TOPIC 1 – UDOT Wasatch Back dashboard 

We’ll get the ball rolling with some big news for Wasatch Back commuters! 

The Utah Department of Transportation (aka UDOT) is bringing increased communication to drivers traveling in Parleys Canyon and the Park City area.

UDOT Wasatch Back will provide real-time updates and driver education on social media (@udotwasatchback on Instagram, Facebook, and X) and at wasatchback.udot.utah.gov. This is an extension of the Roads to Recreation program that includes UDOT Cottonwood Canyons which has helped travelers navigate Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons since 2019.

Reporting in this new area will focus on I-80 in Parleys Canyon, US-40 between Silver Creek Junction and Mayflower, SR-224 from Kimball Junction into Park City, and SR-248 from Quinns Junction into Park City. It’s targeted toward drivers traveling to winter recreation destinations, but the information can be useful to anyone driving through this area.

Real-time updates begin January 22 and include major crash alerts, notifications of the Traction Law going into effect, ski resort parking status and other big impacts to traffic. During storms, footage of road conditions will show drivers exactly what to expect.

You can also find information about Summit County plowing routes and snow removal.

Check it out at wasatchback.udot.utah.gov.

TOPIC 2 – Text My Gov Launch Announcement

Have you signed up for Summit County’s new text-based alerts yet?

In December, Summit County launched a new communication platform for residents to connect with county services via TextMyGov. This service enables residents to effortlessly receive important non-emergency notifications and easily find specific information or report issues by texting the county.

Opt-in by texting the keyword “SUMMITCOUNTY” to the number 91896. After sending the initial keyword, you will be asked to reply “YES” to confirm opt-in. Residents may receive notifications for events, county service disruptions, and more.

For specific text alerts, text one of the following keywords to the number 91896:

• For county road construction, snow plowing, and other updates from Public Works: text SCROADS
• For health advisories and other Health Department updates: text SCHEALTH
• For information on Summit Bike Share: text SCBIKE

Additional notification categories will be released in 2025. Beginning Spring 2025, residents can receive on-demand information 24/7 by texting 1-2 keywords to Summit County’s TextMyGov number, 435-495-4090. You’ll be able to get quick information about county departments and elected offices, and report concerns.

TOPIC 3 – Community Planning Lab Applications 

It’s time to apply for the SPRING 2025 Community Planning Lab, a 10-week course that can help YOU understand the processes that drive local planning and land use policy decisions. Learn more about the Community Planning Lab and apply today through January 27 at summitcounty.info/planninglab. 

TOPIC 4 – 910 Ranch Survey Open + Upcoming Open Houses

This is Summit County’s chance to help shape the future of the 910 Ranch:
There is a survey open through January 31 that will help the County gather vital public input for creating a balanced land management plan that reflects community sentiment, allows for recreation opportunities, and safeguards natural resources and conservation values. You can take the survey at: summitcounty.info/910survey 

You can also attend some open house events about planning for the 910 Ranch. All events will be held at the Sheldon Richins Building in Kimball Junction from 6:30pm – 8:30pm.

There will be two sessions in January, one is NEXT WEEK on January 21st + there is another on January 30th. At these sessions, there will be materials outside the scope of the survey that residents will have the opportunity to engage with. To be clear: there are two January opportunities to attend, but both events are structured the same.

At the Open House on March 18, event-goers can expect a recap of the data gathered from the survey and January Open House sessions. There will be an opportunity to submit questions to be answered by staff during a live Q+A.

Visit summitcounty.info/910ranch for history, details about the land acquisition, and how to stay involved.

TOPIC 5 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. To place a bid, the online bidding form can be found in the description of each vehicle. Bidding concludes end-of-day on January 27, 2025. 

The winning bid will be the highest reasonable bid submitted. If a tie occurs, the Auditor’s Office will accept the bid that was placed first. 

If you have any questions about how to bid or the process, contact the Summit County Auditor’s Office at (435) 336-3027 or auditor@summitcountyutah.gov.

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We hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season! We’re kicking off the new year with our first episode of 2025! In this week’s segment, we’ll cover elected official appointments, the upcoming SR-32 Open House next week, the 910 Ranch Survey, and some opportunities to get involved with several volunteer boards.

TOPIC 1: County Council Recap

During this week’s council meeting, the following individuals were sworn into public office for a variety of positions with the County: Councilmember, Megan McKenna, Council Member, Tonja B. Hanson, Council Member, Roger Armstrong, Recorder, Greg Wolbach, Assessor, Stephanie Poll, Sheriff, Frank Smith, and Recorder, Corrie Forsling. Congratulations to all and a big thank you for your service.

Also in yesterday’s meeting, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources presented the County Council with a payment in lieu of taxes (PILT); compensation given to Summit County to make up for the presence of nontaxable land. We’re grateful for our state and federal partners who work with us to keep Summit County one of the country’s best places for outdoor recreation.

Every year, the County Council adopts an official work plan as a way to focus staff hours and align their work with the budget. It’s basically a blueprint for what work Summit County will accomplish in the coming year. The 2025 Work Plan was approved by Council at this week’s meeting. If our listeners would like to review the Work Plan and see what the County will be up to this year, please visit: summitcounty.info/workplan25

TOPIC 2: SR-32 Open House 

Mark your calendars for the SR-32 Corridor and City Centers Open House happening on Monday, January 13, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Kamas Services Building located at 110 N Main St. in Kamas! 

