Eastern Summit County officials are debating a proposal to create a new community zone in Browns Canyon that could open the door to a large Ivory Homes development, but critics also fear the designation could serve as a template for high density projects in rural areas of the county.

Representatives from Ivory Development, a division of the Salt Lake-based home-building company, met with the Eastern Summit County Planning Commission for a work session on Thursday to dissect the draft of the Lost Creek Community Zone. Developers are asking the county to add the zone to its code as a planning tool that could allow for mixed-use development in what is currently an agricultural zone. 

Officials did not spend time debating building heights or lot sizes because they must first establish the legal framework that would allow development beyond one unit per 80 acres. Planning commissioners need to adopt the new zone in the county code, which would define the language enabling development in the Browns Canyon area. Then, Ivory Homes could formally apply to build in the zone.

Planning Commission Chair Alex Peterson also stressed that, at this stage, the Planning Commission is just being asked to approve the process, not a specific project. The developer would later submit a community plan and development agreement with its rezone request, which planning commissioners would also review, if the zone is adopted.

However, the Planning Commission was concerned that the zone might set a “precedent” other developers would try to replicate elsewhere in the county. Commissioners were worried that approving a custom zone for Lost Creek could lead to proposals for other places like Rockport or Hoytsville.

“If we approve a special process for development, other people are going to want to come in and get their special process for development as well,” Peterson said. “(Ivory Homes) defined that it can only be this area, but that doesn’t mean somebody else can’t come in and write the exact same statute, but put it in different property and use this blueprint.”

Civil Deputy County Attorney Helen Strachan advised the Planning Commission that the Summit County Council has broad legislative discretion and can review case by case. Officials could also decide on “closing the door” later if growth gets out of hand. 

A map presented showed a large potential area for the Lost Creek Community Zone that exceeds the acreage Ivory Development plans to build up to 3,000 homes on 407 net acres. It stretches roughly 1 mile in each direction beyond the gross 600-acre site and encompasses multiple landowners and existing agriculture-zoned parcels.

Planning Commissioner Dave Darcey said the sheer size of the proposed zone makes him nervous and that many residents purchased land zoned as AG-80, expecting one unit per 80 acres rather than high-density development. 

Commissioners also debated parcel sizes, how to create meaningful open space in the area and the risk of sprawl. The developer agreed to bring back an alternative map, to add a contiguity requirement so that landowners wanting to join the zone must be connected to existing areas and to consider a higher minimum acreage.

Planning Commissioner Bridget Hayes was also critical of references to the Park City Heights and Francis Commons projects, saying they look too suburban for Eastern Summit County’s rural setting. Hayes wanted clear definitions of community character and more detail about how the mix of housing — attainable and market-rate — would actually support the local workforce and not just meet the 10% affordable housing requirement.

Other discussions involved banning golf courses and water-intensive amenities, codifying low-water landscaping and ensuring there’s enough acreage to support real rural uses. Infrastructure, traffic and phasing are also key areas that need to be addressed. Commissioners said they would be hesitant to approve anything without all the details.

While the developers advocated for project that would build a community, commissioners saw the zone as potential for opening a Pandora’s Box on rural Summit County.

Ivory Development said it would tighten its draft, bring alternative maps and add detailed language to the next Planning Commission meeting, slated for July 2. A public hearing where residents can share their opinions is tentatively scheduled for July 16.

Then, the Planning Commission will have to decide to forward a negative or positive recommendation on the zone to the County Council.

Ivory Development attempted to create a new town in the same area earlier this year by filing to incorporate as a preliminary municipality with the the Utah Lieutenant Governor’s Office. However, the proposal was rejected because the limit on the number of applications for preliminary municipalities had already been reached. Planning commissioners agreed to work with the development firm on its project if it follows the local process.

The post Proposed Lost Creek Community Zone highlights growth fears in eastern Summit County appeared first on Park Record.

North Summit residents rejected a multi-million dollar bond to fund the construction of a new high school for a second year, leaving district officials to consider other revenue sources to address its “most pressing facility issues.”

The $121 million bond measure saw 1,062 votes against it, representing 54% of the ballots — a small decrease in opposition from last year — according to preliminary election results. The North Summit School District’s $114 million bond also fell short in 2024, receiving 56% “no” votes.

“We’re certainly disappointed that the bond did not pass. Our community had an important decision to make and we acknowledge that outcome,” said Superintendent Wade Murdock.

However, Murdock emphasized that the needs that led the district to propose the bond haven’t gone away. North Summit High School was built in 1977 and hasn’t received any major improvements in almost 50 years. The high school has been described as worn out and inefficient, with a wide range of construction needs, including a new roof.

“Our students and staff still deserve safe, modern and effective learning spaces,” he added.

District officials previously said that reinvesting in the current structure would be more costly than building something new. That’s when the first $114 million bond was proposed. A majority of voters opposed that bond due to concerns about increased property taxes, inflation, poverty levels and other economic issues — the same criticisms driving opposition now.

