Smart-growth group unwanted

(Park Record) Some mayors on the East Side of Summit County do not appear interested in retaining a firm to help facilitate discussions about growth, which can get testy.

Summit County Councilman Chris Robinson has encouraged the mayors of Francis, Kamas, Oakley, Coalville and Henefer to hear a presentation from the non-profit Envision Utah.

"If there isn't any interest after you have heard an informed presentation on it, then so be it," Robinson told the mayors at a council meeting Sept. 16.

Envision Utah, a Salt Lake City-based think tank, works with governments on strategies for managing growth.

"Envision Utah works with communities to explore their own values and their own hopes for the future. We've got a proven track record, not just here in Utah, but throughout the country, of being able to bring communities together and explore alternative ideas and make more informed decisions about how they want to grow," said Alan Matheson, executive director of Envision Utah.

But facilitators are not needed in his North Summit hamlet, Henefer Mayor Randy Ovard said.

"We're not interested," Ovard said.

He agreed, however, to listen to Envision Utah if officials in Summit County arrange the meeting.

Still, Ovard said he does not favor new laws making it more difficult for someone to develop their land.

"We have got enough red tape to fight through to get to do anything with a piece of property," Ovard said.

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