In case you haven’t heard yet, the cities of Kamas, Francis, and Oakley, in partnership with Summit County, UDOT, and Mountainland Association of Governments (MAG) are working to establish a holistic vision for the State Route 32 corridor from Oakley to Francis, with strategies for land use, transportation, economic development, and recreation. 

The SR-32 Corridor and City Centers Plan will balance and complement the regional use of the corridor with the needs of the communities of Oakley, Kamas, and Francis, including developing city center (downtown) plans for each community.

The project team wants to hear from the community as an integral part of developing a vision and plan for the SR-32 Corridor. 

At the open house on Monday, January 13, community members will have the opportunity to learn more about the project, meet the project team, and provide feedback on their experiences on SR-32 and their vision for the corridor and city centers along it. 

If folks can’t make the open house, there is an opportunity to provide input through an online survey: summitcounty.info/sr32survey.  

TOPIC 3: Community Planning Lab Applications 

It’s time to apply for the SPRING 2025 Community Planning Lab, a 10-week course that can help YOU understand the processes that drive local planning and land use policy decisions. Learn more about the Community Planning Lab and apply today through January 27 at summitcounty.info/planninglab. 

TOPIC 4: Current Summit County boards and commissions volunteer opportunities

If you’re looking for ways to get more involved with your county in 2025, we’ve got two openings:

1. To apply for either of the following openings, visit summitcountyutah.gov and click the Volunteer Opportunities box under “Latest News”. The Summit County Council is seeking one individual to serve on the Snyderville Basin Planning Commission. Meetings are scheduled for the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. Interested citizens must be residents of the Snyderville Basin Planning District for at least one year and no more than two members may reside within the incorporated boundaries of Park City. The Commission’s role is to hear, review, and recommend approval or disapproval of land use proposals consistent with the Snyderville Basin Development Code and to prepare amendments to the general plan, zoning, and subdivision regulations. For further information, contact Peter Barnes at (435) 336-3158. The deadline for applications is 5:00 p.m. this coming Monday, January 13, 2025
2. The Summit County Manager is also seeking an individual to fill one vacancy on the Summit County Fair Advisory Board. The Board is responsible for planning, organizing and promoting activities at the fair. The Board meets as needed at 5:30 p.m. on the second Monday of each month. For further information contact: Tyler Orgill at 435-336-3249. This position is open until filled.

We will have all this information in our shownotes.

TOPIC 5: 910 Ranch Survey Open + Upcoming Open Houses

This is Summit County’s chance to help shape the future of the 910 Ranch! There is a survey Open Through January 31 that will help the County gather vital public input for creating a balanced land management plan that reflects community sentiment, allows for recreation opportunities, and safeguards natural resources and conservation values. You can take the survey at: summitcounty.info/910survey. 

You can also attend some open house events about planning for the 910 Ranch. All events will be held at the Sheldon Richins Building in Kimball Junction from 6:30pm – 8:30pm. There will be two sessions in January, one on the 21st + one on the 30th. At these sessions, there will be materials outside the scope of the survey that residents will have the opportunity to engage with. To be clear: there are two January opportunities to attend, but both events are structured the same.

At the Open House on March 18, event-goers can expect a recap of the data gathered from the survey and January Open House sessions. There will be an opportunity to submit questions to be answered by staff during a live Q+A.

Visit summitcounty.info/910ranch for history, details about the land acquisition, and how to stay involved.

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Hey everyone! Welcome back to another week of news here on Summit in Six. This is our last episode of 2024 – which feels crazy to say! Time flies! Today, we’re recapping the six biggest stories of the year, including this week’s big story about the Summit County Council approving an amended development agreement with Dakota Pacific Real Estate. Without further ado, let’s get into the news… 

TOPIC 1: DPRE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT APPROVAL 

At this week’s County Council meeting—the final meeting of 2024—the Summit County Council approved Dakota Pacific Real Estate’s amended development agreement in a 4-1 roll call vote. 

The approval concludes an arduous deliberation process that began in 2019 when DPRE first applied to amend its development agreement for 90 acres of property in the Kimball Junction area – adjacent to the Skullcandy Building. 

To read the agreement in full, visit: summitcounty.info/dpreagreement. To watch the council meeting and approval, visit summitcounty.info/councilrecording. 

TOPIC 2: PURCHASES & ACQUISITIONS 

Moving onto some big purchases and acquisitions that happened this year. First up, back in May, the Summit County Council purchased the Skullcandy headquarters building for $17.5 million using sales tax bond funding.  

At the time, County Council Chair, Malena Stevens, said of the purchase: “Summit County has worked for years to identify a suitable location for a new county facility in the Snyderville Basin. The Council has explored options to acquire an existing property such as the Skullcandy headquarters compared to the cost feasibility of building a new facility. Existing infrastructure may best serve our community in a more fiscally responsible manner.” 

From here, the county will work with Skullcandy on a new lease to determine the future of the building. Summit County is interested in getting some county functions in the building and anticipates sharing more with the public about these plans in the new year. Stay tuned!

In more purchasing news, Summit County also acquired the following properties this year with the help of bond funds for open space: the 835-acre Ure Ranch, the 8,558 acre 910 Ranch, and the 4,338 acre Wright Ranch in Echo Canyon. 