The $121 million general obligation bond would have increased property taxes by $123 per year for every $100,000 in assessed value. For businesses or secondary residences, the cost would have been an additional $224 per year.

Murdock said the school board will take time to review the elections and determine the best path forward. That will likely include exploring a lease revenue bond as an alternative.

District officials considered a lease revenue bond after the first ballot measure failed. A lease revenue bond has a higher interest rate than a general obligation bond and does not require voter approval. North Summit residents were also unhappy with that proposal, though, and saw it as a way to circumvent the will of voters.

In January, the school board formed a local building authority, which would help the school district pay for construction projects. Members said its formation was not necessarily correlated with building a new high school, but it was the only project being considered at the time.

It’s not uncommon for school districts to form a local building authority to help with infrastructure projects. It’s a public entity and an extension of the district, with school board members essentially becoming its board of trustees. A local building authority can issue bonds as well as own, lease and mortgage property. The purpose is to construct, acquire, improve, extend and finance projects on behalf of the school district, according to Marci Sargent, the district’s business administrator.

While the general obligation bond would have set a tax levy on property owners, lease revenue bonds are funded through other sources, such as taxes the district already receives.

“We remain committed to working together with our community to ensure our schools continue to provide the high-quality education our students deserve,” Murdock said.

The post North Summit School District faces tough choices after bond is defeated again appeared first on Park Record.

Oakley residents rounded up at City Hall for a spirited candidate forum, where those running for mayoral and city council seats shared their vision for the town’s future.

The event on Tuesday offered community members the chance to hear directly from the people hoping to win their vote about pressing issues.

Oakley Rodeo Committee board member Sam Aplanalp and former Oakley Mayor Doug Evans organized the event, joking that they formed the nonpartisan — and unofficial — “Oakley Election Committee” as a way to promote civic engagement, community involvement and respectful dialogue ahead of the election. 

The three candidates for Oakley City Council are Amy Regan, Kerbee Leavitt and Christopher Dillman. Also, Mayor Zane Woolstenhulme is seeking another term and current City Councilor Steve Wilmoth is challenging him.

The candidates

Regan is a 33-year resident who served on the Oakley Planning Commission from 2002 to 2010, and is a 20-year member of the Oakley Civic Club. Regan has worked at the South Summit School District for about 18 years. 

Leavitt grew up in Oakley and wants to preserve its agricultural heritage. Her varied background includes business ownership, cosmetology, event coordination, nursing and nonprofit work to support military veterans and first responders. She previously ran for City Council in 2023.

Dillman has lived in Oakley with his family for more than a decade. He works as a project executive in heavy civil construction and has been actively involved in the community, supporting local trails and serving on the Oakley Rodeo Committee.

Oakley voters will choose their top two candidates for City Council on Election Day. The winners will take over the seats held by Wilmoth and City Councilor Kelly Kimber, who are not seeking reelection.

Instead of serving another term on the City Council, Wilmoth decided to challenge Oakley’s incumbent mayor for the office.

Wilmoth has lived in Okaley for 24 years, nine of which he has spent on the City Council. He said he has more than three decades’ worth of experience managing people, and 25 years of experience managing businesses. 

Woolstenhulme acknowledged his family roots are deep in Oakley, with his grandfather, father, uncle and brother all serving as mayor. The incumbent previously served for about 20 years on the Planning Commission and works as a business administrator for the Ogden City School District. 

The issues

Candidates were provided five questions about key issues in the community in advance so they could prepare responses for the forum. Then, attendees randomly selected who would answer first by drawing names out of a hat.

First, they were asked about their opinions on the proposed master planned development for the village center, and the course Oakley should take — one of the most divisive issues in the community. The Oakley Planning Commission and city staff have been collaborating with a developer on the proposal for about three years, though the initiative has been in discussion for almost 20. 

Most candidates were cautious, but open to elements of the proposal — which includes a mix of commercial businesses, a new post office and housing in the core of Oakley. They supported the idea of developing the city center to improve community amenities and foster commercial growth, yet they consistently emphasized the need for planning and phasing.

Regan was supportive of improving the area and appreciated the serious conversations happening between Oakley and the developer. She said she was still concerned about the scale of retail, housing and parking in the recently downsized plan, but Regan emphasized she sees the need for affordable or attainable housing in Oakley. She wanted to preserve the small-town feeling by adding more green space and walkability.

Wilmoth said, “We need to slow down.” He wanted discussions to focus on either the north or south side of the property to ensure there’s a phased approach to development. Wilmoth added that he’s worried about overbuilding in the city center, and didn’t like the idea of apartments there. He was also opposed to selling the entire property to one developer and wanted Oakley to retain some control over the land.

Woolstenhulme has been supportive of development in the city center area since the rodeo grounds were relocated. He pointed to the City Council-approved General Plan, which details the vision and policies for growth and development. Woolstenhulme advocated for the rights of private property owners and stressed the importance of growing the community’s small commercial tax base.

