Weber County Commission Meeting Tuesday - Summit @ Ski Lake up for Approval

Zogmaister campaign donor/ tax evader Ron Catanzero doesn't waste any time in requesting approval of another phase at Ski Lake

We noticed some interesting items on the Pre Christmas Weber county commission meeting agenda.  The important meeting will be:

Commission Chambers of the Weber Center,
2380 Washington Boulevard, Ogden, Utah,
commencing at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, the 21st day of December 2010.

Here is an excerpt from the agenda:

 E. Action Items

2. Request for approval of Phase 11 Summit at Ski Lake.
Presenter: Ron Cantanzaro
3. Request for consideration and/or action on an agreement between Ski Lake Corporation, Mountain Sewer Corporation, and Weber County regarding a time extension for the Chalets at Ski Lake and The Summit at Ski Lake.
Presenter: Sean Wilkinson

Of particular interest is the fact that Mr. Catanzero has a long history of leaving the citizen's of Weber County holding the bag for his financial difficulties.  More interesting is the fact that the County continues to entertain Mr. Catanzero's requests.

Click here to view the delinquent history of one subject parcel - there are many more delinquent properties.  
Ultimately, these delinquent taxes were apparently paid by Celtic Bank following foreclosure of the subject property.

For more, click here to view the 2009 delinquent tax list.  They are listed alphabetically so scroll down to see the many listings for "Catanzero" and "Ski Lake corporation."

It would appear that Ron is anxious to get on the agenda before Commissioner Bischoff retires.  Many will remember the large "Bischoff for County commission" signs plastered on several of Catanzero's properties during Bischoff's last campaign.

Perhaps there are some unpaid favors in store for Mr. Catanzero?

Some Possible Insight On The Green Valley Acadamy

Here is some excellent insight surrounding the proposed Green Valley Academy.  It was posted as a comment, but we feel it important enough for the front page.

By Greg Anderson

Keep an eye on the property at about 9000 E on Highway 39 (South side of the road). Somebody recently made some big holes in the ground, likely doing tests for a septic system. I'm told the property is about 8 acres. Is this the new, proposed site for a "Green Valley Academy" (or whatever it's going to be called next)? Perhaps.

A lot of folks feel that the Green Valley Academy team will try again soon and, this time, they'll simply call it a "school." Since schools are part of the conditional uses allowed already, they'll claim they're already allowed to do what they want to do. (Remember that, back in June, they were trying to convince their proposed neighbors that their intentions were simply a combination of already-approved conditional uses.)

It's too bad that telling the whole truth didn't work before so, now, they're apparently going to diminish "the whole story" in an attempt to be approved. So I ask whether we can trust them going into the future when they are, apparently, engaging in a pattern of being less up-front as time goes on. And who believed that they were telling "the whole story" before anyway? We still don't know why they withdrew their petition at the end of the summer.

But at least if the zoning isn't modified then maybe it'll put a stop to the GEM Committee's apparent desire to dot the Ogden Valley landscape with care centers.

Rock Wall Brings In Questions on Other Topics

Things have been a little quiet as far as developments lately with the downturn in the economy, and we have admittedly taken a quiet break as well.

However, the rock wall has prompted some questions from readers on other key topics, so we will open those topics up for input and discussion from our expert readers.

Here are some questions we have received from loyal readers:

Green Valley Academy

Have you heard anything recently about the status of the green valley academy....locations, petitions, etc.  Would love to know if you have any current status on the academy's attempt to locate in the residential areas of Huntsville.

 Liquor Agency

What happened to the liquor store?  I have never heard a word about it.

After looking through our archives, this is the last we have heard about the liquor agency.

What about it Ogden Valley Faithful?  Can you help our readers in answering their questions?

Faux rock wall in Ogden Canyon

"Driving Along" asked an important question that we will throw out to our humble readers:

Whats up with that simulated rock wall going up about a mile up the canyon?....can you say...UGLY?

What say ye Ogden Valley?

Happy Thanksgiving!

We at the Ogden Valley Forum are wishing you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving.

Drive safe and stay warm!

Thanks From T.R. Morgan

From T.R. Morgan

Thank you to all the Ogden Valley residents that supported my campaign.  I wish the results have been different, but I sincerely appreciated the time spent on the campaign meeting new people and finding individuals that have similar values and concerns as myself.

Heaven or Hell

Some Election Day Tongue-in-Cheek Humor (sadly with a lot of truth)
 
While walking down the street one day a corrupt Senator was hit by a  
car and died.
 
His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance.
 
"Welcome to heaven," says St. Peter. "Before you settle in, it seems  
there is a problem.  We seldom see a high official around these parts,  
you see, so we're not sure what to do with you."
 
"No problem, just let me in," says the Senator.
 
"Well, I'd like to, but I have orders from the higher ups.  What we'll  
do is have you spend one day in hell and one in heaven.  Then you can  
choose where to spend eternity."
 
"Really?, I've made up my mind. I want to be in heaven," says the Senator.
 
"I'm sorry, but we have our rules."
 
And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down,  
down, down to hell.
 
The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf  
course.  In the distance is a clubhouse and standing in front of it  
are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him.
 
Everyone is very happy and in evening dress.  They run to greet him,  
shake his hand, and reminisce about the good times they had while  
getting rich at the expense of the people.  They played a friendly  
game of golf and then dine on lobster, caviar and the finest champagne.
 
Also present is the devil, who really is a very friendly guy who is  
having a good time dancing and telling jokes.
 
They are all having such a good time that before the Senator realizes  
it, it is time to go.
 
Everyone gives him a hearty farewell and waves while the elevator rises...
 
The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens in heaven where St.  
Peter is waiting for him, "Now it's time to visit heaven..."
 
So, 24 hours passed with the Senator joining a group of contented  
souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They  
have a good time and, before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by  
and St. Peter returns.
 
"Well, then, you've spent a day in hell and another in heaven. Now  
choose your eternity."
 
The Senator reflects for a minute, then he answers: "Well, I would  
never have said it before, I mean heaven has been delightful, but I  
think I would be better off in hell."
 
So St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down  
to hell...
 
Now the doors of the elevator open and he's in the middle of a barren  
land covered with waste and garbage.  He sees all his friends, dressed  
in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags as more  
trash falls from above.
 
The devil comes over to him and puts his arm around his shoulders.
 
"I don't understand," stammers the Senator. "Yesterday I was here and  
there was a golf course and clubhouse, and we ate lobster and caviar,  
drank champagne, and danced and had a great time. Now there's just a  
wasteland full of garbage and my friends look miserable. What happened?"
 
The devil smiles and says, "Yesterday we were campaigning... Today,  
you voted..."
 
Vote wisely Today!

County Commission Candidate Drew Johnson Speaks Out

Drew and State Representative Candidate Alan Wheelwright to host a "meet and greet" Monday - Don't miss the free pizza!

 
By Drew Johnson

We are coming down the home stretch in the election and I just want to reiterate my pledge to you.

I am here for you. I will be accessible and responsive to your needs.
I am nonpartisan and do not have agendas other than serving you, my employers.

