Ogden Valley Utah Forum

OGDEN VALLEY Planning Commission Meeting Tuesday @ 5 PM

2012-01-23T23:23:00.002-07:00

Important agenda items which include heliport application

The Ogden Valley Planning Commission will meet:

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Weber County Commission Chambers, Weber Center (2380 Washington Blvd)

5:00 PM

There are some important agenda items which include:

2-1. CUP 2012-01 Consideration and action on a conditional use application for a heliport located in an F-40 zone east of Green Hill Country Estates and approximately two-thirds of a mile from the Maple Street cul-de-sac - Timothy Charlwood, Applicant

2.2. ZTA 2012-01 Consideration and action on a zoning text amendment to Chapter 15 (Forest Residential FR-3) of the Weber County Zoning Ordinance to allow a Night Watchman unit as part of Homeowners Association’s common facility building for an onsite employed manager or night watchman – John Lewis, HOA Vice President of Moose Hollow and Cascade at Moose Hollow, Applicant

Mr. Charlwood did not waste any time applying for a heliport as the new heliport ordinance was just approved by the county commission on January 3.

This has been a hot topic on the forum. Click here for the history.

The Standard Examiner weighed in on the issue in Sunday's paper.

Ogden Valley ski resorts cleared for heliports

This should be another interesting meeting. As they say, be there or be square!

Download a full copy of the Ogden Valley January 24, 2012 packet, in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF), here. Packets are available only for the current agenda and approximately thirty days after that date.

Guest Post from Sandi Tuck - updated

2012-01-23T12:47:00.016-07:00

Board of Appeals scheduled for Thursday @ 4:30 PM

I have been unable to obtain a postponement of the BOA hearing scheduled for Thursday, January 26th. I need a commitment from each of you that you will be able to attend the hearing and give testimony about your experience with the butcher shop. Although I have no current information, the last time the BofA met, the meeting convened at 4:30, at the Weber Center (2380 Washington Blvd).

I am asking residents of the Valley why Rulon & Richard Jones are able to put a Meat Cutting Packing business in our neighborhood . Their Commercial business name is Prime Cuts Meat. Description Meat Cutting Information given to Weber County Was that Water was optained from a private Well.

State of Utah Division of Water rights states records indicate well drilled in1965 from which water is diverted for a Domestic residence watering of livestock appears to be WATER RIght 35-1634 allows one single family unit & stock watering of 18 head of stock. The current records do not indicate a valid established water right. I have the full letter. The frontage of the dock is not 70' from Poulter's Home They ( Jones) have brought Semi trucks that block the entire road Also one large 53 ft. semi that could not turn around The children walk by full carcasses and Heads being delivered etc.

They do not have parking but employ 2 to 3 people. Last but not least, The State of Utah Department of Commerce Office of the Property Rights Ombudsman says that the countys interpretation that as it stands prohibits certain agricultural industry or business in the AV-3 zone

The business undertaken by the Landowners guided hunting with cutting & processing WILD ELK obtained off of the lot (which lot ?) is inescapably of the type and Prohibited in the Zone

This Board of Adjustment meeting seems to be pointed at overturning the recommendation of the Ombudsman's opinion that has been supported by the Weber County staff.

We need everyone possible at the meeting on the 26th to speak up on this issue.

I do have more info please call 745-6687 Sandi

UPDATE: 1/23/2012 @ 8 pm

We have received notices from several concerned neighbors and one included this Notice of the hearing from the Weber County Planning Office.

For More information on the application you can visit the Weber County Miradi at:

https://miradi.co.weber.ut.us/projects/view/154

2012-01-13T10:26:00.002-07:00

Guest Post from Ron Gleason

At the January 3, 2012 Weber County Commission meeting the Commissioners approved changes to the CV-2 zone to eliminate the conditional use possibilities for Heliports, added a Heliport to the definitions chapters and the FV-40 zone to include a new definition for a Heliport and specific guidelines for where a Heliport can be situated, 6,200 feet MSL or higher, and set back guidelines from property lines, building etc. These came about after the a conditional use permit for a Heliport was denied in a CV-2 zone by the Red Moose Lodge in Eden. Everyone was happy to see any uses off the valley floor and focused on Heliport use with Designated Resort Zones.

The Weber County Planning group has received an application for a Heliport above the Green Hills Neighborhood on property owned by Tim Charlwood of Park City. Many of you will remember that this property has a preliminary approval for six parcels that has extended two times. You can find the details of the conditional use application on the county web site at https://miradi.co.weber.ut.us/projects/view/213 (copy and paste if link does not work)

This application is scheduled to be heard by the Ogden Valley Planning Commission on January 24, 2012. The strength, or lack of, of the new changes to the zoning ordinances will be tested.

Will we experience another case of unintended consequences?

Ron Gleason

Huntsville, UT

Weber County Commissioners Vote Unanimously for New Ordinances re Heliports

2012-01-12T11:50:00.005-07:00

Hooray!!

Weber County Commissioners Vote Unanimously for New Ordinances re Heliports

Guest Post by Lee Schussman, Eden, UT Jan 4, 2012

On Tuesday, January 3, 2012, the three Weber County Commissioners voted unanimously to codify changes in the Weber County Zoning Ordinances that govern the siting of Heliports in the Ogden Valley.

These new ordinances will help to protect the life style of Ogden Valley residents while simultaneously maintaining the opportunity of helicopter-based businesses to be established and to grow in the Ogden Valley.

Please see previous postings here on this web site for details of the processes over the last 18 months and for more details of the changes. (Or, soon these new ordinances should be posted on the Weber County web sites.) These are some of the main points of the new laws:

“Heliport” has been removed from CV-2 Zones in Ogden Valley.

Heliports may operate only as private commercial facilities, not for use as general public-access heliports.

Heliports will be conditionally permitted only above 6200 feet elevation.

Heliports will be conditionally permitted only in DRR-1 (resort) Zones or F-40 (forest) Zones.

All Heliports will need to have set backs from property lines, appropriate surfaces, and necessary FAA approvals.

The establishment of these ordinances is a HUGE deal. There are many areas of the country where the use of commercial helicopters in residential or business areas has become very problematic. Safety, noise, lighting, dust control, and other issues are often extremely hard to mitigate while preserving businesses’ private property rights and the rights of businesses to successfully operate. Thanks to much work and long efforts on the parts of our Ogden Valley Planning Commission, Sean Wilkinson in the County Planning Office, and many dedicated Ogden Valley residents, and thanks to the recent vote of the Weber County Commissioners, we now have in place a set of ordinances that go a long way toward balancing the needs of Ogden Valley residents and the needs of potential Ogden Valley helicopter-based businesses.

Ogden Valley Residents Urged To Wave Flags In Honor of Officer Jared Francom

2012-01-11T00:01:00.004-07:00

It's been a tough week for our neighbors in Ogden in the wake of the tragic shooting last week. The impact has spread well beyond the city's borders to the rest of Weber County, the State of Utah and across America. Our friends at the Weber County Forum have done a masterful job (as always) of reporting on all aspects of the case, so we urge you to snoop around and get up to date by clicking below:

Ogden Shootings Story Update: The Latest From the Northern Utah Print Media

Today marks the funeral and memorial service for Officer Jared Francom and Ogden Valley residents have been asked to help honor Officer Francom by waving flags during the funeral procession. The flag waving has been organized, and as we understand it, Ogden Valley-ites are asked to line Harrison Boulevard along the route between the Dee Events Center (about 4400 Harrison Blvd.) and 30th Street. Bring flags if you have them. The Trapper Trails Council of the Boy Scouts of America will also be handing out miniature flags at various locations along the route.

The funeral procession is expected to begin at about 12:30 PM and will run North on Harrison to 30th Street, then turn west to Washington Boulevard. From there it will turn right (north) and proceed to 12th Street, then will make a right turn eastbound to Monroe before finally turning South on Monroe for Officer Francom's final resting place at the Ogden City Cemetary. A map of the route can be found by clicking here.

It is difficult to find good out of such a tragedy, but the events have brought the community together and have strengthened bonds. Today we honor those law enforcement officers who routinely put themselves in harms way to keep the streets safe. From a simple traffic stop to a complicated drug bust, cops have to constantly be wary of bad guys. Today we thank, salute and honor you.

Rest in peace Officer/Agent Jared Francom.

Breaking News: It Appears That The Infamous Snowbasin Ski Patrolman Has Been Reassigned

2011-12-31T11:05:00.001-07:00

This breaking news just in. Enjoy and Have a Happy New Year from the Ogden Valley Forum.

Via Adv365 from the Standard comments section:

Ski patrolman, Tim Taylor, has since been reassigned to another Earl Holding property and is now a lifeguard at the jacuzzi at the Grand America in SLC.

Snowbasin Video Goes Viral

2011-12-28T18:16:00.004-07:00

Not the PR they would hope for.

We hope your Christmas was Merry and we at the Ogden Valley Forum wish you and yours a Happy and prosperous 2012. We have been taking a well deserved literary break for the holidays, but could not pass up on a video that has been making the rounds in the backrooms of Facebook and beyond.

Harassment at Snowbasin from Garden Stories. on Vimeo.

To set up the video, a local Snowboarder from Layton is stopped by a Snowbasin Instructor and Pro Patroller on what appears to be the speed trap known as Bear Hollow. Without so much as a warning, the patroller pulls the season pass of a teen who, to us, didn't seem to be going all that fast or out of control. In fact, he was able to stop abeam the Instructor with ease.

The teens politely queries the patroller, who at one points tells the second teen to "Shut the F--- Up." He then threatened the second teen would lose his pass too if he didn't shut up.

Of course, Barney Fife didn't know that the local kids were wearing a Go Pro and that they had captured the entire exchange on video.

We are guessing Barney should be walking the unemployment line. What is your take?

UPDATE: 12/28/11 @ 9:44 PM
Fox !3 is running the story tonight.
And from KSL.com

And The Standard Examiner has this story.

European Experience Trip with Ralph Rowley Pre-Trip Seminar December 14

2011-12-14T02:39:00.001-07:00

A pre-trip seminar for the "European Experience" trip escorted by Ralph Rowley is planned for December 14th. The seminar will be held at the Roy City Weber County Library located at 1950 W. 4800 S. in Roy (just west of 1900 W. on the north side). The seminar will begin promptly at 6:30 pm in the auditorium and anyone who would like to learn more about this trip of a lifetime is invited to attend.

The trip will be in June 2012 for a duration of 2-4 weeks, depending on your chosen trip options.

Ralph Rowley is a retired Weber High School German teacher who has taken thousands of guests on this fabulous trip over the years. This is his 40th and final year.

The minimum enrollment of 45 has been met and a limited number of openings remain. The early enrollment discounts have been extended for those who enroll soon. This means substantial discounts.

To ensure adequate seating at the seminar, please RSVP by leaving a message at 801-458-0945. You may also send an email to rsor@msn.com Be sure to include "Europe Trip" in the subject line and list your name and number of attendees in the message. If you would like more information or a brochure, then please include your mailing and email addresses.

Elk Processing Facility Land Use Permit Rescinded

2011-12-06T06:44:00.011-07:00

Weber County Planners decide to "comport with the Ombudsman's opinion

In a surprise move, the Weber County Planning Department has rescinded the Land Use permit that allowed the Elk Cutting Facility to operate in Liberty. The permit is rescinded effective December 6, 2011.

Click here to view the letter from Weber County to the petitioners.

What say ye humble readers about the county's decision to head the Ombudsman's recommendation?

OGDEN VALLEY Planning Commission Meeting Tonight @ 5 PM

2011-12-06T06:12:00.007-07:00

Their are a few of items of interest on tonight's agenda of the Ogden Valley Planning Commission:

1. STA 2011-02 Discussion and action on an amendment to Chapter 4 (Subdivision Improvements Required) of the Weber County Subdivision Ordinance
2. Policy Discussion and action on Submitting Information to a Planning Commission Policy

Later:

5-2. Legal Counsel’s Remarks: Therapeutic Schools

The meeting begins at 5:00 and will be held in the Weber County Commission Chambers, Weber Center (2380 Washington Blvd)

Click here to view the agenda
Download a full copy of the Ogden Valley December 06, 2011 packet, in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF), here. Packets are available only for the current agenda and approximately thirty days after that date.

We invite our expert readers to review the packet and comment on the proposed improvements. Are they truly improvements or changes meant to make it more developer friendly? That is the $100 question.

OGDEN VALLEY PLANNING COMMISSION VOTES ON HELIPORT ISSUES

2011-12-05T12:43:00.000-07:00

A Final Resolution of The Heliport Issue Should Be Near

Guest Post by Lee Schussman, Eden

On Tuesday, November 22, 2011, the Ogden Valley Planning Commission (OVPC) met and voted unanimously on a number of changes in the Weber County zoning ordinances. These changes will have a dramatic, positive effect in helping to maintain the life style that we enjoy in the Ogden Valley while at the same time providing for the proper siting of commercial heliports in the Valley.

The OVPC voted unanimously to:

1- Remove “heliport” from the CV-2 zoning areas. (All CV-2 areas are on the Valley floor.)

2- Place “heliport” in the zoning ordinances in F-40 (40 acre “forest” areas) and DRR-1 (ski resort) zones.

3- Stipulate that, in those F-40 and DRR zones, all heliports must be located above 6200 feet elevation.

3- Establish setback and building conditions to help mitigate the noise and dust problems and to improve safety issues when CUPs are granted for commercial heliports in those F-40 and DRR-1 zones.

These changes will remove all commercial heliports from the Ogden Valley floor, place them in the most appropriate places (forest or resort areas), and do what is reasonably possible to mitigate the negative effects of their use on the surrounding areas.

The processes for these zoning changes began over 18 months ago. There were, at first, contentious, emotional, and even angry public comments and debates. These were followed by many months of hard work on the part of our OVPC, Mr. Sean Wilkinson, Planner in the Weber County Planning Office, and Ogden Valley residents. This work resulted in a number of well-thought-out compromises and policies.

Ogden Valley residents owe our OVPC (Commissioner Kevin Parson, Chair; Commissioners Laura Warburton, John Howell, Penton Hollist, Dennis Montgomery, Ann Miller, Greg Graves-–all of whom serve voluntarily) and Mr. Sean Wilkinson of the Planning Office our sincere thanks and appreciation for tackling and solving this very complicated issue.

In the near future, the Weber County Commissioners will need to consider, hopefully accept, and then vote these changes into the zoning laws. When they do, it will complete a process that will allow the legitimate use of commercial heliports while balancing that use with the good of the community.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T13:10:00.000-07:00

Dear Ogden Valley Friends,

Happy Thanksgiving from the Ogden Valley Forum!

This holiday season, we are thankful for YOU and your support of responsible development and the sustainable use of natural resources (water, land, wildlife and air) in Ogden Valley.

Ombudsman sides with Liberty Neighbors

2011-11-15T21:20:00.001-07:00

In the case of the Liberty neighbors vs. the Elk processing plant, the Property Rights Ombudsman has rendered his opinion in favor of the neighbors.

The Ombudsman was asked tasked with two issues:

1) Is a custom butchering and meat packing business a prohibited use in the county's AV-3 Zone? and
2) Does the Weber County code authorize the planning staff to serve as the land use authority in this matter?

Click here to read the document: Office of the Property Rights Ombudsman Opinion

The eleven page document is an interesting read while sipping your cappuccino during commercials of X-Factor, but it boils down to the issue of who is authorized under county ordinances to decide if a use is permitted: planning staff or the planning commission.

We think the planning department should always err on the conservative side by sending any questionable use to the planning commission for review, and the ombudsman apparently agrees.