Leavitt appeared to be the most critical of the development. She said she wanted to see modest commercial growth that supports local businesses and blends into Oakley’s rural character, and opposed development that would diminish that. Leavitt referenced enhancing existing spaces in the community instead. She had additional issues with the impact of apartments on safety and the rural culture.

Dillman recognized the need to increase the commercial tax base in Oakley, but said he wasn’t sure whether the city center project was the best way. He raised questions about how new growth from apartments would impact existing facilities like water and sewer. Dillman was supportive of taking a phased approach to development, but wants to revisit the master plan to ensure it reflects the desires of current citizens.

Candidates were asked to share their opinions about the direction Oakley has taken, or should take, concerning attainable housing for local workers:

• Dillman acknowledged the challenge of finding affordable housing, but cautioned against over-managing the market. He was wary about the effects of rapid growth and suggested Oakley work with county and state resources.
• Regan cited the city’s General Plan, which calls for diverse housing types. She noted the lack of multifamily housing options and the need to support teachers, first responders and city employees. She suggested starting near the city center and working with community partners.
• Wilmoth sees a need for affordable housing, but he said it should not be located in the city center to preserve green space and the rural feeling. He preferred housing options such as condos rather than apartments.
• Woolstenhulme referenced the success of the North Bench Farms project, which brought deed-restricted homes to the community with the help of community partners. He encouraged creative solutions, such as smaller lots and zoning ordinances, within the city code.
• Leavitt was nervous about affordable housing in Oakley and didn’t want to see it in the city center. She questioned what levels of affordability would be attainable, and wanted development to benefit local families rather than attract second homeowners. 

Next, they were asked to share any ideas or concerns regarding Oakley’s critical infrastructure and service needs, such as water, sewer, roads, public safety, and recreation facilities such as parks, trails and open space.

• Leavitt emphasized thoughtful investment. She would prioritize upgrading water and sewer systems, road maintenance and preserving open space.
• Dillman praised the new well and called for an assessment of water and sewer lines. He also noted the sewer plant may need expansion.
• Regan highlighted the importance of safeguarding Oakley’s water infrastructure and increasing its sewer capacity. She supported trail development to improve walkability.
• Wilmoth stressed the importance of ensuring infrastructure supports growth. He said the sewer facility will need attention, and noted some bridges will need to be replaced.
• Woolstenhulme said he’s helping to initiate a capital improvements plan to assess infrastructure. He also wants to update impact fees so new growth pays its fair share.

Of course, there was a question about suggestions for modifying or improving the Fourth of July Oakley Rodeo and its facility, as well as what can be done to encourage volunteer efforts.

• Wilmoth called the rodeo the “heartbeat” of Okaley and vital for city funding. He wanted to see more seating and said that emphasizing the importance of volunteers would boost participation.
• Woolstenhulme sees the rodeo as a catalyst for community spirit and financial support. He said teaching new residents about Oakley’s tradition of volunteerism is key.
• Leavitt highlighted her personal connections to the rodeo. She wants to balance growth to preserve the event’s hometown charm and suggested more community involvement.
• Dillman serves on the rodeo committee and said he wants to help more residents feel connected to the event. He was open to improvements at the rodeo grounds as needed.
• Regan noted she’s a long-time supporter of the rodeo, but cautioned that bigger isn’t always better. She believes that the community will step up to help when asked.

Lastly, the candidates shared their thoughts on the city’s financial health and economic sustainability.

• Woolstenhulme stressed the need for careful planning and prioritization. He prefers small, incremental tax increases over large, infrequent ones. 
• Leavitt supported prioritizing essential needs and said she favors seeking grants and donations rather than borrowing. There should be a clear repayment plan for any debt.
• Dillman said he wants to keep taxes and rates low. He suggested seeking grants, increasing local spending and leveraging city assets for revenue.
• Regan was in favor of responsible bonding for infrastructure and believes new development should pay through impact fees.
• Wilmoth said Oakley is financially healthy, but some impact fees need to be reviewed. He supports bonds if repayment is feasible and praised the city’s grant-writing abilities.

The post Oakley residents meet council, mayoral candidates appeared first on Park Record.

Four Coalville City Council candidates will advance to the general election after Tuesday’s primary. Three hold commanding leads, while the last spot remains a close contest.

Voters narrowed down the field of six to the four who will advance to the November ballot. Then, only two candidates will be chosen for the seats opening in 2026.

Candidates Matthew Boyer, Jeff Peterson and Colleen Goodman emerged as the top vote-getters as of Wednesday afternoon, according to preliminary results from the Summit County Clerk’s Office.

Sixth-generation resident Boyer, a planning commissioner, appeared to be a favorite among voters. He earned 223 votes, or 30%.

