Hey everyone and welcome to another week of news here on Summit In Six. We’ve got some important information on Early Voting for next week, an overview of the Resort Communities Tax Council is considering, a couple of open surveys and more!

TOPIC 1: EARLY VOTING AND MAIL-IN BALLOTS

With the 2025 General Election just around the corner, Early Voting begins this coming Wednesday, October 29, through Saturday, November 1.

Voters: please be aware that the Park City voting center has been RELOCATED to the Quinn’s/Round Valley Summit County Health Department at 650 Round Valley Drive, Park City. Voting will take place in the Lower Conference Room. The Marsac Building will not serve as a voting center for this election. This includes Election Day as well.

While early voting dates are the same in both locations, please pay close attention to the following times:

• Hours at the Health Department will be 8 AM–1 PM all four days.
• Hours at the Summit County Courthouse will be 8 AM to 4 PM EXCEPT on Saturday, November 1, which is 8 AM–1 PM.

And don’t forget to check your mailboxes, voters! The Summit County Clerk’s Office mailed ballots to active, registered voters for the 2025 General Election last week. If you didn’t receive a ballot, but believe you should have, please email elections@summitcountyutah.gov.

Questions about the upcoming election? Visit summitcounty.info/electionFAQ.

TOPIC 2: RESORT COMMUNITIES TAX

This week in County Council, Finance Officer Matt Leavitt and County Manager Shayne Scott gave council members an overview of the Resort Communities Tax.

This is a local sales and use tax the County can impose on certain taxable purchases from businesses in unincorporated Summit County (outside any city limits). Revenue from this tax can be used on public infrastructure and improvements, including transportation and transit projects. It was created to help resort communities support the needs of visitors and mitigate the impacts of tourism on the community.

The County Council can choose to implement the tax anywhere from 0.5% to 1.1% to bring in an estimated $7.7 to $17 million in annual revenue.

Examples of purchases this tax would apply to include:

• Retail sales of physical or digital goods.
• Paid admission for entertainment and recreational activities.
• Meals (prepared food and beverage) at restaurants, eateries, catering & other dining options.

Major industries contributing to the tax include:

• Utilities
• Restaurants
• Online sales
• Retail businesses
• Home improvement stores
• Resort lodging and nightly rentals

Items such as unprepared food (like groceries), prescription medications, and gasoline, diesel and other fuels are not affected by this tax. The Resort Communities Tax does not change property tax amounts, either.

The County is considering this tax to support long-term transportation improvements to benefit residents, visitors, and businesses by easing congestion and constructing public infrastructure for major future events (such as the 2034 Olympics).

If approved, potential projects include:

• Improvements to the I-80/Kimball Junction interchange and surrounding roads
• Transit center, bus rapid transit along State Route 224
• Structured parking with workforce housing
• Pedestrian bridge over State Route 224

The Council will decide whether or not to adopt the tax in the October 29th council meeting next week.

TOPIC 3: FEEDBACK ON WATER ELEMENTS OF COUNTY GENERAL PLANS

Do you care about thoughtful planning and development based on water availability?

Round 2 feedback on the Water Element of the Snyderville Basin and Eastern Summit County generals plans opens today, October 24 through November 5.

Visit summitcounty.info/waterelement to review the plans and provide your feedback on this vital component of the planning process.

TOPIC 4: SUMMIT BIKE SHARE: COUNTDOWN TO SEASON’S END

It seems like no time at all has passed since things kicked off for Summit Bike Share in May, but after almost 6 months of unprecedented ridership: we’re approaching the season’s end. Projections estimate we’ll have served over 20,000 riders, and our bikes will have traveled almost 70,000 miles!

There’s still time to try out a bike for the first time, or ride a few miles more if you already have a pass. To celebrate the incredible season we’ve had, we’re offering half price rides for the next 10 days. From today through Sunday, Nov. 2, you can enjoy a 30-minute ride for just $2.50.

Go to summitbikeshare.com to see a station map, purchase a pass, and learn about the bike share’s history. Barring any extreme weather, our last day of the season will be Monday, November 3.

We have many incredible sponsors to thank, especially title sponsors Intermountain Healthcare and Park City Chamber of Commerce. We also appreciate the continued support of Deer Valley Resort, Mountain Magazine, and Pocket Guide to Park City.

We have ambitious plans for next year, so stay tuned for more updates.

TOPIC 5: LAST CALL FOR ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION SURVEY

We’re entering the last week of our survey for Active Transportation in Summit County, and we want to hear from YOU!

One emphasis for the updated plan is to address a need for more trails in Eastern Summit County. The ultimate goal is to create a countywide active transportation network that will link communities from east to west and north to south.

Every resident or visitor that enjoys getting around on their own two feet (or two wheels) is welcome to contribute their input to the official Active Transportation Plan for Summit County. To see a map of existing conditions, learn about areas of concern, and find out what’s planned for the near future: go to summitcounty.info/activetransportation.

You can go directly to the survey by clicking the link in our show notes. After reviewing public comments and working with a steering committee, the Transportation department plans to present final recommendations in spring 2026.

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Hey everyone! Welcome back to another week of news here on Summit in Six! We may have experienced the first snows of the season, but we have more autumn weather on the horizon and plenty of seasonal events to enjoy.

In today’s episode, we are going to cover a brief overview of the draft 2026 county budget, share some great sustainability news, answer your election questions, and highlight some great events and public engagement opportunities! Alright, let’s get into the news.

TOPIC 1: DRAFT BUDGET FOR 2026

At Wednesday’s meeting, County Council reviewed a draft budget for 2026 totalling $100 million. County Manager Shayne Scott and Finance Manager Matt Leavitt presented the draft figures and highlighted key details.