The Ombudsman concludes:

The County Ordinance language, as it presently stands, prohibits certain agricultural industry or business in the AV-3 Zone. The business undertaken by the landowners, guided hunting with cutting and processing wild elk off the lot, is inescapably of that type and prohibited in that zone.

It now appears that the ball is in the County's court.

The Future Is Now!

2011-11-11T13:00:00.007-07:00

The Future is Now!

If you feel a little tremor once in a while, it is the development engine starting up again in Ogden Valley.

The citizens of Ogden Valley should be aware and prepared to respond

to the development forces that are always at work to use the land

and water in our Valley to further their view of progress.

The Valley Citizens for Responsible Development (VCRD) does not view all growth or development as negative. However, we do believe it should be accomplished within the guidelines set forth by the existing zoning and subdivision ordinance guidelines in place to protect the ambiance and unique qualities of Ogden Valley.

On November 22, 2011 both the Weber County Commission and the Ogden Valley Planning Commission (OVPC) will review several issues that may have serious impacts on how developers operate within Ogden Valley, and how well developers and the two Commissions communicate with the residents about proposed development plans.

It appears the OVPC may be intent on taking some “short cuts” by recommending changes to provisions of the subdivision approval process that may not be in the best interests of the citizens of Ogden Valley.

It is our understanding from the most recent GEM committee minutes that the OVPC is considering a change in the review process that would move the requirement for the OVPC and Weber County Commissioners review/approval from 3 units to 10 units in a subdivision, and also eliminate the notification to nearby landowners of such developments. While this would probably speed up the approval process, it will exclude the impacted neighbors from providing public input, eliminate the critical review process of both commissions and may erode the respect that citizens should have for our elected or appointed representatives.

We suggest to you, the Valley citizens, that the most effective way to engage and influence the decision makers on the OVPC and the Weber County Commission is to have a strong, effective participation by the residents in Ogden Valley. We ask that you contact these decision makers and let them know how you feel about the impact of accelerated growth in the Valley. All contact information for both the OVPC and the County Commissioners is available on the VCRD web site at www.vcrdutah.org

We also ask that you join the VCRD to receive e-mail and blog updates to keep your informed on the development activities of the Weber County Planning department and our elected or appointed officials.

The motto of the VCRD says it all:

“Speak up for what you want, or take what you get”.

Join the VCRD or renew your membership for a $10 yearly individual fee. The VCRD web site has been updated.

Send your membership fees to:

VCRD

PO Box 115

Huntsville, UT 84317

The VCRD is a nonprofit Corporation and your dues and any contributions are tax deductible.

Let’s stay ahead of the development surge and try to maintain our

Valley’s charm and beauty as much as we can.

Your VCRD Staff

Weber County Planning Unveils New Tracking System Called Miradi

2011-11-03T10:40:00.003-06:00

Guest Post by Ron Gleason

Wanted to make sure valley residents are aware of a new facility on the Weber County Planning web site. The planning group has implemented a system called 'Miradi' and the home page for the system describes it this way:

Miradi is a collaborative electronic reviewing and project tracking solution for Weber County which means 'project' in Swahili. Miradi treats everything as a project. An ordinance amendment, building permit, subdivision, board of adjustment appeal, and business license are all examples of different types of land use activities and permits. At an abstract level, each example is a project involving many unique properties, aspects, people, and reviewing agencies.

Interested residents can access the system off the plannings group home page at http://www.co.weber.ut.us/mediawiki/index.php/Planning or directly at http://miradi.co.weber.ut.us/

. To get maximum benefit folks should establish a userid.

I believe this is a great facility and will allow Weber County residents to stay abreast of activity within the planning, engineering and compliance groups.

Bravo to the planning group for getting this done.

Elk-processing operation in Ogden Valley upsets neighbors

2011-10-26T12:28:00.001-06:00

An Elk Processing operation has Liberty neighbors upset. While we have heard bits and pieces of the issue, this Charles Trentlemen article spells it all out as only Charles can do.

From the 10/25/11 Standard Examiner:

Elk-processing operation in Ogden Valley upsets neighbors

Here is an excerpt from the article:

Garet (Jones) said his grandfather actually owns the 6.15-acre plot, but put his children's name on the deed to make inheritance simpler. He said Rulon, his father, has no connection with the butchering operation.

Garet and Lance say their butchering meets all health and zoning codes and qualifies as agricultural use in an agricultural area.

(Sandi) Tuck, who lives two houses north, has been vocal that the cutting operation is not legal.

Tuck said she has served on local planning councils for years and disagrees that the cutting operation fits the definition of "agricultural."

"They are not connected (to the adjacent ranch), and that makes them totally illegal," she said Friday. "That makes them a commercial meat-cutting business in the middle of a residential agricultural district.

"Their side yards, their front, everything is totally illegal. They do not have parking."

(Bret) Barry, the neighbor immediately north of the Jones property, said the situation just doesn't look right to him.

"This is a residential neighborhood -- you know, with children -- and I don't believe what they've applied for or the way they've applied for it is within the ordinance," he said. "As far as I know, they've applied for family use and have begun commercial slaughter."

In a legal brief about the dispute filed with the Utah State Property Rights Ombudsman, Barry's attorney, Jodi Hoffman, states that the meat-cutting operation violates zoning, will create noise and smells and is "contrary to the public interest."

The Weber County Planning Commission approved the use in September. Early this month, the commission approved its business license.
Expecting trouble
Weber County Planner Scott Mendoza said he knew the case had potential for dispute when Garet Jones' request came in.

"It would certainly be a commercial use if he was opening up a butcher shop," Mendoza said, but the Jones family also raises elk on that parcel.

"So he wanted to continue raising elk and be able to cut the elk meat," Mendoza said, but the elk would actually be killed somewhere else.

"To be honest, I looked at that and said, 'This is one I'm going to sit down with the entire staff and talk about it.' "

What the staff decided was that the county's zoning ordinance definition of "agriculture" was so broad, they needed to narrow things down.

In the Utah State Code, Mendoza said, agriculture is defined as "the science and art of the production of plants and animals useful to man including the preparation of plants and animals for human use."

Further definitions show that "preparation" includes cutting and grinding meat from livestock. "Livestock" includes domesticated elk.

Mendoza decided that fit what the Joneses were doing, but said he also knew it was a matter of reading definitions.

"We also looked at it from the other point. What if we didn't issue? These things can be turned around ... " and the Jones family could challenge him.
"So you can see the county was in a bind," Mendoza said.

(Attorney Jodi) Hoffman, representing Barry (a neighbor), said the county did "results-oriented" research, meaning it wanted the answer to favor Jones and looked for a way to justify that outcome.

"I think the county clearly fudged in favor of the applicant," she said. "They kind of grabbed definitions that fit their purpose."

Hoffman said the county planners interpreted broadly and in favor of the Jones family, when the planners clearly should have defended the neighbors instead.

Here's your chance Ogden Valley. To Butcher or Not? That is the question.

Update on the Heliport Issue in Ogden Valley

2011-10-18T10:21:00.001-06:00

--OVPC Appears to be Near Completion of Its Work

Tuesday evening October 4th (in a work session limited by lack of a quorum) the Ogden Valley Planning Commission (OVPC) continued its work toward establishing a rational policy for the permitting of helicopter landing sites in the Ogden Valley. Since a quorum was not present, no official decisions (nor even “official” discussions) could occur; however, Mr. Robert Scott (Director of Planning), three OVPC commissioners, Mr. Sean Wilkinson (County Planner), Mr. Cobalt Stromberg (Director of Planning for Snow Basin), and valley citizens Dave Holmstrom, Steve Clark, and Lee Schussman had a productive, informal discussion of some of the important aspects of the heliport issue.

Official discussions and decisions will have to wait until the next OVPC meeting later this month. However, these are some of the key items that were discussed by the above individuals and about which there seemed to be consensus:

1. Heliport designation should be removed from CV-2 zoning.

2. Heliports should not be placed in any locations on the valley floor. It was initially proposed that establishing a minimal elevation of 6200 feet could accomplish this, but it was then discussed that 6300 feet would likely be a better minimum elevation.

3. The Weber County Commissioners are not able to set or enforce limits on either helicopter flight paths or numbers of flights. However, Weber County is responsible for and is authorized to issue CUPs so as to carefully and wisely site heliports.

4. In order to mitigate safety and noise issues, all heliports should be located away from dwellings and other sensitive areas. Toward this end, helicopter landing sites should likely be limited to F-40 or RDD-1 zones.

We have come a long way in the last 18 months. (Please see previous articles on this web site re the helicopter issue.) All valley citizens should be aware of and appreciative of the large amounts of work that have been put in by the OVPC and by the Weber County Planning Office (especially Mr. Sean Wilkinson).

The OVPC is now very close to recommending to the Weber County Commissioners a rational, well thought-out policy. That policy appears to be one that would allow CUPs for helicopter landings and take offs in select sites only in F-40 or RDD-1 zones above 6300 feet. Hopefully that policy will be finalized at the next OVPC later this month.

Lee Schussman
Eden, UT

Police identify boaters in Pineview fatality

2011-10-14T08:07:00.013-06:00

Thursday's Standard Examiner identifies the three men in the boat that police say killed a Pineview swimmer on August 21.

From the Tim Gurrister article,

Weber sheriff’s deputies have seized the boat believed to have struck the woman. The recently unsealed affidavits have identified its owner as Skyler Shepherd, 21, of South Ogden. In the boat with him were Colton Raines, 22, and Cole Boyer, 29, both of Ogden, the affidavits state.

In an Aug. 30 interview at the sheriff’s office, Shepherd told investigators Raines was piloting the boat when it struck Fujimoto, according to the documents.

Deputies were told all three men were seen consuming alcohol in the hours before the collision with Fujimoto, and Raines and Boyer were smoking marijuana. The search warrants covered the boat, as well as the blood of Raines and Boyer.

The warrants were executed and the blood samples were taken from the two Aug. 30, the documents said, noting that traces of marijuana remain in the human body for up to 30 days after ingestion.

A witness who lives adjacent to the area where Fujimoto was swimming heard a woman scream and went to the water’s edge to see a boat occupied by three males with a woman floating in the water near the boat, according to the affidavits.

“The witness heard one of the males call out, ‘Hey lady, are you alright, are you alright?” reads the document.

The witness then rowed out to the scene as the powerboat with the three males departed. “He was easily able to tell that Fujimoto was severely injured and bleeding and told the 911 dispatcher that ‘her insides were coming out.’ ”

The article goes on to state:

A witness who was with the three men at Pineview said he observed Raines and Boyer smoking marijuana in the afternoon on the boat before the early evening collision with Fujimoto, according to the affidavits.

Weber County Attorney Dee Smith said Wednesday the case is still under investigation with no timetable on a decision on possible charges.

Nearly 6 weeks have passed since the Sheriff's office identified the boat's occupants yet no charges have been filed.

A September 16, 2011 Standard article informs us that two of the men are represented by high power Salt Lake attorney Greg Skordas:

Salt Lake City attorney Greg Skordas represents the two men who have not talked with detectives, at his request.

"I've asked my clients not to make statements until I'm present and can go over the case," said Skordas, who didn't identify his clients.
"If the sheriff's office thought a crime (had been) committed, they should have charged (them) awhile ago. Asking my clients to talk about a crime that didn't occur doesn't make sense."

What say you Ogden Valley faithful. Did a crime occur? If so, what should be the crime and punishment.

Valley Elementary Fundraiser Friday and Saturday

2011-10-14T08:00:00.001-06:00

EDEN -- Valley Elementary PTO is hosting its annual Bulldog Boutique from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

The event at the school, 5821 E. 1900 North, showcases more than 30 vendors selling all sorts of goods, including holiday and baby items, home decor, jewelry, gourmet cupcakes, glitter toes, hair accessories, toys, books, candies, baked goods and a children's shopping corner.

Proceeds will go to provide Valley students with field trips, special learning opportunities, classroom aides, teaching and learning materials and more.

For more information, call Jori Torman at 801-814-1352.

Reminder of Tonights meeting along with a report of findings from the Hydrogeologist that was presented to the state on the well protest.

2011-10-06T11:47:00.000-06:00

Just a reminder about the meeting tonight,
Oct. 6, 2011
at the Huntsville Library
at 6:00 pm,
regarding an update on Green Valley Academy.
Please come out and get the lastest on the issue.
Also here is the attachment of the report of findings from the Hydrogeologist that was presented on our behalf to the state on the well protest.
Thank you all....

Ogden Valley Protection Counsel

Click here to view the report

Community Meeting Thursday

2011-10-05T11:24:00.004-06:00

Click here to view a related article that appeared in the 9-15-11 issue of the Ogden Valley News.

Alabama county cuts deal of debt

2011-09-27T00:54:00.001-06:00

We spotted an article in the September 30, 2011 issue of “The Week,” a national magazine, which reminds us of Ogden Valley's own Mountain Valley sewer fiasco.

Jefferson County, Ala., has avoided “what could have been the
biggest municipal bankruptcy filing in American history,” said Mary Williams Walsh in The New York Times. Officials in the county, which includes Birmingham, have reached a deal to restructure $ 3 billion in debt, which grew out of a sewer system revamp plagued by flawed accounting and corruption. Under the proposal, the county’s Wall Street creditors would forgive about $ 1 billion of the debt, but residents would face higher bills for sewer service.

Does this sound familiar?

Lt. Phil Howell, Weber County Sheriff's Office Ogden Valley Commander loses battle with Cancer

2011-09-08T11:11:00.001-06:00

We received a couple of notifications regarding the unfortunate and untimely passing of Lt. Phil Howell of the Weber County Sheriff's Office and will post them below:

Hello; we were just informed that Lt. Phil Howell, Weber County Sheriff Ogden Valley Commander, has passed away.
We want to recognize his loyalty and service to the Valley, and appreciate all he has done.
He was instrumental and supportive in the organization of Neighborhood Watch groups, community meetings, and patrols. He was always the calm in any situation.
We will miss seeing him around our neighborhoods; and thank the current officers stationed up here for protecting us.
Ruthann Halay

Also, we received this from the www.HuntsvilleTown com email blast:

It is with a heavy heart that we pass on the news that Lt. Phillip Howell from The Weber County Sheriff's Office lost his valiant battle with cancer on September 6, 2011. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and co-workers.

About three years ago, Huntsville officials were disappointed to hear that, due to a restructuring within the Sheriff’s office, our Community Resource Officer, Mike Chatelain, would no longer be patrolling in Huntsville.

While we still miss Deputy Chatelain, Phil quickly became a great friend to all he associated with. Phil was the Upper Valley Precinct commander and spent a great deal of time in Huntsville. He was a first class individual and a great cop with an old school attitude. He preferred negotiation, communication and education to citations.

Phil loved his island upbringing and spoke Hawaiian fluently, prefacing every conversation with aloha and humbly offering thanks with mahalo.

Phil left Hawaii for Utah in the early ‘70's to play linebacker for the Weber State College football squad. After football, he had a distinguished 20+ year career with the Ogden Police department, where one of his biggest personal accomplishments was the large role he had in ‘cleaning up’ 25th street.

Phil took a short break from law enforcement to help with the family business in Hawaii before returning to Utah to attend BYU, where he received his Masters degree.

In the late ‘90's Phil returned to the career he loved when he was hired by the Weber County Sheriff’s office. Prior to being named Commander of the Upper Valley Precinct, Lt. Howell worked in many areas within the Sheriff’s department: Investigations, accreditation, professional standards, and SWAT negotiations.

Phil will be missed in Huntsville, and we offer our sincerest condolences to his family.

Green Valley Academy Update - Your Help Is Needed

2011-09-06T07:21:00.004-06:00

Click Below to Enlarge

Boat seized, suspects ID'd in death of U. scientist at Pineview Reservoir

2011-09-01T12:07:00.000-06:00

An update to the tragic accident we reported August 23 and August 26.

