SunCrest Pet-iquette & Wildlife Awareness

SunCrest is a GREAT place for pets!

I thought it would be helpful to post some pet-iquette reminders and some wildlife awareness tips for the community.

First: All animals are supposed to be on a leash, for their own safety and the safety of others.

Second: Please pick up after your pet, especially when he does his business in the neighbor's yard.

Third: Be considerate of your neighbors if you have a dog who is particularly fond of barking. Pet owners (and parents, for that matter!) tend to tune out their own pet's (or child's) yapping and whining and may not realize the annoyance it may cause for neighbors.

Fourth: Keep your little pets inside. Last year the bobcat and/or cougar snagged 27 cats and dogs in a three to four month time span.

Lastly: I found a great resource on wildlife awareness in Utah (see site below). I especially like the part where it mentions that "minimizing conflicts [between humans and animals] is more effective when the entire community works together."

 

Self-check: Which one is the bobcat and which one is the cougar? View the www.wildawareutah.org blog below to see if you are right.

There are some excellent suggestions, such as:

• removing things from your yard that attract prey of larger animals, like bird feeders
• the difference between a bobcat and a cougar
• what to do if you meet a cougar (the animal variety, not the over 40 female version)
• a lot more great information 

Take a look! Be informed!

SunCrest Relationships Overview: How Things Work

(click on the picture to see the full version)

Purpose Statement: My name is DeLaina Tonks, and I have lived in SunCrest since 2006. In 2007 several hundred of us in SunCrest successfully worked to change some boundary legislation in a special session of the legislature in a four-month time span (see previous post). My husband, Paul, ran for Draper City Council that same year, in an effort to have more representation for SunCrest. He lost the election but we both gained valuable insights into the process and got a front row seat to the “how to get things done” seminar called “life”.  

I have done my best to frame and explain the most critical relationships that affect us as SunCrest Residents. I’m interested in sharing this information and fleshing out the historical context, especially with newer residents who may have missed out on the fun, fun times of 2007.

I believe that education empowers and makes us stronger as a community. Some guy once said that those who don’t learn history are doomed to repeat it. (I read that on the internet, so it must be true.) I have seen that start to happen in SunCrest and have been contemplating how best to voice my thoughts from my point of view and this is what has come of it.

WHO HOLDS THE POWER?

Most community dissension and frustration in SunCrest is caused by not fully understanding who holds authority over which issues, so I thought it would be helpful to illustrate, above, and add a narrative to explain.

Every entity, or organization is governed by a set of rules, which are legally binding. It’s critical to know who has the power to make changes. Otherwise, it’s the equivalent of going in and yelling at Arby’s employees because Taco Bell got your order wrong.

SUNCREST HOA

So, let’s start with the SunCrest owners or homeowners association (OA or HOA). First, which documents govern how the HOA operates?

Articles of Incorporation: When any new entity is legally organized, one of the first things to file are the Articles of Incorporation, the entity's constitution, which defines the responsibilities of the directors, the kind of business to be undertaken, and the means by which the shareholders exert control over the board of directors.

Bylaws: According to Wikipedia, a by-law is a rule or law established by an organization or community to regulate itself, as allowed or provided for by some higher authority. The higher authority, generally a legislature or some other governmental body, establishes the degree of control that the by-laws may exercise. By-laws may be established by entities such as a business corporation, a neighborhood association, or depending on the jurisdiction, a municipality.

Next, let’s determine what the HOA has the authority to do.  The HOA determines WHAT things will be done, in order to maintain compliance with the governing documents. Typically, the management company implements the HOW and oversees the day to day operations of the community, but they are employed by and report to the HOA Board.

HOA RESPONSIBILITIES

• First, the HOA is responsible for the enforcement of the CCRs, the covenants, conditions and restrictions, which are the governing documents that outline how the homeowners association operates and what rules the owners -- and their tenants and guests -- must obey. These legal documents and rules are legally enforceable by the homeowners association, unless a specific provision conflicts with federal, state or local laws. (Note, the SunCrest HOA contracts with a property management company, CCMC, who is tasked with making sure the CC&Rs are being met.) 

• The SunCrest HOA has oversight over the pool, the clubhouse and any common areas. 

• The HOA also ensures there are a variety of activities and community get-togethers to strengthen our neighborhoods. 

That doesn’t sound too bad, does it? Now let’s tackle the Declarant and then circle back to Draper City.

THE DECLARANT(S)
DECLARANT #1: Terrabrook: The SunCrest DECLARANT (fancy legal term for the owner of the development) was initially Terrabrook, a developer who went bankrupt in 2008ish.

