in Skiing
Sale of Brighton Ski Resort Will Likely Tell Us a lot About Where Our Mountains Are Headed
A Friend of the Park Rag tipped us off to a story in the Salt Lake Tribune about the parent company of Brighton (and 16 other ski resorts) selling their holdings. Our thoughts quickly jumped to who would buy it. Would it be someone we know like Vail, Deer Valley, or John Cumming? Would it be some random investment trust. If it’s the latter, they are likely thinking they got a great deal, and will hold out for a time when winters are better in Utah.
However, if it’s the former, we think that will tell us a lot about what’s really happening with regard to the future of the Wasatch.
If John Cumming (CEO of Powder Corp and part of of Snowbird) was to buy it, we would look at that similar to an outside investor but with a more personal touch. There is something to be said for owning parts of resorts in both Big and Little Cottonwood Canyon.
If Deer Valley bought it, we would see that as a sign that they are going to combine resorts in Big Cottonwood Canyon. Deer Valley recently purchased Solitude which has a connection with Brighton. Because Deer Valley likely wouldn’t want to degrade the “Deer Valley” brand with the combined Solitude/Brighton property, we would think that would put an end to any connection talk between Brighton and PCMR. Likewise, they probably wouldn’t want to help a competitor (Vail). They would concentrate on making their Wasatch Front property a unique and different experience than the one in Park City.
If Vail purchased the resort, we could see a big push behind a connection between PCMR and Brighton. You would likely see a big push for Mountain Accord initially (if they thought they could influence it) and if that didn’t fly, they may fall back to a private connection between the two resorts.
Likewise, if Vail is not the purchaser, that may tell us just as much about the fate of any connection. If Vail, the smartest guys in the room and the ones with ever-deepening pockets, don’t think Brighton is worth it, then that likely means a connection doesn’t make much sense at all.
We’re sure there are probably twenty other takes on what a purchase of Brighton means in the grand scheme of things. It should be interesting to watch as a sale may come before the end of the year.
h/t to Our Friend for making sure we saw the SL Trib article.
in Skiing
As Heard Around Town At Least 10 Times This Weekend…
“No way our ski resorts will stay open until April 12th.”
If we get a few more days of 65 degree weather, it should be interesting. Our opinion is that Vail will stay open exactly as long as it needs to stay open.
That, of course, could be tomorrow.
New Whole Foods Will Test General Plan’s “No New Entitlements” Policy
The Snyderville Basin General Plan Phase 2 is moving through the County approval process. The General Plan defines how citizens believe development and growth should occur in the Basin. It defines everything from our desire for open space to a focus on trails to limits on big box stores. One of the most interesting aspects is Policy Statement 2.3. It says:
“Do not approve any new entitlements beyond base zoning until such time that existing entitlements are significantly exhausted.”
Effectively it’s saying that because there are so many development rights already in existence (to build offices and retail), “let’s not over build. Let’s first build what has been already promised to people, before we promise anything new.” It seems like a logical strategy.
Yet, the new Whole Foods development, across from the Outlet Mall, is asking for 7,000 more square feet than they are currently entitled. They are currently entitled to 61,000 sq ft. but are asking for 68,000 sq ft. That’s 11% more space.
If the county truly believes that we should first expend the majority of existing development rights before anything new is granted, they will ensure that this development sticks to its original agreement — at 61,000 sq ft.
If not, they need to remove that language from the General Plan and let our citizens know that our direction is “GROWTH… Full speed ahead.”
in Schools
Sally Elliott and John Hanrahan Lead Efforts to Start School Later in the Day
We were filming a meeting of the Park City School’s Master Planning Committee when someone mentioned that Sally Elliott, former County Council member and prominent member of our community, had sent emails requesting that citizens sign a petition to start a discussion on whether Park City High School and Treasure Mountain School should start later in the day.
We reached out to a Friend who put us in contact with Ms. Elliot. Ms Elliot gave us permission to reprint her email. It’s worth reading:
Dear all,
Though my children and three of my grandchildren are now beyond high school, I recall my continuing struggle to function before the sun is bright. Attached is a body of evidence that my struggle is medically demonstrated and applicable to a broad swath of the population.
