Hey everyone! Welcome back to another week of news here on Summit in Six! Today, we are excited to announce that the Olympics are officially coming back to Utah in 2034! We also cover some fire restrictions and air quality information as we celebrate and head into Pioneer Day Weekend. 

Alright, let’s get into the news!

– OLYMPIC ANNOUNCEMENT 

It was officially announced early this morning, Wednesday, July 24, at the 142nd IOC Session in Paris, that Salt Lake City, Utah 2034 has been elected to host the 27th Olympic Winter Games.

In a recent interview, Council Chair Malena Stevens said: “Summit County is approaching the Olympics with an eye toward improving the long-term future of our county and residents while preserving everything we love about Summit County before and after the Games. We embrace the opportunity and responsibility this represents for our residents, businesses, and visitors. We have to be engaged at the table during the planning phase for these things to happen.”

This marks the fifth time the Winter Games will be held in the United States of America. At the time of the Games in 2034, 32 years will have elapsed since the 2002 Games in Salt Lake City. 

– FIRE RESTRICTIONS

As we celebrate and head into Pioneer Day Weekend, please remember the use of any kind of fireworks, tracer ammunition, or exploding targets is prohibited on unincorporated and state land within Summit County.

Any of the above acts is a violation of state law and is punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

Text SCFIREINFO to 888777 for updates on Summit County’s fire outlook and conditions, Red Flag Warnings, prescribed burns, active fire updates & more.

– AIR QUALITY 

As of today, our air quality level in Summit County is in the orange on the AQI scale. People with upper respiratory problems may experience coughing and congestion. Those with asthma could also experience symptoms.

Please stay safe this holiday weekend and if you are sensitive to air pollution, think about limiting outdoor activities. 

For more info and to see the live air quality map in Summit County, visit

summitcountyhealth.org and check out the Environmental Health section.

– WEED OF THE MONTH 
July’s final Weed of the Month is Spotted Knapweed!

Originally found in Eurasia, Spotted Knapweed infests rangeland, pastures, roadsides, or any disturbed soils. Knapweeds release chemical substances into the soil that inhibit the growth of competing vegetation.

If you’re trying to spot Spotted Knapweed in your community, it is a short-lived, creeping herbaceous perennial that is usually 1-to-3 feet tall. It’s rosette leaves are deeply lobed and may be 6 inches in length. The stems are moderately leafy. Flowers are typically pink with black-tipped flower bracts. Bloom is in early summer.

Several biocontrol agents are available for Spotted Knapweed and offer fair to good control. Select herbicides can offer good to excellent control when applied between rosette and pre-bud stages.

For more information on Noxious Weeds in Summit County, please visit: summitcounty.info/idweeds.

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Hey everybody, welcome back to another week of news here on Summit in Six. On today’s episode we have some reminders about summer safety, some updates on fire restrictions in Summit County, and a fun opportunity for Pioneer Day. Let’s get into the news!

Fire Conditions update and Fireworks Ban information

Beginning Friday, July 19, 2024, at 12:01 AM, the use of any kind of fireworks, tracer ammunition, or exploding targets is prohibited on unincorporated and state land within Summit County. As a reminder, Summit County’s Fire Danger Level is currently at Extreme, so please be careful and use your fire sense.

Any of the above acts is a violation of state law and is punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

Text SCFIREINFO to 888777 for updates on Summit County’s fire outlook and conditions, Red Flag Warnings, prescribed burns, active fire updates & more

Summer Safety Tips from Summit County Health

As summer heats up, it’s the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors. Here are some crucial summer safety tips. Remember to stay hydrated and drink plenty of fluids, especially when you’re outside. Don’t forget to protect your skin and apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, reapply every two hours, and wear hats and sunglasses. 

When it comes to swimming, practice water safety. Never swim alone, keep a close eye on children, and make sure everyone knows basic swimming skills. Keep up with your rest and avoid heat-related illnesses by taking breaks in the shade or indoors, wearing light clothing, and knowing the signs of heat exhaustion. You’re not the only one getting out to enjoy the nice weather, be mindful of insects! Use insect repellent, check for ticks, and be aware of bee stings if you’re allergic. Stay safe, stay cool, and have fun!

Community Health Assessment

Summit County, if you haven’t heard the news, Summit County Health is conducting a community health assessment to gather information about the health of our community. The Summit County Health Department is trying to find out how to better serve the community. We want to learn about social and economic factors that impact your life, such as education, transportation, housing, and healthcare access. Your input on topics like the physical environment, sustainability & climate change in Summit County is valuable. There’s a lot to tackle in public health and we can’t make a better future without you. Join us in making a healthier community for all. Take the Community Health Assessment today at summitcountyhealth.org/cha24. 

Summit Bike Share Pioneer Day Competition

Summit Bike Share wants to see you get out and ride this Pioneer Day. Submit a photo or video of you on one of our bikes (with a helmet on!) to summitcounty.info/sbspioneer and you’ll have the chance to win an SBS Swag Pack. Submissions are due Monday, July 29 at 5 PM. The winner will be announced Tuesday, July 30 on Summit County’s social media outlets.