DECLARANT #2: Raddon Brothers, MCO, Zions Bank: After some “almost done deals” fell through, Zions Bank purchased SunCrest and thereby became the new DECLARANT.

DECLARANT #3: Draper City: In September of 2012, Draper City purchased SunCrest. Guess who the declarant is now? Yes, Draper City. Here’s where it gets a little confusing.

The Master Development Agreement (MDA) outlines parcels, lots, subdivisions, number of homes (which was initially 3700) etc. and is a legal contract. Control of the OA Board is proportional to who owns the majority of the property. When the development was new, the declarant held all of the board seats. As more homes were built and sold, one resident seat became available. Barbara Blackmer was the first resident board member, and Paul Tonks is the current one.

The by-laws indicate that the DECLARANT (which is Draper City) maintains 4 of 5 Owners Association board seats based on the percentage of build out. However, the DECLARANT decided to decrease the number of households that could be built in SunCrest. That changed the percentage of finished homes vs. yet-to-be-finished homes, creating an opportunity for more than just one resident OA Board member.

The OA Board (one resident + 4 declarant seats) has met quarterly since Draper City became the DECLARANT, and turning three board seats over to the residents has been a discussion item since last March.

At the September OA meeting, the OA Board announced that those three board positions will be granted to the residents; thereby turning the OA into an HOA. These seats are by appointment by the current board members, but there was community input from voting members, with the results including Amy Baird, Doyle Judd and Aimee Hudak as new OA board members. These positions will remain in effect until the Annual meeting in June.

DRAPER CITY (the City, not the DECLARANT this time)

Still with me? Great! Let’s wrap up with Draper City.

Draper City is governed by municipal code/city ordinances. Draper is responsible for road maintenance, water, most of the parks, the trails, potentially a salt dome, annnnd, the SunCrest Market. Additionally, Draper City has been granted authority by the legislature to administer and manage the Traverse Ridge Special Service District tax. There are actually several Special Service Districts in the state.

TWELVE THINGS I WISH I HAD KNOWN IN SIMILAR SITUATIONS, AKA “HOW TO GET THE JOB DONE”

1. POWER: Determine who holds the authority to make the change you want to see made. Screaming at FedEx because UPS lost your package will get you pretty far down a road to absolutely nowhere.

2. KNOW YOUR FACTS, PROCESS and HISTORY: Do your homework. Study the governing documents and make sure you understand them. Make sure you know the entire process from beginning to end and every stakeholder along the way. Ask neighbors who have been here a long time about any history you should be aware of, or read the SunCrest Residents blog. For example, the salt dome - this has been an item of discussion for five years off and on.

3. JOIN THE CONVERSATION: Determine what conversation is currently happening. We’ve all had this happen: You’re standing with a group of friends talking about the big game, when another friend arrives and without bothering to figure out the topic of conversation, he launches into the movie he saw last night. Take the time to join the current conversation.

4. COMBINE FORCES: Do an analysis to determine if other groups are already working toward the same objective. Talk to them and see if there are common interests.

5. TRUST BUT VERIFY: If someone gives you information, ask for the source and do some fact-checking up front. Determine what agenda is in play and don’t allow yourself to unwittingly become a pawn in someone else’s game.

6. CLOUT VS. INFLUENCE: Analyze how much clout you or your organization has. For example, SunCrest has about 6% of Draper voters, so threatening to throw an election to get what you want doesn’t carry any weight. (I know because we tried it in 2007, before I had learned everything I’m trying to share here!) If you don’t have the numbers to gain clout, it makes much more strategic sense to gain INFLUENCE instead.

7. NICE FIRST, THEN PITCHFORKS: And above all, try “nice” first. There are absolutely times when torches and pitchforks are appropriate, once other avenues have been exhausted, but that should not be the go-to strategy right out of the chute. (Anyone who was here in 2007 knows that I am well-versed in pitchforkery when needed, however, I have discovered that building relationships and influence has served SunCrest better than torches.)

8. COMPROMISE: Be willing to give and take. If there is a win-win, terrific. If not, determine what you are willing to bend on. Otherwise you will break.

9. COST/BENEFIT: Do a cost-benefit analysis. Does what you gain outweigh what it will cost you? Sometimes it is completely worth the effort, and other times it isn’t, but it’s important to have taken that into consideration.