If you feel compelled, it would be helpful to a large number of citizens and students in the Park City School District if you would sign the petition to at least have a broad discussion about starting school at a later hour.
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This came to me from John Hanrahan who has children of an age to benefit from your efforts. He says:
If you only have time to take one action today to help our teens thrive in school, please sign the petition to start PCHS and TMMS later, through the link below, and send it on to all your friends! Yes that only counts as one action :). Our starting email list is 20, our petition goal is 300!
If you have more time to benefit the kids, send an email to the School Board and superintendent Dr Ember Conley, letting them know what you want. There are several links attached with great info and research showing the numerous benefits of a later start time for TMMS and PCHS.
If you want to go even bigger, send a letter to the editor as well, and gather more research articles for our ‘library’ and future presentations. Call or email with any questions or thoughts, thanks.
http://www.startschoollater.net/ this website has lots of useful information
As of now the petition has over 345 signatures. Having read the links Dr Hanrahan provided, the benefits of starting school later are generally that kids learn more and it’s better for their health. Secretary of Education Arney Duncan even tweeted his agreement with the concept. Yet, what was interesting was the reaction from some of the educators in the meeting we were attending, when news broke of Ms Elliott’s email. Their response was that given a choice, kids would choose to start earlier. The stat quoted was something like 75-80% of kids would start earlier because they wanted to work or ski. In effect they were saying “this later start time isn’t something we should even look at pursuing.”
If 70% of High School kids said they would like beer served at Prom, would they do that too? If 95% of kids said having sex in the next week was important to them, would the next PC CAPS group start working on their own version of TINDER to make it easier for our students to hook up? Probably not. It seems our school district prides itself on evidence based learning… except perhaps when it’s inconvenient.
We don’t know know that later start times would benefit our community as a whole. However, we do know that there seems to be enough evidence that a discussion is warranted.
We hope Dr Hanrahan’s efforts, and Ms Elliot’s communication of the issue, at least lead to a community meeting on the subject where data can be presented and parents’, teachers’, and childrens’ opinions can be freely expressed.
Here are links to documents attached in Ms Elliott’s email:
Mountain Accord Not Ready for EPA’s Evaluation
We received an email from a Friend of the Park Rag. The person had attended a National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) Meeting that had discussion related to Mountain Accord. Here are the comments:
Lots of great info and conversations at Tuesday’s NEPA meeting.
Federal Highway man Harold Peaks said the Mountain Accord is definitely NOT ready for NEPA. He said it needs to be much more precise and clear in it’s vision.
Forest service guys said they DO have the power to override city and county.
The clearer we can make our wishes and vision made NOW BEFORE NEPA the better the process proceeds and the better our chance of our vision being respected and included.
I brought up the Zion NP model of shuttle buses and restricted auto traffic. They said that is NOT represented in The Mountain Accord. They told me it needs to be proposed by me, and/or anyone else, to Mountain Accord, EIA, NEPA, etc… ALSO, If they went with the Zion NP model it might not even need NEPA if they just used the existing roadway.
What we wonder, given this, is the EPA doesn’t seem to have enough specifics to talk about environmental impacts…. Yet, how are we, as citizens, supposed to decide whether we want to continue with the process? It seems we as citizens have “donated” hundreds of thousands of dollars but the EPA says it needs to be much more precise and clear in the plan’s vision.
If the national government can’t be clear about it’s vision and specifics, how do we as Wasatch Mountains citizens have any confidence there is a specific plan. And if there is no specific plan, why do we keep giving it money?
Oh yeah, to have a seat at the table.
Summit County Is a Finalist for Social Media Golden Award
Many people rely on traditional media for their understanding of the world. Yet, the past 5 years have brought on a renaissance of the local organizations’ ability to let people know about issues that may impact them.
While we are undoubtedly biased, we may even say that social media is more important in many circumstances than traditional media. Case in point is the Rockport Rocks Fire. In an emergency you may tune in to Channel 5 to understand what is happening. Yet, that information has to pass through various filters, and hours later, via a helicopter, and some random person staged in front of a burned out building, it may get to the audience.
The better angle, should you really need it, is social media.
