Park City was still finding its feet in the summer of 1985 when Sally Cousins Elliott’s daughter took a tumble biking home from day camp near the underpass on Deer Valley Drive. Ramshackle buildings lined Main Street, every other door boarded up.

Sally was away from home at the time with her husband, Torch, building cabinets for their new kitchen in the shop room at Hill Air Force Base when the news came in. Eight-year-old Cat needed stitches, 10-year-old (future) Dr. Libby declared. A trained professional was inclined to agree, though there was no promise that the kids could pay up.

As a thank you, Sally wrote letters to the doctor and day camp director saying she would do anything to repay their kindness and trust. That gesture led to a call asking her to join the city’s parks and recreation advisory board — forging the start of a 40-year commitment to the Park City community.

This week, the Park City Chamber/Bureau honored Sally for her contributions with the Myles Rademan Spirit of Hospitality Award during its annual meeting at Pendry Park City.

The honor is bestowed upon residents who embody the vision of Park City and aspire to make the community a better, more inclusive place. It’s named after Rademan, who served as a city planning director in the late ’80s and is the brain behind City Hall’s leadership program. 

“What started as a kind of mentorship quickly turned into a partnership,” he said during the award ceremony on Wednesday. “So many of the amenities that we take for granted in our town have her fingerprints all over them.”

It wasn’t intentional on Sally’s part. She just wanted to help bring people together. After all, she knows how to work a room, and she hates being bored.

Sally skipped her senior year of high school in Muskogee, Oklahoma, to study sociology at the University of Oklahoma. She met Torch there in 1961, becoming best friends and eventually sweethearts before he departed with the Army for Vietnam.

The couple married in 1967 when Torch returned, spending the next 20 years traveling the world for his military career. They spent two years in Korea, a stint in Alaska and some time in Texas before Torch decided to retire from the military and attend graduate school. But it was up to Sally to decide where.

Snow was the only thing Sally cared about. Skiing was an Elliott family passion with all three children, including son Chip who was attending West Point and competing on racing teams. Initially, they only planned to stay until Torch completed his PhD. But two months in, after that first Miners Day parade, they were hooked.

“We sat down with a drink and looked at each other like ‘Why the hell would we ever leave a place like this?’ and we decided OK, we’re staying,” she said sitting on the back porch of her Prospector home. The Elliotts purchased it for $95,000 two years after they moved to Park City. “When you’ve lived all over the world, you pretty much know a good place.”

Sally said the family came at the right time. Only a couple thousand people were living in the city then, and everyone knew everyone. 

It didn’t take long for Sally to become a standout figure with her magnetic energy, firecracker spirit, fierce determination and sharp wit. Her unvarnished honesty and unexpectedly colored vocabulary added to the charm, too.

Sally also dove headfirst into challenges despite not always having experience and never shied away from asking questions. As an Army wife, she always liked to research the history of the new places her family was living in to help them connect to their new home, so she did the same thing in Park City.

Parkites took Sally for tours around town, and eventually her work on the parks and recreation board led her to become connected with City Hall staff such as Rademan, former City Manager Toby Ross and former Park City Mayor Brad Olch.

Her inaugural task was to help “green” Park City. 

“This is an old community. We can’t talk about firsts, right? Because things have happened, and then they’ve fallen by the wayside, and then they’re rehabbed,” Sally said.

She was in charge of collecting donations to benefit the cemetery, though she confessed she had no idea what she was doing. Sally found discounted lilac shrubs for sale through the Lone Peak correctional facility and purchased 50. Olch contributed a portion of wedding officiant fees to the mayor’s tree fund, which helped beautify the lawn.

Sally went on to become chair of the parks and recreation board and started the city’s garden club. Yet she felt like there was still work to be done, particularly at the south end of City Park.

“I decided if nobody else was going to clean it up … I better run for office and make sure it happens,” Sally said. 

So, she did. Voters elected her to the Park City Council, and Sally served from 1990 to 1994. During that time, she said she “didn’t get one damn thing done.” Others, however, might disagree.

Park City Municipal purchased the McPolin Osguthorpe farm the year Sally took office, to ensure the open space was permanently preserved. The City Council also started a committee to tackle land issues, which later broke off to become Utah Open Lands.

Two years later, Sally was a part of negotiations to create what is now the Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail. She employed “40 fabulous felons” who worked alongside her from April to October.

At the end of her term, Sally decided to forgo reelection in favor of running for the Utah Legislature. As a woman and a Democrat in the mid-1990s, it didn’t work.

Instead, Sally started a destination management company that she ran for 10 years called Utah Escapades. However, she was called to service again in 2004.

Summit County operated under a three-person commission style of government in which elected officials held both the executive and legislative power. Former Commissioner Shauna Kerr, the first woman elected to the panel, planned to retire, and Sally felt like there needed to be someone to represent trails and open space.