The roughly $10 million increase over this year’s budget was largely attributed to a 0.5% sales tax for emergency services implemented last November. Next year, the same tax is expected to bring in about $16.5 million in revenue. Revenue sources in general breakdown as follows:

• $36.2 million from property taxes
• $18 million through sales taxes
• $16.5 million from the aforementioned emergency services sales tax
• $4 million through licensing and permitting
• $13.9 million from grants and intergovernmental revenue (much of which supports Health Department programs)
• $8.2 million through fees and services (fees from commercial businesses, planning department, etc.)
• $5 million from other sources

As for where the money will be spent, the five highest expenditure sectors are public safety ($32 million), public works ($15 million), general fund ($22 million), governance ($13 million), and public health ($10.5 million). Between now and December 10, the county will be meeting weekly to review the budget in greater detail and discuss changes as necessary.

Some items that were considered or requested for the budget but not addressed in the 2026 draft include: funds for 8 additional full-time employees (in addition to 8 that would be funded), about $1.1 in miscellaneous requests, a courthouse remodel, the Park City Senior Services building, and no recommendation for a property tax increase.

The next meeting for council on Oct. 22 is expected to include a discussion on revenue and tax projections, as well as an overview of fund balances.

A public hearing on the budget is tentatively scheduled for Dec. 3 in the Snyderville Basin (at the Richins Building) with another hearing in Coalville scheduled for Dec. 10 (at the courthouse). After the public hearing on Dec. 10, the County Council is expected to adopt the budget later in that meeting.

TOPIC 2: EXCITING DIVERSION NEWS WITH RECYCLE UTAH

Earlier this week, Summit County, Park City, and Recycle Utah announced a partnership to ensure residents continue to have uninterrupted, accessible, and expanding options for responsible waste diversion now and in the years to come.

Together, they are developing a coordinated plan for the Summer of 2026, when Recycle Utah moves out of its current location, in order to guarantee residents continue to have access to the recycling options they have always enjoyed.

Included in the plan is an effort to find Recycle Utah a new home. Park City is relinquishing its rights to a 4.18-acre parcel of land in the U.S. 40 corridor specifically so Summit County and Recycle Utah can designate the property as the permanent location for Recycle Utah’s future operations. This site will allow Recycle Utah to continue operating a central drop-off and collections center, while remaining a hub for waste education, outreach, and community building.

Looking ahead, the three organizations are exploring opportunities to make recycling more convenient than ever for more of our community. This includes launching a joint effort to “refresh” Summit County’s 2018 Solid Waste Master Plan. This process has already begun and includes creating an action agenda with new and more robust waste reduction and diversion targets, as well as strategies to achieve them. Our goal is to create a roadmap for the next 5, 10, 20 years and beyond that reflects the values of our community, adapts to changing needs, and advances long-term sustainability.

It’s really cool to know Summit County, Park City, and Recycle Utah are united in this work. This joint success reflects the best of what we can accomplish together.

TOPIC 3: ELECTIONS UPDATE

Are you registered to vote yet? If not, the deadline to register and receive a vote-by-mail ballot for the 2025 General Election is just ONE WEEK away on Friday, October 24, 2025.

The easiest way to register if you have an up-to-date Utah driver’s license is to go to voter.utah.gov.

If you miss the October 24th deadline, you can register to vote at an early voting location or an Election Day voting location. However, you will need to present two forms of identification at the voting location to register, one that proves your identity and the other that proves your residence.

For our registered voters: check your mailboxes! The Summit County Clerk’s Office began mailing ballots for the 2025 General Election this past Tuesday, Oct. 14. After filling out your ballot, it must be RECEIVED by the clerk’s office on or before 8:00 pm on Election Day (November 4). In the past, ballots only had to be postmarked by the day before Election Day — voters should be aware of the shorter timeline to return their ballots.

You can also drop your ballot off at a dropbox location before 8 pm on Election Day. Get all your elections-related questions answered at summitcounty.info/electionFAQ.

TOPIC 4: HALLOWEEN HEALTH FAIR

And just in time for the spooky season: Summit County Health Department will be hosting a Halloween Health Fair on Thursday, Oct. 23, from 5–7 pm at the Ledges Event Center in Coalville. (that’s located at 202 Park Rd next to the fairgrounds).

Costumes are highly encouraged, but not required! Come learn about resources and services your local health department and community partners have to offer. We will have activities, prizes, and treats!

Flu and COVID vaccines will be available for those interested with no appointment needed. Bring any health insurance cards you have if you want to get a vaccine (we are unable to accept Cigna or University of Utah Health insurance plans).

Come enjoy a spooktacular time and protect your health at our Halloween Fair!

TOPIC 5: “KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:” AVALANCHE AWARENESS

If the Halloween Health Fair isn’t your scene, or maybe you spend a lot of time in the backcountry during the winter, you should consider joining a free avalanche awareness training held on Thursday, Oct 23, from 6–7 pm at the Sheldon Richins Auditorium (1885 W Ute Blvd in Kimball Junction).

“Know Before You Go” is a free avalanche awareness training hosted by Summit County Lands & Natural Resources. You can expect an informative and easy to grasp explanation of the when, why, and how of avalanches as well as how you can continue to have fun in the mountains and stay safe.

Learn from experts and have some fun next Thursday evening with “Know Before You Go.” For more information, go to kbyg.org.

TOPIC 6: ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION UPDATE

After 6 years of hard work securing funds, collaborating with partners, and building connections, Summit County is updating our Active Transportation Plan. This 2025 update will build on the 2019 recommended facilities to create a countywide active transportation network.

“Active transportation” includes all forms of human-powered mobility like walking, cycling, and even non-mechanized wheelchair use. We’re seeking public input on how to increase connectivity, safety, accessibility, and sustainability within our active transportation network. We especially want input on areas outside the boundaries of Park City Municipal to inform new trails and help us build linkages in collaboration with Park City.

Go to summitcounty.info/activetransportation to see a map of existing conditions, learn about areas of concern, and find out what’s coming in the near future.

Whether you live or work in Summit County, visit for recreation, or enjoy the trails and open spaces in any way: please submit your comments in the survey linked in our show notes.