In our case, Summit County is a finalist for The Golden Post’s award for social media during an emergency. Our Summit County Public and Community Affairs person, Julie Booth, is responsible for informing the public.
While a number of issues such as school funding, Mountain Accord, and traffic dominate the headlines, we are happy to know that Summit County is being recognized for over-achieving at its role in informing the public for the information that could actually save our lives.
It’s one thing to read about the opening of a new restaurant; it’s another to know when to leave an area because fire is fast approaching.
We wish Summit County luck in winning the award; however we realize that we as a community have already won because Summit County has already invested in someone who can inform us of the important things … in a seconds notice.
We know we aren’t always complimentary on the Park Rag, but this an area where we think Summit County is doing a great job.
As Seen Today in Silver Creek …
We love spring around Park City.
h/t to K and M for the pics
in Schools
Should VCBO Resign from Park City School District’s Planning Process?
Ever heard of the $600 hammer that the Federal Government routinely purchases? $600 for a $12 hammer is a great deal…. if you are selling it.
It appears that hammer is coming to Park City (and our schools) in the form of a potential bond for Treasure Mountain School.
As you may know, the School District wants to tear down Treasure Mountain Junior High and build a new school. As part of this, there are a number of “side” projects that may be included like a new School District Office, a space for PC CAPS, a Fieldhouse for the High School, and more.
You may be in full support of this initiative or you may not. However, what we are probably all in agreement of is that public funds should be used in the most efficient manner possible. The better we use our money on schools, the better schools we get. We can pay teachers more, get better facilities, put more programs in place for our kids, or we save for a rainy day.
Yet, what we saw this Thursday during the Park City School District’s (PCSD) Master Planning Committee Meeting disturbed us.
It is beyond just ‘likely’ that the School District will issue a bond for a rebuild of Treasure Mountain School. The Park City School District has hired a firm called VCBO to plan for a rebuild of the school. On Thursday, employees of VCBO were in attendance at the PCSD meeting.
They were asked by Todd Hansen, PCSD Building’s Director, what the cost was for a new school school. Here is the exchange:
Todd Hansen (to VCBO Planning Group): Hey guys, the cost for building right now is about…what… a hundred…?
VCBO: $160 to $180 [per square foot]
Todd Hansen: [So] $180 to $160 depending on how elaborate you get.
VCBO: It depends on the economy. We are not back up ’07. It might be by the time you all do this.
Todd Hansen: The Longer we wait the more expensive the money is.
VCBO: If I was going to do it we’d calculate for a bond election at $250.
So, the cost right now is $160-$180 per square feet. Yet if VCBO were to determine the costs for rebuilding related to a bond election they would recommend $250 per square feet? They would recommend that Park City and Snyderville Basin Citizens citizens sign up for paying $70-$90 more per square foot than today’s rate? By the way, that’s 38%-50% higher than today.
Why would VCBO ever do that?
First, this is purely speculation. So we don’t know for sure. But here are some ideas:
- Perhaps they think that in 12 months it will cost 50% more to build something in Park City.
- Perhaps they want to give the builder (whoever that is) a little leeway.
- Perhaps they are doing a solid for Park City Schools. If the bond is $80 million and they only need $50 million to build the school then PCSD can use the rest to build other things like PC CAPS buildings.
- Perhaps VCBO believes they will aso get the contract for building the school. What better way to ensure top dollar than to plan for a school at $250 per square foot and then get the contract for building it… at $250 a square foot.
Again, we don’t know for sure. We are speculating. Perhaps they are just trying to prepare us for massive inflation. We don’t know.
Our further concern stems from conflicts of interests related to the planner versus builder of the new school. As we sat in meetings, PCSD Master planning Committee Co-chair Rory Murphy was fairly adamant that he was not in favor of the Planner and Builder being the same company. The rest of the committee seemed to zone off … seemingly watching the finale of Two and Half Men. We reached out a planner we knew and they confirmed Mr. Murphy’s concerns were not out in left field. It seems both making a plan and fulfilling that plan can introduce conflicts of interest.