The boat that was allegedly involved in the accident has been found and seized by authorities, and the three men on board the boat have been identified.

click here to see the Fox 13 video.

Valley Citizens For Responsible Development To Meet This Week

2011-08-29T06:13:00.003-06:00

The Valley Citizens for Responsible Development (VCRD) will hold their membership meeting:

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

7:00 PM

Weber County Library, Ogden Valley Branch in Huntsville

Members, prospective members and guests are urged to attend.

"Speak up for what you want, or take what you get!"

Weber deputies seeking several suspects in boat hit-and-run

2011-08-26T22:11:00.001-06:00

UPDATE TO OUR AUGUST 23, 2011 POST
From the Standard Examiner

HUNTSVILLE -- Authorities are looking for several suspects who were on a boat that struck and killed a woman in Pineview Reservoir over the weekend.
ABC 4 reports (http://bit.ly/p6ikog ) the Weber County Sheriff's Office believes the boat's driver stopped and talked to the injured woman in the water before fleeing.
Weber County authorities say 49-year-old Esther Fujimoto of Ogden died after she was struck around 8 p.m. Sunday while swimming in the reservoir.
Deputies say a bystander heard her screaming and came to her aid in a row boat. Fujimoto later died of her injuries.
Friends and colleagues say the woman was a University of Utah scientist seeking a cure for cerebral palsy.
Officials are asking anyone with information about the accident to contact authorities.

Weekend Ogden Valley Tragedies Leave Two Dead

2011-08-23T11:15:00.000-06:00

Experienced Swimmer and Motocross Rider Both Killed

An experienced swimmer was hit by a boat and killed Sunday evening on Pineview reservoir. The boat that allegedly hit Ogden resident Esther Fujimoto, 49, left the scene. The boat is described as white and blue with three males riding inside.

From Fox 13 news, we share this video, Woman killed at Pineview Reservoir identified as U of U researcher

And from the Standard Examiner:

Boating victim was familiar with waters, says colleague

Weber County Sheriff's Office Lt. Lowther encourages anyone who might have been in the area to contact the sheriff's office. They especially hope to hear from three individuals in a blue and white boat who were sailing in the area, to share any information regarding what they might have seen.

On Thursday, during practice at the Powder Mountain Motocross, 16 year old Dylan Perkins of Surprise, AZ was killed.

Teen rider killed at Powder Mountain motocross practice

Dylan is the second death in the Powder Mountain Motocross three year history. In 2009, 16 year old Tanner Krahenbuhl, from Henderson, Nevada, was killed when the motor home he was riding in lost control and rolled over on the Powder Mountain road.

Ogden Valley Arts Heritage Festival This Weekend

2011-08-18T16:23:00.000-06:00

Guest post by Narlene Allen Story

It all starts tomorrow

We are getting closer... It all happens starting tomorrow....

Everything is in place for the kick off concert tomorrow night at 7 pm at the Hearthside. Tickets are on sale online at www.ogdenvalleyarts.org or at the door! It's going be an amazing evening.

Then, Saturday.. What a line up we have!
Join us for games, food, vendors, and Music... music... music!

Festival opens at 10 am
Music starts at 11 on two stages: The Hearthside and the Montessori are.

Kids games start at 11am.

Vendors will be there as well as artists!

Bring the kids.. the Eden Fire Engine will be there for the kids to climb on.

We also have Horse drawn buggy rides going on all day!

Oh.. and don't forget LUNCH! The Hearthside is catering lunch from 12 noon to 2 pm and it's all HOMEADE! Lunch tickets at $7.00 for an awesome home cooked meal so bring the kids.. grandma and grandpa and enjoy a weekend with the family!

For a complete schedule of events check us out online at www.ogdenvalleyarts.org

We hope to see you there!

Ogden Valley Forum now listed on Utah Top Blogs web site

2011-08-10T09:28:00.005-06:00

We are excited to be included in the new site www.utahtopblogs.com.

The UtahTopBlogs.com is a local blogs aggregator that republishes the titles of new posts from selected local blogs and presents them to visitors in a simple and convenient manner.

The Ogden Valley Forum was chosen among many other local blogs, and you can see our posts along with the posts from many other popular blogs and forums at UtahTopBlogs.com.

Tour of Utah Passing through Ogden Valley Wednesday

2011-08-09T17:13:00.001-06:00

Be sure to plan your travel as the Tour of Utah Bicycle Race will be passing through Ogden Valley Wednesday, August 10, 2011. Riders will depart Ogden at 11 am, traverse North Ogden Pass and descend into the Valley, passing through Liberty, Eden and Huntsville while continuing down Ogden Canyon. The race is scheduled to end between 3:45 and 4:30 PM.

Ogden Valley Arts (OVA) Heritage Festival August 19-20

2011-08-09T16:24:00.015-06:00

While staying off the busy Ogden Valley roads tomorrow, be sure to watch the Noon News on KUTV 2.
Tune in to hear all about the Heritage Festival - happening Aug. 19th & 20th in Old town Eden!

You can read more about it online by clicking here.

Tickets on sale now for the Friday night concert!

North Divide Open Now!

2011-08-05T08:12:00.002-06:00

Effective immediately, the North Divide

Road is open. Drive Carefully.

Ogden Valley Forum

Planning Commission Meeting Tonight

2011-08-02T10:27:00.002-06:00

The Ogden Valley Planning Commission will be having an important work session tonight.

Here are the details:

The meeting will be held in the Weber County Commission Chambers, Weber Center (2380 Washington Blvd). The meeting will begin at 4:00 p.m. in the order listed below.

Agenda Items

W1. Discussion:

Z011- 1 Work session discussion on a proposed text amendment to the Weber County Zoning Ordinance by amending the definition of “school”, adding the definition of “Therapeutic School”, establishing facility requirements, and to include “Therapeutic School” as a conditional use in the F-5, F-10, F-40, AV-3, FR-3, and CV-2 zones (Fred Smullin, Applicant)

Adjourn to convene a combined Ogden Valley and Western Weber County Township Planning Commission agricultural tourism field trip to Sand Hill Farms

Download a full copy of the Ogden Valley August 02, 2011 packet, in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF), here. Packets are available only for the current agenda and approximately thirty days after that date.

Lakeview Water and Mountain Sewer owner bugs out under investigation pressure.

2011-07-29T14:00:00.004-06:00

It was learned recently from Melvin Smith, Ron Catanzaro’s attorney

in the Ogden area, that Catanzaro has left the State of Utah for Nevada.

As reported in this blog, Mountain Sewer Company has been the subject of a Formal Complaint and investigation by the Utah Public Service Commission (PSC) regarding operating problems and billing questions regarding both Mountain Sewer and Lakeview Water Corporations.

Our information is that Catanzaro turned over most or all of his assets to the owner of A-1 pumping pending approval of the Public Service Commission. These assets include both Mountain Sewer and Lakeview Water Corporations. Word on the street is that Mountain Sewer owed A-1 pumping and other vendors substantial unpaid bills for services.

At the pre hearing conference on July 19th the Public Service Commission law judge indicated that a complete audit of Mountain Sewer as requested by the complainants would be one of the first orders of business, and the parties would reconvene in about a month to to discuss the audit results and set the date for the Formal Hearing. It appears that Mr. Catanzaro did not want to face the PSC audit results and examination of his operating procedures detailed in the formal complaint, so he decided to sell out and leave the area.

An initial meeting between the prospective new owner of Mountain Sewer and Lakeview Water corporations and the Ad hoc committee of utility users that filed the formal complaint against Mountain Sewer was held on July 28th. The purpose was to air out some particulars about the sale and transfer of assets and responsibilities and to have some utility customers meet the new owner so they could get to know each other. The new owner committed to working with the users to resolve current outstanding issues and he promised to stay in communication with the utility users on the operations and plans for the future for both corporations. A check with the PSC staff indicated the normal timeframe for approval of an uncontested sale of a PSC regulated company is from 45 to 60 days.

It is not clear as of this writing how this transfer of assets will affect the pending PSC formal complaint or what the reaction of the possible sale is from the Weber County Commissioners who have been the body politic for oversight for Mountain Sewer for many years.

Update on Lakeview Water and Mountain Sewer

A correction to the initial post: The new owner of Mountain Sewer and Lakeview Water is the father of the owner of A-1 Pumping.

WOLF CREEK CANYON TRAIL SATURDAY

2011-07-27T15:20:00.009-06:00

WOLF CREEK CANYON TRAIL SATURDAY JULY 30 8 AM - Noon

Please come and help keep

our Weber Pathways Trails clear of Dyers Woad.

Bonus!!: Daypass to Powder Mountain !!! (1 / person)

Meet at the trailhead on Powder Mountain Road (State Route 158), some early birds are starting at 7:30 am so come earlier if you prefer) The trail is in bad "woad shape" and yes it is late in the year, but if we cut and bag it, it will prevent thousands of seeds from washing down into the forest. Some kind of group has don the first 200 yards, but the woad continues up the trail into the Canyon.

Please come and help beat the Woad. Questions: Miranda Menzies

Cell 513-368-4356 Home (Thurs pm onwards 801-745-2793.)

Pre Hearing Conference - Mountain Sewer Formal Complaint

2011-07-20T00:22:00.003-06:00

On Tuesday, July 19, 2011, the Public Service Commission Administrative Law Judge, David Clark, conducted a pre hearing conference to lay out the procedures regarding the Formal PSC Complaint filed by a group of Ogden Valley residents served by Mountain Sewer Corporation.

Judge Clark stated that since there would soon be a request from Mountain Sewer for a rate increase, and a possible sale of Mr. Catanzaro’s water and sewer properties, the complainants request for a complete, independent audit of the utility's accounting books and operating systems by the PSC staff will be one of the first items to be addressed.

When the audit of Mountain Sewer is completed, all parties will again meet to discuss the results of the audit and determine the next step in the complaint process.

The Weber County Commission, who is the designated body politic for Mountain Sewer, chose not to send a representative to the conference today, but sent a letter to the Administrative Law Judge stating their position regarding their responsibilities for oversight of Mountain Sewer.

The Ogden Valley Forum feels the non-participation by Weber County is a disservice to Mountain Sewer customers, especially those in the Lakeside Village Town homes, and is a continuation of Weber County’s inconsistent oversight record regarding Mountain Sewer operational problems. Many of the Lakeside Village town home owners have suffered multiple sewage flooding incidents (the latest March 16, 2011) due to the functional problems of Mountain Sewer’s lift pumps. These town home owners have found a mixture of storm water with raw sewage in their homes during numerous flooding incidents dating back several years.

The Forum urges the Weber County Commissioners to step up and fulfill their responsibilities regarding Mountain Sewer instead of pushing the problems off for future meetings of the Special Service District board.

Dyers Woad Eradication Event Saturday

2011-07-15T19:34:00.001-06:00

Representative Gage Froerer is hosting a Dyers Woad Eradication event Saturday, July 16, 2011. We just received this reminder and thought it was important enough to pass on.

The event starts at 8:30 am at Snowcrest Junior High.

Representative Froerer and his office will generously provide lunch afterwards.

Click here for details.

The Community is Invited to a Celebration Paying Tribute to Tommy Lee - Outgoing Principal of Valley Elementary

2011-07-07T08:07:00.004-06:00

On Sunday, July 10th from 2:00 pm - 7:00 pm, the community is invited to a family celebration being held in honor of Tommy Lee. After eight years as Principal of Valley Elementary, Tommy is heading off to another school.

The celebration will be held on the patio of Harley & Buck’s at 3900 North Wolf Creek Drive. There will be live music by Dizzy DeSoto, playing fun 50’s and 60’s cover music.

Please join faculty, friends and students for this special event. For more information, please call (801) 745-2060.

OVPC Makes Good Progress on the Issue of Heliports in the Ogden Valley

2011-06-30T09:02:00.000-06:00

Guest post by Lee Schussman, Eden

On Tuesday evening, June 28, 2011, in a marathon-length session that lasted the full three and one half hours allotted for such meetings, the Ogden Valley Planning Commission (OVPC) tackled the problems associated with commercial helicopter landing and takeoff sites (“landing zones” or LZs) in the Ogden Valley.

Newly elected Commission Chairman Kevin Parsons and Commissioners Graves, Howell, Montgomery, and Warburton fully upheld their previous commitments to accept public input and to devote time and effort to the heliport issue.

At the meeting, Sean Wilkinson of the Weber County Planning Division reviewed the last 18 months. During that time, commercial helicopters have operated out of the Ogden Valley without the necessary Conditional Use Permit (CUP), there has been much public concern and discussion on the issue, an emergency CUP has been issued, a subsequent heliport CUP application has been denied, an appeal to that denial has been filed, and an application to remove heliport from CV-2 zoning has been filed. (For more detailed history, please see previous postings on the Ogden Valley Forum under “heliport.”) Mr. Wilkinson stated that the use of helicopters in the Ogden Valley is believed to be desirable in appropriate locations. Given that assumption, he went on to recommend that the OVPC needed to define “heliport” and “helistop”, and he outlined four possible options for the OVPC to consider regarding helicopter LZs:

1. Remove heliport as a designation in CV-2 zoned areas (all of which are currently on the valley floor.)
2. Allow heliports only above 6200 feet in elevation.
3. Allow heliports only above 6200 feet in elevation and only in DRR-1 zoned areas (the zoning for some ski resorts).
4. Allow heliports in any ski resorts (regardless of the resorts current zoning) above a certain elevation.

Ogden Valley residents David Holmstrom (who had started the process and financed the applications to change the text of the Weber County CV-2 zoning ordinances), Steve Clarke (who is head of the Ogden Valley Gem Committee), Ron Tymcio, and Lee Schussman had all variously presented at OVPC meetings, met with County Commissioners, obtained input from many dozens of Ogden Valley residents, and met with many business people from the Ogden Valley. At Tuesday’s meeting, their input was repeatedly welcomed by the OVPC, and vigorous discussions ensued.

Among the many issues discussed were:

1. Definitions need to be established. Likely the OVPC definition of “Heliport” would include permanent infrastructure facilities for such things as fueling, maintenance, parking, and other customer services at the site; and “helistop” would simply be a landing pad with no other permanent facilities.

2. The desirability of keeping LZs off the valley floor.

3. The need to continue to address safety and noise considerations.

4. The possibility of placing a limit on the minimum elevation for helicopter LZs—likely 6200 feet.

5. A need to decide on the CV-2 zoning issue: “Heliport” can be continued as a conditional use in CV-2 until other plans for helicopter LZs can be made, since no CUPs would be granted now until the issue is resolved. (If a minimal elevation is established as 6200 feet for LZ’s, it may be a moot point to remove heliport from CV-2, as all current CV-2 sites are on the Valley floor.)

6. The desire to accommodate and promote legitimate business interests in Ogden Valley.

7. The need to include possible future roles of helicopters for uses other than heli-skiing. Activities such as sight seeing, hunting, cross country skiing, and access to back country areas were all discussed.

8. The need to decide in which zoning areas heliports and helistops should be allowed so as to not discriminate in granting CUPs to one business over another.

9. The possibilities of having zoning in some areas for helistops (e.g. F-40, Forest Zones) and in others for heliports (e.g. DRR, resort) zones.

10. The fact that “airports” are already in the F-40 zoning ordinance could make it logical to also include “helistop” there.

11. The potential for any legitimate business to plan and place helipads in F-40 zones should help create a development-friendly accommodation for such future LZ areas.

12. The possibilities (or lack there of) of placing conditions (such as altitudes and flight paths) on helicopters.

13. The desirability of establishing fair, enforceable policies now to avoid repetition of the last 18 months and future problems.