For some context, over the past three years, the Summit County Lands and Natural Resources Department has been dedicated to preserving vital wildlife corridors, water resources, viewsheds, and our county’s agricultural roots. To date, 13,731 acres of land have been secured countywide since 2021 with help from the General Obligation Bond for Open Space, grants, and Summit County Volunteer open space boards such as ESAP and the Open Space Advisory Council (OSAC).

Summit County acquires property and secures conservation easements for open space, conservation, and agricultural preservation. The County welcomes landowners to submit a Notice of Interest, or “NOI”, to have their property evaluated for possible qualified use of these Open Space Bond Funds. A NOI may only be completed by the property owner or an authorized representative. Find out more at summitcounty.info/NOI. 

We also want to mention that Summit County is currently developing the “910 Ranch Management and Recreation Plan” intended to guide future use of the property. A survey is out now for you, the community, to give input that reflects the priorities, direction, and vision of the property, and to inform a balanced plan that can provide recreation opportunities while protecting resources and conservation values. Take the survey today at summitcounty.info/910survey. 

TOPIC 3: ELECTION RECAP

The 2024 General Election saw record voter turnout with just over 26,000 ballots cast, a turnout of 89.11%. A massive kudos to the Summit County Clerk’s Office for overseeing and ensuring another year of secure and fair elections.  

Locally…

• Three council seats were up for election this year. Incumbent Roger Armstrong maintained Council Seat A. Tonja Blonquist Hanson ran unopposed for Summit County Council Seat B, and Summit County Council Seat C was won by newcomer Megan McKenna. 
• The County Assessor, Sheriff, and Treasurer Offices were also up for reelection. All incumbents in those offices ran unopposed and will complete another term. 
• In the County Recorder’s Office, Greg Wolbach ran uncontested. 
• Each school district had school board seats up for election. In North Summit, school board seat 2 was won by Waylon Bond and seat 3 by Maggie Judi. In Park City School District, school board seat 3 was won by Kathleen Britton. And, in South Summit, school board seat 1 was won by Wade Woolstenhulme and seat by Dan Eckert. 
• And, finally, the North Summit School Bond, a $114 million bond intended to fund a new high school, was voted down. 

TOPIC 4: EMERGENCY SERVICES SALES TAX

Another important ballot measure voters saw on their ballots this past November was the Emergency Services Sales Tax. Voters passed the proposed sales tax increase with flying colors,  with approximately 72% of voters voting YES on the proposition.

The ESST is a one-half (.005) percent increase to sales taxes in Summit County (that’s 50 cents on applicable purchases of $100) intended to reduce the impact of tourism. 

Revenue generated from the Emergency Services Sales Tax will support things like Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Search and Rescue, Law Enforcement, Fire Protection, and even solid waste, here in Summit County:

Approximately 65% of sales tax revenue is generated by non-residents, which means nearly two-thirds of revenue generated from this tax will be paid by visitors.

Gas & Diesel, Medical prescriptions, and groceries or unprepared foods are not taxed.

Examples of taxable purchases 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.

Residents can expect to start seeing the tax increase on applicable purchases around March or April of 2025. 

TOPIC 5: GENERAL PLAN UPDATES  

The County also began the process of updating our two general plans –  the Eastern Summit County General Plan and the Snyderville Basin General Plan – this year. 

For some context, a General Plan is a guiding document that outlines a community’s goals for future development, including land use, transportation, housing, conservation, and other key elements. General Plans are typically updated every five to ten years to ensure that the community’s values and expectations for the future are being considered.  

The Snyderville Basin General Plan was last updated in 2015. The Eastern Summit County General Plan was adopted in 2013. Over the years, there have been amendments to both plans to accommodate new State regulations, but this is the first comprehensive update in some time. 

Through research and extensive community engagement, the goal is to update both General Plans to include actionable goals and policies and clear implementation strategies that reflect the values of our community and support a sustainable future. 

This year, county staff sought feedback from both Eastern Summit County and Snyderville Basin community members through open houses and surveys specific to their own communities. Three in-person open houses were held and five surveys were administered across both sides of the county. Residents also had the opportunity to speak with planning staff virtually and participate in a self-guided, virtual open house. The engagement focused on themes like managing natural resources and growing responsibility, as well as Promoting Healthy Living, Preserving Unique Identities, and Creating Inclusive Communities, which were themes identified by the Community during Our Summit Community Visioning. The feedback staff receives will help guide the General Plan updates which in turn help to inform County policies.

In 2025, residents can expect more opportunities to provide feedback on the general plans, including updates to future land use maps and a newly required element focused on water use and conservation. Staff anticipates the adoption of both plans by the end of 2025.

To learn more, stay up to date on involvement opportunities, and more visit: summitcounty.info/gpupdates.

TOPIC 6: COMMUNITY HEALTH ASSESSMENT 

And, finally, this year, the Summit County Health Department conducted and wrapped up the Community Health Assessment, and it is now complete! Thank you to everyone who participated. Your feedback is invaluable in shaping the future of our community. From the results, the top areas identified for improvement overall in Summit County are:  

1. Affordable housing  
2. Childcare  
3. Elder care options  
4. Affordable food options  
5. Road maintenance and safety  

On a positive note, residents rated several factors as strengths, including:  

• Access to parks, trails, and outdoor recreation  
• Crime rates and safe neighborhoods  
• A clean environment  
• A great place to raise children  
• Access to healthcare  

 We appreciate your contributions and look forward to using this data to better serve our community. Together, we’ll work to address challenges and celebrate our community’s strengths. Stay tuned for more updates!