Where we are right now is that VCBO is planning the project. From what we have seen, VCBO’s Planner, Molly Smith, is exceptional at her job. She will have Park City folks wondering why they aren’t rebuilding all South Summit schools too, when she is done. The bond will pass and then they’ll need someone to build the new Treasure Mountain school. Who is the best person to do this? Probably someone who has a lot of experience in the community!!! VCBO.
We reached out to someone with intimate knowledge of planning and the person indicated that since VCBO got the planning contract it may stop some other companies from applying, because they assume that VCBO has got the rest. That’s not VCBO’s fault… it sounds like it’s just the way it is. So, we’d guess VCBO is already the front runner for construction.
The issue with VCBO planning the project and then bidding on construction is that they have influenced the project. In this specific case, they have influenced the perceived price — and in a dramatic fashion. Is that a conflict of interest? We, as citizens, need to decide.
We see two paths that restore the public’s confidence. Either VCBO is removed IMMEDIATELY from planning or VCBO is not allowed to bid on construction. They have admitted they would recommend a cost 38%-50% above current levels. Why would we as a community support that, especially given the conflicts.
If you were rebuilding your fence and got 5 bids would you go with the guy who is 50% more? No, you’d probably think he is ripping you off. In this case, we are at the front end of the process. We have a chance to do what’s right and ensure every dollar of money put towards students helps students.
In this case, 20%-50% above current levels seems to be helping someone else.
We believe every dollar of funds spent toward education should somehow benefit the students. We have an opportunity to stop and say “we understand the game. stop.” We need to ensure that our hard earned dollars are spent well. The current arrangements may not afford that or the public interest.
in Schools
Bear Hollow Land Would Work for Treasure Mountain School According to Park City’s School Planning Committee
When the Bear Hollow development was created, a certain portion of the land was given to the Park City School District. This week the school district’s Director of Buildings & Grounds, Todd Hansen investigated the land. His initial impressions appear to validate that’s it’s likely a viable spot for a new 5th/6th grade school (to replace Treasure Mountain). His calculation accounted for 1,000 kids and 110,000 square feet. This would be across two levels and would fit on the land (including parking). He did note that this would have to go through County Planning procedures, due to the nature of the original Bear Hollow Agreement.
It is good that the Master Planning Committee is exploring all alternatives. We do question the addition to traffic on 224 but at least we see the group exploring the possibilities, which is good.
The map below shows where the site is located. It is right before Bear Hollow, and below UOP, when you are driving into town. It is the circle in red:
Vail Resorts Is Not Talisker
Vail Resorts reported their Second Quarter results yesterday earnings rose 32% for the second quarter, compared to the same time last year. Net Income was $115 million for the quarter, representing a 95% increase over the last year. BAM.
Vail is not Talisker. That’s pretty obvious.
Other items to note from their press release:
- Vail CEO Rob Katz said, “We continue to see strong momentum in our resort real estate markets with solid demand for our remaining condominium inventory and increasing interest in ur development parcels.”
- The company reaffirmed it is planning on spending $50 million on its Park City resorts and plans on connecting them (as reported on KPCW).
- CEO Katz said, “Our investment in Utah will be one of the most transformative ever undertaken in the ski industry and we are pleased with the progress of the local approval process for those projects.” Uhh… take that word “transformative” how you will. We’re not sure if that’s good or bad. Didn’t Walt Disney say something like that about Orlando in 1963?
- Total lift revenue across Vail’s 9 resorts (open this season) was up 8%.
- Ski school revenue was up 2.1% at the 9 resorts.
- Total skier visits were down 0.3% at the 9 resorts.
As is usually the case, the question segment of their earnings call sheds light on subjects:
- A person of Bank of America asked about the impact Tahoe was having on their earnings. CEO Katz said that Colorado had done better than expected. Utah was what was expected. California was having issues.
- Credit Suisse asked whether the 5% increase in early season pass price given the weakness in Utah and Tahoe would work. Katz Said, “We have factored in all these things….When you think about Park City and Canyons the investments we are going to make into both of those resorts, obviously connecting them is dramatic improvement in the guest experience.”
- When asked by Barclays Bank about approvals for connecting PCMR to Canyons, Katz complimented the process our local entities are using and says he doesn’t forsee any issues in the approvals required to connect the resorts.
Parkrag
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