Town of Alta Newsletter

May/June 2003

A monthly report of municipal business in the Town of Alta. MAYOR William H. Levitt TOWN COUNCIL Rosalee Gale Municipal Report Bill Lennon This report documents mu- port will give a cost estimate The UFA is working to create Paul Moxley nicipal news, presented at the and funding options. a fire district including Salt Tom Pollard Town Council meetings on Salt Lake County Fire Chief Lake County and all of the TOWN Thursday, May 8 and Thurs- Duane Park gave the Town contracting municipalities by ADMINISTRATOR day, June 19, 2003. of Alta a status report for the January 2004. At this time, The Alta Town Council first quarter of 2003. The Fire the UFA is working on creat- John Guldner unanimously supported the Department prepares quar- ing bylaws and personnel TOWN CLERK declaration of the month of terly written status reports for rules for the new fire district. Kate Black May as “Mental Health each of its contract agencies. John Guldner is represent- JUSTICE COURT Awareness Month”. Most of businesses in Town ing the Town of Alta at water JUDGE Assistant Town Clerk, Piper have been inspected; the in- summit meetings, spear- Clinton Balmforth Lever reported on the pro- spection results have been headed by and JUSTICE COURT gress of the Community Cen- favorable. Night inspection at Salt Lake County. The goal CLERK ter Feasibility Study. The bars in Alta (precipitated by of the water summit is to con- Town and community mem- the bar fire events back east) serve water. Piper Lever bers have been working with were also favorable. Assistant Town Administra- TOWN MARSHAL the architectural firm, Eaton Town Administrator John tor, Laura McIndoe, re- Jerry Larson Mahoney, to identify design Guldner is participating in ported that the FAA has com- options for an expanded com- biweekly meetings of the Uni- pleted its public scoping Editor, Laura McIndoe munity center. The final re- form Fire Authority (UFA). (Continued on page 2)

Marshal’s Report Inside this issue: This report covers highlights hospital. April 18, 2003 from the Town of Alta’s Mar- April 13, 2003 At 12:01 am, 3 men on snow- Municipal Report 1 shal’s Office from April 10 Cabin and property checks mobiles were issued citations Marshal’s Report 1 through June 12, 2003. were conducted in the Albion for violating watershed regu- April 10, 2003 Basin. lations. Court Report 2 At 4:30 pm, several snow- April 15, 2003 April 19, 2003 boarders who were using the At 1:30 pm Alta Dispatch At 12:10 pm, the Deputy in- Welcome to Summer 3 decks and railings of a Griz- received a request by Salt vestigated a minor car acci- zly Gulch home as a play- Lake County Sheriffs to assist dent in the Flagstaff parking Economic Study 3 ground were removed from in locating a possible armed area. Update the property. and suicidal person. The Alta May 3, 2003 Watershed Education 4 April 12, 2003 Deputy located the person in At 6:42 pm, an Alta Deputy, At 6:09 am, the Alta Deputy his car in the Grizzly Gulch while investigating a check Water Conservation 4 responded to a medical emer- parking area and waited for fraud case that occurred at the gency at a residence in the County backup. The situation Albion Grill, discovered that Road Work 5 Sugar Plum Area. A 7-year did not escalate and the per- the suspect fraudulently used old child had fallen out of bed son was released to friends numerous checks and credit Calendar of Events 6 and was transported to the and family. (Continued on page 2) Page 2 Town of Alta Newsletter May /June 2003

