said Regina Tausinga's case may or may not turn out as well, but he said everyone felt justice was served and the outcome was good.
"I think everyone felt very good about how the case was resolved," he said.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Accidental death hearing delaye
Accidental death hearing delayed
Daily Herald
A pretrial conference for a Saratoga Springs woman charged in the accidental death of a 4-year-old boy was continued Wednesday while attorneys continue to gather more evidence.
Regina Tausinga's misdemeanor charges, which include negligent homicide, not having insurance and permitting an unlicensed driver to operate a motor vehicle, stem from an August accident in which her unlicensed teenage son allegedly struck and killed 4-year-old Cooper Mardesich.
According to police, Tausinga's 15-year-old son was making a left turn as Cooper was riding his bike across the street at the intersection of Parkway Boulevard and Wagoneer Road, and allegedly struck the boy with his vehicle. Cooper was treated at the scene and later died at Primary Children's Medical Center.
Stephen Frazier, Tausinga's attorney, said prosecutors and defense attorneys are still awaiting evidence from the police department. Frazier also filed a motion for a bill of particulars, or the evidence prosecutors will be using to prove their case. Without all the evidence, Frazier said it is hard for his client to make an informed decision about whether to go to trial.
"We need to look at all the evidence and see where to go from there," he said.
Daily Herald
A pretrial conference for a Saratoga Springs woman charged in the accidental death of a 4-year-old boy was continued Wednesday while attorneys continue to gather more evidence.
Regina Tausinga's misdemeanor charges, which include negligent homicide, not having insurance and permitting an unlicensed driver to operate a motor vehicle, stem from an August accident in which her unlicensed teenage son allegedly struck and killed 4-year-old Cooper Mardesich.
According to police, Tausinga's 15-year-old son was making a left turn as Cooper was riding his bike across the street at the intersection of Parkway Boulevard and Wagoneer Road, and allegedly struck the boy with his vehicle. Cooper was treated at the scene and later died at Primary Children's Medical Center.
Stephen Frazier, Tausinga's attorney, said prosecutors and defense attorneys are still awaiting evidence from the police department. Frazier also filed a motion for a bill of particulars, or the evidence prosecutors will be using to prove their case. Without all the evidence, Frazier said it is hard for his client to make an informed decision about whether to go to trial.
"We need to look at all the evidence and see where to go from there," he said.
New Saratoga high school will have 9th-graders for one year
New Saratoga high school will have 9th-graders for one year
Cathy Allred - North County Staff
11"The Alpine School District has never had a ninth-grade class at the high school except way back in the olden days when they started to do more than an eighth-grade education," said Rhonda Bromley, district spokeswoman.
"This will be something different, but it won't be something that we're going to continue. It will just be for one year."
After the first year, upcoming ninth-graders for fall 2010 will be able to attend Westlake's neighboring junior high school building, now under construction.
Only the ninth-grade students for fall 2009 within the Westlake High School boundaries will attend the high school, instead of Willowcreek Middle School.
"What it will do is keep us from going up to 2,400 to 2,500," said Willowcreek Middle School Principal Mike Browning. "It will keep us at 1,800, which allows us to function effectively."
The junior high school has about 1,800 students -- the facility was built for 1,500 students. There is one portable unit with six classrooms and another with two classrooms.
After the new junior high school in Saratoga Springs is completed in 2010, Browning said the school would have a student population of around 1,200 to 1,300.
Those students who will be in the ninth grade and are within Lehi High School boundaries for the 2009-2010 school year will remain at their junior high school.
The Westlake High School ninth grade class will have all the activities and studies that a Willowcreek Middle School or Lehi Junior High School ninth grade would have -- band, choir, drama, sports.
The reason for the one-year-only, ninth-grade high school class is growth.
"Willowcreek Middle School, their administration, has done some very creative things this year for lunchtime, assemblies and activities," Bromley said. "They've had to do things in waves. We've just outgrown that school."
The last high school the Alpine School District opened was Lone Peak in Highland. In preparation for opening that school, the district allowed upcoming seniors to decide which school they would attend.
The same thing will happen after the first of the year for the opening of Westlake High School -- juniors at Lehi High School will have to declare which school they will attend. They will also be opening the choice of school to this school year's sophomores.
"We don't have a date yet, but it will be after the first of the year," Bromley said. "This time we're letting the juniors and seniors do it, so this will be interesting."
While Lehi High School juniors and seniors who live within LHS boundaries next year will be able to declare Westlake and attend the new school, students from within Westlake boundaries will not be able to declare Lehi High.
Sports will be a little different as far as declaration.
"Once you've tried out [for a team] at a school, you are committed to that school," Bromley said.
"You've established your eligibility at that school according the Utah High School Activities Association."
Cathy Allred - North County Staff
11"The Alpine School District has never had a ninth-grade class at the high school except way back in the olden days when they started to do more than an eighth-grade education," said Rhonda Bromley, district spokeswoman.
"This will be something different, but it won't be something that we're going to continue. It will just be for one year."
After the first year, upcoming ninth-graders for fall 2010 will be able to attend Westlake's neighboring junior high school building, now under construction.
Only the ninth-grade students for fall 2009 within the Westlake High School boundaries will attend the high school, instead of Willowcreek Middle School.
"What it will do is keep us from going up to 2,400 to 2,500," said Willowcreek Middle School Principal Mike Browning. "It will keep us at 1,800, which allows us to function effectively."
The junior high school has about 1,800 students -- the facility was built for 1,500 students. There is one portable unit with six classrooms and another with two classrooms.
After the new junior high school in Saratoga Springs is completed in 2010, Browning said the school would have a student population of around 1,200 to 1,300.
Those students who will be in the ninth grade and are within Lehi High School boundaries for the 2009-2010 school year will remain at their junior high school.
The Westlake High School ninth grade class will have all the activities and studies that a Willowcreek Middle School or Lehi Junior High School ninth grade would have -- band, choir, drama, sports.
The reason for the one-year-only, ninth-grade high school class is growth.
"Willowcreek Middle School, their administration, has done some very creative things this year for lunchtime, assemblies and activities," Bromley said. "They've had to do things in waves. We've just outgrown that school."
The last high school the Alpine School District opened was Lone Peak in Highland. In preparation for opening that school, the district allowed upcoming seniors to decide which school they would attend.
The same thing will happen after the first of the year for the opening of Westlake High School -- juniors at Lehi High School will have to declare which school they will attend. They will also be opening the choice of school to this school year's sophomores.
"We don't have a date yet, but it will be after the first of the year," Bromley said. "This time we're letting the juniors and seniors do it, so this will be interesting."