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Hey everyone! Welcome back to another week of news here on Summit in Six. Today, we recap this week’s County Council meeting & share upcoming event and engagement opportunities for our community to tap into. Alright, let’s get into the news! 

TOPIC 1: DISTRICTING MAP APPROVAL & DISTRICT ASSIGNMENTS 

The Summit County Council approved the Districting Map on Wednesday, and Council members were assigned to their new districts. To view the approved district map, please visit: summitcounty.info/districtmap2025. 

District 1, shown blue on the map and encompassing much of the North Summit area as well as neighborhoods like Upper and Lower Silver Creek, and Bitner North and South, will be represented by Tonja Hanson; District 2, which is green on the map and covers the South Summit area, will be represented by Megan McKenna; District 3, showing purple on the map and covering Park City Proper, will be represented by Roger Armstrong; District 4, which is orange on the map and encompasses neighborhoods including Upper Pinebrook, Park West and Park West South, Ranch Place, Silver Springs, Snyders Mill, Old Ranch Road South, and Highland Estates East and West, will be represented by Chris Robinson; and, finally, District 5, which is yellow on the map and covers neighborhoods including Kimball Canyon, Jeremy Ranch East and West, Pinebrook North, Lower Pinebrook East and West, Wagon Wheel, Moose Hollow, and Summit Park, , will be represented by Canice Harte. 

Again, we recommend reviewing the approved district map at summitcounty.info/districtmap2025 to see which district your voting precinct falls in. If you don’t know your voting precinct, visit summitcounty.info/precinctmap and type in your address. 

For the 2026 Election Cycle, the seats held by Councilmembers Harte and Robinson, in Districts 4 and 5, are the two seats up for election. The other three seats, so seats for Districts 1, 2, and 3, will be up for election in 2028. 

TOPIC 2: SNYDERVILLE BASIN REC DISTRICT PROPOSED TAX INCREASE 

Also at council this week, the Snyderville Basin Recreation District discussed its proposed tax increase. Dana Jones, District Director, shared that Basin Rec intends to increase 2026 property taxes in the amount of $1,337,367, which is an approximate 15% increase. If approved, the additional revenue will be used for the purpose of Staffing, Capital, and Ongoing Asset Maintenance Projects, Contract Services & Insurance Increase. 

A public hearing on the proposed increase will be held on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. At that hearing, residents will have the chance to comment on the proposed increase. After, the Council will approve the district’s 2026 budget with or without the proposed increase. 

TOPIC 3: SKULLCANDY BUILDING UPDATE 

The Summit County Manager’s Office gave an update on the Skullcandy Building. Here’s what we learned: 

• Since purchasing the building, county staff have been working with GSBS Architects on a design for the first floor of the building that includes a new library, DMV office, Council dais and meeting room, and more. The design is now complete, and construction documents are finalized. 
• Highlights of the design include: A single point of entry for all of the public for easy wayfinding; a public lounge/lobby area near the front entry; several conference spaces, as well as a large multipurpose room that the county can use for a variety trainings, film screenings, meetings and other functions (meeting space is the biggest need currently in county facilities, particularly in the Kimball Junction area).
• The county has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a General Contractor (GC). The plan is to choose a GC and complete a contract by the end of October or, beginning of November, so construction can start mid-November. We anticipate the project to take around six months to be completed.
• The intent is for very limited construction and improvements to this space for cost purposes. 
• The Richins Building will be demolished in the Spring of 2026 to make way for a parking structure and transit center as contemplated in the Public-Private Partnership with Dakota Pacific Real Estate. 
• Because of this, services currently offered in the Richins Building will need to find a new home. 
• The Park City Branches of the Summit County Library and DVM will go to Skullcandy. Other offices we are considering relocating to Skullcandy are: Lands and Natural Resources Team; Building Inspectors; Communications and Public Engagement; Emergency Operations Center & training space; Health Department (administration and nonclinical teams); Deputy County Manager office; Housing Authority Executive Director; Offices for IT and Facilities personnel dedicated to the building. 
• The transportation planning and bike share team will move to the former Mountain Regional Water building in the Silver Summit area, which the county purchased in September 2025. 
• We are still discussing where to move the MCOT and Latino Behavioral Health, which both require HIPPA compliance with patient privacy, creating a unique set of facilities’ needs.

And that’s the latest! We’ll be sure to keep the community up-to-date as more decisions and steps are taken. 

TOPIC 4: UPCOMING EVENTS / ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES 

We’ll wrap things up today by highlight some upcoming Events and engagement opportunities our listeners should be aware of: 

General Plan Water Element Feedback 

First up, do you care about thoughtful planning and development based on water availability? If yes, tap into this feedback opportunity!

All counties are required to integrate a water use and preservation element into their General Plans by December 31, 2025 according to Utah State Code. Learn more and provide feedback on Summit County’s Water Element in the Snyderville Basin & Eastern Summit County general plans at summitcounty.info/waterelement.

• Round 1 of feedback is open online October 9-17, 2025.
• Round 2 of feedback is open October 24 – November 5, 2025.

If you prefer to give comments in person, the Water Element for each General Plan will be presented at the following planning commission meetings. Public comment will be taken.

• Join the Snyderville Basin Planning Commisson on October 14 at the Richins Building beginning at 6 p.m.
• Join the Eastern Summit County Planning Commission on October 16 at the Kamas Library also beginning at 6 p.m.

Halloween Health Fair

On Thurs., Oct. 23 from 5-7pm at Ledges Event Center in Coalville the Summit County Health Deparment is hosting it’s annual Halloween Health Fair! Learn about resources and services Summit County Health and its community partners have to offer. There will be tricks, treats and vaccines! (Flu and COVID vaccines available, no appointment needed.) Costumes are highly encouraged! Don’t miss out! 

Compost Your Pumpkins!