Pioneer Day County Closures

Speaking of Pioneer Day…All County offices will be closed Wednesday, July 24, in observance of the state holiday. The Sheriff’s Office and local fire/EMS crews will have limited staff working throughout the day. All Summit County offices will return to regular hours on Thursday, July 25. Republic Services trash and recycling schedules will not be affected.

Weed of the Month

July’s third Weed of the Month is Scotch Thistle! Scotch Thistle is native to Europe and Eastern Asia. It grows well in waste areas, pastures, rangeland, and along canal and stream banks. So what does Scotch Thistle look like? This biennial plant commonly grows 3-to-8 feet tall but may grow as high as 12 feet. Rosettes may be 4 feet wide. Large, spiny leaves are covered with dense hair, giving a grayish, blue-green coloration. Stems are winged. The flowers are violet to reddish with spine-tipped bracts, blooming in mid-summer. The best way to control Scotch Thistle is through biocontrol. Biocontrol research is currently being conducted. Herbicides can offer good-to-excellent control when applied between rosette and pre-bud stages.

For more information on Noxious Weeds in Summit County, please visit: summitcounty.info/idweeds.

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TODAY, WE COVER: 

• Dakota Pacific Public Private Partnership
• Basin Recreation E-Bike Regulation Changes
• Fire Restrictions & Outlook
• Summit County Nonprofit Grant Funding
• Official Elections Results

TOPIC 1: Dakota Pacific Public Private Partnership Update

Council Members Canice Harte and Chris Robinson provided an update on the discussions with Dakota Pacific Realt Estate (also known as DPRE) regarding a Public-Private Partnership in the Kimball Junction area.

For some background, the County Council proposed a “Public Private Partnership” to Dakota Pacific back in April. Since then, Summit County also announced the acquisition of the Skullcandy Headquarters building to serve as a future county facility.

Proposed Terms from the County at that time included:

• The county would trade the Richins Building and Transit Center parcels for land west of the Skullcandy building. 
• A Public-Private-Partnership to redevelop the Richins parcel, Transit Center Parcel, and DPRE owned 3.45 acre parcel to south. 
• This partnership would include an expanded transit center and capture lot, and complimentary public, commercial, and residential uses. 

The county believes there are numerous benefits to this partnership for the community:

• The expanded Transit Center will have additional capacity and efficiency.
• The new, expanded capture lot will encourage High Valley Transit ridership.
• Commercial and residential uses, combined with programmed public gathering spaces, will activate and enhance civic use.  
• The civic & public uses are prominent and expanded.

A subcommittee comprised of Canice, Chris, County Manager Shayne Scott, other county staff, High Valley Transit Director Caroline Rodriguez, and DPRE met over the past two months to find a solution that benefits the public and mitigates the impact of development and traffic.

Their primary objectives include:

• Developing preliminary requirements for an expanded transit center and capture lot.
• Identifying complimentary public, commercial, and residential uses.
• Testing the fit of uses within the planned area.
• Developing partnership terms that can be agreed to by the County, HVT, and DPRE. 

During the presentation, Council members stressed that no decisions will be made in private subcommittee meetings, and that they will all be done in public Council meetings.  There will be opportunities for additional public input before any decisions are made by Council.

A timeline for the process moving forward goes as follows:

In the next 2-3 months

• Transit Center site studies
• Concepts for pedestrian access across SR 224
• Analysis of adjacent land uses
• Establishing draft terms for the public private partnership (land swap, roles and responsibilities, co-investment) 
• A Master Plan framework concept for the surrounding area that the full body of Council can review

3-4 months

• Obtain agreement for terms of the public-private partnership
• A public hearing or hearings
• Seek Council approval on key terms of the Development Agreement modification (including planning approach and density, for example)

And finally, over the next 5-6 months, Council will review the revised Development Agreement for approval.

Stay tuned for additional updates and agenda items.

TOPIC 2: Basin Recreation E-bike Regulation Changes

Following the results of a public opinion poll, Basin Recreation Leadership attended this week’s Council meeting to discuss how ebikes are managed with the Basin Recreation special service district. Staff proposed the following additions to County code. These changes make ebike regulation consistent with Park City.

1. Establish a speed limit on transportation trails of 15 mph.

• A range of 10-15 miles per hour was the most agreed upon speed limit range in the survey. 
• Staff believe 15 mph is a reasonable limitation for e-bikes and non-e-bikes on multiuse-pathways.
• Additional Ranger presence and education campaigns will also be increased to encourage compliance.

2. Create a conditional allowance for Class 1 e-bikes on natural surface trails to include operators 65 years of age and older.

• Additional language would clarify that mobility disabilities qualify users to operate on District trails.

County Council unanimously approved both changes.

TOPIC 3: Fire Restrictions & Outlook

With no rain and soaring temps, Summit County’s Fire Danger Level is now Very High.

Based on fuel conditions, weather conditions, and resource availability, Fire Warden Bryce Boyer asked Council for a recommendation to the State Forester to implement Stage 1 Fire Restrictions, which the majority of the state is already in.