While Lehi High School juniors and seniors who live within LHS boundaries next year will be able to declare Westlake and attend the new school, students from within Westlake boundaries will not be able to declare Lehi High.
Sports will be a little different as far as declaration.
"Once you've tried out [for a team] at a school, you are committed to that school," Bromley said.
"You've established your eligibility at that school according the Utah High School Activities Association."
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
$2.6 billion rebuild set for I-15 in Utah County
$2.6 billion rebuild set for I-15 in Utah County
2 east-west roads and interchange included
By Laura Hancock
Deseret News
Published: November 12, 2008
The Utah Department of Transportation is gearing up for a massive, $2.6 billion reconstruction project involving 20 miles of I-15 in Utah County and two east-west roads that drivers will be able to use to avoid the freeway construction.
UDOT has hired Kiewit Corp. and W.W. Clyde & Co. to design and build a new six-mile road in Lehi called Pioneer Crossing and to rebuild the American Fork Main Street interchange of I-15 using a two-bridge, diamond-shaped engineering concept developed in Europe that UDOT officials hope will be more efficient for drivers.
The project will cost $250 million, with about half of that coming from the $2.6 billion I-15 reconstruction budget. Pioneer Crossing will run along 1000 South in Lehi from the American Fork Main Street interchange to Redwood Road, UDOT spokesman Scott Thompson said.
The second east-west corridor to be built prior to I-15 reconstruction is a new road called the Vineyard Corridor, about nine miles winding between 800 North in Orem, Vineyard, Lindon and the American Fork Main Street interchange. The Vineyard Corridor will cost $200 million and is separate from the $2.6 billion I-15 reconstruction budget, said Joe Walker, communication outreach manager for the project.
Construction of the two east-west roads will begin in earnest next spring, although excavation work will soon be underway for Pioneer Crossing. UDOT plans to award a contractor for the Vineyard Corridor by March 20.
Both roads and the new American Fork interchange will be finished in the fall of 2010, although vehicles will be able to drive along the Pioneer Crossing and on the interchange by November 2009 as construction crews work around the traffic.
Pioneer Crossing, which Thompson said will have a speed limit of 45 or 50 mph, will come as welcome relief for residents of Saratoga Springs and Eagle Mountain. The only roads now leading out of the cities are Redwood Road and Main Street in Lehi. City officials for years have wondered what would happen if a natural disaster were to hit the area and everyone tried to evacuate at once.
The average daily traffic at the intersection of Redwood and Main is 20,980 vehicles, according to UDOT data.
UDOT is negotiating with property owners who live in the Vineyard Corridor area, but no properties will be condemned along Pioneer Crossing. "What Lehi city had the foresight to do was to leave a corridor of green space through the subdivisions and the development that has happened in the area," Thompson said.
The American Fork Main Street interchange will be built as a Diverging Diamond Interchange. Instead of one large overpass, the diamond interchange will contain two bridges, one for eastbound traffic and one for westbound traffic, which requires fewer traffic lights. In Europe, diamond interchanges have proven to be safer and move traffic more efficiently, Thompson said.
The diamond interchange will be cheaper than a traditional freeway interchange, because it requires less steel and concrete. It also requires less space, and UDOT will not have to purchase so much property to build it, UDOT spokesman Nile Easton said.
"It does seem to be the wave of the future," Easton said. "Engineers are very excited about how those are designed."
The American Fork Main Street diamond will either be the first or second in the United States. Construction on a diamond interchange is under way in Springfield, Mo.
With 20 percent of the state's population, Utah County is expected to grow at a faster rate than other parts of the state. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated that Utah County had 483,702 residents in 2007. The I-15 reconstruction project will begin in the spring of 2010 and is expected to be finished by the fall of 2014.
Reconstruction will result in additional travel lanes along I-15, plus the rebuilding or modification of 11 freeway interchanges and the replacing of 55 aging bridges.
Ten years ago, when I-15 in Salt Lake County was reconstructed for the 2002 Olympics, UDOT first widened portions of I-215 and Redwood Road. "A part of it is providing alternative options," Easton said.
2 east-west roads and interchange included
By Laura Hancock
Deseret News
Published: November 12, 2008
The Utah Department of Transportation is gearing up for a massive, $2.6 billion reconstruction project involving 20 miles of I-15 in Utah County and two east-west roads that drivers will be able to use to avoid the freeway construction.
UDOT has hired Kiewit Corp. and W.W. Clyde & Co. to design and build a new six-mile road in Lehi called Pioneer Crossing and to rebuild the American Fork Main Street interchange of I-15 using a two-bridge, diamond-shaped engineering concept developed in Europe that UDOT officials hope will be more efficient for drivers.
The project will cost $250 million, with about half of that coming from the $2.6 billion I-15 reconstruction budget. Pioneer Crossing will run along 1000 South in Lehi from the American Fork Main Street interchange to Redwood Road, UDOT spokesman Scott Thompson said.
The second east-west corridor to be built prior to I-15 reconstruction is a new road called the Vineyard Corridor, about nine miles winding between 800 North in Orem, Vineyard, Lindon and the American Fork Main Street interchange. The Vineyard Corridor will cost $200 million and is separate from the $2.6 billion I-15 reconstruction budget, said Joe Walker, communication outreach manager for the project.
Construction of the two east-west roads will begin in earnest next spring, although excavation work will soon be underway for Pioneer Crossing. UDOT plans to award a contractor for the Vineyard Corridor by March 20.
Both roads and the new American Fork interchange will be finished in the fall of 2010, although vehicles will be able to drive along the Pioneer Crossing and on the interchange by November 2009 as construction crews work around the traffic.
Pioneer Crossing, which Thompson said will have a speed limit of 45 or 50 mph, will come as welcome relief for residents of Saratoga Springs and Eagle Mountain. The only roads now leading out of the cities are Redwood Road and Main Street in Lehi. City officials for years have wondered what would happen if a natural disaster were to hit the area and everyone tried to evacuate at once.
The average daily traffic at the intersection of Redwood and Main is 20,980 vehicles, according to UDOT data.
UDOT is negotiating with property owners who live in the Vineyard Corridor area, but no properties will be condemned along Pioneer Crossing. "What Lehi city had the foresight to do was to leave a corridor of green space through the subdivisions and the development that has happened in the area," Thompson said.
The American Fork Main Street interchange will be built as a Diverging Diamond Interchange. Instead of one large overpass, the diamond interchange will contain two bridges, one for eastbound traffic and one for westbound traffic, which requires fewer traffic lights. In Europe, diamond interchanges have proven to be safer and move traffic more efficiently, Thompson said.