Municipal Report Marshal’s Report (Continued from page 1) The Committee upheld the (Continued from page 1) from Alta and Snowbird, and phase for the Northern Town’s actions with respect cards throughout the Salt the Salt Lake County Sher- Airspace Initiative draft envi- to fees for records search and Lake Valley, totaling several iff’s and Fire Departments. ronmental impact statement. retrieval, and classifications thousands of dollars. The May 12, 2003 As part of FAA’s proposal, of protected records. suspect was found, inter- A three-day cycle of wet commercial aircraft will be Three Town Council seats viewed, and arrested. The snow avalanches in the Hell- routed over the Town and are up for election this No- Alta Deputy is working with gate/Superior Area required adjoining areas. vember. Two of the seats are the other agencies involved to monitoring and traffic control. A public hearing was held four-year terms, and one is a present a case to the County May 14, 2003 on June 19th on the proposed two-year term. Those who Attorney’s office. The Alta Marshals Office 2003/2004 fiscal budget for meet eligibility requirements May 7, 2003 participated in weapons train- the Town. A resolution was can run for these offices, and At 3:15 pm, Alta Ski Lifts ing and qualification at Camp passed by the Town Council must sign up between July 15 company reported another Williams. Deputy Peterson approving the proposed and August 15. To meet the case of bad checks that were again won top gun hon- 2003/2004 fiscal budgets re- eligibility requirements, those forged and written in the com- ors.May 25, 2003 flecting an 8.5% tax increase interested must be U.S. citi- pany’s name. Evidence was At 6:24 pm, the Alta Marshals in the certified tax rate. As a zens, a registered voter in the collected and the case is under and County Fire departments result of the proposed in- Town of Alta, and a resident investigation. responded to a home in the crease of the certified tax rate, of the Town of Alta for a pe- May 10, 2003 Falls Area to assist with a there will be a truth in taxa- riod of 12 consecutive months At 2:52 pm, a ski touring small oven fire. tion hearing on August 12, immediately preceding the party led by Bruce Tremper of June 1, 2003 2003 at 7:00 pm at the Alta November election date. the Utah Avalanche Forecast At 8:14 pm, the deputy on Library. The total General Please contact Kate Black at Center witnessed a backcoun- duty assisted with a man ex- Fund budget is $1,015,688, the Town office if you have try accident. A 43-year old periencing a seizure at Snow- reflecting a 4% increase over questions. Salt Lake City man fell from bird. the 2002/2003 budget. The Town has contracted a cornice overlooking East June 3, 2003 The Town of Alta was re- with an outside company to Greeley while skiing. His fall At 6:24 pm, the deputy on quested by an Albion Basin codify its existing ordinances. resulted in fatal head injuries. (Continued on page 5) property owner to attend a The codification process is A rescue/recovery mission second hearing before the anticipated to take 1.5 years. was conducted by the Alta State Records Committee. (Continued on page 5) Marshal’s Office, Ski Patrols Other Duties of the Alta Marshal’s Office During this Time Court Report for April and May 2003 • 12 Alcohol A Salt Lake City resident interlodge violation. The During April and May, 11 Enforcements appeared in court to address a defendant was fined $200, traffic cases were filed, in- • 487 Property Checks charge for speeding nine with $100 suspended upon cluding five moving viola- • 13 Motorist Assists miles per hour over the speed payment of the fine. tions, two non-moving viola- • 15 Traffic Stops limit. The defendant pled tions, one driver license viola- A Sandy resident appeared in • 16 Motorist Violations guilty and the plea will be tion, and five parking tickets. response to an assault charge. • 12 Watershed held in abeyance for six Seven traffic cases were dis- The guilty plea will be held in Violations months. If the defendant re- abeyance for six months, posed of either through bail • 36 Agency Assists ceives no further moving vio- wherein if the defendant has forfeiture, trials, arraignments • 5 Ski Rack Patrols lations in that time, the charge no further similar violations, or transfers. • 1 Vehicle Impound will be dismissed. The defen- the charge will be dismissed. Eight criminal cases were • 5 calls for service on dant was ordered to pay court The defendant was ordered to disposed of, and seven new false burglar alarms costs of $50. pay $150 court costs and have criminal cases were filed. • An employee at the Alta Peru- no contact with the victim. 56 Contract Forest Service Patrols vian Lodge was cited for an Town of Alta Newsletter May/June 2003 Page 3

