My idea for our leadership class is to create a public awareness campaign about decreasing our consumption of natural resources as a community. By making small steps we can have a lasting change and impact through conservation. The first step would be to get our community to recognize Earth Hour this week on March 29th at 8:00 pm (maybe it’s not too late to get on the radio and in the local papers). See http://www.earthhour.org/
Most of our daily lives involve some depletion of natural resources. I would like to encourage a program where people try to take small steps to decrease their footprint: for example, turn down your thermostat by 1 to 2 degrees in the winter (it’s winter, wear a sweater) and turn your thermostat up by 1 to 2 degrees in the summer, change to electronic payment notices (bills) instead of paper to use less trees, limit your shower to 5 minutes or less, rake your leaves instead of using a leaf blower, only use lights when they are needed (i.e., use day light when you can and turn off outside lights that are not needed)…
While I think that switching to renewable energy sources is ideal and necessary, I think that we must also look at our energy consumption (and waste) and look at ways that we can work toward decreasing our use.
AP
Monday, March 24, 2008
Sunday, March 23, 2008
I am feeling pretty psyched about the solar power idea. I have zero knowledge in this area so hard for me to judge if we can chew, what we are biting off. It seems like such a logical next step for Park City but as others out in the basin I think we need to try to make the project inclusive of the Park City School District in fact I feel that about any project we do.
I also think it's a much stronger, bigger idea if we can get a few big businesses, organizations, or the school district on board.
The other idea that keeps popping up in the news but never seems to get traction, why I am not sure other than the usual $$$, is a bus for people coming up and down the canyon every single day. It seems only logical that we wouldn't all be driving our cars up and down the canyon. Both my husband and I commute down everyday and commute down together as often as possible. The pollution we are causing and the pollution coming into PC with the reverste commute is a pretty scary thing to think about. This may not be worthy of the community project but it does seem like if a group took ownership of this maybe it could happen.
See you all tomorrow.
Maddy
I also think it's a much stronger, bigger idea if we can get a few big businesses, organizations, or the school district on board.
The other idea that keeps popping up in the news but never seems to get traction, why I am not sure other than the usual $$$, is a bus for people coming up and down the canyon every single day. It seems only logical that we wouldn't all be driving our cars up and down the canyon. Both my husband and I commute down everyday and commute down together as often as possible. The pollution we are causing and the pollution coming into PC with the reverste commute is a pretty scary thing to think about. This may not be worthy of the community project but it does seem like if a group took ownership of this maybe it could happen.
See you all tomorrow.
Maddy
Friday, March 21, 2008
Jeff's Big Idea
Hi, everybody. Here's another idea for our class project. I've spoken to several of you about this and have been glad to hear your positive feedback. I'll outline it briefly here and hope for some further discussion.
Since our last meeting, I've been thinking a lot about the "Community Visioning" process that Alison and Phyllis presented to us that night, and that Myles and Lisa undertook years ago. Although my group's drawings were kind of weak, the exercise we went through was inspiring. I think it's very important to have a sense of community, especially in a growing town with a lot of history and such a promising future. We proved that night that we each value a lot of the same things about Park City, each has his own favorites, and that we're all very proud to live here.
In my breakout group, we talked about memories of our time in Park City and got to reminiscing a bit about our favorite times. That got me thinking about how to celebrate that and how to reinforce (and indeed to help define) the sense of community in Park City. In other words, how do we express the spirit we feel about our town?
Of course--we'll create a Yearbook! Imagine it: for each year you've lived in Park City, you could have a fine, bound book full of memories, headlines, photos, statistics, abd stories. I still have Yearbooks from high school, and flip through them from time to time. And I really would love to have one for each of my PC years.
OK, we'll skip the grids of pictures of every single citizen in shirt and tie. No point in even trying to do that. I'm thinking we focus on:
* events (World Cup, outdoor concerts, Clown Day, Park Silly Sunday Market, Jan's Winter Welcome, Barking Ball, Summerween)
* people / profiles (the mayor, old-time locals, business owners, Myles?!)
* sports (softball tournament, powder skiing, NORBA races)
* government (elections, landmark city / county decisions, current liquor laws, City Tour)
* lifestyle (more powder skiing, new trails, current routing of Tour des Suds, cocktail contest)
* news / headlines
* history (like "The Way We Were" from the Park Record)
* seasonal activities
* stats (snowfall, census data, skier days, lodging totals, budgets, school reports)
* lots and lots of pictures!
And we'll even leave a few pages blank for our friends to sign! Just today, I was remembering some friends who used to live here and who might have signed my 2003 Yearbook. I'd like to read what they may have written, and maybe dig up some pictures.
So, how does this meet the single criteria that Lisa laid out for us? Our project "must benefit the community in some way". Many of the other great ideas I've heard focus on solving a particular problem that we see in Park City: recycling, traffic, the environment, etc. The way I look at it, each of these issues is on our collective radar, and is being addressed to some extent already.
This idea is brand new! Nobody's doing it, we won't be stepping on anybody's toes. As far as I know, Lisa won't say, "my 12-year old nephew already did that". Hey, actually--maybe somebody's high-school-age kids could help us out.
I guess I already answered my question about how this would benefit the community. It would help bring us all together as a community and foster and preserve the sense of spirit in our town. (We could even devote some space to the "surrounding areas"...)
Maybe I'm starting to ramble, but I have a few more points to make. Maybe some Q and A:
Q: How do we pay for it?
A: Sponsorships and sales. I hope we could avoid straight advertising, and could model it after the Friend of Animals calendar--very classy, yet well-funded.
Q: Who's going to buy it?
A: Everybody. We'll make it nice, so everybody HAS to have one on their coffee table: locals, second-home owners, ex-locals, visitors. I've spoken to at least a small sampling from each of those categories, and everybody says: "I'd buy one!" In fact, I have a list of pre-orders already.
Q: Can we benefit [my favorite organization] with this?
A: Of course! If we do it right, we could turn profits over to the Peace House, Arts Kids, whatever. In fact, we could help benefit a different group every year!
Q: This idea is kind of weird, isn't it?
A: Yep.
Q: Who's going to take all those pictures?
A: We will solicit entries from the entire community. I'm sure we each have a handful of pictures, of which we are proud, that would be appropriate for inclusion.
Q: Why not a website instead?
A: Websites are cool and all, and are by their nature very dynamic. The beauty of a book is that it CANNOT change. It is a snapshot of our community, taken over the course of a particular year. It's meant to be left on a coffee table or collected on a bookshelf, and leafed through casually or used as a reference--for many years!
Q: OK, fine--I'm sold! How can I help?
A: That's another cool thing about this: we'll need all kinds of help. Like your high school's Yearbook Committee (though not as nerdy!), we'll need production people (layout, contents, printing), marketing, and sales. Of course, we'll have to think hard about how to ensure that we can continue the effort in perpetuity; we'll need people to work on that. And so on.
So, there you go. Sounds fun, right?
Jeff
Since our last meeting, I've been thinking a lot about the "Community Visioning" process that Alison and Phyllis presented to us that night, and that Myles and Lisa undertook years ago. Although my group's drawings were kind of weak, the exercise we went through was inspiring. I think it's very important to have a sense of community, especially in a growing town with a lot of history and such a promising future. We proved that night that we each value a lot of the same things about Park City, each has his own favorites, and that we're all very proud to live here.
In my breakout group, we talked about memories of our time in Park City and got to reminiscing a bit about our favorite times. That got me thinking about how to celebrate that and how to reinforce (and indeed to help define) the sense of community in Park City. In other words, how do we express the spirit we feel about our town?
Of course--we'll create a Yearbook! Imagine it: for each year you've lived in Park City, you could have a fine, bound book full of memories, headlines, photos, statistics, abd stories. I still have Yearbooks from high school, and flip through them from time to time. And I really would love to have one for each of my PC years.
OK, we'll skip the grids of pictures of every single citizen in shirt and tie. No point in even trying to do that. I'm thinking we focus on:
* events (World Cup, outdoor concerts, Clown Day, Park Silly Sunday Market, Jan's Winter Welcome, Barking Ball, Summerween)
* people / profiles (the mayor, old-time locals, business owners, Myles?!)
* sports (softball tournament, powder skiing, NORBA races)
* government (elections, landmark city / county decisions, current liquor laws, City Tour)
* lifestyle (more powder skiing, new trails, current routing of Tour des Suds, cocktail contest)
* news / headlines
* history (like "The Way We Were" from the Park Record)
* seasonal activities
* stats (snowfall, census data, skier days, lodging totals, budgets, school reports)
* lots and lots of pictures!
And we'll even leave a few pages blank for our friends to sign! Just today, I was remembering some friends who used to live here and who might have signed my 2003 Yearbook. I'd like to read what they may have written, and maybe dig up some pictures.
So, how does this meet the single criteria that Lisa laid out for us? Our project "must benefit the community in some way". Many of the other great ideas I've heard focus on solving a particular problem that we see in Park City: recycling, traffic, the environment, etc. The way I look at it, each of these issues is on our collective radar, and is being addressed to some extent already.
This idea is brand new! Nobody's doing it, we won't be stepping on anybody's toes. As far as I know, Lisa won't say, "my 12-year old nephew already did that". Hey, actually--maybe somebody's high-school-age kids could help us out.
I guess I already answered my question about how this would benefit the community. It would help bring us all together as a community and foster and preserve the sense of spirit in our town. (We could even devote some space to the "surrounding areas"...)
Maybe I'm starting to ramble, but I have a few more points to make. Maybe some Q and A:
Q: How do we pay for it?
A: Sponsorships and sales. I hope we could avoid straight advertising, and could model it after the Friend of Animals calendar--very classy, yet well-funded.
Q: Who's going to buy it?
A: Everybody. We'll make it nice, so everybody HAS to have one on their coffee table: locals, second-home owners, ex-locals, visitors. I've spoken to at least a small sampling from each of those categories, and everybody says: "I'd buy one!" In fact, I have a list of pre-orders already.
Q: Can we benefit [my favorite organization] with this?
A: Of course! If we do it right, we could turn profits over to the Peace House, Arts Kids, whatever. In fact, we could help benefit a different group every year!
Q: This idea is kind of weird, isn't it?
A: Yep.
Q: Who's going to take all those pictures?
A: We will solicit entries from the entire community. I'm sure we each have a handful of pictures, of which we are proud, that would be appropriate for inclusion.
Q: Why not a website instead?
A: Websites are cool and all, and are by their nature very dynamic. The beauty of a book is that it CANNOT change. It is a snapshot of our community, taken over the course of a particular year. It's meant to be left on a coffee table or collected on a bookshelf, and leafed through casually or used as a reference--for many years!
Q: OK, fine--I'm sold! How can I help?
A: That's another cool thing about this: we'll need all kinds of help. Like your high school's Yearbook Committee (though not as nerdy!), we'll need production people (layout, contents, printing), marketing, and sales. Of course, we'll have to think hard about how to ensure that we can continue the effort in perpetuity; we'll need people to work on that. And so on.
So, there you go. Sounds fun, right?
Jeff
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Friday, March 14, 2008
I love the solar idea, as well as many of the others.
I'm so blown away by the talent in this class!