The diamond interchange will be cheaper than a traditional freeway interchange, because it requires less steel and concrete. It also requires less space, and UDOT will not have to purchase so much property to build it, UDOT spokesman Nile Easton said.
"It does seem to be the wave of the future," Easton said. "Engineers are very excited about how those are designed."
The American Fork Main Street diamond will either be the first or second in the United States. Construction on a diamond interchange is under way in Springfield, Mo.
With 20 percent of the state's population, Utah County is expected to grow at a faster rate than other parts of the state. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated that Utah County had 483,702 residents in 2007. The I-15 reconstruction project will begin in the spring of 2010 and is expected to be finished by the fall of 2014.
Reconstruction will result in additional travel lanes along I-15, plus the rebuilding or modification of 11 freeway interchanges and the replacing of 55 aging bridges.
Ten years ago, when I-15 in Salt Lake County was reconstructed for the 2002 Olympics, UDOT first widened portions of I-215 and Redwood Road. "A part of it is providing alternative options," Easton said.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Utah Lake: Causeway or bridge? Neither, some say
Utah Lake: Causeway or bridge? Neither, some say
November 8th, 2008 @ 1:25pm
PROVO, Utah (AP) -- Utah's Bridge to Somewhere might not be dead in the water.
One state lawmaker says a private venture like Utah Crossing Inc. could be interested in building a toll causeway across Utah Lake if the state can straighten out rules for required environmental studies.
The Utah Legislature slashed a $3 million spending item to study "a raised highway that traverses Utah Lake" to $750,000 two months ago, and lawmakers probably will take the remaining money next year to keep the state budget balanced.
State Rep. Ken Sumsion of American Fork says he's looking at sponsoring legislation that would give private companies exact guidance on commissioning their own environmental studies.
The 7-mile bridge was proposed as a way to shorten and ease the commute for residents on the fast-growing west side of Utah Lake. Commuting on country roads around the lake's north end can take more than two hours.
Local boaters, hunters and environmental advocates have opposed a bridge or causeway. The Utah Chapter of the Sierra Club says the idea should be scrapped altogether, calling it a land development scheme that would forever mar the lake's ecosystem.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Relief in sight for thousands of Utah County commuters
Relief in sight for thousands of Utah County commuters
November 7th, 2008 @ 4:01pm
By Sam Penrod
Residents of Saratoga Springs and Eagle Mountain have limited access to their communities, but the Utah Department of Transportation is planning a brand new road.
Redwood Road and Lehi's Main Street are the two main routes to Eagle Mountain and Saratoga Springs. Now UDOT is gearing up to start building what will be known as "Pioneer Crossing", a new road giving a direct route between I-15 and Redwood Road.
With dramatic growth in the past decade, traffic is an issue in Lehi along Main Street as residents living there, along with those in Saratoga Springs and Eagle Mountain, travel to and from I-15. Bryan Adams, program manager for Access Utah County, said, "This facility will actually give another alternative, which give them easier access to I-15."
The road will connect to Redwood Road, south of the crossroads and will travel east six miles, to the American Fork Main Street exit.
The project will also mean a complete rebuild of that interchange with a new design called a diverging diamond interchange.
"It operates a lot better than most interchanges, but it also allows us to maintain traffic better to try to alleviate any impacts on the traveling public," Adams said. "It's a lot smaller interchange, it requires less right of way, and we also feel it's a much safer interchange as well."
Pioneer Crossing has a price tag of $380 million and is just one of four major road projects underway, or in the works, to provide some alternate routes before I-15 in Utah County is completely rebuilt in the next few years.
UDOT hopes construction will begin in the new few weeks.
While the new interchange will take two full years to complete, the interchange will reopen during all of the work.
The new Pioneer Crossing road should be open by this time next year.
November 7th, 2008 @ 4:01pm
By Sam Penrod
Residents of Saratoga Springs and Eagle Mountain have limited access to their communities, but the Utah Department of Transportation is planning a brand new road.
Redwood Road and Lehi's Main Street are the two main routes to Eagle Mountain and Saratoga Springs. Now UDOT is gearing up to start building what will be known as "Pioneer Crossing", a new road giving a direct route between I-15 and Redwood Road.
With dramatic growth in the past decade, traffic is an issue in Lehi along Main Street as residents living there, along with those in Saratoga Springs and Eagle Mountain, travel to and from I-15. Bryan Adams, program manager for Access Utah County, said, "This facility will actually give another alternative, which give them easier access to I-15."
The road will connect to Redwood Road, south of the crossroads and will travel east six miles, to the American Fork Main Street exit.
The project will also mean a complete rebuild of that interchange with a new design called a diverging diamond interchange.
"It operates a lot better than most interchanges, but it also allows us to maintain traffic better to try to alleviate any impacts on the traveling public," Adams said. "It's a lot smaller interchange, it requires less right of way, and we also feel it's a much safer interchange as well."
Pioneer Crossing has a price tag of $380 million and is just one of four major road projects underway, or in the works, to provide some alternate routes before I-15 in Utah County is completely rebuilt in the next few years.
UDOT hopes construction will begin in the new few weeks.
While the new interchange will take two full years to complete, the interchange will reopen during all of the work.
The new Pioneer Crossing road should be open by this time next year.
Eagle Mountain and Saratoga Springs to welcome bus service
Eagle Mountain and Saratoga Springs to welcome bus service
November 7th, 2008 @ 12:03pm
By Randall Jeppesen
Residents in Eagle Mountain and Saratoga Springs are eagerly awaiting bus service after voting in favor of a quarter cent sales tax.
In Eagle Mountain, about half of the work force makes the daily 40-mile drive to the Salt Lake City area. But since a new sales tax increase was passed, UTA will start running express buses from Eagle mountain to Salt Lake in the spring.
Mayor Heather Jackson says it's great and they could use even more buses. "I already started talking to UTA last night," she told us.
Jackson says Frontrunner going through Utah County will also be a big help. "Bus service will actually change and will be serviced from here to the Frontrunner line," she said.
Commuters there are looking for any help they can get to make the commute a little better.
November 7th, 2008 @ 12:03pm
By Randall Jeppesen
Residents in Eagle Mountain and Saratoga Springs are eagerly awaiting bus service after voting in favor of a quarter cent sales tax.
In Eagle Mountain, about half of the work force makes the daily 40-mile drive to the Salt Lake City area. But since a new sales tax increase was passed, UTA will start running express buses from Eagle mountain to Salt Lake in the spring.
Mayor Heather Jackson says it's great and they could use even more buses. "I already started talking to UTA last night," she told us.
Jackson says Frontrunner going through Utah County will also be a big help. "Bus service will actually change and will be serviced from here to the Frontrunner line," she said.