Several things that I have talked about during my campaign that I think are important to focus on as Commissioner.

The first is balancing out property taxes. That will immediately save all of us money.
This will be achieved through creating ordinances which require property owners to be paid up to date on their property taxes in order to go through planning and zoning.
There are over 14 million dollars in Weber County alone in uncollected property taxes, which are owed by large corporations.

Another focus I will have is better communication and process at the County.
I want to see the County departments work together and work more efficiently. The departments and the commission need to act in the best interest of the people they serve. I will bring a teamwork approach to the County.

I also believe it's important to protect Weber County's watershed. This is one our greatest resources. It should be a priority to protect it for our long-term sustainability and health and also to save us money. According to the most recent Nature Conservancy Research, it is a proven fact that if you protect the sources of the water, you will save money spent on treatment facilities, which cost far more in the long run.

This Monday November 1st from 5-7 pm, Alan Wheelwright and I will be giving a "meet & greet" at the Alpine Pizza in Eden. We will be serving free pizza and talking with people. Everyone is welcome and feel free to invite a friend who may not have had a chance to talk with either of us yet.

Again, I look forward to serving you.

Please vote for me. Together we can all make a difference.

Drew Johnson
Vote 4 Drew

Zogmaister abandoned the citizens of Ogden Valley

An important comment promoted to the front page

By Laura

When you hear Zogmaister bragging about bringing growth to Ogden Valley, think of the financial collapse of Wolf Creek.

During the tour of Powder Mountain properties early in the game, all voters should have heard the shrill voice of Zogmaister telling everyone what a plus this "Mega Resort" was going to be. You can be sure that if the single access road went past her home, she would have had a different response.

Zogmaister abandoned the citizens of Ogden Valley when push came to shove on the Powder Mountain question. When asked why she did not vote against the incorporation of the town when some of her constituents would lose their civil rights, she refused to answer.

Standard Examiner Endorses Weber County Commission Candidate Amy Wicks

The Standard-Examiner editorial board endorsed current Ogden City Council member Amy Wicks this morning for the Weber County Commission seat "B."

Our old pal Rudi has done a masterful job of compiling a couple of Standard Examiner articles along with video interviews of both candidates:   Standard All Star Amy Wicks and Kerry Gibson.

• Standard-Examiner: Our View: Wicks For Commission Seat "B"

Be sure to watch the end of Amy's interview where she discusses "openness in government."  Wouldn't openness be a refreshing change for Weber County politics?

County Commission Candidates Respond To Our Questionnaire -- UPDATED

On October 12, 2010 the Ogden Valley Forum sent out a Questionnaire via email to the five Weber County Commission Candidates.  We asked six questions of the candidates that were related to Ogden Valley issues and allowed the candidates unlimited space for additional comments.  We set a deadline for the responses of October 20th.  We sent a reminder out to the candidates on October 20th as a couple of the candidates had not yet responded.

Ultimately, we received responses from every Commission Candidate except Kerry Gibson.  Interestingly, in the November 1, 2010 issue of the Ogden Valley news, a letter to the editor from Kerry Gibson states,

First, a warm thank you to the owners of The Ogden Valley News for donating space to the many candidates to publish their biographies.  This is a public service that cannot be underestimated.

It would appear that I was one of the few candidates that didn't supply the Valley citizens with my contact information via my biography.  While slightly embarrassing, I promise it was unintentional.  Mistakes happen.  It's how we handle them that counts.  Rest assured, I am available.  My constituents can attest to this.

 Mr. Gibson goes on to tout his relationships with his constituents and fellow Legislators.

We will leave it to our humble readers to decide who best will serve the interests of not only Ogden Valley, but the entire Weber County.

Click here to read the responses to our questions

What say our Ogden Valley faithful about the upcoming Weber County Commission election?

UPDATE: 10/27/10 @ 9:30 PM

We just received a classic follow the money tip from a faithful follower.

Before you make that final decision on who to vote for, be sure to see who has supported the candidates with their pocket books.  We found some very peculiar and interesting donors.

• 2010 Campaign Finance Disclosures - Major Weber County Candidates

Of particular interest is Kerry Gibson, who raised some $48,000 in his campaign war chest (15 TIMES the amount of his competitor).  Some of his larger "donors" include The Utah Association of Realtors ($2,500), Powder Mountain Resort Managements ($1,000), Gregg & Amy Greer [CEO of Powder Mountain] ($1,000), Energy Solutions ($600) and others.

Click here to view Kerry Gibson's Campaign Financial Report 2010

Jan Zogmaister's is also interesting.  Contributors include:  Northern Wasatch Association of Realtors ($1,000), Infamous Huntsville developer Ron Catanzero ($200) and others.


Click here to view Jan Zogmaister's Campaign Financial Report 2010

We will note that when we set out to question our candidates several weeks ago, we had no intention of following the money.  Our intent was to provide an unbiased overview of the candidate's views on a variety of issues facing Weber County so our readers could more easily make an informed decision.

While we had heard rumors that certain candidates were Realtor and developer shills, we tried to look at this important race without bias.  In this "pay to play" state of Utah politics, it would appear that some candidates are being supported by interests that don't align with those of most residents.

With a war chest 15 times that of his opponent, it is no wonder Mr. Gibson feels safe in snubbing the lowly folks at the Ogden Valley News and the Ogden Valley Forum.

Follow the money!!

Early Voting Is Under Way

In an important mid-term election year, several important races are heating up in Weber County.  In coming days we will post the results of some questions we asked of the Weber County Commission candidates.

In the mean time, don't miss these recent Standard Examiner articles on the ever important subject of County leadership:

Weber County Commission Seat A

Weber County Commission Seat B

Be sure to check out Rudi's most excellent Candidate profile post to be an informed voter.

Standard-Examiner WEBER Plus 2010 Election Candidate Digest

Don't forget to vote, ye Ogden Valley Faithful.  Who will you be voting for????

Alan Wheelwright speaks out!

As some of you might know I am running for House District 8. This being my first foray into politics, it has been a real awakening to me how the system works.

One surprise came the other night with my interview with the Ogden/Weber Uniserv (the political arm of the teachers union). My campaign is based upon the unfulfilled hollow election time promises of our elected officials, year after year, to make education a serious priority and adequately fund it. I have two children in public elementary school and see the effects of having the lowest per pupil spending in the country everyday. I spoke to the Union of the millions that was spent to defeat vouchers when my opponent Rep. Froerer switched his vote in favor of vouchers. I let them know that this is one of the closest races in the state and their endorsement might be the deciding factor. I also looked at their own ratings of Rep. Gage Froerer voting record at the hill, with regard to education, over the last four years he has received an average of 52% with a pitiful 43% in 2010. It was also hard to notice that he arrived to the meeting 20 minutes late.

It was then surprising to me the next day when I was informed by Ogden/Weber Uniserv that they would be supporting my opponent. Asking why, I was only told that they had a complicated relationship with Gage but hopped that it would be better in the future.