The OVPC concluded the planning session by requesting that the staff:

1. Create formal definitions of heliport and helistop.
2. Report back with a process that would keep heliports and helistops off the Ogden Valley floor by establishing a minimum elevation of 6200 feet for LZs.
3. Report back with a process that could place “heliport” in the DRR zone and place “helistop” in the F-40 zone.

These are HUGE steps in the right direction. Proper siting of heliports is a complex and specialized issue, and the OVPC deserves MUCH appreciation and thanks from all Ogden Valley residents and businesses as it continues with the very difficult tasks necessary to protect the interests of both Valley residents and potential Ogden Valley businesses.

URGENT -- Green Valley Academy Files for Well Permit - Protests must be submitted by June 22, 2011

2011-06-21T07:03:00.006-06:00

Green Valley Academy has filed for a well permit under Jared Balmer. Protests need to be filed before June 22, 2011. Click this link for instructions on protest filing Anyone concerned about their water must file a protest.

To date, only 4 neighbors have filed a complaint, but this request for 13 ac./ft. of water could have far reaching effects to those both near the property and beyond.

Don't sit back and assume someone else is going to do this for you. If you have a a concern, file a protest on your behalf.

Click this link and select the county "Weber" and it will pull up the current petitioned wells. Instructions on how to file are at the top of the web page.

Here's the pertinent info from the link.

35-12590	E5204	Jared Balmer	Pineview Reservoir	IO	Weber	13 acft	Apr 27, 2011
		1166 Sunset Dr.	Sec 16 T 6N R 2E SLB&M				May 26, 2011
		Kaysville, UT 84037	Huntsville			YES	Jun 22, 2011

APPLICATIONS IN CURRENT ADVERTISING CYCLE

Persons objecting to an application must file a CLEARLY READABLE protest stating FILING NUMBER, REASONS FOR OBJECTION, PROTESTANT'S NAME AND RETURN ADDRESS and any request for a hearing. Protests must be filed with the State Engineer, Box 146300, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6300 on or before the 'Protest End Date' associated with each application found below.
*NOTE: Please be aware that effective, July 1, 2009, there will be a $15.00 fee for each protest filed.*

STRINGS FOR STRINGS

2011-06-01T06:11:00.006-06:00

A Free Bluegrass Concert for Tennis

Friday, June 3, 6:30 pm

Snowcrest Jr. High

Featuring Kort McCumber

A talented, multi-instrumentalist, McCumber plays everything from guitar, banjo, mandolin, harmonica and piano in his brand of Americana that is one part rock and blues, two parts country-bluegrass and all parts McCumber. His songwriting abilities have made him a Colorado favorite and garnered him national and international recognition. Accompanying him on the bass will be Jim Gillmore.

Come enjoy a delightful evening with your community. Wear your bluejeans. Bring a comfortable camp chair if you wish and a snack to share. (Snowcrest has folding chairs).

Learn how you can help build your community tennis complex

“brick by brick”.

Architectural drawings for the Ogden Valley Community Tennis Complex, donated by Van Zeben Architecture will be on display, as well as samples of the commemorative bricks and stones that will be used in the entry plaza to the courts.

*Kort will also be featured at the Ogden Music Festival on Sunday, June 5^th. Location for the festival has been changed to North Fork Park.

Closure of North Ogden Divide

2011-05-31T05:23:00.000-06:00

Guest Post by Sally Lindsay Resident Huntsville

I am concerned about the planned closure of the North Ogden Divide (NOD) beginning June 1^st.

We have three roads in and out of the Ogden Valley.

1. Ogden Canyon

2. Trapper’s Loop

3. North Ogden Divide

Avon and Monte Cristo are snow covered and not useful at this time.

Causey reservoir has been full and pouring over the top of the spill way since the 14^th of May.

The real melt has not begun.

The water from Causey Reservoir crosses SR – 39 shortly before the Trapper’s Loop Road.

Pineview Reservoir is 83% full according to KSL May 26^th with over double its entire capacity still in the mountains.

If Causey were to break, a fair section of SR -39 between Huntsville and Trappers Loop would likely be washed out.

This would move all of the Ogden Valley traffic over the Dam, if the NOD were closed.

If water were flowing over Pineview Dam, this road could close -- and with 200% of capacity yet to fill an 83% full reservoir, and the potential of Causey Dam water crashing into Pineview, this seems like a possibility..

Can the NOD please stay open until later in the summer when we can better access the flood situation?

Happy Memorial Day!

2011-05-29T19:29:00.000-06:00

We are wishing all a Happy Memorial day. Be sure to participate in some of the celebrations honoring our vets Monday at our local cemeteries.

American Legion Post 129 will be hosting ceremonies at each cemetery. Additionally, the new Huntsville Veteran's Monument will be dedicated. The monument is in honor of ALL Vets of ALL services and ALL wars.

9 AM - Liberty Cemetery

9:30 AM - Lower Eden Cemetery

10 AM - Upper Eden Cemetery

11 AM - Huntsville Veteran's Monument Dedication - Huntsville Cemetery

12 PM - Huntsville cemetery - American Legion Ceremony

Planning Commission Meeting Summary

2011-05-25T07:50:00.000-06:00

By Fred

As expected, the Planning Commission voted to move the Therapeutic School item to a working meeting June 7. Everyone is invited to come and participate.

It is unfortunate that all who attended and ready to comment were not allowed to comment. I thought they could have handled it better. Even Ben Hatfield got cut off in the middle of is Staff summary.

Another Important Ogden Valley Planning Commission Tonight @ 5 PM

2011-05-24T01:23:00.001-06:00

Therapeutic School Zoning Amendment on Agenda

The meeting will be held in the:
Weber County Commission Chambers,
Weber Center (2380 Washington Blvd).
The meeting will begin at 5:00 p.m.

Huntsville resident Fred Smullin has spent many hours drafting new language for an amendment to the Weber County Zoning Ordinance that addresses the definition of a school. Be sure to attend to support Fred's efforts (or dispute them if you feel so inclined).

From the agenda:

3-3. ZO 2011-1 Consideration and/or action on a text amendment to the Weber County Zoning Ordinance by amending the definition of “school,” and adding the definition of “Therapeutic School,” establishing facility requirements and to include “Therapeutic School” as a conditional use in the F-5, F-10, F-40, AV-3, FR-3, and CV-2 Zones (Fred Smullin, Applicant)

Two more important items are on the agenda:

3-1. UVR 030209 Consideration and action on a request for a variance to the Weber County Subdivision Ordinance to allow an additional time extension of final approval for The Retreat at Wolf Creek Utah Subdivision Phase 1, in the RE-20 Zone, located at approximately 5334 East Elkhorn Drive (Rob Thomas for Wolf Creek Properties LC, Applicant)

3-2. Deferrals Consideration and action on a recommendation to the County Commission regarding options for deferrals of public improvements (curb, gutter, sidewalk, asphalt)

We will note the importance of item 3-1 as the proposed land in zoned RE-20, which is among the most dense zoning in Ogden Valley.

Sewer complaint filed by owners of Huntsville condos

2011-05-09T10:58:00.005-06:00

The Mountain Sewer Corp. fiasco has made it to the pages of the Standard Examiner. Our faithful readers will remember this ongoing saga which has involved questionable billing practices, dumping raw sewage from a faulty system into the man hole of another sewer system and even raw sewage flooding the Lakeside Condos.

Read Monday's Standard article by clicking the link below:

Sewer complaint filed by owners of Huntsville condos

For more history of the Mountain Sewer Corp., click here.

From Monday's Scott Schwebke article:

Several Huntsville-area residents have filed a complaint with the Utah Public Service Commission contending Mountain Sewer Corp. failed to prevent raw sewage from entering 15 condominiums in Lakeside Village during a flood.

The article goes on to state:

The complainants are asking the Public Service Commission to inspect Mountain Sewer to prevent a recurrence of problems that happened the night of March 16.
They have also requested that the Public Service Commission audit Mountain Sewer's financial records to determine if charges to customers and prospective customers have been proper and uniform.

The complaint isn't an attempt to crucify Mountain Sewer or its owner, Ronald Catanzaro, Zini said. "All we really want is a sewer company that functions properly and bills properly," he said.

Mountain Sewer does an outstanding job serving Huntsville-area residents, said Catanzaro, who denied the allegations contained in the complaint. "I think we have been successful," he said.

Ross Hudson, a complaint specialist with the state Division of Public Utilities, said he will recommend that the Public Service Commission hold a hearing on the complaint. He declined to provide the Standard-Examiner with information regarding the grievance. However, Zini gave the newspaper a copy of the complaint and noted that Mountain Sewer serves about 125 customers in Lakeside Village, The Summit at Ski Lake and Edgewater Chalets.

Mountain Sewer and Lakeview Water Corp. in Huntsville, also owned by Catanzaro, are scheduled to be sold at a tax auction on May 26, according to the Weber County Treasurer's Office. Catanzaro owes a total of $1,722 for Mountain Sewer and $3,222 for Lakeview Water for unpaid property taxes from 2006 to 2010, records indicate.
Catanzaro said he will pay the bill this week.

What do our Ogden Valley Faithful have to say about this stinky mess?

Problems at Mountain Sewer Corporation?

2011-05-02T08:22:00.005-06:00

Mountain Sewer Corporation is the subject of a formal complaint filed last week with the Utah Public Service Commission (PSC). The formal complaint was filed by a collective group of Mountain Sewer customers on the south end of Pineview Reservoir.

An informal complaint was filed on February 16, 2011 against Mountain Sewer. On March 16, 2011 a disastrous flood affected several town homes at the Lakeside Village complex. Raw sewage water mixed with the storm runoff flow and flooded several town homes causing considerable damage. This was due in part to a blocked storm drain that diverted storm runoff to a sanitary sewer opening maintained by Mountain Sewer. Another factor in the flooding appears to have been two sewage lift pumps owned by Mountain Sewer at the Lakeside Village town homes that have not functioned properly for several years.

The functional problems with these lift pumps had previously resulted in Mountain Sewer Corp. pumping raw sewage from the Lakeside Village sewer vaults into trucks, transporting the sewage into a gated community and dumping the raw sewage into manholes in that private community. This was the solution that Mountain Sewer chose rather than repairing the long standing problems with the lift pumps at Lakeside Village.

During the investigation following the flooding on March 16th, it was discovered that Mountain Sewer had ignored several administrative PSC regulations regarding the proximity of developed lots to the sewer company's sewer lagoons, and the road maintenance requirements for those lagoons.

The Mountain Sewer user’s complaint states that Mountain Sewer has been inconsistent and at times, remiss with it’s billing and collections of State regulated sewer fees.

Discussions with several Mountain Sewer users revealed that while some Mountain Sewer customers have received bills and paid hookup fees, pre-connection fees, and normal sewer fees over the years, others being served by Mountain Sewer have not. In the operation of State regulated utilities such as Mountain Sewer, inconsistent billing of regulated fees or collections of those fees is not an option. The regulated utility is required to accurately bill and record payments for every customer in their serving area.

Since the owner of Mountain Sewer is the same developer that also developed the surrounding area of Ski Lake, there is some understandable concern among Mountain Sewer customers of the possible commingling of funds with his other corporations, and the possible failure of the developer to pay for his own sewer fees and connection fees for lots that he owned during the past several years.

Up Date on the Issue of Heliports in the Ogden Valley, and An Appeal for You All to Join the Planning Process

2011-05-02T08:20:00.000-06:00

By Lee Schussman, Eden

Tuesday night (4-26-11) the Ogden Valley Planning Commission tabled a decision on an application to remove “heliport” from the CV-2 zoning ordinance. The commissioners requested their staff to gather more information, and they plan to study the issue and to re-address it at their next work- session meeting on June 7, 2011.

Everyone who has an interest in the issue of helicopters in the Ogden Valley should attend the OVPC meeting on Tuesday, June 7.

Here is a brief summary of the developments in this important issue:

After 15 months of study and deliberation the OVPC rejected an application for a heliport at the Red Moose Lodge in Eden. The Weber County Commissioners up-held that decision on April 5, 2011. That action effectively blocked the possibility of a heliport in that location at this time.

After participating as much as possible in that decision-making process, Dave Holmstrom and I worried that, since “heliport” was still included on the list of conditioned uses under CV-2, anyone could, at any time, file another application for a CUP for a heliport in any CV-2 site. We therefore needed to press the issue, and we thought the best way to do that quickly would be to submit an application to remove heliport from CV-2. That application was submitted last month.

The OVPC staff reviewed that application and recommended that it not be approved. At the meeting of the OVPC last Tuesday, we were allowed the opportunity to present our application. This is a summary of part of the discussion:

We stated that, in filing the application to remove heliport from CV-2, we had two major goals:

1- to try to prevent someone from filing an application for another heliport in a CV-2 zone in the near future.

2- to try to catalyze the start of a process that would eventuate in a policy to best deal with heliports in the Ogden Valley.

We made the following points (with thanks to Ron Tymcio, Eden, for much background work):

1- There are 17 CV-2 sites. All are on the valley floor. We tried to support our contention that none of the 17 sites are suitable for a heliport.

2-The Weber County Zoning Ordinances have been changed in the last year making it now much easier for any applicant to be granted a CUP than has been the case in the past.

3- Noise issues remain a significant concern, and will only grow in the future. Many areas of the country are already struggling with problems associated with non-military helicopter use in residential areas.

4- As the helicopter designation now exists in CV-2, it would be difficult to place any restrictions (such as frequencies, flight routes, times of flights, destinations, etc.) on that CUP. Enforcement could also be difficult.

5-We could discover no documented reasons why heliport was ever placed in the CV-2. None of the other 186 uses now permitted or conditioned under CV-2 could ever make as much of an impact impact on the Ogden Valley as could a heliport

We concluded that heliports are a very unique and specialized use, and as such they require special attention. We urged the commissioners to remove heliports from the current CV-2 so that an application for a CUP (in those current CV-2 sites) could not be filed in the near future. We also expressed the hope that this discussion could serve as a catalyst for a carefully planned process to study heliports in the Ogden Valley--a process that would involve public input, careful research, and thoughtful discussion so as to arrive at the best possible decisions as to where, when, if, and how heliports would be sited in the Ogden Valley.

During the presentation, Mr. Rob Scott, Director of the Planning Office, stated that, since an application that could result in the changing of the CUP ordinance was in progress, his office could hold the processing of any CUP applications for a heliport pending the outcomes of the ordinance changes. (During subsequent discussion, the legal council supported Mr. Scott and added that, although the county would still be obligated to accept applications for any CUP, the processes to grant that CUP could be held.)

We viewed that as very welcome information that largely achieved our first goal.

In spite of the lateness of the hour, and in spite of having spent several hours working on other difficult issues, the commissioners devoted significant time and energy to discussing our application.

They welcomed our input and presentation. They urged us, and all of the valley residents, to continue to be actively participating in this (and other) issues. They stated that they would make accommodations for their deliberations to be open and transparent and that public input would be scheduled at some of their meetings.

They did not think that the future resolution of this issue was clear enough to vote “yes-or-no” on removing heliport from CV-2 at this time. So a final vote on our application was tabled. We feel it was a very positive discussion and a reasonable decision.

That decision (plus the reassurance that it is very unlikely that anyone could at this time be granted a CUP in the current CV-2 areas) enables us all to proceed with the next phases of this endeavor: data gathering, further analysis, public input, and then the development of a reasoned policy.

Commissioner Warburton stressed that public input does have, and will continue to have, a very large impact on the development of this important policy.

The OVPC will have a work session on Tuesday, June 7. (Preparatory to that meeting, the staff was requested to gather more information.) At that meeting, the OVPC will begin the task of developing an over-all policy with regard to heliports in the Ogden Valley. Chairman Siegel announced that their deliberations will be open to the public. (Public input may be allowed at this meeting. But if not at this meeting certainly at future meetings.) All Ogden Valley residents who have an interest in this issue should plan to attend the OVPC meeting on Tuesday, June 7^th; as this is a time that we can start to really make a difference in establishing an over-all policy. Please put your thoughts together and plan to attend that work session.