10. KEEP BRIDGES INTACT: Don’t burn bridges. You may need them later.

11. ALTERNATE POINT OF VIEW: Walk a mile or two in others’ shoes. Being an elected anything is hard. How do you handle a situation where your next door neighbor wants you to vote for the power plant because he works there and your backdoor neighbors want it shut down to save the environment. You represent both of those families and have to understand that you will never make everybody happy, ever. Competing agendas from all sides bombard our elected officials, board members etc. and they have to rely on principle to make an informed decision to proceed.

12. UNDERSTAND THE SYSTEM: Representative democracy – good term to know. You vote for the person you think will do the best job and it is their job to represent you. They don’t need to take a poll to determine which way the wind is blowing before taking a stand on an issue. They do what they feel is right and if enough constituents don’t like it then they can vote the person out. It is not a majority rule type of system.

Boundary Battle of 2007 - Recap

The www.betterboundaries.org website was taken down several years ago, so here is a recap for everyone new to SunCrest.

In 2007, when the legislature was in the process of formulating the provisions for the Jordan School District split, the statute grouped the entities in each district by municipality, or cities. Therefore, the boundary lines for Canyons School District, per the boundaries of Draper City, should have crossed the county border and gone all the way down, ironically, to within a few hundred yards of Ridgeline Elementary School in Alpine School District.

Problem #1: The north side of the mountain is too steep for buses.

Problem #2: When the first residents moved to SunCrest, before the south side road was built, the closest elementary on the north side, Oak Hollow, was overcrowded. So, the boundary schools for SunCrest kiddos in Jordan District at the time, were Sunrise Elementary, Mt. Jordan Middle School and Jordan High School, all in Sandy.

Problem #1 + Problem #2 = Parents had to drive their kids down to the police substation to catch a bus to drive a very long way to get to school.

Ridgeline Elementary opened in 2007 and accepted UT County SunCrest kids no problem. But, kids from SL County SunCrest were on annually reviewable transfer permits, which meant the district had the ability to not accept the students if the school became overcrowded. Same with Timberline MS and Lone Peak HS. Students were being flipped to either side of the mountain annually, especially the high school students, based on the number of students attending their school that year. There was little to no stability.

The public would be voting on the split in November 2007, the legislature would be firming things up during the session in spring of 2008, and until then, we had no idea what would be happening to our kids and where they would be going to school. Quite a few people put their houses on the market as a result.

April 2007
Received flyers informing us of the change
Organized and formed BetterBoundaries.org
Researched and asked lots of questions

May 2007
Met with Draper city (whose hands were tied)
Met with Alpine and Jordan District officials (whose hands were also tied)
Rallied the community

Met with Sen. Carlene Walker, who thought we had a viable issue


June 2007
Met with Rep. John Dougall (on his 16th anniversary - and it got pretty rowdy up here that night!) and Rep. Greg Hughes who thought a special session of the legislature might fix the issue but were doubtful that would happen

July 2007
Testified to the joint education committee on interim day at the legislature about the unintended consequences of the split affecting thousands of family (build-out for SunCrest at that point was 3500 homes)

August 2007
Miraculously, there was a special session of the legislature!
An amendment was proposed to the boundary/split legislation stopping the boundary at the county line, making the families in Utah County SunCrest, Alpine District constituents.

In 2008, Rep. Hughes took care of the Salt Lake SunCrest residents by amending an open enrollment provision to indicate that if bus service in the boundary district was not available, but was available from a non-boundary district, those students were to be counted in the district that could provide transportation.

So, essentially, as a result of the entire community pitching in, SL residents can now choose either district, and UT County is in Alpine School District instead of Canyons District.

Here are some fun news articles from the archives, if you really want to know more.

SL Tribune June 1, 2007

Des News June 27, 2007

And after feeling like Draper City was not very willing to hear our concerns, Paul Tonks ran for City Council in 2007. He made it through the field of 13 in the primary election, but obviously did not win. However, he was able to gain some influence and forge relationships with the city, which now serves SunCrest well. The mayor and city council respect him and consider his input on SunCrest matters...which was the whole point of running for the council seat in the first place.

Des News March 29, 2008

Important Phone Numbers & Resources

The most frequently requested phone numbers from SunCrest Residents:

SunCrest OA: 801.572.1233

Robust website with access to all of the governing documents. Don't know how things work? No need to look further. Read the bylaws and the CC&Rs here.

Draper City: 801.576.6500

And, I will let you in a one of the best kept secrets in the city: you can sign up to receive notifications via email for a variety of agenda items, calendared events, weather emergencies, bid and job postings, and more!

There is no need to wonder what is happening with the Traverse Ridge Special Service District taxes - now YOU can be in the know too! Sign up for notifications of any agenda item pertaining to TRSSD.