OUTRO

Well…what a year it’s been! We’ll be back in 2025 continuing to bring you fast Summit County news every Friday! See you in January!

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Hey everyone! Welcome back to another week of news here on Summit in Six! We have some exciting news to share this week: from the launch of a new countywide text messaging service to celebrating Council Chair Malena Stevens as she closes out her four years of service on the Summit County Council. All right, let’s get into the news.

TOPIC 1: TEXT MY GOV LAUNCH

This week, the county launched a new communication platform called “TextMyGov” for residents to connect with county services. This enables residents to receive important non-emergency notifications and find specific information or report issues through a simple text message.

A number of residents received a text message from Summit County initiating the service this week if they already had their number on file with the United States Postal Service. If you didn’t get this message, no worries. You can opt-in by texting the keyword “SUMMITCOUNTY” in all caps, with no spaces, to the number “91896”. Then reply “YES” to confirm you want to opt in.

There are text alerts already set up for specific topics. For county road construction, snow plowing, and other updates from Public Works, text “SCROADS”. For health advisories and other Health Department updates, text “SCHEALTH”. For information on Summit Bike Share, text “SCBIKE”.

It doesn’t stop there, though! Additional notification categories will be released next year. Beginning Spring 2025, residents will be able to receive on-demand information 24/7 by texting one or two keywords to Summit County’s TextMyGov number: 435-495-4090. You’ll be able to get quick information at your fingertips about county departments and elected offices, as well as report concerns.

TOPIC 2: MALENA STEVENS’ PROCLAMATION

At this week’s County Council meeting, Malena Stevens was recognized for her four years of service on the Summit County Council.

During her years serving, Malena focused her time and attention on bolstering law enforcement, enhancing emergency medical services, assisting families with childcare, and responding to public feedback provided through the county’s “Our Summit” community visioning project. She also prioritized addressing the county’s housing crisis and traffic congestion challenges, particularly by supporting the newly established rural transit district, High Valley Transit, as a board member.

Thank you to Council Member Stevens for your commitment to making Summit County an all-around better place for those who live and visit here!

TOPIC 3: MENTAL HEALTH CONTRACT 

This week, the council approved that the Behavioral Health Division of the Summit County Health Department enter into the Behavioral Health Medicaid Services Agreement with the University of Utah Health Plans. This agreement is effective January 1st, 2025 and will run through July 1st, 2030.

Here are some stats to illustrate how important this particular contract with U of U Health is:

• Around 11,600 people benefitted from this Medicaid contract last calendar year.
• In November 2024 alone, 1,435 individuals received care thanks to this agreement.
  

As always, if you or someone you know is in crisis or in need of mental health resources, don’t hesitate, dial 988.

TOPIC 4: DAKOTA PACIFIC DISCUSSIONS CONTINUE

At last week’s county council meeting, the Summit County Council proposed changes to the Daktoa Pacific Development Agreement for their property in Kimball Junction. At this week’s council meeting Dakota Pacific respond with their counter-proposal. 

There was a lot of detail discussed regarding density, construction phasing timelines, and more.  We recommend watching the replay of this conversation via the Agenda & Meeting Minutes section on the County website homepage.

The County attorneys will continue to work on a draft of the amended development agreement, and that will be brought before council at next week’s meeting on December 18th at 4pm at the Richins building.

TOPIC 5: LAST CHANCE FOR SUMMIT BIKE SHARE END OF SEASON SURVEY

This is your LAST CALL to fill out the Summit Bike Share End-of-Season survey! What do YOU want to see from Summit Bike Share next season? Your feedback will help us create a service that best reflects our community’s needs & values. You can take the survey at summitcounty.info/season24 until THIS SUNDAY, December 15, 2024.

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Hi everyone! Welcome back to another week of news here on Summit in Six. This week, we kick things off with a preview of an exciting new way residents can get updates from the county. Then, we provide updates on the Summit County Childcare Scholarship Program, Dakota Pacific, and more! 

Text My Gov Launch Announcement

Summit County is launching a new communication platform for residents to connect with county services via TextMyGov. This service enables residents to effortlessly receive important non-emergency notifications and easily find specific information or report issues by texting the county.

Summit County will officially launch the new text messaging system to the public on Wednesday, December 11, 2024. Residents who have a cell phone number listed with the Post Office will likely receive a text message from 91896 from Summit County initiating the service. You can choose to opt-out at any time by texting STOP.

If you don’t receive the initial message, you can choose to opt-in by texting the keyword “SUMMITCOUNTY” to the number 91896. After sending the initial keyword, you will be asked to reply “YES” to confirm opt-in. Residents may receive notifications for events, county service disruptions, and more.

For specific text alerts, text one of the following keywords to the number 91896:

• For county road construction, snow plowing, and other updates from Public Works: text SCROADS
• For health advisories and other Health Department updates: text SCHEALTH
• For information on Summit Bike Share: text SCBIKE

Additional notification categories will be released in 2025. Beginning Spring 2025 , residents can receive on-demand information 24/7 by texting 1-2 keywords to Summit County’s TextMyGov number, 435-495-4090. You’ll be able to get quick information about county departments and elected offices, and report concerns.

Childcare Scholarship Program Update

At this week’s County Council meeting, Deputy County Manager, Janna Young, gave an update on the county’s Needs-Based Childcare Scholarship Program, which launched in June of 2024.