During our discussions with fellow residents, these are some of the types of questions that have been asked and that we would hope to be addressed during some phases of this process:

Where should heliports be placed?

How many heliports do we need?

Should heliports be placed on the valley floor?

Should heliports only be placed above 6200 feet?

How much noise is a tolerable level?

How can we best support a business for heli-skiing and balance the community good?

Re heli-skiing destinations: can operators be obligated to set them up to ensure the safety of other skiers in the destination area?

Are there other business or personal uses anticipated for heliports—eg: sight seeing, transportation, hunting access, timber cutting, transportation, etc.?

Can conditions (flight times, flight paths, numbers of flights per day, etc) be placed to mitigate concerns?

Should our efforts be restricted to heliports or should the include fixed wing aircraft?

If heliports are placed in the RDD-1 zones, does that mean they can use Nordic Valley/Wolf Mt? If not, is that resort being unfairly being discriminated against?

Should we include heliports at all in any zoned areas?

Are there sites in F-10 and F40 zones that can be used?

Is a CUP needed for the destination sites?

Do we want to zone land heliports so as to support regular helicopter service between Snow Basin and the SLC area? If so, should Powder Mountain and or Nordic Valley/Wolf Mountain be included in that zoning?

Can we learn from the heli-skiing operation based out of SnowBird?

Sun Valley has a full airport that is basically in town. Should we study that facility to see what they have done well and what has been problematic?

Can CPU’s be issued that restrict who/what types of helicopters can use them?

Please put your thoughts together and please attend the next OVPC meeting on June 7, 2011 to hear the deliberations and possibly to take place in the discussion.

Happy Birthday To The Ogden Valley Forum

2011-04-29T10:58:00.000-06:00

Five years old and just getting started!

With all of the brouhaha surrounding the Royal Wedding, we nearly forgot our 5th birthday. On April 28, 2006, the Ogden Valley Forum was born with this riveting post:

Many changes are occurring in and around our valley. Whether you are a long term and full time resident, or a more recent part time transplant, these many changes and issues will affect us all. Growth, traffic, and Sewage and water issues are a huge concern and have been limited largely to the north side of the valley, but there are now several developments proposed on the South side. Large developments that are in various stages of planning and approval from the County.

This venue is intended to serve as a non-partisan public community forum, providing citizens of Ogden Valley Utah a cyber focal point within which to discuss, debate and rant about any and all local governmental policies and issues in and around Huntsville, Eden and Liberty, Utah.

Users are invited to visit, chat, argue, bicker, promote and co-ordinate political events, post, link and read articles, and whatever else -- so long as they observe a reasonable level of civility and decorum. For those folks new to blogging, consider this blog a cyber "letters-to-editor" venue, with a lot more of a free-wheeling attitude than you'll find in your hometown newspaper.

If you want to put in your $.02, just post your own comments with the comments button. The comments interface is similar to the one you probably use for regular email. For those of you more familiar with the ways of the blogosphere, you already know the drill, so have at it and enjoy.

After 5 years, now is a good time to reflect. Have we lived up to our original goals?

Let us know while we celebrate with a slice of cake, a scoop of ice cream and a glass Martinelli's Sparkling Apple Juice.

The Ogden Valley Planning Commission denies changes

2011-04-28T14:41:00.002-06:00

On Tuesday night, the Ogden Valley Planning Commissioners voted unanimously (7 to 0) to recommend denial of a request to amend and change the plans for the Edgewater Beach Resort located at HWY. 39 and Old Snow Basin Rd. At one point the Commissioners appeared ready to table the request, but instead reversed course and recommended denial of the proposed changes for several specific reasons.

This property, now owned by Celtic Bank, has been the subject of numerous changes and modification proposals since 2003. The Commissioners indicated that each new modification seems to denigrate the original intent of the development and raised may questions on several issues. It was originally owned by a local developer who lost it to the lending bank a few years ago.

The request to amend and change the plans for the resort will go to the Weber County Commissioners for review and a final vote. No date has been set for this hearing.

An agenda item regarding zoning changes for helicopter service in Ogden Valley was tabled until June to allow the Planning Commission members to review the broader issues of all aircraft use in Ogden Valley.

Ogden Valley Residents, your help is urgently needed!

2011-04-26T13:08:00.005-06:00

Postal regulations may affect our post offices

There are proposed postal regulations that may affect our post offices here in the Ogden Valley. They are planning to close small-to-medium size post offices nationwide for economic reasons. Please contact your Senators and Congressmen by April 30, 2011 and ask them not to close post offices here in the Ogden Valley. Let them know how much you need and appreciate your post office by calling, faxing, or writing to them with the information listed below. Explain why we need our post offices.. Time is of the essence and you must act now in an effort to prevent this from happening. Please forward this to as a many individuals as possible.

It is important that you contact your Federal Representatives on this issue, Senator Orrin Hatch, Senator Mike Lee and Representative Rob Bishop. Their e-mail and regular mail along with their telephone numbers are available at the VCRD website www.vcrdutah.org under resources and contact local decison makers.

Meeting Tomorrow Night to REMOVE HELIPORT from the CV Zones

2011-04-25T17:48:00.001-06:00

We just received notice of this meeting by email:

Be sure to attend the meeting tomorrow night to REMOVE HELIPORT from the CV zones.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Planning Commission Chambers 5:00

Dave Holmstrom and Lee Schussman petitioned the county to remove this use.

Staff is recommending against it. i.e. in favor of Helicopters in CV zones

Having people there who are opposed to constant overflights by helicopters in residential areas would be helpful. Thanks.

The agenda in its entirety is available by clicking here.

Green Valley Acadamy Update

2011-04-24T13:24:00.001-06:00

Happy Easter everyone!

There have been a few new developments in the Green Valley Academy saga.

First, we were forwarded this email:

Hey Folks!

Just an update. On Monday April 18, 2011 an injunction was filed in Judicial Court regarding GVA. We would like to extend our appreciation to Chris and Sue Johnson and Kathy Peterson for all their work in making this happen. In the coming days we will have updates as to the result and any hearing dates that might be attendable by the public. Again just a reminder about the Fund at Zions Bank under the name "Ogden Valley Protection Fund" any donations are greatly appreciated.
Ogden Valley Protection Counsel
"For the Greater Good of the Valley"

We also were tipped off of the following in an anonymous post, which we did not publish since the author could not follow our simple rules:

Deed recorded April 14th, to BALMER watch for the well driller soon,,.....

We checked it out on the Weber County GIS site and the deed for Serial # 21-025-0012

is in fact in the name of:

BALMER, JARED &
BULLOCH, MIKE ETAL

Huntsville Planning Town Wide Cleanup Saturday

2011-04-22T19:48:00.000-06:00

For media updates and photos of the Huntsville wind damage, visit their Facebook Page.

https://www.facebook.com/HuntsvilleTown

We also hear they are planning a town wide clean up Saturday Morning @ 8:30 AM

Here are more details if you want to join in their fun.

Report and Summary of Last Night's Public Hearing regarding the Huntsville and Southern Ogden Valley Sewer Study

2011-04-21T08:58:00.002-06:00

This morning we will promote two comments and reports from last nights meeting to the front page.

First, from Ron Gleason

Had approximately 100 people attend the meeting last night. Many good questions from the audience.

My summary:

State is pushing hard for sewer system for Huntsville and South end of the valley. They are convinced, with no empirical evidence, that removal of septic tanks will help protect the quality of the water in Pineview and the ground water in this end of the valley.

Grants and loans are being dangles as carrots; $3.8 million for a grant and $10.2 million loan at 0% for 30 years.

The state is painting the picture that this will be the cheapest option homeowners will ever see; $58 per month versus an amount up to $120 a month if we are forced to do something in the future with bond money.

The town of Huntsville City Council and Weber County Commissioners are taking input. The town will accept input till May 26th and vote on whether to move forward June 2nd. The county is vague on their process.

Time to formulate your stance and let your public officials know where you stand.

In response, Valley Advocate had this to say,

Some of us in attendance last night In Huntsville were struck by the lack of leadership from our State and County officials.

We elect our County and State leaders to make hard decisions on difficult issues. Instead, what we heard were vague references on what might happen down the road if we don't do anything about the pollution that is affecting Pineview reservoir. While it is important to canvass the affected public on their views on Pineview pollution, it is incumbent on the leaders of the County and State to act based on their best information since they are the experts. If we leave the decision to residents about costs and possible explosive growth if we put in a good sewer system, (all valid concerns) we may miss the opportunity to address what may prove to be a serious threat to our lifestyle in the Valley.

At some point, acting in a definitive manner about the pollution of Pineview reservoir WON'T be an option if the pollution continues at the present pace. When that happens, draconian measures may be imposed on Ogden Valley residents to try and save the body of water that means so much to Ogden Valley and Weber County.

As we see in Washington DC, it is very easy to kick the can down the road and let someone else fix the problem. Consider this, would the State water people be examining our reservoir if there was nothing to worry about? There are clear indications that unless action is taken on the pollution of Pineview, we face some serious consequences in future.

Now we turn it over to our Ogden Valley Faithful. What say ye?

Steve Clarke had this to add:

Sewer Public Hearing Comments 4/20/2011

By Steve Clarke

1. Bottom Line

a. The Positives: This very valuable study provides education for Valley residents on wastewater treatment alternatives. It will help us make informed choices. Thank you. (One can only wish more residents studied the proposal.)

b. The State DWQ offer to help fund implementation is a powerful carrot.

c. We have time to learn more about water quality issues in Pineview and address the problems.

d. The Negatives: We must not let the Trojan horse of sewer destroy the General Plan goal of preserving the rural atmosphere and promoting open space. We must choose sewer implementation that moves us toward the goal, not away from it. Zoning is driven by the presence of sewer, not the other way around. Small lots are inevitable next to sewer lines.

e. The type of system chosen must not be dictated by purchase price, but by life-cycle costs. This study distorts life cycle costs because the funding process is designed to favor lowest initial cost.

f. We should find a way to pay for a system that meets WATER QUALITY, COST, and LAND USE PLANNING goals. The level of treatment is a matter for the experts, the State DWQ among them. The state is not the only option to pay for systems we need. For example the County could bond for a system. All of us need to be involved in Land Use Planning.

g. The Conclusion: YES we should have sewer for our highest density areas (Huntsville is one of those) implemented in a way that doesn’t set the stage for unbridled growth. We should be looking at multiple “micro plants” each to serve a high density node. It may be that Huntsville could be invited to be served by a County financed and run system.

2. The VISION

a. Sewer Districts – We already have 17 sewer districts in the Valley, Wolf Creek is the largest and almost all others are very small. The most cost effective plan would have a single sewer district in the Valley, optimizing technology, policies, planning, training, operations, maintenance, accounting and billing, testing, and reporting. Existing districts should be encouraged to join a single district. The Wolf Creek District has recently been tasked by the State to serve the entire North Fork drainage. The idea of expanding that district to serve all of us on the Valley floor should at least be investigated.

b. Technology – Wolf Creek uses a Biological Membrane system called an MBR. It is very effective in removing pollutants but more expensive to operate than most other systems. It was chosen for its quality and compatibility with the Valley plan; it is housed in a barn-like structure. It is built for expansion. The three most recent smaller systems are Orenco AdvanTex systems which use a fiber filter technology. One serves up to 100 homes, one serves 26 homes and one serves the new Valley Elementary school. This technology is scalable and in my opinion should be considered very carefully.

c. Rural Atmosphere – Traditionally Valley growth has been focused in Huntsville, Eden, and Liberty. The Wolf Creek Resort is a center of growth, the Powder Mountain Plan and the Snow Basin Plan will create dense centers of growth as well. Our General Plan predicts a total of 7 resorts might eventually be located in our township. The Plan estimates that eventually we might have 40,000 people instead of the 6,000 we have now. To preserve the rural atmosphere the plan calls for high density development in villages which may be coincident with the resorts (like Wolf Creek), or separate, like Huntsville and Eden. As many long views and as much open space and wildlife as possible would be preserved while preserving individual property rights.

d. Sewer in the General Plan – In the Recommended Policies Section of the Recreation Element – “Weber County would encourage development of limited capacity sewer systems to serve the projected demand for each proposed village area. The investment reduces start-up capital costs required by developers. Sewer systems are limited to within a reasonable geographic area for each village development to reduce sewer pipe miles and reduce density speculation between villages.”
There are at least 6 other references to sewer planning in the General Plan that are consistent with the reduction of cost and preservation of the rural atmosphere.

e. Summary: Eventually a very high percentage of homes in the Valley will be served by sewer (est. >90%) while perhaps 20% of the acreage of the populated area would have trunk lines. All residents not on sewer would be part of the District and would have some level of inspection and services and would pay a minimal amount.

3. Tonight’s Decision

a. Huntsville Town should make its own decision as to whether this is the right time and plan for sewer. If and as Huntsville Town annexes additional property they can make a decision about serving that area with sewer.

b. Weber County should redouble planning efforts to create a long range plan for sewer which accomplishes the goals of the General Plan. Since the Plan was updated last with the Recreation Element in 2005 it is likely some amount of refresh is needed and that should occur quickly so a prospective sewer district could do effective planning.

c. Water Quality studies should continue to more accurately attribute pollution to its sources.

Respectfully, Stephen D. Clarke, 5824 E. 2200N. Eden 84310, sdclarke@oValley.net

Public Hearing Wednesday regarding the Huntsville and Southern Ogden Valley Sewer Study

2011-04-18T17:33:00.000-06:00

Guest Post by Ron Gleason

Reminder that there is a public meeting Wednesday April 20, 2011 at 7pm at the Huntsville library to review the details of the Huntsville and Southern Ogden Valley Sewer Study.

The study can be found at this link http://www.co.weber.ut.us/engineering/pdf/MASTER%20Huntsville%20Facilities%20Plan%20Report%203-14-11.pdf

It is important for you to attend so you understand why a sewer system is being considered, what is the process and who is going to make the final decision, how might you be affected, what are the potential costs and much more.

Representatives from Weber County Engineering, Town Huntsville Town Council, Sunrise Engineering and Utah Department of Water Quality will be in attendance to address and answer your question

See you there and please tell your neighbors

Lost and Found Dogs - Do you recognize these pets?

2011-04-10T17:45:00.001-06:00

During a visit to the post office, we noted three lost dogs. Two have been found and one that is still missing.

CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO ENLARGE

There was also a note regarding a lost Golden Retriever:

Please Help Us Find Charlie
- A sweet Golden Retriever.
Last seen Friday 4-8-2011
in Huntsville near
400 South 7400 East
HE NEEDS DAILY MEDICATION
Please call Becky Wood
801-391-3508
REWARD

Please help us reunite these pets with their owners.

Two Important Posts!

2011-04-05T16:17:00.003-06:00

Heliport for Red Moose Lodge is denied

Today the Weber County Commission by a vote of 3 to 0 sustained the decision of the Ogden Valley Planning Commission to deny the appeal of the Heliport at Red Moose Lodge.

During the public input on this issue, the three County Commissioners made it clear that while they all supported the idea of a Heliport somewhere in Ogden Valley if an ideal location could be found, they did not support the Heliport in the Eden area at Red Moose Lodge.

It was noted by one of the Commissioners that many flights have been made over the years from Ogden Valley without having the proper zoning and permits in place for such flights.

It was also noted by the Commissioners, that under existing Resort zoning ordinances, flights from Snow Basin are only allowed within the boundaries of the Snow Basin Resort.

