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Show The Ogden Valley news Volume XIX Issue IV Page 3 May 15, 2011 Guest Commentary Heliports in Ogden Valley Being Discussed and Deliberated by OVPC: Community asked to join in the planning process On April 26, the Ogden Valley Planning Commission (OVPC) tabled a decision on an application to remove “heliport” from the CV-2 (Commercial Valley 2) zoning ordinance. The commissioners requested staff to gather more information; thus, the OVPC plans to study the issue and re-address it at their next work-session meeting on June 7, 2011. All who have an interest in the issue of helicopters in Ogden Valley should attend the meeting. This spring, after 15 months of study and deliberation, the OVPC rejected an application for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for a heliport at the Red Moose Lodge in Eden. The Weber County Commissioners upheld that decision on April 5, 2011. That action effectively blocked the possibility of a heliport in that location at this time. There is a concern that since “heliport” is still included on the list of conditioned uses under CV-2. This means that anyone could, at any time, file another application for a CUP for a heliport in any CV-2 site. Therefore, there is a need to press the issue. Recently, an application to remove “heliport” from the CV-2 zone was filed with the county. The OVPC staff reviewed the application and initially recommended against the application. At a recent meeting of the OVPC, applicants were allowed the opportunity to present and defend their application against heliports in CV-2 zones. The following points were made: 1. There are currently 17 CV-2 sites. All are on the valley floor. We contend that none of these 17 sites are suitable for a heliport. 2. The Weber County Zoning Ordinances have been changed in the last year, now making it much easier for any applicant to be granted a CUP. 3. Noise issues remain a significant concern. Many areas of the country are already struggling with problems associated with nonmilitary helicopter use in residential areas. 4. With the heliport designation as it now exists in CV-2, it would be difficult to place any restrictions (such as flight frequencies, flight routes, times of flights, destinations, etc.) on this CUP. Enforcement could also be difficult. 5. We could find no documented reasons why heliport was ever placed in the CV-2 zoning ordinance. None of the other 186 uses now permitted or conditioned under CV-2 could ever create as much of an impact on Ogden Valley as would heliports. We concluded that heliports are a very unique and specialized use, and, as such, require special attention. We urged the commissioners to remove heliports from the current CV-2 so that an application for a CUP in current CV-2 sites could not be filed in the near future. We also expressed the hope that this discussion would serve as a start for a carefully planned process to study heliports in Ogden Valley—a process involving public input, careful research, and thoughtful discussion so as to arrive at the best possible decisions as to where, when, if, and how heliports would be sited in the Ogden Valley. The commissioners welcomed our input and presentation, urging all Valley residents to continue to actively participate in this and other issues. They stated that they would make accommodations for deliberations to be open and transparent. They did not think that the future resolution of this issue was clear enough to vote “yes-or-no” on removing heliports from CV-2 at this time; thus, a final vote on our application was tabled. Commissioner Warburton stressed that public input does have, and will continue to have, a large impact on the development of this important policy. The decision to table the issue enables us all to proceed with the next phases of this endeavor: data gathering, further analysis, public input, and then the development of a reasoned policy. At the OVPC work session on June 7, commissioners will begin the task of developing an over-all policy with regard to heliports in Ogden Valley. Chairman Siegel announced that their deliberations will be open to the public. (Public input may be allowed at this meeting; however, if not at this meeting, certainly at future meetings.) All Ogden Valley residents who have an interest in this issue should plan to attend, as this is a time we can start to really make a difference in establishing an over-all policy. Pease put your thoughts together and attend the next OVPC meeting on June 7 to hear deliberations and possibly take part in the discussion. Lee Schussman, Eden FIRE SAFETY cont. from page 1 rules, any open burning that is determined to be offensive or objectionable because of smoke l You are liable for damage caused by an out- and/or odor emissions will be ordered to be of-control fire. extinguished. Although this type of fire is a fun l If the fire gets out of control call 911. and great outdoor activity, please be careful and follow the rules. Recreational Fires Please have a safe and pleasant spring! l The Fire Code allows for recreational fires under the following conditions: l It must be at least 25 feet from a structure. l The fire must not be bigger than 3 feet wide and 2 feet high. l Only seasoned dried firewood may be used. In the May 1, 2011 issue of The OGDEN No trash, rubbish, or yard waste may be V ALLEY NEWS, the article entitled “Huntsville’s burned. Green Waste Facility is Now Open” incorl The fire pit must be contained by a nonflammable product such as a metal fire ring rectly stated that free dumping would be allowed in June at Huntsville’s facility. The or rocks. information was taken from the Huntsville With any type of authorized open burning, Town web site, which had not been updatyou must always have a means of extinguish- ed for the 2011 season. The free dumping ing the fire. Have a fire extinguisher on hand, took place in June of 2010, and is not being a charged garden hose, or shovels and sand. offered during the 2011 season. Huntsville However, even if you are following the above Town apologizes for any misunderstanding. Correction Expansion of U.S.