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Show The Ogden Wild turkeys on the march in Liberty! Photo courtesy of Cariane Bowles. Valley news Your Community Newspaper January 15, 2020 USPS MARKETING MAIL POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 11 EDEN UT POSTAL PATRON EDEN-LIBERTY-84310 HUNTSVILLE-84317 OGDEN CANYON- 84401 HCR 843AO WSU Invites Community to January 13 Star Party Weber State University’s Ott Planetarium is hosting a series of star parties throughout spring semester to help people learn about the night sky. The first will be held Jan. 13 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the observatory on the fourth floor of Tracy Hall Science Center. People of all ages are encouraged to attend the free star party. “We want to share with the community our love of astronomy and the experience of gazing at deep-space objects,” said John Armstrong, physics professor. “Dark skies belong to all of us, and we should all know what is up there. We want to help people learn a little about what they can see and encourage them to keep looking up.” Held after dark, the events give attendees an opportunity to view different astronomical objects, such as planets and galaxies, through nine telescopes provided by WSU’s physics department. Planetarium staff will be on hand to answer questions, and small children can use stepladders provided to reach the telescopes. The event is outside, so attendees should dress accordingly. “Astronomy is one of the few sciences where the laboratory is in everyone’s backyard, and we want to help people take advantage of our close proximity to areas with very dark skies.” Armstrong said. “The large observation deck at the science center allows community members to use some fantastic telescopes in a STAR PARTY Saw-whet Owl courtesy of Mike Roundy of Eden. Community Meeting Planned for Eden Heights Residential Development Proposal By Jan Fullmer A residential community is being proposed for approximately 1,500 acres spanning both sides of Powder Mountain Road (SR-158). On one side of Powder Mountain Road, the acreage is primarily above Snowflake Drive, The Bridges, Sheep Creek and The Preserve. On the other side of Powder Mountain Road, the primary acreage is above Wolf Ridge Circle and just below the gate by the Wolf Creek Canyon Trailhead. Please reference the accompanying map outlining the parcels for this proposed development. The developer of this proposed Eden Heights residential community would like to solicit input from the surrounding communities for the master development plan. A meeting to solicit input from the community is scheduled for Wednesday, January 22, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. in the Eden Park Bowery building. This will be an excellent opportunity for the surrounding neighboring residents and property owners to ask questions and provide feedback on the proposed development. Town Hall Meetings Slated Representative Steve Waldrip is hosting a series of town hall meetings through the end of January. He states, “I am holding these meetings to give citizens the opportunity to hear a review of 2019 in the legislature, including tax reform, and what to expect in 2020. Also, I will talk about my proposed legislation and other big issues that will present themselves during 2020. All are welcome to attend, and ask any questions they may have. • Wednesday, January 15, 7-8 p.m., Ogden Valley Library, 131 S 7400 E, Huntsville • Monday, January 20, 7-8 pm, Ogden Valley UDOT Moving Forward to Implement Recommendations from Ogden Canyon Transportation Plan The Utah Department of Transportation conducted a Transportation Study in Ogden Canyon. The Transportation Commission asked UDOT to conduct the study and look at all modes of transportation in the canyon with the purpose of gathering and sharing information in an interactive and transparent process to develop an understanding of the safety and mobility needs in the canyon. The study analysis included existing and future safety concerns, traffic volumes, resident needs, economic needs, multi-modal uses (biking, truck traffic, pedestrian, transit, etc.), recreational uses, environmental concerns, geotechnical/geologic concerns, etc. The study gathered physical information and opinions concerning transportation through Ogden Canyon so that a plan can be formed for future canyon uses and needs. The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) completed Phase I of a Transportation Study in Ogden Canyon in spring 2015. The purpose of Phase I was to gather physical information and opinions concerning transportation through Ogden Canyon so a plan could be formed for future canyon uses and needs. Phase II was initiated by the Utah Transportation Commission in September 2015 to further investigate spot improvements that could be made to SR-39 in Ogden Canyon. In Phase II, the study team met more extensively with people and groups who care about Ogden Canyon. The study team used information collected in Phase I to develop concepts that solve and mitigate controversy and that are feasible. Library 131 S 7400 E, Huntsville • Tuesday, January 21, 7-8 pm, Main Library - 2464 Jefferson Ave, Ogden • Thursday, January 23, 7-8 pm, Harrisville City Offices 363 W Independence Blvd., Harrisville • Monday, January 27, 7-8 pm, Main Library - 2464 Jefferson Ave, Ogden with Representatives Shultz and Musselman, and Senators Milner and Buxton For more information, please contact Representative Steve Waldrip at <swaldrip@ le.utah.gov> Ogden Valley Property Owners Receive Notices Indicating if Nightly Rentals Are Legal in Their Neighborhood Over the years, we have received complaints from residents in Ogden Valley regarding illegal nightly rentals originating from vacation rental websites such as AirBNB, VRBO, and other methods. We take seriously our job to balance community peace and the rights of property owners. Unfortunately, county government is forbidden from enforcing zoning policies by patrolling these websites. The issue can only be addressed if a complaint is made by a resident of our community. We have also found many times that property owners are not aware that they are in violation of county ordinances. As the popularity of our beautiful Ogden Valley and these various vacation rentals sites have increased, we have felt it necessary for all Ogden Valley resi- Proposed properties to be developed are outlined in red. cont. on page 8 dents and property owners to be aware of their specific zoning ordinances, and the processes to work within them. In the past few weeks, all Ogden Valley residents and/or property owners received postcards from Weber County identifying if nightly rentals are legal within the zone their property is located, and the penalty associated with illegally rentals. It is the hope of the county that mailed notices will encourage better compliance within the county ordinance, protect existing property owners’ rights, and bring our community together as we continue to enjoy this beautiful valley. For those who are interested in obtaining additional information, or participating in a focus group to discuss solutions, please contact our office at <sskeen@webercountyutah.gov> Huntsville Fire Destroys Large Shed: Lights up night sky On Saturday, January 4, Fire crews responded to a large shed fire at 100 S. 7000 E. in Huntsville. The initial time of dispatch was 7:47 p.m., with the last fire crews leaving the scene at 1:35 a.m. Bystanders reported the home was on fire, with flames showing through the roof. Arriving crews, instead, found a large shed with heavy fire load fully involved. First arriving crews reported having three vehicles, two other storage sheds, and a single-family home threatened. Crews were able to protect the exposures with only minor scorching to the home. One firefighter was treated and released on scene HUNTSVILLE FIRE cont. on page 7 OGDEN CANYON cont. on page 10 WSU Hosts Census Panel Discussion January 13 The Weber Historical Society Lecture Series will host the Wildcats Count: Census 2020 Panel, Monday, January 13 at 7:00 p.m. in Weber State University’s Hurst Center Dumke Legacy Hall. The event is free and open to the public. Panelists will discuss the important role the census plays in society, how the data helps provide necessary resources to the community and what it means when individuals and families do not complete it. “The United States started counting its people in 1790 and hasn’t missed a decade since then,” said Leah Murray, political science professor. “We use this data to know where and who our people are, and we use this history as part of our country’s memory. Every person needs to be counted.” Mallory Bateman, a State Data Center coordinator and senior research analyst at the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah, and Hollie Gilliland, Golden Spike Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution regent, will participate in the panel. Bateman will discuss the use of census data demographically, and Gilliland will explore the use of data in archival research for genealogical purposes. Participants will have an opportunity to ask CENSUS cont. on page 8 Weber Fire District fire fighters contain Huntsville fire. Photo courtesy of Weber Fire District. |