Welcome to the Summer Season! Economic Study Update; Informational Meeting Planned Summer is a wonderful time to explore the community. Summer recreation, such as hiking and bik- ing, are popular past times. There are many trails that will lead The Town of Alta commissioned a study of its current eco- you on spectacular journeys, from the famous wildflower fields of nomic condition with the request for recommendations that Albion Basin, to the ridges that create the Little Cottonwood could expand the current economic market. The Town’s Creek watershed. economy is based primarily on a recreational tourism market. Alta has been losing market share compared with other Utah The solitude and setting create a dynamic venue for observing the and Rocky Mountain resorts. natural cycles of life. Little Cottonwood Creek, its tributaries, and springs flow with crisp snowmelt. Colorful fields of wild- The preliminary findings of the analysis will be presented on flowers blanket Albion Basin starting in mid-July. Tiger salaman- July 25, 2003 at 1:30 pm at the Alta Town Library. In gen- ders emerge from their winter slumber beneath the sediment and eral, the authors of the study found that there are many op- are visible swimming in the glacially carved Cecret Lake. Moose portunities for economic growth by incorporating the follow- and their calves feed on vegetation in lush riparian areas and al- ing strategies: pine wetlands. Mountain goats cling to rocky outcrops. Raptors are visible soaring and hunting near Devils Castle and in Little • Increase the destination resort market in the community Cottonwood Canyon. • Increase the amount of money destination tourists spend in the community The Summer Booth program, run by the Town, consists of an • Improve the visitor experience information booth and Town employees ready to answer ques- • Improve the pedestrian experience tions and give information. It is situated at the top of Little Cot- • Expand Alta’s market through group sales tonwood Canyon Road. The Summer Booth is not a fee collec- • Expand the visitation season to include more summer tion station. attractions for visitors

Businesses in the Little Cottonwood Canyon community provide The study indicates that programs can be implemented with many complementary services. Delicious brunches and dinners public and private participation that could focus on strategies. can be had at lodges and restaurants. Lunch and snacks are avail- The study’s authors found that costs for programs that are able at the Kickstand, located at the beginning (or end) of Albion implemented should be borne by those who benefit from an Basin hikes. There are also opportunities to relax with a good individual program. Program recommendations include: massage. 1) Expansion of the community’s internet presence So, enjoy the venue of Little Cottonwood Canyon’s summer sea- (privately funded) so that visitors can easily plan a vaca- son! Stop by the Summer Booth in Alta, visit the many fine es- tion in Alta with “one click”. tablishments in Alta and 2) Creation of a privately and publicly-funded chamber of Snowbird, and take part in commerce or visitor’s bureau. community events listed on 3) Creation of a publicly-funded special improvement dis- the back page of this newslet- trict for marketing Alta through events and other activi- ter! ties, and improving the Alta experience with way- finding, signage, and street feel.

All Town of Alta businesses and interested citizens are en- couraged to attend the public presentation. Those that cannot attend the presentation may submit thoughts, ideas, questions, and concerns in writing to Kate Black at the Town of Alta at PO Box 8016, Alta, Utah, 84092.

A scene from last year’s Wildflower Festival in August Page 4 Town of Alta Newsletter May /June 2003

Salt Lake City Initiates Watershed Education Program Salt Lake City Watershed, One part of the Watershed having high water quality in a division of the Department Education Program includes the Salt Lake City Watershed, “The Town of of Public Utilities, is working placing information signs at and how everyone can help together with the U.S. Forest several locations along and ”Keep it Pure”. Alta is fully Service, Salt Lake Ranger within the Wasatch Front, 2) Provide clear watershed supportive of this District, on an exciting and including park and rides, regulations with an emphasis program, and extensive Watershed trailheads and other points of on how responsible behavior Education Program along the interest. in the watershed has a has been Wasatch Front. The Town of In addition to signs, Salt positive effect on public working with Alta is fully supportive of this Lake City Watershed is health, the environment, and these program, and has been incorporating a watershed recreational enjoyment. working with these education segment into 4th 3) Encourage good steward- organizations to th organizations to identify and 9 grade curriculums, ship of springs, streams, identify specific specific watershed education updating their web page, and lakes, and wetlands as well as watershed opportunities within the providing general public the watershed uplands to pro- education Town. education in print and media. tect water quality. Little Cottonwood Creek Throughout this project, Keep an eye out for the opportunities and the water stored in the the Education Program goals initiation of the signage pro- within the Town.” Albion Basin snow pack is the include: gram. As the project pro- primary source of drinking 1) Educate and inform gresses Salt Lake City would water for residents of the communities and visitors be glad to hear your sugges- Town of Alta. Water from about the importance of clean tions. If you have questions, this watershed is also one of drinking water, the benefits of please feel free to contact the primary sources of water Tom Ward at 483-6884 or for the Salt Lake Valley. Tracie Kirkham 483-6750 at As we begin our fifth year the Watershed Division. of drought, in conjunction with increasing visitation to watershed areas, it is critical The water you’ll see today, you may drink tomorrow!! that watershed protection and Tips for Household stewardship gain high priority Look for this logo on trail signs and other informational signs throughout Alta, Little Indoor Water so we continue to have high Cottonwood Canyon, and other watersheds along the Wasatch Front. Conservation quality drinking water.

