URGENT: Two Important County Meetings Today

Custom Exempt Meat Cutting Ordinance on the planning commission agenda

The Weber County Commissioners will hold a regular commission meeting in the
Commission Chambers of the Weber Center,
2380 Washington Boulevard, Ogden, Utah,
at 10:00 a.m. on
Tuesday, the 24th day of April 2012.

Here is the entire agenda.

Here are some items of particular interest to Ogden Valley residents:

 E. Action

1. Request for consideration and/or action on a request for final approval of The Summit at Ski Lake No. 11 including a Subdivision Improvement Agreement in the amount of $108,350.83 and a Survey Monumentation Improvement Agreement in the amount of $700.
Presenter: Sean Wilkinson

 F. Public hearing
1. Motion to adjourn public meeting and convene public hearing.
2. Public hearing for consideration and/or action on staff amendments to the Weber County Zoning Ordinance Chapter 1 (General Provisions), Chapter 9-A (Shoreline Zone (S-1), Chapter 23 (Supplementary and Qualifying Regulations), Chapter 23 (Supplementary and Qualifying Regulations), Chapter 24(Parking and Loading Space, Vehicle Traffic and Access Regulations), Chapter 29 (Board of Adjustment), Chapter 31 (Administration), and Chapter 36-B (Hillside Development Review Procedures and Standards) regarding the Weber County Board of Adjustment.
Presenter: Sean Wilkinson
3. Motion to adjourn public hearing and reconvene public meeting.
4. Action on public hearing.

 The next important meeting is:

The Ogden Valley Planning Commission Meeting
Weber County Commission Chambers, Weber Center (2380 Washington Blvd).
The meeting will begin at 5:00 p.m.
April 24, 2012


Here is the entire agenda.

Here are some items of particular interest:

2. Petitions, Applications, and Public Hearings:

• New Business:

2.1. ZTA 2012-05 Zoning Text Amendment ZTA 2012-05 amending Chapter 5B (Agricultural Valley AV-3) Zone Section 5B-3 Permitted Uses Requiring Five (5) Acres Minimum Lot Area to allow Custom Exempt Meat Cutting including wild game and amend Chapter 1 (General Provisions) by adding a new definition of Custom Exempt Meat Cutting.

3. Public Comments:

4. Planning Commissioner’s Remarks:

Custom Exempt Meat Cutting?   What exactly does that mean?

You may read the planning commissioner packet here.

UPDATED TIME - 5pm. Proposal to add "Custom Exempt Meat Cutting" as a permitted to be heard by Planning Commission

County wide ordinance change proposed and planned to be heard April 24, 2012 @ 5:00 pm.

Our faithful readers will remember the ongoing saga of the meat cutting plant in Liberty.  Last year, the Weber County Planning department approved the business license for Garet Jones to operate a custom meat cutting plant on some family owned land.  Neighbors were upset by the outcome, hired an attorney and requested an interpretation and decision from the State Ombudsman.   Ultimately, the Ombudsman sided with the neighbors and the planning department rescinded the business license.  The Jones' appealed the decision to the board of adjustments, who voted to uphold the decision to revoke the business license.

Now, Garet Jones has proposed an amendment Chapter 5B-3 and 1-6 as a permitted use to add "Custom Exempt Meat Cutting".

From the Staff Report:

The petitioner is proposing to amend Chapter 5B (Agricultural Valley AV-3) Zone Section 5B-3 Permitted Uses Requiring Five (5) Ares Minimum Lot Area, to allow Custom Exempt Meat Cutting as a permitted use and amend Chapter 1 (General Provisions) by adding a new definition of Custom Exempt Meat Cutting. The proposed definition of the Custom Exempt Meat Cutting is as follows: The cutting, wrapping, and preparation of meat for human consumption; provided, however, that the source of meat shall be limited to animals that are part of one or more livestock operation(s) in Weber County, and/or wild game.

The applicant is also proposing two standards for this type of operation, besides being on 5 acres. The first standard is the parcel would have to be located with access to a collector or arterial road as shown by the Weber County Transportation map and the second condition is that the operation needs to be located within a completely enclosed building with no outdoor storage.

You may view the details by visiting the Weber County Miradi.

