Weber County Forum has the latest commentary on today's Standard-Examiner article, regarding the Powder Mountain power grab.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
Powder Mountain town issue on two dockets
As the 2010 Legislative session kicks off today, the Standard reminds us it has been 2 years since the Powderville fiasco started with a petition for incorporation in January 2008.
For the expert rundown, be sure to visit the Weber County Forum to review Rudi's post.
Then, read the Standard article here:
Powder Mountain town issue on two dockets
For the expert rundown, be sure to visit the Weber County Forum to review Rudi's post.
Then, read the Standard article here:
Powder Mountain town issue on two dockets
Regarding the bill, Representative Gage Froerer and Senator Alan Christensen said they plan to introduce the bill early to assure its passage.
Although both are hopeful it will pass, Froerer said he knows those pushing for incorporation will be lobbying against the bill.
"Obviously, the developers are going to take a hard stance and will lobby hard," he said.
"They said they spent about $250,000 to $300,000 to fight my legislation and they're prepared to do that again. So I'm not taking this as a slam-dunk because they're going to come out hard against it."
Froerer said the bill would not guarantee resolution of the lawsuits, but thinks much of the developers' incentive to continue litigation would be gone if they did not have two years before citizens could vote to disincorporate.
Deadly avalanche in Hell's Canyon / South Weber man dies and five others rescued in out-of-bounds terrain near Snowbasin
HUNTSVILLE -- A South Weber man died in a Sunday afternoon avalanche outside Snowbasin ski resort boundaries, officials say.
Later, a group needed helicopter assistance to get off the mountain because they had gone out of bounds and realized the snow was unstable.
Weber County Sheriff's Sgt. Brandon Toll, director of operations for search and rescue, said Todd Bell, 42, of South Weber, had planned to go down a different out-of-bounds run, No Name Canyon, with a friend.
But the two became separated and Bell went down Hell's Canyon alone.
Click here to read the rest of the story
Avalanche danger remains high according to the Utah Avalanche Center.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Guest Rant By "Born To Be Free"
This rant was tucked away today as a comment under our August 6, 2009 post entitled:
By Born To Be Free
I'm shocked at some of these comments.
First, there was no 'loophole' that granted the developers the right to form Powder Mountain Town. It was a very well devised scheme between the developers and willing Utah politicians who in the shadow of the night wrote a law that allowed for the development. Once the 'good' people of the legislator figured out what they had voted in, they voted it out just as fast. It was a scam, pure and simple.
Second, there is nothing selfish about people standing up for their constitutional rights that were tromped on by scheming individuals. Get your facts straight before you start calling people names.
Third, spare me your "I've lived here longer than the hills" speech. I'm sick of it. Guess what? I live here too. I have land just like you.
Fourth, those people who were swallowed up by Powder Mountain Town are mostly in a demographic that generally does not need to steal tickets, or jump on the lifts for free, or any other silly things you accused them of doing.
I was at the meeting where the representatives of PM requested permission after the fact to close down the public trail so they could open it for private tours. Over and over again, PM employees testified that people used the mountain without paying. It sounds to me like their employees aren't doing a very good job. Maybe they just need more employees? If someone can get on a lift without a pass and the employees are selling discounted tickets in the parking lot, who's fault is that? Come on!
And finally, leave Jim Halay out of your childish rant. Mr. Halay is a good man. He lives here, works here, and loves the land. He has integrity.
Soon this will be finished…..and the people of Powder Mountain Town will be free.
Stop Powder Mountain Town Sign Thefts
With the 2010 Legislative session opening this Monday, we thought this would be a perfect preamble:By Born To Be Free
I'm shocked at some of these comments.
First, there was no 'loophole' that granted the developers the right to form Powder Mountain Town. It was a very well devised scheme between the developers and willing Utah politicians who in the shadow of the night wrote a law that allowed for the development. Once the 'good' people of the legislator figured out what they had voted in, they voted it out just as fast. It was a scam, pure and simple.