I'd like to see our project have an impact on the entire community, not just a select number within the Park City limits. I'm not sure how many low income Latino families own homes in the city, so involving this sector could be difficult.
What if we follow in Rossignol's footsteps and target the PC school buildings for our solar project? This would definitely involve all of us (except the 2nd homeowners.) There would be high visibility and it would have a huge educational impact.
Solar School System anyone? This project would involve aspects of many of our ideas.
Extending Program to County, Low Income & Latino Families
Annette et all,
I love your idea. The incentives would come from Park City muni, but we might be able to get them to extend it out to the Park City school district or If we could get Summit County to match
Park City's incentive then we could extend the program out the county.
If we start after our meeting on March 24th and try to complete the project by our final meeting and party on October 17th, that would give us 200 days. We would need to divide and concur
to get all the upfront work done in the first 100 days, so that the contractor can start installation on July 10th, so that they have 100 days to finish by October 17th. We could pre-purchase
and store the equipment, which would help. I think it's do able.
We could also help out some low income families by making income a factor in the solar home selection criteria, kind of in line with some of the affordable housing ideas.
By focusing on low income families, I'm sure we could get some latino families with solar panels on their homes, which could help bring the latino community into project "Ciudad Solar".
Bo
I love your idea. The incentives would come from Park City muni, but we might be able to get them to extend it out to the Park City school district or If we could get Summit County to match
Park City's incentive then we could extend the program out the county.
If we start after our meeting on March 24th and try to complete the project by our final meeting and party on October 17th, that would give us 200 days. We would need to divide and concur
to get all the upfront work done in the first 100 days, so that the contractor can start installation on July 10th, so that they have 100 days to finish by October 17th. We could pre-purchase
and store the equipment, which would help. I think it's do able.
We could also help out some low income families by making income a factor in the solar home selection criteria, kind of in line with some of the affordable housing ideas.
By focusing on low income families, I'm sure we could get some latino families with solar panels on their homes, which could help bring the latino community into project "Ciudad Solar".
Bo
Solar Roof Mount Question
Q: why do they have to go on the roof? can't they be integrated into a landscape/xeriscape near the ground level? the south side of our house/deck is cranking hot.
A: Good question. The problem is any "hard" shadow lines (telephone line, trees, other homes, etc) on any portion of the solar array (a bunch of panels) will shut off the entire array. The array must be facing within 15 degree of due south within 5 degree of a 40 degree tilt and exposed to the sun between 9am-3pm on the winter soltice, Dec 21st. Unless you live on top of a mountain or in Oakley, the only place you can install them is on top of a house.
Bo
A: Good question. The problem is any "hard" shadow lines (telephone line, trees, other homes, etc) on any portion of the solar array (a bunch of panels) will shut off the entire array. The array must be facing within 15 degree of due south within 5 degree of a 40 degree tilt and exposed to the sun between 9am-3pm on the winter soltice, Dec 21st. Unless you live on top of a mountain or in Oakley, the only place you can install them is on top of a house.
Bo
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Rule on Solar (and other energy saving) installations
Bo, your expertise in this area is admirable and inspiring! I think absolutely this project can and should include our brothers and sisters "out in the county" as well... maybe even the poor blokes beyond Summit Co.
Separately, the below excerpt may help illustrate the legislative cover a solar installation we would have in overriding restrictive CC&R's. One of our Utah barred JD's should probably double check this but the trajectory of this rule seems pretty clear....
http://le.utah.gov/~code/TITLE10/htm/10_08062.htm
10-9a-610. Restrictions for solar and other energy devices.
The land use authority may refuse to approve or renew any plat, subdivision plan, or dedication of any street or other ground, if deed restrictions, covenants, or similar binding agreements running with the land for the lots or parcels covered by the plat or subdivision prohibit or have the effect of prohibiting reasonably sited and designed solar collectors, clotheslines, or other energy devices based on renewable resources from being installed on buildings erected on lots or parcels covered by the plat or subdivision.
Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 254, 2005 General Session
Download Code Section Zipped WP 6/7/8 10_08062.ZIP 2,395 Bytes
Separately, the below excerpt may help illustrate the legislative cover a solar installation we would have in overriding restrictive CC&R's. One of our Utah barred JD's should probably double check this but the trajectory of this rule seems pretty clear....
http://le.utah.gov/~code/TITLE10/htm/10_08062.htm
10-9a-610. Restrictions for solar and other energy devices.
The land use authority may refuse to approve or renew any plat, subdivision plan, or dedication of any street or other ground, if deed restrictions, covenants, or similar binding agreements running with the land for the lots or parcels covered by the plat or subdivision prohibit or have the effect of prohibiting reasonably sited and designed solar collectors, clotheslines, or other energy devices based on renewable resources from being installed on buildings erected on lots or parcels covered by the plat or subdivision.
Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 254, 2005 General Session
Download Code Section Zipped WP 6/7/8 10_08062.ZIP 2,395 Bytes
Annette
Bo,
I LIKE IT!! But I kept reading Park City Municipal everywhere. What about us lower class saps that live in the unincorporated county? ;o) The husband and I have often talked about getting solar panels; I’d like to be the first on your list! Wouldn’t we want to do it as a Summit County project, instead of just Park City? You may even find the homeowner’s associations easier to deal with on some of the issues you spoke about out there! Do you think we could get it up and going in enough time to finish it?
I LIKE IT!! But I kept reading Park City Municipal everywhere. What about us lower class saps that live in the unincorporated county? ;o) The husband and I have often talked about getting solar panels; I’d like to be the first on your list! Wouldn’t we want to do it as a Summit County project, instead of just Park City? You may even find the homeowner’s associations easier to deal with on some of the issues you spoke about out there! Do you think we could get it up and going in enough time to finish it?
Solar City – 100 Solar Panels on 100 Homes in 100 Days
Flavs,
Sorry, I’ve been so quite, not like me, but I’ve been away from Park City for a while and I’m really happy to be back. I really like so many of the ideas, I didn’t want to even propose one, but here’s one that is in line with a bunch of the sustainability ideas.
I can’t claim this as my idea, because Alex (one of our flavs) and Mayor Dana (one of our favs) really came up with this idea, but I would like propose that we turn Park City into a Solar City by installing “100 solar panels on 100 homes in 100 days”.
Solar panels thrive in high altitude, cold weather, and sunny climates. Few people know that Park City is one of the premier solar locations in the US. A solar system installed here can overproduce by nearly 150% on peak days!
Solar Power (AKA Photovoltaic or PV) is a clean safe renewable maintenance free and inexpensive (yes, inexpensive) way to reduce electric power supplied by dirty polluting coal burning power plants.
Here’s a summary of the project plan, which can be greatly expanded, reduced, changed, improved, tweaked or anything, it’s just me mind spitting out ideas:
1. Gain Knowledge and Self Educate: Get a solar expert to educate us on grid tied solar systems, so we understand our product.
2. Lowest Cost (Bulk Purchase and Economy of Scale): Team up with a low priced reputable licensed and bonded solar design and installation subcontractor, a solar system supplier that can provide a discounted complete system (Solar Panels, Rack and Inverter Package) and Rocky Mountain Power (Net Metering Equipment) and come up with bulk discounted low priced cost including design and installation for 100 systems. I would estimate that we could get the complete cost to design, permit, purchase, and install a 1 kilowatt system for around $8,000. A one kilowatt solar system will power about a 1,000 square foot normal home.
3. Tax Credits, Incentives and Utility Offsets: Petition Park City municipal to offer and incentive of $2,000 for each home. Meet with Rocky Mountain Power and setup a special program to credit $2,000 ($2 per watt) for each home. Utilize the existing Federal (30% up to $2,000) and State (30% up to $2,000) tax credits. If we could receive all credits, incentives and offsets we could raise $8,000 for each home. When I said inexpensive before, how about if we could offer those solar systems for FREE???
4. Public Education, Awareness, and Advertising: We could do a public education, awareness and advertising campaign for the importance of utilizing renewable resources like solar and having the utility companies perform and energy audit of your homes. We could try to get as many applicants as possible.
5. Application and Home Selection Criteria & Selection: If we could offer the solar systems for free we might even get more than 100 applicants. The applicant would need to meet the solar installation criteria to ensure that the system would operate efficiently. Also, we could insist that all homes must go through an energy audit by Questar Gas and Rocky Mountain Power, and complete all recommended improvements prior to receiving the Park City Incentive and Rocky Mountain Power credit. If we improve the energy efficiency, a 1 kilowatt solar system can now maybe power a 2,000 square foot home.
6. Bulk Design and Permitting: We could submit all the systems design for permitting into one application to help lower the cost and expedite the review and approval process. We could involve the city chief building official in the process so that this would by a seamless process.
7. Delivery and Storage: The lead time on solar panels, rack and inverters can take some time, but we could order and store all materials until they have all arrived.
8. Installation: Send out the subcontract to install 100 solar systems on 100 homes in 100 days. Park City Muni would perform the inspections and Rocky Mountain power would change out the meters for net-metering.
9. Party: We have a huge party at the 100th house to celebrate our success.
There is one big bridge we need to burn and that is that most home owner associations in Park City either don’t allow or require architectural design approval of solar power systems. We would need to talk to the city’s attorney to find out how we could not allow HOA’s to stop roof mounted solar panel installation.
Can’t wait to see y’all soon.
Bo
Sorry, I’ve been so quite, not like me, but I’ve been away from Park City for a while and I’m really happy to be back. I really like so many of the ideas, I didn’t want to even propose one, but here’s one that is in line with a bunch of the sustainability ideas.
I can’t claim this as my idea, because Alex (one of our flavs) and Mayor Dana (one of our favs) really came up with this idea, but I would like propose that we turn Park City into a Solar City by installing “100 solar panels on 100 homes in 100 days”.
Solar panels thrive in high altitude, cold weather, and sunny climates. Few people know that Park City is one of the premier solar locations in the US. A solar system installed here can overproduce by nearly 150% on peak days!
Solar Power (AKA Photovoltaic or PV) is a clean safe renewable maintenance free and inexpensive (yes, inexpensive) way to reduce electric power supplied by dirty polluting coal burning power plants.
Here’s a summary of the project plan, which can be greatly expanded, reduced, changed, improved, tweaked or anything, it’s just me mind spitting out ideas:
1. Gain Knowledge and Self Educate: Get a solar expert to educate us on grid tied solar systems, so we understand our product.
2. Lowest Cost (Bulk Purchase and Economy of Scale): Team up with a low priced reputable licensed and bonded solar design and installation subcontractor, a solar system supplier that can provide a discounted complete system (Solar Panels, Rack and Inverter Package) and Rocky Mountain Power (Net Metering Equipment) and come up with bulk discounted low priced cost including design and installation for 100 systems. I would estimate that we could get the complete cost to design, permit, purchase, and install a 1 kilowatt system for around $8,000. A one kilowatt solar system will power about a 1,000 square foot normal home.
3. Tax Credits, Incentives and Utility Offsets: Petition Park City municipal to offer and incentive of $2,000 for each home. Meet with Rocky Mountain Power and setup a special program to credit $2,000 ($2 per watt) for each home. Utilize the existing Federal (30% up to $2,000) and State (30% up to $2,000) tax credits. If we could receive all credits, incentives and offsets we could raise $8,000 for each home. When I said inexpensive before, how about if we could offer those solar systems for FREE???