Commuters there are looking for any help they can get to make the commute a little better.
UDOT will use new interchange in American Fork
UDOT will use new interchange in American Fork
Janice Peterson - Daily herald
Transportation officials are working to alleviate congestion around the county through the Access Utah County project, and some new innovative designs may do the trick.
Utah Department of Transportation spokesman Scott Thompson said a brand new design will be used for the American Fork Main Street interchange on Interstate 15. The Diverging Diamond Interchange, or DDI, will be put in place to improve traffic flow in the area.
The design involves a major east-west artery that crisscrosses over the freeway with only two signals and a free flow of traffic on and off the freeway. Thompson said the idea is an improvement over single point urban interchanges, like the on-ramp at University Parkway in Orem, because commuters will make only one stop instead of four or five.
"All of the left turns and right turns on and off the interchange, people won't have to stop," he said.
Thompson said the technology is new in the United States, but not for the rest of the world. American Fork will be the first place in the western United States to have such an interchange, while Springfield, Mo. will be building one at the same time.
"It's relatively new for the U.S., though they have been using this interchange technology in Europe," he said.
The design has several advantages over other, more common interchanges. Thompson said it will be laid out flatter than other designs and only uses two bridges over the freeway. It also uses less right of way and should be safer for motorists.
"The advantage of it for us is we feel it moves traffic more efficiently and safer," he said.
Thompson said the bridges over the freeway will be constructed off-site, similar to the recent work on Interstate 80 in Salt Lake City. When the bridges are complete, they will be moved into place and traffic will only need to be interrupted for a short time.
"We're not going to affect the property owners around that interchange as much as we might have," he said.SClBAlthough the interchange should be much more effective than other designs, Thompson said he does not know whether it will be used again for other projects. Officials will monitor its effectiveness before deciding whether the design should be used again. It may also not be the most cost-effective strategy for every situation, which designers must take into account.
"We want to be innovative, but we also want to be good stewards of the taxpayers' money," he said.
Bryan Adams, UDOT Access County director, said the project will cost approximately $250 million in its entirety, which will include nearly 6 miles of roadway. The interchange is part of the Pioneer Crossing project, which will create a new thoroughfare from Saratoga Springs to American Fork through Lehi.
"Really, what this project is all about is trying to alleviate traffic off of Lehi Main Street," he said.
Lehi Main Street is the major east-west corridor in the area at the moment, so the project will greatly reduce congestion in a quickly growing area of the county. Adams said some phases of the work should start within the next month and the roadway will be complete in fall 2009. The interchange will take until 2010 to complete, but Adams said traffic should not be hampered by the work in the meantime.
American Fork Mayor Heber Thompson said city officials have been working with UDOT for nearly two years to come up with a design and the city is excited for work to begin. The design should leave a lot of green space for the city and access to businesses and the new FrontRunner train will be very good, he said.
"I think it's really efficient and the best solution I've seen to this point," he said.
Mayor Thompson said he is not worried about any confusion with the new system. UDOT will be working to inform the public of the change, and once a motorist is on the road it will be hard to go the wrong way.
"I think the lights will regulate this very well," he said.
Janice Peterson - Daily herald
Transportation officials are working to alleviate congestion around the county through the Access Utah County project, and some new innovative designs may do the trick.
Utah Department of Transportation spokesman Scott Thompson said a brand new design will be used for the American Fork Main Street interchange on Interstate 15. The Diverging Diamond Interchange, or DDI, will be put in place to improve traffic flow in the area.
The design involves a major east-west artery that crisscrosses over the freeway with only two signals and a free flow of traffic on and off the freeway. Thompson said the idea is an improvement over single point urban interchanges, like the on-ramp at University Parkway in Orem, because commuters will make only one stop instead of four or five.
"All of the left turns and right turns on and off the interchange, people won't have to stop," he said.
Thompson said the technology is new in the United States, but not for the rest of the world. American Fork will be the first place in the western United States to have such an interchange, while Springfield, Mo. will be building one at the same time.
"It's relatively new for the U.S., though they have been using this interchange technology in Europe," he said.
The design has several advantages over other, more common interchanges. Thompson said it will be laid out flatter than other designs and only uses two bridges over the freeway. It also uses less right of way and should be safer for motorists.
"The advantage of it for us is we feel it moves traffic more efficiently and safer," he said.
Thompson said the bridges over the freeway will be constructed off-site, similar to the recent work on Interstate 80 in Salt Lake City. When the bridges are complete, they will be moved into place and traffic will only need to be interrupted for a short time.
"We're not going to affect the property owners around that interchange as much as we might have," he said.SClBAlthough the interchange should be much more effective than other designs, Thompson said he does not know whether it will be used again for other projects. Officials will monitor its effectiveness before deciding whether the design should be used again. It may also not be the most cost-effective strategy for every situation, which designers must take into account.
"We want to be innovative, but we also want to be good stewards of the taxpayers' money," he said.
Bryan Adams, UDOT Access County director, said the project will cost approximately $250 million in its entirety, which will include nearly 6 miles of roadway. The interchange is part of the Pioneer Crossing project, which will create a new thoroughfare from Saratoga Springs to American Fork through Lehi.
"Really, what this project is all about is trying to alleviate traffic off of Lehi Main Street," he said.
Lehi Main Street is the major east-west corridor in the area at the moment, so the project will greatly reduce congestion in a quickly growing area of the county. Adams said some phases of the work should start within the next month and the roadway will be complete in fall 2009. The interchange will take until 2010 to complete, but Adams said traffic should not be hampered by the work in the meantime.
American Fork Mayor Heber Thompson said city officials have been working with UDOT for nearly two years to come up with a design and the city is excited for work to begin. The design should leave a lot of green space for the city and access to businesses and the new FrontRunner train will be very good, he said.
"I think it's really efficient and the best solution I've seen to this point," he said.
Mayor Thompson said he is not worried about any confusion with the new system. UDOT will be working to inform the public of the change, and once a motorist is on the road it will be hard to go the wrong way.
"I think the lights will regulate this very well," he said.
Utah County may raise tax rate
Utah County may raise tax rate
Joe Pyrah - Daily Herald
The county's first tax increase in a decade likely hinges on the decision of one commissioner, as the other two appear to have made up their minds.
Gary Anderson said Thursday that he doesn't see a way to avoid a tax increase while Steve White says "under no circumstance" will he vote for one. Left in the middle is Larry Ellertson.
After several attempts to explain where he stands, Ellertson settled on, "I guess what I mean is that I'm reserving judgement on that."
Anderson foresees an 8-10 percent increase (about $20 per year on a $250,000 home).