Second, there is nothing selfish about people standing up for their constitutional rights that were tromped on by scheming individuals. Get your facts straight before you start calling people names.
Third, spare me your "I've lived here longer than the hills" speech. I'm sick of it. Guess what? I live here too. I have land just like you.
Fourth, those people who were swallowed up by Powder Mountain Town are mostly in a demographic that generally does not need to steal tickets, or jump on the lifts for free, or any other silly things you accused them of doing.
I was at the meeting where the representatives of PM requested permission after the fact to close down the public trail so they could open it for private tours. Over and over again, PM employees testified that people used the mountain without paying. It sounds to me like their employees aren't doing a very good job. Maybe they just need more employees? If someone can get on a lift without a pass and the employees are selling discounted tickets in the parking lot, who's fault is that? Come on!
And finally, leave Jim Halay out of your childish rant. Mr. Halay is a good man. He lives here, works here, and loves the land. He has integrity.
Soon this will be finished…..and the people of Powder Mountain Town will be free.
Any comments Ogden Valley???
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Jenkins for Senate majority leader
Today's Standard has an excellent editorial endorsing Senate Majority Whip Scott Jenkins, R-Plain City, as the new Senate majority leader, replacing former Sen. Sheldon Killpack, who resigned Saturday after being arrested for driving under the influence.
We couldn't agree more. From the editorial,
We couldn't agree more. From the editorial,
There are three solid reasons for elevating Jenkins to Senate majority leader:Over the years we at the forum have weighed in on Bramble and agree with the Standard's reasoning for supporting Jenkins over Bramble. Bramble would take the predominant Republican party back to the same old stuff.
* First, it would be a deserved promotion for a legislator who has done an admirable job as majority whip.
* Second, it would preserve a top legislative leadership slot for the Top of Utah. With an effective, qualified choice such as Jenkins, there's no reason to move that slot to a southern legislator.
* Finally, Bramble was replaced as majority leader because he represented a distasteful style of legislative leadership that we hope can be phased out of Utah politics. Whether it's unapologetically soaking up lobbyist perks or intimidating pizza delivery workers, we need leaders who are cognizant that they are public servants.
Jenkins is the right choice, period.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
POWDER MOUNTAIN PROTEST REDUX
It was two years ago that a feisty group of Ogden Valley citizens made television and other media news when they picketed the road up to Powder Mountain.
They carried signs that gave a clear message about the unconstitutional effort by Powder Mountain to force many homeowners into the proposed town boundaries without their vote, and deny them the vote to choose the town leadership.
This morning, those pickets were BAAAAACCCCCCK.
We ask all residents of Utah that read this to contact your State Representative and State Senator. Encourage them to support Gage Froerer's (HB 218) and Alan Christensen's (SB 34) bills in the upcoming legislative session that will allow the homeowners to vote to disincorporate immediately if the town incorporation is finalized. This would prevent the owners of Powder Mountain from forming their own town council and planning commission, and from changing the zoning for the area without the input from the Weber County Commission.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Representative Froerer Seeking Input
Representative Gage Froerer is sponsoring legislation again this year that will allow the citizens impacted by the Powder Mountain incorporation the right to vote for or against the incorporation without waiting two years.
Representative Froerer is also seeking input from his constituents on a variety of issues including the Powderville debacle and he wants to know, "Would you support or oppose this legislation?"
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Monday, January 11, 2010
A Guest Post For You To Savor Over A Morning Cup Of Joe - More Bullying Powder Mountain Style
By Java Girl
Here we are at the 2nd anniversary of the "Dear Neighbor" letter and the start of the whole Powder Mountain fiasco....
We heard recently that a Powder Mountain employee showed up to work with a white coffee cup in their hand and was immediately chastised by their superior for buying coffee from the local shop. The supervisor made it clear that they don't want to see that specific type of coffee cup on the mountain ever. To protect the employee from further trouble, we won't mention names.