4. Public Education, Awareness, and Advertising: We could do a public education, awareness and advertising campaign for the importance of utilizing renewable resources like solar and having the utility companies perform and energy audit of your homes. We could try to get as many applicants as possible.
5. Application and Home Selection Criteria & Selection: If we could offer the solar systems for free we might even get more than 100 applicants. The applicant would need to meet the solar installation criteria to ensure that the system would operate efficiently. Also, we could insist that all homes must go through an energy audit by Questar Gas and Rocky Mountain Power, and complete all recommended improvements prior to receiving the Park City Incentive and Rocky Mountain Power credit. If we improve the energy efficiency, a 1 kilowatt solar system can now maybe power a 2,000 square foot home.
6. Bulk Design and Permitting: We could submit all the systems design for permitting into one application to help lower the cost and expedite the review and approval process. We could involve the city chief building official in the process so that this would by a seamless process.
7. Delivery and Storage: The lead time on solar panels, rack and inverters can take some time, but we could order and store all materials until they have all arrived.
8. Installation: Send out the subcontract to install 100 solar systems on 100 homes in 100 days. Park City Muni would perform the inspections and Rocky Mountain power would change out the meters for net-metering.
9. Party: We have a huge party at the 100th house to celebrate our success.
There is one big bridge we need to burn and that is that most home owner associations in Park City either don’t allow or require architectural design approval of solar power systems. We would need to talk to the city’s attorney to find out how we could not allow HOA’s to stop roof mounted solar panel installation.
Can’t wait to see y’all soon.
Bo
Bags bags bags...
Hey Flavs,
great ideas - wow!
I really like the "bag idea." This is something we can do in the little time we have and where we can really have a longer-lasting impact. I agree with Anette there.
Also, in Germany we have been using cloth bags and baskets for at least over 10 years. It's normal there and nobody questions it anymore...
See you all soon!
Johanna
great ideas - wow!
I really like the "bag idea." This is something we can do in the little time we have and where we can really have a longer-lasting impact. I agree with Anette there.
Also, in Germany we have been using cloth bags and baskets for at least over 10 years. It's normal there and nobody questions it anymore...
See you all soon!
Johanna
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Project proposal - "Solar City"
Ok, so here goes (I've never blogged before so signing in was a challenge). Below is a project idea I bounced off a couple of folks just to sanity test it. With some really good input and polishing, here's what we pulled together and hope it is one that will be worth batting around further at the brainstorming session. At any rate, thanks for considering it.
I. “Solar City” Project
II. Mission: To reduce overall community energy consumption through installation of renewable energy projects and education on best practices in this area.
III. Class Project Concept: Through an initial pilot project, we will analyze the energy use of a Park City non-profit organization (beneficiary) to establish a baseline of consumption during a typical year. This step will highlight initial cost savings opportunities through energy management techniques to lower this baseline (and thus, operating costs). With the baseline set, we will scale a proposed photovoltaic system, a solar thermal system, or both; the goal being to offset a substantial portion, if not all, of the beneficiary’s grid sourced electricity, natural gas or both, thereby providing an ongoing cost savings to the beneficiary.
Through implementation of this project, we will log the physical, financial and regulatory steps so as to create a “how to” booklet for other members of the community to use in considering their own such systems, as well as for related educational purposes. This effectively creates a template that is easily followed and removes most, if not all, roadblocks to community members taking action. In some instances, we may be helping the regulating authorities in the city and the county in revising or even establishing rules on these. We will also investigate and potentially test the federal rules that overrule HOA restrictions on rooftop systems like these to further streamline the process and open up the market for these systems.
We seek to develop a bulk purchase mechanism to reduce both material and installation costs of such systems in an effort to reduce the overall unit cost for business and homeowners. This requires coordinating the purchase of such systems by multiple area businesses, residences, and organizations, as well as providing to vendors and installers multiple customers at once with a goal of at least 10 consumers.
Reduction of potential costs will include providing information on, and utilization of, city, state, and federal tax benefits, as well as private business programs and rebates, to minimize the cost to the beneficiary and accelerate the payback period on these installations.
Lastly, we will work with the city, county, state and the private sector to support efforts in regulatory, sales tax, public relations, property tax, and possibly grant opportunities to streamline the process and reduce the implementation costs.
This project is scalable both in breadth and depth so depending on constraints, we can limit our efforts to a single installation, energy audit template and “how-to” booklet. If met with enthusiasm, the program can expand to increase the number of beneficiaries and work for additional support from our town, county, state and others.
IV. Benefits:
• Long term economic support of a local non-profit organization
• General educational outreach on energy efficiency and conservation
• Clarify rules, restrictions on installation of solar systems
• Create materials (deliverables) to support residents and businesses in decreasing energy consumption (works for owners and tenants) and providing a “how to” for installation of solar systems
• Maximize benefit of city, county, state, federal and other grants, rebates and incentives to reduce costs
• Leverage collective buying power with vendors and installers
• Tie local businesses to local non profits more closely
• Generate local and regional publicity about the pilot project to increase interest in and acceptance of these systems
• Significantly reduce our community’s energy consumption (energy mostly from coal fired power plants) thereby saving our air, our snow, our water and thus our quality of life and property values
• Further educate the community with regard to the following benefits: global warming, limits of the Earth’s resources and the conservation thereof, health and air quality, property values.
V. Talents / Skills Needed to Implement: As the largest leadership class to date, Leadership XIV has the size, breadth and depth of talent, experience and knowledge to take on a project of this magnitude, and maximize its benefits in our community. We see the need for
• negotiating skills
• financial analysis
• accounting expertise
• legal support
• project management
• public relations and outreach
• writing skills
• fundraising skills
• networking and sales
• event planning
• grant writing
• construction trade skills
• knowledge of and contacts in city and county government (and beyond if we are successful in these first few).
VI. (Other?)
VII. Potential beneficiaries of pilot project:
a. Swaner Nature Preserve
b. National Ability Center
c. Olympic Park
d. People’s Health Clinic
e. Recycle Utah
f. Egyptian Theatre Company
g. Mountainlands Community Housing Trust
h. Furburbia or Summit County Friends of Animals
i. KPCW
j. Kimball Arts Center
Note. Potential beneficiaries either need to be paying their own power bill, own their own building or have a long-term lease with a landlord willing to pass on the energy savings through the lease.
Regards,
Alex
I. “Solar City” Project
II. Mission: To reduce overall community energy consumption through installation of renewable energy projects and education on best practices in this area.
III. Class Project Concept: Through an initial pilot project, we will analyze the energy use of a Park City non-profit organization (beneficiary) to establish a baseline of consumption during a typical year. This step will highlight initial cost savings opportunities through energy management techniques to lower this baseline (and thus, operating costs). With the baseline set, we will scale a proposed photovoltaic system, a solar thermal system, or both; the goal being to offset a substantial portion, if not all, of the beneficiary’s grid sourced electricity, natural gas or both, thereby providing an ongoing cost savings to the beneficiary.
Through implementation of this project, we will log the physical, financial and regulatory steps so as to create a “how to” booklet for other members of the community to use in considering their own such systems, as well as for related educational purposes. This effectively creates a template that is easily followed and removes most, if not all, roadblocks to community members taking action. In some instances, we may be helping the regulating authorities in the city and the county in revising or even establishing rules on these. We will also investigate and potentially test the federal rules that overrule HOA restrictions on rooftop systems like these to further streamline the process and open up the market for these systems.
We seek to develop a bulk purchase mechanism to reduce both material and installation costs of such systems in an effort to reduce the overall unit cost for business and homeowners. This requires coordinating the purchase of such systems by multiple area businesses, residences, and organizations, as well as providing to vendors and installers multiple customers at once with a goal of at least 10 consumers.
Reduction of potential costs will include providing information on, and utilization of, city, state, and federal tax benefits, as well as private business programs and rebates, to minimize the cost to the beneficiary and accelerate the payback period on these installations.
Lastly, we will work with the city, county, state and the private sector to support efforts in regulatory, sales tax, public relations, property tax, and possibly grant opportunities to streamline the process and reduce the implementation costs.
This project is scalable both in breadth and depth so depending on constraints, we can limit our efforts to a single installation, energy audit template and “how-to” booklet. If met with enthusiasm, the program can expand to increase the number of beneficiaries and work for additional support from our town, county, state and others.
IV. Benefits:
• Long term economic support of a local non-profit organization
• General educational outreach on energy efficiency and conservation
• Clarify rules, restrictions on installation of solar systems
• Create materials (deliverables) to support residents and businesses in decreasing energy consumption (works for owners and tenants) and providing a “how to” for installation of solar systems
• Maximize benefit of city, county, state, federal and other grants, rebates and incentives to reduce costs
• Leverage collective buying power with vendors and installers
• Tie local businesses to local non profits more closely
• Generate local and regional publicity about the pilot project to increase interest in and acceptance of these systems
• Significantly reduce our community’s energy consumption (energy mostly from coal fired power plants) thereby saving our air, our snow, our water and thus our quality of life and property values
• Further educate the community with regard to the following benefits: global warming, limits of the Earth’s resources and the conservation thereof, health and air quality, property values.
V. Talents / Skills Needed to Implement: As the largest leadership class to date, Leadership XIV has the size, breadth and depth of talent, experience and knowledge to take on a project of this magnitude, and maximize its benefits in our community. We see the need for
• negotiating skills
• financial analysis
• accounting expertise
• legal support
• project management
• public relations and outreach
• writing skills
• fundraising skills
• networking and sales
• event planning
• grant writing
• construction trade skills
• knowledge of and contacts in city and county government (and beyond if we are successful in these first few).
VI. (Other?)
VII. Potential beneficiaries of pilot project:
a. Swaner Nature Preserve
b. National Ability Center
c. Olympic Park
d. People’s Health Clinic
e. Recycle Utah
f. Egyptian Theatre Company
g. Mountainlands Community Housing Trust
h. Furburbia or Summit County Friends of Animals
i. KPCW
j. Kimball Arts Center
Note. Potential beneficiaries either need to be paying their own power bill, own their own building or have a long-term lease with a landlord willing to pass on the energy savings through the lease.
Regards,
Alex
What if we combine cultural connectedness with environmentalism in the form of community dinners on Main Street.
Literally ON Main Street: Tables would line Main Street---on Sundays following the Silly Market. There would be a charge/sponsorship for each table of 8, with guidelines.
The theme would be to share traditional cuisines of residents in a green manner.
A new take on "mind your--green--manners."
The green part would be that each table provide reusable dinnerware/drinkware for themselves. We could have Mexican, Filipino, Swedish, Russian, Czech, Hawaiian, Chinese, etc., etc.
Musicians could be encouraged to share their talents during the event.
Awards could be given to groups who have the "greenest" tables.
It could be a Global Green Promotion, demonstrating what goes into a family meal. We could educate people about grocery store/farmer's market shopping habits---products we choose and how we carry groceries home, to the dinnerware at the table, then to waste disposal.
This would involve everyone---tourists, 2nd homeowners, Latinos, all cultures, all ages. It would incorporate green awareness, and EDUCATE all of us about each other and how to be gentle with our environment.