Stager 1 Restrictions include:

• No campfires in rock rings. They can only be in improved/permanent pits with running water on hand to douse.
• No cutting, grinding, or welding (unless exempted with a waiver through State Forestry).
• A fireworks ban.
• No smoking outside of vehicles in dry vegetation areas.
• No exploding target shooting.

Council gave their recommendation for Stage 1 restrictions, which should go into place next week.

To keep up to date on all things wildfire in Summit County, text SCFIREINFO to 888777.  You’ll receive updates on Summit County’s fire outlook and conditions, Red Flag Warnings, prescribed burns, active fires & more.

In addition to Stage 1 Fire Restrictions, residents should be aware of a new policy from Rocky Mountain Power related to wildfires:

If there is a fire start within 6 miles of any RMP infrastructure (including power lines, or substations), Rocky Mountain Power will shut down power to the line until the fire is 100% contained. As we progress into wildfire season, residents should expect more frequent power outages that will last longer.

We encourage our listeners to prepare for extended power outages by reviewing the checklists and guidance from Be Ready Utah, which you can find at https://summitcounty.info/nopower.

TOPIC 4: Summit County Nonprofit Grant Funding

Summit County is accepting applications from non-profit entities for fiscal year 2025 grant funding. The deadline for the grant application is 5:00 PM, Wednesday, July 31, 2024. Applications must be submitted online.

The Summit County Non-Profit Entities Grant Application can be found at https://www.summitcounty.org/374/Grant-Information (you can also see this link in our show notes). Summit County’s grant policy is also available there.

If you have questions, please contact Annette Singleton at 435-336-3025

TOPIC 5: Elections Results

Results from the 2024 Primary Election were certified this week. View the official results at summitcounty.org/elections.

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Hey everyone and welcome to another week of news here on Summit in Six! 

I’m Bridget and I’m Bailey and we work in the Summit County Communication and Public Engagement Department – the team that brings you Summit in Six every Friday! 

Today, we kick things off with the preliminary results of Tuesday’s Primary Election. Then, we’re gonna recap a conversation about establishing a Summit County Housing Authority.

We’ll also cover the Elektron Solar Ribbon Cutting Ceremony that happened earlier this week, and then we’ll wrap things up with a trail closure announcement and a reminder about next week’s Green Drinks hosted by our friends at Recycle Utah! 

Alright let’s get into the news! 

Topic 1: Primary Election Results 

The 2024 Primary Election happened this past Tuesday, June 25. We just wanted to take a quick moment to share the preliminary results as reported by the Summit County Clerk’s Office.

 As a reminder, there was a Republican Primary for: U.S. Senate, U.S. House District 1, U.S. House District 3, Governor and Lt. Governor, Attorney General and State Auditor. 

So far, in that order, John Curtis, Blake Moore, Mike Kennedy, Spencer Cox + Deidre Henderson, Derek Brown and Tina Cannon are all leading in Summit County in their respective races. 

There was also a Democratic Primary for State House District 23, for which Jeff Howell is leading in Summit County, and Summit County Council Seat C, for which Megan Mckenna garnered about 55% of the votes. 

And, finally, there was a Nonpartisan Primary for South Summit School Board Seat 2, for which Dan Eckert is leading. 

Official results will be posted after the Board of Canvassers meets and certifies the Election Results on July 9 at 4:00 at the Coalville Courthouse in Council Chambers.

If voters received letters in the mail asking them if they voted and questioning their signature, they should respond to those letters as soon as possible and no later than July 8 at 5:00 pm. 

As we look towards the General Elections, having a recent signature on file with the Clerk’s Office will help ensure that your November ballot will count and your signature on any petitions will count.

Have any questions? Email elections@summitcounty.org.

Topic 2: Summit County Housing Authority

The conversation around housing in Summit County continued this week during Wednesday’s County Council meeting when  Economic Development & Housing Director, Jeff Jones, presented the idea of a Summit County Housing Authority to the Council.

For some context, Housing Authorities are entities of state statute created by the Federal government. In Utah, housing authorities are registered as limited purpose entities, meaning they are established to serve a specific function or goal, rather than having broad or general powers. Housing authorities manage affordable housing programs, provide rental assistance, and develop and maintain housing projects to ensure low-income individuals and families have access to safe and affordable housing.

The Summit County Housing Authority is a new approach (adjusted from the 2023 concept of a Regional Housing Authority) that would: 

• Develop a housing and economic development data dashboard to provide residents, community advocates, developers, business leaders, and elected officials with high quality data to drive decision making around housing. 
• Create an Employee Assisted Housing Program that would provide a channel through which employers can help their employees with the cost of owning or renting a home, typically in neighborhoods close to the workplace.
• And Facilitate a Utility Allowance Assessment/Study to help reduce the financial burden on low-income residents and allow them to spend more on other essentials. 

There are a ton of other things that this Housing Authority could do to help improve the affordable housing landscape here in Summit County.

Before an adoption resolution is brought to the table, Council members have asked the Economic Development & Housing Director, Jeff Jones, for a detailed plan and budget for establishing a housing authority in Summit County. Stay tuned for future updates on this matter. 