• Turn off the water while brushing your teeth, shav- ing, and washing your hands • Store a pitcher of water in the refrigerator for drink- Water Use and Conservation ing so you won’t have to This year marks the fifth year This year, we received even use. Per the Town’s contract let the faucet run to get of drought in Utah. In the less snow than last year, and with Salt Lake City for water cold water past, Utah droughts have the unseasonable heat in late use, landscape irrigation in • Use the trash can, not the lasted as long as 11 years. May quickly melted much of Alta is specifically prohibited. toilet as a trash can Last year, Utah’s water use the high elevation snow pack. • Repair leaking pipes and was reported as 12% less than With less water, pollution For more water conservation faucets previous years. This is a good impacts and water quality and use information go to Salt • Only run the dishwasher start in response to doing your concerns can be even greater. Lake City’s website at http:// when it is full part to conserve water in www.ci.slc.ut.us/utilities/ • Set the washing machine Utah—the second driest state The Town of Alta has specific conservation/default.htm or for the appropriate level in the nation. regulations regarding water call (801) 483-6860. Town of Alta Newsletter May/June 2003 Page 5

Road Work on Little Cottonwood Canyon and By-Pass Road FIRE BAN IN The Utah Department of at [email protected]. bridge girders. EFFECT Transportation is resurfacing Little Cottonwood Canyon The bridge replacement work Access to the By-Pass Road at Road. at the Alta Bypass Road, over the bridge will continue to be No open fires ex- Little Cottonwood Creek , is closed as this work pro- cept in approved The anticipated completion continuing. The bridge re- gresses. for the road resurfacing is on placement work began in campground fire or before July 13. early May, when work crews The information manager for pits/grills rerouted the water lines that this project is Mr. Tracy The project manager for this traveled beneath the bridge. Timothy. Questions, com- resurfacing project is Mr. ments, special needs, and con- No fireworks Scott Boyce of Geneva Rock The Ralph L. Wadsworth cerns may be directed at Mr. Products, UDOT’s contractor Construction Company, the Timothy at (801) 301-2704. for this project. Mr. Boyce Utah Department of Transpor- No smoking outside may be contacted at tation’s contractor for this vehicles (801)281-7911, or via email project, is currently setting

Marshal’s Report (Continued from page 2) minors, the stop yielded a few traffic from Snowbird Public man’s accomplice later duty responded to a false bur- cases of beer, two bags of Safety about vending ma- emerged, and a foot chase glar alarm at an East Hellgate marijuana, and an arrest war- chines being found with their ensued. The second suspect residence. rant for burglary. locks drilled out at the Cliff hid in a large tree stand, but June 4, 2003 June 5, 2003 Lodge. After several hours of K-9 units quickly removed At 11:57 pm, the deputy on At 7:10 pm, the deputy on surveillance, a suspicious and the suspect from his hiding duty observed a volley of duty relieved two more clever intoxicated male was located place. Burglary tools, fireworks being set off next to males of their pot and beer on leaving the lodge. The man methamphetamine, and large the road in the Hellgate Area. a hiking trail. At 8:40 pm the became confrontational and amounts of cash were found A black truck seen speeding deputy investigated a suspi- was arrested. A search un- in the suspects’ vehicle. Both from the area was stopped cious person hanging around covered screwdrivers, drill suspects were wanted on out with the assistance of the the phone building. components and lock cutters of state felony warrants and County Sheriffs. Although no June 8, 2003 in the man’s pockets and ve- suspected burglaries all over fireworks were recovered in a At 10:00 pm, the deputy re- hicle. The Sheriff’s Office the Western United States. truckload of argumentative sponded to overheard radio responded to the scene. The

