Reminder: Huntsville Marathon Saturday - plan accordingly.

Informational Meeting about Wildlife near our homes!

Sponsored by the Town of Huntsville

Wednesday evening January 21st, starting at 6:00 pm.

 

DNR, DWR, and the Forest Service,-will be hosting an open house in the main room at the Ogden Valley Library in Huntsville. The meeting will focus on the wildlife in our area. It is an informal meet and greet atmosphere and is free to the public. Bring the whole family and learn about the birds and animals which inhabit the public lands near our homes. Pick up literature, photos, brochures, etc. and ask questions of the experts who will be there representing the different government groups who protect, regulate and monitor these amazing neighbors.

 

Cookies and drinks will be provided by the Town. 

 

It will be fun and informative-see you there!

Huntsville Parade Update

Huntsville letter/petition from Bruce Ahlstrom published today as Guest Commentary

A couple of new developments in the Obama Parody Float saga in Huntsville.

First, our readers will remember the letter/petition we posted last Wednesday (July 11, 2012).  Within 24 hours of going live, the petition had more than 300 signatures and is currently at 372.  Feel free to add your signature.

The letter was submitted to the Standard Examiner on Friday, and interestingly enough, this Andy Howell piece appeared in Saturday's paper.  The Standard's version of an apology?  We don't know, but interesting timing indeed.

Rudi at the Weber County Forum offered the perfect update Saturday morning in his story:

Standard-Examiner "Behind the Headlines" Column: Sometimes Knowing When a Story is Ready to Publish is a Hard Decision

A multitude of letters to the editor have appeared in both the print and online editions of the Standard, and they can be viewed by clicking here.

We will summarize today with an incredible video created by one of our humble readers, Huntsville resident Greg Anderson.  Greg offers his overview of how the whole thing went down, but we especially like Greg's suggestions for the use of the Standard Examiner.  

The video lasts nearly 12 minutes, but is entertaining and direct.  He even includes the video of the Obama float shot from his very own Go Pro.

Enjoy!

 

Standard Examiner Offers Retraction...In their own way

The manufactured outrage created when a few out of town parade goers who chose to be offended, then took their agenda to the Standard Examiner and social media has gone full circle (visit The Town of Huntsville Facebook page and look for posts by Peggy Bon).

After a small handful cried foul and called the Standard Examiner with falsehoods and fabrications, the Standard did a poor job of verifying the sources and the content.

Rather than verifying with pictures and in a rush to break the story, the Standard relied on their tipsters to provide a tainted version of the truth. The Standard has made many online revisions to their original story, which included mistruths portrayed by Dede Fluette.

The latest version of the revised story is here.

Some sickened by anti-Obama float in Huntsville's Fourth of July parade

Among them, the Standard originally stated that a sign on the white limo stated, "if not, we go to Plan B: Assault gun." In reality, the sign read, "Ask about our assault gun plan," with "contact Eric Holder" in smaller type. An obvious satirical reference to the "fast and furious" gun scandal.

Fluette said the mask-wearer had his arm draped over the shoulders of a scantily clad white woman, who appeared to some spectators to be a teenager. In reality, the scantily clad woman was a teen dressed in Levi's and a green t-shirt.

Today, several articles appeared in the Substandard:

Obama float creator: I didn’t try to offend

Our View: Huntsville Parade Brouhaha

And the one that started it all,

Huntsville float exemplifies what's wrong with country. By Dede Fluette

While the Clawson's may not have used the best judgment with their parade entry, we say shame on Ms. Fluette for casting a black cloud with her social and traditional media attack on what was a very nice July 4th celebration. Maybe she should celebrate Independence Day in Chicago or San Francisco next year.

$325,000 payment from Huntsville City to Weber School District missing

Home Abstract and Title Company president faces theft, obstructing justice charges

In today's Standard Examiner we read that $325,000 that was paid to Home Abstract Title Company for the purchase of the old Valley School Property last October never made it into the hands of Weber School District.

Here is the Scott Scwebke story in its entirety:

Home Abstract and Title Company president faces theft, obstructing justice charges

From the story, we read,

The president of Home Abstract and Title Company Inc. has been charged amid allegations that he kept about $325,000 that should have been given to Weber School District for its sale of property last year to the city of Huntsville.

Russell Charles Maughan, 58, is scheduled to make an initial appearance in 2nd District Court on July 11 for theft and obstructing justice, both felonies. The charges against Maughan follow an Ogden police investigation.