Topic 3: Elektron Solar Ribbon Cutting

Summit County staff attended the ribbon cutting for the Elektron Solar project on Monday, June 24 in Tooele. The project began construction in 2021 and officially came online this May. The energy harnessed by this new solar infrastructure will contribute to the County’s renewable energy goals. The Elektron Solar facility is expected to generate enough clean energy to power approximately 19,700 homes each year, according to metrics provided by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Summit County, Basin Recreation, Mountain Regional Water SSD, Vail Resorts on behalf of Park City Mountain, Deer Valley Resort and City Government of Park City, Utah are the area partners who are involved in the project and attended the event. Other regional partners include UVU and Salt Lake City Government.

Topic 4: Rob’s Trail Closed July 1 

Parking at Rob’s Trail will be CLOSED and inaccessible Monday, July 1 due to Summit County roads work. Parking will not be impacted Saturday or Sunday.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation and encourage you to shift your hike or ride to another day or start from a different area along the trail system.

Topic 5: July 9 Green Drinks

Mark your calendars for Recycle Utah’s next “Green Drinks” on July 9 @ 6pm at 3 Springs Ranch in Oakley! What’s “Green Drinks”, you ask? Green Drinks is a Recycle Utah-sponsored event which originated in 2016. It aspires to educate adults about our environment including recycling, energy and water conservation, local food systems and more.

At the July 9th event, attendees will learn about numerous local farms and food-related businesses so we can all be better at buying local! Please carpool if possible. This family-friendly event is also “bring your own picnic”. Sign up TODAY at summitcounty.info/greendrinks.

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Hey everyone! Welcome back to another week of news here on Summit in Six! While we had a crazy cold snap earlier this week, it looks like summer is here to stay!

In today’s episode, we are going to go over primary election day next week on Tuesday, June 25th, the weeds of the month for June, the Zero Waste Food Compact, an upcoming event with Recycle Utah in Oakley, and some wildfire prevention tactics.

Alright, let’s get into the news!

June 25 Primary Election
Let’s talk about some important information for the upcoming Primary Election happening THIS COMING TUESDAY, June 25! Early voting began this week! Summit County voters can still vote early today, June 21, Saturday, June 22 and on Monday, June 24. For locations and hours, please visit summitcounty.info/earlyvoting.

• If you plan to vote by mail, ballots must be postmarked by Monday June 24, 2024, the day before Election Day.
• If you plan to vote using a drop box, ballots must be in a drop box on or before 8:00 p.m. June 25, 2024, Election Day. For a list of dropbox locations, visit: summitcounty.info/dropbox.

And, finally, if you plan to vote in-person on election day, June 25, you can do so from 7 AM – 8 PM at Coalville City Hall, Park City Hall (the Marsac Building), the Kimball Junction Branch of the Summit County Library, and at the South Summit Services Building in Kamas. A list of these locations can be found at summitcounty.info/votinglocations.

Please be aware that as the June 25 Primary Election approaches, voters can only vote in ONE party’s primary election. Each ballot is assigned a unique ballot number, which is connected to a specific voter. The Summit County Clerk’s Office will count the first ballot they receive from you. If a second ballot is received, it will alert the Clerk’s Office that you have already voted. The second vote will not be counted, and the Clerk’s Office will notify the Sheriff that you attempted to vote twice (which is illegal).

Weed of the Month
Another Weed of the Month for June is Garlic Mustard! Garlic Mustard is native to Europe and is found in deciduous forests and wetlands, along roadsides, and in disturbed areas like new construction zones. It thrives in shady sites, and can form dense areas covered by the weed. Garlic mustard is especially harmful to our community because it chemically inhibits the growth of other nearby plants, including our beloved aspen stands, not to mention it is toxic to some native butterflies.

If you’re trying to spot Garlic Mustard in your community, look out for a plant that is up to 4-feet tall. Its rosette leaves have a rounded kidney shape, and its mature leaves are arrow shaped with unevenly toothed margins. Branch tips produce clusters of four-petaled white flowers, and narrow seed pods grow upright from the stalk. Seeds are sticky when wet, and can remain viable for 5 years in the soil. Finally, when a garlic mustard plant is broken or smushed, parts of it can actually smell like garlic!

For control, hand-pulling or digging before seed production is effective, but make sure to  completely remove roots and destroy plants that have seed pods. Cutting stems at ground level prevents seed production. Herbicides can also be effective.

For more information on Noxious Weeds in Summit County, please visit: summitcounty.info/idweeds.

Zero Food Waste Compact
What we eat and how that food is grown is not the only connection between our food systems and our health – what happens with our food scraps and leftovers after a delicious meal is part of the picture too! Get involved in the local movement to eliminate the food waste that winds up in the Summit County landfill by signing the Zero Food Waste Compact and, if you live in zip codes 84098 and 84060, consider signing up for curbside food waste collection. Keep in mind: discounted rates for this collection service are available for folks that need it. The compact and food waste collection programs are part of the Park City Community Foundation’s Zero Food Waste initiative, which our Health Department and County at large supports.