Piggybacking with the immensely successful Park Silly Market would be another tourism draw for Old Town and demonstrate our community commitment to diversity and environmentalism.
Maybe there would be an entrance fee, waived by a stamp from taking public transportation.
We'd be bringing our dining rooms to Main Street. There would be a limit to the number of tables, so restaurants would be on board. Draw people to witness the spectacle and spend money in Main Street eateries.
Tables and chairs would be provided, and each party would supply tablecloths, place settings, foods with a theme, and ambience. We'd need to have a permit for BYO beverages.
Outreach would get participation from different sectors of our community.
I know I would love to participate--go to the Silly Market with friends and family and bring a fabulous spread for afterwards. Educate, entertain, and mange, mange mange : )
We would promote the Flavors of Park City. We could sell reusable grocery bags with that logo, and have Recycle Utah present with a composting demo/sale.
We could also sell resusable Flavors of Park City water bottles and provide large water dispensers at each event. Small fee for people with their own containers, and no fee for people with the Flavors bottles. And ZERO cups available for distribution.
We would knock out bags, water bottles, Latino outreach, 2nd homeowner outreach, transportation awareness, walkability, waste disposal, green awareness---all in one fell swoop!!!
It would be a brand new idea that would incorporate projects that are already being worked on by many other organizations in town. Hmmmm....or yummmmmmmm....
Annette's
I also love the reusable bag idea, maybe we could get some made up and either sell or give them away! Maybe we could sell them at the Silly Market! I do think our project should be something that we can start and finish in a couple of months, but it should be something that will last for years to come. With that in mind, my two ideas of a dog park and TAG project wouldn’t fit into that very well, as they would be long term projects or take just too long to facilitate. Maybe as we all look at that list, there are others that also seem a bit unreachable for the short time period that we have.
Not that I am obsessed with dog poo to be bringing it up again, but every time I clean up after my dogs, I wonder just how long that smelly little time capsule is going to sit in a landfill. Maybe a more earth friendly or biodegradable dog poo bag is in order? Maybe they already are and I don’t know?
I look forward to the 24th, see you all then……..
Annette
Not that I am obsessed with dog poo to be bringing it up again, but every time I clean up after my dogs, I wonder just how long that smelly little time capsule is going to sit in a landfill. Maybe a more earth friendly or biodegradable dog poo bag is in order? Maybe they already are and I don’t know?
I look forward to the 24th, see you all then……..
Annette
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
me again...
it's less than 5 minutes after my last post, but i just read a comment made a while back that asked if those of us in the green building arena had anything to say regarding niches (i'm not sure whose post it was - there was no name attached)
anyway, bo and i attended a seminar today titled "new concepts in heating and cooling"
we discussed many systems - solar electric, solar thermal, geothermal, etc. (which is a little funny since those are sort of age old forms of temperature control)
but, one gentleman mentioned that utah is the second best (if not the best) place in north america to produce solar energy.
we do not currently take advantage of this. park city spent alot of time and$ of buying wind power -and a major shout out to those who implemented such a great renewable energy credit plan!!!! - but we neglected and still neglect the energy that we could produce locally - solar (and geothermal)
at this time, both systems are costly to implement. the investment is recovered after a number of years, but the start-up overhead is high. additionally, this city/state/country does not incentivize such responsible action.
i know that the park city historic code makes it very difficult to apply panels in old town, but i'm not certain about greater pc.
if we could get the city to promote solar (or, like in my dreams, have them install a district net) we could reduce our dirty coal consumption (93% or so of utah's energy is from coal fired plants) as a community and preserve our ski based economy.
good night all
kaitlin
anyway, bo and i attended a seminar today titled "new concepts in heating and cooling"
we discussed many systems - solar electric, solar thermal, geothermal, etc. (which is a little funny since those are sort of age old forms of temperature control)
but, one gentleman mentioned that utah is the second best (if not the best) place in north america to produce solar energy.
we do not currently take advantage of this. park city spent alot of time and$ of buying wind power -and a major shout out to those who implemented such a great renewable energy credit plan!!!! - but we neglected and still neglect the energy that we could produce locally - solar (and geothermal)
at this time, both systems are costly to implement. the investment is recovered after a number of years, but the start-up overhead is high. additionally, this city/state/country does not incentivize such responsible action.
i know that the park city historic code makes it very difficult to apply panels in old town, but i'm not certain about greater pc.
if we could get the city to promote solar (or, like in my dreams, have them install a district net) we could reduce our dirty coal consumption (93% or so of utah's energy is from coal fired plants) as a community and preserve our ski based economy.
good night all
kaitlin
Mike Thuman's
what? who me? yes, still alive but in Washington DC this week. A couple of thoughts:
-what we should be doing is coming up with lots of ideas without judging or processing each one in detail so I'd say we should have at least 31 ideas up there.
-an actual brainstorming session in person might be a good idea. maybe we are going to be doing that in the next meeting but generally brainstorming has certain ground rules and by doing it in person, the energy and creativity of the process and people, gets more ideas down on paper.
-after all that, we have to apply some criteria, like what our overall objective is and would the concept be SMART (specific, measureable, achievable, relevant and time related)
I'd be glad to faciliate the brainstorming session but I got the sense that maybe that's what Lisa was intending on doing March 24.
For the record, I'll throw in a few brainstorm ideas:
1. Learning is Cool and Drive for Excellence campaign in PC schools: with classroom sizes growing and already too large, more resources are needed in the schools to help with math, reading, art and music (both really weak compared to other parts of the country) etc. Collaborate with the schools on areas of greatest need and put 31 flaves to work in their area of interest and passion.
1a. The Future is Yours-similar idea to #1, make 31 flaves available to the schools to talk about what each of us does, the education choices we took and did not take, the career experiences that each has had, our advice. Ski bum is a valid career choice!
2. Walkability Starts Now-
take the bus, ride your bike, walk the whole distance but when you come to a cross walk, do drivers know that its illegal to continue through the cross walk if a pedestrian has started into the cross walk.
As a few of you know, I walk my kids to school whenever I'm home and cars don't stop at the crosswalk. Even when the principal sends out letters to parents alerting them to cross walk safety there are parents that drop their kids and then blow through the busy crosswalk. Orange flags are interesting, flashing lights maybe, bridges/tunnels won't be everywhere but a campaign that broadly changes the understanding of the law and changes the thinking of drivers would make PC and Utah a leader in walkability and safety. Whenever I go to California, they seem to respect the crosswalk, we don't seem to have the same respect.
regards
mike
-what we should be doing is coming up with lots of ideas without judging or processing each one in detail so I'd say we should have at least 31 ideas up there.
-an actual brainstorming session in person might be a good idea. maybe we are going to be doing that in the next meeting but generally brainstorming has certain ground rules and by doing it in person, the energy and creativity of the process and people, gets more ideas down on paper.
-after all that, we have to apply some criteria, like what our overall objective is and would the concept be SMART (specific, measureable, achievable, relevant and time related)
I'd be glad to faciliate the brainstorming session but I got the sense that maybe that's what Lisa was intending on doing March 24.
For the record, I'll throw in a few brainstorm ideas:
1. Learning is Cool and Drive for Excellence campaign in PC schools: with classroom sizes growing and already too large, more resources are needed in the schools to help with math, reading, art and music (both really weak compared to other parts of the country) etc. Collaborate with the schools on areas of greatest need and put 31 flaves to work in their area of interest and passion.
1a. The Future is Yours-similar idea to #1, make 31 flaves available to the schools to talk about what each of us does, the education choices we took and did not take, the career experiences that each has had, our advice. Ski bum is a valid career choice!
2. Walkability Starts Now-
take the bus, ride your bike, walk the whole distance but when you come to a cross walk, do drivers know that its illegal to continue through the cross walk if a pedestrian has started into the cross walk.
As a few of you know, I walk my kids to school whenever I'm home and cars don't stop at the crosswalk. Even when the principal sends out letters to parents alerting them to cross walk safety there are parents that drop their kids and then blow through the busy crosswalk. Orange flags are interesting, flashing lights maybe, bridges/tunnels won't be everywhere but a campaign that broadly changes the understanding of the law and changes the thinking of drivers would make PC and Utah a leader in walkability and safety. Whenever I go to California, they seem to respect the crosswalk, we don't seem to have the same respect.
regards
mike
Composting, bags and ideas to follow...
howdy ya'll...
good getting to work on this conversation - the blog is super and i think the soliciting emails just might be working.
i have a small number of ideas that are not quite ready to be articulated, so tonight i will just speak to two that were mentioned:
city-wide composting and the elimination of plastic bags - both noble endeavors.
san francisco has a very successful organic waste collection - i think if a huge city can implement such a system, that surely park city could meet that goal. i have, however, spoken at length with insa at recycle utah regarding this idea and the development of a city-wide management plan for the "disposal"/recycling of organic waste. for some reason, the super woman that is insa believes this to be an unattainable goal at this time. (and i know that she has introduced the idea to certain city officials)
perhaps if we all jump on the natural waste train together we could get enough momentum to support a city-wide compost. i just think that if we embark on this path, we must start with a conversation with insa and the folks at recycle utah.
onto plastic bags:
many cities in europe charge the customer for plastic bags - ANY plastic bag, not just the durable one that we americans consider worthy of sale. i believe that this is how it must be if one is to actually think of the resources they use each time they leave the store with a new plastic bag, a free, fragile and disposal bag. the fee is small, like $0.25, but, like alison said,it would add up quickly. i don't think that this system would deter customers from the grocery store, but that if would act as a solid reminder to bring your own bag. if we did plan to supply reusable, more durable bags, i don't believe that all stores would need to offer them. in fact, i think that small stores would actually benefit from not having to stock so many wasteful bags.
i heard on the radio recently that the number one complaint of tourists and locals alike is park city traffic.
i do believe that this is rapidly becoming a major problem in our little community and i don't believe that local walkability is going to even begin to make a impact on the congested situation (NOT to belittle the walkability, safe street mission - i'm a huge supporter!!! - i just think we need more) and, mike, i like the mention of raising awareness of crosswalk conduct.
i hesitated bringing this up, as i'm not proposing a project, or a solution out at this time; but, i wanted to get you all to start thinking about this issue. i find it to be a dually environmental and humanitarian sickness. one that park city must start paying attention to.
oh, my, sorry for the length of this post.
and julie - i'm bummed to have missed arte latino on saturday, my family was in town and i simply couldn't round up the troops - i heard it was wonderful!
thanks all!!
kaitlin
good getting to work on this conversation - the blog is super and i think the soliciting emails just might be working.
i have a small number of ideas that are not quite ready to be articulated, so tonight i will just speak to two that were mentioned:
city-wide composting and the elimination of plastic bags - both noble endeavors.
san francisco has a very successful organic waste collection - i think if a huge city can implement such a system, that surely park city could meet that goal. i have, however, spoken at length with insa at recycle utah regarding this idea and the development of a city-wide management plan for the "disposal"/recycling of organic waste. for some reason, the super woman that is insa believes this to be an unattainable goal at this time. (and i know that she has introduced the idea to certain city officials)
perhaps if we all jump on the natural waste train together we could get enough momentum to support a city-wide compost. i just think that if we embark on this path, we must start with a conversation with insa and the folks at recycle utah.
onto plastic bags:
many cities in europe charge the customer for plastic bags - ANY plastic bag, not just the durable one that we americans consider worthy of sale. i believe that this is how it must be if one is to actually think of the resources they use each time they leave the store with a new plastic bag, a free, fragile and disposal bag. the fee is small, like $0.25, but, like alison said,it would add up quickly. i don't think that this system would deter customers from the grocery store, but that if would act as a solid reminder to bring your own bag. if we did plan to supply reusable, more durable bags, i don't believe that all stores would need to offer them. in fact, i think that small stores would actually benefit from not having to stock so many wasteful bags.
i heard on the radio recently that the number one complaint of tourists and locals alike is park city traffic.
i do believe that this is rapidly becoming a major problem in our little community and i don't believe that local walkability is going to even begin to make a impact on the congested situation (NOT to belittle the walkability, safe street mission - i'm a huge supporter!!! - i just think we need more) and, mike, i like the mention of raising awareness of crosswalk conduct.
i hesitated bringing this up, as i'm not proposing a project, or a solution out at this time; but, i wanted to get you all to start thinking about this issue. i find it to be a dually environmental and humanitarian sickness. one that park city must start paying attention to.
oh, my, sorry for the length of this post.
and julie - i'm bummed to have missed arte latino on saturday, my family was in town and i simply couldn't round up the troops - i heard it was wonderful!
thanks all!!
kaitlin
Just FYI
My fifth grade daughter Emma came home today and told me Recycle Utah was at Parleys Park today. What did my fifth grader remember, "Mom we should stop using plastic bags at the grocery store"! Recycle Utah would be a terrific partner if we go the bag route.