Speaking of Halloween…did you know you can compost your pumpkins?! Drop-Off your pumpkins at Jeremy Ranch Elementary, Parley’s Park Elementary, Trailside Elementary, McPolin Elementary, Ecker Hill Middle School, Park City High School, PC MARC anytime from October 31 – November 12. Thanks to the Park City School District, Park City Community Foundation’s Zero Food Waste Initiative, and Momentum Recycling for making this possible!

We’re serious about car seat safety!

And, finally, the Summit County Health Department hosts car seat safety classes each month for parents and caregivers who want to make sure their car seats are installed correctly and being used the right way. The next class is Monday, October 27 from 5-6pm at the Quinn’s Jct. Health Dept. building. The class is taught in English and Spanish. Register today: summitcounty.info/carseatclass.

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Hey everyone! Welcome back to another week of news here on Summit in Six!

In today’s episode, we are going to cover the latest on redistricting for county council seats, share an opportunity to gather public input on active transportation, and let you know more about vaccine clinics coming soon to your neighborhood. Alright, let’s get into the news!

TOPIC 1: County Hears From Public on Redistricting Maps

This week the county council held a public hearing on the latest version of the Summit County districting map.

After listening to a handful of residents, who all supported the proposed map, council chair Tonja Hanson announced the hearing will be continued next week — Wednesday, October 8. That meeting will take place at the courthouse in Coalville & allow more opportunity for comment.

Ahead of the October 8 meeting, the Utah state legislature will meet in a special session on Monday, October 6 to potentially revise HB356. It’s unclear how that session will affect the proposed map.

For some context, in Summit County, a significant shift is underway in how residents will choose their County Council representatives. A new state law, House Bill 356, mandates that Summit County transition from an at-large election system to district-based representation. This means voters will elect a single representative from their geographic district every four years, instead of voting for all five council members.

The law also outlined the process to create a district commission made up of all municipal mayors in county boundaries and one representative from unincorporated Summit County.

The districting commission’s task was to divide Summit County into five distinct geographical districts, ensuring each district has roughly equal population, with only a 10% deviation based on the most recent census. The commission met throughout the summer to develop and refine their map, which they’ve now presented formally to the county council.

Stay tuned for more information next week!

TOPIC 2: Active Transportation Plan Survey

Chances are, if you live in, go to work, or visit Summit County, you love the mountain landscape. Easy access on trails from residential or shopping areas is a huge part of the appeal: whether you’re on two wheels or your own two feet.

“Active Transportation” is the term we use to describe human-powered travel like walking, running, and cycling. In 2019, Summit County completed its first Active Transportation Plan to start building a countywide network of trails, road crossings, and facilities. The transportation team has been hard at work bringing funds and planning resources to towns and cities to support their projects while connecting the unincorporated areas, as well.

After 6 years, it’s time for an update to the plan! And we need your input to shape the future of our beautiful county roads and trails. See a map of existing conditions, areas of concern, and recommendations at summitcounty.info/activetransportation.

This new plan will focus on areas outside of Park City, with particular emphasis on eastern Summit County. Some key considerations that will guide the new plan include safety, accessibility, connectivity, and sustainability. We want to preserve the county’s natural character and make living and visiting here even better!

Please share your thoughts and help inform the planning process through the community survey. Access the survey and review the background info at summitcounty.info/activetransportation.

TOPIC 3: Vax & Go Clinics

Gear up for cold and flu season with ease! Visit one of our drive-through vaccine clinics NEXT WEEK:

• October 7 at the Kamas Library
• October 8 at the Coalville LDS Church Lot, or
• October 9 at Park City Mountain Parking Lot

All of these clinics will run from 11 am – 6 pm. We have both flu and Covid vaccines available. If you have medical insurance, please bring your cards. If you are uninsured, you can still attend and receive a free flu vaccine.

There is no appointment necessary, but pre-registering is helpful at: summitcounty.info/vaxngo25.

TOPIC 4: Final Month for Summit Bike Share 2025 Season

To kick off the final month of its 2025 season, Summit Bike Share is offering $1 rides Oct. 2–4!

Cruise around town this evening (Friday Oct. 3) and all-day Saturday Oct. 4 and enjoy the many great events and activities set against an incredible autumn backdrop. Feel the crisp air, take in the views at your leisure, and skip the hassle of finding parking. Just download the app and sign up for an individual pass to take advantage of the discount.

For more information about how to get a pass and start riding, visit summitbikeshare.com. Thanks to the Restaurant Tax Grant for sponsoring Summit Bike Share and making this promotion a possibility.

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Hey everyone! Welcome back to another week of news here on Summit in Six. Today, we recap this week’s County Council meeting, which included an affordable housing update and the latest on the County’s facilities planning process. Then, we wrap things up with some fun community engagement opportunities you won’t want to miss out on. Alright, let’s get into the news! 

– TOPIC 1: Affordable Housing Update 

This week’s County Council meeting kicked off with an exciting update on affordable housing in Summit County. Economic Development and Housing Manager, Maddy McDonough, presented a beta version of a brand new tool her team is calling the Land Use Prioritization Map. 

The tool comes on the heels of the creation of a local Housing Authority and the drafting of a Housing Authority Strategic Plan. With a clearly identified need for affordable housing, the question becomes, as McDounough stated, “where do we put the housing?” 

The Land Prioritization Map can be used to answer that question. It will help identify lots and parcels that are most suitable for affordable housing in Summit County. It can be used to inform Future Land Use Maps, regional and neighborhood level planning, and help the County prioritize land acquisition. 

The tool is not available for public use yet, but this is a great example of really innovative, informative and useful work happening inside the county organization right now. We’ll be sure to keep our listeners updated as the Land Use Map continues to take shape! 

– TOPIC 2: County Facilities Planning 

Next, County Manager Shayne Scott provided the latest information on the county’s facilities master planning process. 

For some background, the county has been going through this process since January of 2025. A study was conducted to better understand the current condition of the county’s facilities and their ability to respond to things like workforce needs, service delivery, and growth, giving the county a road map for the next 25 years. It involved interviews with county leadership, elected officials, department directors, an employee survey, and a physical evaluation of each county building looking at safety, space, condition, and ability to meet county purposes. 