Mad about the salt dome because you didn't know about it? (It's been a discussion item off and on since 2008, by the way) Sign up for Planning Commission notifications! Be empowered!

Draper Police Dispatch: 

801.840.4000

(For an emergency, call 911!)

You can submit an online police report, request a patrol check and more, all online.

Animal Control: 

801.576. 6345 - Officer Dennis Wilson 

801.576.6346 - Officer Heather Baugh  - who knows SunCrest and the dogs up here ridiculously well!

Utah Division of Wildlife Resources: 801.491.5678
Dead deer in the road? Belligerent bobcat? Cranky cougar? Call DWR to the rescue!


Missing a resource that you'd like to see? Leave a comment with all the info and I will be happy to add it here.

Back to the Blog

A couple of years ago SunCrestResidents.org migrated a lot of the communication over to the SunCrest Residents Facebook page because so so many people are on Facebook anyway. However, we have been receiving requests to use the blog more so those without Facebook accounts can still feel connected to the community.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with SR.org, our mission is to inform, educate and support SunCrest community homeowners.

CC-BY TRF_Mr_Hyde

Some of the best ways to use the blog:

1. Context - want to complain about something (Comcast, salt dome)?  Search the blog and see what has already taken place. It's a lot easier to join an existing conversation, than to start a new one, especially when you have the facts first.

2. Searchable content - can't remember the phone number for Animal Control? Draper City? SunCrest OA? Search the blog.

3. History - a lot of requests for info have come from some of our newer neighbors who missed out on the boundary battle of 2007. Want to know what happened? Read the blog. We have come SO far in a few short years! We have a clubhouse, property values are on the rise, resident board members etc.

4. Cure for insomnia - there is a LOT of information on this blog. Can't sleep? Start reading!

Keep Your Small Pets Inside

It's happening again.

Remember last year in August, September and October how our community lost 27 dogs and cats? There were a couple of cougar sightings and some bobcat tracks spotted in 2012.

Several small pets have gone missing this fall and there have been multiple bobcat sightings.

A few weeks ago, early in the morning, a bobcat was seen on a rooftop in Eagle Crest.

Last week in Deer Ridge, the picture above was taken by M. Tolentino, in broad daylight and the bobcat was hanging out, unafraid, next to the kids' playhouse.

And the latest little dog to go missing was just 20 feet away from its owner when it went to investigate in the bushes, yelped, and never returned.

The coyotes have also been heard more frequently, and have been known to snag cats and small dogs as well.

Pets have even gone missing from fenced backyards, so that is no guarantee of safety. The safest thing to do is to keep your small pets indoors.

After speaking with one of the rangers at Div of Wildlife, he indicated that a bobcat is not as concerning as a cougar, because bobcats are fairly elusive and shy. If you do see the bobcat close to houses in the daytime, please call Ranger Wes Alexander at 801.380.6010 and he will see what he can do.

This picture was taken October 13, in Deer Ridge. h/t G. Lauritzen.

SunCrest Owners' Association Board Member Elections

The slate of nine candidates all did a great job articulating their views at the Meet the Candidate Event this evening. There was a two minute intro, lots of questions, and a two minute wrap-up. Notes and results are below. I did my best to keep up with all of the answers, but I'm sure I missed a few things. This should give you a nice overview, though.

Lisa Holcomb - lived here since 2001, loves it, concerned about easements.

Doug Fowler - sent a survey to residents, decided he wanted more of a voice, stood up for the community

Tim Mawhinney - public service sector, worked with businesses, compromise is important, no nonsense

Doyle Judd - attended almost every board meeting for the past four years, lots of HOA experience and boards of public, private companies. Understands governing documents, basically the "constitution of SunCrest" 

Amy Baird - 9 years, involved with SunCrestResidents.org, worked to explain and educate residents, accounting experience, budget/finance committee, and covenants committee for several years.

Larry Nilssen - understands rules, processes, procedures, experience with boards, covenants committee, interested in a strong, fiscally responsible board.

Aimee Hudak - represents the moms, community full of concerned residents, wants to make SunCrest a great place. Working with Draper and ASD for bus stop safety.

David James - dad was city manager, runs a business, willing to carve out time to volunteer in community, concerns about salt dome, fire danger, wants to be the voice.

Ben Crandall - Melinda Crandall's husband, 8 years, concerned about things outside of his control impacting home values. 