A Hold is placed on the establishment of an Administrative Control Board for the Ski Lake Special Service District.

The Weber County Commission voted unanimously to place the Ski Lake sewer issue on hold pending additional information and research into the 2004 management agreement between Mountain Sewer and Weber County. In addition, the Commissioners agreed to consider the request by the Mountain Sewer user’s group of a complete, independent financial audit of the books of Mountain Sewer prior to any establishment of a user’s Administrative Control Board.

Important Weber County Commission Meeting Tuesday - Heliport and Ski Lake Special District

2011-04-03T16:06:00.002-06:00

Heliport and Ski Lake Special Service District on the agenda.

Another important meeting is scheduled for Tuesday:

Commission Chambers of the Weber Center
2380 Washington Boulevard, Ogden, Utah
at 10:00 a.m.
Tuesday, the 5th day of April 2011.

Click here to view the agenda

We will highlight two important items:

2.           Request for approval of a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of Weber County establishing an Administrative Control Board for the Ski Lake Special Service District.
              Presenter: Commissioner Zogmaister

4.           Consideration and/or action on an appeal of the Ogden Valley Planning Commission decision denying a conditional use permit (CUP 2010-04) for a private heliport located at the Red Moose Lodge in Eden, located at 2547 North Valley Junction Drive.
              Presenter: Ben Hatfield

Our humble readers will remember some issues related to the Ski Lake Sewer. For more details, search the Ogden Valley Forum for "ski lake" and "Ron Catanzero" using the search box on the right sidebar. [Blogmeister's note: we would typically provide a simple to use link to the search item, but we are posting from a country that has banned access to the Forum. Thus, you will have to do some of your own simple research.]

As for the heliport issue, we suggest you do the same to get up to speed on the issue - search "heliport" using the search box on the right side bar.

Regular readers will recall this issue has been ongoing for the last two ski seasons. After a falling out with Powder Mountain, where Diamond Peaks Heli-sking had operated for years, the ski helicopter operator was flying out of the Red Moose Lodge during the 2009-10 ski season without the county required permits and approvals. The county ordinance official gave the operators a cease and desist order but County Commissioner Jan Zogmaister exercised a rarely used emergency action to allow Diamond Peaks to continue through the 2010 ski season.

The petitioners recently went before the Ogden Valley Planning Commission to request a conditional use permit (CUP 2010-04) for a private heliport located at the Red Moose Lodge in Eden. The request was ultimately denied and the petitioners have appealed to the County Commissioners.

It should be noted that Diamond Peaks has been operating out of Snowbasin this year, so the denial has not prevented Diamond Peaks from flying - it has only stopped them from flying out of the Red Moose Lodge Property. In fact, from the Facebook Page "Keep Diamond Peaks Heli-Ski Adventures in the Ogden Valley," this was posted on March 16, 2011:

Diamond Peaks Heli-Ski Adventures is proud to say that we are now operating out of Snowbasin. They have treated us very well and we look forward to excellent mutual business together for the remainder of the season and seasons to come.

We at the forum applaud this new development and feel this is a win win situation for all - Diamond Peaks, Snowbasin, their guests and Ogden Valley residents.

We have heard rumors that the out of state owner of the Red Moose Lodge has the property for sale on the real estate market. The last thing Ogden Valley needs is another precedence being set. In this case, a heliport that would transfer and be grandfathered to the new owner, even though the original user (Diamond Peaks) has moved on and has properly found a new suitor. Congratulations to Diamond Peaks.

Your attendance at the Tuesday meeting is crucial, but it is even more important that you contact the commissioners now to provide them input on these important issues. If you wait to contact them on Tuesday, it will be too late.

We have included the email addresses for the County Commissioners. Now it's time to send them a clear message.
Craig Dearden cdearden@co.weber.ut.us
Jan Zogmaister jzogmaister@co.weber.ut.us
Kerry Gibson kgibson@co.weber.ut.us

Contact State Senators ASAP and Tell Them To Repeal HB477

2011-03-24T14:17:00.002-06:00

An emergency session is scheduled Friday, but some State Senators "don't get it" and will need some persuasive encouragement from our friends.

Once again, Rudi has done such a nice job this morning that we will rely on his expertise.

Thursday Morning HB477 News Roundup

For your convenience, he has included links for the emails of the out of touch elected officials.

Green Valley Academy - still in the spotlight - Sage Quotes concerning Residential Therapeutic Treatment For Youth

2011-03-22T12:34:00.000-06:00

Guest comments promoted to the front page By Danna

The following have been quoted from various sources concerning "Residential Therapeutic Treatment for youth".

Glen Zaugg - NATSAP President:
"In the last two years, the economic downturn in this country has hit many of our members particularly hard. Parents have had fewer options regarding funding sources, and consequently, more than a handful of programs have closed." (i.e. Mount Bachelor Academy)

Treatment Magazine:
"CRC's Youth Therapeutic boarding school leader Aspen Education has been hit by the credit crunch as parents are unable to access second mortgages and tuition loans to finance the huge cost of helping their children. CRC has admitted it has had major difficulty filling beds."

Tom Crote - Family Light:
"recommends against referring to or enrolling in any Aspen program due to what the closing of New Leaf of North Carolina says about the value system of the company."

Dr. Rod Hoevet - Clinical Psychologist:
"Illicit substance Abuse is an enormous problem in American mental health. On a daily basis I review patient records from large well respected mental health agencies. These records often will outline a heavy substance abuse and then, in the very same record diagnosis Bipolar or any number of other disorders. This is a no brainer. The DSM is explicit: you cannot diagnose any mental illness if it is otherwise explained by drug intoxication or WITHDRAWAL. This is reckless and unethical, which leads to unnecessary and potentially harmful treatments."

Alison Barkoff - Senior staff attorney at the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law: (i.e. Mount Bachelor)
"We feel very strongly that for-profit residential facilities are completely inappropriate for special education. They have been shown to be ineffective and commonly employ practices that do harm. But because the programs are privately run, what happens within their walls is largely a mystery. No one knows whether the programs succeed or fail."

Last summer when the OVPC conducted their work meeting at Oakley School, it was noted that their enrollment was not to full capacity plus every student had to be drug free for at least 3 months. I also heard Dr. Balmer declare the students of the Green Valley Academy would be the "Forest Gumps" of the world. Subsequently, I discovered in the Syracuse City minutes, that when Island View Residential Treatment Center first started there were over 10 calls a month to law enforcement. In 2010 the Chief of Police stated in a letter that they had received NO CALLS.

In my opinion from the information presented here, there are two major questions:
1. If the kids can't call the police, who is watching out for their rights?
2. What is to be done with a large building in the middle of a residential neighborhood with its massive sewer system and water company, when the business fails?

d

The Latest on the evolving and ever changing HB 477 Front - To Repeal or Not Repeal

2011-03-22T12:28:00.001-06:00

Once again, Rudi at the Weber County Forum is right on top of the latest happenings regarding HB 477 (does anyone else find it ironic that the flawed Powderville bill was HB 466? {466 - 477} Kind of a pattern we thinks).

Tuesday Morning HB477 News Roundup

While at the forum, be sure to snoop around for even more tantalizing tales.

More HB 477 "Brouhaha"

2011-03-18T09:47:00.000-06:00

There is more HB 477 "Brouhaha" as the HB 477 train seems to pick up steam each and every day.

We will toss the ball to the Weber County Forum where Rudi shares his compilation, complete with our post from yesterday with Representative Froerer's explanation.

We will also highlight an earlier comment from Ogden Council Women and activist Amy Wicks:

We need to mobilize quickly to try to preserve reasonable and affordable access to government records. If you would like to help, please sign up here: www.savegrama.com

Have at it humble Valley-ites!

Citizen's Report From Last Night's Board of Adjustments Meeting

2011-03-18T09:45:00.002-06:00

Guest Post by Fred Smullin

I am saddened to report that after a couple of hours of private debate, the Weber County Board of Adjustment announced that they voted 4-1 to deny the appeal of the current land owners and neighbors to the proposed Green Valley Academy (GVA) site. I have since learned that the vote was actually 3-2 and the minutes will be adjusted to reflect that. They ruled that, as currently defined, the GVA "application language" met the requirements of the AV-3 school definition. It's important to note the distinction that only what GVA put on their application was allowed to be considered, not what the true intent of the facility was, or what their previous contradictory application said. They used the words necessary to get the prize, not what GVA was really about. All for a group that doesn't apparently own the property yet.

I feel for those impacted directly and wish them luck in however they choose to continue their battle. I would encourage everyone to offer them your support as this was a tough loss for them and everyone in the valley.

I'll let the Ogden Valley Protection Counsel (OVPC) advise us on how to best support them next. What we citizens can do is continue to recommend changes to our zoning to limit the impact of these institutions. I'm somewhat skeptical after watching the proceedings. There are too many angles that can be picked apart legally. But, I am not ready to give up. It just shows we have a lot of work to do and rushing changes through may create more gaps than are filled.

If GVA is built, we as citizens can be watchful. The community can be the watch dog and if enough incidents and complaints are documented publicly, licenses can be revoked and facilities closed. It takes a paper trail to reach that decision.

Likewise, parents research the internet leading up to the decision to contract GVA to modify the behavior of their child. If public records exist online citing factual issues with GVA, it will have an influence on their recruiting efforts. The greatest factor to their success is keeping hidden what parents don't want to hear. So, it's up to the community to be diligent, hold them accountable, and report, report, report.

Please use the Valley Forum to voice your opinion and support for the residents that are impacted.

Board of Adjustments Upheld Staff decision

2011-03-18T00:25:00.000-06:00

Comment Promoted to the Front Page
By Greg Anderson

The Board of Adjustments upheld the staff decision that the Green Valley Academy is a school. They spent over two hours in closed-to-the-public deliberations before reaching their decision.

Any more reports from those in attendance?

The Rest of The Story on Last Night's Flooding - Raw Sewage Floods Lakeside Condos

2011-03-17T12:11:00.004-06:00

This is one of several important posts today - be sure to scroll down to review all

If anyone in Ogden Valley has wondered why there is a strange odor around the Ski Lake area the word on the street is that it is coming from raw sewage dumps and overflows from the Mountain Sewer Corp. owned by Mr. Ron Catanzaro.

The facts appear to be that some of the sewage pumping equipment has not been working properly at the Lakeside Village Town homes for several years and Mountain Sewer has decided rather than to fix the pumps, they would instead pump the excess sewage from the town homes into tanker trucks, then move it to a private community in the same area and dump it in to their sewer manholes. When some of the neighbors in the private community witnessed this they questioned Mr. Catanzaro’s reasoning since the sewage could be dumped directly into his company’s sewer ponds along Old Snow Basin Road and not into sewers within the private community.

While Mountain Sewer does not seem to see anything wrong with trespassing on private property and dumping raw sewage in a private community, think how any of us would react if a company dumped raw sewage from other locations into the sewers on your street.

All of this resulted in a Ski Lake Special Service District meeting on Tuesday, January 25th with the County Commissioners to allow for public input about Mountain Sewer Corp. problems and other related items on the District’s agenda for the day.

Following the January, 2011 meeting of the Ski Lake Special Service District many of the Mountain Sewer users wrote a letter to the Weber County Commissioners to again outline these problems and ask the Commissioners to resolve these problems by bringing Mountain Sewer into operational compliance. It was revealed that Mountain Sewer never has had a operator’s permit as required by the State. There has been no reply from the County Commissioners on this letter.

The Weber County Commission as the body politic has oversight responsibility for the Ski Lake Special Service District and Mountain Sewer. They are responsible for oversight of Mountain Sewer Corp.’s operation. It appears that Weber County has been seriously remiss in their oversight responsibility.

Last night, March 16th, the sewage pumps at the Lakeside Village complex were not able to handle the sewage flow once again and numerous Town homes were flooded with sewage waste. It is a deplorable situation that requires immediate action from our County Commissioners.

For years, some operators of sewage systems have gamed the system by intentionally interconnecting storm and sanitary sewer systems, resulting in sanitary sewage being diverted to storm sewers and, untreated, into public waters. The less sewage you treat, the cheaper it is. We don’t know for sure that such a condition exists with Mountain Sewer, but we do know that massive amounts of storm water wound up in the Mountain Sewer sanitary system. Could it have been through an intentional interconnection?

The other possibilities, of course, are bad design or malfunction, or a combination of the two. In any case, storm water and sewage are not supposed to intermix, and they sure did, here, and fifteen condo owners and renters are up to their ankles in raw sewage as a result.

In addition to the dumping of raw sewage and an ineffective pumping system, Mountain Sewer appears to have bookkeeping problems. It is well know among the residents served by Mountain Sewer that Mr. Catanzaro has failed to collect from several property owners sewer connection fees regulated by the State. It is rumored that he himself has failed to pay these same fees on properties that he owned. What is ironic about all this is that Mr. Catanzaro pleads that he has no money to make the necessary repairs to his pumping equipment and needs a rate increase to cover his operation costs while he is not collecting the basic fees and payments from everyone on his system.

In addition, it has come to light that Mr. Catanzaro offered cut rate hookup fees for water and sewer to prospective lot buyers in order to boost his lot sales. The problem with this offer is that it is not legal to reduce the price of water and sewer hookups for anyone when these fees are regulated by the State of Utah. Anyone that has received this “deal” from Mr. Catanzaro should verify that he made up the difference on the “cut rates” and deposited the full amount in the Mountain Sewer accounts. If this has not been done, those lot owners may have to pay the difference to Mountain Sewer at a later date. The State Of Utah has contacted Mr. Catanzaro on this issue.

While the media was on site last night, they seemingly missed the real story of Raw Sewage and the faulty pumps.

Storm causing flooding in Weber, Morgan counties - ksl.com

And from this morning's Standard Examiner:

Rain Causes Flooding in Weber, Morgan

HB 477 Update along with an explanation from Representative Gage Froerer

2011-03-17T09:25:00.009-06:00

The aftermath of HB477 is a hot topic on area blogs and on the front page of local papers. The Weber County Forum has done a masterful job of keeping readers updated, but we will add an explanation from our local representative Gage Froerer. This appeared in the March 15, 2011 issue of the Ogden Valley News.

Representative Gage Froerer Responds to Questions on Vote in Favor of HB 477

This article was apparently written during the short period of time between the bill being recalled and subsequently signed by Governor Herbert.

Representative Froerer states,

"This bill was passed in an attempt to bring news media and other stakeholders to the table to address an outdated statue that needs to be addressed in terms of our current forms of communication and the devices we use to communicate."

It doesn't seem like the parties spent a lot of time at the table. What do you think?

Board of Adjustment Meeting Reminder - updated

2011-03-16T21:47:00.001-06:00

Don't miss the update at the bottom of this post

The Appeal to the Weber County Board of Adjustments Thursday - neighbors vs Green Valley Academy "School"

The appeal to the Board of Adjustment hearing is this

The meeting will be held in the Weber County Commission Chambers,
Weber Center (2380 Washington Blvd).
The meeting will begin at 4:30 pm

The agenda is short so we will include it below (click here to visit the county web site):

Minutes Approval of the January 27, 2011 meeting minutes
BOA 2011-01: Consideration and action on an appeal of an administrative decision by the Weber County Planning Division in determining that Green Valley Academy meets the definition of “School” in the Weber County Zoning Ordinance, and is, therefore, considered a permitted use in the AV-3 Zone as a “private education institution having a curriculum similar to that ordinarily given in public schools.” (red emphasis and underline added by us)
Other Business:
Adjournment:

Download a full copy of the Board of Adjustment March 17, 2011 packet, in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF), here. Packets are available only for the current agenda and approximately thirty days after that date.