When will Powder Mountain's bullying end?
This is corporate fascism at it's worst.
Seems to us that Powder Mountain's bullying is so intolerable, that even the snow is boycotting them!
Here we are at the 2nd anniversary of the "Dear Neighbor" letter and the start of the whole Powder Mountain fiasco....
We heard recently that a Powder Mountain employee showed up to work with a white coffee cup in their hand and was immediately chastised by their superior for buying coffee from the local shop. The supervisor made it clear that they don't want to see that specific type of coffee cup on the mountain ever. To protect the employee from further trouble, we won't mention names.
When will Powder Mountain's bullying end?
This is corporate fascism at it's worst.
Seems to us that Powder Mountain's bullying is so intolerable, that even the snow is boycotting them!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Huntsville Ice Rink Open
By Richard Sorensen
Huntsville Town Council
Please spread the word to your Ogden Valley friends and family.
Happy New Year.
The Ice Rink Is Open
Conditions are improving daily as more layers of ice are added. We will try to update the town website every couple of days with the latest ice conditions.
Conditions are improving daily as more layers of ice are added. We will try to update the town website every couple of days with the latest ice conditions.
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Ice Skate Rentals: |
This year we will be offering rentals thanks to the Weber Ice Sheet generously donating their old rental skates...
- Skates are available at Texas Pride Barbecue during their normal business hours. The price will be $2 to help cover Texas Prides costs. To speed things up, visit www.HuntsvilleTown.com, print out and complete a release of liability and take it to Texas Pride. Be sure to take a deposit in the form of a Drivers license, credit card or lots of cash.
- Not all sizes are available but we have supplied Texas Pride with at least one pair of each available size. We have skates in most kids sizes, but have fewer choices above about a size 9 figure skate. However, we do have hockey skates in the larger sizes.
- Thanks to Texas Pride Barbecue for helping to make the skates available.
Group Skating
We will also try to accommodate groups with skate rentals. Let us know if you would like to have a skate night or day for your youth, family or school group and we will arrange to have skates available for a night of fun. Contact Richard@HuntsvilleTown.com if you would like to arrange a skate night or day for your group.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Merry Christmas To All
The Season is upon us and we ran across a truly unique and inspiring story that involves annual Christmas traditions in our Valley.
Click here to read about one young family who makes the annual trip to the Huntsville Monastery to visit a lifelong friend.
Merry Christmas to All!
Click here to read about one young family who makes the annual trip to the Huntsville Monastery to visit a lifelong friend.
Merry Christmas to All!
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Powder Mountain Ski Resort Boycott - Now is the time!!
With Prime time of the ski season rapidly approaching, the week or so from Christmas through New Years, the time is right for Utah residents (and the rest of the world) to show their displeasure of the numerous antics of the Powder Mountain owners and management team. A dent in their pocket book may be the only way to show the greedy developers our displeasure.
A boycott is certainly not a new idea as we promoted one in July when season ticket sales were kicked off. Our intel informs us that season ticket sales are substantially down over last year. In February 2008, a boycott was also kicked off garnering significant support and media attention.
More recently, a lower key, word of mouth boycott has been initiated and we feel it is time to get the word out to the masses.
Our once family and locals friendly Powder Mountain has gone the way of bottom line corporate greed. Every step of the way, Powder Mountain continues to snub their nose at residents, neighbors and even employees. They have lost dozens of long term veterans on their employee and volunteer staff, some with over 30 years of service. Some were fired while others resigned in protest.
The snubbing of Ogden Valley began in 2007 when the new owners/developers (more affectionately known as the "PERPS") made extensive rezone and density requests from the Ogden Valley Planning Commission. Ultimately, the request was approved with several contingencies, but that was not good enough for the PERPS.
The PERPS objected to the contingencies and filed for Incorporation in early 2008 under the flawed HB466 - a law that was only on the books of the State of Utah for one year.