“I was deeply moved when I saw the election results last night. In the lead-up to election day, I felt that I had a solid base of support judging by feedback I had gotten from diverse members of the community, but it was humbling to realize just how many of those friends and neighbors trust me to represent the best interests of Coalville,” Boyer said in an interview.

He said his experience growing up in Coalville, coupled with his employment and educational background, makes him the ideal choice to help the community navigate the challenges “we are facing now and will face in the near future.” Boyer plans to speak with as many voters as possible leading up to the general election and is working to organize a Meet the Candidate forum-style event.

Not far behind Boyer was business owner Jeff Peterson, who also spent time on the Coalville Planning Commission. Peterson received 196 votes, or 26%.

Goodman, a 23-year resident, seems to have claimed third place with 123 votes, or about 17%. Goodman said in an interview that she was surprised by the preliminary results and wasn’t sure how she would do in the election, as she’s never run for office before. Goodman previously served eight years on the Summit County Library Board and helped secure the Coalville branch.

The wife, mother of six and grandmother of 22, said her top priorities are creating a long-term infrastructure improvement plan in Coalville, prioritizing the community when considering growth and development opportunities, and improving public engagement.

Newcomer Andrew Nelson appears to be the likely winner of the final ballot slot. He earned 85 votes, or around 11%. Former Coalville City Councilor Steve Richins trailed behind with 71 votes, or just under 10%. The candidates are separated by 14 votes, or 1.88%.

A close finish between the candidates could trigger a recount that would extend the primary election, under the right circumstances. State election law says a losing candidate may request a recount if the difference is 0.25% or less of the vote total across the candidate field. Richins did not meet that threshold as of midweek.

The totals won’t be certified until the Aug. 26 canvass finalizes the results soon after the election. The losing candidate would then need to seek a recount within days after the verification.

Clerk Eve Furse said staff have counted everything in their possession that qualifies for counting as of Wednesday afternoon. There were 22 ballots that couldn’t be counted because the person didn’t provide the necessary information or there was some other defect with the ballot that could be resolved between now and noon the day before the canvass. Each municipality that participated in a primary election will hold a canvass.

Chris Tomczyk, a retired project manager, was also in the running for Coalville City Council. He will not advance after coming in at the bottom with 45 votes, or 6%. 

Peterson could not be reached for comment by the time of publication. 

Countywide voter turnout was 45%.

The election results are still preliminary. Formal results remain pending certification. The general election is Tuesday, Nov. 4.

The post Coalville City Council race has clear front-runners, final spot is close appeared first on Park Record.

Coalville will elect a new mayor in the fall, and voters appear to have decided which two contenders will face off in the final race.

Candidates Rory Swensen and Lynn Wood decisively outpaced their competition in Tuesday’s primary election, according to preliminary results from the Summit County Clerk’s Office. Voters narrowed the field of four down to two who will appear on the Election Day ballot.

Swensen led the field with 172 votes, or about 44%. Wood wasn’t too far behind with 132 votes, or about 34%. The total numbers are current as of Wednesday afternoon and are expected to change — though it would be difficult for the other mayoral candidates to catch up.

Former Coalville Planning Commissioner Walter Brock earned 45 votes, or 12%, while former Coalville City Councilor Tyler Rowser received 39 votes, or 10%.

Swensen, the clinic director at Peak Medical in Park City and the chair of the Summit County Democratic Party, is a lifelong resident of Coalville. His campaign platform is centered around fostering unity and achieving smart, managed growth during what he described as a “turning point” for the community. He advocated for creating a comprehensive, long-term development plan that balances the charm of Coalville with opportunities that support young families and protect open space. 

If elected, Swensen strives to be a consensus-building mayor. He said in an interview on Wednesday that he is excited and humbled to appear on the November ballot, and he emphasized that he’s committed to delivering results for Coalville. He thanked Brock and Rowser for stepping forward to serve.

“You never take anything for granted, but I’m encouraged. Finishing first tells me our message is resonating, and it motivates me to keep building on that momentum,” Swensen said.

Swensen said voters will have a clear choice, and he emphasized that his focus will be on solutions that move Coalville forward, not prolong gridlock. He welcomed the opportunity for a respectful, issues-focused race and said he plans to meet with voters face-to-face heading into the general election.

“The biggest difference between us is that I believe we must be proactive and make timely decisions that benefit Coalville residents,” Swensen said. “Our town cannot afford to continue delaying decisions, dragging our feet and treating developers as adversaries. We have the ability to negotiate from a position of strength and accomplish more for Coalville, but continued stalling risks losing our ability to shape our own future.”  

Coalville City Councilor Wood has been a full-time resident in town for about five years, but her connection to the community goes back decades. Wood ran for City Council in 2023 and is now halfway through her first term. Her mayoral campaign centers on enhancing collaboration and citizen engagement at the local level. She wants to foster administrative involvement and envisions the mayor as a “sixth member” of the City Council. Wood brings financial expertise to the role through her work as a certified public accountant as well as volunteer experience.