#1. Parks 
Ben - salt dome
Larry - interested in Draper turning parks over to HOA
Doyle - interested in working to find a solution to make parks better
David - interested in working with anybody to find the best option
Amy - need park improvement, likes the open space, will work with city and residents, especially on salt dome issue
Aimee - would work with Draper, worst park in neighborhood, doesn't want to turn it over to HOA, thinks Draper should make it better
Tim - HOW are we going to work with Draper? We have a board member on city council
Lisa - knows Draper City, SunCrest isn't special, park maintenance is a city responsibility
Doug - need two-way communication with Draper

#2. Top three concerns/issues, in order
Lisa -
1. Draper owns 2300, wants it to be open space
2. wants protection easements
3. FireWise

Doyle -
1. Work w/Draper City
2. Recognize governing documents
3. Maintain HOA in fiscally sound position

Tim -
1. Land use
2. Relationships with city
3. Salt dome, TRSSD
4. Wants HOA to represent everyone in the community

Larry -
1. Fiscal strength
2. Parks - take them over, a consideration
3. CCRs, rules

Ben -
1. Understanding boundaries of what is OA land and what is Draper's
2. Transition from Draper City to HOA

Doug -
1. Representation on the board
2. Maintain relationship w/Draper
3. Bringing the community together

Aimee -
1. Special tax - can't stop the tax
2. Unite as a community and go to Draper City, volume

David -
1. TRSSD - doesn't want it to be a piggybank for Draper
2. Fire prevention
3. Cell tower

Amy -
1. Better communication, educate residents
2. Good relationship with city
3. CCRs and finances

#3. Why do you want to be a board member?
David - wants to make SunCrest great.
Ben - wants to improve SunCrest's image
Doug - wants better communication
Aimee - feels at home, wants to keep SunCrest a great community
Lisa - representative, working w/Draper, need to get people to City Hall
Amy - likes to be involved, wants to get others involved, has already been involved for several years
Larry - we're almost there, vested interest in a high-functioning board
Doyle - adds value, 40+ years of experience in business, finance, four years of experience serving in SunCrest
Tim - wants to protect the public in SunCrest

#4. Life/work experience?
Amy - 20 yrs accounting, CFO, no problem collecting dues, CCRs, budget/finance committee 5 yrs, Draper Youth Council advisor

Larry - HOAs in other cities, understands the rules and how they function

Doug - small business owner, involved, loves SunCrest

David - 30 yrs business experience, people person, soccer ref for 17 yrs

Lisa - Level-headed, works in IT, real, needs woman on board

Ben - looks for win-win, enjoys the community

Tim - ISEE Sec/Treas, HOA experience, budgets for Utah

Aimee - CEO of Hudak corp, used to being paid nothing and having to work hard, bus stop

Doyle - HOAs, SunCrest OA, CPA, 40+ years, public companies, small companies - diversity of experience. Decisions should be based on facts.

#5. Relationship w/Draper City should be...?

Larry - relationship with Draper City used to be difficult, it has improved, they have statutory authority, better to garner trust.

David - HOA is not a taxing authority so we have no choice but to work with them, can be improved, voices need to be heard, don't need to be offensive

Doyle - Two-fold: Co-owner as declarant, taxing authority. Golden rule. He who has the gold makes the rules.

Tim - Voters in Draper, clout, getting out the vote to change out City Council members. Voting delegates should motivate residents to vote against council members who don't support SunCrest

Amy - timeline for plan to turn over MDA, better communication, have them come to SunCrest to educate residents.

Ben - close relationship, should be non-adversarial

Doug - cooperative but separate, Draper City shouldn't be on OA Board

Aimee - I've seen Draper not like us, but we can come together and change things like with the school district. Things have improved drastically

Lisa - it's everyone's responsibility to represent our community at City Hall, motivate residents to step up

#6. How would you describe the OA to someone who doesn't have an understanding of community associations.

Doug - understand it as a business, CCMC does great job of working on finances, have to have revenue, costs involved

Aimee - people want to get rid of HOA, however, we need the HOA for what we have and what we pay. Supports the OA, it is a business.

Ben - OA as a business, income/revenue, rules/regulations, great service for the money

Larry - power with the people, who vote for the delegates, who vote for the trustees, who hire the management company

Tim - not for profit business, important to understand what is being done by the HOA board, website to ask questions, have elected board members dig up info for residents

Amy - board is responsible for money, how it is being spent

Doyle - OA is not a for profit but business principles are sound. Maintain a certain quality of life based on governing docs for all who live here, increases property values.

David - non-profit, democratic, representative form of government, vote people off if you don't like them, be motivated to get involved

Lisa - check and balance w/finances, important to have a third party be a second set of eyes.