My open question to the teachers union is “what does an incumbent politician have to do to loose your support?” How low of a rating would a politician have to receive so that you would be willing to go out on a limb and endorse the underdog? Is Uniserv so afraid of political backlash that it is impossible to support the candidate that might loose, but would be more in-line with their core beliefs to properly fund education?

The one thing that I am sure of is, that if I win in November, I will harbor no ill will against the Union and will fight to fund education at a level that shows our commitment to schools. It is about time that politicians either put-up or shut-up about education. I am tired of education being the central theme of every election, on both sides, but still seeing Utah end up dead last in the Country on per pupil education spending.

Thanks,

Alan Wheelwright

Gov. Herbert, Corroon tangle over taxes, ethics

A rundown from the Standard Examiner of last night's debate between Gov. Herbert and Peter Corroon

Gov. Herbert, Corroon tangle over taxes, ethics

UPDATE 10/1/10 @ 3:35 PM MDT:

From Bat Girl:

If you missed the PETER CORROON TOWN HALL @ WSU in Ogden, make arrangements to attend:

EVENT: ROTARY CLUB of OGDEN luncheon
DATE: OCT 20 2010
TIME: 12 noon...
PLACE: Eccles Convention Center
ADDRESS: 2415 Washington Blvd, Ogden

For more info, contact the:

ROTARY CLUB OF OGDEN / FB

Weber County Commission Candidate Drew Johnson's Speech At a Recent Meet The Candidate Event

Meet the Candidate event, hosted by Weber 912

The following is the speech Drew Johnson gave at the Meet the Candidate event September 22nd at Christian Heritage School.


Thank you very much. It is a pleasure to be here. I am not going to take as much time today as the other candidates because I plan to be plain, simple and direct.
 
Your politicians are not working for you. They haven't been for a long time and I believe there is a growing sense of frustration showing because of it.


THAT is why I am here tonight.I AM HERE FOR YOU.YOU ARE MY SPECIAL INTEREST. No lobbyists, no agendas, JUST YOU.

I am here because I care about my community and the people that live here, which is why I have no affiliations to take away from working for you, MY EMPLOYERS.A novel concept, to be sure. One that has been lost along the way.


I own and operate two small businesses in Weber County and I know how hard it is to get by. Which is why we must start talking about how we can start SAVING money, not SPENDING money.That's why we need to fix our property tax system, to make it more of a fair and balanced system.


Your ELECTED representatives raised your mill levy tax this year to balance the budget, but what they didn't tell you is all they had to do was collect the ALREADY PAST DUE, unpaid corporate-owned property taxeswhich would have given us a budget surplusand would have SAVED each and every one of you money. Your elected leaders are not working for you.

Now they would have you think that collecting the unpaid taxes is just going to chase old ladies out of their houses, but that is nowhere near the truth. The people not paying are the fat cats-- big corporations.They might even pawn it off as a state problem. To me that's passing the buck.Once again. Your elected leaders are not working for you.


I believe in the Constitution. I believe in government representing the people.I believe in responsible spending and responsible saving. I believe in a common sense, hard work approach.


If you are happy with the way things are~ then go ahead and vote for Jan. But if you're FED UP, LIKE I AM,Vote for Drew this November and let's bring government back to the people!

Thank you and Good Night.

Important Ogden Valley Planning Meeting Tuesday

Snowbasin Addenda Attached

The Ogden Valley Planning commission will be meeting Tuesday and several important items are on the 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. in the order listed below.

We will highlight some of the important items below, but click here to view the entire agenda

2-2. CUP 2003-12 Consideration and action on a request to amend the Edgewater Beach Resort PRUD (CUP2003-12 ) by eliminating the garage from Phase 1, reducing the total number of units from 168 to 166, and eliminating the entry monuments/statues and fencing in Phase 1; Celtic Bank, Applicant 

2-3. UVT 02-1606 Consideration and action on a request for a variance to the Weber County Subdivision Ordinance to allow an additional one-year time extension of final approval for Trappers Crossing Subdivision; PC Land Development LLC, Applicant

 Regular Agenda

• Old Business

3-1. ZP 2010-03 Consideration and/or action on Zoning Petition #2010-03 by Snowbasin Resort Company to rezone approximately 3,808 acres, at Snowbasin Resort, from Forest Valley-3 (FV-3),Forest¬¬-5 (F-5), and Forest-40 (F-40) to the Ogden Valley Destination and Recreation Resort Zone (DRR-1) 

Click here to view Snowbasin's latest addenda

• New Business

3-2. CUP 2010-17 Consideration and action regarding a request for approval of a Conditional Use Permit for Alpine Liquor Agency, a Utah state contracted packaged liquor store, located at approximately 2393 North Highway 158; Bruce Balducki, Applicant

3-3. ZONORD 2009-13 Consideration and action on the staff recommendation regarding amendments to the Weber County Zoning Ordinance Chapter 22C Conditional Uses

CORROON v HERBERT

What Bat Girl wants, Bat Girl gets.
And she even provides us with the links. Thanks Bat Girl - keep it up and Boy Wonder will be out of a job! 

By Bat Girl

Why does the OGDEN VALLEY UTAH FORUM have no coverage of the CORROON v HERBERT race??

Since you regularly link to WEBER COUNTY FORUM, why not just link to all the CORROON v Herbert info on WCF and save yourself some time?

HERE ARE A FEW LINKS to info on CORROON in WEBER COUNTY:
Corroon fields questions / Gubernatorial candidate addresses issues involving federal government

Monday, September 20, 2010
Two 2010 Election Events Set For This Evening
Tonight: A Peter Corroon Open House on the WSU campus; and a KUED-televised US Senate candidate debate.

Sunday, September 19, 2010 More On Governor Herbert's Ostensible "Pay to Play" Problem
Oh my. The ever-classy Utah GOP Chair Dave Hansen even says "somebody wants to rip off [Peter] Corroon’s head "

Friday, September 17, 2010
Standard-Examiner: Herbert Sends Angry Letter to Corroon
...and the Corroon Campaign responds

County Commission Race Heats Up

Don't miss Rudi's important run down on the latest in the Weber County Commission Seat B race:

Standard-Examiner: Salomon Center Fundraiser Free-For-All

Mayor Godfrey is supporting Mr. Gibson, but it seems as though he should be supporting watch dog Amy Wicks so the watchful eyes would be shifted from City Hall to the Commission Chambers.

Elections Less Than Two Month's Away

With the elections rapidly approaching, the Ogden Valley Forum will be taking an active role.   The County Commission race is one that will have a large impact on the future of Ogden Valley as two of the three commission seats are up for grabs this election cycle.

The forum plans to give each commission candidate the opportunity to address Ogden Valley residents in the weeks ahead, and we plan to submit a list of questions to each of the candidates and will post their answers on our site.

We are in the process of compiling questions to ask the commission candidates and would like to have some input from the locals.  Please submit your suggestions for questions by emailing ogdenvalley@gmail.com and place "Commission questions" in the subject line.  Alternatively, post your question below by clicking the comment link below.

