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Show Page 10 The Ogden Valley news Volume XIX Issue IV May 15, 2011 Strange Creatures Spotted at Snowcrest’s Relay powered by Ragnar There were several reported sightings of Na’vi creatures—the bright blue inhabitants of Pandora, running around Eden on Saturday, May 7. These conspicuous Avatar were racing in the 3rd Annual Snowcrest Relay powered by Ragnar. They joined approximately 200 other runners and walkers to raise $4,000 for the school by running the 15-mile race. The vocal Avatar creatures proved to be harmless unless you were one of the unfortunate ones to get too close and were smeared. Much of the fun of the relay, however, is from the crazy outfits many teams wear to show their spirit! As can be imagined, the wild cobalt creatures took home First Place for best costume. The other teams who showed up in full spirit were the “Asphalt Burners” in various forms of superhero and monster costumes, and the Powerful Oreo Warriors (P.O.W.) in rainbow tutus and bright colored t-shirts. The cheerleaders were in far-out 60’s tie-dye, and there were several teams in hand-painted, homemade t-shirts. Team Kim was well-represented with the inaugural race for the new bright teal shirts that many people will be sporting at all of our local races this year in support of our own Kim Iverson who is battling cancer. There were other teams who were to be feared however. The 15-man team of Iverson/Larsen Dental took home 1st place in their division. The five-man team winners were the aptly named “Defending Champions from Snowcrest Jr. High,” and were comprised of Tanner Post, Cooper Cosby, Wyatt Harrop, and Parker Wilson. The three-man team winners were Nate Collins, John Michael Lewis, and John Lewis—nicknamed “Your Mom.” Once again, the crazy one-man team winner was Jeff Post—closely challenged by Nick Froerer this year. ANNEXATION cont. from page 1 decade began to impact the Ogden Valley, and now the lands immediately outside Huntsville Town, the residents have rethought this position. Huntsville Town realizes that growth is inevitable and that, currently, it has little say over how the surrounding land in Weber County is developed. A majority of Weber County residents live west of the mountains and, realistically, command the majority of the attention of the Weber County administration. The geography, motivations, and vision are naturally different, and their views don’t always coincide with those of ours on this side of the mountains. Supported by the results of a resident survey that had a majority of the landowners in Town participating, the Huntsville Town government position is now one of interest in annexing nearby land if the property owners are interested. The concept guiding this decision is that the people who have to live with the land use decisions are more likely to be satisfied with those decisions if they are allowed a greater role in making them. By annexing, owners would be increasing local control over the growth in their immediate vicinity. To this end, Huntsville Town has approached nearby property owners in open meetings to see if they might be interested in annexation. Some property owners are more inclined to deal with Weber County on the use of their land, but the response has been heavily in favor of annexation. Many said they have always felt like they were already a part of Huntsville, even though they weren’t within the legal boundaries. There are issues that must be dealt with in any annexation. No annexation petition will be accepted by the Town without first assessing its ability to deliver critical infrastructure (culinary Both Valley Elementary and Snowcrest Jr. High fielded teams of the coolest teachers to support the event! Many dogs were competitors and mascots, as well as cheerleaders. There were tents and picnic blankets spread across the field as the spectators and teammates cheered on the runners. Families with three generations of runners were there to compete, and some families were there to cheer the runners on. High Altitude Kids provided and manned the always loved, free blow-up obstacle course and slide; and each runner got a free Zeppe’s Italian Ice right there at the race. Valley Market was selling their delicious hamburger lunches and donated all proceeds to the race. The Ragnar Organization provided all of the tech shirts, and Shepherd Orthodontics made them completely free by paying for the printing! Diamond Peak not only contributed many items to the event, but also set up a tent where a bike tech was doing safety tune-ups for free. Many community businesses contributed to the race by giving treats for each runner, prizes for the raffle, and items or services for the Silent Auction. The Ragnar Organization also water, public safety, road maintenance, etc.) currently provided to existing residents. The Town has a very small budget and it must weigh the potential deficit of revenue versus expense to the Town to be sure an annexation is not unreasonable. Annexed property owners would see an approximately .065% increase in their taxes, which is the portion that would be added for revenue to Huntsville Town. As stated in the Huntsville Town General Plan, the Town desires to preserve its existing grid-system layout as much as land conditions and topography allow in order to maintain the feel of the