#7. Communication - how will you communicate? Be specific.

Aimee - communication is through representation. Chain of command. Every resident has a voice that goes to the delegate, delegates need to be at meetings to communicate with the board.

Amy - better communicate, SunCrest residents.org blog, minutes at OA board meetings, a website to look at

David - We need to know where we can go. People don't know or care about their voting members. Info needs to be disseminated to all residents.

Lisa - paper. Something in everybody's mailbox. Old-fashioned way works. Lure people in. Do raffles at budget meetings.

Doug - need voting delegates wanting to communicate. Make sure you get to know your neighbors.

Ben - effective communication is vital. Blog, e-mail blasts, website, delegates, direct mail, personal communication.

Doyle - channels we have are underutilized. Voting delegates keep their constituents informed. OA has a website. OA emails.

Larry - Resident responsibility to click on email to know what is going on. Residents want confidence in their voting members that their interests are being represented.

Tim - interactive website. Townhall. Be available to answer questions for residents at BBQ.

#8. What are the primary board roles? (Advocate, ambassador, fiduciary duty, neighbor, friend) What will YOU be the most useful for?

Tim - Advocate, relationship w/city, ambassador, fiduciary duty, neighbor.

Doug - advocate, communicate with neighbors.

Lisa - Princess. :) Advocate to city, rebrand SunCrest as the crown jewel of Draper.

Doyle - Governing docs determine fiduciary duties of the board. Advocate with city for the interests of residents. Be a good neighbor.

Larry - Role is clearly defined in governing docs. We want to be wise and instill confidence in residents for our decisions.

Aimee - advocate, friend. Others think she knows everything that's going on here. Communicate those concerns to the board.

David - deals w/problems/customers. Knows what it takes to work with people. Helpful to have a marketing campaign to excite people to get involved.

Amy - A little bit of all. Follow CCRs, budget/finance in good hands, educate residents, communicate, be a good neighbor.

Closing Statement:

Doyle - hope you're convinced already without speech at the end. Value add to the board because of experience.

Ben - wants to be ambassador, advocate, neighbor, but not a princess. Effective communication.

David - advocate to make sure our interests are better served. But won't lose sleep if not elected. Very busy.

Larry - Problem-solver, experience, seen functioning boards, wants SunCrest OA to continue to be a functional board.

Tim - Won't jump the gun, will not fail to learn from previous board members, will not not listen. Your decision will effect HOA for 6-9 months. Choose a candidate who will get the job done. Does what it takes.

Doug - Proud of this community. Enjoys walking three-mile loop. Stand up for SunCrest.

Aimee - stay at home mom, loves her community, will do anything for SunCrest for her children.

Amy  -will be a leader, make sure it doesn't turn into dysfunctional board, lots of experience to bring to the board, more residents on committees, proven track record.

Lisa - crown jewel. Functionality is a big part of what we would do for homeowners. Make some changes to governing docs. Can't be stagnant - either moving forward or backward.

RESULTS: A big thank you to all who were willing to run for one of the board member seats!

And, congratulations go to Amy Baird, Doyle Judd, and Aimee Hudak!

This is a continuation of the blog below. So be sure to Start at beginning.

Question: The Community Council disappeared 8 years ago. Will you bring them back?

Michelle Weeks: I feel a disconnect between the residents and city hall. Having a Community Council would help residents understand why the council votes on issues.

Troy Walker: You can contact the city hall and we always answer back. I get calls on my cell phone and I always answer an email back from a resident. I would rather residents ask me directly. We have a $30,000,000 budget and not one resident showed up at the budget meeting before we approved it. Not many people come to city council meetings, so I would rather they speak to the city directly. No one has shown an interest in doing a Community Council.

Jeff Stenquist: We did away with the Community Council because it started to fall apart and didn't work. Everyone stopped participating in it. I felt like it was a middle layer. That residents felt they had to go to their Community Council and then the community council came to us. I would rather deal with the residents directly.

Phil Shell: I was on one of the Community Councils before they did away with them. I would be for it if residents wanted to be active again, but then again no one even shows for meetings like our budget.

Bill Rappleye: I think SunCrest has done the best. They have the best Emergency Preparedness. They throw parties for the residents so they get to know each other. They are involved. Do we need more dialog, yes.

CLOSING STATEMENTS:

Bill Rappleye: Draper is my home and always will be. I thank you for the great turn out tonight to listen to your candidates running. I feel so welcome in Draper. Like I can talk to people like they are my friend.