Voters elected Sally to represent them. She served with former Commissioners Bob Richer and Ken Woolstenhulme until Summit County Proposition 1 was approved in November 2006, creating a five-member council and county manager position. Sally served another term as a county councilor in 2008 to help with the transition and share institutional knowledge. 

The county mostly dealt with infrastructure issues such as the landfill and recycling center. Otherwise, the most pressing issues then were mostly the same as they are today. 

Sally is most proud of her work on trails, open space and affordable housing. Her biggest regret is that she was never able to see stronger preservation ordinances approved in the county code.

She’s also been instrumental in historical preservation efforts across Utah. Sally has served on numerous boards over the years, including the Utah Quality Growth Commission, the Utah Heritage Foundation, the Park City Chamber/Bureau, Mountain Trails Foundation, Utah Women’s Political Caucus, Park City Historical Society and Recycle Utah.

Whenever there’s a problem in Park City, Sally said somebody rises to take charge. For her, that often occurs in the kitchen. 

She learned to help her mother entertain guests when she was a preteen, collecting recipes from McConnell’s magazine and Better Homes and Gardens. She’s since become an expert in “Scotch whisky diplomacy,” though she isn’t afraid to break out her secret weapons: soup and lots of bacon.

That’s how the Friends of Ski Mountain Mining History, her most recent passion project, formed, as it turns out.

“If you’re sitting at somebody’s dinner table, the fact that there are four different opinions at the table and pretty much two sides to everything, you can sort of get a pickle off the tray and put it in your mouth and suck on it for a minute,” Sally explained. “People are much more willing to share if they’re sitting in a home.”

And to Sally, that’s exactly what hospitality is. It means bringing people together, taking care of one another and everyone pitching in for the common good. It’s sharing the same warm welcome she received when she moved to Park City with newcomers as well as passing on, and preserving, the good things the community has to offer.

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Summit County’s tourism economy experienced another snowstorm of success this year, with the region rolling in as the state’s second-largest economic driver behind Salt Lake County.

Tourism in Utah generated an estimated $12.71 billion in direct visitor spending during the fiscal year, supporting almost 160,000 jobs statewide and creating $2.35 billion in state and local tax revenue, according to the Utah Office of Tourism Managing Director Natalie Randall. 

Almost $1.65 billion, or 13%, of that came from visitor spending in Summit County. Salt Lake dominates the list of counties with an annual visitor economy of $4 billion, or 40% of Utah’s total. Still, more than $18 million collected intransient room taxes last year in the greater Park City area made up 17% of the total statewide revenue. 

The figures are still preliminary, but if confirmed, they would make for another record-breaking year for Utah’s economy.

“We’re the only state agency that’s wholly dedicated to marketing the state, but it is important as we take into account the balance and as we see the growth, especially in communities like Park City and a mature visitor economy, the development pieces and the stewardship pieces as well. Economic impact in our state is significant. Tourism provides a significant piece to that,” Randall said. 

Another historic winter in the Park City area, combined with strong retail and lodging numbers as well as the Park City Chamber/Bureau’s rebranding effort, allowed the area to emerge as a significant contributor to the state.

Around 15% of total spending in Summit County comes from visitors, leading to a tax revenue of $291.5 million for the county and support for 15,000 local jobs. 

The metrics were lauded as the Chamber/Bureau’s latest achievements during its annual meeting on Wednesday at Pendry Park City. 

Over the last six months, lodging numbers have started to level out. Occupancy rates are up 3% and rates are up 1%. President and CEO Jennifer Wesselhoff said Summit County is exactly on pace for this time last year.

“Where the rubber really hits the road though is in our tax collection, and where visitor spending continues to drive and increase in all of the tourism-related categories for Summit County tax collections from January through August, those categories are up … between 3-5%,” Wesselhoff said. “We have a lot of success to build upon in the upcoming year, and we have such an incredibly strong foundation.”

Almost 90% of funding for the Chamber/Bureau came from the transient room tax, which is paid by visitors for short-term lodging in Summit County. Wesselhoff estimated international travelers account for 12% of overnight visitation, a demographic that’s been returning to the community in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. More than 8,500 people visited the Visitor Center help desk in 2023.

Wesselhoff also highlighted how the new tourism brand, legislative efforts focused on housing, transportation, diversity and sustainability as well as the return of the Winter Games in 2034 could impact future visitation.

The Mountainkind ethos was unveiled as a way to present Park City as an “unparalleled mountain community where respect for each other and our natural world defines us.” The Chamber/Bureau hopes the message inspires tourists to support small businesses and take care of the environment while officials plan for the next 10 years. 

Local tourism officials plan to focus on attracting quality visitors to the Park City area while they plan for future developments associated with the future Olympics and prepare to take on the international spotlight. 

“Economic impact numbers are a priority, but we prioritize at the top of our mission, elevating life in Utah and considering quality of life is a key piece to that balance,” Randall said.