Since then, 33 families have enrolled in the program, and more than 100 eligible families are on the waitlist. 

Approximately 35% of applicants were from the North Summit area, 24% from South Summit, and just under 22% from the Snyderville Basin. 

Due to a need to secure ongoing funding, program promotion to onboard new families was paused this year, and the requested funding for 2025 would only cover the families currently enrolled in the program.

Council approved $360k to fund the program in 2025, including an increase of $80k from last year to provide an additional three months of coverage next year for the families currently enrolled. Sixty-thousand dollars of the $360k was set aside for county employees who can receive an FSA match for childcare.

Dakota Pacific Update

Also during this week’s Council session, Summit County Council provided a response to redlines from previous meetings with Dakota Pacific Realt Estate (DPRE).

Among this response was an updated proposal on a number of areas concerning DPRE’s proposal at Kimball Junction:

Council proposed 350 market rate units and 350 affordable housing units and determined that building of the affordable and market rate units would happen at a 1:1 ratio as part of Council’s current structure.

To phase the construction of the proposed 700 units… 

• 170 affordable and 170 market rate would be permitted to be built once the SR 224 project is added to the UDOT Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan, also known as the STIP.
• 50 more housing units of market rate and 50 affordable units would be allowed at the start of the Public Private Partnership (P3) project construction, This project includes a potential SR 224 Bridge, the public plaza and landscaping, the Olympic View Park, and ampitheater, all of which DPRE would be require to pay 50% of the costs to build, up to $10 million.
• 65 units of market rate of 65 affordable would be allowed at the start of the design for the SR 224 Project, and another 65 of each when the project design is completed by UDOT.
• Following that, 125 units of affordable and 125 units of market rate would be approved upon the start of construction on the SR 224 Project.
• And the last 250 units (125 affordable and 125 market rate) could begin construction upon the completion of the SR 224 Project.

A number of additional details were also discussed. For the full picture of where the project stands, we recommend watching the replay of this agenda item from this week’s Council Meeting via the Agenda & Meeting Minutes section on the County website homepage.

News Roundup:

1. There is still time to take the Summit Bike Share End-of-Season survey! What do YOU want to see from the Bike Share next season? Your feedback will help us create a service that best reflects YOUR needs & values. You can take the survey at summitcounty.info/season24.
2. Need a New Year’s Resolution for 2025? Save our night sky! According to area development codes: by the end of this year, on December 31, 2024, all outdoor light bulbs in Park City and unincorporated Summit County must be 3,000 degrees Kelvin or less, and all outdoor lighting fixtures must be fully shielded and down-directed. Pollution of our natural environment is not limited to daytime hours only. Light pollution hinders access to viewing the starry night sky, and has negative impacts on our area’s beloved wildlife, human health and more. This is why your local leaders at both the city and county level have committed to encouraging dark sky-friendly lighting practices! If you have any questions about this ordinance, visit summitcounty.info/darkskies.

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Hey everyone, welcome to another week of news here on Summit in Six. Today we go over a council recap of the Dakota Pacific conversation, the potential formation of a housing authority in Summit County and more. Let’s get into the news!

Dakota Pacific Continues 

Today, we’re diving into the latest updates on the Dakota Pacific project. Here are the key issues they discussed with the council this week:

Water Allocations

The first issue was water allocations. Council raised concerns about water shares for multifamily units, parks, and landscaping. Dakota Pacific assured them they can purchase water shares at a fixed price to address these needs.

Development Fees 

The second item council brought concern around was development fees. Affordable housing will be funded through a tax credit process. They debated how to split the developer fee. Dakota Pacific suggested 30% for themselves and 70% for Summit County, after negotiating down from their original 40%.

Open Space Funding

The third item was open space funding. Dakota Pacific proposed $3.5 million for open spaces, including parks, bridges, and community areas. They’ve added up to $200,000 more to align with council requests.

Housing Mix 

The fourth concern revolved around the housing unit mix as affordable housing remains a challenge. Dakota Pacific insists market-rate units are essential for middle-income earners. They also proposed AMI-restricted units with deed restrictions lasting 20-55 years.

Phasing

The final concern was how the project would be phasing out. Profits for the project will come in the final stages and Dakota Pacific reassured the council their phased plan hasn’t changed.

So what’s next? A draft agreement is in the works. The council will review it at the next meeting, but nothing is finalized yet.

Stay tuned for more updates!

Housing Authority 

Let’s talk about a big conversation in Summit County—there’s a push to establish a Housing Authority. But what exactly is that? A Housing Authority is a public agency focused on managing and providing affordable housing, especially for low- and middle-income families.

To create one, the county must show two things:

1. That Unsafe or unsanitary housing exists.
2. That there’s a lack of affordable, safe housing for moderate- and low-income residents.

Summit County is motivated to establish a housing authority because of the growing housing shortage in our area. The goal? Create solutions for middle- and low-income families who can’t find affordable options.

Four Key Focus Areas for the Potential Housing Authority & Moderate Income Housing Plan

• Data Collection for building a housing and economic data dashboard.
• Employer-Assisted Housing to engage businesses to support housing for their workers.
• Utility Allowance Studies to help offset costs for residents.
• Incentives for Eastern Summit County by encouraging affordable developments with fee waivers and a $50,000 incentive fund in 2025.