I just had a glass and half of some yummy red wine. Time for bed. Night.
Maddy
My fifth grade daughter Emma came home today and told me Recycle Utah was at Parleys Park today. What did my fifth grader remember, "Mom we should stop using plastic bags at the grocery store"! Recycle Utah would be a terrific partner if we go the bag route.
I just had a glass and half of some yummy red wine. Time for bed. Night.
Maddy
Better Bottles and Bags
As I look over the many posts (thanks Megan for the summary of ideas) I see a lot of great possibilities. And while surely our processing at the next Monday will grant more clarity I see momentum in environmental stewardship direction. Maybe it'd be too big to combine the initiatives but what about a 'better bottles and bags' campaign. The city's decision to be responsible with water bottles could be lifted up and we could try to build on that. As far as the bags we would have to take an angle that addresses the additional cost and/or the perceived inconvenience.
As much as the environmental responsible options are compelling, I'd love to see our efforts behind an idea that helps out a group of people be it youth or any demographic.
I'll keep thinking. When it comes down to what we decide, I'm up for composing some catchy little rhyming song to infiltrate people's minds for good.
A difference will be made, of this I am sure-
Russ
As much as the environmental responsible options are compelling, I'd love to see our efforts behind an idea that helps out a group of people be it youth or any demographic.
I'll keep thinking. When it comes down to what we decide, I'm up for composing some catchy little rhyming song to infiltrate people's minds for good.
A difference will be made, of this I am sure-
Russ
No more plastic bags!
I think that trying to reduce the use of plastic bags is a great idea.
The company that I work for used reusable bags made from recycled plastic last year as part of a marketing promotion (we put our brand names on the bags and gave them away for free at our key retail stores). The bags fold up on themselves and secure with velcro so they fit easily in a handbag.
The bags are relatively inexpensive when purchased in larger quantities and can be recycled. I will try to locate the vendor and pricing information before our next meeting. The costs could always be offset by potentially placing sponsoring logos on them.
I have used the bags for more than a year and they are very durable (I hang them on the handle bars of my bike and not one has ripped). Also, the Park City Market and Albertsons both offer a discount when you bring your own bag (it's only 5 cents a bag, but it could add up if you consider the number of visits to a grocery store each year).
Alison
The company that I work for used reusable bags made from recycled plastic last year as part of a marketing promotion (we put our brand names on the bags and gave them away for free at our key retail stores). The bags fold up on themselves and secure with velcro so they fit easily in a handbag.
The bags are relatively inexpensive when purchased in larger quantities and can be recycled. I will try to locate the vendor and pricing information before our next meeting. The costs could always be offset by potentially placing sponsoring logos on them.
I have used the bags for more than a year and they are very durable (I hang them on the handle bars of my bike and not one has ripped). Also, the Park City Market and Albertsons both offer a discount when you bring your own bag (it's only 5 cents a bag, but it could add up if you consider the number of visits to a grocery store each year).
Alison
Bag Ladies & Gentlemen
Hi Flavs.
Regarding Maddy's response, I was chatting with Margaret from Clear Channel yesterday. Apparently, at her Whole Foods, they offered her a .99 bag, which she bought. Then, the .99 could be deducted from her grocery bill OR donated to recycling.
The one glitch I see, and it is a very small one, but working with Wal Mart on their expansion through planning commission, I've been thinking a lot about their clients. There are people in our community who can't afford the extra .99. Perhaps we could raise money to donate extra bags. . .this is a problem to be solved.
BUT, there are people who shop at Wal Mart who can . . . we need to raise EVERYONE'S awareness. People need the education until it finally clicks and they do it.
Clear Channel is already working with either Smiths or Albertsons in Salt Lake City, so they can help us with that chain.
I think it will be more difficult with some of our smaller stores -- because of the cost.
NOW, I have NO idea about the costs. However, I'll email Margaret since she's done a bunch of research and see if she can send it along to us.
MicaJAH, I'll need your help to BLOG it. Otherwise, it's going out regular email.
Another thing is reminding the people who already have bags to keep them in their car and ready to use.
As far as "going big, or going home," well . . .maybe we have special 31 FLAVOR bags designed.
I think, regardless of if we do this project, we should, as a class, commit to bags. There's a guy in town that makes organic t-shirts. . .I'm meeting with him to do my job (beg for money and or an in-kind donation) and I'll ask about bags.
IS ANYONE AN ARTIST? (Besides Andrew????)
Hugs,
Julie
Regarding Maddy's response, I was chatting with Margaret from Clear Channel yesterday. Apparently, at her Whole Foods, they offered her a .99 bag, which she bought. Then, the .99 could be deducted from her grocery bill OR donated to recycling.
The one glitch I see, and it is a very small one, but working with Wal Mart on their expansion through planning commission, I've been thinking a lot about their clients. There are people in our community who can't afford the extra .99. Perhaps we could raise money to donate extra bags. . .this is a problem to be solved.
BUT, there are people who shop at Wal Mart who can . . . we need to raise EVERYONE'S awareness. People need the education until it finally clicks and they do it.
Clear Channel is already working with either Smiths or Albertsons in Salt Lake City, so they can help us with that chain.
I think it will be more difficult with some of our smaller stores -- because of the cost.
NOW, I have NO idea about the costs. However, I'll email Margaret since she's done a bunch of research and see if she can send it along to us.
MicaJAH, I'll need your help to BLOG it. Otherwise, it's going out regular email.
Another thing is reminding the people who already have bags to keep them in their car and ready to use.
As far as "going big, or going home," well . . .maybe we have special 31 FLAVOR bags designed.
I think, regardless of if we do this project, we should, as a class, commit to bags. There's a guy in town that makes organic t-shirts. . .I'm meeting with him to do my job (beg for money and or an in-kind donation) and I'll ask about bags.
IS ANYONE AN ARTIST? (Besides Andrew????)
Hugs,
Julie
Monday, March 10, 2008
Thanks Megan for your easy sign on steps! I am finally aboard.
I absolutely love Julie's idea. It's tapping into the sentiments in my house. Just this week my husband brought up again that we really need to buy canvas bags for the grocery store. Lot's of people say really should but I am excited about actually making the change and bringing the whole town along with us! I also think this has an even bigger scope than Park City. If we can show how to make an entire community make this change then I believe we can inspire other communities to do the same.
Love it!
Maddy
I absolutely love Julie's idea. It's tapping into the sentiments in my house. Just this week my husband brought up again that we really need to buy canvas bags for the grocery store. Lot's of people say really should but I am excited about actually making the change and bringing the whole town along with us! I also think this has an even bigger scope than Park City. If we can show how to make an entire community make this change then I believe we can inspire other communities to do the same.
Love it!
Maddy
It is that easy, bein' green when you're a flav
Hey all!
Okay, I'm switching gears and going back to the environment. What if we were the class that eliminated plastic bags from WalMart to Whole Foods to the Back Street Deli?
Seriously, I had a meeting with Clear Channel regarding the Arts Festival. They have a GREEN TEAM. They are working to eliminate plastic bags and plant trees.
So, if we design a campaign in Summit County to eliminate plastic bags and ensure that retailers/grocers provide reusable options, we can get PSAs on Clear Channel stations (they now have 6 broadcasting in our area) and space in their booth at the Arts Festival to educate people. (Okay, I have a little pull there, we could get our own space anyway to educate people.) BUT, they have corporate sponsors and connections that will be valuable.
What do you think? What about being the class that eliminates plastic bags?
Hugs,
Julie
Okay, I'm switching gears and going back to the environment. What if we were the class that eliminated plastic bags from WalMart to Whole Foods to the Back Street Deli?
Seriously, I had a meeting with Clear Channel regarding the Arts Festival. They have a GREEN TEAM. They are working to eliminate plastic bags and plant trees.
So, if we design a campaign in Summit County to eliminate plastic bags and ensure that retailers/grocers provide reusable options, we can get PSAs on Clear Channel stations (they now have 6 broadcasting in our area) and space in their booth at the Arts Festival to educate people. (Okay, I have a little pull there, we could get our own space anyway to educate people.) BUT, they have corporate sponsors and connections that will be valuable.
What do you think? What about being the class that eliminates plastic bags?
Hugs,
Julie
Reaching out to Latino Community
Hey Flavs!
I hope you all had a great weekend!
I did some more research on the Latino Outreach Project. It seems like it is hard to get adults involved (as I mentioned earlier there are a bunch of programs for kids). Supposedly there have been a few attempts to get them more involved, but nothing has worked very well, supposedly. I have heard comments like "they are too proud" but also learned something new, that I think is the cause for them not wanting to be involved: Many are illegal immigrants. They work 2 or 3 jobs and don't have time, or are afraid to sign up for anything "official" like an ESL class,or attending community events.
As far as illegal immigration goes, we all know that this is not only a political problem, but also economic, because businesses in PC are obviously hiring illegal immigrants.
I am very much in favor of trying to do something for the Latino Community. When we did our little exercise at the last meeting, all of you were so excited about PC's community: "quality people," "quality liefstyle" etc. So what about that part of our community? Are they taking part in all the free events that we are so excited about?
At Aspen Villas, one of the affordable housing complexes in town, they have done a lot of outreach, together with city departments, for example with the Police. Maybe we can learn from them and implement a program like that at many of the other apartments where mostly Latinos live.
Let me know what you think about this.
Many thanks, Johanna
I hope you all had a great weekend!
I did some more research on the Latino Outreach Project. It seems like it is hard to get adults involved (as I mentioned earlier there are a bunch of programs for kids). Supposedly there have been a few attempts to get them more involved, but nothing has worked very well, supposedly. I have heard comments like "they are too proud" but also learned something new, that I think is the cause for them not wanting to be involved: Many are illegal immigrants. They work 2 or 3 jobs and don't have time, or are afraid to sign up for anything "official" like an ESL class,or attending community events.