About 78% of Utahns say tourism has a positive effect on the state’s reputation, according to a resident sentiment survey. 

That number is higher among Park City residents, 91% of whom said tourism is important to the local economy. However, Randall acknowledged there was still work to be done with only 40% of Parkites saying the positive effects outweigh the negative. 

A large majority of Chamber/Bureau members have said maintaining community character and a sense of place is important to them.

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The local arts and culture scene generates about $177 million in economic activity, according to a new study presented by the Arts Council of Park City & Summit County.

The Arts Council partnered with Americans for the Arts, a nonprofit organization committed to advancing the arts and arts education, to participate in the Arts & Economic Prosperity Study for the first time. The study, in its sixth iteration, is intended to demonstrate the significant economic and social benefits of arts and culture in local communities across the nation. It represented 373 regions across all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

Jocelyn Scudder, the executive director of the Arts Council, said the nonprofit collected data from more than 750 events and at least 20 organizations in Summit County to document the industry’s contributions. About 59% of visitors were nonlocal compared to 41% residents.

“So what this study does, especially since it was so widely and broadly surveyed, it helps out community better understand the contributions of arts and culture from this economic and social benefit perspective, and supports our local advocacy efforts for increased investments,” Scudder said. “Arts and culture is truly a critical piece of life here in Summit County for both residents and visitors.”

Summit County added $176.8 million to the local economy through arts and culture events in 2022, bringing in more than $6.5 million in local tax revenue and supporting 2,000 jobs. Thousands of volunteers also donated 46,000 hours of time to 20 Summit County organizations, valued at an estimated $1.4 million.

Jake McIntyre, a data specialist for the Arts Council, explained that’s about 17% of the total industry spend in Utah. 

Attendees in Summit County spent around $84 per person per event on average, with tourists usually spending more than locals. The cost doesn’t include the cost of admission or data from the Sundance Film Festival. The film festival alone generated $126 million in visitor spending in 2023, skewing the overall data.

To compare, Salt Lake City generates about $512 million in economic activity while Salt Lake County creates $593 million. Arts and culture brings in about $31 million in Cache County and $13 million in Davis County. 

Around 75% of arts and culture attendees in Summit County said they would feel a great sense of loss if the activity or venue were no longer available, and 85% said the event promoted a sense of pride in the neighborhood. Almost 70% agreed the facility where they were surveyed is an important community pillar.

Scudder said the data shows Summit County is outpacing communities in similar areas or with comparable populations, opening up the potential for further economic activity.

“I think the biggest takeaways for me and for the Arts Council generally is, first of all, our local arts and culture organizations are powerhouses in this community. They contribute not only to the social well being of our community, but are also economic drivers here in Summit County,” she said.

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Summit County is weathering the summer wave of coronavirus with case numbers at their lowest since the pandemic began four years ago.

Cumulative data from the Summit County Health Department respiratory disease dashboard shows there were 626 coronavirus cases as of Aug. 3 compared to 692 in 2019-2020, 4,589 in 2020-2021, 8,567 in 2021-2022 and 910 in 2022-2023. 

The total case counts per week are declining compared to each year, though there has been an overall increase throughout the year.

Nancy Porter, an epidemiologist with the Health Department, said the upward trend matches the overall seasonality of the virus — which has been harder to track than influenza or respiratory syncytial virus.

“There was a summer wave of COVID,” she said during an Aug. 5 Board of Health meeting. “We haven’t been seeing a lot of severe disease here, but we have been seeing increased numbers of COVID. I’ve noticed that our COVID testing tests have been going a bit quicker the past month.”

Porter acknowledged case counts are no longer the most accurate way to track COVID because testing throughout the state isn’t as accessible as it once was. So health officials rely on other data such as the virus’ presence in wastewater and hospitalizations.

Wastewater surveillance data detected the Silver Creek and East Canyon watersheds were in elevated states, while Coalville had been reduced to a low category. The figures were comparable to other sites throughout Utah. About 70% were in a high or elevated state and 20% were in a watch category as of early August, according to Porter.

Summit County hasn’t experienced many hospitalizations with just two residents being admitted for COVID in the past 90 days. The state saw an uptick at the start of the summer, but it’s since mellowed out.

While the current case counts don’t forecast what will happen later this year, Porter said health officials use data from the Southern Hemisphere to predict what Americans can expect for the 2024-2025 season.

It was still a bit too early to tell at the time Porter gave her report to the Board of Health, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has since released its outlook: Flu, COVID and RSV cases are expected to be similar or less severe this fall than last year.

The respiratory disease season is expected to kick off in September with a peak expected in January or February. County health officials plan to emphasize vaccination efforts in October to ensure residents are well covered by the shot. 

There will be three drive-through clinics throughout Summit County. One will be hosted in Kamas on Oct. 1, with events the following days in Coalville and Park City. All three Health Department locations will also be stocked with vaccines and booster shots, and staff plans to visit vulnerable populations such as seniors to ensure they’re covered.