Eden “Resident” Killed

Guest Post by Sharon Holmstrom
A wonderful variety of creatures live along the North Fork and Wolf Creek drainages. Many are human residents and then there are what the Division of Wildlife Resources classifies as “resident” deer. These are deer who do not migrate to the high mountains when winter ends but spend generations living in the same small area. They are acclimated to humans and their “home” habitat. They mate, raise babies in the thickets along the streams and please us with their presence. In the deepest part of the harsh winters, many of us feed them. In many communities, including ours, the presence of wildlife has been cited as part of the “quality of life” that residents seek to protect. Hunting these animals in residential areas is akin to walking into the zoo and, after you have shot the tiger, boasting that you have been “big game hunting”.

A number of the human residents of Eden have encountered problems with hunters in the past: hunters who show up with rifles, dressed in camo, crossing our driveways and fences to hunt in our fields and common areas. We were told by the county sheriff’s department that in order to have protection from these hunters we must post our property. In anticipation of this year’s bow hunt, we posted private property and common areas. We let it be known throughout the neighborhoods that we did not want hunters. Even with all these precautions, a local resident told a relative by the name of Logan that he could shoot a deer on his property.

This is legal within certain perimeters. First, the bow hunter must have WRITTEN permission from any household within 600 feet of the shooting site i.e. the spot where you shoot the animal be it in the open or from a constructed blind. (pg.40, 2010 Utah Big Game Guidebook) A homeowner may give you permission to kill an animal on his property but you still may not break the law by discharging a weapon in the vicinity of an unwilling land owner.

As bow hunters know, unless you are a crack shot or fire two arrows, the animal you kill may take some time to die, sometimes in an agonizing way. To assume that the deer you shot would remain on the property is unrealistic. A beautiful buck who has lived in our neighborhood for perhaps several years and was well known to all who watched him was shot by Logan late Saturday evening. His blood trail led across a county road and down into the common area of Eden Hills subdivision, where he died and lay unrecovered through the night. The homeowners association had not only posted this property as No Trespassing but had a citizen’s watch over the area.

Logan and a hunting partner trespassed on the posted common area the next morning, where they were discovered by irate residents of Eden Hills. He has been charged by DWR with criminal trespass which carries a fine and possible jail sentence. His partner was issued a warning.

If you wish to protect yourself from invasive hunters this is how you must post your property. “Properly posted” means that No Trespassing signs are displayed at all corners, on fishing streams crossing property lines, on roads, gates and rights –of-way entering. (pg.42, 2010 Utah Big Game Guidebook). For those residents living in a smaller lot subdivision this probably means posting your front, side and back yards. Violating land thus posted is a Class B misdemeanor. The consensus of the residents involved is that there should be no hunting in residential neighborhoods. It’s dangerous and it is not sporting. What is sporting is the hunters who make the effort to hunt the “wild” game in the mountains.

You may obtain a free copy of the 2010 Utah Big Game Guidebook at the Division of Wildlife Resources office in South Ogden.

Wolf Mountain Ski Passes on sale this weekend

For those who like to ski and are on a tight budget, we wanted to remind them of a Wolf Mountain season pass deal that expires this weekend.

Here are more details:

The best season pass prices of the year will be available starting next Friday August 6^th. Season passes can be purchased online starting Friday at http://www.wolfcreekutah.com/the-mountain/season_passes.php

Passes can be purchased online Friday August 6^th-Sunday 8^th. This early season pass sale ends Sunday August 8^th at midnight.

If you would like to purchase your passes at the mountain ticket office you can do so on the following times and dates:

Friday August 6^th from noon-5:00 pm

Saturday August 7^th from 2:00 pm-8:00 pm

Snowbasin Public Hearing Tonight - UPDATED

Don't forget to attend the public hearing regarding Snowbasin's development plans

Tonight (8-4-10) at 5 pm

Weber County commission chambers

2380 Washington Blvd.

Ogden, UT

UPDATE - August 5, 2010 @ 8 am

The meeting was essentially a non event with only about 25 people in the chamber (8 or so were Snowbasin folks).   All commissioners were present with the exception of Laura Warburton, who was excused.

Snowbasin made their presentation, then Kim Wheatley made some comments and recommendations on behalf of the GEM committee and their concerns of "area G," the commercial area proposed at the intersection of Trappers loop road and Highway 39.

Next, Huntsville Mayor Jim Truett voiced the town's concerns about the same intersection and the proposed commercial property.  His main concern was with Huntsville's future plans for annexation and the fact that the Snowbasin property would prevent Huntsville from Annexing West of the intersection.  He was also concerned with current and future Huntsville businesses and their ability (or inability) to compete with Snowbasin businesses.

A gentleman representing the Division of Wildlife Resources stated some concerns and Mrs. Stringham voiced concerns about rising property values and the resulting increased taxes. 

In the end, the OVPC tabled the issue until the planning staff could research a few more items, but it was apparent that the majority of the commissioners would be in favor of Snowbasin's request.

Ogden Valley in the Detroit News

Here are some out-of-state kudos of our Ogden Valley.

Northern Utah an outdoor lover's paradise

With the Motown economy flat on its back, we probably won't expect a rush of Michiganians. 

Perhaps the Motor City Madman himself will come try out our most excellent hunting after reading about the Wolf Creek Adventure Center.

Ethics Petition - Sign the Petition, we need everyone to help - UPDATED

On Friday, July 30th, 10 AM to 6 PM, there will be a team of signature gatherers at the Valley Market in Eden to help you sign the UEG petition. We need everyone’s support to get this issue on the ballot.

If you have not already signed up, please make a special effort to come over on Friday and sign. This is our best opportunity to make some needed changes in our State regarding the ethics of our elected State representatives.

If you have signed up via electronic petition earlier, we urge you to come to the Valley Market and sign the hard copy. There is a question as to whether the electronic petition signatures will be valid for this petition.

UPDATE 7-29-10 @ 6:00 am: The following important comment has been promoted here:

We also have petitions at The Oaks in Ogden Canyon for signatures. So if it is more convenient, stop by during our business hours 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.


Belinda Rounkles

Green Valley Requests Last Minute Tabling

In a surprise move tonight, the petitioners of the Green Valley Academy requested that the Ogden Valley Planning Commission table their request to change the definition of the FV-3 zone (subsequently several other zones were included) to allow their highly opposed school for troubled boys.  The meeting began at 5:00 PM and at 5:02 PM Chairman Graves announced that the petitioners had made the request to 'table' some ten minutes prior.

There could be many reasons for such a request, but we encourage Ogden Valley residents to keep their eye on the ball and stay focused.

The petitioners have stated that they are familiar with opposition from the locals and have overcome it before.

Could it be they realized the extensive opposition and chose to regroup?  Perhaps they saw one of the hundreds of flyers that was distributed to neighbors.  Perhaps they read blog posts.  Maybe they saw one of the many large signs throughout the valley reminding folks of the OVPC meeting.

To give the petitioners the benefit of the doubt, maybe they realized their plan does not fit in Ogden Valley and maybe they have chosen to relocate to another area that already allows their type of facility.