July 9 Green Drinks
Mark your calendars for Recycle Utah’s next “Green Drinks” on July 9 @ 6pm at 3 Springs Ranch in Oakley! What’s “Green Drinks”, you ask? Green Drinks is a Recycle Utah-sponsored event which originated in 2016. It aspires to educate adults about our environment including recycling, energy and water conservation, local food systems and more. At the July 9th event, attendees will learn about numerous local farms and food-related businesses so we can all be better at buying local! Please carpool if possible. This family-friendly event is also “bring your own picnic”. Sign up TODAY at summitcounty.info/greendrinks.

Wildfire Prevention Tactics
Temperatures are rising, and summer is in full swing. As of Thursday, June 20th, the Summit County Fire Warden has designated our area to “Moderate” fire danger. The warm dry weather of the past few weeks have contributed to this increased level of wildfire risk. Do your part to be Fire Wise and practice your #FireSense.
Just one more thing to share related to wildfire risk and our role as humans in preventing it: According to the National Park Service, nearly 85% of wildland fires in the United States are caused by humans. This includes fires that are unintentional, unwanted, or escaped, such as campfires left unattended, debris burning, and discarded cigarettes. Other causes include malfunctioning electrical equipment and arson.

In the words of Utah Fire Info “You know the fire drill, let’s help protect Utah’s great outdoors”– and communities!

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Today we have some information around some upcoming roads projects, the conversation about Lake Rockport Estates Request to connect with Mountain Regional Water, a reminder for The Eastern Summit County General Plan Open House, and some information on the upcoming June 25 Primary Election. Let’s get to it!

Upcoming Roads Projects
It’s no secret in Utah that if it’s not ski season, it’s road projects season! We want to give our listeners a heads up about a big project along US-Hwy 40 beginning Monday, June 17 and continuing through the fall. 

If you are familiar with the massive backup that happens on the southbound I-40 off ramp at exit 2 then you know the area we are talking about, and our engineering and transportation planning teams have been hard at work to remedy that with a new roundabout on the West side of the overpass that connects the Silver Creek Village/Home Depot area and the Trailside neighborhood/Highland Drive area. Most drivers have become accustomed to the temporary traffic signals that have been there since the fall. This roundabout will replace those stop lights and improve traffic circulation.

Summit County received the go ahead from UDOT this week to begin construction on this new roundabout on the West Highland Drive side of the I-40 overpass. So beginning next Monday, June 17, drivers exiting Southbound I-40 at Exit 2 will be guided slighting to the east side of the existing offramp. Traffic shouldn’t be significantly impacted. Drive with caution and obey all signage. We’ve had 6 messaging boards up in the affected areas over the past few weeks to alert travelers about the upcoming construction. If you can avoid driving through this area at peak times, please do so.

Lake Rockport Estates requests to connect with Mountain Regional Water
In Wednesday’s Council meeting, Mountain Regional Water General Manager Andy Garland brought a proposal from the Lake Rockport Estates Board of Trustees requesting a connection of the two water systems.

To provide some background, Lake Rockport Estates was established in 1971 as a seasonal summer cabin community. The water system at the time was designed for seasonal use only.

As growth happened over the past decades, including a spike in occupancy due to the pandemic in 2020, well production failed to keep up with increased full-time residency in the area.

After securing a $3.65 million loan, Lake Rockport Estates completed a new well in February 2024 that was expected to generate 100 gallons per minute. Unfortunately, the source is only producing 21 gallons per minute, leading to the request to connect to Mountain Regional Water’s system.

Connecting the two systems poses a number of challenges and would require an overhaul of the entire Rockport Estates system costing millions of dollars. In addition, annexation into the system would also require 100% of the Lake Rockport Estates landowners to approve the connection unless Council is willing to consider a forced annexation.

Eastern Summit County General Plan Open House
Summit County is hosting a second public open house in Kamas to gather the public’s input as the Planning Department prepares to write a new General Plan for Eastern Summit County.

Tuesday, June 18 at the Kamas Library/ South Summit Services Building from 6-8 pm.

The General Plan is a comprehensive plan addressing the present and future needs of our communities. It is also an advisory document for land use decisions made by the planning commission, county council, and county staff.

The goal of the Eastern Summit County General Plan is to use information gathered during the 2023 visioning process to create a specific, actionable, and usable plan. Staff will update policies, objectives, and strategies based on community feedback.

Feel free to show up at any time during the 2-hour block. We hope to see you there!

June 25 Primary Election Info
Let’s talk about some important information for the upcoming June 25 Primary Election!

Early voting begins next week! Summit County voters can vote early from Thursday, June 20 through Saturday, June 22 and on Monday, June 24. For locations and hours, please visit summitcounty.info/earlyvoting.

If you plan to vote by mail, ballots must be postmarked by June 24, 2024, the day before Election Day.

If you plan to vote using a drop box, ballots must be in a drop box on or before 8:00 p.m. June 25, 2024, Election Day. For a list of dropbox locations, visit: summitcounty.info/dropbox.

And, finally, if you plan to vote in-person on election day, June 25, you can do so from 7 AM – 8 PM at Coalville City Hall, Park City Hall / the Marsac Building, the Summit County Library – Kimball Junction Branch, and at the South Summit Services Building in Kamas. A list of these locations can be found at summitcounty.info/votinglocations.