"This is a crisis tax," he said. "Our economy is going to come back and when it does this tax is going to come off."
The increase would accompany a buyout of as many as 50 employees. In the event the county doesn't get enough takers of the buyout offer, some layoffs would likely follow. Commissioners recently agreed on a tentative budget of $70 million, which is $17 million lower than this year's original budget.
"To raise taxes or lay people off is a decision I thought we'd never have to make. And now we've got to do both," Anderson said.
White disagrees.
He said there are ways the county can be more efficient, along with elimination of open positions, buyouts, and yes, layoffs if needed. White is still irritated at the budget passed last year (which he opposed) that included $7 million in one-time dollars.
"Had they done the budget I offered last year, we wouldn't be here," he said.
Anderson disagrees.
He blames the economic crash coupled with a county that has one of the lowest tax rates in the state and a budget that is already considered the leanest.
"We cut the fat long ago," he said. "We cut out the muscle. I can see bone."
For his part, Anderson has offered up the $12,000 raise he received this year.
"I don't think it's going to save the budget," he said, "but I think it will help me sleep better."
Both Anderson and White have concerns about the Sheriff's Office, but in separate ways.
Anderson says that Sheriff Jim Tracy has already made $6 million in proposed cuts, but that at this point it has become a matter of safety. He doesn't want to cut canyon patrols that bust drug dealers or sex crimes.
"I will not compromise law enforcement," he said. "I won't do it, and that's what it comes down to."
White says it's a matter of getting cities to pay the right amount for the services rendered by the county.
Wherever the county finds the money (or cuts) to balance the budget, it's clear commissioners are facing the hardest choices in years. Anderson said an employee on the layoff bubble came into his office recently with a picture of his family saying they were praying for the employee to keep the job.
"How do I deal with that?" said Anderson.
Joe Pyrah - Daily Herald
The county's first tax increase in a decade likely hinges on the decision of one commissioner, as the other two appear to have made up their minds.
Gary Anderson said Thursday that he doesn't see a way to avoid a tax increase while Steve White says "under no circumstance" will he vote for one. Left in the middle is Larry Ellertson.
After several attempts to explain where he stands, Ellertson settled on, "I guess what I mean is that I'm reserving judgement on that."
Anderson foresees an 8-10 percent increase (about $20 per year on a $250,000 home).
"This is a crisis tax," he said. "Our economy is going to come back and when it does this tax is going to come off."
The increase would accompany a buyout of as many as 50 employees. In the event the county doesn't get enough takers of the buyout offer, some layoffs would likely follow. Commissioners recently agreed on a tentative budget of $70 million, which is $17 million lower than this year's original budget.
"To raise taxes or lay people off is a decision I thought we'd never have to make. And now we've got to do both," Anderson said.
White disagrees.
He said there are ways the county can be more efficient, along with elimination of open positions, buyouts, and yes, layoffs if needed. White is still irritated at the budget passed last year (which he opposed) that included $7 million in one-time dollars.
"Had they done the budget I offered last year, we wouldn't be here," he said.
Anderson disagrees.
He blames the economic crash coupled with a county that has one of the lowest tax rates in the state and a budget that is already considered the leanest.
"We cut the fat long ago," he said. "We cut out the muscle. I can see bone."
For his part, Anderson has offered up the $12,000 raise he received this year.
"I don't think it's going to save the budget," he said, "but I think it will help me sleep better."
Both Anderson and White have concerns about the Sheriff's Office, but in separate ways.
Anderson says that Sheriff Jim Tracy has already made $6 million in proposed cuts, but that at this point it has become a matter of safety. He doesn't want to cut canyon patrols that bust drug dealers or sex crimes.
"I will not compromise law enforcement," he said. "I won't do it, and that's what it comes down to."
White says it's a matter of getting cities to pay the right amount for the services rendered by the county.
Wherever the county finds the money (or cuts) to balance the budget, it's clear commissioners are facing the hardest choices in years. Anderson said an employee on the layoff bubble came into his office recently with a picture of his family saying they were praying for the employee to keep the job.
"How do I deal with that?" said Anderson.
Flu vaccinations for disabled
Flu vaccinations for disabled
Published: November 7, 2008
PROVO — The Utah County Health Department is adjusting to help disabled individuals get their influenza vaccination a little easier.
Disabled residents can visit the Health Department clinic at 151 S. University Ave., where an individual's driver may go inside and a nurse will go to the person's car to administer the vaccine at no extra charge.
The clinic is open Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Flu shots are $23 if paid at the time of service. The health department accepts Altius, DMBA, Medicare, Medicaid, PHEP, Select Health and United Health Care plans. It also operates clinics in American Fork, Payson and Saratoga Springs and residents may call 801-851-7025 for an appointment at these sites.
Published: November 7, 2008
PROVO — The Utah County Health Department is adjusting to help disabled individuals get their influenza vaccination a little easier.
Disabled residents can visit the Health Department clinic at 151 S. University Ave., where an individual's driver may go inside and a nurse will go to the person's car to administer the vaccine at no extra charge.
The clinic is open Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Flu shots are $23 if paid at the time of service. The health department accepts Altius, DMBA, Medicare, Medicaid, PHEP, Select Health and United Health Care plans. It also operates clinics in American Fork, Payson and Saratoga Springs and residents may call 801-851-7025 for an appointment at these sites.
Cities eager to get rolling on express bus line
Cities eager to get rolling on express bus line
Saratoga Springs and Eagle Mountain hope the route eases traffic woes
By Jennifer W. Sanchez
The Salt Lake Tribune
Salt Lake Tribune
Article Launched:11/07/2008 01:19:01 AM MST
Starting in spring, Eagle Mountain and Saratoga Springs residents will be able to commute to downtown Salt Lake City via an express bus.
Voters Tuesday overwhelming approved a quarter-cent sales-tax increase to get a route with a stop in each city.
With roughly half of Eagle Mountain residents commuting about 40 miles north to the Salt Lake City area, few folks questioned the bus-route proposal, said Mayor Heather Jackson.
"Everybody, since the second we announced it, [have] been very supportive and positive about it," she said.
Officials in both cities had said they hope the express-bus route alleviates traffic congestion caused by construction within the rapidly growing northern Utah County community.
"I hope it will help our local commuters . . . get to work every day," said Saratoga Springs City Manager Ken Leetham. He also said the route is the beginning of other UTA partnerships in the future as the city grows.
Each city will have a park-and-ride lot and express-bus routes - two in the morning to downtown Salt Lake City and two returning in the evening.
Bus fare will be $5 each way, according to the UTA Web site.