 The business, next door to the Weber County Attorney’s Office, was closed about a month ago by its underwriter, Old Republic National Title Insurance Company, based in Minneapolis, Tammy Greening, an examiner for the Utah Insurance Department, said Thursday. 

And further,

The state and police investigations stem from the Weber School District’s sale last year to Huntsville of about 6 acres of vacant land where a Huntsville school once stood. The property is between First and Second streets across from Huntsville Park.
Huntsville paid $325,000 to Home Abstract for the property in October 2011, which in turn was to provide the funds to Weber School District, said Jenna Holt, who is Huntsville’s attorney. The check cleared and Huntsville received the deed to the property, but Home Abstract reportedly didn’t provide the sale proceeds to the school district.
Jeff Stephens, superintendent of Weber School District, said the district’s business department unsuccessfully attempted to obtain the funds from Home Abstract.
“There were a series of misleading statements (about the status of the funds) from the president of Home Abstract that delayed our reporting it to police,” Stephens said, adding the district has had a lengthy relationship with Home Abstract.
The funds from the Huntsville school property sale were to be used by Weber School District to fund a capital project.
Stephens said: “We will do everything we can to protect taxpayer dollars.”

 It looks like White Collar crime so prevalent in other areas has hit Ogden Valley.

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.

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

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

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

click here to see the Fox 13 video.

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

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

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

Weekend Ogden Valley Tragedies Leave Two Dead

Experienced Swimmer and Motocross Rider Both Killed

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

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

And from the Standard Examiner:

  
Boating victim was familiar with waters, says colleague

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

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

Teen rider killed at Powder Mountain motocross practice

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

Pre Hearing Conference - Mountain Sewer Formal Complaint

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here's the pertinent info from the link.

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

APPLICATIONS IN CURRENT ADVERTISING CYCLE

Persons objecting to an application must file a CLEARLY READABLE protest stating FILING NUMBER, REASONS FOR OBJECTION, PROTESTANT'S NAME AND RETURN ADDRESS and any request for a hearing. Protests must be filed with the State Engineer, Box 146300, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6300 on or before the 'Protest End Date' associated with each application found below.

NOTE: Please be aware that effective, July 1, 2009, there will be a $15.00 fee for each protest filed.

Closure of North Ogden Divide

Guest Post by Sally Lindsay   Resident Huntsville

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

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

1. Ogden Canyon

2. Trapper’s Loop

3. North Ogden Divide 

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

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

The real melt has not begun.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Green Valley Acadamy Update

Happy Easter everyone!

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

First, we were forwarded this email:

Hey Folks!

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

Ogden Valley Protection Counsel
   "For the Greater Good of the Valley"

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

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

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

is in fact in  the name of:

BALMER, JARED & BULLOCH, MIKE ETAL

Huntsville Planning Town Wide Cleanup Saturday

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

https://www.facebook.com/HuntsvilleTown

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


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

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

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

First, from Ron Gleason

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

My summary:

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

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

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

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

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

In response, Valley Advocate had this to say,

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

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

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

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

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

Steve Clarke had this to add:

Sewer Public Hearing Comments 4/20/2011

By Steve Clarke

1. Bottom Line

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. The VISION

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

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

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

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

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

3. Tonight’s Decision

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

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

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

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

An Ogden Valley Adventure You’ll Remember for a Lifetime

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Urgent Notice: Meeting Tonight regarding The Green Valley Academy and their latest plans -- UPDATED

As was mentioned in the January 15, 2011 issue of the Ogden Valley News, The Green Valley Academy is once again petitioning to have their "Residential Treatment Facility" in Ogden Valley - more specifically, East Huntsville.

We will provide more details in coming days, but concerned neighbors, friends of concerned neighbors and those who are concerned that their neighborhood may be the next targeted location for a similar facility are meeting tonight.

Here are the details:

Ogden Valley Library - Huntsville

January 13, 2011

7:00 PM

Be there to become informed of the latest plan for the Green Valley Academy and to support your neighbors.

Facts so far:

• 9091 S 100 E
• 100 Students, plus necessary staff
• 40 parking stalls
• 8 acre parcel

Issues: 

• Retention pond will flood home directly  west.
• Night sky ordinance.
• And more 

UPDATE 1/14/2011 @ 6:00 PM

We were just forwarded this information from someone who visited the Ogden Valley Planning office today and reviewed the plans.

The planner showed plans that were new as of yesterday (1/13/01)

It calls for:

Two Buildings - about 6,000 ft. sq.
44 parking stalls
Plans for 36 students/20 staff
4,000 gallon septic storage tank
Private well

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.

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).