Porter noted the impact of vaccines on the community’s health. Last year was one of the first years an RSV vaccine was offered to residents in certain age groups, and it made a significant difference in reducing the total number of cases. 

Summit County experienced one of its worst RSV seasons in 2022-2023 with 195 cases that January. Earlier this year, it was reduced to 68 cases. 

“COVID shook things up for a bit, but I think we’re starting to transition back [to typical seasonality],” she said.

Porter also discussed the Community Health Assessment, a strategic plan to guide how resources should be allocated to best meet community needs. She’s set a goal to hit 1,000 surveys by November. The Health Department received 392 as of early August.

Visit summitcountyhealth.org for more information.

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Motorists driving down S.R. 224 might be surprised to see two moose calves standing near Swaner Preserve, but that’s kind of the point.

Summit County nonprofit Save People Save Wildlife recently erected the two new silhouettes on the roadway to memorialize the calves’ mother, who was killed at the site nearly a year ago. Just down the road, a tiny spotted fawn became an orphan only a few days after the sculptures went up.

Save People Save Wildlife volunteers estimate at least 28 animals — 22 deer, four elk and two moose — have been struck and killed on the drive from Kimball Junction to Kearns Boulevard to date.

The latest installations are a part of the effort to raise awareness about the high number of wildlife-vehicle collisions on the 6-mile stretch. Last year, Save People Save Wildlife installed silhouettes of other animals to bring attention to the problem using community-donated funds.

The nonprofit has been advocating for a wildlife overpass on S.R. 224 to help solve the conflict. The Utah Department of Transportation in April rejected the idea, but that hasn’t slowed the nonprofit down.

Save People Save Wildlife is now focused on raising money to fund an independent engineering assessment later this month that would determine a viable and feasible location for a crossing structure. It’s unclear how much a third-party study will cost. The nonprofit has raised at least $260,000 for its cause since forming in 2015.

“We are asking for donations to support the independent engineering study to assess this roadway,” the nonprofit said in a statement. “We are continuing the assessment where UDOT has failed to follow through and address based on their very own commissioned studies of this roadway.”

A 2019 study determined S.R. 224 is the fifth-highest location in the state for large wildlife fatalities with almost 3 vehicle-wildlife collisions per mile. The mile in front of McPolin Farm is the deadliest stretch of that road.

There are an estimated 30,000 trips along the roadway with little protection for animals crossing in the area. UDOT lowered the speed limit to 45 mph and placed signage to alert drivers to wildlife in the area. However, Save People Save Wildlife representatives have said it’s done little to actually address the issue.

Wildlife activists staged a demonstration along S.R. 224 in July calling on Park City and Summit County officials to do more. For example, an overpass with wildlife fencing would reduce vehicle-wildlife collisions by 90%.

State officials aren’t convinced it would accomplish the goal, though. It’s also expected to come with a multimillion-dollar price tag.

Still, Save People Save Wildlife wants UDOT and local officials to ensure every Utahn, both two and four-legged, be considered in the planning of any major infrastructure. There are other, smaller mitigation tactics such as fencing or cattle guards that could be used.

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A 28-year-old man with autism was reported missing near Alexander Lake over the weekend. His family hadn’t seen him in five hours.

The family had searched for the man for some time before contacting Summit County Search and Rescue around 7:45 p.m. on Saturday. Crews were dispatched and volunteers immediately began looking in the area, according to a report from the Sheriff’s Office.

Search and Rescue volunteers later found the man about a mile from the campsite. He had made a “fairly large fire” using a slash pile to keep warm. The crew kept the blaze contained until firefighters arrived to extinguish it with the proper equipment, the report said.

The man was transported back to his camp. He was reunited with his family in good health.

The Sheriff’s Office responded to several other calls between Monday, Aug. 26, and Sunday, Sept. 1, including reports of driving under the influence, active warrants and drugs.

Saturday, Aug. 31

A vehicle was stopped near the outlet mall for a traffic violation. The car was searched and drugs were found inside. A woman was arrested. She was charged with possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia.

Deputies were dispatched to a domestic incident at a Canyons Village hotel. A man reported he and his girlfriend got into a verbal argument and she left intoxicated. Deputies found the car and conducted a traffic stop. The woman smelled strongly of alcohol and a standardized field sobriety test was initiated. She performed poorly and was arrested for suspected drunk driving.

Friday, Aug. 30

Deputies attempted to stop a gray sedan in a gas station parking lot near S.R. 224 for not displaying its registration. The driver fled the scene and began traveling westbound on Interstate 80. Deputies lost sight of the car because of traffic and terminated the pursuit.

A car was stopped on I-80. A K9 indicated narcotics were present. Deputies found small amounts of fentanyl, heroin and meth. Two people were arrested on multiple charges. The car was impounded.

