Dakota Pacific Traffic Impact Study Peer Review
Up first, we have a quick Dakota Pacific-related update for our listeners. Recently, Dakota Pacific submitted an updated Traffic Impact Study for its proposed redevelopment of the Summit Research Park or Park City Tech Center in Kimball Junction.
As part of the review of the updated study, the County Council elected to commission an independent, third-party peer review of the study based on input received by residents last December who wanted the County to verify Dakota Pacific’s data. At this week’s council meeting, after an RFP process conducted by county staff, Community Development Director, Pat Putt recommended to the Council that the county hire Wall Consulting Group (WCG) as the third-party who will conduct a peer review of Dakota Pacific’s updated traffic impact study.
The Council supported the recommendation. From here, a contract and disclosure affidavit will be drafted and executed, and the peer review will commence. We’ll keep you updated in the coming months on what comes next for the Dakota Pacific Development agreement.
Truth in Taxation + Budgets
Last week, we reported on North Summit Fire District’s Truth in Taxation public hearing, noting that the Council pushed the decision on the district’s proposed tax increase to this week.
At this week’s meeting, the Council heard from North Summit Fire Chief, Ben Neilson, who gave more detail on the over 1 million dollars that the district allotted towards payroll in their 2023 budget. After reviewing the breakdown Chief Neilson provided, the Council approved the tax increase and the district’s 2023 budget.
This week it was Snyderville Basin Special Service District’s turn to hold their Truth in Taxation public hearing regarding their proposed 19.9% tax increase. After hearing from several members of the public, the Council approved the increase.
Finally, the Council approved the 2023 County budget, which included a 10% COLA for county employees and a 12% COLA for sworn officers in the Sheriff’s Office, as well as the 2023 county fee schedule.
Acknowledgement of Retirements
Also at this week’s Council meeting, the council recognized the retirements of two long-serving employees who made a tremendous impact on Summit County throughout their 25- and 30-year tenures, respectively.
Robin “Nino” Judd retired this week from the County’s Finance Department, taking with her a huge amount of institutional knowledge. There was not a single purchase made in the County with which she was not involved. The County will miss her skill and oversight of our finances, her humor, and great friendship. We wish Robin well in her retirement.
Derrick Radke also retired this week after 30 years combined as the County Engineer and Public Works Director, his contributions visible throughout the County for there is not a single transportation facility, construction project, or road improvement which he did not touch. Colleagues spoke about how Derrick lifted up others, his tremendous work ethic, invaluable advice and guidance, among other attributes that made him an excellent coworker and leader. Derrick will be greatly missed as well.
Episode 50 + Survey
Before we go, we just wanted to recognize that this is our 50th episode! It’s been so fun breaking down county council meetings, letting you know about community engagement opportunities, and more every week.
We’ve learned a lot on this podcasting adventure this year, but we know we can always do better! We’ve created a short feedback survey for our listeners to share their thoughts! Let us know what you liked, what you didn’t, or what you’d like to see more of! You can access the survey at summitcounty.org/engage under the ‘get involved’ header!
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