UPDATE: 3-17-2011 @ 10:20 AM

We will open this post up for live blog updates of today's meeting. If you have a smart and fancy phone, please attend today's meeting and give us play by play updates by posting in the comments section. We will be anxiously standing by.

HB 477 Legislative Roundup

2011-03-11T23:52:00.015-07:00

This evening we will direct you to Rudi's riveting Forum where he offers this doozy about our 'work under the cover of darkness' legislators:

Friday Morning HB477 News Roundup

The 2011 legislative session ended on a very disappointing note with our extreme right wing governor selling out his constituents by signing yet another severely flawed bill.

We find it perplexing that the Utah lawmakers passed SB 165 which prohibits any electronic signatures on ballot propositions while also passing HB 477, which makes most electronic government communications (email, text messages, voice mail, etc.) off limits to Utah citizens.

A sad day for transparency and open government. What are they trying to hide?

We will end with some footage of a 'peaceful' demonstration inside the hallowed walls of the State Capital.

Pay particular attention to Ogden's All-Star Council women Amy Wicks who proudly holds a couple of signs that are visible in the middle of the stairway at 2:15. One side said "Only COWARDS and CROOKS hide from the PEOPLE they represent" and the other, which you can see, says "I'm an elected official that supports open and transparent government. What are you?" Congrats Amy and thanks for representing the people.

Weber County Board of Adjustments to Hear Green Valley Academy Appeal

2011-03-11T06:43:00.005-07:00

The Weber County Board of Adjustments will hear the Appeal of the Green Valley Academy's Design Approval on March 17, 2011. The residents near the proposed site have filed the appeal.

As is typically the case, the Weber County Web site makes no mention of the meeting, but our intel has provided us these details:

March 17, 2011
4:30 PM

Weber County Commission Chambers

Mark your calendars and arrive early to get a seat as Ogden Valley residents will likely pack the house.

On another hot topic, the heliport petitioners have scheduled an appeal to the Weber County Commissioners on March 29.

Ogden Valley Protection Counsel Meeting Tonight

2011-03-08T08:44:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Huntsville Library 7PM.

Please do what you can to get the word out make a few phone calls, tell your neighbors, send emails to your friends.

Discussion will include updates on the Green Valley Academy Appeal and updates on the recent merger with the Valley Citizen's For Responsible Development.

Merger of Two Ogden Valley Advocacy Groups

2011-03-05T08:15:00.006-07:00

Merger of Two Ogden Valley Advocacy Groups

As of March 1, 2011, two separate advocacy groups in Ogden Valley have united under a single name. The former Ogden Valley Protection Council (OVPC) has merged and become part of the existing VCRD ( Valley Citizens for Responsible Development ) under the VCRD title.

The VCRD Board of Trustees has been expanded from 7 members to 11 effective immediately to include representation from the Ogden Valley Protection Council.

There will be a meeting of the former Ogden Valley Protection Council members on Tuesday, March 8th at 7PM at the Huntsville Library to discuss the merger. We encourage all Valley residents to add their name to our expanded organization.

"SPEAK UP FOR WHAT YOU WANT, OR TAKE WHAT YOU GET"

There will be additional information on this merger forthcoming. If you have any questions about the expanded VCRD, go to www.vcrdutah.org. If you wish to join the VCRD, send just $10 per year per person to:

VCRD

PO Box 115

Huntsville, Utah 84317

Ogden Valley Planning Commission Work Session Tuesday

2011-02-28T18:39:00.001-07:00

Below is the agenda for Tuesday's Planning Commission work session. We will highlight one item and suggest that the neighbors of the Green Valley Academy carefully scrutinize this proposed amendment since the changes could effect their appeal. The meeting will be held in the Weber County Commission Chambers, Weber Center (2380 Washington Blvd). The meeting will begin at 5:00 pm in the order listed below.

1. Ordinance to amend Board of Adjustment Chapter 29

2. Ogden Valley General Plan Trails Element

3. Ordinance to amend Home Occupations Chapter 34

4. County Commission Curb, Gutter and Sidewalk Deferral Policy Information

5. Other

6. Adjourn

Download a full copy of the Ogden Valley March 01, 2011 packet, in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF), here. Packets are available only for the current agenda and approximately thirty days after that date.

Local Weighs In On Heliport

2011-02-28T18:33:00.000-07:00

Guest Post from Sandra 'Lived here 42 years' Tuck

We the down trodden residents who have lived here because there were no
Planes Trains and few automobiles. The last few years the wahna be rich want to bring
the few rich so they can fly over the mountain and some ski down. I wish they would
find a rainbow. They are obnoxious and consider their want's only.

Let them go to Park city and Deer Valley because they cater to obnoxious and self serving people.

CUP for Eden Helipad Is REJECTED. But Citizen Input is Needed NOW.

2011-02-23T23:10:00.000-07:00

Guest Post by Lee Schussman, Eden, UT

The Ogden Valley Planning Commission met last night and REJECTED the proposed CUP for a helicopter-landing pad at the Red Moose Lodge in Eden.

The helicopter operators and the Red Moose Lodge now have 15 days to appeal to the Weber County Commissioners to try to get them to reverse this rejection.

The Weber County Commissioners will have to make a final decision re granting a CUP for landing and taking off of helicopters from the center of Eden’s residential and business center

Last year, with no legal permit, the helicopters flew in and out of “downtown” Eden (up to 22 times a day!) Soon, at Ogden Valley Planning Commission meetings, dozens of citizens spoke against a helipad in this location; and any more signed Aubrey Carver’s petition against the Eden helipad. This year, with many concerns still unanswered, a CUP for the helipad has been once again requested.

If you have an interest in this issue, it is time to make your opinion known. Please consider doing the following NOW:

1. Go to the Ogden Valley Forum web site. Scroll down to the posting of January 28, 2011 titled “Letter to Planning Commission Re Helipad.” If you agree with those points, please take the time send a quick e-mail to:

Shelly Halacy, Administrative Assistant to the Weber County Commission. Her e-mail is shalacy@co.weber.ut.us.

Express your concern and opinions, and request that Ms Halacy forward your e-mail and concerns to all three County Commissioners.

2. Go to the Ogden Valley Forum web site. Scroll down the right side to the web link to “Weber County Commissioners”. Visit that site and stay current with their agenda and up-coming meetings and consider attending and participating.

It is unknown if the County Commissioners will make accommodations for any further public input at future meetings re this issue, so please take a few minutes and e-mail NOW. Also, please contact any like-minded friends or neighbors and urge them to stay vigilant and actively participating in the soon-to-be-made County Commissioners’ decisions, as these decisions will affect us all for years in the future.

Pow Mow wants to join the United Nations

2011-02-20T10:26:00.000-07:00

Submitted by Greg Anderson

There's a new YouTube video in which someone supposedly representing Powder
Mountain is angry that "PowMow" will not be admitted into the United
Nations. It's all played for laughs but, after the recent "Powder Mountain
Town" events around here, I'm not sure that Ogden Valley residents will find
it very funny. You be the judge.

An Ogden Valley Adventure You’ll Remember for a Lifetime

2011-02-13T11:13:00.002-07:00

A Sunday Morning Exclusive
By Joe Laing, El Monte RV Rentals

There are three main ingredients for a memorable RV vacation, and Utah’s Ogden Valley offers them all. There are outdoor recreation opportunities everywhere you turn, scenic campgrounds ready to welcome travelers and historic attractions waiting to fascinate. Keep reading to find out how you can plan an Ogden Valley RV Adventure you’ll remember for a lifetime.

Where to Camp in Utah’s Ogden Valley
Before jumping right into the abundance of Ogden Valley campgrounds, let’s discover exactly where this scenic valley lies. East of The Great Salt Lake and also east of Ogden, Utah, the Ogden Valley is nestled against the Wasatch Mountains and plays host to the Ogden River and Pineview Reservoir.

What that means for RV camping fans is that you’ll find campgrounds tucked into some of the prettiest scenery imaginable. National Forest Service campgrounds in the Ogden Valley are a good place to start your planning. Public lands surrounding Pineview Reservoir and the South Fork of the Ogden River, in particular, offer amazing campsites, if you’re willing to plan for boondocking or limited services.

What to Do Outdoors in Utah’s Ogden Valley
For a truly memorable RV trip to the Ogden Valley, choose hiking trails that fit your level of activity and then get out into the great outdoors. Whether you choose to hike or ride a mountain bike, explore trails like the Monte Cristo, above eight thousand feet in elevation, or the Northern Skyline Trail along the Wasatch front; the vistas are unforgettable.

Come in May to watch the wildlife come alive, in late summer for spectacular wildflower displays or in early autumn for brilliant fall foliage. The National Forest kindly provides a listing of popular Ogden area trails. By the way, this valley is also known for world-class ski resorts such as Powder Mountain and Snowbasin, and summer trails around the resorts make for some great hiking. Outfitters at the resorts also offer summer adventures such as 4x4 off-road tours and lift-served mountain biking.

Prefer to spend at least part of your vacation on the water? Pineview Reservoir is popular among water skiing enthusiasts, and the bright blue waters of this mountain lake yield trophy-size tiger muskie to challenge the anglers in your group. Plan to spend time enjoying the beaches and take advantage of the well-run marina.

What’s Historical about Utah’s Ogden Valley?
The three small communities you’ll find in Utah’s Ogden Valley – Huntsville, Eden and Liberty – have their roots in the 1860s. History buffs will find plenty of interesting attractions in the area. Huntsville, for example, is home to the first tavern in Utah, the Shooting Star, where you can absorb a little western tavern culture along with classic bar fare. Or visit historic Our Lady of the Holy Trinity Trappist Monastery in Huntsville, where guests will find a nicely-stocked religious book store and the abbey’s famous creamed honey for sale.

Learn more about early Utah history with a visit to the birthplace of David O. McKay, an early leader of the LDS church. Take time to tour Huntsville’s first permanent dwelling with a trip to the Aldous Cabin. Or just soak up the charm of a rustic mountain village with a stroll through The Village at Huntsville Square, a retail and entertainment area.

You’re going to love the time you spend RV camping in Utah’s Ogden Valley. Whether you’re itching to hit the trails or simply to spend time in a peaceful mountainside campsite, your Ogden Valley adventure will be one you’ll remember for a lifetime.

About the Author
Joe Laing is the Marketing Director for El Monte RV Rentals. For other great RV camping vacation ideas see the Monty's Musings RV Camping Blog or the new Monty's RV Vacation Photo / Picture Gallery.

2011-02-09T06:06:00.004-07:00

Guest post by LeeAnn

Orrin Hatch has an agenda of :
Meeting with Interior Secretary Salazar, Head of BLM on Administration's Devastating New Land Policy.
He wrote:

"I made it very clear to the Secretary and Director Abby that the Administration’s new Wild Lands policy will be devastating to rural Utah and those communities in our state that depend on access to public lands. Closing off so much land in Utah is unacceptable. The people of our state are sick and tired of being dictated to by Washington bureaucrats. The secretary and Director Abby told me that they would examine the impact of this new Administration policy – I will hold them to that. There can and will be no empty promises from the Administration on this reckless policy.”

Let me rewrite Orrin Hatch letter for Ogden Valley vs. Green Valley Academy:

We, the citizen of Ogden Valley, make it very clear to our GVA, OVPC, Weber County Commissioners, Our State Representative Gage Froerer that Utah acceptance of Therapeutic Schools is very devastating to rural Utah. Using land where water is such a premium, and the water reservoir is easily contaminated if the sewer system is not regulated closely. The people of our Ogden Valley and Utah state are sick and tired of being dictated to by GVA bureaucrats and government bureaucrats. We want our state and local government to look into this reckless policy.

Orrin Hatch is worried about the large wild lands, but it appears that these wild lands will be used by GVA as they slowly take over the state with one school at a time. So why preserve these lands and ignore the local smaller rural areas? It boils down to the vote versus the dollar.

GVA Neighborhood Meeting Tonight

2011-02-08T11:52:00.000-07:00

February 8, 2011

7:00 pm

Huntsville Library

IT ISN'T OVER

2011-02-04T13:51:00.003-07:00

RE:   GREEN VALLEY ACADEMY

This is an update regarding the Residential Treatment Facility.

Many who attended the OVPC meeting on January 25, 2011 may have left thinking it was all over. Most, if not all, left in complete shock. I want you to know that there are some developments.

Two appeals disputing the OVPC decision have been filed. One is filed with the Weber County Commissioners, the other to the Board of Adjustments. The dates of the appeal hearings have not been identified.

We need everybody to stay active. Everyone who is against this proposal needs to write a letter to the Weber County Commissioners.

You may send by mail to each commissioner, or one letter to all commissioners, requesting that a copy by provided to each commissioner. The names of the commissioners are Jan Zogmaister, Craig Dearden and Kerry Gibson. The address is 2380 Washington Blvd, Ogden, Utah 84401.

If you prefer to use email, send one to each commissioner at the following:
     jzogmaister@co.weber.ut.us
     cdearden@co.weber.ut.us
     kgibson@co.weber.ut.us
Or you may send one email to aprince@co.weber.ut.us and request that a copy by provided to each commissioner.

Either way that you choose, you need to place Green Valley Academy, DR 2010-09, in the subject.

There will be another public meeting scheduled for:

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

7:00 PM

at the Ogden Valley Library.

This is a public meeting and anyone can attend. However, those who are for this residential treatment facility, or agents for the petitioners or petitioners themselves, please reconsider if you are attending. There will be no disputes resolved between parties this night. The next step towards resolution will be taken at the appeal hearings.

Because not all people who are concerned about the Green Valley Academy read this blog, please make calls, knock on doors, whatever you can to get the word out. If you haven't already done so, and have some spare cash, please consider a donation to the Ogden Valley Protection Fund at Zions Bank.

Thanks.
Teri Busick

Mailing List Created For Concerned Ogden Valley Citizens

2011-02-01T06:43:00.000-07:00

Comment by Fred that was promoted to the front page due to importance

I've read a lot of comments about how the Planning Commission and Weber County Commission don't care and it's all about the money. I don't have enough experience to render judgement.

But, I think I have enough experience to know that the burden of proof is upon us, the community. GVA has found an avenue and while it is obviously not a good fit in its current location, the law and zoning favors them at this time.

Jared Balmer, by his own admission on the first go around, stated that his business is a hybrid approach that zoning does not specifically address and thus he has to pick the closest one.

This is not just a Weber County Problem. It is a national dilema that commissions and communities are grappling with. If we rally to institute a clear definition of RTC's in the zoning and then define zones in which they are permitted as well as stipulations, we won't have to continually battle these businesses trying to find somewhere to "fit."

To further this cause, I have built a mailing list that concerned Ogden Valley citizens can subscribe to who want to contribute to evolving a solution and presenting it to the county. You can join the list by clicking this link to read the terms and sign up. This will allow us to collaborate via our inboxes. I look forward to your participation!

Huntsville Resident Killed In Early Morning Crash

2011-01-30T23:39:00.002-07:00

Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Bob Burton, a long-time resident of East Huntsville.

Bob was traveling west down Ogden Canyon when he was hit head on by a suicidal driver heading eastbound.

Click below for more:
Head-on collision kills one in Ogden Canyon

We will dedicate the comment section below to any memories you had of Bob or any condolences you have for Bob's wife, Colleen, and family.

GVA - LOCAL ISSUE OR BIGGER ISSUE -- UPDATED

2011-01-30T07:18:00.005-07:00

Guest post by Teri Busick and Laurel Kirkham

We have visited the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP) website to gather information regarding Residential Treatment Centers . NATSAP is an organization that the representing agent of the Green Valley Academy is a member.

Their database of facilities consists of the following categories:

Boarding School

Small Residential

Outdoor Therapeutic Program

Residential Treatment Center

Specialty Psychiatric and Behavioral Hospital

Transitional Living Program

Young Adult Program

Search criteria contains the above and can be further identified according to ages and genders by state. For the purpose of this research we used the following criteria: All facilities and Residential Treatment Centers (RTC) for ages 12-18 for all genders.