As for Eagle Mountain, Jackson said roughly the other half of the city's residents now want an express-bus route to the Provo-Orem area. She said she plans to set up a meeting with UTA officials about the idea.
jsanchez@sltrib.com
Bus route OK
Voters approved a quarter-cent sales-tax increase to get an express-bus route in Eagle Mountain and Saratoga Springs:
Eagle Mountain
For: 77%
Against: 23%
Saratoga Springs
For: 67%
Against: 33%
What's next
Service with stops in both cities to begin April 2009.
Saratoga Springs and Eagle Mountain hope the route eases traffic woes
By Jennifer W. Sanchez
The Salt Lake Tribune
Salt Lake Tribune
Article Launched:11/07/2008 01:19:01 AM MST
Starting in spring, Eagle Mountain and Saratoga Springs residents will be able to commute to downtown Salt Lake City via an express bus.
Voters Tuesday overwhelming approved a quarter-cent sales-tax increase to get a route with a stop in each city.
With roughly half of Eagle Mountain residents commuting about 40 miles north to the Salt Lake City area, few folks questioned the bus-route proposal, said Mayor Heather Jackson.
"Everybody, since the second we announced it, [have] been very supportive and positive about it," she said.
Officials in both cities had said they hope the express-bus route alleviates traffic congestion caused by construction within the rapidly growing northern Utah County community.
"I hope it will help our local commuters . . . get to work every day," said Saratoga Springs City Manager Ken Leetham. He also said the route is the beginning of other UTA partnerships in the future as the city grows.
Each city will have a park-and-ride lot and express-bus routes - two in the morning to downtown Salt Lake City and two returning in the evening.
Bus fare will be $5 each way, according to the UTA Web site.
As for Eagle Mountain, Jackson said roughly the other half of the city's residents now want an express-bus route to the Provo-Orem area. She said she plans to set up a meeting with UTA officials about the idea.
jsanchez@sltrib.com
Bus route OK
Voters approved a quarter-cent sales-tax increase to get an express-bus route in Eagle Mountain and Saratoga Springs:
Eagle Mountain
For: 77%
Against: 23%
Saratoga Springs
For: 67%
Against: 33%
What's next
Service with stops in both cities to begin April 2009.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
City Council Agenda Nov 11, 2008
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
WORK SESSION – Commencing at 6:30 p.m.
1. Reports:
a. Mayor
b. City Council Members
c. Staff
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. Proposed Conditional Use for a Wind Turbine to be located at 3736 Panarama Drive; Joe and Gloria Galloway, applicants
and owners.
2. Proposed Concept Plan for a 229-unit multi-family residential development located on Lot 5 of the Saratoga crossroads
Subdivision (approximately 1300 South Commerce Drive); JMMS Enterprises, owner; Mike Stewart, applicant.
3. Approval of agreements for professional services related to the survey, design, inspection and project management of
Center Street, Gilson Engineering.
4. Public Hearing: Ordinance #08-28 (11-11-08): An ordinance adopting amendments to the City of Saratoga Springs Land
Development Code.
5. Resolution #08-35 (11-11-08): A resolution authorizing an employer pick-up of retirement contributions.
6. Approval of employment agreement with the City Prosecutor.
7. Discussion of the City’s noise regulations.
8. Consent Calendar:
a. Warrant Register.
b. Final Bond Release, Acceptance of Subdivision, and commencement of 24-month warranty period for Summerhill,
Phase 3
c. Final Bond Release, Acceptance of Subdivision, and commencement of 24-month warranty period for Summerhill,
Phase 4
d. Final Bond Release, Acceptance of Subdivision, and commencement of 24-month warranty period for Saratoga
Hills 1 & 2, LDS Ward.
e. Final Warranty Release for Aspen Hills, Plat G
f. Final Warranty Release for Jacobs Ranch, Plat G
g. Minutes:
1. June 14, 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. Adjournment.
WORK SESSION – Commencing at 6:30 p.m.
1. Reports:
a. Mayor
b. City Council Members
c. Staff
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. Proposed Conditional Use for a Wind Turbine to be located at 3736 Panarama Drive; Joe and Gloria Galloway, applicants
and owners.
2. Proposed Concept Plan for a 229-unit multi-family residential development located on Lot 5 of the Saratoga crossroads
Subdivision (approximately 1300 South Commerce Drive); JMMS Enterprises, owner; Mike Stewart, applicant.
3. Approval of agreements for professional services related to the survey, design, inspection and project management of
Center Street, Gilson Engineering.
4. Public Hearing: Ordinance #08-28 (11-11-08): An ordinance adopting amendments to the City of Saratoga Springs Land
Development Code.
5. Resolution #08-35 (11-11-08): A resolution authorizing an employer pick-up of retirement contributions.
6. Approval of employment agreement with the City Prosecutor.
7. Discussion of the City’s noise regulations.
8. Consent Calendar:
a. Warrant Register.
b. Final Bond Release, Acceptance of Subdivision, and commencement of 24-month warranty period for Summerhill,
Phase 3
c. Final Bond Release, Acceptance of Subdivision, and commencement of 24-month warranty period for Summerhill,
Phase 4
d. Final Bond Release, Acceptance of Subdivision, and commencement of 24-month warranty period for Saratoga
Hills 1 & 2, LDS Ward.
e. Final Warranty Release for Aspen Hills, Plat G
f. Final Warranty Release for Jacobs Ranch, Plat G
g. Minutes:
1. June 14, 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. Adjournment.
DOT chooses builders for Lehi road
DOT chooses builders for Lehi road
By Brandon Loomis
The Salt Lake Tribune
Salt Lake Tribune
Article Last Updated:11/06/2008 03:18:38 PM MST
The Utah Department of Transportation has chosen a consortium led by Kiewit Construction and W.W. Clyde Construction to build a new east-west alternative to Main Street in Lehi.
The $380 million road, called Pioneer Crossing, will stretch from Redwood Road in Saratoga Springs through Lehi at about 1000 South to Interstate 15 in American Fork. It will link to the freeway with a first-in-Utah "diverging diamond interchange," a European-style interchange that speeds traffic through with only two traffic signal phases instead of the three or four at other interchanges.
"Pioneer Crossing is intended to address a real transportation need in northern Utah County for additional east-west alternatives," project manager Bryan Adams said.
The companies will design and build the project, with major construction likely to begin in January. The road is expected to be completed from Redwood Road to Lehi next November, with the rest finished by fall 2010.
By Brandon Loomis
The Salt Lake Tribune
Salt Lake Tribune
Article Last Updated:11/06/2008 03:18:38 PM MST
The Utah Department of Transportation has chosen a consortium led by Kiewit Construction and W.W. Clyde Construction to build a new east-west alternative to Main Street in Lehi.
