UPDATES and May 17th Council Meeting
City Council Meeting May 17th:
Council "Work Session" 4:00-5:30pm will include an internet underground fiber prospective supplier presentation by Century Link, proposed Fiscal 2022/23 Budget Adjustment, discussion of how to best draft the Y2Analytics city-wide survey. Attend in person at Cottonwood Heights City Council Work Room located at 2277 East Bengal Boulevard, Cottonwood Heights, Utah OR remotely hear meeting through live broadcast: http://mixlr.com/chmeetings. OR Zoom in by registering in advance:: https://cwh.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Qn0jEhaCSamgPVC_15tFKQ
Council "Business Meeting" 6:30pm begins with general public comments, then public comments specifically regarding the $8M bonding for a new Public Works complex and other items. Likewise, attend in person at city hall OR register before 4:00pm: https://cwh.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_48UR9ZUvS56XDhb1Dp1qPQ
FYI. Reports & UPDATES:
SLEDS (Sensitive Lands Evaluation & Development Ordinance). Revisions to SLEDS continues to be scrutinized by the CH Planning Commission and received public comments May 4th. Visit cottonwoodheights.utah.gov for more information.
HILLSIDE PLAZA The potential redevelopment of Hillside Plaza has no "new news" for which I'm aware. Prospective developer has not brought a modified drawing to the council. To get more informed and involved, contact Randy Whitehead, 801.201.9933, randy@nationalservicealliance.com.
Y2Analytics COMMUNITY SURVEY. Forthcoming discussion at 4:00pm, May 17th CH City Council Session.
UDOT AUDIT. Our Rep. Bennion has been taking action regarding various transportation issues including the UDOT LCC EIS (Utah Dept of Transportation Little Cottonwood Canyon Environmental Impact Statement). Here is an update in her own words: "I requested the audit in November. Senators Anderegg and Hinkins signed the audit request letter with me. It would not focus on the Little Cotttonwood Canyon EIS choice but would be a review of UDOT's process to determine if it is free from outside influence, since UDOT projects often have implications for businesses in the surrounding areas. It would also verify that UDOT's internal auditor/s have enough freedom to protect UDOT from such influence. Here is a link to legislative audits: LAG - Home Page (utah.gov)
Once we submit the audit request letter, it goes before the Legislative Audit Committee, which meets every few months. When they met in April, they could only choose one audit, due to the Legislative Auditors having a backlog of audits in process. Hopefully it will be chosen soon, but then it will take several months to accomplish the audit.
I am grateful Kyle Dunphey from the Deseret News contacted me for an interview regarding the audit. I am hopeful his insightful article helps people see the obvious push from certain individuals to ensure the gondola option is the top choice."
UDOT LCC EIS The update here is that UDOT will announce their "Final EIS" (which the UDOT project manager indicates will be all but identical to the ROD) in July or August, 2022. A third public comment period (previously in 2019, 2021) will occur immediately following the Final EIS. The ROD (Record of Decision) will be made in January or February, 2023. To follow more closely the developments of UDOT's preferences for the 8-miles of SR 210 within Little Cottonwood Canyon, I recommend: https://www.lccfriends.org.
For more information regarding the expansion of SR 210/Wasatch Blvd through Cottonwood Heights, I recommend: https://savenotpave.org Scroll down on home page, sign the petition which will then enroll you in receiving pertinent updates.
ADUs. Accessory Dwelling Units. This has been highly controversial within our community. As you know, CH District 4 has a high proportion of both internal and external ADUs for use by families and also as rentals. Some residents are concerned about ADUs within Single-family zoned neighborhoods being commercially rented for less than the 30-day minimum designated in city code (airbnb.com, vrbo.com, etc.) The council is aware and so is our Rep. Bennion. If you have particular views or interest, I suggest you sign up for Rep. Bennion's excellent and informative newsletters.
SLC Dept of Public Utilities/SLC Metro Water has announced 15% rate increases for water usage beginning July, 2022. Public hearings: May 17 and June 7th.
OMSBUDSMAN TRAINING. This is an opportunity to learn more about State code and laws regarding zoning and land use. 6:30pm, May 19th at Cottonwood Heights City Hall. A Cottonwood Heights residents group has put together this training and indicate that all are welcome.
"ATP" 5-8pm, May 27th. You are invited to an informal gathering on my patio to celebrate Active Transportation for our city. I'm calling it the "ATP" -- Active Transportation Party. Potluck and BYOB (Bring Your Own Beverage) optional. Informal. JUST COME AHEAD and pop in to meet other like-minded neighbors of Cottonwood Heights. (This is not limited to District 4 residents. Basic beverages and plenty of food will be provided.)
Location: 3618 E. Golden Hills Ave.
For more information: Ellen at ebirrell@ch.utah.gov or text 385.910.5942