As far as illegal immigration goes, we all know that this is not only a political problem, but also economic, because businesses in PC are obviously hiring illegal immigrants.
I am very much in favor of trying to do something for the Latino Community. When we did our little exercise at the last meeting, all of you were so excited about PC's community: "quality people," "quality liefstyle" etc. So what about that part of our community? Are they taking part in all the free events that we are so excited about?
At Aspen Villas, one of the affordable housing complexes in town, they have done a lot of outreach, together with city departments, for example with the Police. Maybe we can learn from them and implement a program like that at many of the other apartments where mostly Latinos live.
Let me know what you think about this.
Many thanks, Johanna
Maddy's comment
I feel most passion for the environmental projects. I also much prefer that we leave our legacy not so much by what we do, but how we get individuals to make a change that will make a big difference in the community. I think it is a worthy goal to empower people to take responsibility for issues by giving them a way to
make a realistic change. Our challenge is how to do that and then be able to
measure the results.
Thanks,
Maddy
make a realistic change. Our challenge is how to do that and then be able to
measure the results.
Thanks,
Maddy
Sunday, March 9, 2008
These Ideas are soo awesome!!!
Hey guys!! So many project ideas, they are all sooo awesome!! I just figured out how to use this, so, sorry about not making comments earlier!!
I love the environmental theme!! A few things that I think would be awesome:
I like the idea of organic waste stuff
At the highschool we have an environmental club and we had an idea of getting plastic shopping bags outlawed... they are soo harmful to the environment... they have outlawed them in San Francisco already...
Can't wait for the discussion at the next meeting!! :)
Lindsey
I love the environmental theme!! A few things that I think would be awesome:
I like the idea of organic waste stuff
At the highschool we have an environmental club and we had an idea of getting plastic shopping bags outlawed... they are soo harmful to the environment... they have outlawed them in San Francisco already...
Can't wait for the discussion at the next meeting!! :)
Lindsey
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Hail to the Flavs!
You guys are awesome!! This is truly amazing. Never underestimate the power of a group of exceptionally bright, impassioned people. Our session in March will be a breeze thanks to all of this discussion prior to getting together as a group, and I suspect that the project choices will be more meaningful to everyone as a result of thinking these through in advance. Just one thought to consider: Is everyone contributing to the discussion? Are there any voices absent? If so, who? Are you willing to reach out to those folks and invite them into the dialogue, to make sure that you are capturing the creativity, concerns, issues and wonderful ideas of everyone in the group that wants to contribute? We will do that together as a group at our next session, but is there a way to ensure that everyone has a chance to be involved now as well? Just something to add to your conversation.
Looking forward to seeing you all soon,
Lisa
Looking forward to seeing you all soon,
Lisa
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Project List
So Flaves, here's a list of what we've come up with so far:
1. Integration of Latino families
2. Jump In for Latino youths ages 10-16
3. Increased Communication/Community Visioning for Park City, Summit County, Wasatch County
4. Affordable Housing
5. Graffiti
6. Dog Park
7. Second Homeowner Integration
8. Recreational Opportunities/Carpooling for Latinos--target teens
9. Off-the-Grid Living/Green Building/Water Awareness
10. Light Rail
11. Volunteer Coordination Hub
12. Water Bottle Issue
13. Organic Waste Disposal
14. Community Gardens
15. Historical Preservation Society for Summit County
16. Plastic Bag Elimination
17. Walkability
18. The Future Is Yours--Career Days at PC schools
19. Learning Is Cool & Drive For Excellence in PC schools
20. Green community dinners on Main Street
21. 100 Solar Panels in 100 Homes/Solar City
22. Park-n-ride incentives
23. Get Out The Vote!
24. Town Hall Meetings--regularly scheduled for all to be heard
25. Annual Park City Yearbook
26. Mass transit between SLC and PC
Friday, February 29, 2008
Organic Waste Disposal
I love all of your ideas and think as a group we can make great things happen. I'd like to throw an idea out, that i believe would benefit the community and leave a lasting legacy. It would be interesting to see if we could organize a campaign to keep organic waste out of the landfill. I know that with recycling and composting i generate less than one trash bag per month. It's pretty amazing to see the difference. There are many progressive ideas for using the organic waste to generate power, fertilize, and provide high quality soils, but it could also be used by the community parks and schools. In some cities the compost is used to generate $$$
In many cases cities have cut their solid waste entering landfills by 50%. it would take a lot more research but i think we could educate people, business, restaurants around town and possible get the city to start a larger facility. We could look into grants both local and federal.
To start we would need to educate residents about the benefits, work with sponsors Government and local business to implement, and train citizens how to keep compostable material out of the land fills.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Maddy
Hi all,
Sorry it has taken a while for me to jump in and for not being perhaps at my best at our meeting. As some of you know I have started working full time in Salt Lake at Tracy Aviary as Director of Marketing and Guest Services and I love it but I have been swamped at work and my stress level has been a bit high. My apologies.
Anyway enough of whining!! Wow, some great ideas. So many of our classes conversations lean to the environmental side and it what many of us are quite passionate about I lean toward a project in this area. It is also something I would be so proud to have my kids see us doing.
Ok here goes at the risk of sounding realllllllly stupid I woke up the night of our meeting and thought it's so simple the idea was presented right to us at the meeting. It is causing a major change in my habits one that I was selfishly and lazily procrastinating on. Any guesses?
It's all about the water bottle. Alison's water bottle. I have plenty of REI water bottles that I use for hiking but I love my straight from the fridge indiviudal single serving, environmentally damaging water bottles for everyday drinking.
It has been nagging at me to make the switch but I love the convenience of the single serves and I don't think I am alone. I really think we can make a huge impact into the amount of single serve water bottles used in Park City. We could probably track some of our success through re-cycle Utah and the private recycling centers. Not sure about the ones that go straight to the landfill.Maybe we could incoroporate this through the school district and get people to sign a pledge or contract to give up the store bought water bottle.
Then interestingly enough right after this I grabbed a single serve and there was a notation on it saying how the new shape of the bottle saves 30% plastic. My daughter the next day pointed the notation out at the dinner table. I think there is a buzz about how incredibly wasteful buying water bottles.
OK off my water bottle soapbox. Go easy on the responses I'm under stress...just kidding.
Wasn't sure if we were e-mailing or posting but right now this will have to do.
Talk to you all soon.
Maddy
Sorry it has taken a while for me to jump in and for not being perhaps at my best at our meeting. As some of you know I have started working full time in Salt Lake at Tracy Aviary as Director of Marketing and Guest Services and I love it but I have been swamped at work and my stress level has been a bit high. My apologies.
Anyway enough of whining!! Wow, some great ideas. So many of our classes conversations lean to the environmental side and it what many of us are quite passionate about I lean toward a project in this area. It is also something I would be so proud to have my kids see us doing.
Ok here goes at the risk of sounding realllllllly stupid I woke up the night of our meeting and thought it's so simple the idea was presented right to us at the meeting. It is causing a major change in my habits one that I was selfishly and lazily procrastinating on. Any guesses?
It's all about the water bottle. Alison's water bottle. I have plenty of REI water bottles that I use for hiking but I love my straight from the fridge indiviudal single serving, environmentally damaging water bottles for everyday drinking.
It has been nagging at me to make the switch but I love the convenience of the single serves and I don't think I am alone. I really think we can make a huge impact into the amount of single serve water bottles used in Park City. We could probably track some of our success through re-cycle Utah and the private recycling centers. Not sure about the ones that go straight to the landfill.Maybe we could incoroporate this through the school district and get people to sign a pledge or contract to give up the store bought water bottle.
Then interestingly enough right after this I grabbed a single serve and there was a notation on it saying how the new shape of the bottle saves 30% plastic. My daughter the next day pointed the notation out at the dinner table. I think there is a buzz about how incredibly wasteful buying water bottles.
OK off my water bottle soapbox. Go easy on the responses I'm under stress...just kidding.
Wasn't sure if we were e-mailing or posting but right now this will have to do.
Talk to you all soon.
Maddy
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
FREE! What about the volunteers?
Okay . . .
First, I agree. Let's go big, or let's go home.
Second, here's and issue that Johanna and I chatted about last week. Trisha, chime in on this one! In our meeting, we talked about the fact that we value FREE in this town. The museum is FREE. The Kimball Art Center is FREE (incidentally, if you don't all show up on Saturday, March 8th for our Gala Arte Latino opening along with the Wasatch Student Back Show, I will be personally broken hearted), the trolley is FREE, the bus is FREE, there is FREE music all over. . .
BUT, it takes volunteers! What if WE (and by we, I mean Micajah because God knows I can't do it technologically) created a forum/signup/SOMETHING (I don't know) for volunteers. Here's the deal, we all volunteer. So, let's figure out a way to spread the word . . . incidentally, if anyone would like to volunteer for the 2008 Park City Kimball Arts Festival please contact event@kimball-art.org --okay, that was a shameless plug.
Do I think this matters in the same way helping kids matters? I dunno'. And, I don't know how to go big with it. But, it's a thought.
One more thing, if anyone wants to come to the Gallery Stroll on Friday night, Feb. 29th, email me at julieannhooker@gmail.com and I'll leave you passes.
You're all amazing. . .is it okay if I just hang onto your coattails for awhile?
Julie
Kaitlin's response
hanks Johanna for sharing from the summit youth summit.
at risk of being redundant - teenage pregnancy, alcohol and drug use, sex and graffiti are NOT activities specific to the latino community, or to any ONE culture. I find this to be a very a dangerous assumption; action based on this biased notion could be detrimental to a community - divisive and perpetuating stereotypes.
kaitlin
Let's Go Big!
You know the saying, Go Big or Go Home...
I'm in flavor of a project that would impact all residents and tourists of all ages. Something that would be green, and daring, and problem-solving.
How about light rail into town in the middle of 224? Eventually expanding to 248, Heber, Kamas, Coalville?
The possibilities are endless...
Megan
ps I'm loving all the great ideas and discussion. This class rocks!
The green world and...
No worries re those pesky 2nd/3rd/4th homeowners...I am going to keep throwing stuff out there...I love the concept of sustainability - it can mean or be applied in so many different ways/facets. There is some great energy flowing guys. It seems a little overwhelming to create our legacy because look at all the work that is already being done for kids and amongst our different cultural communities (not to say our gem isn't in these discussions!)...I am hopeful that we will be able to find an untapped niche where there is real need, or an ability to truly add something unique...in the sustainable/green genre (sorry to single you guys out) Kaitlin/Bo/David/Alex/Allison Butz (sorry if I have missed folks working in the green world) can you see any entres/voids where we might have a voice (green building awareness done; wind energy done; trail/open space awareness done - not DONE but you know what I mean - "out there")...Kaitlin I know you are working on an "off the grid" development - this is so cutting edge...my daughter (7) said to me on the way to school today "why can't we have cars that don't use gas" - I was so pleased that she is thinking about these issues -
How about cracking into the world of (versions of) off the grid and/or water as a precious resource - youth awareness and participatory programs?
