Hey everyone, welcome back to another week of news here on Summit in Six. Today we are going to give some updates on the fire danger level in Summit County, a reminder to look out for your Notice of Valuation from the County Auditor’s Office, and some community engagement opportunities perfect for all, including Summit County’s annual concert. 

Let’s get into the news! 

Fire Danger

Summit County’s Fire Danger Level has moved to HIGH as of yesterday August 15, 2024. There are no active wildfires in Summit County at this time.

Even though we’ve moved from extreme fire conditions to high, its important we continue to practice fire sense and follow local fire restriction orders. In Summit County, that means the use of any kind of fireworks, tracer ammunition, or exploding targets is prohibited on unincorporated and state land within the county.

As always you can Text SCFIREINFO (all one word, all caps) to 888777 for updates on Summit County fire outlook, conditions, prescribed burns & more.

Notice of Valuation Statement

Summit County Residents should keep an eye out for your Notice of Valuation statement which is sent through the mail by the Auditor’s Office annually on or before August 1st.

There is a 45-day window of opportunity to review your property. As the taxpayer, you should be watching for market changes and whether your property is coded correctly, and receiving any exemptions that may be available.

If you have questions on property valuation info you can visit summitcountyassessor.org and if you have any questions on how to appeal your property’s value through the Board of Equalization you can visit summitcounty.info/boe

Safe Kids Day

The Summit County Health Department is bringing Safe Kids Day to the North Summit Fire Station in Coalville on September 5 for kids of all ages! 

This family-friendly resource fair will have a free opportunity drawing where you’ll have the chance to win cool prizes like scooters and life jackets AND FREE hot dogs will be provided by Summit County Sheriff’s Department. 

Safe Kids Day is a perfect way for parents and children to learn about necessary safety information around our community. 

Again, Mark your calendars for September 5 and come to the North Summit Fire Station in Coalville located at 86 W Center St. We hope to see you and your children there! 

Community Health Assessment

You may have heard the news around the community health assessment recently. Summit County Health is looking to gather 1,000 surveys by November. We need YOUR help to shape the future of public health in Summit County! If you live, work, or play in Summit County, your opinion matters. The Community Health Assessment is a short, ten-minute survey that allows the public to share their ideas, suggestions, and concerns about public health in our communities. Visit summitcountyhealth.org/CHA24 to take the survey in Spanish or in English. Let’s help create a healthier community for all!

Rodney Atkins Concert

Don’t forget THIS WEEKEND, Saturday August 17, Rodney Atkins will be performing at the Summit County Fairgrounds! Ticket are just $15. Get yours today at summitcounty.info/rodneyatkins.  

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TODAY, WE COVER…

• Information about this weekend’s county fair in Coalville
• Updates from the Sustainability Department
• A call for election volunteers from the Clerk’s office

– Summit County Recognizes Fair Royalty
The Summit County Fair is underway this week and Fair Royalty attended the Summit County Council Meeting on Wednesday and were recognized by our council members. A congratulations to the following members of our 2024 royalty:

• Rodeo Queen: Terra Hicken
  
• 1st Attendant: Peyton Bristol
  
• 2nd Attendant: Sierra Christiansen
  
  
• Miss Summit County Queen: Tyler McMillan
  
• 1st Attendant: Jacqueline Cabrera
  
• 2nd Attendant: Laureli Tippetts
  
  
• Little Buckaroo Princess: Berklee Noss
  
• 1st Attendant: Keslee Richins

– Summit County Fair Transportation
Speaking of the fair… are you headed to the Summit County Fair this weekend in Coalville? Did you know that you can bike there from Coalville’s Main St.!? On Saturday, August 10, from 11 AM (after the parade) until 8 PM, Summit Bike Share e-bikes will be available to ride to the Summit County Fair for free!

How it works:

• Enjoy hassle free parking for your car at the Summit County Courthouse, located at 60 N. Main Street in Coalville.
• Grab a free e-bike from the Summit Bike Share station at the Courthouse.
• Bike straight down 50 N. to the Fairgrounds. The Summit Bike Share electric assist bikes will make your ride a breeze!

Bikes will also be available at the Fairgrounds for when you want to head back to your car at the Courthouse. If biking isn’t a good solution for you or your family, shuttles will also be running for folks who park on Main Street and the North Summit High School parking lot.

Visit summitcountyfair.org for a complete schedule of this weekend’s festivities! We hope to see you there.

– General Updates
The sustainability department has various updates to share with our listeners today:

First: The Green Business Program is hosting their next event on Wednesday, August 14th from 9 to 10 am at the City Park Pavilion where you can learn about zero-food waste initiatives in the Park City area. The event will be a panel discussion with local leaders and business owners, with Andy Hecht of the Park City Community Foundation moderating. This is a great opportunity to learn from and engage with community leaders on the latest developments in food waste reduction.