Please be aware that as the June 25 Primary Election approaches, voters can only vote in ONE party’s primary election. Each ballot is assigned a unique ballot number, which is connected to a specific voter. The Summit County Clerk’s Office will count the first ballot they receive from you. If a second ballot is received, it will alert the Clerk’s Office that you have already voted. The second vote will not be counted, and the Clerk’s Office will notify the Sheriff that you attempted to vote twice (which is illegal).

June’s second Weed of the Month is Leafy Spurge!
What is this history of Leafy Spurge?
A native plant of Eurasia, Leafy Spurge is an aggressive invader of pastures, rangeland, stream banks, and waste areas. It reproduces by seed and rootstock. It is toxic to cattle and may result in their death.

What does Leafy Spurge look like?
This creeping herbaceous perennial plant grows up to 3-feet tall. The leaves are narrow, and 1-to-4 inches long. In late spring, yellow-green flower bracts appear, which cup tiny, inconspicuous flowers that develop in early summer. Seeds are contained in a three-celled capsule, with one seed per cell. When dry, capsules can shoot seeds up to 15-feet from the parent plant. Stems exude a milky fluid when damaged. An extensive root system, up to 20-feet long and more than 14-feet deep with multiple shoot-producing buds makes this plant very difficult to control.

What is the best way to control Leafy Spurge?
Biocontrol is extensive and control is fair to excellent. Herbicides can offer fair to good control, especially when combined with biocontrol. Apply herbicides from spring to the killing frost.

For more information on Noxious Weeds in Summit County, please visit: summitcounty.info/idweeds.

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WE COVER…

• Council’s approval of a parameters resolution to authorize the issuance and sale of $30M in sales tax bonds for the Skullcandy Property
• Childcare Needs-Based Scholarship Program Expansion
• Upcoming Cline Dahle Open House
• Dominion Energy News
• June’s first Weed of the Month 

TOPIC 1: PARAMETERS RESOLUTION 

In case you missed it, in early May of this year,  Council voted to approve the execution of an agreement to purchase the facility known as the Skullcandy Building. The property includes a 45,000-square-foot facility located on

7.38 acres in the Kimball Junction area. The initial purchase price of the property is $17.5 million, with estimated renovation costs not to exceed $12.5 million for a total cost of $30 million. 

To finance the purchase and subsequent renovations, the County Council opted to issue sales tax revenue bonds. The county is using existing sales tax revenues to pay off any bonds issued. The County Council does not intend to impose additional taxes or increase sales taxes to acquire the property. 

In a few weeks, on June 26, the Council will hold a public hearing regarding the  Issuance and Sale of these bonds. The public will have the opportunity to comment on the proposal before any bonds are issued.

At this week’s Council meeting, the Council adopted a parameters resolution to authorize the Issuance and Sale of Approximately $30M of Sales Tax Revenue Bonds for this project. 

The resolution puts a cap on the amount of the bonds and the interest rates of the bonds. 

In other words, staff are allowed to pursue up to $30M in bonds. As the project moves forward, staff may or may not pursue that full amount, but they cannot go above the $30 million amount 

The resolution also: 

• Caps the interest rates so as not to exceed 6.0%. 
• Determines that the maturity of the bonds is not to exceed 21 years. 

We’ll be sure to keep our listeners informed about the June 26 public hearing in the coming weeks. 

TOPIC 2: CHILDCARE NEEDS-BASED SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM EXPANSION 

On Monday, June 4, Summit County, Park City Municipal and Upwards, a leading childcare network, announced the expansion of the Childcare Needs-Based Scholarship Program. This new chapter broadens the program’s geographical reach, to all those who live and work throughout Summit County, addressing the vital need for accessible quality childcare in the Wasatch Back.

In a press release, Council member Canice Harte said: “Summit County Council is proud to support this initiative to improve access to vital childcare services for our residents and workforce.This collaboration is an important foundation to address this vital need in our communities.”

The Summit County Program offers the following benefits, mirroring the pilot Park City initiative:

• Needs-Based Childcare Tuition Scholarships: This program provides financial assistance to families with children up to kindergarten age. To qualify, at least one parent must reside or work within Summit County, and the total family income cannot exceed 100% of the Summit County Area Median Income (AMI).
• Regulated Childcare Provider Incentive: This incentive program supports qualified caregivers who provide care for children enrolled in the DWS Childcare Assistance program in Summit County. 

Summit County scholarships and childcare provider incentives will be available on a first-come, first-served basis each month beginning now, in June 2024, and will be distributed directly to regulated child care providers by Upwards. Information on where to access full eligibility criteria and to sign up for the program can be found at summitcounty.info/childcare. 

TOPIC 3: CLINE DAHLE OPEN HOUSE

Summit County is hosting an open house for the Cline Dahle property near Jeremy Ranch Elementary. The open house is Thursday, June 13 from 5-7 pm at the Richins Building in Kimball Junction.

For some background, the Cline Dahle property is owned by Summit County and consists of approximately 15 acres of developable land located between Jeremy Ranch Elementary and the Summit Center on Rasmussen Road. 

The county is currently exploring many options for how the site could address community needs and enhance opportunities within the nearby neighborhoods.