Now, a Master Plan has been proposed including recommendations for facility upgrades, renovations, and new construction. The Maste Plan will be broken into three phases, each with a specific timeline for improvements, as well as estimated costs of such improvements. At this week’s meeting, Councilmembers wanted to reiterate and make clear that the county seat will NOT be moving from Coalville at any point during this planning process. 

Further discussion about facilities upgrades and renovations specifically for next year, 2026,

will occur as the 2026 budget discussions continue. Those budget discussions are important for our community to tune into beyond learning about this facility’s process. It is in those conversations that decisions about how taxpayer dollars are spent get made, so tune in! We’ll make sure to provide details on budget discussions as they begin to occur.  

A recommendation for how to utilize the former Skullcandy facility will be a separate conversation with the Council in two weeks on October 8, 2025. 

– TOPIC 3: Air We Share

The Summit County Health Department’s latest installment of their Public Health Speaker Series is happening NEXT WEEK! This session, called the “Air We Share”, will allow attendees to hear from local air quality and healthcare experts and learn practical tips to protect their health, including how to monitor local conditions and learning to build a DIY box fan filter.

Representatives from local and state agencies will also be present for conversation and connection. These speakers include: Seth Arens from Western Water Assessment; Kerry Kelly, Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Utah; and Dr. Wing Province, Chief Medical Officer and Emergency Medicine Physician at Intermountain Health. 

This is a don’t miss event! Join the Summit County Health Department at the “Air We Share” event on Tuesday, September 30 from 5:30 – 8pm at Kamas City Event Center. More information can be found at summitcounty.info/speakerseries. 

– TOPIC 4: Book signing at Kamas Library

Summit County Library invites you to join authors Heather B. Moore and Allison Hong Merrill at the Kamas Valley Branch as they discuss “The Paper Daughters of Chinatown” (Young Readers Edition).

Their book, based on a true story, relates the experience of two friends who unite to help rescue immigrant women in the most dangerous corners of San Francisco’s Chinatown in the late 1890s. Come hear from the authors as they share how they combine their love for historical research with storytelling.

DATE: October 3

TIME: 5:00 p.m.

LOCATION: Kamas Valley Library

Ages 12+ are welcome. Refreshments will be served, and Dolly’s Bookstore will be on hand during the signing with books available for purchase. This event is made possible through partnership with the Utah Humanities Book Festival.

If you plan to attend, please register at the link in our show notes.

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Hey everyone and welcome back to another week of news here on Summit in Six. In this week’s episode, we’ve got some important info about construction work between HWY 40-I80, a list of upcoming events from the health department this fall season, and a message from Animal Control.

Let’s get into the news!

TOPIC 1: US-40 to westbound I-80 ramp closure

On Sunday, Sept. 14, crews will close the off-ramp from northbound US-40 to westbound I-80 overnight from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. to complete road striping. Drivers should detour by traveling straight on northbound US-40 to the stoplight and then turn left onto westbound I-80.

For the remainder of this month, crews will stripe, add rumble strips, finish shouldering, add guardrail, and replace signage. Expect nightly intermittent lane closures on both eastbound and westbound I-80 until the project is complete. The project is currently expected to wrap up by the end of September.

TOPIC 2: Animal Control or Animal Rescue?

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between County Animal Control, an animal rescue organization or the Division of Wildlife Resources?
We’re lucky to have all of these great organizations working hard to protect animals in Summit County. While all of them share a love for animals and a mission to improve their welfare, they fulfill very different roles. Understanding the differences can help residents know who to call in various situations — and how they can help support both.

Animal Control is a government agency responsible for enforcing county codes and ordinances for domesticated animals. Summit County Animal Control is tasked with ensuring the safety of both animals and the people who live here.

Here are some situations where you would contact Animal Control directly:

• If you encounter a stray or aggressive animal.
• If you’ve been bitten by an animal or are concerned your pet may have been exposed to rabies.
• If you suspect an animal is being abused or neglected.

On the other hand, Animal Control is not always equipped or legally permitted to handle all situations. Here are some scenarios where you would want to contact another organization:

• If you encounter a wild animal in an urban area, please contact the non-emergency line of Summit County Dispatch.
• If you need help finding a new home for a pet, you should contact an animal rescue organization.
• If you want to foster an animal while it’s waiting for a permanent home, you could be a tremendous help to an animal rescue.

Animal rescues are nonprofit organizations or volunteer-based groups dedicated to saving animals from homelessness. These groups often take in animals from shelters, reservations, or unsafe environments and provide them with medical care, rehabilitation, and rehoming.

If you’d like to know more about how animal control and animal rescue collaborate and fulfill different roles, visit summitcounty.info/animalservices.

TOPIC 3: Health Department Event Roundup

Fall is a busy time for the health department, and we have a handful of events that we would like our listeners to know about:

1. Climate Change + Public Health Speaker Series will be on Tuesday, September 30 from 6:00–7:30 pm (doors open at 5:30 pm for networking and refreshments)This event focuses on air quality. It will be held at the Kamas City Event Center (50 East 400 South). Register at: summitcounty.info/speakerseries.
2. Vax n’ Go Drive Thru Clinics ( 3 days and locations):
   • Kamas: October 7th, South Summit County Services Building (110 N Main St), Clinic hours 11am – 6pm.
   • Coalville: October 8th, LDS Church (40 N Main St), Clinic hours 11am – 6pm.
   • Park City, October 9th, Park City Mountain Resort Base Village lot (intersection of Lowell Ave and Silver King Dr), Clinic hours 11am – 6pm
3. Our Health Promotion Team is introducing a new structure for car seat safety classes. Our first group class will be extra fun with prizes and popcorn on September 29 from 5-6pm at the Summit County Health Department’s Park City office. We will be offering one group class each month to:
   • Help you keep your family safe.
   • Connect you with other parents and caregivers.
   • Build a stronger community.