Second: Are you looking for a place to charge your car in the Kimball Junction area? Check out the new fast chargers at the Kimball Junction Transit Center (behind the library!). The four new Electrify America brand chargers are owned and operated by Rocky Mountain Power. Thanks to a partnership between Rocky Mountain Power, High Valley Transit, and Summit County, these chargers are available for public use for a fee.

Our last update: is about some simple ways to improve energy and water efficiency in your household. All Summit County libraries are now offering FREE take-home energy conservation kits with items such as a toilet tank bank and weatherstripping foam, refrigerator temperature monitor—all designed to save energy, water, and money! Whether you are a homeowner or a renter, this interactive kit can help you find where energy and money are being wasted in your home. For more information visit: summitcounty.info/energydetective. Thanks Summit County Library, Utah for collaborating with the Sustainability Team on this program!

And now for an update from the Summit County Clerk’s office about the upcoming 2024 Elections:
Did you know…signing up to be an election worker is a great way to serve your community and to ensure that elections are accurate and trustworthy. You can offer to help with the November 5, 2024 Election by submitting an application to the Summit County Clerk’s Office as soon as possible at summitcounty.info/electionworker

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TODAY, WE COVER…

• Fire safety message
• Highlights from this week’s County Council meeting including the Emergency Services Sales Tax and a presentation celebrating Civic Health from the Health Department
• A reminder to look out for your Notice of Valuation in the mail
• The 2024 Summit County Fair
• Updates from the Sustainability Department

Alright, let’s get into the news!

TOPIC 1: FIRE SAFETY MESSAGE 

Summit County has seen four wildfires in the last week. With conditions remaining hot and very dry, it’s so imperative that we all follow our local fire restriction orders and continue to practice our fire sense. 

Here in Summit County, the use of any kind of fireworks, tracer ammunition, or exploding targets is prohibited on unincorporated and state land within the County. Any of the above acts is a violation of state law and is punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

For tips on fire sense best practices, visit https://utahfiresense.org. 

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

We’d also like to take a moment to express gratitude to our first responders, including our local fire agencies, Sheriff’s Office, and the Summit County Public Works Department, who act quickly to make sure our residents and their property remain safe.

TOPIC 2: EMERGENCY SERVICES SALES TAX  

At this week’s County Council meeting the Council approved a ballot proposition that will pose the question to Summit County voters during the November General Election if they want to approve a .5% sales tax increase to help the county mitigate the impacts of tourism on residents. 

A .5% increase on sales tax is the equivalent of one penny for every two dollars spent. The tax is not applicable to gas/diesel, medical prescriptions, groceries and unprepared foods. 

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

Revenue generated from the Emergency Services Sales Tax could support these emergency response services in Summit County:

• Emergency Medical Services
• Search and Rescue
• Law Enforcement
• Fire Protection

…and other vital services impacted by tourism, such as solid waste collection and the Three Mile landfill cell expansion.

If approved by voters in November, the tax is in place for 10 years. Summit County Council cannot raise or alter the tax without voter approval.

TOPIC 3: HEALTH DEPARTMENT PRESENTATION (ISAAC)

Also at this week’s County Council meeting, Kendra Babitz, Deputy Director of the Summit County Health Department, gave a presentation on the county’s civic health, which refers to the specific health conditions that support local health and wellbeing. 

There is a saying out there that says your zip code matters more than your genetic code when it comes to length and quality of life. This is because there are more factors to health than just your health care!  Things like your behaviors, your physical environment, and socioeconomic factors along with age, race, or ethnicity also play a huge role in your overall health. These factors are often called social determinants of health. 

A healthy geographic area, like Summit County, achieves great health outcomes by coming together as a community at an individual, interpersonal, organizational, and community level to influence public policy and social drivers. The Summit County Health Department works on all of these levels to ensure the health of our community. 

In the state of Utah, Summit County ranks number one in the areas that most influence social determinants of health including: tree canopy where people live, work and play, number of people with a bachelor’s education or higher, good hardship index score which is a measure of economic conditions based on crowd housing, dependency, education, income, poverty and unemployment. 

We are also number one in areas related to mental health. In fact, here in Summit County, 93.2% of adults report that they always or usually have the social or emotional support that they need. No county in the rest of the state comes close to this data point. In addition, our physical health is in the top 1%. 

Overall, Summit County is in the 88.5 percentile of a healthy county. 

Shout out to our Health Department, County Council, Board of Health, County Management, all the partners in the community and our staff. Summit County wouldn’t be the healthiest place to live in Utah without you! 