Her priorities include revitalizing Main Street, restoring historic structures, supporting local businesses and, eventually, establishing a Chamber of Commerce. 

“I’m confident that by November, voters will see that my leadership style, thoughtful decision-making, and commitment to community involvement are the best fit to move Coalville forward — in a way that honors our past while creating new opportunities for the future,” Wood said.

The city councilor also appreciated the time Rowser and Brock dedicated to the primary campaign and was hopeful that citizens with expertise and experience would continue sharing it with local leaders. Wood plans to focus on in-person connections heading into the general election, including neighborhood gatherings, meet-and-greet events and everyday conversations around town.

“To me, being proactive means making smart decisions, not just for the sake of speed or to avoid difficult conversations with developers. As a council member, I’ve done my homework, sought public input, asked tough questions, and reviewed the data to ensure every choice benefits Coalville long-term,” Wood said. “While I strongly believe in seeking mutually beneficial opportunities with developers, my first responsibility is to safeguard our resources, protect our small-town character, and act on a timeline that works for Coalville and its residents.”

Coalville Mayor Mark Marsh did not run for reelection.

Countywide voter turnout so far was 45%.

Clerk Eve Furse said staff have counted everything in their possession that qualifies for counting as of Wednesday afternoon. There were 22 ballots that couldn’t be counted because the person didn’t provide the necessary information or there was some other defect with the ballot that could be resolved between now and noon the day before the canvass. Each municipality that participated in a primary election will hold a canvass on Aug. 26.

The election results are still preliminary. Formal results remain pending certification. The general election is Tuesday, Nov. 4.

The post Coalville mayoral race appears set with Swensen, Wood advancing from primary appeared first on Park Record.

Andrew Nelson speaks about Coalville with the passion of a lifelong resident despite having only called the city home since 2022.

Nelson grew up in Brigham City, but settled in Coalville with his wife because it’s where she grew up and where her parents still live. The couple is raising their own family here, and Nelson’s eager to bring a fresh outlook to the Coalville City Council to shape the community where their children will grow up.

“Sometimes having an outside perspective is not necessarily a bad thing,” he said. “If we can bring those two sides together … we can grow, become stronger, better.”

Nelson earned a bachelor’s degree in operations management from Utah State University, and is completing his master of business administration while working as a buyer for an automotive company based in Ogden. His wife is a teacher at North Summit Elementary School. 

Her family has a background in farming, and Nelson was inspired to run for City Council because of the potential for new development in a historically agricultural community. He recognized that things are changing in Coalville, and Nelson wants to work to “mend the fences” and collaborate.

He recognized a tension in the current city government and advocated for more constructive, less personal discussions. Nelson said his outside perspective would be useful in providing a neutral analysis of the ongoing issues.

Coalville is “old school but changing,” according to Nelson. He wants to maintain the community’s rural roots and family feel while thoughtfully managing growth. Nelson said he isn’t opposed to development but feels projects need to fit in with the landscape of the community. 

He said there are a lot of large ideas without the right level of community involvement. Nelson was in favor of keeping the character of Coalville, but improving elements of it as time moves on.

“Remembering where we’re coming from, and my hope is to keep that,” he said. “Development is going to come. If we can keep that and incorporate it into how we develop, I think that would be the best route. Sure, I want to keep a small town. … But if we do have to develop, let’s do it the right way.”

Nelson referenced the possibilities of the Hidden Meadow annexation project from Larry H. Miller Real Estate, which would have built 75 homes and a new community park on 316 acres if the City Council had approved it last week. Nelson had his concerns about the proposal, but said it would be nice to see affordable housing for young families in the area or opportunities for the community to otherwise benefit from development.

If elected, Nelson vowed to prioritize balanced development, support young families, and be the voice of constructive dialogue on the City Council.

“I want Coalville to succeed,” Nelson said. “Now granted, not everybody gets what they want, but if we can work together to come to a consensus, I think that’s the best we can do.”

Nelson is among several candidates seeking one of two Coalville City Council seats on the November ballot. The other individuals who declared their candidacy are Steven Richins, Matthew Boyer, Jeff Peterson, Colleen Goodman and Chris Tomczyk. 

A primary election will be held on Aug. 12 to cut the candidate field in half before the general election. Ballots were mailed on July 22.

The post Andrew Nelson would bring a fresh perspective to the Coalville City Council appeared first on Park Record.

Jeff Peterson knows Coalville is a friendly, family-values kind of town built on legacies — his own family ties going back at least four generations.

Peterson sees a lifetime of personal history when he looks around, including the electrical business he started half a decade ago and a stint as chairman of the Coalville Planning Commission around 2013, as well as a community on the cusp of change. 

The lifelong resident is running for an open seat on the Coalville City Council with the hope of protecting the small-town spirit he’s grown up with by guiding growth without letting it define the area. Peterson wants to bring a “common sense” approach to city government and would ensure Coalville’s residents are the ones benefiting.