There are currently 149 all type facilities in the United States. Of these, Utah has 46.

There are currently 77 Residential Treatment Centers in the United States. Of these, Utah has 36.

In the western United States the breakdown looks like:

STATE	ALL	RTC

Utah	46	36
Arizona	7	4
California	4	3
Idaho	8	2
Montana	10	4
Nevada	0	0
New Mexico	0	0
Oregon	8	1
Washington	3	2

The Green Valley Academy has indicated that Ogden Valley suits their needs because of the many recreational opportunities that exist here. We have a large number of these facilities in this state. Is Utah the only state in the west, or the country for that matter, that provides recreational opportunities? Are we the recreational capitol of the country, or are we the residential treatment facility capitol? Is the bigger issue our state/ local laws and regulations or lack there of?

Do we have a disdain for state regulation, or has the state legislature failed to notice the large number of these types of facilities? Has the legislature willingly punted on this issue to force the counties and small city and town planning departments to deal with this issue?

Ogden Valley is but one area of Weber County. Are we to assume that there is no other place in Weber County with the proper zoning and necessary infrastructure to accommodate the size of this business? Are the petitioners demanding only this area because they can? One of the few areas in Weber County that has neither a water nor sewer system.

On Tuesday night, we believe we witnessed a political and procedural mugging of the Ogden Valley Planning Commission. Neighbors had received written communication to attend this meeting to provide their comments and viewpoints. When one business has more money or has a loud and aggressive attorney, and threatens a lawsuit, was the governing body able to provide due process? We don’t think it is just about one planner, the local planning commission, or local conduct. We think we have a bigger problem. The Green Valley issue has been simmering for months. Our planning chief and local/state representatives need to step up.

UPDATE: 1/30/11 @6:30 pm

Now is a good time to provide a complete overview and timeline of all articles pertaining to The Green Valley Academy Residential Treatment Facility that have appeared on our Forum.

Peruse this Treasure Trove of Goodies, complete with Newspaper articles and Letters to the editor by clicking below:

Full Ogden Valley Forum Residential Treatment Facility / Green Valley Academy (GVA) Article Collection

Letter to Planning Commissioners Regarding Helipad

2011-01-28T17:11:00.001-07:00

Guest Post by Lee Schussman

Jan 25, 2011.

Comments sent to the Ogden Valley Township Planning Commissioners

I am opposed to the CUP for the private Eden Heliport in its current form.

I have had first hand experiences with helicopter safety issues, noise issues, and business issues here in Ogden Valley; and I would like to comment on these three concerns. Please consider the following:

Item #1: Safety Concerns

The Weber County staff report indicates that safety issues remained a concern at the end of the discussion of this CUP last February. The applicants have addressed the safety problems of the fuel truck, but I have a sincere concern about the safety of the location of the landing zone itself.

In 1993, during a flight very similar to those planned in the current CUP, the crash of a Diamond Peaks helicopter near Powder Mountain killed click here for more

APPROVED!!!

2011-01-25T22:13:00.000-07:00

Details will be forthcoming as faithful readers chime in on the meeting, but our informants tell us the Design Review for the proposed Green Valley Academy was approved this evening. The vote was 5-2.

As for the Red Moose Lodge Heliport, it was tabled pending further review.

We hear the meeting was lengthy and heated. The floor is now open for those in attendance to spill the beans!

Important Ogden Valley Planning Meeting Tonight

2011-01-25T10:57:00.001-07:00

Green Valley Academy and Red Moose Lodge Heliport on the agenda

Ogden Valley Planning Commission Meeting
January 25, 2011 @ 5:00 PM
Weber County Commission Chambers, Weber Center,
2380 Washington Blvd., Ogden UT
Click Here for Agenda and Details

Tonight is the night. Remember to "SPEAK UP FOR WHAT YOU WANT, OR TAKE WHAT YOU GET!"

The Full Court Press Starts Now

2011-01-24T08:14:00.000-07:00

In preparation for one of the most important Ogden Valley Planning Commission meetings in the last year, we will bring to the forefront several important comments from Valley-ites regarding two hot topics that will be acted on Tuesday night:

The Green Valley Academy
Heliport at Red Moose Lodge

In an effort to be fair and balanced, we will include both comments, both Pro and Con. Unfortunately, we have received no "Pro" comments about the Green Valley Academy, so this is an open invitation for the directors to send us their spiel.

We have shortened some of the longer posts for space considerations, so click on the "click here for more" link to read the rest of each post.

Click here to view the newest posts, then scroll down, read the posts and most importantly, don't let the cat get your tongues.

Lack of Water for Fire Fighting a Definite Concern

2011-01-23T20:13:00.001-07:00

Guest Post by Lisa Hecht

I am sure this has been addressed but.........

In the Standard Examiner articles about the fire around the corner from the Green Valley Academy proposed site, it stated that the fire department had problems as they had to tank water in to extinguish the fire. The article in The Standard Examiner Sunday, January 23, 2011 in Top of Utah (B), page 1 stated: Firefighters were challenged by the lack of a nearby water supply. They were forced to shuttle thousands of gallons of water from about a mile away, the nearest available fire hydrant, Black said. The fire was being fought from 6 p.m. until after 10 p.m.

Is there any documentation to show that a hydrant is going in and that if it is in fact there, will there be adequate water available to provide protection?

Just wondering. Lots of open fields there.

In Favor of Heliport

2011-01-23T20:13:00.000-07:00

Guest Post by B. Smith

I moved to the valley 6 years ago and own a home that is along the flight path on the way to the Red Moose Lodge. I also personally know both Ron Rueben (Red Moose Lodge) and Craig Olson (Diamond Peaks). I also own my own business in the valley and have worked with hundreds of local businesses in Ogden Valley and Ogden. I have also flown with Diamond Peaks as a photographer. I have a strong understanding of how this business runs and the impact that it will have on our community.

I think the helipad location and application is a good idea and a valuable resource for our community. I strongly support it and I think you should too. Click here for more

We Don't Want Heliport

2011-01-23T20:12:00.000-07:00

Guest Post by Sandra Tuck

WE chose to live in the valley over 40yrs. ago because we did not like the noise of the highways railroad and most of all the Air planes etc.

Now a rich person wants to cater to a few rich skiers and tourists to take away our peace and quiet.
It is time to say enough is enough.

Go play at Deer Valley and Park City. They like annoying noise and people.

High Drama At the Neigborhood Meeting When "Stranger" speaks out

2011-01-23T20:07:00.000-07:00

Guest Post by Greg Anderson

It was high drama last night when, after an hour of discussion, someone in the crowd stood up to dispute the claims that the students in Oakley have, on occasion, “escaped” and caused trouble in the community. It was quickly revealed that the “stranger” was, in fact, the wife of one of the founders of the proposed Green Valley Academy. This person then told us, without being specific, that a lot of what was said at the meeting wasn’t true.

I can already hear the words I expect to hear at the planning commission meeting on Tuesday. It will sound something like this: “My wife went to a meeting last week and the neighbors were telling all kinds of lies about who we are and what we do.” Since we in Ogden Valley don’t know Click here for more

A Readers Research of Other Schools Associated With Jared Balmer

2011-01-23T20:06:00.001-07:00

Guest Post by Fred

I just want to make it clear that I was the one that brought up students leaving the school and stealing a horse that was eventually returned. This as brought to light after corresponding with one of the alumni from Oakley School after GVA's first petition. I can provide the student's name if they want to continue to raise objections.

I did a lot of research on Jared Balmer and his long time, and current partner, Kimball DeLaMare. Their combined history was eye opening. If you search child advocacy groups, you will see that some of their former schools have been accused of being abusive. Click here for more

Is The Green Valley Academy A School?

2011-01-23T20:02:00.002-07:00

Guest Post by Greg Anderson

My name really is Greg Anderson. I live in Ogden Valley. It is my conviction that the Green Valley Academy goes beyond being a "school" and is primarily a residential treatment facility which, because of the number of residents, exceeds what is allowed under current laws regarding the proposed location. It CANNOT exist in the AV-3 zone unless the law defining acceptable uses of the AV-3 zone is changed.

Meanwhile, there are some involved in this process who Click here for more

House Fire Tonight

2011-01-21T23:25:00.001-07:00

Submitted by Greg Anderson

As residents of Ogden Valley our hearts go out to the Brunker family this evening. Their house on Hwy 39 burned down tonight. The people living in the house were able to evacuate safely but the house appears to be a complete loss. Seven fire stations were involved in fighting this fire.

Ogden Valley Protection Fund

2011-01-21T23:10:00.000-07:00

Guest Post by Teri Busick

For those who might not be aware, several citizens have if you will "lawyered up" in regards to the Green Valley Academy. Without going into specifics about certain areas of great concern, these friends and neighbors were willing to spend the money needed to protect the valley from what they feel are over reaching proposals as they pertain to the Ogden Valley Master plan. If you too are concerned about the Green Valley Academy proposal, then please help. An Ogden Valley Protection fund has been established at Zions Bank. Any donations you make will be greatly appreciated and will go to fees generated for legal representation. Full disclosure: I am not involved in this fund and did not participate in the hiring of a lawyer. But I am concerned and believe that donating is a small part we can all do.

Additionally, it is imperative that everyone go to the planning meeting on Tuesday, January 25th. It will be a long meeting, and The Green Valley Academy is near the end of the docket.

Green Valley Academy Neighborhood Meeting Tonight - It's time to contact the Planning Commission - NOW

2011-01-20T10:20:00.007-07:00

Reminder: Emergency Public Meeting tonight @ the Ogden Valley Library in Huntsville @ 7 PM

The process that is unfolding with the Green Valley Academy's latest proposal is eerily familiar and almost mirrors the events we followed last June. We have compiled a treasure trove of articles that have been posted on the Forum regarding the proposed "Residential Treatment Facility" (or whatever they are calling it this week).

We have organized them chronologically and have tried to point out important links that are included within each post. We would highly recommend that neighbors and advocates alike, search through our archive, review the plans for the Green Valley Academy and contact the planning commissioners ASAP - time is of the essence.

Full Ogden Valley Forum Residential Treatment Facility / Green Valley Academy (GVA) Article Collection

Within this treasure trove, pay particular attention to the guest post by Mike Bulloch, director of the Green Valley Academy. In response to a guest post by resident Laurel Kirkham, Mr. Bulloch writes,

The proposed property is on 18 acres and is surrounded (to the north, south, and west) by many open acres, not to mention the undeveloped land of the nearby Monastery. The closest homes mentioned are to the east with acreage bordering neighboring properties. We are not a program attempting to squeeze itself into “the middle” of a high density area (like other programs which currently exist throughout Weber County). Furthermore, the academy will preserve a large portion of land from becoming sub-divided in the future, which will promote the rural atmosphere.

Emails and letters to the planning commission need to be submitted ASAP - today. In the past, we have seen cases where the planning commissioners have not received letters because the letters were not included in their packets. We suggest you hand deliver or email your letter, then follow up with a phone call to verify that in fact your letter will be given to all of the commissioners prior to the Tuesday meeting.

Snail mail:
Ogden Valley Planning Commission, Attn Sherrie Sillitoe,
2380 Washington Blvd, Suite 240, Ogden, UT 84401

Email: ssillito@co.weber.ut.us
Telephone:
Sherri Sillito 801-399-8791

Be sure to include a note asking Ms. Sillitoe to forward your information to ALL of the Planning commissioners prior to the January 25, 2010 planning meeting.

Hot Off The Press - The Agenda For The Ogden Valley Planning Meeting Has Been Posted

2011-01-18T23:25:00.003-07:00

The infamous agenda we have all been waiting for is now posted on the Weber County Web Site. Thanks to the efforts of one of our savvy readers, we will include the links below:

Ogden Valley Planning Commission (OVPC) Meeting Agenda - January 25, 2011 @ 5PM

The Packet that each of the OVPC members receive is available here
Scroll down to the bottom of the page to the attachments link. It is large at over 18 MB in size.

We will point out a couple of highlights:

2-4. CUP 2011-01 Consideration and action on a request for approval of a temporary park and ride lot in Eden to provide shuttle service to Powder Mountain Ski Resort located at approximately 2628 N Highway 162 (Powder Mountain Resort Management LLC)

* Old Business

3-2. CUP 2010-04 Consideration and action on a request for a Conditional Use Permit for a private heliport located at the Red Moose Lodge in Eden (Red Moose Lodge, Applicant; Ron Rueben, Agent)

* New Business

3-3. ZO 2010-15 Consideration and action on a recommendation to the County Commission on a request to amend the Weber County Zoning Ordinance by adding certain ancillary uses, under the overall term of “Agri-tourism,” to the list of Conditional Uses found in Chapter 5B; Agricultural Valley-3 (AV-3) Zone (Patricia Dickens, Kelly Creek Farm, Applicant)

3-5. DR 2010-09 Consideration and action on a request for Design Review approval of the Green Valley Academy a private Educational Institution located at approximately 9091 E 100 S on 8 acres (Green Valley Academy, Applicant; Jared Balmer, Agent)

As "ND" pointed out, "little late on that park and ride for Pow Mow....its been going all winter...and the vendor hut has been there too...but not in use yet..." However, our ever faithful informant, Ron Gleason, reminds us that "the Pow Mow park ride is on a conditional use permit that ran for 1 year. They are asking for an extension."

Any bets on what time this meeting will adjourn? Be sure to bring some snacks, an empty bladder and a chair cushion because you may be sitting for a very, very long time.

Property Tax Delinquency and Duration

2011-01-18T22:29:00.004-07:00

This has certainly been a pet peeve of the Forum and the Standard jumped on the bandwagon today with this Jesus Lopez Jr. article:

Property tax delinquency and duration

From the article:

Although the number of delinquent payers is improving, however, the county is seeing a different trend -- people being delinquent for a longer time.
"We are seeing more people that are more delinquent than they were," said Weber County Treasurer John B. Bond.

The article goes on to state:

The overall number of delinquent taxpayers is also relatively low. On average, less than 10 percent of all properties in Davis and Weber counties are delinquent. In good times, however, the number is usually closer to 5 percent.
Yet the dollar amount averages in the millions.
In Weber County, about $11.8 million in taxes were delinquent for 2009. In Davis County, it was about $13.1 million for 2009.
The year before, 2008, saw the highest number of delinquencies in the area.
"That also falls in line with the significant financial challenge that hit at that time," Bond said.
Weber had about $11.4 million in delinquencies in 2008, which was a jump from about $8.3 million the previous year. Davis County more than doubled in 2007 with $15.7 million compared with $7.6 million in 2006.
Of those delinquent, the highest dollar amounts belong to business and real estate developers. The average number of delinquencies is about the same between homeowners and businesses.

Hmmm, are we the only ones confused here?

In Weber County the delinquencies have increased from $7.8 million in 2006 to over $11 million in 2010.
Additionally, "...on average, less than 10 percent of all properties in Davis and Weber counties are delinquent. In good times, however, the number is usually closer to 5 percent."
The total for delinquencies is near the high for the last five years, and there are twice as many delinquent properties than in good times.
"Of those delinquent, the highest dollar amounts belong to business and real estate developers. The average number of delinquencies is about the same between homeowners and businesses."

Yet, the county continued to allow these same delinquent developers to get further in the hole for years by allowing them to create more subdivisions and get more approvals while the rest of us faithfully paid our taxes.

Emergency Public/Neighborhood Meeting January 20, 2011

2011-01-18T10:59:00.002-07:00

HERE IS A FLYER THAT WAS DISTRIBUTED BY RESIDENTS OVER THE WEEKEND