This class is for you if you are: bringing home a new baby (you’ll need a safely installed car seat to get home from the hospital!), sizing up a seat for your growing child, already own a car seat and need installation help, or your car seat has expired (YES! That’s a thing!). For more info and to register, visit: summitcountyhealth.org/carseatclass.

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Hey everyone! Welcome back to another week of news here on Summit in Six! We’ve got the latest from the week’s county council meeting, as well as a heads up about grant fund availability and the Weed of the Month!

Alright, let’s get into the news!

TOPIC 1: County Council Repeals Ordinance 987, Reviews Redistricting Map

At Wednesday’s county council meeting, councilmembers voted to repeal Ordinance 987 — the original approval granted by the council to Dakota Pacific for its development proposal in Kimball Junction. The council’s vote to repeal was made in order to remove an “orphan ordinance” or in other words a local law that no longer has effect.

The repeal was first considered by council members two weeks ago, but council members opted to wait until a district judge ruled on a legal case involving Ordinance 987, a resident’s petition opposing the ordinance, and the related legislation passed by the state through Senate Bill 26. Judge Richard Mrazik ultimately ruled the legal case for the petition moot as S.B. 26 supersedes the ordinance and lays out an entirely different approval process for developments.

Council members expressed that they hoped the judge’s ruling would address the referendum process more specifically and provide answers to all the parties involved in litigation related to the petition. However, since that was not addressed, the council members chose to proceed with the repeal and take Ordinance 987 off the books.

Earlier in the same meeting, council members also heard from Malena Stevens, the chair for the redistricting commission charged with drawing boundary lines for county council elections moving forward. Stevens presented a map approved by the commission that divides the county into 5 regions roughly equal in population.

The final map has only a 3.6% standard deviation between the populations of each district: which is narrower than the requirement outlined by the statute. However, some council members took issue with the division of some communities along boundary lines: particularly the shift of one Pinebrook neighborhood away from its neighbors.
However, Dave Thomas, the county’s chief civil deputy, clarified that the redistricting commission members are bound by the requirements set out in the bill — but as long as their map fits those requirements the county council is obliged to approve the map.

The presentation of the final map kicks off a 30-day window where the county must hold a public hearing and then vote to approve the map or send it back for revisions. The public hearing will be held before October 3, but a specific date has not been selected yet.

TOPIC 2: UDOT Makes Its Choice For the Future of Kimball Junction

Also on Wednesday, the Utah Department of Transportation published its final environmental impact statement for road improvements at the I-80/SR-224 interchange in Kimball Junction. UDOT issued a record of decision selecting “Alternative C” as its preferred plan moving forward.

“Alternative C,” one of two finalists from an initial field of 30 plans, was chosen as the “winner,” because, according to UDOT, Alternative C offers:

• The greatest reduction in travel delay and faster travel speeds in the study area during AM & PM peak periods.
• All intersections in the study area would operate at acceptable levels of service.
• The shortest I-80 off-ramp vehicle queue lengths.
• A more reasonable expenditure of funds for the anticipated benefits.

The final design focuses on spot improvements to select intersections and adding turn lanes in critical locations. The plan also proposes an underpass beneath SR-224 for pedestrian use and new bike lanes and trail connections for active transportation.

It is projected to cost $48.5 million in 2026 dollars, though it will likely be several years before all the proposed improvements are complete. The next step involves UDOT obtaining all necessary permits and approvals to proceed with construction. If you’d like to stay in the know or get all the finer details for UDOT’s evaluation and decision making, visit kimballjunctioneis.udot.utah.gov.

TOPIC 3: Rural County Grant Program

Do you own or manage a business in Summit County? You may want to look into the Rural County Grant Program, which supports the economic development of Utah’s rural areas.

Some of the needs the rural county grant program is intended to support include:

• Business recruitment, development and expansion
• Workforce training and development
• And infrastructure or capital facilities improvements

The rural county grant program is a reimbursement grant and requires a 40% match. Job creation and retention is a required element for the use of these grant funds. These funding opportunities are limited, so get your applications in ASAP (before September 30, 2025) if you think your business or organization would be a good match.

Learn more at: summitcounty.info/ruralgrant.

TOPIC 4: Weed of the Month — Spotted Knapweed

Up next is a segment we like to call Weeds of the Month! In studio with us today is Summit County Weed Enforcement Officer, Dan Pena, to talk about Spotted Knapweed. So, Dan, why is it important to talk about Spotted Knapweed right now?

So on most years this is the time you’d treat for Spotted Knapweed. It’s in full flower. It’s a perennial plant, so when I say it’s the best time, you’re trying to get down into those roots.

And what is the best way to get down into those roots?

A herbicide offers some of the best results on Spotted Knapweed. There are other methods you can use like hand pulling, you just need to make sure you get most of the root. If not, they come back with a vengeance.

We certainly don’t want that, so it sounds like herbicide might be the best way to control this plant. Is there a way people can get the herbicide?

We sell all the herbicide at our county building at cost, so it’s probably the cheapest you can find around. We also have loaner equipment available for the public to use for up to two weeks and then we’ll start harassing you to get our equipment back.

And, that’s for free right?

Yes, free of charge. Two weeks.

Awesome. All the information you’ll need on the rental equipment can be found at bit.ly/sprayrentals. So, Dan, where can our listeners go if they want even more information on Spotted Knapweed?

Go to summitcounty.info/idweeds. There’s really good pictures and descriptions of the plant. You can also look at our Summit County Weed Books. We offer those out to the public. You can get one when you come pick up a piece of equipment or if you see us out in the community ask us for a book and we’ll usually have a few on hand!

That’s awesome. I definitely lean on that summitcounty.info/idweeds page a lot. Dan and his team have done a really great job at making that robust resource for our community. Dan, anything else you want to add?