Michelle Weeks: I love Draper. We need fresh voices, new opinions, new visions, and we need to add a woman to the board. We need a change and I am willing to learn.

Troy Walker: We can only go forward. We need someone to be ready to represent Draper and help compete for business. After seeing everyone line up on 12300 for Derek Johnson shows how much Draper residents really care.

Jeff Stenquist: Thanks for coming out tonight and being informed about the candidates to see who  is the best person for this job. I  have the experience to represent you on the council. We have grown and learned a lot being on the council these past years. We still have more growing in Draper and I have the experience to do it.

Phil Shell: I can make a difference. I want to work with you and for you. I have my work experience as an attorney to help you move forward. You need leadership and vision. I also have the time away from work to dedicate to the council. I want to be proactive.


Well thats all folks, I hope you enjoyed your reading because my fingers hurt from typing. Thanks DeLaina for typing the first part. I hope I don't have to read my comments on here from tomorrow night :-)....Amy

Draper City Meet the Candidate Night

Bill Rappleye, City Council candidate: intro - Used to be on WVC planning commission, loves Draper and is a champion of anyone who wants to be involved, running for a second term, was on the Draper planning commission.

Phil Shell, Mayor: attorney, owns land and has lived here a long time, wants everyone to get along, enjoys problem-solving and looking for win-win solutions.

Jeff Stenquist, City Council candidate: moved to Draper in 1996, software engineer, 4 kids, running for a third term, made difficult decisions over the years, made a lot of progress with SunCrest properties that benefit the entire city.

Troy Walker, Mayor (current City Council member): moved here in 2003, attorney, 4 kids, love/hate relationship w/gov't, gov't should provide services we can't provide for ourselves, then get out of the way. Businesses in Draper support the community and help keep taxes low. Believes in open space, volunteerism, sense of community, has been involved in Haunted Hollow, Draper Days etc.

Michele Weeks, City Council candidate: Thinks Draper is growing too fast. Roads, sewers and schools can't handle the growth. From Maryland.

1. What is the biggest issue in Draper and how would you address it?

 Michele Weeks: Draper is growing too fast. Slow the growth and have diversity in lot sizes. Education is not doing well in Draper.

 Troy Walker: Managing growth, paying bills and maintaining quality of life. We need the right business, right employers, finding companies to bring to Draper. For example, Edwards Life Sciences, making heart valves, cutting-edge technology. Balanced budget every year. Parks and open spaces need to be maintained. Responsive and responsible.

 Jeff Stenquist: Concerned about economic development because not enough businesses to support the community/population. Since he has been on, IKEA and multiple companies have been vetted and are in Draper. If state moves prison, we need to figure out how to redevelop property in the best way to benefit residents.

 Phil Shell: Communities suffer without solid economic base. Master plan for prison property. Need to be aggressive but not give away the farm. Wants to increase volunteerism.

 Bill Rappleye: Issue makes it sound like a bad thing. We try to balance economics with what is best for the city. Buying SunCrest increased property values, for example. City does not have much say in education. It is the district's responsibility. City's job is to keep taxes low, protect your property rights and keep taxes low.

  2. How have you contributed to our community already and how would you get others of all ages involved?

 Troy Walker: Talks to neighbors, works on trails, involved w/Mayor's Youth Council, community events. Been on City Council for six years. Chaired Park Committee for Draper Days, Haunted Hollow, parades etc. Encourage people to get involved. Coached Draper sports for many years as well. 

Jeff Stenquist: activist, lobbied for changes with City Council, was asked to run for City Council and lost, but gained experience. Served on Planning Commission, helped to understand the role of City Council, land use, zoning, and legal issues. Liaison to Parks/Trails committee, Arts Foundation, Draper Days, coach HS mountain bike team. Likes to be involved to be a good example to his kids, to show them the importance of being involved.

 Phil Shell: sense of community, wife has gotten him involved in a lot of things, worked on Draperville area of Draper Days for the kids, Haunted Hollow booth, amateur ham radio operator, emergency communications team, getting kids involved is good, interested in having grandparents tutor kids in schools.

 Bill Rappleye: Board member for Volunteers of America, lost his first city council election, learned a lot, helped fund and work on restoration of the Fitzgerald property, serves on Emergency Prep committee and is on the Tree Commission, loves it when the kids get involved - Youth Council is a great program, so is DARE. Volunteerism is critical to the success of our community.

 Michele Weeks: Traveled to 35 countries after high school, helped build community centers, schools, orphanages, understood the power of one individual. She is Mrs. Utah, a lobbyist for heart association, encourages us to take control of heart disease, works on pageants, and in schools. Wants to make society a better place.