“I’ve been blue collar pretty much all my life, and I know what it’s like to get my hands dirty,” he said. “I’ve been here for 50 years roughly. I was kind of born and raised here, went to school here. My mom went to school here. My grandma went to school here.”

Peterson served on the Planning Commission before large development projects like Wohali came up. He mainly focused on updating city codes, giving him a keen understanding of the rules, as well as property subdivisions. 

The then-planning commissioner eventually stepped down due to work obligations, though his interest in local politics never waned. With the potential for so much new growth, Peterson was keeping tabs on the City Council meetings to keep up to date with what’s happening in the city. 

He described what he witnessed as a “circus.”

Peterson felt like there were a lot of topics the City Council was bringing to the table that weren’t helping the community, or issues that generated internal animosity. 

For example, the City Council spent weeks debating whether to approve an ordinance outlining the responsibilities of councilors in comparison to the mayor, particularly regarding the distribution of appointment powers and operating procedures. The mayor retained the authority in the end.

Instead, Peterson said he wants to focus on things that matter. Like growth. If elected, he would be committed to keeping the character of Coalville while allowing for growth that’s done in a way that benefits residents rather than developers.

“I just want to try to keep it as small and rural, but still allowing it to grow. Because it’s going to grow. We’re too close to Park City for it not to,” Peterson said. 

His platform is rooted in focusing on what’s best for the community and its residents, and allowing them to have a voice through their elected representatives. Peterson’s background in construction would also be an asset for the City Council with the amount of new development coming up, he said. 

Being a business owner also means having thick skin and knowing how to communicate with a variety of people, according to Peterson. He said he’s able to stay level-headed through disagreements rather than taking things personally, has the ability to see both sides, and would look at issues with a forward-thinking approach. 

Managing growth and working with developers would be Peterson’s No. 1 priority if elected. He wants to ensure there’s infrastructure in place before new homes are built. 

“What’s going to benefit Coalville? What’s going to may not benefit Coalville now, but it’ll benefit it in the future,” Peterson said. “I’m trying to help kind of put the city’s money where it’s best going to be used, and not towards something that we’re not going to use for 40 years.”

Additionally, Peterson wants Coalville to invest in improving its sidewalks, particularly to the south of its boundaries. Updates on Main Street are needed, too. Peterson said he wants people coming to Coalville to have a great impression of the community.

Collaborating with the new mayor is also important. Peterson said city officials need to determine what topics they want to focus on and how best to spend money. One area he said officials need to consider more is affordable and senior housing as well as rentals, so locals aren’t priced out of the area when new development comes in. 

Peterson said North Summit County hasn’t been as impacted by new growth as Park City or even South Summit, but it’s on the horizon. He’s in favor of slow, planned development that longtime residents can become accustomed to, rather than an influx of new homes all at once.

“When people stop talking is when a community goes downhill,” Peterson said. “That’s really what I’d like to keep. It’s just where people are just neighborly. … Be neighborly towards each other, versus standoffish.”

Peterson is among several candidates seeking one of two Coalville City Council seats on the November ballot. The other individuals who declared their candidacy are Steven Richins, Andrew Nelson, Matthew Boyer, Colleen Goodman and Chris Tomczyk.

A primary election will be held on Aug. 12 to cut the candidate field in half before the general election. Ballots were mailed on July 22.

The post City Council candidate Jeff Peterson wants to keep Coalville ‘neighborly’ appeared first on Park Record.

Walter Brock might not have been born in Coalville, but raising eight children between the ages of 2 to 18 has made it his home.

Born in Provo and raised in West Valley City, Brock completed a Church of Latter-day Saints mission in Brazil and then chased his now-wife to Coalville, where she grew up. Military service led the couple to leave for a brief time, but they retained their home and came back to the North Summit School District to raise their family.

With a background in urban planning and commercial real estate, Brock is running for mayor to preserve Coalville’s character while guiding it through rapid change. The key values of his platform are community, quality leadership, collaboration and family.

“We have enjoyed the benefit of this beautiful community for a long time, and we want to raise our family here, so I need to get involved and provide my skill set and acumen,” he said.

Brock said it feels like the community is straining. There are a lot of sophisticated developers coming in with complex projects, and he’s concerned about the “damage to the community fabric” that unsolved problems may cause. 

He’s already served on the Coalville Planning Commission, and now Brock wants to use his professional experience to help the community prepare for the future. He has a bachelor’s degree in urban planning, a master’s degree in real estate development, and a master’s degree in business administration. He’s also involved in his local faith group and North Summit Unite.

Brock also has 10 years of experience in commercial real estate and just as long working in operations management. He explained that his skill set allows him to understand developers and their operations while applying city processes and codes.

The mayoral candidate also pointed out that the Coalville City Council must be “collaborative and kind,” which hasn’t always happened. He said the community needs to remain united despite disagreements and advocated for a quality, competent professional to be the executive of the city. 