Deputies found a car with active warrants near Silver Creek. The driver was asked to provide identification, which matched the wanted man. He was arrested and transported to the Summit County Jail without incident.

A vehicle with a cracked windshield was observed at a Silver Springs gas station. Deputies checked the attached records and learned the registered owner had an active warrant. The car was stopped and the driver was identified as the wanted individual. He was taken into custody for the warrant and issued a citation for driving without a valid license. He was taken to the Summit County Jail without incident.

Thursday, Aug. 29

A traffic stop was conducted for an equipment violation in Pinebrook. Deputies smelled alcohol coming from the driver during the stop. The driver performed poorly on a standardized field sobriety test. Chemical tests were administered at the Sheriff’s Office. The driver was arrested for suspected DUI.

Deputies were dispatched to an injury accident in Summit Park. The vehicle left the roadway and traveled down the hillside.

Tuesday, Aug. 27

An individual reported that their family had not returned from a camping trip in the Washington Lake area and that they were not answering their phones. Deputies searched several campgrounds and trailheads but could not find the car. Search and Rescue was notified and initiated a “cell phone ping.” The campers then reached out to the individual to say they had returned.

Deputies stopped a vehicle on Interstate 80 for multiple moving violations. The driver performed poorly on a standardized field sobriety test and admitted to taking opiates before driving. The man was arrested and taken to the Summit County Jail.

A vehicle was stopped on Old Highway 40 after deputies discovered there were active warrants for speeding and driving without a license attached to it. A woman was driving the car at the time of the traffic stop, and she was identified as the individual with active warrants. She was transported to the Summit County Jail without incident.

Monday, Aug. 26

Deputies approached a vehicle parked in Kimball Junction after learning the registered owner had an active warrant. A narcotics K9 was deployed and indicated drugs were present. Deputies searched the vehicle and found a small amount of meth and heroin. The driver and a passenger were arrested.

Search and Rescue received a call about an overdue hunter who was reported near Henry’s Fork. Deputies searched the area and located the hunter’s car. The man later contacted family saying he was fine and also followed up with Summit County Dispatch to say he didn’t need assistance.

An abandoned vehicle was reported near Canyons Village. Deputies checked the car and learned it had been reported stolen. The registered owner was notified.

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The solution to fixing traffic on S.R. 224 could come down to a traditional widening project. However, Summit County officials are advocating for additional improvements to increase connectivity and community access in the Kimball Junction area.

Members of the County Council this week indicated they preferred the estimated $41 million intersection improvement project over a $107 million alternative that would create a split diamond interchange to divert traffic exiting Interstate 80 through the Outlets Park City area.

They asked the Utah Department of Transportation to combine the projects after the state eliminated the county’s preferred plan earlier in the spring. Yet officials learned on Wednesday that option wasn’t selected either.

Transportation Planning Director Carl Miller and county engineer Brandon Brady met with the County Council to provide an update on the Kimball Junction Environmental Impact Statement, and to strategize how to move forward before UDOT gives a formal presentation later this year.

The state was initially expected to make a final decision on which project it would choose in the winter. However, Miller said the amount of public feedback submitted on the draft plan likely pushed that to the summer of 2025.

Alternative C was touted as a typical UDOT project with new turn lanes. It would reduce queuing times on I-80, but it could impact pedestrian safety, neighborhood connectivity and travel speeds.

The project doesn’t rely on infrastructure near the outlet mall like Alternative A. It doesn’t have any pedestrian improvements like the split diamond project. However, Miller explained the projects are compatible with each other and elements of each could be incorporated later on if the traffic warranted it.

Alternative A would separate traffic by Whole Foods, bringing cars off the highway before the interchange. It would require a light to be installed at Ute Boulevard and Landmark Drive rather than the existing roundabout and a pedestrian underpass would be created to connect each side of S.R. 224.

The county’s transportation planners originally favored Alternative B, a $207 million project to create grade-separated intersections with one-way frontage roads. Officials liked the idea because the fly-under could have also served as a pedestrian bridge linking the neighborhoods. 

However, it was screened out because of the number of roadway conflicts, costs and environmental impact. UDOT also eliminated the overpass idea because the underpass met all screening criteria.

It’s still possible to achieve some of that connectivity and sense of community with either alternative through a linear park strategy, Miller said. He also used the Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge in Austin, Texas as well as the Van Leesten Memorial Bridge in Providence, Rhode Island as examples of structures that connect active transportation and the surrounding environment in an attractive way.

Summit County could also choose to fund the construction of an overpass on its own.

County Councilor Canice Harte was in favor of such a betterment depending on the cost, which was unclear. He advocated for staff to push UDOT to build a pedestrian walkway over rather than under. 

“This is a gateway to the area. So whatever happens down here, someone comes off the highway, this pedestrian overpass is going to make a statement, and it actually has brand value for the greater Park City area and Summit County as a whole,” Harte said, encouraging designers to focus on making it an experience.

