• Dakota Pacific Update
  
• Fire Season Safety and Prevention Info.
  
• Upcoming 2023 Community Noxious Weeds Tour
  

Dakota Pacific 

First up, we have a development in the conversation surrounding the Dakota Pacific Development Agreement. On Thursday, June 15, a Third District Court Judge ruled that Dakota Pacific’s 2023 special purpose legislation, SB84, does not apply to its property at Kimball Junction.

In a press release, Summit County Attorney, Margaret Olson, said “Dakota Pacific’s ham-fisted tactic to subvert the Summit County community and Summit County’s legislative process and instead lobby the Utah Legislature to impair a 15-year old, carefully negotiated contract; and override local land use authority and our community’s right to local self government has failed.” 

In the same press release, Summit County Council Chair, Roger Armstrong, said “Dakota Pacific’s malicious deployment of lobbyists to spread false allegations that Summit County inhibits and blocks development projects which included affordable housing remains of great concern.” Such allegations are patently false and belied by affordable housing projects negotiated and/or incentivized by Summit County over the last several years. 

Summit County’s careful planning provides additional housing for more than 3,000 individuals and families at 80% AMI or less. In several instances, those projects are 100% affordable rather than the woefully inadequate 10% minimum affordable housing in the special purpose legislation that Dakota Pacific obtained from the Utah Legislature. 

Summit County will take a moment to celebrate this decision and then turn its attention to the remaining claims surrounding the special purpose legislation in this matter. Summit County will continue to protect local control over local lands.

Fire Season

Switching gears, and as summer approaches, let’s talk about something important that often gets overlooked – your vehicle. Next time you’re headed out to go camping or shooting or otherwise enjoy the outdoors in this great state of ours, it’s crucial to check your tires, ensure that your vehicle is well-maintained, and park it away from dry vegetation to prevent any fire hazards. For more fire prevention info, safety tips, and the most up-to-date fire outlook, please visit utahfireinfo.gov.

Weeds Tour 

And last but certainly not least, Summit County’s Weed Control program is hosting a Community Noxious Weeds Tour on Saturday, June 24 from 10 AM to 12:30 PM to educate residents on the “most-wanted” weeds here in Summit County. Residents will join Dave Bingham, Weed Superintendent, and Dan Pena, Weed Enforcement Officer, and some other special guests at two different locations (Richardson Flat, Pinebrook) to learn to identify and control noxious weeds on their own properties. Transportation will be provided for up to 14 people, so please RSVP for FREE at https://bit.ly/weedstour23 to reserve your spot. Gloves are suggested, but not required. Coffee and pastries will be provided before the tour begins.