Municipal Report (Continued from page 2) customers for fluoride pills. take steps to minimize expo- The Town of Alta signed a The Alta Ski Lifts Co. won sure to mosquitoes this sea- Salt Lake County resolution Ski Magazine’s Silver Eagle son. THE NEXT TOWN supporting water conserva- Award (an environmental The Town of Alta applied COUNCIL MEETING WILL tion. award) for mitigating visual for, and won a Department of The Town of Alta is not impact of its Cecret Lake pro- Homeland Security grant BE THURSDAY, JULY 10 fluoridating its water supply ject. award of $34,234.20, which AT 10:00 AM AT THE due to very large costs associ- Utah has not yet reported will be applied to numerous ALTA COMMUNITY ated with the fluoridation cases of West Nile Virus in public safety equipment process. However, the Town humans. However, the Town needs. CENTER will reimburse retail water of Alta urges its residents to TOWN OF ALTA NEWSLETTER PO BOX 8016 ALTA, UTAH 84092-8016

Contact us at: ALTA BOXHOLDER P.O. Box 8016 Alta, UT 84092-8016 Town Office (Local Phone): (801) 742-3522 Town Office (Salt Lake City Phone): (801) 363-5105 Town Fax: (801) 742-1006 Post Office Phone: (801) 742-2142 Library/Community Center Phone: (801) 742-2068 Justice Court Clerk Phone: (801) 742-2607 Newsletter Editor Email: [email protected]

PLEASE RECYCLE The Town of Alta facilitates a voluntary G O TO... drop-off recycling program. Recyclable http://www.townofalta.com materials should be placed in trailers located near the Alta Community Center/ ...FOR TOWN INFORMATION, Fire Station building. UPDATES, AND LINKS Calendar of Events for July and August JULY 9, 12, 17 9 am-noon ; Summer 2003 VIP Tour; RSVP 799-2263 or [email protected] 10 10 am Town of Alta monthly Town Council meeting; Alta Community Center 12, 18 8-11pm Snowbird; “Jazz at the Bird”; Aerie Lounge 13 2-5 pm Snowbird; Live Music on the Plaza Deck 15 8 am Little Cottonwood Canyon Clean-Up Day 18 Snowbird; Murder Mystery Dinner Theater; $38, advanced reservations required 19-28 ACE/Alta/Snowbird; Zimbabwean Stone Sculpture; contact ACE 742-0830 25-26 Snowbird; Jazz and Blues Festival AUGUST 2-3 ACE “5th Annual Alta Wildflower Festival”; Alta and Snowbird 2 Snowbird; 16th Annual Mountain Bout Mountain Bike Race; for registration call 801.942.3498 or visit http:www/intermountaincup.com 2, 9, 16, 30 8-11 pm Snowbird; “Jazz at the Bird”; Aerie Lounge 6, 21 9 am-noon Alta Ski Area; Summer 2003 VIP Tour; RSVP 799-2263 or [email protected] 7-11 ACE/Alta/Snowbird; Zimbabwean Stone Sculpture; contact ACE 742-0830 10 2-5 pm Snowbird; Live Music on the Plaza Deck 14 10 am Town of Alta monthly Town Council meeting; Alta Community Center 15-16 Snowbird; “Survivors at the Summit” benefit Friday night bluegrass concert (David Bailey; opening act Gifthorse) and Saturday morning hike to Hidden Peak. Benefits the Cancer Wellness House of Salt Lake City 22 Snowbird; Murder Mystery Dinner Theater; $38, advanced reservations required 22 8 pm Snowbird; Stargazer; Cottonwood Room 23 Annual Bicycle Hill Climb up Little Cottonwood Canyon 24 Widowmaker Mountain Bike Race to Hidden Peak from Gad Valley 24 2 pm Snowbird; Utah Symphony “1812 Overture”; tickets sold at the Abravanal Box Office in Salt Lake City 28 Snowbird; Prairie Home Companion Concert; Event Center 29 8 pm Snowbird; Stargazer; Cottonwood Room 30-31 12-6 pm Snowbird; Grand Oktoberfest