-China EcoPartnerships Program innovation in green technology between Utah Secretary Clinton praises announcement of new U.S.-China EcoPartnerships Salt Lake City, UTAH - Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Xie Zhenhua, Vice Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) of the People’s Republic of China, delivered remarks today at a U.S.-China EcoPartnerships Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony at the Department of State in Washington D.C., welcoming seven new partners. Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs Dr. Kerri-Ann Jones also participated in the ceremony. Established under the Ten Year Framework on Energy and Environmental Cooperation (TYF), the EcoPartnerships program formally links U.S. and Chinese stakeholders to work on clean energy and sustainable development. Through seven existing partnerships, stakeholders are already sharing best practices on preventing air pollution, protecting water resources, rebuilding after natural disasters, developing electric vehicles and wind energy technologies, and safeguarding natural habitats. The State of Utah with Qinghai Province (China) and six other EcoPartnerships from around the country signed joint cooperation agreements. The new EcoPartnership connected with Utah includes, Cosmas, Inc. of Springville, Utah. Cosmas was the recipient of two years of critical funding through the Centers of Excellence program, now called the Technology Commercialization and Innovation Program (TCIP). COE/TCIP is run by the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED). “Without that funding, through GOED Cosmas would not be here today,” said Lynn Astle, CEO of Cosmas. The EcoPartnership will use each Partner’s unique strengths to develop new research, new technologies, and new green jobs. The UtahQinghai partnership creates a framework for joint and Qinghai academic institutions and several companies including the Utah Clean Tech Alliance (UTCA). UCTA is made up of four Utah-based companies: Andigen, AD Technologies, Cosmas, and Ceramatec. The Utah collaboration includes postdoctoral scholar exchanges, construction of a pilot agricultural waste digester and research facility, cultural and political exchanges, and a book exchange. They will also create a joint research lab focused on bio-gas generation in Qinghai, a research project in Utah to convert biogas to diesel fuel and plan for a Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) demonstration project in Qinghai. The United States and China signed the Framework for EcoPartnerships Under the U.S.-China Ten Year Framework for Cooperation on Energy and Environment (“EcoPartnerships Framework”) in Beijing in December 2008. The EcoPartnership Framework is aimed at developing new models of mutually beneficial voluntary arrangements between a range of state, local, and private sector organizations to promote energy security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability in both countries. Previous EcoPartnerships have worked to protect the environment, develop new clean energy technologies, and share innovative techniques to make both nations more energy efficient. For more information on EcoPartnerships, visit <http://www.ecopartnerships.gov/> For information on how to become an EcoPartner, visit <http://www.ecopartnerships.gov/partner/> About the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) The Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) charter is based on Governor Gary Herbert’s commitment to economic development statewide. For more information, please contact Michael Sullivan, 801-538-8811 or <mgsullivan@utah.gov> Learn more at <www. business.utah.gov> Memorial Day Cemetery Schedule May 30, 2011 Each year on Memorial Day, the American Legion Ogden Valley Post 129 holds Military Honors Memorial services at four Ogden Valley cemeteries. The schedule is as follows: Liberty Cemetery 3900 N. 3500 E. Liberty 9:00 a.m. Lower Eden Cemetery (Meadow View) 5100 E. 2200 N., Eden 9:30 a.m. Upper Eden Cemetery (Mt. View) 5500 E. 2770 N., Eden 10:00 a.m. Huntsville 12:00 p.m. 5500 E. 100 S. Huntsville After the ceremonies, a potluck lunch will be held at the American Legion Post 129 at 12:30 p.m. in Huntsville located at 604 S. 7800 E. Please bring your favorite dish! For more information, call Clay Poulter at 801-391-0919. -PUBLIC NOTICEPublic comments regarding the Huntsville Town and Southern Ogden Valley Wastewater Capital Facility Study will continue to be received by the Town of Huntsville until 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 26, 2011. EvEry ItEm 10% to 60% OFF Not valid with any other offer or coupon. Troll beads excluded. Through May 31, 2011. Memorial Day Pig Roast RED CLIFF RANCH Saturday May 28, 2011 LIVE MUSIC ON OUR PATIO FROM 12 noon – 6 p.m. Featuring: Brett Turner Scotty Haze ENJOY OUR SPECIALTY: COLD BURGERS & WARM BEER! For more information call: (801) 745–6900 www.redcliffranch.com 7 miles east of Huntsville on Hwy. 39 All comments must be submitted in writing to the Town of Huntsville to be considered. Comments may also be directed to the Weber County Engineer for consideration. Electronic copies of the Wastewater Study are available for review on the Town of Huntsville’s website at http://huntsvilletown.com and on the Weber County website at http://www.co.weber.ut.us/ mediawiki/index.php/ Paper copies are also available at the Huntsville Town office and from the Weber County Engineering Department. |