Like I said, we’re always ready to talk to our community and help you find the best solution for your property – wether thats herbicide, hand pulling or tillage, or more creative solutions like biocontrol, grazing, and so much more. Please reach out anytime or stop by the shop.

I can speak from first hand experience this team is a GREAT resource for you to take advantage of if you have noxious weeds on your property. They’ve taught me so much!

We are really focused on education and helping our community. In fact, twice a year, we host a Community Noxious Weeds Tour, visiting sites around Summit County to show how to identify and control specific weeds. Partners like Swaner, Basin Rec, USU Extension, and Utah’s biocontrol expert, Amber Mendenhall, join us. It’s a great event for residents to join because noxious weeds are a community challenge, and we’re tackling them together.

The Community Noxious Weeds Tour is my favorite event of the year! Our next one is TOMORROW, Saturday, September 6. If our listeners want more information on that tour, visit summitcounty.info/weedstour25. Alright, I think that’s it for now. Thanks for being here today, Dan, and for sharing all your knowledge on noxious weeds.

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Hi everyone, Happy Labor Day weekend and welcome back to another week of news of Summit in Six.

Today, we’ll be talking about the recent court ruling on the Dakota Pacific referendum signature packets, the upcoming Public Health Speaker series, and more!

TOPIC 1: Judge rules Dakota Pacific referendum petition moot

On Tuesday, Third District Court Judge Richard Mrazik said the lawsuit filed by residents opposing the Dakota Pacific Real Estate development at Kimball Junction is irrelevant, or moot.

Supporters of the referendum brought a legal case against County Clerk Eve Furse, who stated she could not legally verify enough signature packets to bring the decision of the development application to the ballot for County voters this November.

In this year’s legislative session the Utah Legislature passed Senate Bill 26, which changed the approval process for developers working with counties to submit development applications.

Jude Mrazik’s ruling was that Senate Bill 26 made the referendum moot because the decision the petitioners were trying to overturn had no impact on what happened to the Dakota Pacific development.

“Ultimately, my office’s responsibility is to uphold the law, which I’ve remained committed to throughout this entire process.” Summit County Clerk Eve Furse said. “The Clerk’s office looks forward to seeing how the legislature clarifies the referendum processes for both voters and local governments across the state.”

Because the referendum was ruled to be moot, the Judge did not weigh in on the signature collection issue (or whether Furse was right or wrong to dismiss some of the signature packets). In July of this year, in response to this referendum dispute, the Utah Rules Review and General Oversight Committee voted to begin drafting reforms to Utah’s referendum statute.

TOPIC 2: Fall Weeds Tour 2025

The Summit County Weeds Division is hosting a Community Noxious Weeds Tour to educate residents on the “most-wanted” weeds here in Summit County!

This tour is extra special because Utah’s leading biocontrol expert, Amber Mendenhall, will be joining us. She’ll show AND tell us how Summit County is harnessing noxious weeds’ natural enemies (like insects) to slow, contain, and control their spread.

The event is next Saturday, September 6, 2025 from 9 AM – 12 PM at the Richardson Flat Park & Ride. If you’d like to attend, please RSVP (for free!) at summitcounty.info/weedstour25 to let us know you’re coming!

TOPIC 3: Volunteer Opportunities

The Summit County Council is seeking to fill vacancies on the Mountain Regional Water Special Service District Administrative Control Board and Administrative Control Board of the Timberline Special Service District.

To be eligible to serve on these boards, you must be a registered voter with a primary residence inside the boundaries of the special service district.

• Mountain Regional Water:
  • The board is seeking to fill ONE vacant seat
  • Meetings are typically held at least once a month on the second Thursday at 6:00 pm.
• Timberline:
  • The board is seeking to fill ONE vacant seat
  • Meetings are typically held at least once a month on the last Wednesday at 6:00 pm.

Interested applicants for either of these positions must submit an application online at: summitcounty.info/volunteer. For further information, contact Amy Jones: 435-336-3042. Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled.

TOPIC 4: Mobile Mammogram Clinics

1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Utah is among the lowest in the nation for mammography screening and breast cancer is the most common cancer among Utah women.

The Intermountain Health Mobile Mammogram Clinic will be in Kamas on September 29, 2025. Give Intermountain a call: their phone number is 1-833-626-6646. Or go online at: IntermountainHealthcare.org/mobilemammo.

TOPIC 5: Climate Change + Public Health Speaker Series

The next event in Summit County Health’s Speaker Series coming up on Sept. 30 at the Kamas City Event Center (next to the Kamas rodeo grounds).

The event is titled, “The Air We Share: Changes in local air quality and how it impacts your health.”

At this event, you will learn how:

• Nature, humans, and a changing climate affect air quality
• Bad air days negatively impact our health + what we can do

Details and registration at summitcountyhealth.org/speakerseries.

TOPIC 6: Weed of the Month (Phragmites)

Up next is a segment we like to call Weeds of the Month! In the studio with us today is Summit County Weed Enforcement Officer Dan Pena to talk about Phragmites. So, Dan, why is it important to talk about Phragmites right now?

This is the time you see it. This is the time to start treating for it. We do have some in our county, we don’t have a lot, but if you go to some of the other neighboring counties, they do have a lot, and we’re just trying to prevent that from becoming a bigger problem than it already is.

And, so, what’s the best way to control Phragmites?

Herbicide is probably the best option for treating phragmites. Some people have tried to mechanically control it, and a lot of times you just spread the seeds just because of extensive rhizomes.

So, it sounds like herbicide is definitely the best way to control the plant?

Yeah, I would definitely try to use an herbicide if possible.

And your team has herbicide available for the community, right?

So, actually, for this one, we do not. It’s one that you need to have someone professionally do it just because it’s usually around water areas and you have to have an applicator’s license to buy the herbicide to treat this. So, if you do see it out in the community, please let us know so we can assess the situation and go from there.

Awesome. If our listeners want more information on Phragmites, including information on other control methods, visual descriptions, photos, and more, you can visit summitcounty.info/idweeds, and on that page, you’ll also find the contact information for this team. Dan, is there anything else you want to add?

