Contractors Equipment Storage/MV-1 Rezone – Analysis and Recommendation

GEM Committee Members: Jamie Lythgoe, Ron Gleason, Sharon Holmstrom, Richard Webb, Steve Clarke, David Holmstrom.

Contractor Representatives: Thom Summers (S&S Excavation), Jason Peterson (Peterson Builders)

Stated issue: The proposal by the County is to expand the space available for contractor equipment storage by adding that use to existing gravel zones with some restrictions.  This appears to be driven by:

1. The need to strengthen the County’s legal position in the effort to enforce the law, as several (if not most) contractors now store their equipment illegally.

  

2. Contractors seem willing to endure enforcement action because the financial penalty is small compared with cost of compliance and enforcement action typically takes a long time if it occurs at all.

 

Other issues:

1. At this point the root issue is enforcement.  Modifying zoning will not solve the problem.  Zoning will not drive demand.

2. At some point in the future more space may be needed; more space will then be necessary, but other issues will need to be addressed as well, especially creating a “level playing field” for all contractors who need to store equipment.

3. Processing operations, e.g. crushing and asphalt plants, are not expected to happen in the MV-1 zone.  Thom Summers attempted to do process operations and they proved economically unattractive.  It is much more attractive to do something like crushing on the job site.  Substantial process operations require about 10 acre sites to be successful.  This leads to the conclusion that the current concept of an MV-1 zone could well be redefined.

4. Larger contractors are likely to move their operations to Ogden to achieve financial stability and continued growth.  This will result in a continued contractor profile of small to medium size operations.

Recommendations: 

1. Look at the issue of contractor equipment storage more comprehensively to create a “level playing field”.

Decide on a definition of contractor equipment.  For example, a landscape business uses a large track hoe, heavy dump truck, and other heavy trucks, tractors, etc.  Why should this business be allowed in CV-2?  Another landscaper stores his equipment on a relative’s farm.  How much equipment does a framing business need to have to be subject to the rules of contractor equipment storage, e.g. 1 small trailer, 1 large trailer, more than one trailer?  At what point does a business move from a home based business to be required to store equipment at a designated spot?  Do agriculture contractors fall in the same category?  Is the break point defined by hiring an employee?  Look at CV-2 uses and ordinances affecting home based businesses.

2. Add penalties which motivate compliance by being large in comparison with cost of compliance.

3. Create a new Contractor Equipment Storage Zone which requires a minimum office space on site for each contractor in addition to space for equipment and does not require ownership of the site.  

It is believed that in the existing MV-1 zone the existing buildings and lots could be easily modified to provide each contractor in the Valley with an office and adequate storage space for equipment.  These facilities might be leased, at a much more reasonable cost than purchasing a lot and adding a building.

4. Consider the current gravel zones as expansion areas when more space is needed for the Contractor Equipment Storage Zone.

Conclusion:

County legal and the County Commission need to decide whether it is truly a legal issue driving the need for action.  If this is the case the recommendations made here have the potential to create a demand for contractor equipment facilities which doesn’t exist today and to create a level playing field (or business cost structure) for all the Valley contractors.

The issue of light manufacturing, defined as a business operating in an enclosed building, producing a finished product is separate and might be addressed in the future.

The GEM Committee members and the Contractors are asking for your input on this issue in Ogden Valley.  If you have any concerns or questions, please contact Steve Clarke, Chairman of the GEM Committee at sdclarke@oValley.net or 801-745-1348. 

UPDATE ON EDEN LIQUOR AGENCY PROGRESS!

Here’s the latest progress report on opening a Type-3 Package Agency in Ogden Valley! After much discussion and research, there is no funding currently available for a Type-3 Package Agency for Ogden Valley until sometime during the fourth-quarter of this year when the UDABC closes the American Fork, Type-3 agency, and opens its new state liquor store there.

Wolf Creek Resort…the current Type-2 Package Agency in the valley has notified the UDABC that they will not be renewing their agency contract when it expires June 30, 2009. For that reason and upon suggestion of Mr. Bill Lyman (Managing Member, Ogden Valley Liquor Group, L.L.C.) the UDABC will allow Mr. Lyman to apply for the Type-2 Agency contract and then, in fourth-quarter, when funding is available, the Ogden Valley Liquor Group, L.L.C. can apply for transition to a Type-3 Agency. 