Harte added the goal is to make Kimball Junction a more walkable area, and Alternative A would conflict with that notion because it brings more traffic onto Landmark Drive near the transit center. 

Vice Chair Tonja Hanson agreed, though she lamented she wasn’t thrilled with any of the options. Chair Malena Stevens was interested in exploring cost-sharing opportunities to ensure an overpass is as attractive and functional as possible.

County Councilor Roger Armstrong added he also felt frustrated. He and co-member Chris Robinson favored Alternative C and said engineers could try to mitigate where the design performs worse than Alternative A.

Alternatives A and C scored the same in walking and biking comfort. Alternative C scored higher in convenience, safety and cost. Alternative A was better for transit, redundancy and access to businesses in the area.

UDOT is expected to present the draft Environmental Impact Study to the County Council in the late fall or winter. Visit kimballjunctioneis.udot.utah.gov for more information.

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A crucial balancing act is unfolding on the East Side as Summit County officials grapple with the challenges of managing development and preserving the region’s rural character within a changing landscape.

Representatives from the Eastern Summit County Planning Commission on Wednesday highlighted the issues they’re experiencing during a joint meeting with the County Council and Planning Department staff as officials embark on a comprehensive process to rewrite the community’s general plans.

While the Snyderville Basin document was last updated in 2015, the East Side’s planning guide hasn’t been changed since 2013 and it lacks structure. Small-town vibes are emphasized, but the simple plan doesn’t allow for the same reinforcement — a major concern for planning commissioners.

“We approve projects, we do a lot of conditional use permits, then it’s ‘Well, how are we going to enforce this?’” Community Development Director Peter Barnes explained.

As changes are made and code updates are implemented, staff must enact greater discipline in applying the rules as applications come in. 

Planning Commission Chair Alex Peterson said it’s been a challenge to maintain consistency in the face of change, especially when people expect the rules to be the same as five to 10 years ago. The East Side wants to retain its agricultural rural character, but it’s also feeling the pressures of housing and trying to define its own industry.

So officials are considering creating an agricultural tourism zone to encourage ideas similar to Ballerina Farm’s creamery concept and businesses like the cidery proposed off S.R. 32 in Marion. These proposals work well with the existing landscape of eastern Summit County, where there are no ski slopes or large commercial zones.

Planning Commissioner Rich Sonntag characterized the current zoning as a checkerboard of large residential and agricultural uses that allow for very little density, reducing the opportunity for affordable housing on the East Side. He said that will have to change in the future.

“Everything that comes across our desk: dog kennels, contractor’s yards, quarries, all these things, are allowed in every zone on the East Side because the table of uses is unduly broad and unrestricted,” he said. Officials need to go through and examine the zoning requirements as well as the table of allowed uses.

Developments in eastern Summit County need to be accessible in terms of transportation and public transit, self-sustainable to ensure residents aren’t traveling to Kimball Junction or Park City to meet their needs, and contain enough independent commercial activity to provide employment opportunities and attract people living elsewhere in the county. 

Sonntag said that can be achieved through an agricultural tourism zone or a recreational commercial zone, which was being considered several years ago. He called on planning staff to develop clear guidelines that are defined in the general plan and the county code.

“As we’re dealing with this tabula rasa of it is now on the East Side, we need the tools to do so, zoning in places where in fact we need it if we’re ever going to have the housing we need, which again needs to be supported by enough economic activity to make it work,” Sonntag said. “Small town character, not small town character, I think that will be redefined as we approve these projects as to what we require. Because these days, when you approve a project, it’s not just a density map.”

The other planning commissioners, Bill Wilde and Clint Benson, echoed comments about the need for zoning amendments and additional code enforcement.

Wilde named Browns Canyon as a particular pain point. The area was described as an unregulated “dumping ground.” He suggested creating an industrial zone to help control what applications are coming in while also maintaining property rights in the area. 

“The zones that we have are not working appropriately, and just adjusting the use type is not going to do anything apart from either remove something from the zone or add something,” Barnes said.

The possibility of other large developments, like Cedar Crest Village and the West Hills proposal, was also a big concern. Cedar Crest hasn’t returned to the Planning Commission for a few weeks, but Barnes anticipates a “crash of information” when representatives present their next update.

Planning commissioners are also expecting similar applications in the Wanship area. Wilde said traffic heading to Coalville will become an issue unless it’s addressed before any building starts. Development in eastern Summit County has historically been centered around Hoytsville, Woodland and Francis.

No formal decisions were made this week. The conversation was intended to guide planning efforts moving forward. The Eastern Summit County Planning Commission meets on the first and third Thursday of every month to discuss the latest applications.

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Summit County officials are expected to select a proposal to guide the development of a new neighborhood on a 30-acre parcel in Jeremy Ranch by year-end. However, one county councilor vehemently argued that proceeding now, without a clear vision for the site’s design, would be premature.