While we may never fully know their reasoning, asking for something in front of a packed house who oppose you is never easy.   They may be planning on waiting to let the uproar die down and to let the opposition drop out.

In coming weeks and months, it will be paramount that Ogden Valley residents stay focused and keep an eye out for future moves on behalf of the Green Valley folks.

They have a plan and only time will tell how it unfolds.

Watch out!

Ogden Valley Planning Commission Meeting Tonight @ 5 PM

From a flyer that is circulating


ATTENTION: Ogden Valley Planning Commission meeting TUESDAY, JULY 27 at 5:00.

The OVPC agenda for Tuesday's meeting is up on the Weber County site. A LARGE TURNOUT FOR THIS MEETING IS VERY IMPORTANT.

2-1. zo 03-2010 Condideration and action on Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment #2010-03, an amendment to the Weber County Zoning Ordinance FV-3 (Chapter 12B) by adding "RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT ACADEMY" as a Conditional Use. The amendment is also to include adding a definition for a Residential Treatment Academy to Chapter 1 General Provisions Section 6 definitions...... Green Valley Applicant; Jared Balmer, Agent)

For more information click: http://ogden-valley.blogspot.com/ this web site gives all the details.

Ogden Valley Planning Commission Meeting July 27, 2010

The OVPC agenda for next Tuesdays meeting is up on the county site. A large turnout at this meeting will be very important.

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. in the order listed below.

Click here to view the agenda.

Download a full copy of the Ogden Valley July 27, 2010 packet, in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF), here. Packets are available only for the current agenda and approximately thirty days after that date. 

It appears that the file is damaged so you may need to try linking from the County site
if they repair the file.

Type-3 Package Agency Funding

Attention Ogden Valley Residents:

As of this morning, I had several conversations with individuals making efforts to insure that the Type-3 Package Agency funding stays dedicated to Ogden Valley.  The latest word from the DABC (Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control) is that they may take from 1-3 months to decide whether the funding stays dedicated to our valley.


The crux of the matter seems centered around the Tribune article 2-3weeks ago regarding the DABC's closure of the Main St. State Liquor Store in Salt Lake City and the questionable logic of that decision in lieu of the store's previous net-profitable status.  The article garnered so much support and such an out-cry to legislators that key member's of the legislature are taking a close look at DABC decisions and operations.  This has caused the DABC to effectively second-guess themselves and delay current funding decisions.

A meeting is being held next week between state legislators and DABC administrators to hopefully clear the log-jam and insure that logic prevails in future DABC funding decisions.  Our local legislator, Gage Froerer, has committed to doing everything he can to insure that the Type-3 Package Agency funding that is currently committed to Ogden Valley...stays here!  We'll keep you posted as info is available.  Until then, any parties interested in applying for the Type-3 package agency contract should download it from the DABC website, take the necessary steps to complete the application and submit it for consideration at next month's meeting of the Utah State Liquor Board.

In the interest of seeing the agency funding and an agency staying in Ogden Valley...

Bill Lyman

Contact The Planning Commission ASAP

We received the following message two days ago from a humble Ogden Valley reader.

Towards the bottom of the Weber County Planning page, there is an item identified as the Residential Treatment Facility proposed ordinance.  This is what the OVPC came up with at the July 6 work meeting.  I could be mistaken but it appears that in their wisdom they have opened up all zones except commercial for these facilities.  Only requirement is one mile apart. 

We have copied the text from the Weber County Planning Page below:

 The Ogden Valley Township Planning Commission (OVPC) during their July 6, 2010 work session gave direction to the proposed Residential Treatment Academy amendment that would make it a conditional use in the FV-3 Forest Valley Zone. This amendment includes a new term and definition to the Zoning Ordinance definitions Chapter 1 and amending Chapter 23 Supplementary and Qualifying Regulations to include a new section listing regulations and requirements for a Residential Treatment Academy.
The OVPC included language to expand Residential Treatment Academy’s as a conditional use in the F-5, F-10, F-40, FV-3, and AV-3) zones. Specific direction was given by the Ogden Valley Planning Commission regarding architectural/ landscaping site design, and spacing standards. Public comments are welcome. Please submit written comments by July 16, 2010 in order to be included in the Planning Commission’s packets.

• Residential Treatment Academy Proposed Amendments to the Ordinance

We just noticed a deadline of July 16, 2010 even though the meeting is not until July 27, 2010.   We urge you to send in your comments even though the deadline has passed.

E-MAIL YOUR WRITTEN COMMENTS TO SHERRY SILLITO ASAP!!!!!!

Sherry Sillito, Planning Department
ssillito@co.weber.ut.us 

Include instructions to distribute your letter to all Ogden Valley Planning Commission members.

ALSO PLEASE REMEMBER TO ATTEND THE OGDEN VALLEY PLANNING MEETING ON JULY 27 AT 5:00 AT THE WEBER COUNTY COMMISSION CHAMBERS

(2380 WASHINGTON BLVD).

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

If you prefer to deliver in person, then here is the address:

Ogden Valley Township Planning Commission Office

Attention: Sherri Sillito,

Planning department

2380 Washington Blvd.

Ogden, UT 84401

Telephone:

Sherri Sillito 801-399-8791

Ogden Valley Alert:

An Ogden Valley resident reported that a man wearing a Dish Network shirt was contacting residents to gain access to their homes in the Eden area. He was driving an older gold colored Dodge Durango. He had no ID, no photo ID, and no business cards. It is possible he is legitimate, but the opposite could be true as well. If you are approached, you may want to see identification or call the Sheriff. 

Blogmeister Update on a similar note from the Weber County Sheriff's Office:

Be aware of subjects selling asphalt services.  They may use the company name Pro Cote Asphalt.  This is an out of state group traveling through the state.  If they show up call WCSO so we can contact them and do general field checks.  One member of the group may have an out of state warrant and we would like to talk to him.

Guest Post From Frank C

Frank C said.........

OK, I can no longer curb my fingers. So many subjects, so little time and space.

OVPC Members: the vast majority of the time, the commission appoints friends, or political clones, or friends of contributors. Every once in a while they screw up and make a truly sensible appointment, unwittingly. Keith Rounkles and Bill Siegel are two that have distinguished themselves.

Sam Bellarosa and I once applied for the OVPC and we were both rejected without even an acknowledgment of our apps. We were told confidentially that we had "conflicts of interest." What a cruel joke. See Tryge Simpson, Jamie Lythgoe, Greg Graves, Jim Banks, et al, et al, et al. By the way, I attended that GEM meeting, too, and heard commissioner Z hold forth about the many safeguards in place to counter conflicts of interest. Yeah, well, first you have to be able to recognize one, lady.

Zogmaister: speaks platitudes, screws public EVERY TIME. Do not trust her; do not support her; do not vote for her. I have a buck says she'll vote for the Academy when the time comes. She is a shallow political hack, a shill for the development lobby, an intellectual lightweight, and a waste of county money.