Brock described himself as an agile operational manager who believes in daily collaboration and honest candor with a deep understanding of community development. If elected, documenting and streamlining city operations would be among his top priorities. Brock said he wants to ensure operations are well understood and that city officials, from the staff and City Council to the mayor, are collaborating in harmony.

“Some people aren’t as comfortable in that kind of fluid dynamic, but that’s what we need right now,” he said. “I’m really a team builder, collaborator, and, deep and hard, I just want communities to thrive. … I think we have such a great thing going, and it would be a shame to tarnish it with some complications.”

It’s also important to Brock that Coalville remains pleasant, safe, friendly and beautiful despite being endangered by “tempestuous potential times ahead.” He noted inflation and cost of living pose a risk to the quality of life residents have come to know, but there are also bigger challenges related to ongoing and future development.

If elected, Brock wants to help Coalville maintain its small-town roots while adapting to incoming growth. He wants the community to benefit from whatever is built, which requires Coalville to have the proper policies in place. Brock would also prioritize infrastructure maintenance, pushing for trails and sidewalks to be maintained and built — making time for essential community-focused projects as well as larger developer-oriented ones.

“I think that Coalville is being demanded to operate in a very sophisticated arena that they haven’t had that history of sophisticated operations, at least that, not that I’m aware of,” Brock said. “So, that’s what I think we need. Just an elevation of our operational methodology.”

As mayor, Brock would also want to help facilitate discussions between Coalville and other East Side municipalities, as well as the broader county. He said many residents want to feel like their voices are being represented, which is why he’s generally in favor of creating districted seats on the Summit County Council. Brock said he liked the idea of having two at-large seats with the remaining three assigned to a geographic area to help represent a broad spectrum of views when county officials consider big decisions.

Looking into the future of Coalville, Brock said what the community develops into over the next five years will be decided now. That’s why updating infrastructure, improving operations, so the community has a greater level of confidence in leaders and attracting new businesses to Main Street are crucial issues Brock hopes to address if elected.

“I think the future is going to look like a quality, upgraded current, with an eye forward to change in a nonabrasive manner,” he said.

Brock is among a handful of candidates seeking the mayor’s office this November. The other people who declared candidacy are Rory Swensen, Lynn Wood and Tyler Rowser.

A primary election will be held on Aug. 12 to cut the candidate field in half before the general election. Ballots were mailed on July 22.

The post Walter Brock enters Coalville mayoral race with diverse skill set, experience appeared first on Park Record.

Matthew Boyer was born and raised in Coalville, so it’s no surprise the small eastern Summit County town feels like home. 

The sixth-generation resident grew up working on a farm about nine miles east of town in Upton, and he is well acquainted with the community. Boyer said he understands the town’s agricultural roots, but he also recognizes that times are changing. In part, that’s why he joined the Coalville Planning Commission last fall, and what’s now inspiring his run for the Coalville City Council.

“I want everybody to feel like this is their hometown. This is for them. You know that this is a place they can always call home, whether they stay here their whole life, or they grow up here and they leave, or they come here later in life. I want them to feel like this is home,” he said.

After graduating from North Summit High School, Boyer attended Utah State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in statistics with minors in math and finance, as well as a master’s degree in financial economics. 

Boyer discovered there was a new position opening up at the County Courthouse around the same time he was finishing his master’s degree. The Summit County Council in 2022 approved a data analyst position for the assessor’s office due to a backlog in commercial properties that hadn’t been reevaluated for several years, and Boyer was hired. 

When he returned to Coalville about three years ago, Boyer began paying attention to how issues were being handled at City Hall. 

He noticed there was a massive emphasis on growth, yet not much long-term perspective. Boyer also felt like officials were neglecting more immediate issues that keep the city running, such as improving the sidewalks on Main Street, and giving too much attention to issues that don’t benefit residents. 

“We need to carefully plan that out so that we don’t turn into a community that we don’t recognize in 10 years,” Boyer said. “We need to be looking at the whole picture of Coalville.”

Last fall, city officials were looking to appoint someone to an open Coalville City Council seat, and Boyer was one of five candidates who applied. His grandfather and father both served on the council for years, and so it was natural for him to want to serve.

Although he wasn’t chosen for the seat, Boyer’s name came up again when the mayor needed to fill a vacancy on the Coalville Planning Commission. Boyer happily agreed. 

“I want to be involved. The way Coalville grows, I want to be here the rest of my life, and so I feel like I need to take an active role, and can’t just expect other people to do everything for me,” he said. “My predecessors set the city up in a way that it was a place I wanted to come back to. Now, I have to do that for my kids and their grandchildren and generations to come.”

Boyer noted a big shift at the state level in the way developers interact with municipalities, and characterized the Planning Commission as a kind of “subdivision approval committee.” Commissioners ensure the project meets the city’s development code and debate whether it fits into the vision for Coalville and how it should grow.