Like I said, we’re always ready to talk to our community and help you find the best solution for your property – whether that’s herbicide, hand pulling or tillage, or more creative solutions like biocontrol, grazing, and so much more. Please reach out anytime or stop by the shop

Yeah, I can speak from firsthand experience, this team is a GREAT resource for you to take advantage of if you have noxious weeds on your property. They’ve taught me so much!

We are really focused on education and helping our community. In fact, twice a year, we host a Community Noxious Weeds Tour, visiting sites around Summit County to show how to identify and control specific weeds. Partners like Swaner, Basin Rec, USU Extension, and Utah’s biocontrol expert, Amber Mendenhall, join us. It’s a great event for residents to join because noxious weeds are a community challenge, and we’re tackling them together.

The Community Noxious Weeds Tour is my favorite event of the year! Our next one is NEXT WEEKEND on Saturday, September 6. If our listeners want more information on that tour, visit summitcounty.info/weedstour25.

Alright, I think that’s it for now. Thanks for being here today, Dan, and for sharing all your knowledge on noxious weeds.

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INTRO
Hey everyone! Welcome back to another week of news here on Summit in Six! We hope all the area school districts had a great first week of school…and we are wondering to ourselves…”How is labor day weekend only one week away?”

In today’s episode, we are going to give a recap of this week’s County Council meeting, learn some details about the next installment of the Climate Change and Public Health Speaker Series, and hear from Dan Pena, County Weeds Enforcement Officer with information about our weed of the month!

Alright, let’s get into the news!

– Council Meeting Recap
First we have an update about the referendum related to the Dakota Pacific development, Summit County Council voted 4-1 to wait to repeal Ordinance No. 987 pending Judge Mrazik’s Third District Court ruling. The hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, August 26th.
Keep updated about this issue by reviewing Summit County Council agendas and meeting minutes by visiting summitcounty.info/agendacenter

Sheriff Frank Smith made public his formal resignation effective September 5, 2025. After 45 years of public service, he is looking forward to beginning a new chapter of enjoying retirement with his loving and supportive family. In his announcement, Sheriff Smith endorsed Chief Deputy Kacey Bates to serve as Interim Sheriff.

– Climate Change + Public Health Speaker Series – Sept. 30
The Summit County Climate Change and Public Health speaker series is designed to elevate public health as a critical consideration of climate change action in Summit County. The speakers series aims to:

• Raise awareness on the local level about the impact of climate change on environmental, physical, and mental health in Summit County
• Identify community themes and possible strategies to enhance community and individual resilience, awareness, and preparation to the health effects of climate change

We wanted to let you know about our next event in the series coming up on Sept. 30 at the Kamas City Event Center (next to the Kamas rodeo grounds).

The event is titled, “The Air We Share: Changes in local air quality and how it impacts your health”.

At this event, you will learn how:

– Nature, humans, and a changing climate affect air quality
– Bad air days negatively impact our health + what we can do

Details and registration at summitcountyhealth.org/speakerseries 

– Weed of the Month: YELLOW STAR THISTLE
[Bridget] Up next is a segment we like to call Weeds of the Month! In the studio with us today is the Summit County Weed Enforcement Officer, Dan Pena, to talk about Yellow Star Thistle. So, Dan, why is it important to talk about Yellow Star Thistle right now? 

[Dan] So this is about the time of the year you would treat for Yellow Star Thistle. We don’t have a lot of it in our county, so we’re always looking to make sure it’s not having an outbreak somewhere. That’s why I always put it in the Weeds of the Month during August, because if someone finds it, we want to know about it. 

[Bridget] And, what is the best control method for Yellow Star Thistle if you do find it here in the county? 

[Dan] I found that herbicide works probably the best on this. You can pull it. It is a perennial plant, so you do need to get as much of that root as you can. I would say tillage or herbicide would be your option for Yellow Star Thistle. 

[Bridget] And, herbicide is something your team provides to residents of Summit County, right? 

[Dan] Yes. You can visit our shop, where we sell herbicides at cost. We also loan out equipment free of charge. You have two weeks to use it. When you visit the shop, we’ll do our best to provide you with the best options for treating the noxious weeds on your property. 

[Bridget] Awesome, and if our listeners want to know more information about the herbicide or the spray loaner program, they can visit bit.ly/sprayrentals. Alright, Dan, so if our listeners want more information, specifically on Yellow Star Thistle, where should they go? 

[Dan] They can visit our website at summitcounty.info/idweeds. There are really great pictures and descriptions of the plant on there. You can also always talk to me, Dave, or Juan (one of the guys who sprays for our county – you’ve probably seen him out and about). We’ll always try to give you the best solution for your problem. 

[Bridget] Yeah, I can tell you from firsthand experience, this team is a great resource for you to take advantage of if you want to figure out the best ways to treat noxious weeds on your property. Dan is there anything else you want to add here? 

[Dan] Like I said, we’re always ready to talk to our community and help you find the best solution for your property – whether that’s herbicide, hand pulling, tillage, or more creative solutions like biocontrol, grazing, and so much more. Please reach out or come by the shop! 

[Bridget] Ok, so in addition to just being a great resource our community can call on, you also are also really focused on education opportunities. Can you tell us about anything that’s coming up? 

[Dan] We’ll be having our annual Noxious Weed Tour for the fall here on September 6 – that’s a Saturday. Please come out, ask us questions (we love getting the questions) and we’ll help you find the best solution for your noxious weeds woes. 

[Bridget] Yeah, that tour is a great event to tap into. There will be partners like Swaner, Basin REc, USU Extension, and even Utah’s leading biocontrol expert, Amber Mendenhall at the tour here in September. It’s a great event for residents to join because noxious weeds are a community problem that we’re tackling together! Alright Dan, well thank you so much for being here. I think that’s it for today! 

[Dan] Thanks for having me!

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