They have continued down the road of forcing residents into their company town and the case has now been appealed to the Utah State Supreme Court. The overwhelming majority of the "forced" residents of Powder Mountain Town (Powderville) oppose the incorporation and feel their Constitutional rights are being violated.
In January 2009, the PERPS vigorously and successfully lobbied against a proposed bill that would have allowed residents of a town incorporated under HB466 the ability to file for immediate disincorporation. A similar bill is being proposed for the upcoming legislative session and the PERPS will certainly vigorously fight the bill once again.
More recently, Powder Mountain requested that a public access trail be closed during the winter months so Powder Mountain could offer high dollar back county tours while keeping the non paying riff raff out. They made the request AFTER bull dozing the once narrow trail and without requesting or receiving the necessary permits. It is easier to ask for forgiveness than permission seems to be Powder Mountain's motto.
Ogden Valley has a lot to offer winter skiing enthusiasts and we highly recommend SnowBasin and Wolf Creek Utah.
Supporting Powder Mountain at the ticket window helps fund the PERPS Corpo-Fascist regime.
We say THE BOYCOTT OF POWDER MOUNTAIN IS ON!
A boycott is certainly not a new idea as we promoted one in July when season ticket sales were kicked off. Our intel informs us that season ticket sales are substantially down over last year. In February 2008, a boycott was also kicked off garnering significant support and media attention.
More recently, a lower key, word of mouth boycott has been initiated and we feel it is time to get the word out to the masses.
Our once family and locals friendly Powder Mountain has gone the way of bottom line corporate greed. Every step of the way, Powder Mountain continues to snub their nose at residents, neighbors and even employees. They have lost dozens of long term veterans on their employee and volunteer staff, some with over 30 years of service. Some were fired while others resigned in protest.
The snubbing of Ogden Valley began in 2007 when the new owners/developers (more affectionately known as the "PERPS") made extensive rezone and density requests from the Ogden Valley Planning Commission. Ultimately, the request was approved with several contingencies, but that was not good enough for the PERPS.
The PERPS objected to the contingencies and filed for Incorporation in early 2008 under the flawed HB466 - a law that was only on the books of the State of Utah for one year.
They have continued down the road of forcing residents into their company town and the case has now been appealed to the Utah State Supreme Court. The overwhelming majority of the "forced" residents of Powder Mountain Town (Powderville) oppose the incorporation and feel their Constitutional rights are being violated.
In January 2009, the PERPS vigorously and successfully lobbied against a proposed bill that would have allowed residents of a town incorporated under HB466 the ability to file for immediate disincorporation. A similar bill is being proposed for the upcoming legislative session and the PERPS will certainly vigorously fight the bill once again.
More recently, Powder Mountain requested that a public access trail be closed during the winter months so Powder Mountain could offer high dollar back county tours while keeping the non paying riff raff out. They made the request AFTER bull dozing the once narrow trail and without requesting or receiving the necessary permits. It is easier to ask for forgiveness than permission seems to be Powder Mountain's motto.
Ogden Valley has a lot to offer winter skiing enthusiasts and we highly recommend SnowBasin and Wolf Creek Utah.
Supporting Powder Mountain at the ticket window helps fund the PERPS Corpo-Fascist regime.
We say THE BOYCOTT OF POWDER MOUNTAIN IS ON!
Friday, December 18, 2009
Keeping trail open right call
By Pistol Pete,
The editorial page in today's Standard Examiner hits it right on the button. There appears to be no end to the recklessness that Powder Mountain will employ to take away the freedom of other citizens. They also have violated Weber County permit rules along the way.
These clowns belong in the Circus, not in Weber County.
The editorial page in today's Standard Examiner hits it right on the button. There appears to be no end to the recklessness that Powder Mountain will employ to take away the freedom of other citizens. They also have violated Weber County permit rules along the way.
These clowns belong in the Circus, not in Weber County.
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