What do these differences in agency types mean to the Ogden Valley general public…absolutely nothing! The agency type simply designates a difference in agency compensation and operation. (Type-2: An agency operated in conjunction with another business, Type-3: A standalone packaged liquor sales agency) The Eden Liquor Agency plans to offer the same wide variety of hard-liquor brands and sizes along with high-point beer and over 110 wine selections regardless of its agency designation.

The Eden Liquor Agency has already received its Conditional Use Permit and business licensing from the county to commence operations. The target opening date is July 1, 2009…if all goes well! The Eden Liquor Agency also plans to offer a variety of unique, gourmet food items and other merchandise that compliment liquor, beer and wine indulgence! Such as, a variety of chips and snack foods, dips and sauces, gourmet cheeses, gourmet crackers, several types of stuffed olives, drink mixers and juices as well as fun, sexy and laughable T-shirts, tanktops and seasonal outerwear, barware (shaker cups, martini glasses, shot glasses, specialtywine glasses, strainers, bar-spoons, cork screws, beer openers, jiggers, gallon-bottle cradles), bar décor signs (both, lighted and not), and much more! Frankly…as much as they can fit in the store!

  

To be fair and unbiased, the UDABC will advertise for a Type-2 agent in the next issue of the Ogden Valley News. After June 10, the UDABC will review Ogden Valley Liquor Group, L.L.C’s application, along with any others they receive, and will interview applicants and award the agency contract. So, stay patient! Mr. Lyman…the Ogden Valley Liquor Group, L.L.C and The Eden Liquor Agency are working hard to jump through the hoops and get-open for the residents, tourists and liquor resale outlets of Ogden Valley! For more information, call or email Mr. Lyman at (801) 648-7372 or edenliquoragency@yahoo.com .

LATEST UPDATE ON A TYPE-3 LIQUOR AGENCY FOR OGDEN VALLEY

Thursday, May 07, 2009

Here’s the latest information regarding Bill Lyman & Ogden Valley Liquor Group, L.L.C’s efforts to bring The Eden Liquor Agency to Ogden Valley. Due to your overwhelming support and demand for a Type-3 agency, the UDABC (Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control) has found a way through their budget difficulties to continue to provide a liquor agency in Ogden Valley until fourth-quarter this year, when they can afford to budget a Type-3 agency.

Earlier this week, Wolf Creek Resort notified the UDABC that they will not renew their Type-2 Agency contract when it comes-up for renewal June 30, 2009. After continuous communication and exhausting every avenue of possibility, Ogden Valley Liquor Group, L.L.C. has received word from the UDABC that the following steps

will be taken to insure that Ogden Valley continues to have a liquor sales agency present:

∞ To be fair and to show impartiality, the UDABC will place an immediate advertisement for a Type-2 Package Agent for Ogden Valley.

∞ The UDABC will accept applications, resumes & proposals for a limited time.

∞ Upon review of these documents, invitations will be made for agency applicants to interview with the UDABC.

∞ Interview applicants will be graded on several categories of qualification and a recipient of the Type-2 Agency Contract will be chosen.

∞ This process will take place during the month of June ’09 and should allow for a Type-2 Package Agency to be in-place and operating by the time Wolf Creek Resort closes their agency, June 30, 2009.

Bill Lyman, Managing Member, Ogden Valley Liquor Group, L.L.C., dba: The Eden Liquor Agency has already received their Conditional Use Permit from Weber County and plans to apply for the Type-2 Agency Contract.

The Eden Liquor Agency will operate as a Type-2 agency until sometime during 4th quarter this year when funding will be available for its transition to a Type-3 agency. What do these differences in type of agency mean to Ogden Valley residents, guests, tourists and local liquor resale outlets? Nothing! When the Eden Liquor Agency opens for business, it plans to offer the same wide variety of brands and sizes of hard-liquor, high-point-beer and wine as before...regardless of agency type. 

 

The type difference will only apply to the level of compensation the agency receives from the state. Mr. Lyman and the L.L.C. he manages feel it’s worth operating at a net-loss for several months in order to keep a state liquor agency open locally! Again…thanks go out to the public for supporting this effort!