There are a lot of interesting ideas and evolving concepts coming from this illustrious group...we have to dig deep guys! I hope each of us has the chance to share their ideas, it is HARD to put it out there. I don't want to but I am forcing myself. It would be great to create a "safe space" and therefore, Micajah/Katie I am with you on hanging out together socially, pot luck all the way! Our interaction in this process I suppose IS (part of) the product (?)
Carey, the Museum, Library, Holy Cross Ministries and other have been
working with Jessica and the Rec Dept. on bringing activities to the kids at
different affordable-housing apartment complexes. We had a summer program
last year and also applied for a grant with United Way. We will put a
year-round program in place, with visits to 4 different complexes. Twice a
month during the school year and once a week during the summer.
To add to what Lisa had said: it seemed to us that many times it wasn't
necessarily a money issue, but more about transportation and whether any of
the parents were available to drop off their kids for activities. Therefore,
it is a goal of ours to also take the kids on the bus and show them how to
use the free bus system so they can learn how to get to the Boys and Girls
Club, how to get to the Library, etc.
It seems to me like there is more programs offered for younger kids, but
maybe we can come up with something for teenagers which seems to be a harder
group to reach out to.
Thanks, Johanna
working with Jessica and the Rec Dept. on bringing activities to the kids at
different affordable-housing apartment complexes. We had a summer program
last year and also applied for a grant with United Way. We will put a
year-round program in place, with visits to 4 different complexes. Twice a
month during the school year and once a week during the summer.
To add to what Lisa had said: it seemed to us that many times it wasn't
necessarily a money issue, but more about transportation and whether any of
the parents were available to drop off their kids for activities. Therefore,
it is a goal of ours to also take the kids on the bus and show them how to
use the free bus system so they can learn how to get to the Boys and Girls
Club, how to get to the Library, etc.
It seems to me like there is more programs offered for younger kids, but
maybe we can come up with something for teenagers which seems to be a harder
group to reach out to.
Thanks, Johanna
Just a quick bit of info before you meet with Jessica on rec programs for
the Latino kids: there should be money available for low-income kids (and
there are plenty in town who are not Latino as well) who want to
participate in recreational sports programs through Park City Rec or Basin
Rec. If you'll pardon me for adding my two bits, I'm up to speed on this one
because the topic was part of our family activities for a few years. As a
personal service project, my older son, who is now 17, spent several years
setting up a youth sports scholarship fund that he arranged for Basin Rec to
manage. He initially raised $5,000 to start the fund, and a year or so ago,
completed a second fundraising effort through corporate and individual
sponsorships, raising $62,000 to sustain the scholarships for a five year
period. He then negotiated with the Summit County Commission and Park City
Manager Tom Bakaly, and they each agreed to fund youth sport scholarships as
a line in their annual budget at $5,000 from each governmental entity for a
total of $10,000 yearly. So, there should be money in that account. If they
are using all of that, of course, that is great news! Then the question
would be whether or not they need additional funds to meet the greater
demand, and that could become a class project if the Flavors decide that's
something they want to focus on. Also, many of the club sports (soccer,
lacrosse, etc.) have some scholarship funds available (though they always
need more), so that's another option for families. Educating families about
these options is a definite need, as is encouraging people to take advantage
of them.
Just some more info for the ideas and discussions!
Lisa
the Latino kids: there should be money available for low-income kids (and
there are plenty in town who are not Latino as well) who want to
participate in recreational sports programs through Park City Rec or Basin
Rec. If you'll pardon me for adding my two bits, I'm up to speed on this one
because the topic was part of our family activities for a few years. As a
personal service project, my older son, who is now 17, spent several years
setting up a youth sports scholarship fund that he arranged for Basin Rec to
manage. He initially raised $5,000 to start the fund, and a year or so ago,
completed a second fundraising effort through corporate and individual
sponsorships, raising $62,000 to sustain the scholarships for a five year
period. He then negotiated with the Summit County Commission and Park City
Manager Tom Bakaly, and they each agreed to fund youth sport scholarships as
a line in their annual budget at $5,000 from each governmental entity for a
total of $10,000 yearly. So, there should be money in that account. If they
are using all of that, of course, that is great news! Then the question
would be whether or not they need additional funds to meet the greater
demand, and that could become a class project if the Flavors decide that's
something they want to focus on. Also, many of the club sports (soccer,
lacrosse, etc.) have some scholarship funds available (though they always
need more), so that's another option for families. Educating families about
these options is a definite need, as is encouraging people to take advantage
of them.
Just some more info for the ideas and discussions!
Lisa
Carey's post
Hello everyone! (Sorry this is long..)
I first of all just wanted to apologize for not being able to attend what seems to me as the most important meeting...I did not do this intentionally. I have some strange staph infection orbiting around my right eye. As of yesterday morning, the doctor advised me not to be around people because I was contagious...If ONLY today was Monday...Now that I am on antibiotics....
I am really very thankful for all of the feedback and conversations I am reading.
-I am taking all of the subjects in my thoughts, and I think the real estate issue of taxes vs. 2nd and 3rd homes is not something we in Leadership can solve. That seems like something the State of Utah and Board of Realtors need to come to a concensus about.
-The affordable housing is deffinitely a concern of mine because not even the resorts have much if any, housing to offer to their own seasonal/out of the country employees except for a few from Deer Valley. ( if we are talking about employees living in Park City Proper.)
-It would be great to have another dog park in town. Yes, the one at Quinns is coming, but I believe the location beside the library has already been discussed at a City Council meeting, and nothing else was discussed about that location.
-As we all know the Latino Community is a major contribution to this town. I will do some more research on this one, the Recreation Department and the Recreation Advisory Board have been involved with the apartment complexes across the high school with providing arts and crafts and Spanish interpreters being involved as well. Moe Hickey, a member of the RAB Board is also involved heavily with the Latino Community and sports. He is really trying to reach out to the parents about spring/summer soccer that both Basin Recreation and PC Recreation offer. There is also an incentive program for families that cannot afford to play any of the Recreation programs that are offered, as well as a carpool system to the spanish/ non-speaking English families to get more Latino kids to play in the soccer programs and out of the parking lots at the apartment complexes.
I hope this information helps in a way, maybe a lead. Jessica Moran is a Recreation Coordinator at the Recreation Department working with this specific program and she is also a Leadership Alumni...
I am actually meeting with her tomorrow and will speak with her a little about the program...
Hope all is well with everyone. It is truly amazing how fragile our lives are and we NEVER know what is going to happen next...Take the time to tell your friends how much you love them!
-Carey
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Affordable Housing/Sustainability
Hey Everyone!
There was an affordable housing subcommittee meeting before our regular planning meeting tonight. It's a HUGE issue as we all know.
I spoke with Nora Shepherd and asked if there was something we could do with it as a class project. It's so big!
She suggested I speak with Kimber, our planner who has done the most work with the code.
The reality is that we need it. The reality is that there is language in the code to BEGIN to ensure that it gets built.
I believe that the people that work in our town, should be allowed to live here and raise their families. . . and, be able to purchase rather than rent.
However, I am at a complete loss as to how to turn this issue into a project.
Like Sara, I want to leave a legacy. But, flavors, I'm at a loss.
Another issue that came up in planning commission meeting is SUSTAINABILITY. Flint Decker explained the "opportunity" to WalMart eloquently. I know greenbuilding has already been done as a project, but . . .maybe theres something there.
To what Carey said, I need to tell you that I love you all. I'm grateful to have you in my life!
Hugs,
Julie
I will try to be brief here...Vielen Dank (Thanks) for the reply Jo!
What I have seen happen/am seeing happen - is that these somewhat arms
length families are so attracted to "their" experience they become
vested as full time residents OR they bring more people with them.
Example, my father is from Las Vegas (business man) he now owns a home
here...there is a HUGE growing community of Las Vegans in this town
now, high profile people from "Vegas" his peers call PC a "little
Vegas" - this sub sect of our community is used to - in their home
town calling the shots...big tides can shift with these influxes...new
character/influences/impact they begin
working/investing and participating in the political process. The
community evolves as a result - arms length slowly becomes a vocal new
"local".
Sara
What I have seen happen/am seeing happen - is that these somewhat arms
length families are so attracted to "their" experience they become
vested as full time residents OR they bring more people with them.
Example, my father is from Las Vegas (business man) he now owns a home
here...there is a HUGE growing community of Las Vegans in this town
now, high profile people from "Vegas" his peers call PC a "little
Vegas" - this sub sect of our community is used to - in their home
town calling the shots...big tides can shift with these influxes...new
character/influences/impact they begin
working/investing and participating in the political process. The
community evolves as a result - arms length slowly becomes a vocal new
"local".
Sara
I just wanted to share what I learned at the Summit Youth Summit in January: it is not specifically the Latino teenagers that are using drugs or partying excessively, but a lot of the kids of rich parents. Many of the panelists were saying that a lot of kids’ parents are out of town a great deal, leaving their kids at home where they have easy access to alcohol and nobody to keep an eye on them…
Johanna
Sara, on the one hand I agree with what you said, since the taxes these
people pay amount to 67% of the pie. On the other hand I wonder whether they
really care enough as they are only here for a short time. And wouldn't it
have more of an impact to work with those parts of the community that are
not too involved but here year-round?
Also, I have to say I don't really know much about the 2nd homeowners'
"attitudes," maybe you can explain some more... :-)
Jo
people pay amount to 67% of the pie. On the other hand I wonder whether they
really care enough as they are only here for a short time. And wouldn't it
have more of an impact to work with those parts of the community that are
not too involved but here year-round?
Also, I have to say I don't really know much about the 2nd homeowners'
"attitudes," maybe you can explain some more... :-)
Jo
Annette, your observation is one of the reasons I thought about targeting the Hispanic community. It's those kids who have no real direction that end up at parties where drugs and alcohol and yes, teenage sex, is served up and the kids go out looking for some excitement. In addition there are two active gangs in town which is dividing the schools into factions. Also, the rate of teenage pregnancy in this group is alarming... Just go over to the People's health clinic and see the number of young girls there who are pregnant. Sadly, it's so common in groups of this culture that it just accepted... but we bear the societal cost. HOWEVER, this would be an extremely challenging and large project.
Doggie park, good idea....
Marla Howard
You are right, Marla, and teenagers are such a hard group to reach in general. You might have all heard about Summit Youth Link which is a resources website for teenagers, done by teenagers.http://www.summityouthlink.org/
It was just launched in January. Lindsey was also involved and provided great insights on their panel!
Narrowing down our focus to a specific age group might be helpful.
Johanna
I have to weigh in here and as I compose this...I bet there will be
another couple of emails that come in - I am trying to type fast and
my heart is beating! Maybe some of you are out in the pow, I wish I was.
I think it is awesome we are "jumping in" this morning with thoughts
already...
I just need to say that whatever we choose, I am going to lobby hard
so that EACH of us "flavors" has the opportunity to share/voice our
thoughts/reactions/hopes etc and that we each get to play a role
somehow...in the ultimate selection. I.e. we are ALL passionate about
a great variety of issue/issues in this town...I thought Lisa's
comments were very astute in that we each have different "approaches"
or perceptions as it pertains to leadership. So, when we finally
arrive at our decision I hope that we can sit in a circle (sorry is
that too touchy feely?) and allow each individual to express their
thoughts on the selection so that we can all really
participate...AND as Lisa said, this is probably 50% about process as
well as product!