Green Valley: what an interesting way to allow commercial development in a residential zone! I was at first sympathetic to the project because of its purpose, but it has huge problems in addition to the admittedly nimby concerns: 1)it is spot zoning; 2)it has the unintended consequence of allowing commercial enterprises in residential zones (not that that has ever stopped our developer-commissioners before); and 3)isn't there a directly competing ordinance specifically prohibiting a business in a residential zone other than an at-home business? There probably are areas here in the Valley where this thing fits, right now. Why screw up the zoning scheme (again) for this one project? We will be signing the petition today.

Me as candidate (for anything): not happening. I can perform as valuable a function from the outside, shedding light on the evil on the inside, without having to fret about being in the minority for my entire term. Don't need the limelight; don't need the fawning supporters; don't need the lobbyists' "favors"; don't even need the salary and perks.

The VCRD: a good thing. Full disclosure--I'm on the board. It will take more that just a few individuals to cure the hot mess that is Weber County politics. The VCRD is a start. Support it. Maybe it will be able to make a difference.

Last: wake up! Stand up! Speak up! The Weber County Commissioners are either delusional enough to believe that people actually approve of what they're doing to this Valley because the people don't call them out, or they know what they're doing to the Valley, know that underneath it all people don't like it, and they just don't give a damn. Either way, it will keep happening until they are stopped, and not of their own accord.

I know, I know: just my opinions, and I could be wrong. But I'm not.

Snowbasin Resort Open House‏

Snowbasin Resort Holds Open House to Display Master Plan in Weber County

Snowbasin Resort is holding an Open House on July 15, 2010 from 3:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. at Earls Lodge to allow the public the opportunity to view the proposed master plan for the 3,800 acres located in Weber County.

Members of the design team and Snowbasin Resort owner and manager representatives will be on hand to answer questions and explain the elements of the master plan.

In May, 2010, Snowbasin Resort, located 35 miles north of Salt Lake City, applied to rezone approximately 3,800 acres located in Weber County, including the ski area base, under the newly adopted Ogden Valley Destination and Recreation Resort Ordinance. The master plan represents a three-year effort to create a new master plan for the 12,000-acre property located in Weber and Morgan Counties.

We are proud of the proposed master plan and look forward to sharing it with the public,states Wallace Huffman, Snowbasin's Director of Resorts and Resort Development. We have taken great care to work cooperatively with the stakeholders in the Valley to ensure that future plans for Snowbasin align with and compliment the vision and plans for the future of Ogden Valley.

More to Ogden Valley rezone than just youth facility

Be sure to add your comments before Greg's commentary hits the news stands.


A Standard Examiner Guest Commentary by Greg Anderson


A recent editorial by the Standard-Examiner reads like a glowing press release about the Green Valley Academy, a proposed residential treatment facility for troubled teenagers to be placed in Ogden valley (July 8, "Teen academy OK for valley"). The editorial suggests that those who oppose the project are in need of "simple education" to dispel their misguided concerns. However, the editorial completely ignores many of the most relevant issues at play. I suggest that further "education" is entirely in order.
The Standard-Examiner assumes that.....click here to read more of Mr. Anderson's Guest commentary

Letter To The Editor From Gage Froerer

One of our humble readers pointed out this most excellent Gage Froerer letter to the editor.

From the letter, Gage states:

I was disappointed to read the editorial, "Teen Academy OK for Valley" printed on July 7th.

The article attempts to place blame on local residents for not supporting a proposed academy treating teenagers in a health care facility because of a "not in my back yard approach."

In my opinion, the lack of support you mention is not a result of the "not in my back yard" mentality, but more a result of the significant land use change proposed for the FV-3 zone and the impact such a change would have on local residents. The proposed zone change would allow group homes in a zone designated for single family homes with a minimum lot size of 3 acres. I recently attended community meetings on this issue and found the residents to be both logical and rational as the pros and cons of the zone change were discussed. The opposition you speak of is not directed at the health provider or the company itself, but at the proposed land use change prior to completion of proper due diligence.

Click here to read the rest of the letter

Well said Gage.

Possible stimulus money to be spent in Ogden Valley for High Speed Internet

Guest post by Broadband Guru

As part of last year's big stimulus bill, $7.2 billion was appropriated to: "expand broadband access and adoption in communities across the U.S".

Qwest Corporation applied for $348,806,468 dollars in the Winter 2010 Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP) round 2 to deploy "last mile" broadband directly to consumers with speeds "up to 40Mbps". The details
are in application id 4823 found in this PDF file:

The application covers rural areas in 14 states, including Ogden Valley!
The Ogden Valley area is designated "UT587" in their application.

You can see a map of the Ogden Valley areas (pretty much the whole valley) that would benefit if the the Qwest application is approved here

CONFLICTS WITH GREEN VALLEY ACADEMY

Guest Post by Laurel Kirkham

A recent Ogden Standard Examiner article thinks the Green Valley Academy is a great idea for Ogden Valley, and that many of us Valley citizens are just NIMBY"S (not in my backyard). We have had it shoved down our throats several times about the kind of kids that will NOT be taken by the academy. WE GET IT!!! Only the Forrest Gump kids of the rich and famous...

That is not our major concern. This is a business, a big business, set to be plunked down right in the middle of a rural neighborhood.

The real problems with the Green Valley Academy are in the potential for a huge facility and in the major lack of frastructure. The proposed site sits on 20 acres and if the Ogden Valley Planning Commission gets their way, 50 kids could be allowed into this Residential Treatment Facility (which is a family home at this time). Dr. Balmer has expressed interest in purchasing the back 20 acres owned by Tryge Simpson. We could now have the possibility of a 100 bed facility, handed over, courtesy of Ogden Valley Planning. To date, Balmer has only requested 36 beds, but the possibility will be there anyway, and really, who could resist? If the 20 acre field next to you goes up for sale and is at least a mile away from the Simpson place, look out, you may end up with a business next door.

Many of us invested in the FV3 zoning, thinking we would never have to worry about having a business next door. SILLY, SILLY US!!!! This is a huge change in zoning, all for one piece of property, and for the good of a few, but not the many!! Come on people, WAKE UP!!!! Write letters to the paper, the Commissioners and anyone who will listen.

Blogmeister Note:  Be sure to read this comment thread relating to the most recent Ogden Valley Planning commission to read about the direction the Planning commissioners are going with the proposed academy.  Ron Gleason and "Danna" have provided many important details of the meeting.

There are many more recent comment threads that are informative and worthy of reading.

Laura Warburton Appointed To Replace Tryge Simpson on the Ogden Valley Planning Commission

Congratulations to Laura Warburton who today was appointed the the Ogden Valley Planning Commission.

The agenda for today's Weber County Commission meeting stated:

Rescind previous appointment and make appointment to the Ogden Valley Township Planning Commission

A Weber County staffer informed us today that Mr. Simpson resigned.

Rescind means to take away or take back
Resign means to give up one's office or position

One can only wonder if Mr. Simpson resigned or if the County Commission rescinded his position.

Green Valley Acadamy Soliciting Bids For Construction

Apparently Green Valley Academy Directors are fairly confident they will be able to construct on their Huntsville Site
This is one of two important messages today so scroll down to read both.