The Planning Staff is recommending that the planning commission amends the ordinance as proposed.
Staff Recommendations:

Staff recommends that the Planning Commission recommend to the County Commission approval of Zoning Text Amendment ZTA 2012-05 amending Chapter 5B (Agricultural Valley AV-3) Zone Section 5B-3 Permitted Uses Requiring Five (5) Ares Minimum Lot Area to allow Custom Exempt Meat Cutting including wild game, and amend Chapter 1 (General Provisions) by adding a new definition of Custom Exempt Meat Cutting based on the following:

• The use is supported by the General Plan
• The use will allow support and/or supplement a farmer’s agricultural pursuit
• The use is less intense than other uses such as regular daycares, fur farms, contractor equipment storage as part of a farm/farm operator, commercial garden center, and animal hospitals/clinic
• Similar uses are already allowed such as a slaughter house, slaughtering up to 500 rabbits, turkeys, beavers, frogs, and other animals
• Historically found as part of a rural agricultural area 

The conditions for approval:

• The use be allowed in a separate building with no outdoor storage
• The use is to be accessory to a dwelling on a 5 acre parcel
• Located with access to a collector or arterial road

Proposed definition to be added to Chapter 1 (General Provisions) Section 1-6 Definition:

Custom Exempt Meat Cutting: The cutting, wrapping, and preparation of meat for human consumption.

Proposed language for Chapter 5B (Agricultural Valley AV-3) Zone

Section 5B-3 Permitted Uses Requiring Five (5) Ares Minimum Lot Area: Custom Exempt Meat Cutting limited to animals that are part of one or more livestock operation(s) in Weber County, and/or wild game; located with access to a collector or arterial road; the operation be located within a completely enclosed building with no outdoor storage, and as accessory to a dwelling.

This should generate a meaty discussion.  Dig in humble readers!

 

URGENT: County Commission Meeting Today

Our apologies for the late notice, but we just reviewed the agenda for this morning's Weber County Commission Meeting and realized there are many important items for our Ogden Valley faithful.

Show time is 10 am.

Commission Chambers of the Weber Center,
2380 Washington Boulevard, Ogden, Utah,
commencing at 10:00 a.m. on
Tuesday, the 10th day of April 2012

You may review the entire agenda by clicking here

Below are some of the important items on today's agenda:

5. Request for approval of a new business license.  [very vague, we think]

E. Action

1. Request for consideration and/or action on three appeals from the Ogden Valley Planning Commission’s decision regarding CUP 2012-01 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.
Presenter: Sean Wilkinson

2. Request for approval of a resolution of the County Commissioners of Weber County appointing members to the Ogden Valley Planning Commission.
Presenter: Rob Scott

F. Public hearing

2. Public hearing on a request to amend the Edgewater Beach Resort PRUD (CUP 2003-12) site plan with CUP 2012-12.
Presenter: Ben Hatfield

Discounts to area restaurants

This morning we will offer a great deal to local and national restaurants. Through Sunday, a $25 gift certificate is just $3. Dinner is on us this weekend at the Graycliff Lodge, Prairie Schooner, Piccolo Brothers Pizza, Jasoh, the top rated Taste of India and many, many more. Bon appetit!

What's Up at Wolf Creek?

Word on the street is that Wolf Creek may have been sold. Rumor has it that the Golf Course, Ski Mountain, and surrounding buildings were sold in the last few weeks.

If anyone has some definite information, please share it with the rest of us. Does this have anything to do with the recent Powder Mountain activities?

Speak up fellow Ogden Valley citizens.

The Red Moose Lodge has been sold

Another rumor has been confirmed.  

We made mention of this last week when an agenda item for the Ogden Valley Planning Commission listed:

 2.3. ZTA 2012-2 Consideration and Action on an amendment to Chapter 18B (Commercial Valley Zones CV-1 and CV-2) of the Weber County Zoning Ordinance to allow assisted living facility as permitted use.   

 Then we received this notice via the email list from the Red Moose Lodge:                                                                              

The Red Moose Lodge has been sold.    

The Red Moose Lodge has been SOLD and will be converted to an assisted living facility and senior community center.  The new owner takes possession on May 1st.. This is your last chance to stay with us. Call 801-745-6667 or visit our website at http://www.theredmooselodge.com/.                                      

There you have it.  Times are changing in Ogden Valley.

"BetaBeat" reports: "Sources: Yep, Summit Series Just Raised $40 Million to Buy That Mountain"

BetaBeat, The Lowdown On High Tech website is reporting,

Two sources have confirmed to Betabeat that Summit Series–the haute entrepreneurship conference attended by high-net-worth types like Peter Thiel, Evan Williams, Richard Branson, Chris Sacca, Sam Lessin, and Dave Morin–has raised $40 million to purchase a mountain. No, we did not take any drugs today. As Business Insider reported last week, the organizers behind Summit Series, which Forbes dubbed, “The Hipper Davos,” were trying to raise money to acquire “some permanent space“  in order to “re-create a culture year-round for innovation, entrepreneurship and kindness.”