The county has already allocated $250,000 for this initiative, with only $81,000 needed to kickstart the dashboard, incentive fund, and studies.

So Why Now?

Eastern Summit County Planning Commission lacks the authority that Snyderville Basin Planning Commission has in place to require affordable housing in new developments. A Housing Authority could help bridge that gap and strengthen partnerships with local towns to create real change.

The council is on board, signaling strong support for this move. Stay tuned as this unfolds!

Summit Bike Share CTA 

Although the 2024 Summit Bike Share season is officially over, we wanted to take some time to reflect on some big wins! The Bike Share had over 17,000 rides this season, a 20% increase from last year! AND, we added two brand-new stations at the Lincoln Station Apartments and Park City Hospital, expanding access to the bikes for our community. 

As we celebrate these wins, we also want to make sure we hear from the community too. What do YOU want to see from the Bike Share next season? 

Take Summit Bike Share’s End-of-Season Survey to help us create a service that best reflects YOUR needs & values. You can take the survey at summitcounty.info/season24. 

Be a Dark Sky Steward
Pollution of our natural environment is not limited to daytime hours only. Light pollution hinders access to viewing the starry night sky, and has negative impacts on our area’s beloved wildlife, human health and more. This is why your local leaders at both the city and county level have committed to encouraging dark sky-friendly lighting practices!

According to area development codes: by the end of this year, on December 31, 2024, all outdoor light bulbs in Park City and unincorporated Summit County must be 3,000 degrees Kelvin or less, and all outdoor lighting fixtures must be fully shielded and down-directed. If you have any questions about this ordinance, visit summitcounty.info/darkskies.

Seasonal Parking in Summit County 

And finally just a reminder that seasonal parking limits went into effect last week, Friday, November 15, and will run through April 15, 2025. This means no on-street parking on County roads (unless otherwise marked by the County) is allowed. For more winter safety reminders, including the winter trash policy from Republic Services and County snow storage guidelines, please visit summitcountyutah.gov/publicworks. 

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Hey everyone! Welcome back to another week of news here on Summit in Six. Today, we run through a quick recap of Wednesday’s County Council meeting, which included some budget conversations + updates on Dakota Pacific and Cline Dahle developments. We also dive into some important winter safety reminders for the community to keep in mind now that the snow has arrived! Finally, we wrap things up with some info on dark sky-friendly lighting practices & a holiday vaccination reminder from the Health Department! Alright, let’s get into the news! 

Topic 1 – 2025 County Budget Update 

A quick update on the proposed 2025 county budget discussions. 

Although the Election Results will not be officially certified until Tuesday, November 19, unofficial results indicate that the Emergency Services Sales Tax will pass in Summit County. 

Because the ESST is likely to pass, the Council has chosen not to proceed with Truth in Taxation for the Summit County General Fund this year.  

For more information on the Emergency Services Sales Tax, visit: summitcounty.info/esst. 

Topic 2 – Updates on Cline Dahle and Dakota Pacific 

Up next, we have some quick updates on key development discussions happening in the county. 

Another work session was held on the Cline Dahle RFP at this week’s county council meeting. The Council heard from County Economic Development and Planning Staff, as well as a group of developers in efforts to further refine the RFP for the property. It is expected that the RFP will go out to bid in a couple weeks. This just means that the county will begin accepting design proposals for the property. We’ll keep you updated with more information and potential for public input on the property, as the project continues to move forward. 

The discussions between the County Council and Dakota Pacific also continued at this week’s council meeting. The group reflected on last week’s public hearing, where over 100 community members shared their thoughts on the proposed public-private partnership for the land in Kimball Junction. The group recounted that a majority of the feedback they received from the public was focused on traffic and density concerns. In the end, it’s clear there are still details to work through before the council takes a final vote on DPRE’s development application. The discussion will continue at next week’s council meeting, on Wednesday, November 20. Meeting details can be found at summitcountyutah.gov under the Agenda/Minutes tab. 

Topic 3 – Seasonal Parking Limits 

Seasonal parking limits go into effect TODAY, Friday, November 15, and will run through April 15, 2025. This means no on-street parking on County roads (unless otherwise marked by the County) is allowed. For more winter safety reminders, including the winter trash policy from Republic Services and County snow storage guidelines, please visit summitcountyutah.gov/publicworks. 

Topic 4 – Dark Sky Stewardship 

Pollution of our natural environment is not limited to daytime hours only. Light pollution hinders access to viewing the starry night sky and has negative impacts on our area’s beloved wildlife, human health, and more. This is why your local leaders at both the city and county levels have committed to encouraging dark sky-friendly lighting practices!

Need a New Year’s Resolution for 2025? Save our night sky! According to area development codes: by the end of this year, on December 31, 2024, all outdoor light bulbs in Park City and unincorporated Summit County must be 3,000 degrees Kelvin or less, and all outdoor lighting fixtures must be fully shielded and down-directed. If you have any questions, visit summitcounty.info/darkskies.

Topic 5 – Holiday Vaccines  

Pass the gravy, not the germs, this holiday season. Did you know it takes 2 weeks for most vaccines to be fully protective? The Summit County Health Department encourages members of our community to stay up to date on routine vaccinations to keep Summit County a healthier community for all. Get your flu and/or COVID vaccines this season now so you can be protected by the time the holidays roll in. Reach out to your healthcare provider to schedule your appointment. You can also schedule an appointment with the Summit County Health Department at 435-333-1500. Let’s stay healthy this season!