County Councilor Roger Armstrong on Wednesday dissented from his colleagues as the Planning Department presented its draft request seeking development proposals for the Cline Dahle property on Rasmussen Road. Staff advocated for a mixed-use plan that combines housing, natural spaces and small commercial opportunities — yet the lack of specifics raised many questions for the County Council.

Jeff Jones, the county’s economic development and housing director, said the request for proposals is in the research, collaboration and draft phase. A final draft could be presented to the County Council for approval by Sept. 25 and issued by the end of the month. 

Members of the County Council signaled that was possible, but it depends on the details of the plan.

Armstrong, though, argued officials haven’t done enough work to take a proactive approach to the multifaceted challenge. 

“We have this steady drumbeat of affordable housing without a plan. I’m concerned that I’ve lost touch with [my fellow councilors] because I keep asking for a plan and then this crap keeps coming up,” he said. “Whether that’s the strategy we want, we haven’t decided because we haven’t done the work that I’ve asked you to do. And last time I thought we said we weren’t going to pursue this RFP because we hadn’t done the work.”

Armstrong told staff during the previous meeting that the county needs to better understand its existing needs and set specific policies before committing to building more units. He issued a stern warning about being reactive to developers and chasing housing demand without a comprehensive plan for whom or how.

The county councilor was critical of the draft request for proposals because the current strategy allows the applicants to tell officials what they want to do with the property instead of giving the county the power to tell the developer what it will allow.

Summit County purchased the Cline Dahle parcel in 2017, considering it for transit-oriented development such as a park-and-ride facility, community housing or commercial development. Recent discussions have also included a new fire station and playground on the site. There could also be a conservation easement on the wetland area, which reduces the total developable acres on the property to 17.

The draft request for proposal did not reference a specific number of units that could be built on the site or the type of rezoning the county would consider. Jones did confirm there would be a clear phasing program and a master housing agreement with deed restrictions as well as pedestrian access on the site.

“I think this is an opportunity for us to do something that will better our community,” he said.

The Cline Dahle property is currently zoned as rural residential, allowing for a maximum density of one unit per 20 acres. However, it could be changed to a community commercial or a neighborhood mixed-use zone to allow construction based on what a prospective developer asks for.

The project may also require more than just rezoning, according to Community Development Director Peter Barnes. He said some elements of the county code may have to be tweaked depending on the selected design.

Housing appeared to be the biggest hangup for the County Council. 

Jones outlined the existing housing demand and deficit, particularly for affordable units, in Summit County. He estimated between 518 to 652 units need to be built annually over 10 years to address a range of needs.

While Armstrong called for slowing growth and re-evaluating what’s being built where, some of his colleagues supported making small, thoughtful changes that keep the county evolving whenever possible.

“I’m also looking at some other factors that are really rearing its head right now,” County Councilor Canice Harte said. “What we’re really afraid of, what I think is happening, is we’re becoming largely a more and more affluent retirement community. And the more this pressure doesn’t provide any relief to keep younger families in the area, I think it’s actually going to really hurt the fabric of our community and it presents a fundamental challenge of who’s going to work in the restaurants. Who’s going to work in retail stores?” 

Harte, who has pushed for the RFP to be submitted by year’s end, encouraged planners to slow down if needed to ensure the document is done right. He said it’s clear the county doesn’t have a collective vision of what to ask for. He emphasized clarity is more important than timing.

Chair Malena Stevens agreed. She feared developers would petition the Utah Legislature if Summit County is unwilling to consider certain projects. Stevens said her mindset to managing the problem is not “no growth never,” but rather funneling development into appropriate places.

“There’s a community [in Pinebrook] that you don’t see in other neighborhoods because we haven’t allowed it to be built because of how we’re denying to put housing in these infill places where they can access this,” she said.

Barnes acknowledged there are unanswered questions in the draft document. However, he affirmed there will be a public process through the Snyderville Basin Planning Commission that allows the county to retain review, understanding and control.

County planners said officials must articulate their vision for the project, the culture of the community and other developments in the area through the request for proposals because there will likely be interest from outside the Wasatch Back.

Planning Department staff is moving forward with plans to create a more specific RFP based on council feedback. Proposals would be accepted until mid-November and reviewed by Thanksgiving. If a proposal is selected by 2025, a developer could start construction in April.

The County Council recognized the need to have a more intense conversation about housing during its upcoming retreat. 

The post Cline Dahle stirs debate about balancing mixed-use development with community needs appeared first on Park Record.

Kouri Richins, the Kamas mother of three charged with administering a lethal dose of fentanyl to her husband, is scheduled to go to trial for his alleged murder in May 2025.

Third District Court Judge Richard Mrazik on Tuesday afternoon ruled the Summit County Attorney’s Office had presented enough evidence in the two-day preliminary hearing to determine probable cause exists, allowing the trial to proceed next year.