Our readers will remember the story we broke in mid February after hearing numerous rumors from strong sources that Powder Mountain was in play.  The BetaBeat article goes on to say:

One of our sources said that Summit Series, which is based in Malibu, purchased Powder Mountain resort in Utah. That was the same mountain named in the organization’s pitch to raise funds, which was leaked to Business Insider, who also reported an unconfirmed $40 million price tag.

Reached by phone, Thayer Walker, Summit Series chief reconnaissance officer, would not confirm that the mountain had been purchased.  “I don’t really have anything to say about that unfortunately,” said Mr. Walker, adding, “At this point, there’s a lot of rumor, hearsay most of it.” We gave Mr. Walker the opportunity to refute that the deal had closed or the price tag, but he declined to deny it, saying Summit Series wasn’t yet ready to talk.
Powder Mountain did not immediately return a request for comment, but we will update you when we hear back.

Read the entire article here: 
Sources: Yep, Summit Series Just Raised $40 Million to Buy That Mountain

Are big changes in store for little ole' Ogden Valley?  We'd say they are already taking place.

Click here to read our previous posts about the suspected purchase.

Interest in Purchasing Powder Mountain by California Company Confirmed in This Morning's Standard Examiner

The story we broke on February 16, 2012, is discussed in this morning's Standard Examiner article written by Scott Schwebke: 

Unorthodox California company thinking of buying Powder Mountain
  
From the article,

Patrick Lundin, marketing manager for Powder Mountain, identified the company as Summit Series, based in Malibu.
“They are looking at the mountain and doing their due diligence,” Lundin said Tuesday. “There will be an official press release once the deal is done.”
When asked by the Standard-Examiner if Powder Mountain is available for purchase, Lundin remarked that “everything is for sale.”

 Rudi also highlights the article in his post this morning over at the Weber County Forum.

Our readers will also remember this breaking February 22 story:

 BREAKING: Summit Series trying to raise $40 million to purchase Powder Mountain

It seems that this deal may be near.  Who will be the first to comment?

Ogden Valley Planning Commission Meeting Tonight @ 5

Heliport, Assisted Living Center, and Sweeping Changes to Subdivision and Administrative ordinances

The agenda is full Tonight.  Here are the details:

Weber County Commission Chambers,
Weber Center (2380 Washington Blvd).
at 5:00 p.m.

Here are some of the high points of the agenda along with our brief commentary highlighted in italics. 

2.1. CUP 2012-01 Consideration and action for approval of a Conditional Use Permit CUP2012-01 for a heliport located east of Green Hill Country Estates at 1600 North Maple Street approximately two-thirds of a mile from the Maple Street cul-de-sac within the Forest 40 Zone (F-40) (Timothy Charlwood, Applicant) 

No time was wasted following the approval of the new heliport ordinance.

2.2. CUP 2011-06 Consideration and action on a conditional use permit application for a public utility substation (cellular site at approximately 95 Ogden Canyon Road) in the Forest Residential 1 Zone (FR-1)(Doug Kofford, Agent for TAIC, and David Hardman, Owner) 

 

Site is at Perry Camp near the restored kiln.

2.3. ZTA 2012-2 Consideration and Action on an amendment to Chapter 18B (Commercial Valley Zones CV-1 and CV-2) of the Weber County Zoning Ordinance to allow assisted living facility as permitted use. 

 

Dan Phelps has purchased the Red Moose Lodge and plans on converting it to an Assisted Living Facility.  He just needs a zoning amendment.

2.4. ZO-2010-10 Consideration and action for approval of staff amendments to the Weber County Zoning Ordinance Chapter 1 (General Provisions), Chapter 9-A (Shoreline Zone (S-1), Chapter 23 (Supplementary and Qualifying Regulations), Chapter 24 (Parking and Loading Space, Vehicle Traffic and Access Regulations), Chapter 29 (Board of Adjustment), Chapter 31 (Administration), and Chapter 36-B (Hillside Development Review Procedures and Standards) regarding the Weber Board of Adjustment.

 

Many of these proposed changes give the planning department more administrative authority while taking away from our local resident appointed Ogden Valley Planning Commission and the Board of Adjustment.  

Think here about the Green Valley Academy being called a school because a planning department staffer decided that it met the definition.  Also, remember the in house approval of an Elk Cutting Facility, only to rescind it a few months later.