We received an interesting "Bid notification" today in which someone is soliciting bids for a construction project for an "Educational/ Elderly Care / Assisted Living facility" in Huntsville.

Description:   Site work and new construction of an educational and assisted living facility in Huntsville. Preliminary plans call for the construction of a 36-bed boarding school and treatment center for teens with developmental disorders. This project is curre...

Click here for more details on the bid request

Go to page 2 and look for "Huntsville" or "1293538"

It sure seems as though the GVA folks are on the fast track to Weber County approval to us.

What say our humble readers about this?

Weber County Commission AND Ogden Valley Planning Commission Meetings Tuesday -- UPDATED!

“Rescind previous appointment and make appointment to the Ogden Valley Township Planning Commission” AND "Residential Treatment Facilities Discussion" on the agendas for Tuesday

We have promoted a comment to the front page due to importance.


By Richard

Dana,

There are actually two meetings tomorrow.

The Weber County Commission Meeting @ 10 AM and the Ogden Valley Planning Commission work session at an undisclosed time.

The 10 am WC commission is not on the county website and it is 14 hours until the meeting begins, but an agenda was published in the Standard Examiner.

Here are two items of interest for the WC Commission meeting:

"Set 10 a.m. July 27 for public hearing on amendment to zoning ordinance"

Note the vagueness as there is no mention of details about the particular zoning ordinance, but it is possible that they are referring to FV-3 zone changes - who knows? The Ogden Valley Planning Commission agenda mentions Zoning ordinance chapter 28 and 45.

“Rescind previous appointment and make appointment to the Ogden Valley Township Planning Commission.”

So does that mean out with Tryge Simpson and in with Laura Warburton? Or possibly Sharon Holmstrom?

The agenda for the Ogden Valley Planning Commission work session is as follows:

This Work Session will be held in Room 108 of the Weber Center, 2380 Washington Blvd., Ogden UT


1. Huntsville/South Fork Sewer Study

2. Residential Treatment Facilities Discussion

3. Amendment to Weber County Zoning Ordinance Chapter 28

4. Amendment to Weber County Zoning Ordinance Chapter 45

5. Legal Counsel – Testifying before County Commission

6. Adjourn

In summary, two meetings Tuesday - County Commission @ 10 am and the OV Planning Commission at an undisclosed time.

Richard Sorensen
Huntsville

UPDATE 7/6/10 @ 10:45 AM

The Ogden Valley Planning meeting will be held at 5:00 PM in the overflow room behind the normal Commission meeting room

Appointment Redeux

In today’s Standard Examiner the Weber County Commission has an interesting agenda topic for their Tuesday, July 6th meeting.

“Rescind previous appointment and make appointment to the Ogden Valley Township Planning Commission.”

Don’t you wonder who and why?

Guest Post "Wolf Creek doesn't pay it fair share!"

I know that this may not matter with Wolf Creek in bankruptcy already but according to the Weber County Website as of yesterday Wolf Creek has over $171,968.48 in delinquent property tax bills on over 22 parcels of land in Weber County.  Many have not been paid since 2007.  I know that times are tough now but why was nothing paid in 2008.  The county bends over backwards to approve nearly everything Wolf Creek does yet they can not pay their taxes like the rest of us.

Cole Schlack

Eden, UT

North Ogden Divide Update!!!!!!

The North Ogden Divide closure has been postponed.

The Divide will be open this July 4th weekend.

Updates will be provided on Tuesday, July 6th.

Have a wonderful Fourth of July!

UPDATE: 

This just in from rockymountainhomes


I called Weber County dispatch yesterday (July 1st) and was told the closure for construction on North Ogden Divide was pushed back to the second week of August. North Ogden Divide is currently open. :o)

New Planning Commissioners Appointed

Has The County Commission Lost Their Mind?  

Apparently being a tax paying citizen is not a requirement to serve on the planning commission.

Guest post from a concerned citizen

According to this morning's Standard-Examiner, two new members were appointed to the Ogden Valley Planning Commission.  One of them, John Howell, is a long time valley resident. The other, Tryge Simpson, stands to gain PERSONALLY if his property is sold to the people who want to open the Green Valley Academy on his property.

This conflict of interest is absolutely unacceptable and completely outrageous. We cannot take this lying down.

Blogmeister's note:

The issue of a conflict is not something new to the Ogden Valley Planning Commission.  Many will recall the lengthy saga of Jamie Lythgoe, granddaughter of former Powder Mountain owner Alvin Cobabe.  Jamie was appointed just prior to Powder Mountain applying for a massive rezone and when the issue of a conflict was brought up, Ms. Lythgoe refused to recuse herself.

As for Mr. Simpson's appointment, it is widely known that the directors of the Green Valley Academy would like to purchase the home of Tryge Simpson (rumor has it that the folks at the GVA have Mr. Simpson's property under a purchase contract).  Unfortunately, the property taxes for the said property are delinquent to the tune of $6,458.24.  An adjacent parcel is delinquent $175.31.

Wouldn't one think you would have to be in good standing with the County in order to be appointed to this position of responsibility?

What say ye humble folks of Ogden Valley about all of this?

Rebuttal to the Guest Commentary regarding the UEG (Utahns for Ethical Government) in the Ogden Valley News

Ms. Warburton has decided she knows best how to deal with the unethical behavior by some of our elected legislators in Utah. Specifically, her plan is to do nothing and leave any remedial action on unethical behavior for the Utah legislature to police itself.

Ms. Warburton in her attack on the UEG petition clearly indicates that, like so many of the legislature members that oppose this petition, she does not understand the desire of most Utah citizens to reform a system that encourages payoffs from lobbyists and favors big business and developers.

Mrs. Warburton's "position paper" has been refuted point-by-point in other forums, yet she continues to spout these untruths, half-truths, and outright misreadings of the petition as if she actually believes she is still correct.

First of all Ms. Warburton is a political activist who fully supports the existing Real Estate/Developer backed legislators that have lost touch with the people of Utah. She supports those legislators and candidates that personify the no limit growth and political favors that have resulted in the degradation of our open spaces and our unique Utah lifestyle.

We must all ask ourselves, what is it that Ms. Warburton and many of our elected legislators fear regarding the Ethics Petition? If we can improve our legislative process by removing the unwanted lobbyists’influence and payoff politics, won’t that be a benefit to all?

Anyone that feels fear from ethics reform can attack a petition and try to discredit it. They are missing the point. There is a rising wave of active citizens in Utah that are fed up with “pay as you go legislation” and unethical behavior from many of our elected officials. Our Utah legislators have already demonstrated their disdain for meaningful ethics reform.

If the UEG petition is successful in gaining the necessary signatures to be on the ballot then the citizens of Utah will decide if they want strong ethics reform. It may also force the Utah legislature to pass meaningful ethics reform before the election or suffer the wrath of voters who have been painfully learning over the years that in Utah, lobbyists and money talk, and the big money wins every time.

It is no accident that the incumbent powers in Utah tried to exclude electronic petition signatures, but were recently handed a defeat in a courageous ruling by the Utah Supreme Court. Ask yourself, why would these incumbent politicians fear the electronic signatures of Utah citizens? It is obvious that they fear too much participation by the citizens in government decisions. How do you feel about that?