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Hi everyone and welcome back to another week of Summit County news here on Summit in Six. This week we’ll cover local results from the 2024 General Election, a quick update on last night’s Dakota Pacific Public Hearing, and more. Let’s get into the news!

General Election Results 

The 2024 General Election is over and, while results will not be certified until November 19, we have unofficial results updated as of November 7.

Three council seats were up for election this year, including Summit County Council Seat A where incumbent Roger Armstrong leads with 8,378 votes over Tory Welch, who currently has 6,670 votes.

Tonja Blonquist Hanson ran unopposed for Summit County Council Seat B.

Summit County Council Seat C, currently held by Malena Stevens, who did not run for reelection, has Megan McKenna in the lead at 8,028 votes and Ari Ionnides with 7,002 votes.

The County Assessor, Recorder, Sheriff, and Treasurer were also up for reelection. All incumbents in those offices ran unopposed for another term.

Other ballot initiatives, included Proposition 18, the “Emergency Services Sales Tax” currently with 10,885 votes for and 3,914 votes against.

The North Summit School Bond currently has 803 votes for and 1,057 votes against.

Just under 53% of registered voters in Summit County cast a ballot in this year’s election.

If you would like to see Summit County’s national, state and school district-level results, visit summitcountyutah.gov/elections. 

Results from the 2024 General Election are scheduled to be certified on Tuesday, November 19 at 4 p.m. during County Council. You can attend in-person at the Courthouse or watch online on Zoom or Facebook

Dakota Pacific Public Hearing 

Last night (November 7) the County Council held a public hearing on a proposed update to the Dakota Pacific development agreement which includes a potential public-private partnership between the County and the developer. Representatives from Dakota Pacific recapped the current proposal before members of the public shared their thoughts and input.

Now that Council has received feedback from the public, they will continue to meet with Dakota Pacific in council meetings to further discuss the proposal. Council Chair Malena Stevens explained that Council may vote to approve the development application as it stands, vote to approve it with changes or vote to deny it.

Ongoing discussions are currently scheduled for council meetings on November 13, November 20, and December 4. No date has been scheduled for Council to vote on the application at this time.

General Plan Updates  

There is still time to participate and provide input on the Snyderville Basin and Eastern Summit County General Plan updates. Last year, the community identified 5 objectives to guide future planning and decision-making across Summit County. Now these surveys will be used to determine when, where, and how these objectives should be implemented. 

Visit https://summitcounty.info/gpupdates to get started. Surveys are open for both the Snyderville Basin and Eastern Summit County now through December 2.

Be a Dark Sky Steward
Pollution of our natural environment is not limited to daytime hours only. Light pollution hinders access to viewing the starry night sky, and has negative impacts on our area’s beloved wildlife, human health and more. This is why your local leaders at both the city and county level have committed to encouraging dark sky-friendly lighting practices!

According to area development codes: by the end of this year, on December 31, 2024, all outdoor light bulbs in Park City and unincorporated Summit County must be 3,000 degrees Kelvin or less, and all outdoor lighting fixtures must be fully shielded and down-directed. If you have any questions about this ordinance, visit summitcounty.info/darkskies.

And if you want to dive even deeper on this topic, attend Recycle Utah’s next “Green Drinks” event on November 12 from 6-8pm at Park City Mountain’s Legacy Lodge. Attendees will hear from Axel Pearson of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory who will address the intersection of outdoor lighting and human health, energy efficiency opportunities and emerging research. Register for this event at recycleutah.org.

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Hey everyone! Welcome back to another week of news here on Summit in Six! In today’s episode, we have details on next week’s Dakota Pacific public hearing, some election day reminders and lots of local environmentally-focused opportunities to learn and engage. Alright, let’s get into the news!

Council Recap – 10/30/24
Summit County Council will hold a public hearing regarding the Dakota Pacific development application on Thursday, November 7 at 5: 30 p.m. The public hearing will be held at the Newpark Hotel Conference Center (second floor). The public can also join and comment via Zoom. The Zoom ID number can be found in our show notes. (Zoom ID: 772 302 472)

Elections
The 2024 General Election is happening NEXT WEEK on Tuesday, November 5. For information on early voting, election day voting, and dropbox locations and hours, please visit summitcountyutah.gov/elections. As a reminder, if you plan to vote by mail, your ballot must be postmarked by MONDAY, November 4, 2024 – the day before Election Day.

Green Business Program Lunch + Learn
Join the Green Business program on November 13 from 12-1pm at the Blair Education Center for a Lunch and Learn to discuss sustainable commuting options for employees. During this session you will hear from City and County representatives about available incentives, the short and long term plans for reducing traffic, what local businesses are doing to address the traffic issue, and how your business can be a part of the solution. For more info and to sign up, visit recycleutah.org and go on their events page.

Be a Dark Sky Steward
Pollution of our natural environment is not limited to daytime hours only. Light pollution hinders access to viewing the starry night sky, and has negative impacts on our area’s beloved wildlife, human health and more. This is why your local leaders at both the city and county level have committed to encouraging dark sky-friendly lighting practices!

Need a New Year’s Resolution? Save our night sky! According to area development codes: by the end of this year, on December 31, 2024, all outdoor light bulbs in Park City and unincorporated Summit County must be 3,000 degrees Kelvin or less, and all outdoor lighting fixtures must be fully shielded and down-directed. If you have any questions about this ordinance, visit summitcounty.info/darkskies.