Both were done in house without the oversight of the planning commission, and now the Planning Department wants more.  We say, "More Transparency, not less."

2.5. ZTA 2010-8 Consideration and Action on an amendment to Chapter 1 of the Weber County Subdivision Ordinance (General Provision – Filing Preliminary and Final plats). 

The Planing Commission is available by clicking here.

It's going to be an exciting meeting.

Weber High Girls To Play For State 5A Title - UPDATED

The Weber High Girls Basketball team defeated Riverton 50-42 today and will now face Region 1 rival Syracuse Saturday for the Utah State 5A Championship.

Game time is 1 pm at the Salt Lake Community College in their Lifetime Learning Center.

One of Weber's star players is Chantil Martin of Liberty.

Dress in Red and Black, make the short drive to Salt Lake, and cheer on the Warriors.

UPDATE: 2/25/12 @ 5pm 
After trailing by just one point 26-25 at halftime, the Lady Warriors came up short in a 63-50 finish.  The Syracuse Titans finished the season undefeated with a 22-0 record while the Weber Warriors ended the season 18-7. 
This marks the first time in history that the Weber High Girls have gone to the state finals.  We-think second place ain't half bad.

Three arrested in Pineview boating death

Thanks to our faithful reader Smatguy for the tip

From the Weber County Sheriff's Office's Facebook page:

Today Weber County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested and booked three suspects regarding the August 21, 2011 Pine View death of Esther Fujimoto.

And from the Standard Examiner:

The Weber County Sheriff’s Office has arrested three people in connection with the Aug. 21, 2011, death of Pineview Reservoir swimmer Esther Fujimoto.Colton Raines, Skyler Shepherd and Robert Cole Boyer were arrested Friday .

Fujimoto died after being struck by a boat while swimming in the reservoir.

Raines and Shepherd have been booked into Weber County Jail on suspicion of reckless endangerment, obstruction of justice, and leaving the scene of a boating accident, according to a press release from the Sheriff’s Office. Boyer has been booked on suspicion of obstruction of justice.

Formal charges are expected to be filed on Monday, according to Chief Deputy County Attorney Gary Heward.

 The arrests were 7 months after the death.

Board of Adjustments Agrees With Ombudsman and County Commissioners

We just heard that the Board of Adjustments sided with the neighbors in the appeal by Garret Jones.  Our readers will remember that the county planners issued a conditional use permit but later rescinded it after reviewing a decision from the ombudsman.  The Jones' were operating an elk processing facility in the AV-3 zone.

One of our faithful readers posted an analysis of last night's meeting, and we will post Richard Sorensen's play by play comments here:

I attended the Board of Adjustments meeting tonight and took a few notes.

The meeting started with Doug Dickson stating he had a conflict of interest.   There was a lengthy discussion, but ultimately Doug recused himself and an alternate took his spot.   The alternate was Rex Mumford, of Huntsville.   That process took about 30 minutes.

Jason Nelson, the attorney representing the Jones', made his case stating that the meat cutting was ancillary to the domestic elk farm.  He went on to say that there was one large business (a domestic elk ranch) and several smaller businesses,  all working under the umbrella of the larger business.  Those businesses include an Elk Hunting operation and a meat cutting operation.

Board member Phil Hancock asked, "Who owns the Elk once blood is drawn."  Attorney Nelson had Garrett Jones step up to the mike to answer and Garret concurred that once shot, then the elk is the shooter's property.

Deone Smith asked Garet several questions about disturbing the neighbors.  She asked, "What remedies have you taken to appease the neighbors?"    She also asked if he had tried talking with the neighbors.

They also said that while licensed to cut all types of meat, the Jones' business was limited to Elk.  They also said that the Elk arrive beheaded , cleaned and skinned.

Attorney Jodi Hoffman, representing neighbor Brett Barry, then made her presentation.  She stated that Brett is 130' from the facility.  She showed a nighttime picture of a hog hanging by its feet that appeared  ready to be slaughtered.  She also showed a hand painted sign that said,

Prime Cut Co

Wild Game, Beef, etc.

Cut and packaged

The Jones' attorney countered by stating that the hog belonged to a family member and was a onetime event.

After both sides rested, Rex Mumford made a motion to allow citizens to comment on the matter while limiting the comments to no more than three minutes.  No one seconded the motion, and the motion died for lack of a second.

The board decided to deliberate in private and present their decision in public.

Their unanimous decision was to uphold the ombudsman and county commission's recommendation.

Richard Sorensen

Huntsville