The judge’s ruling was based on information provided in the court docket, witness statements and expert testimony presented on Monday, during the first day of the hearing. Mrazik acknowledged there is a relatively low threshold to prove probable cause and bind someone for trial.

“These facts taken together would support the issuance of a search warrant to investigate whether Ms. Richins attempted to cause the death of her husband. They would support the issuance of an arrest warrant,” Mrazik explained.

Kouri pleaded not guilty to all 11 felonies she’s been charged with, including aggravated murder, attempted criminal homicide, distribution of a controlled substance, mortgage and insurance fraud as well as forgery.

“We are aware that the preliminary hearing stage favors the prosecution to an extraordinary degree and respect the court’s decision. We firmly believe the charges against Kouri do not withstand thorough scrutiny and are confident that a jury will find the same,” Nester Lewis said in a statement. 

Much of the discussion on Tuesday was centered around clarifying the charges and showing how the evidence supported each alleged crime. 

Chief Prosecutor Brad Bloodworth described how the charges were linked, emphasizing that the case must be viewed from a wide angle domestic violence lens. He said evidence of the attempted homicide on Valentine’s Day in 2022 comes from Eric’s death 17 days later, as well as Kouri’s behavior before and after the event.

Bloodworth said prosecutors have proven Kouri procured fentanyl in early February and asked her source, who was a housekeeper she employed, for something stronger after the alleged poisoning didn’t work.

Prosecutors claim Kouri purchased fentanyl days before she picked up a sandwich they say she laced with the drug and fed to her husband. Later that morning, Kouri texted her paramour a screenshot of a navigation app indicating she was on her way to him.

While Kouri was away, Eric experienced a medical event. He texted his wife saying he didn’t feel well and considered going to a hospital. He then took a two-hour nap. Prosecutors have a statement from a toxicologist affirming Eric’s symptoms were consistent with consuming fentanyl. 

Kouri later lamented to her paramour that she wished Eric would “just go away.” Two weeks after Valentine’s Day, she told him life would be different. Eric died a few days later.

“She learned that was not the proper way to administer a fatal dose,” Bloodworth said of the Feb. 14 incident, connecting the attempt and homicide through motive and the takeaway.

Wendy Lewis and Kathryn Nester, defense attorneys representing Kouri, offered a different argument. They asked Mrazik to drop the attempted murder charge.

Nester said there is no evidence to support the charge based on the timeline of the day. She argued the couple ate breakfast together that morning, rather than separately, because the sandwich in question contained eggs.

Eric didn’t text Kouri that he was feeling sick until two hours after she left their home, which Nester said doesn’t support fentanyl poisoning. However, it was unclear whether Eric disclosed to Kouri that he hadn’t been feeling well before she left. 

The defense attorney noted Eric completed several tasks and errands throughout the day before and after he napped. She said there was no indication from Eric that he felt his life was in danger after eating the sandwich, and that there is an “innocent explanation” for everything that happened on Valentine’s Day.

Lewis added there’s no way to know for sure whether the housekeeper actually sold Kouri fentanyl because the pills were never found or tested.

Mrazik countered that the housekeeper, who is a drug court participant, likely knew the difference.

Kouri’s defense explained her texts about wanting Eric gone were a possible reference to divorce — not murder.

“This was not a perfect couple. They did not have a perfect relationship,” Nester said.

Mrazik was not convinced. He noted other texts between Kouri and her best friend in which Kouri lied about her location and what she had been doing that day, potentially indicating consciousness of guilt.

The judge also sought additional information about the financial charges against Kouri. 

Bloodworth described Kouri’s alleged scheme to profit off of Eric’s death. She submitted an application to take out a $100,000 life insurance policy on her husband in January 2022 that would take effect 10 days before the alleged attempted homicide. The filing listed Kouri’s business address and email as well as the wrong phone number for Eric, making it impossible to contact him.

The chief prosecutor affirmed there was sufficient evidence for probable cause, and Mrazik ultimately agreed. He said all claims were supported and emphasized that Kouri is presumed innocent.

“Our focus now is on ensuring that justice is served through a fair trial. We are committed to defending Kouri against these charges, firmly believing that the truth will prevail. These past 15 months have taken a heavy toll on Kouri and her three children. It’s time to bring this ordeal to an end, restore her life, and allow her and her family to move on,” Kouri’s defense team said.

Nester and Lewis anticipated a trial would last four weeks. One week of jury selection was scheduled in late April, with the trial to be held in May. Mrazik scheduled a pretrial conference on Sept. 23 to discuss additional details of the case, including submission deadlines and jury selection.

The process is expected to be challenging because of the media attention the case has acquired. Nester indicated the defense would file extraordinary circumstances for jury selection as the Third District Court relies on a virtual selection process. 

Mrazik encouraged both sides to start planning now.

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