Bill Lyman, Ogden Valley Liquor Group, L.L.C., dba: The Eden Liquor Agency, edenliquoragency@yahoo.com

Chickenpox Reported at Valley Elementary

Press Release

May 4, 2009

Health Department urges vaccination boosters, unvaccinated to stay home from school

(Ogden, UT) The Weber-Morgan Health Department has reported 28 new cases of chickenpox at Valley Elementary in Huntsville in recent weeks and officials are encouraging parents to keep their children’s vaccination schedules current.

Health officials remind parents that state law requires all Utah school children to receive chickenpox vaccinations before they enter kindergarten. As required by law, the health department may be asking unvaccinated students to stay home if they have been exposed.

Many of the students had not received recommended booster vaccines and those who were previously vaccinated are experiencing much milder symptoms than those who have not been immunized.

“Vaccinated children may still experience a very mild form of the disease because they did not develop adequate immunity against the virus,” says Gary House, director of the Weber-Morgan Health Department. “This is why we recommend vaccination boosters for added protection.”

Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease that typically peaks in winter and early spring. Symptoms include fever, runny nose and painful or itchy skin lesions. Individuals are infectious before the symptoms become apparent and can spread the disease until the lesions have scabbed over.

“Individuals who have not been vaccinated subject themselves to a higher risk of contracting the disease and suffering potentially life-threatening complications,” House says.

For more information or to be vaccinated, contact your primary care physician or the Weber-Morgan Health Department, 801-399-7252. Cost is about $85 and is covered by most insurance plans. Weber-Morgan Health Department also participates in the Vaccines for Children, a federally funded program for children under 18 who are uninsured or who qualify for the state’s CHIP or Medicaid or are of American Indian descent.

Blogmeister update:

Click here to see the ABC 4 News Story

and from the Salt Lake Tribune

Chickenpox vexing students in Huntsville -

Valley School in Huntsville To Close After 148 Years

It is no secret that Huntsville's very own multi-century landmark, Valley School, will be closing soon. To celebrate the 148 fabulous years, Valley School is hosting a closing open house this Saturday -- a closing open house?

There are many events planned for this weekends celebration, and of course we will provide a one stop shop with more details than you ever wanted to know.

Here are the details of the open house being held at Valley School:

Saturday May 9, 2009
Open House: 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Program: 6:00 to 6:30 p.m.

School tours (including the basement), Presentation of historical pictures, Display of school Memorabilia, Timeline, and Pictures/DVD of past plays & events. Favorite Lunch Cookies will be served. If you have school memorabilia to share, Please contact Jeaniel Sauer at Valley Elementary School (801) 452-4180

The editors of the Standard felt this was a significant enough event that they paid reporter Di Lewis BIG money (or at least we hope so) to write a few stories for Sunday's front page. She did a great job although we doubt any BIG money changed hands.

If you are in to nostalgia or have any sentimental feelings toward Valley School, we recommend you pick up your own copy of yesterday's paper.

While some from the dark side may simply think it will be so much nicer to have a brand new school close to the metropolis of Eden, those who grew up at Valley know there was something VERY special about that ole' school. Something that cannot be replaced for $14 Million.

Before we get too teary eyed, we will toss it over to Di!

Huntsville's Valley School closing after 148 years of classes (be sure to watch the video by clicking here)

Anecdotes of Valley School and its famous basement (Over the past 37 years, many Valley kids have been fortunate enough to say Candy (Inama) Facer was their teacher. Some parents were even fortunate enough to have been in Miss Inama's second grade class, only to have their children also taught by Mrs. Facer. In this article, Candy explains what makes Valley so special, but the irony is that Candy is one of a kind, and to MANY, Valley is special because of her.

Click here to take a tour of the infamous basement

Additionally, the Town of Huntsville apparently made a "full court press" attempt last year at convincing the School to build their new school on the present Valley School site, and there is a powerpoint of their presentation viewable by clicking here.

Lastly, the Valley School class of 1979 is having their 30 year reunion Saturday in conjunction with the open house. The organizers have asked us to help spread the word, so if you are a parent, sibling, neighbor or friend of any of the classmates, then please spread the word. They would have graduated from Weber High in 1982.

Click here to view the Class of 1979 web site

We will now open it up to our humble readers.

Do you have any memories of the School?

What say you humble Valley School Alumnus and others?

Click below to share your comments.

"Buying liquor in Ogden Valley may become more convenient"

The issue of a Type 3 Liquor agency in Ogden Valley made it to the pages of the Standard Examiner this morning.

To read the Di Lewis article in its entirety, click here.