TOPIC 4: NOTICE OF VALUATION IN MAIL 

Summit County Residents should keep an eye out for their Notice of Valuation statement in the mail. They were sent by the Summit County Auditor’s Office last week. 

There is a 45-day window of opportunity to review your property. As the taxpayer, you should be watching for market changes and whether your property is coded correctly, and receiving any exemptions that may be available.

If you have questions on your property valuation information, please visit summitcountyassessor.org. 

If you have questions on how to appeal your property’s value through the Board of Equalization, please visit summitcounty.info/boe.  

TOPIC 5: SUMMIT COUNTY FAIR  

The 2024 Summit County Fair is finally HERE! Fair activities kick off tomorrow, Saturday, August 3, with the Demolition Derby happening at 7 PM! 

Other key events include: 

• Youth Pet Fest on Wednesday, August 7 @ 1 PM 
• Little Buckaroo Rodeo on Wednesday, August 7 and Thursday, August 8 @ 6 PM 
• Jr. Livestock Auction on Thursday, August 8 @ 12 PM 
• PRCA Rodeo Night 1 on Friday, August 9 @ 8 PM 
• Parade on Saturday, August 10 @ 10 AM 
• PRCA Rodeo Night 2 on Saturday, August 10 @ 8 PM 

For a full schedule of fair activities, please visit summitcountyfair.org. 

Please note: the Fair is not hosting any events or vendors on the freshly planted grass at the fairgrounds. They have instead moved the entertainment tent, carnival and food vendors to the fields to the east, across the creek. So, while it will look a little different this year, you can still expect the same fantastic Summit County Fair! 

TOPIC 6: CONCERT SERIES

Speaking of fun events happening in the county this month, in case you missed it, Summit County is proud to be presenting Rodney Atkins in Concert on August 17th at the Fairgrounds Rodeo Arena.  All tickets are $15! Buy yours today at summitcounty.info/rodneyatkins.

TOPIC 7: SUSTAINABILITY UPDATES

Finally, we have a few updates to share with you from our Sustainability Team:

Are you looking for a place to charge your car in the Kimball Junction area? Check out the new fast chargers at the Kimball Junction Transit Center (behind the Kimball Junction library branch!). These four new “Electrify America” brand chargers are owned and operated by Rocky Mountain Power. They were installed thanks to a partnership between RMP, High Valley Transit, and Summit County.

Are you interested in finding out how your home may be wasting energy and therefore…money!? You can now check out a FREE energy detective kit from any Summit County Library branch. Whether you are a homeowner or a renter, this interactive kit can help you find where energy and money are being wasted in your home.

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

Alright, let’s get into the news!

– OLYMPIC ANNOUNCEMENT 

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

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

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

– FIRE RESTRICTIONS

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

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

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

– AIR QUALITY 

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

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

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

summitcountyhealth.org and check out the Environmental Health section.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fire Conditions update and Fireworks Ban information

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

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

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

Summer Safety Tips from Summit County Health

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

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

Community Health Assessment

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

Summit Bike Share Pioneer Day Competition

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

Pioneer Day County Closures

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

Weed of the Month

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

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

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TODAY, WE COVER: 

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

TOPIC 1: Dakota Pacific Public Private Partnership Update

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

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

Proposed Terms from the County at that time included:

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

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

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

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

Their primary objectives include:

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

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

A timeline for the process moving forward goes as follows:

In the next 2-3 months

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

3-4 months

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

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

Stay tuned for additional updates and agenda items.

TOPIC 2: Basin Recreation E-bike Regulation Changes

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

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

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

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

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

County Council unanimously approved both changes.

TOPIC 3: Fire Restrictions & Outlook

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

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

Stager 1 Restrictions include:

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

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

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

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

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

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

TOPIC 4: Summit County Nonprofit Grant Funding

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

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

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

TOPIC 5: Elections Results

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

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

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

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

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

Alright let’s get into the news! 

Topic 1: Primary Election Results 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have any questions? Email elections@summitcounty.org.

Topic 2: Summit County Housing Authority

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

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

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

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

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

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

Topic 3: Elektron Solar Ribbon Cutting

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

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

Topic 4: Rob’s Trail Closed July 1 

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

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

Topic 5: July 9 Green Drinks

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

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

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

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

Alright, let’s get into the news!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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WE COVER…

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

TOPIC 1: PARAMETERS RESOLUTION 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The resolution also: 

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

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

TOPIC 2: CHILDCARE NEEDS-BASED SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM EXPANSION 

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

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

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

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

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

TOPIC 3: CLINE DAHLE OPEN HOUSE

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

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

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

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

TOPIC 4: DOMINION ENERGY NEWS 

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

TOPIC 5: JUNE WEEDS OF THE MONTH

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

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

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

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