The $380 million road, called Pioneer Crossing, will stretch from Redwood Road in Saratoga Springs through Lehi at about 1000 South to Interstate 15 in American Fork. It will link to the freeway with a first-in-Utah "diverging diamond interchange," a European-style interchange that speeds traffic through with only two traffic signal phases instead of the three or four at other interchanges.
"Pioneer Crossing is intended to address a real transportation need in northern Utah County for additional east-west alternatives," project manager Bryan Adams said.
The companies will design and build the project, with major construction likely to begin in January. The road is expected to be completed from Redwood Road to Lehi next November, with the rest finished by fall 2010.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Report from Police Department
SARATOGA SPRINGS POLICE DEPARTMENT
BLOTTER RELEASE TO MEDIA
SEPT. 8-NOV. 4, 2008
For this fifty-eight (58) day reporting period, the Saratoga Springs Police Dept. responded to a total of 749 calls for service and case reports. Of those cases, there were: 87 ANIMAL PROBLEM cases, 43 ACCIDENTS, 6 DUI’s, 42 FALSE ALARMS, 2 SEX OFFENSES, and 5 WEAPONS OFFENSE cases. These are representative of just a few of the 749 total reports taken:
September 13, 2008- TRESPASSING 7:06am
An SSPD Officer, while on routine patrol, found two male individuals attempting to steal copper wire from an abandoned house near the Wal-Mart construction project. Both were interviewed on scene, and admitted to possessing bolt cutters, and attempting to take the wire. Both men were charged with various charges, including criminal trespass.
September 14, 2008- ROBBERY 04:16am
An unsuspecting SSPD Officer, while filling-up his patrol vehicle at the Chevron Top-Stop, noticed a suspicious male. The man boarded his ATV and started to drive south on Redwood Rd. The officer, tried to stop the man, but he tried to elude the officer; a chase ensued. The dispatcher told the officer that the man was a suspect in an armed robbery that had just occurred at the convenience store. The officer, along with two other officers in the area, surrounded the robber, and took him into custody. He was booked into the Utah County Jail for felony charges.
September 17, 2008- FORGERY 5:01pm
SSPD Officers received a complaint that an area homeowner had written a check for Pest Control services. The check was fraudulent. The officer discovered that the man who wrote the check had actually made-up the check at his home, and tried to pass it to the contracted service provider. It was also later determined that this same suspect tried to pass other fraudulent checks to other businesses, as well. Other than this man having no money in his account to pay for the services, the only other problem with the checks themselves…no account numbers along the bottom!?
September 26, 2008- KIDNAPPED K9 12:59am
SSPD Officers responded to a residence in the golf course area. The victim in this case was upset that her new dog was taken from her yard. The dog owner said that she didn’t know who would take a beautiful dog from her family or her children. The dog apparently was posted on KSL.com, for sale. SSPD Officers, along with Tooele City PD Officers worked together to assist the victim in this case. Following contact by police, it was discovered it was not the same dog. The possible suspects removed the dog from the website. The dog’s whereabouts are unknown.
October 10, 2008- DEATH INVESTIGATION 9:43am
SSPD Officers responded to the area of SSD, on the report of a 42 year old man who was not breathing. It was determined that the man had possibly overdosed on prescription medication. Officers tried to resuscitate the victim until medical staff could arrive. All attempts to save his life were unsuccessful.
October 22, 2008- WEAPONS OFFENSE 8:40pm
SSPD Officers responded to the area of the Jacob’s Ranch subdivision, on the report of a Weapons Offense. It was discovered that over the course of many weeks, several juveniles were “doorbell ditching” in the area. As the investigation continued, it was learned that one of the resident’s was upset by the kids’ behavior. One evening, the area resident, confronted two juveniles who were “doorbell ditching”, and told them to, “Stop!...Or I’ll shoot!” According to the juveniles, they said that they saw a handgun being pointed toward them, by this upset neighbor. As the case unfolded, it was discovered that there was never really a “gun”…only a camera. The irate individual simply tried to take their picture, so as to capture their craft “in action”, and turn it over to police.
Tip-of-the-month: As we are now mid-way through the 2008-09 school year, it should always be the focus of any parent to monitor the activities of their child(ren). With so many on-line predators, and other risky internet activity, parents should consider these tips:
#1- Place the computer in a heavy-traffic area of the home (ie- kitchen, hallway, living room). Children should always be monitored, along with their activity on the internet.
#2- Know WHO your child(ren) are talking to on the internet. This means asking questions and getting involved with your children. For a child to simply say, “…oh, just a friend I’ve met on-line”, is NOT sufficient. Predators routinely make-up identities and profiles.
#3- Monitor your child’s web pages, blogs, and on-line “community” involvement (ie- MySpace, Facebook, etc.) These are great avenues for children to meet and “hang-out” with their friends. Web predators also know this. And finally,
#4- Have access to your child’s log-ins and personal password information on the family computers. Set up family log-ins to access the desktop, that only you (as parents) know. This will control when they’re on the machine. They are your children, and as such, have a lesser expectation of privacy on the family computer. Also, set strict guidelines for time allotment on the computer. Advise your child that for every hour spent on the computer, they can be doing something worthwhile….volunteering or some other form of service. –Corporal Aaron D. Rosen, PIO (SSPD)
BLOTTER RELEASE TO MEDIA
SEPT. 8-NOV. 4, 2008
For this fifty-eight (58) day reporting period, the Saratoga Springs Police Dept. responded to a total of 749 calls for service and case reports. Of those cases, there were: 87 ANIMAL PROBLEM cases, 43 ACCIDENTS, 6 DUI’s, 42 FALSE ALARMS, 2 SEX OFFENSES, and 5 WEAPONS OFFENSE cases. These are representative of just a few of the 749 total reports taken:
September 13, 2008- TRESPASSING 7:06am
An SSPD Officer, while on routine patrol, found two male individuals attempting to steal copper wire from an abandoned house near the Wal-Mart construction project. Both were interviewed on scene, and admitted to possessing bolt cutters, and attempting to take the wire. Both men were charged with various charges, including criminal trespass.
September 14, 2008- ROBBERY 04:16am
An unsuspecting SSPD Officer, while filling-up his patrol vehicle at the Chevron Top-Stop, noticed a suspicious male. The man boarded his ATV and started to drive south on Redwood Rd. The officer, tried to stop the man, but he tried to elude the officer; a chase ensued. The dispatcher told the officer that the man was a suspect in an armed robbery that had just occurred at the convenience store. The officer, along with two other officers in the area, surrounded the robber, and took him into custody. He was booked into the Utah County Jail for felony charges.