He noted the importance of taking on an active role in planning and development, emphasizing the value of open spaces to preserve the agricultural feel of the community and recognizing the need for connections and infrastructure like trails or sidewalks — something he plans to do if elected to the City Council.

Serving on the Planning Commission exposed Boyer to the planning process and the responsibility the city has in taking a mindful, future-forward approach to do what’s best for the community.

Smart, purposeful growth is a key component of Boyer’s platform. He said he wants to help facilitate development that preserves the community’s agricultural character without overwhelming the city, while creating opportunities for young families. 

Improving city infrastructure by focusing on the revitalization of Main Street, continuing to connect community spaces and making Coalville more accessible is also a top priority for Boyer. 

He also noted the importance of restoring civility to the City Council. Boyer wants to reduce personal emotions, promote collaborative problem-solving, ensure all community groups feel represented, create a more transparent, accountable government and provide clear, articulate reasoning for decisions.

“To me, that’s what Coalville really is,” Boyer said. “Anytime somebody needs something in this community, there is always a line of hands ready to help. It’s friendly, because half of us are related to one another, but we’ve known each other all our lives, and so we want everybody else to succeed.”

Boyer is among several candidates seeking one of two Coalville City Council seats on the November ballot. The other individuals who declared their candidacy are Steven Richins, Andrew Nelson, Jeff Peterson, Colleen Goodman and Chris Tomczyk. 

A primary election will be held on Aug. 12 to cut the candidate field in half before the general election. Ballots were mailed on Tuesday.

The post Matthew Boyer wants to continue legacy of public service on Coalville City Council appeared first on Park Record.

Lifelong resident Steven B. Richins is hoping to return to his seat on the Coalville City Council after stepping down in January 2024, concluding almost 20 years of service.

Richins resigned midway through his sixth term, at the time believing it was the right moment to step away. However, he says the past year and a half has given him a renewed sense of purpose to address the work that still needs to be done to help Coalville stay on the right path. Now, he’s looking to reclaim his City Council seat and use his experience to help guide the city’s future.

“I’ve had 18 years of experience,” Richins said. “I pretty much know how things should run, and how they are running.”

Richins was born in the old Summit County Hospital, which closed in 1982, and after renovations, now houses a branch of the Summit County Health Department. He recalled experiencing a simple, small-town life — one he was fond of. Richins grew up in a house right by North Summit High School, north of the swimming pool.

After graduating in a class of about 45 seniors, Richins attended a trade tech program to study construction. He helped erect the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building on Main Street. Then, he traveled around building churches in places like Eureka and Granby, Colorado. Richins also worked on commercial buildings like gas plants and oil fields. 

He’s been retired for about 12 years, now focused on caring for horses, operating a small feed store and pretty much doing whatever he wants to do.

Richins was first elected to the Coalville City Council in 1978 and served until 1982. He ran again in 2004, serving until 2016, and again from 2022 to 2024. Richins would have been up for reelection this year had he not resigned from his seat.

“I decided to run again because I just think that there are some things in Coalville that need to be improved on, and I’d like to try and do that,” he said.

When he first took office, Richins said there wasn’t much happening in Coalville. But that’s not true anymore.

Richins recognized that the community is changing. He noted the number of new houses and new people in Coalville since he’s been here, particularly the increase in subdivisions. However, Richins was adamant that officials need to manage development so taxpayers aren’t stuck paying for fixing potential issues that may arise.

“I think we need to weigh the options of what’s going on, make the best decision for the residents of Coalville and make sure that the infrastructure is going to handle everything,” he said. “I’d say the bigger (Coalville) gets, the more there’s going to be a challenge.”

Richins said he wouldn’t have voted in favor of the Hidden Meadow Village annexation proposal from Larry H. Miller Real Estate — which was recently denied by the City Council — because the existing roads and services wouldn’t be able to handle the project right now. He said if the developer were to pay for the improvements, the council would likely have to approve the project, but Richins didn’t want to see residents footing the bill.

The candidate also described changes he’s observed at the city level over the past two decades, including a shift away from committees in 2017 and a lack of involvement from the City Council. Richins said he fears members have become alienated, and he wants to see them more involved because they’re the city’s decision makers. 

If elected, Richins said he didn’t have any specific priorities. However, he’d focus on growth: making sure everyone is ready for it and that everything is in place to manage it. He’d also like to see the return of committees, such as streets, water and sewer, personnel and events.

“(Coalville) was a nice, quiet place, and I’d like to keep it as much as possible that way,” Richins said.

Richins is among several candidates seeking one of two Coalville City Council seats on the November ballot. The other individuals who declared their candidacy are Matthew Boyer, Andrew Nelson, Jeff Peterson, Colleen Goodman and Chris Tomczyk. 

A primary election will be held on Aug. 12 to cut the candidate field in half before the general election. Ballots were mailed on Tuesday.

The post Steve Richins seeks to guide Coalville’s growth by returning to city council appeared first on Park Record.