Personally, I am inspired by the concept of "recognition" or better
yet having a real impact/legacy - I plan on being here long term,
raising my family etc...I can't help but get seduced by the fact that
we have an incredible opportunity to create a real lasting "legacy" of
our own...My point is that I hope we can mold our ultimate concept into a truly significant "template" that will have deep reaching effects in "our" shared
community/visions...
Throwing my concept out there (but supporting everyones passions!) I
was most affected yesterday by the Pres of Rossignol's statement that
we "bleed the same blood" we are all in this together YIKES, do we/are we?
The fact that our second home owners (and 3rd, 4th, 5th homeowners)
have a tremendous impact and contribution in OUR lives - their taxes
are one of the biggest contributors to our way of life - this is a
powerful position...I am in the real estate business guys in Deer
Valley, I meet A LOT of these individuals on a daily business...and it
does NOT feel as though we are on the same page - how about bridging
the gap between the us and them mentality i.e. some kind of an intro
to Park City: welcoming and communicating a shared vision/sense of
community (allowing space for individuals to define their sense of community) to make sure the void between the apparent "have" and "have nots" doesn't widen so far that we have competing interests and values that do not compliment one another.
I have to stop writing! Sorry for the length...
Look forward to the other responses...
Sara
another couple of emails that come in - I am trying to type fast and
my heart is beating! Maybe some of you are out in the pow, I wish I was.
I think it is awesome we are "jumping in" this morning with thoughts
already...
I just need to say that whatever we choose, I am going to lobby hard
so that EACH of us "flavors" has the opportunity to share/voice our
thoughts/reactions/hopes etc and that we each get to play a role
somehow...in the ultimate selection. I.e. we are ALL passionate about
a great variety of issue/issues in this town...I thought Lisa's
comments were very astute in that we each have different "approaches"
or perceptions as it pertains to leadership. So, when we finally
arrive at our decision I hope that we can sit in a circle (sorry is
that too touchy feely?) and allow each individual to express their
thoughts on the selection so that we can all really
participate...AND as Lisa said, this is probably 50% about process as
well as product!
Personally, I am inspired by the concept of "recognition" or better
yet having a real impact/legacy - I plan on being here long term,
raising my family etc...I can't help but get seduced by the fact that
we have an incredible opportunity to create a real lasting "legacy" of
our own...My point is that I hope we can mold our ultimate concept into a truly significant "template" that will have deep reaching effects in "our" shared
community/visions...
Throwing my concept out there (but supporting everyones passions!) I
was most affected yesterday by the Pres of Rossignol's statement that
we "bleed the same blood" we are all in this together YIKES, do we/are we?
The fact that our second home owners (and 3rd, 4th, 5th homeowners)
have a tremendous impact and contribution in OUR lives - their taxes
are one of the biggest contributors to our way of life - this is a
powerful position...I am in the real estate business guys in Deer
Valley, I meet A LOT of these individuals on a daily business...and it
does NOT feel as though we are on the same page - how about bridging
the gap between the us and them mentality i.e. some kind of an intro
to Park City: welcoming and communicating a shared vision/sense of
community (allowing space for individuals to define their sense of community) to make sure the void between the apparent "have" and "have nots" doesn't widen so far that we have competing interests and values that do not compliment one another.
I have to stop writing! Sorry for the length...
Look forward to the other responses...
Sara
HI guys,
Just to throw new ideas out there, I wanted to put my two cents in.
1) A growing problem in our community is graffiti. Graffiti can singlehandedly ruin beauty of the city, but also can cause other problems such as higher crime rates, lower housing prices, etc. There is a program out there called TAG (Teenagers Against Graffiti). Since this is a crime that typically is committed by teenagers, this program targets teenagers in trying to prevent it. In other cities, local home improvement businesses have donate the supplies for removal, and the program has teens “on call” when the police or others report some new graffiti. The teens respond and remove the graffiti, and in the meantime get kudos from property owners and community members for their efforts and a sense of pride in their community that they can portray to peers. Since we have Lindsay and Andrew in the class, and some of you may even have teenagers in the schools, I thought this could be a project worth starting up in our community.
2)
Annette ellis
Love it! Keep the dialogue going with all these great ideas. Enjoy the
process of considering all the ideas presented, and the merits of each, and
as you do so, please fully consider your part in the discussion:
* What is truly unique about me?
* What are the personal and professional strengths that I have to
offer? Do I have a particular area of expertise that will benefit the
project? Can I practice these strengths during this process?
* As a leader and a contributor, what are the areas that I want to
improve, expand or explore in myself? What can I learn from my classmates?
* Where are my efforts strengthened by partnering with others whose
abilities are stronger than mine in a certain area? How do my abilities and
those of my classmates compliment each other?
* When is the best strategy for me to step back and let others lead in
a particular area?
* When will my stepping forward to take the lead benefit the process,
the group, and the success of our efforts?
* If I tend to be an observer, or keep my thoughts to myself, what am
I willing to do to take my place as a strong contributor to this project?
* If I tend to dominate discussion with my brilliant ideas ;-) , am I
also listening for the voices that are not being heard? Can I sometimes
learn as much from listening as from taking charge? Conversely, when is it
time to set discussion aside and take action to get the job done?
* What are the issues that I observe in our community that strike a
chord for me? Why do I feel strongly about these issues? What triggers the
emotion, and why am I paying attention?
* When I hear people complaining about issues, do I spend my energy
joining in the complaining, or do I convert those concerns to ideas or
suggestions that might affect change? When am I willing to step up and be
part of that change, or become the leader of that effort?
* Where are the "gaps" that I perceive in our community, and what are
my ideas about how to address those?
* What do I feel truly passionate about, and how can I communicate
that passion to others?
* If someone else's idea is new to me, or even uncomfortable to me, am
I willing to listen to the idea anyway, and consider its merits? Even if I
do not agree with it, am I able to support the idea's importance to someone
else and consider what I might learn from it if I give it a try?
These are just a few questions to consider as your class project discussion
begins. As we discussed last night, every single one of you has something to
contribute to this project and to the class. The unique perspective of every
voice deserves to be heard and is critical to the dialogue. Keep a list of
the ideas suggested, and note the ones you are especially interested in.
There are no silly suggestions-- they are all welcome! Enjoy the
brainstorming, dig deep for great ideas, and make sure you are part of the
process!
All the best to every one of the amazing "flavors" in Class 14!
Lisa
process of considering all the ideas presented, and the merits of each, and
as you do so, please fully consider your part in the discussion:
* What is truly unique about me?
* What are the personal and professional strengths that I have to
offer? Do I have a particular area of expertise that will benefit the
project? Can I practice these strengths during this process?
* As a leader and a contributor, what are the areas that I want to
improve, expand or explore in myself? What can I learn from my classmates?
* Where are my efforts strengthened by partnering with others whose
abilities are stronger than mine in a certain area? How do my abilities and
those of my classmates compliment each other?
* When is the best strategy for me to step back and let others lead in
a particular area?
* When will my stepping forward to take the lead benefit the process,
the group, and the success of our efforts?
* If I tend to be an observer, or keep my thoughts to myself, what am
I willing to do to take my place as a strong contributor to this project?
* If I tend to dominate discussion with my brilliant ideas ;-) , am I
also listening for the voices that are not being heard? Can I sometimes
learn as much from listening as from taking charge? Conversely, when is it
time to set discussion aside and take action to get the job done?
* What are the issues that I observe in our community that strike a
chord for me? Why do I feel strongly about these issues? What triggers the
emotion, and why am I paying attention?
* When I hear people complaining about issues, do I spend my energy
joining in the complaining, or do I convert those concerns to ideas or
suggestions that might affect change? When am I willing to step up and be
part of that change, or become the leader of that effort?
* Where are the "gaps" that I perceive in our community, and what are
my ideas about how to address those?
* What do I feel truly passionate about, and how can I communicate
that passion to others?
* If someone else's idea is new to me, or even uncomfortable to me, am
I willing to listen to the idea anyway, and consider its merits? Even if I
do not agree with it, am I able to support the idea's importance to someone
else and consider what I might learn from it if I give it a try?
These are just a few questions to consider as your class project discussion
begins. As we discussed last night, every single one of you has something to
contribute to this project and to the class. The unique perspective of every
voice deserves to be heard and is critical to the dialogue. Keep a list of
the ideas suggested, and note the ones you are especially interested in.
There are no silly suggestions-- they are all welcome! Enjoy the
brainstorming, dig deep for great ideas, and make sure you are part of the
process!
All the best to every one of the amazing "flavors" in Class 14!
Lisa
Wow,
It is certainly going to be tough deciding on what project to take on this year. I have a feeling that this class will come up with many.
I am proposing a project around affordable housing. The project would be education and awareness for the need for affordable housing and changing the mis-perceptions of many of those opposed to it. With affordable housing I mean units that are sold to working locals and are deed-restricted (not the mess that Mountain Lands put up across from the high school), not seasonal rentals for resort workers.
Our town and surrounding areas are loosing their sense of community without full-time, working residents (look at Old Town).
If anyone would like to join me in putting together a proposal for this to be the Flavor's project, please let me know.
Thanks,
Katie
It is certainly going to be tough deciding on what project to take on this year. I have a feeling that this class will come up with many.
I am proposing a project around affordable housing. The project would be education and awareness for the need for affordable housing and changing the mis-perceptions of many of those opposed to it. With affordable housing I mean units that are sold to working locals and are deed-restricted (not the mess that Mountain Lands put up across from the high school), not seasonal rentals for resort workers.
Our town and surrounding areas are loosing their sense of community without full-time, working residents (look at Old Town).
If anyone would like to join me in putting together a proposal for this to be the Flavor's project, please let me know.
Thanks,
Katie
I love Julie’s idea and maybe the two can be combined by broadening our focus to include not only the people who live in PC proper but also those in Summit County who are a part of and affected by what is happening here. This will naturally include the Latino community and overall reach out to “those whose voices aren’t always the strongest.”
Johanna
Hi Everyone!
I wholeheartedly agree with working on Johanna's idea.
My other thoughts included . . .
Last year, on City Tour, the point was made that we need to increase communication between the two sides of the county, PC Proper, and Wasatch County. Perhaps a project could parallel the visioning that Alison is leading at the City.
I feel very lucky to be a flavor!
Julie
I agree with Johanna about including the Latino community, but I see a real need for a modified Jump In for those kids agest 10 through 16. There are a select few that work through the cultural issues and graduate from high school and go on to college, but I see so many who don't want to be here, cause trouble and never take advantage of improving their lives or the lives of their families - ie, they can't get out of their cultural warp...
Marla Howard
project idea
Good morning Flavors!
I really enjoyed Allison’s exercise yesterday which made us think about what it is we value about Park City, what we think is important and what we would like to see in the future.
On my long drive home, I started thinking about the class project, and I was wondering whether the Latino community will be involved in what the Sustainability Team is planning over the next 15 months. Maybe Allison can comment on this. But my idea was that if there is no plan yet on how to involve them, it would be great to work on that and figure out what they like about Park City, etc. They are a big part of this community and it is their home. It would be a real step towards better integration I think.
Let me know what you think.
Thanks, Johanna
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