Larry Zini

Frank Cumberland

Guest Post Regarding The Green Valley Academy

Comments by "Food For Thought" that we have promoted to the front page

Thank you to all that attended last night and spoke up for the Valley and it's right to maintain its current zoning.

I received feedback from more than one person that this treatment center plan is NOT going away and they (GVA) staff will continue their plight until they get the conditional use permit. I respectfully ask you to keep yourself informed and don't count on others do all of our jobs! That is, staying on top of this and continuing your involvement and proactiveness.

Just a word of caution. This is a public site. Keep your comments informed, articulate and refrain from making the citizens of the Valley appear ignorant by posting outlandish comments!

And finially, my hats are off to the people who have sincerely put their hearts, efforts, time and money into the cause to STOP the change of zoning. It can't be easy, especially when they attend religious services and community activities with some folks who are on the side of the zoning change. This is just what I am seeing and I thank them for standing up for what they believe is right for their family AND their Valley, even if it causes disturbance in their relationships.

Perhaps there might be some kind of a group started (like a steering committee) that would be willing to assist these GVA folks in obtaining a spot somewhere in the County (and perhaps the Valley?) that could be used for a treatment center. I know I would be willing to give my time and energy to this cause. Just a thought, thanks for reading.

No Residential Treatment Facility - Yet!

Ogden Valley Planning Commission wants more time to get it right.

After a lengthy meeting tonight with some 20 or so comments from concerned citizens and neighbors of the Proposed Green Valley Academy, the planning commissioners voted to send the issue back to the planning staff.

Since there are very few zones within Ogden Valley that accept this type of facility, the Commissioners unanimously agreed to spend the time to decide upon an appropriate zone for such a facility.

It was suggested that the commercial zone would be ideal, but those present were informed that the use would not be permitted in the commercial zone either.

In the end, commissioners opted to take their time and not be rushed into a decision.

More details will follow in coming days.

One thing we wish to clarify were several comments by petitioner Balmer regarding comments he has read on our very own Ogden Valley Forum.  He went so far as to read comments that he attributed to the forum in an apparent effort to garner sympathy to his cause.

While some of the comments he mentioned certainly were posted by readers of this site, there were two that we take exception to.    They in fact were not on this forum at all, but instead listed on the petition to Stop the academy.   The petition is an entirely different, stand alone web site.  We do, however, include links to the petition from our site.

On the petition, signees 213 and 214 made threats with regards to the potential students.  We would not have allowed those comments on our site.  While our "Comments Policy" is quite loose, those posts would have been removed.  We might add that the author's zip codes were listed as 84404 and 84405 (Ogden).

On the odd chance that any of our readers may wish to post about tonight's Ogden Valley Planning Commission meeting, we're setting up this thread, for the purpose of capturing any reader commentary, before, during or after tonight's public meeting.

If anyone wishes to comment or live blog, this is the place to lodge your comments.

If you haven't already done so, be sure to sign the petition to stop the Green Valley Academy ASAP!

Ogden Valley Planning Commission Meeting June 22nd

Decision on the Proposed Green Valley Academy to be made.

Another important meeting is forthcoming as the Ogden Valley Planning Commission will meet to decide the fate of the Green Valley Academy - a proposed treatment facility for the "Forrest Gump" kids of America.  Or at least the Forrest Gump's with extremely wealthy parents.

The meeting will be held:

Tuesday, June 22nd @ 5 PM
Weber County Commission Chambers
2380 Washington Blvd.
Ogden, UT

The agenda and Planning commission packet is available on the County web site.

Click here to view the agenda

To review the Planning Commissioner's packet, click here  (large file that may take a few minutes to load).

The Commissioner's packet is some 109 pages, but we will point out some pages of importance.

• Minutes of the May 25, 2010 meeting in which the request was 'tabled' begin near the bottom of page 10
• Exhibits related to the proposed facility begin on page 51
• Letters from concerned residents begin on page 63
• Don't miss the letter on page 67 from a law firm
• In part, the letter states:Please find enclosed herewith a Legal Memorandum regarding the protections provided disabled individuals under the Fair Housing Amended Act.

•  Page 80 - Assertions for Maintaining the Current Ordinance of FV-3 Zone in Weber County - submitted by Concerned Citizens and Neighbors of the Ogden Valley

The numbers for the petition opposing the facility are impressive and gaining ground every day.  Click below if you wish to add your name to the growing list.





Lastly, be sure to read this recent letter to the editor of the Standard by Huntsville resident Greg W. Anderson

'Sweet deal' in Ogden valley angers resident

HELP, HELP, HELP!!!‏

We just received an urgent email request and feel it is important to pass along.Even though none of the neighbors and most Ogden Valley residents do not want the Green Valley Academy to be located in Ogden Valley, there are VERY STRONG FORCES within the county who are pushing for the academy.

We understand that the Ogden Valley Planning commissioners were taken on a field trip to the Oakley School recently. Rest assured they are receiving plenty of propaganda and correspondence from the Petitioners.

Our valley seems to be under a continuous attack from outside threats and now is the time to step it up to protect our valley. Write the Planning Commissioners today and let them know your thoughts of the proposed school.

Here is the email:

FOLKS, WHERE ARE YOU!!!! SO FAR, 2 PEOPLE HAVE WRITTEN DOWN TO THE COUNTY WITH ISSUES ABOUT GREEN VALLEY ACADEMY!!! ONLY 2!! WE NEED YOUR OPINIONS AND CONCERNS TO GET TO THE COMMISSIONERS BEFORE THE JUNE 22 MEETING. THIS IS IMPERATIVE. 

WE STAND THE CHANCE OF HAVING A BUSINESS IN THE MIDDLE OF OUR NEIGHBORHOOD IF WE DON'T ALL GET ON BOARD AND LET THE COMMISSIONERS KNOW HOW WE FEEL ABOUT THIS. WE NEED TO TELL THEM WE DO NOT WANT THE ZONING CHANGED. THIS BUSINESS IS WELCOME TO THE VALLEY AS LONG AS THEY ESTABLISH IN AN AREA ALREADY ZONED FOR SUCH A THING. 

PLEASE, PLEASE TAKE JUST A FEW MINUTES AND SEND AN E-MAIL DOWN. HERE IS THE ADDRESS:

E-MAIL TO SHERRY ASAP!!!!!!

Sherry Sillito, Planning Department
ssillito@co.weber.ut.us 

Include instructions to distribute your letter to all Ogden Valley Planning Commission members.

ALSO PLEASE REMEMBER TO ATTEND THE OGDEN VALLEY PLANNING MEETING ON JUNE 22 AT 5:00 AT THE WEBER COUNTY COMMISSION CHAMBERS

(2380 WASHINGTON BLVD).

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

If you prefer to deliver in person, then here is the address:

Ogden Valley Township Planning Commission Office

Attention: Sherri Sillito,

Planning department

2380 Washington Blvd.

Ogden, UT 84401

Telephone:

Sherri Sillito 801-399-8791