This open house will help the county narrow the possibilities for the site to focus on what is most appropriate given the natural environment and surrounding areas. Now is the best time to get involved and share your ideas!

TOPIC 4: DOMINION ENERGY NEWS 

ABC 4 Utah reported Tuesday that “Dominion Energy is now operating as Enbridge Gas Utah as of June 1. The company says the change will be “seamless” to customers and they will be notified of any additional changes to come. Their website says gas and service rates, customer service numbers, and service programs won’t change due to the acquisition.”

TOPIC 5: JUNE WEEDS OF THE MONTH

June’s first Weed of the Month is Houndstongue! Houndstongue is a native of Europe. It thrives in disturbed soils along roadsides, trails, in pastures, and rangelands. Because of the bur-like seed, it spreads widely along travel corridors as a passenger on clothing or animal fur. It is toxic to livestock.

If you’re trying to spot houndstongue in your community, houndstongue is a 1-to-4 foot tall biennial. Leaves at the base of the plant are about 3-inches wide with a hairy surface. Upper leaves are more narrow, about 1-inch wide and have a curled appearance and partially clasp the stem. Small reddish purple flowers form in the upper portions of the plant along the stems. Each flower produces four green, bur-like fruits that turn brown as they mature. Bloom is in early summer.

Herbicides can offer good to excellent control when applied between the rosette and bloom stages for houndstongue. Digging before seed development can offer good control. For more information on Noxious Weeds in Summit County, please visit: summitcounty.info/idweeds.  

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WE COVER…

• Upcoming open houses for the Eastern Summit County General Plan Update process
• Important information regarding your ballots for the upcoming primary elections
• Information on some of Summit County’s most-wanted noxious weeds! 

TOPIC 1: UPCOMING OPEN HOUSES 

Summit County is holding two public open houses in Kamas and Coalville to gather the public’s input as the Planning Department prepares to write a new General Plan for Eastern Summit County.

The General Plan is a comprehensive plan addressing the present and future needs of our communities. It is also an advisory document for land use decisions made by the planning commission, county council, and county staff.

The goal of the Eastern Summit County General Plan is to use information gathered during the 2023 visioning process to create a specific, actionable, and usable plan. Staff will update policies, objectives, and strategies based on community feedback.

The first open house is Tuesday, June 4 at Ledges Event Center from 6-8 pm.

The second is Tuesday, June 18 at the Kamas Library/ South Summit Services Building from 6-8 pm.

Feel free to show up at any time during the 2-hour block. Presentations will be the same at both events.

TOPIC 2: 2024 PRIMARY ELECTION

Heads up Summit County Voters! Your ballots for the June 25 Primary Election will be mailed NEXT WEEK on Tuesday, June 4. Local voters should have their ballots around June 7. Learn more at summitcounty.org/elections OR if you have questions you can contact the Summit County Clerk’s Office directly at elections@summitcounty.org.

TOPIC 3: COMMUNITY HEALTH ASSESSMENT  

The Summit County Health Department officially launched its Community Health Assessment! This is a survey that is run every five years and gathers data on social and economic factors such as education, transportation, housing, and healthcare access, that impact the lives of our residents.

We know you might be tired of taking surveys, but this is an important opportunity to share your experiences to help shape future health programming and initiatives, lending our health professionals perspective on gaps in services provided in Summit County.

Take the 15-minute survey today, and help us build a healthier community for all! Visit summitcountyhealth.org/cha24 for more information.

TOPIC 4: MAY WEEDS OF THE MONTH

Welcome to a new segment we’ll be introducing this summer: Weeds of the Month! During this segment, we’ll cover one or more of Summit County’s most-wanted noxious weeds.  

May’s Weeds of the Month are Dyers Woad, Hoary Cress, Myrtle Spurge, and Black Henbane. 

For images of all of May’s Weeds of the Month at various stages of their growth as well as information on how best to control them on your own property, please visit  summitcounty.info/idweeds. 

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WE COVER…

• Some opportunities for a virtual birding class with the County Lands and Natural Resources Department
• Upcoming Open Houses for the Eastern Summit County General Plan 
• Community Health Assessment is now LIVE and we need your help taking this survey 

TOPIC 1: Virtual Birding Course
Are you interested in learning how to spot and identify local birds? Want to learn more about local avian wildlife? Summit County’s Lands & Natural Resources Department is teaming up with some of their awesome volunteers to bring the community a virtual birding program. We highly recommend attending our “Virtual Introduction to Birding” next Wednesday, May 29 from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. as a precursor to future in-person events the department will be holding on the 910 Ranch. More information at: summitcounty.info/virtualbirding

TOPIC 2: Proclamation Declaring June as Pride Month
During this week’s council meeting, LGBTQIA+ Taskforce members Kris Campbell and Virginia Solomon recited a proclamation recognizing June as Pride Month. Here is an excerpt from the proclamation which was approved by Council:

“Pride Month serves as a reminder of how much we have to celebrate, and should prompt us to never let up in our efforts to ensure full equality, inclusion, and empowerment for every member of our LGBTQ+ community, and all communities.