September 17, 2008- FORGERY 5:01pm
SSPD Officers received a complaint that an area homeowner had written a check for Pest Control services. The check was fraudulent. The officer discovered that the man who wrote the check had actually made-up the check at his home, and tried to pass it to the contracted service provider. It was also later determined that this same suspect tried to pass other fraudulent checks to other businesses, as well. Other than this man having no money in his account to pay for the services, the only other problem with the checks themselves…no account numbers along the bottom!?
September 26, 2008- KIDNAPPED K9 12:59am
SSPD Officers responded to a residence in the golf course area. The victim in this case was upset that her new dog was taken from her yard. The dog owner said that she didn’t know who would take a beautiful dog from her family or her children. The dog apparently was posted on KSL.com, for sale. SSPD Officers, along with Tooele City PD Officers worked together to assist the victim in this case. Following contact by police, it was discovered it was not the same dog. The possible suspects removed the dog from the website. The dog’s whereabouts are unknown.
October 10, 2008- DEATH INVESTIGATION 9:43am
SSPD Officers responded to the area of SSD, on the report of a 42 year old man who was not breathing. It was determined that the man had possibly overdosed on prescription medication. Officers tried to resuscitate the victim until medical staff could arrive. All attempts to save his life were unsuccessful.
October 22, 2008- WEAPONS OFFENSE 8:40pm
SSPD Officers responded to the area of the Jacob’s Ranch subdivision, on the report of a Weapons Offense. It was discovered that over the course of many weeks, several juveniles were “doorbell ditching” in the area. As the investigation continued, it was learned that one of the resident’s was upset by the kids’ behavior. One evening, the area resident, confronted two juveniles who were “doorbell ditching”, and told them to, “Stop!...Or I’ll shoot!” According to the juveniles, they said that they saw a handgun being pointed toward them, by this upset neighbor. As the case unfolded, it was discovered that there was never really a “gun”…only a camera. The irate individual simply tried to take their picture, so as to capture their craft “in action”, and turn it over to police.
Tip-of-the-month: As we are now mid-way through the 2008-09 school year, it should always be the focus of any parent to monitor the activities of their child(ren). With so many on-line predators, and other risky internet activity, parents should consider these tips:
#1- Place the computer in a heavy-traffic area of the home (ie- kitchen, hallway, living room). Children should always be monitored, along with their activity on the internet.
#2- Know WHO your child(ren) are talking to on the internet. This means asking questions and getting involved with your children. For a child to simply say, “…oh, just a friend I’ve met on-line”, is NOT sufficient. Predators routinely make-up identities and profiles.
#3- Monitor your child’s web pages, blogs, and on-line “community” involvement (ie- MySpace, Facebook, etc.) These are great avenues for children to meet and “hang-out” with their friends. Web predators also know this. And finally,
#4- Have access to your child’s log-ins and personal password information on the family computers. Set up family log-ins to access the desktop, that only you (as parents) know. This will control when they’re on the machine. They are your children, and as such, have a lesser expectation of privacy on the family computer. Also, set strict guidelines for time allotment on the computer. Advise your child that for every hour spent on the computer, they can be doing something worthwhile….volunteering or some other form of service. –Corporal Aaron D. Rosen, PIO (SSPD)
New construction set in Saratoga Springs
New construction set in Saratoga Springs
Published: November 5, 2008
SARATOGA SPRINGS — New construction planned for the developing downtown includes a series of retail and office buildings just east of the Redwood Road and state Route 73 intersection.
Saratoga Ridge will be built at the corner of SR 73 and Riverside Drive and will include retail space with offices above and restaurants, city manager Ken Leetham said.
Additionally The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is planning an 11,323-square-foot seminary building next to the new West Lake High School, which opens next fall. A new junior high is also planned west of the high school on land not yet annexed into the city, Leetham said. Center Street, which will run to the new schools, is also under construction.
The City Council on Tuesday took steps to move the new construction along, holding hearings to review concept plans and other details.
— Rodger L. Hardy
Published: November 5, 2008
SARATOGA SPRINGS — New construction planned for the developing downtown includes a series of retail and office buildings just east of the Redwood Road and state Route 73 intersection.
Saratoga Ridge will be built at the corner of SR 73 and Riverside Drive and will include retail space with offices above and restaurants, city manager Ken Leetham said.
Additionally The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is planning an 11,323-square-foot seminary building next to the new West Lake High School, which opens next fall. A new junior high is also planned west of the high school on land not yet annexed into the city, Leetham said. Center Street, which will run to the new schools, is also under construction.
The City Council on Tuesday took steps to move the new construction along, holding hearings to review concept plans and other details.
— Rodger L. Hardy
Saratoga Springs residents to get express bus service
Saratoga Springs residents to get express bus service
Daily Herald
Saratoga Springs and Eagle Mountain residents will be getting express bus service to and from Salt Lake City after voting to approve a tax increase to join in Utah Transit Authority's coverage area.
With all of Saratoga Springs's five precincts reporting in by 11 p.m., its voters agreed roughly 2:1 to join UTA and raise sales tax by one quarter of a cent in their community. Unofficial numbers were 1,844 voters for the initiative and 929 against.
Eagle Mountain results showed a wider margin of approval, reporting in 40 minutes after Saratoga Springs polls with 1,783 voting to ratify the initiative and 509 opposed.
Passing the initiative allows UTA to provide bus service as soon as April 2009. Residents with disabilities in both cities will also have access to UTA's Paratransit program.
"I am going to use it," said Saratoga Springs resident Todd Abney. He waited 30 minutes to vote at Harvest Hills Elementary.
"They have UTA van pool at work," said Abney, who works at Novell in Provo. "I guess they've organized a Saratoga Springs van pool."
Daily Herald
Saratoga Springs and Eagle Mountain residents will be getting express bus service to and from Salt Lake City after voting to approve a tax increase to join in Utah Transit Authority's coverage area.
With all of Saratoga Springs's five precincts reporting in by 11 p.m., its voters agreed roughly 2:1 to join UTA and raise sales tax by one quarter of a cent in their community. Unofficial numbers were 1,844 voters for the initiative and 929 against.
Eagle Mountain results showed a wider margin of approval, reporting in 40 minutes after Saratoga Springs polls with 1,783 voting to ratify the initiative and 509 opposed.
Passing the initiative allows UTA to provide bus service as soon as April 2009. Residents with disabilities in both cities will also have access to UTA's Paratransit program.
"I am going to use it," said Saratoga Springs resident Todd Abney. He waited 30 minutes to vote at Harvest Hills Elementary.
"They have UTA van pool at work," said Abney, who works at Novell in Provo. "I guess they've organized a Saratoga Springs van pool."
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