historic Town. Most of the surrounding areas are zoned AV-3 and the Town’s A-3 zone is similar to Weber County’s, in that it allows for open tracts of land to stay primarily open space, but development is allowed via some clustering of houses to preserve the natural features of the land. Where it represents the preservation of natural resources or open space, Town ordinances also allow for the transfer of development rights (TDRs) to a land trust. The Town supports conveying these development rights, in order to preserve open space and conservation values in perpetuity, to the Ogden Valley Land Trust. There are several properties immediately south of Huntsville Town where commercial development is being considered that would have a major impact on the lifestyle of the Town. If this land is developed under Weber County, the Town will have little say in that outcome, while living with the results and all the revenue generated going to Weber County. To summarize, Huntsville Town feels that local residents will experience a more satisfactory outcome from the future growth in our area if these projects are administered by the residents within its immediate boundaries. ARE YOU A “NEWCOMER” TO OGDEN VALLEY? If so, order your FREE Welcome Package at www.ovba.org MONUMENT cont. from page 1 HUNTSVILLE TOWN MILITARY VETERANS MONUMENT PO BOX 267 HUNTSVILLE UT 84317 SEWER cont. from page 1 Sewer had ignored several administrative PSC regulations regarding the proximity of developed lots to the sewer company’s sewer lagoons, and the road maintenance requirements for those lagoons. Mountain Sewer users’ complaint states that Mountain Sewer has been inconsistent and, at times, remiss with its billing and collections of State regulated sewer fees. Discussions with several Mountain Sewer users revealed that while some Mountain Sewer customers have received bills and paid hookup fees, pre-connection fees, and normal sewer fees over the years, others being served by Mountain Sewer have not. In the operation of State regulated utilities, such as Mountain Sewer, inconsistent billing of regulated fees or collections of those fees is not an option. The regulated utility is required to accurately bill and record payments for every customer in their service area. Since the owner of Mountain Sewer is the same developer who also developed the surrounding area of Ski Lake, there is some understandable concern among Mountain Sewer customers of the possible commingling of funds with his other corporations, and the possible failure of the developer to pay for his own sewer fees and connection fees for lots that he owned during the past several years. The complaint, filed by the Huntsville-area provided incredible, “silver cup” trophies for the winners and our own Regen Sorensen of Wasatch Awards and Engraving provided team awards and engraving. For the third year in a row, this event made for an amazingly fun afternoon for all who participated. The costumes and teams made for many smiles, and the event was an excuse to get some exercise while raising money for the school. As can be imagined, it required great organization and many hours of planning, selling, and preparing by many people. Sherene Keith was the coordinator who made it happen. She and the event creator, Natalie Post, led a tireless group of volunteers to make the Snowcrest Relay a great success. Note: Photos courtesy of Melissa Lewis. For the unveiling of the monument, and to be part of this special program, please gather at the west end of the Huntsville Cemetery prior to 11:00 a.m. on Memorial Day. All service men and women in the audience will be invited to participate in the statue’s unveiling. residents, contends that Mountain Sewer Corp. failed to prevent raw sewage from entering 15 condominiums in Lakeside Village during a flood. The complainants are asking the Public Service Commission to inspect Mountain Sewer to prevent a recurrence of problems that happened the night of March 16. They have also requested that the Public Service Commission audit Mountain Sewer’s financial records to determine if charges to customers and prospective customers have been proper and uniform. Mountain Sewer serves about 125 customers in Lakeside Village, The Summit at Ski Lake, and Edgewater Chalets. Mountain Sewer and Lakeview Water Corp. in Huntsville are owned by Ronald Catanzaro, and are scheduled to be sold at a tax auction on May 26, according to the Weber County Treasurer’s Office. Catanzaro owes a total of $1,722 for Mountain Sewer and $3,222 for Lakeview Water for unpaid property taxes from 2006 to 2010, records indicate. It has been reported that Cantanzaro is preparing to pay the back taxes. Complainant Larry Zini stated, “This isn’t an attempt to crucify Cantanzaro. All we really want is a sewer company that functions properly and bills properly.” Ross Hudson, a complaint specialist with the state Division of Public Utilities, said he will recommend that the Public Service Commission hold a hearing on the complaint. PINEVIEW HOME SERVICES 801-644-8511 All Your Home Needs in One Place! Weekly Lawn Mowing Sprinkler Repairs Minor Landscaping Spring & Fall Yard Cleanup Snow Removal Pest Control Handyman Services Hot Tub Servicing Cleaning Services *Specializing in condo/home rentals Local & Reliable since 1994. 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