And if you want to dive even deeper on this topic, attend Recycle Utah’s next “Green Drinks” event on November 12 from 6-8pm at Park City Mountain’s Legacy Lodge. Attendees will hear from Axel Pearson of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory who will address the intersection of outdoor lighting and human health, energy efficiency opportunities and emerging research. Register for this event at recycleutah.org.

County Lands – Willow Planting
You’re invited to a Willow Planting event at the 910 Cattle Ranch next Wednesday, Nov. 6th from 9am – 2pm hosted by our County Lands and Natural Resources Department. This is a unique opportunity to help restore critical riparian areas and contribute to the long-term health of our local environment.

We will be cutting and planting willows, as well as planting up to 1,500 aspens along a tributary of East Canyon Creek to protect the streambank against erosion and improve wildlife habitat. The work will involve walking across uneven terrain and possibly working near or in water. To learn more about the event and sign up, please visit: summitcounty.info/willowplanting.

General Plan Activities
There is still time to participate and provide input on the Snyderville Basin and Eastern Summit County General Plan updates. Last year, the community identified 5 objectives to guide future planning and decision-making across Summit County. Now these surveys will be used to determine when, where, and how these objectives should be implemented. 

Visit https://summitcounty.info/gpupdates to get started. Surveys are open for both plans until November 18. 

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Hey everyone, welcome back to another week of news here on Summit in Six. On today’s episode we have some information on voting, some updates regarding the Dakota Pacific Real Estate conversation and some upcoming community Halloweern-season events in Summit County.

TOPIC 1: Voting Info

The 2024 General Election is right around the corner on Tuesday, November 5. For information on early voting, election day voting, and dropbox locations and hours, please visit summitcountyutah.gov/elections. 

As a reminder, if you plan to vote by mail, your ballot must be postmarked by MONDAY, November 4, 2024 – they day before Election Day. 

TOPIC 2: Dakota Pacific Conversation

In this week’s conversation between Dakota Pacific Real Estate and County Council, a schedule/timeline for the Tech Center Development Application was presented. This timeline covered early development phases and an estimated release of residential units and community amenities. If approved, the development agreement revision is projected to be complete by the end of 2024 and DPRE expects occupancy of up to 170 affordable housing units by 2027. The schedule also went over milestones like SR 224 improvements on the State Transportation Improvement Plan and a deadline for when SR 224 construction to be 50% completed by 2031. 

An estimated civic budget was broken down, totaling $39 million for the project. This includes different plan elements such as a parking garage, transit center, pedestrian bridge, trails, and more. The total square footage of the proposed plan is 1,385,000 sq feet.

If you want to learn more and provide input on the current proposal, there will be a public hearing on November 7 at 5:30 pm in the Newpark Hotel Conference Room.  

TOPIC 3: Summit Bike Share

It’s almost time to wave goodbye to the 2024 Summit Bike Share season. Summit Bike Share will head into hibernation next week, Wednesday, October 30. Head on over to summitbikeshare.com to celebrate another awesome season by taking one last ride with us!

TOPIC 4: Low-Cost Rabies Vaccination Clinic Nov. 9

On November 9, Summit County Animal Control will host a low-cost rabies vaccination clinic from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm at the Animal Control shelter located at 1745 S Hoytsville Rd.

Thanks to Mirror Lake Veterinary Services for administering these $15 vaccines and providing a free wellness exam to participating pets!

No appointment is necessary. Just show up. Cats must be in carriers and dogs must be on leash.

TOPIC 5: Elks Lodge Luncheon for Seniors 
The Park City Elks Lodge would like to invite all Summit County Seniors for a free luncheon and entertainment on Saturday, November 23rd from 12 – 3 pm at 550 Main Street in Park City. Doors open at 11:30. Bingo and prizes after lunch.

Sign up by November 14th at your local senior center. You can find contact info for each senior center at summitcounty.org/seniors. 

TOPIC 6: Halloween Wellness Fair
Summit County Health is bringing a spooky Health Fair to the Ledges Event Center in Coalville this upcoming Wednesday, October 30 th! Bring your kids to learn about health resources and information around your community. This family friendly resource fair will have activities, prizes and more! There will also be flu and COVID vaccines available with no appointments needed. Come on over to the Ledges Event Center on October 30th at 6pm and join the fun! We hope to see you and your child(ren) there. 

TOPIC 7: Dia de Los Muertos Celebration 

On Friday, November 1 from 5-8 pm, the Arts Council invites the community to gather for a Día de los Muertos celebration at CREATE PC Local Artist Collective in Park City located at 1500 Kearns Blvd., space F110.

This is an event deeply rooted in Mexican traditions, where we will honor the lives of those who have passed while focusing on connection, legacy, and the beauty of life.

During the Día de los Muertos celebration, we will gather to join in creating a collaborative Ofrenda with local artist Ramon Ramos. Everyone will be invited to adorn the Ofrenda with marigolds, photos, or other mementos to honor their loved ones. Visual artist, Allison Martínez-Arocho, will also be leading a free handmade paper flower workshop for all ages.

Throughout the evening, traditional foods will be served, including tamales and pan de muerto. There will also be a performance featuring Aztec dancers and face painting.

This event is free and open to the public…all ages are welcome. This special celebration is provided in partnership with Artes de México en Utah and Summit Community Gardens & EATS.

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