LGBTQ+ Pride month is the positive stance against discrimination and violence toward lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, plus (LGBTQ+) people; promotes their self-affirmation, dignity, and equality rights; increases their visibility as a social group; builds community; and celebrates sexual diversity and gender variance.

Summit County is committed to learning how to advance inclusion for LGBTQ+ residents by creating and supporting policies and programs that stand against discrimination and by promoting equality and opportunity for all members of the LGBTQ+ community.”

Visit parkcitypride.org for upcoming events information related to Pride Month, and to learn more about the taskforce.

TOPIC 3: Community Health Assessment is LIVE!
The Summit County Health Department officially launched their Community Health Assessment! This is a survey that is run every five years and gathers data on social and economic factors such as education, transportation, housing, and healthcare access, that impact the lives of our residents.

We know you might be tired of taking surveys, but this is an important opportunity to share your experiences to help shape future health programming and initiatives, lending our health professionals perspective on gaps in services provided in Summit County.

Take the 15-minute survey today, and help us build a healthier community for all! Visit summitcountyhealth.org/cha24 for more information.

TOPIC 4: Eastern Summit County General Plan Open Houses
Summit County is holding two public open houses in Kamas and Coalville to gather the public’s input as the Planning Department prepares to write a new General Plan for Eastern Summit County.

> The first open house is Tuesday, June 4 at Ledges Event Center from 6-8 pm.

> The second is Tuesday, June 18 at the Kamas Library/ South Summit Services Building from 6-8 pm.

The information presented will be the same at both events and residents can stop by any time during the two-hour event to share their thoughts and ideas. For some background, the General Plan is a comprehensive plan addressing the present and future needs of our communities. In Summit County, we have two General Plans: one for Eastern Summit County and one for the Snyderville Basin.

So why does this matter to residents? The goal of the Eastern Summit County General Plan is to use information gathered during the 2023 visioning process to create a specific, actionable, and usable plan. The General Plan is also an advisory document for land use decisions made by the planning commission, county council, and county staff. Staff will update policies, objectives, and strategies based on community feedback.

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WE COVER...

• The county’s new agenda and meeting minutes platform
• Some exciting grant funding news
• The launch of Elektron Solar
• How you can bid on surplus county vehicles 

TOPIC 1: GRANICUS
As of Wednesday, May 15, the Summit County Agenda Center has been replaced with a new meeting platform called Granicus, which can be found at www.summitcounty.org/meetings. This new platform provides greater functionality for residents and staff and allows for greater compliance with the state’s legal requirements for minutes. Features include a search function for meeting minutes and agendas and time-stamped minutes, which allows the public to easily jump ahead to topics in the meeting recording via embedded links. Older meeting recordings, minutes, agendas, and packets will continue to be available at https://summitcounty.org/AgendaCenter.

TOPIC 2: 910 GRANT FUNDING
This week, the United States Forest Service (USFS) awarded $40 million in funding from the Forest Legacy Program (FLP) to Summit County’s Wasatch Back Forest Conservation Project for the purchase of the 8,588-acre 910 Cattle Ranch property. The property is now 100 percent funded by this grant award in combination with the $15 million in funding from the General Obligation Bond for open space that Summit County voters passed in 2021. It could be as late as next summer 2025 when the County assumes full ownership of the property. In the meantime, it will be stewards of the land, developing and implementing plans for land management. This includes documenting current conditions of the land, what animal species are present and identifying sensitive areas such as spaces for elk calving.

The County has trained and vetted volunteer ambassadors to assist in monitoring the property, and the Summit  County Sheriff’s mounted posse and deputies will be actively patrolling the area. As we welcome springtime, the County reminds everyone that recreating is only permitted on the dirt East Canyon Road, and to obey all signage. In addition, bringing your dog with you is a privilege, so leash and clean up after your animal to prevent further “poo-lution” of East Canyon Creek—the fish will thank you. Visit summitcounty.org/countylands to follow the latest efforts of Summit County’s Lands and Natural Resources Department.

TOPIC 3: ELEKTRON SOLAR
Big news for sustainable energy: the Elektron Solar Project, a solar facility located in Tooele County, has reached commercial operation and will serve several Utah customers including, Summit County, Park City Municipal, Park City Mountain, and Deer Valley Resort. Elektron Solar is expected to generate enough clean energy to power approximately 19,700 homes each year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. “The Elektron project exemplifies Summit County’s core value of collaboration, demonstrating how renewable energy initiatives can deliver results for the environment and economy,” said Sumit County Council Chair, Malena Stevens. “We are proud to be part of this project that will help us meet our goals for using renewable electrical energy to power County operations.”

TOPIC 4: BIDDING OPEN FOR COUNTY SURPLUS VEHICLES
The Summit County Auditor’s Office is accepting bids to purchase county surplus vehicles. Check out the available stock at summitcounty.info/surplus You can place a bid via the online bidding form found in the description of each vehicle. Bidding ends May 20. The winning bid will be the highest reasonable submitted. If a tie occurs, the Auditor’s Office will accept the bid that was placed first. If you have questions, contact the Summit County Auditor’s Office at (435) 336-3027 or auditor@summitcounty.org.

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