  3. How will you decrease crime and increase safety awareness, particularly for TRAX in Draper?

 Jeff Stenquist: Draper made the decision to have its own police department, low crime rates but still eye-opening to see the amount of crime that goes on. TRAX adds a wrinkle, but it's not soon enough to tell what impact there will be, although I understand the concerns.

 Phil Shell: Occasionally when he was a kid, there would be prison escapees. Grateful that doesn't happen anymore. My dad keeps an eye on my property, citizens can be alert and report things to the police. That is priceless as we watch out for each other.

 Bill Rappleye: City is working on several solutions, trying to use more officers without increasing taxes to pay for them. Watch out for your neighbors. Lots of crimes of opportunity can be prevented by awareness. Working for three years on UFA training processes to do Fire School in Draper. Emergency Prep committee helps educate how to be safer. Work w/neighbors, families, firemen and police to stay vigilant.

 Michele Weeks: 30% of our budget goes to public safety. Crime is low. She lived in NYC for 13 years, rode subway, looked after her stuff. We can increase safety awareness. People who live by the park are afraid that the homeless will use TRAX and start living in the park. She got a ticket, wants to put officers in the park. Hopes TRAX won't damper quality of life.

 Troy Walker: Rides w/police officers every quarter. Has two ladies in his neighborhood dubbed "The Sheriffs". Supports neighbors watching out for each other. Was on hiring committee for Chief Bryan Roberts, focusing on treating citizens with respect they deserve. Public safety is expensive. On UTA Board, appointed by Speaker of the House, keeping an eye on process.

 High-density housing. Question from the audience. 

 Phil Shell: From a planning perspective, every community needs it. Best place is close to freeway, doesn't wan tit to creep into our neighborhoods.Doesn't oppose them in the right spots.

 Bill Rappleye: Process starts with land use map. Developers want x, y, or z because of market forces coming into play.

Michele Weeks: Not a fan of high-density housing. Concerned about impact on roads, sewers, schools. Lot sizes should not be small.

 Troy Walker: Lived in HD housing until out of school, great experience. Our job as council members is to make sure the property fits within the zone and that it meets code. Let the market drive the zoning.

Jeff Stenquist: Supports a variety of housing densities, wants to step it out and include more HD next to transportation corridors.

Mining at point of mountain impacting environment and paragliding. Question from the audience.

Bill Rappleye: Met w/Geneva Rock, trying to find a win-win situation, it's like asking someone to walk away from a gold mine.

Michele Weeks: Don't have a quick solution. Dust issue is disturbing. They've had the permits before we were Draper. Many voices affect change.

Troy Walker: Owners of gravel quarries pay lots of sale tax in Draper. They bring revenue and employ a lot of people in the city. State controls the air quality. Draper has worked with the state to make sure Geneva is in compliance, suggests lobbying the legislature since they have authority over the issue. Don't expect an easy solution and don't expect everyone to get everything they want. Compromise has to be a part of the negotiation.

Jeff Stenquist: Shocked by the impact. Met with Paragliding Association, then with the company and how their plans work. Met again w/Geneva and SL County, discussions in process, very helpful, tried to open lines of communication and start the dialogue. Looking to preserve ridgeline and air flow. Cities do not have the authority to regulate mining operations in their town. However, we want to advocate and make sure our voice is heard.

Phil Shell: Two things: 1. air quality - state determines if it's in compliance, if not city can lend voice to help citizens. 2. Steep Mountain is a unique resource. If it disappears we can't get it back. City can support efforts to maintain it - we have to try.

Draper City Council "Meet the Candidates Night."

This Monday at 6:30pm at city hall. Come and check out who is running for the open city council seats. You can view their applications at http://www.draper.ut.us/

 

Elections

Municipal General Election
A municipal election will be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2013 in Draper City. The term for each office is four years, beginning in 2014. The list of candidates on the ballot are:

Mayor:                         Troy K. Walker
                                      Phillip B. Shell
                                  
Councilmembers:       William E. Rappleye   
                                      Jeffrey D. Stenquist
                                      Carolyn Hunsaker
                                      Michele Weeks

 

October 7, 2013         Meet the Candidate night organized

                                   by the Draper Mayor's Youth Council

                                   at 6:30 pm in the Draper City Chamber

 

November 5, 2013      GENERAL ELECTION DAY
                                    Polling open from 7am to 8pm.

 

January 7, 2014          Oath of Office Ceremony