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Artist: Patrick Adams Chalk Wall at Little Park
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City of Ketchum
P.O. Box 2315
480 East Avenue N.
Ketchum, Idaho 83340
"Small Town, Big Life"
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A Message From Mayor Nina Jonas: Dress Up!
Rejuvenation, recreation, silliness and resort living. Combine these items together and the result is random and spontaneous costuming.
 What? The mountain air warmed, the snow softened and costumes were on! I snapped a few pics, showed them to a friend newly arrived to resort living and she thought, "what in the world, why are they in costumes!?" The question at first confused me, then I realized that randomly dressing up is totally part of resort living. But why?
 The all-encompassing joy experienced in a sunny day with good friends and recreation (re-creation) heightens the desire to laugh, smile and be silly. Further expressing that silliness, we get dressed up like characters, decades past or icons.
Scholars like to refer to this psychological gain of the physical being as embodied cognition. I prefer to see it as subconscious authenticity, bubbling out for the whole world to see.
 Authenticity is borne through vulnerability. The act of being vulnerable whether through emotion - embodied or not - enhances one's ability to realize their authentic self. However, putting oneself "out there" can be a challenge. Am I going to fail? How do I react when my cheese is moved? What will people think of me? What costume do I wear?
 Ketchum is the size of a small college campus. Anonymity is seldom an option, but authenticity is. Intentional communities are a fallacy. Authentic communities like ours are places where people need each other.
 As town settles down between busy seasons, those who remain to work hard preparing for the return of visitors and second homeowners are observing the collective "taking of breath" that is slack. Embracing the silliness in our little town is fundamental.
What costume will you wear?
Nina
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ASK NINA
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Q. We currently have recycling bins located in and around the city. That is great! We need more recycling receptacles placed next to garbage cans throughout the city of Ketchum. Make it easier for people to recycle!
Our city is beautiful! We can be more progressive, thoughtful and conscious if we take certain small steps. People who visit and notice that consciousness will share their experiences with friends and more people will want to visit and spend money here. --Tom Prater
Currently, there are small individual public bins at Ketchum Town Square and Atkinson Park for glass, aluminum/tin and plastic. There are also large public bins for corrugated cardboard at the city lot at the east end of Fourth Street (at Spruce Street, next to the LDS church) and north of the YMCA in the parking lot across from the Guy Coles Skate Park. Large glass recycling bins are also at the latter location.
There is no residential pickup of glass and cardboard in Blaine County. Click
here for residential recycling details.
The city will continue to work with existing recycling providers and partners to improve the service here in town.
Note: If you submit a question to "Ask Nina," your name may be published unless you request that it be withheld.
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TOWN HALL MEETING!
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Mayor Nina Jonas, Police Chief Dave Kassner and Fire Chief Mike Elle will make a presentation on the upcoming special election for a general obligation bond to fund essential services facilities, and the conditions at City Hall. The meeting will be held in City Hall on Wednesday, May 11, at 5 p.m. There will be a Q&A and special tour available after the presentation.
PLEASE ATTEND!
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BY THE NUMBERS - ESSENTIAL SERVICES FACILITIES
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 Ketchum voters will cast ballots May 17 at the special election for a general obligation bond to fund essential services facilities. Here are the numbers.
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45
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The number of employees who work in City Hall
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75
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The average weekly number of visitors to City Hall
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100+
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The number of volunteer firefighters who train in City Hall
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15,304
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Square footage of current City Hall housing police, city operations/emergency network communications and fire, 45 full-time employees, the City Council meeting room, emergency network operations and storage
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39,096
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Square footage needed for police and city operations/emergency network communications
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18,284
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Square footage needed for fire station
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50-70
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The number of years the proposed solutions will be adequate
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Click
here to view the sample ballot for the May 17, 2016 election.
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DORAN KEY: WHY WE ARE SO LUCKY TO LIVE HERE
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"The wonder of learning" is the best part of her job, says Doran Key, youth recreation leader for the Ketchum parks & recreation department.
"One of my favorite things about working with young people is making them aware of our great outdoors and why we are lucky that we are here. It is a joy to see the wonder of learning when they have new experiences," she added.
Key and Bobby Noyes, along with John L. Kearney Jr., supervise more than two dozen summer activities. Overnight camping trips are one of her favorites. "A couple of children had never been camping until last summer. We all discovered swimming holes, we found an incredible hike and the young people learned how much fun it is to be in the woods and away from computer games and phones."
Key has worked seasonally for the parks & recreation department for more than 25 years, and started her second stint as a full-time employee two years ago. She previously also coached for the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation, primarily teaching 7- to 11-year-olds for 35 years. She helped more than a thousand people, including Ketchum Mayor Nina Jonas, learn to ski.
How was the mayor as a ski student? "She was always eager to learn," Key said. "She was very coachable."
Teaching skiing was a rewarding challenge. "Skiing is one of the best family activities because all generations can enjoy it together," she said. "I taught many people as children and later on taught their children."
Along the way Key also worked at Trail Creek Restaurant as well as at the former Warm Springs Restaurant. "I had every job except manager at Warm Springs," she remembered. She was a waitress, bartender and cook of the restaurant's melt-in-your-mouth scones that are now a part of so many Ketchum memories.
Today she enjoys the camaraderie of the parks and recreation department. "We're a good team because we share the same joys," she said. "Many of the programs we have are because of Bobby and John, and the guidance I get from both of them is beyond measure."
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SUMMER YOUTH RECREATION PROGRAM REGISTRATION - APRIL 25
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Online registration for the Summer Youth Recreation Program opens Monday, April 25. Programs include active outdoor recreation such as soccer, swimming, golf, tennis, mountain biking, skateboarding, social games or ball sports, or stewardship and creative activities such as arts and crafts, gardening, birding and geocaching. Optional Friday Adventures offer excursions to nearby attractions and include river rafting, mountain biking and caving.
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NATIONAL PARK WEEK CELEBRATION STARTS SATURDAY
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National Park Week, particularly special this year as the nation celebrates the 100th birthday of the National Park Service, runs Saturday, April 16, through Sunday, April 24. Admission to the more than
400 national parks in the country will be free. A number of national parks have been certified as
Dark Sky Parks.
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CITY SETS EXAMPLE IN PROTECTING ENVIRONMENT
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As the community prepares to celebrate Earth Day next Friday, April 22, Ketchum is working with a variety of community organizations to protect the environment by recycling.
The city last year banned the distribution of single-use water bottles at city events, and soon will be installing hydration stations so that people can bring and refill their own water bottles.
It also contracts with the Environmental Resources Center to provide recycling bins at city events. These range from the holiday lighting celebration to summer music programs such as Ketch-Em Alive and Jazz in the Park to pond hockey and skate park competitions. Recycling bins also are available at Town Square and Atkinson Park. (See Ask Nina earlier in this newsletter.)
Clear Creek Disposal offers curbside pickup and recycling of food and drink cans, plastic containers and mixed paper. Clear Creek owner and innovative thinker, Mike Goitiandia, has taken a leadership position in the county initiative to create a long-term solution for recycling in our valley. The goal is to get to single stream recycling, where mixed paper, plastic (1-5), and aluminum and tin are placed in one curbside bin for pick up.
"
The beauty of our natural environment is a key reason that many of us live here," Mayor Nina Jonas said. "The city wants to lead the way in protecting our environment and the natural resources that draw us here. Earth Day, Arbor Day and the ERC's annual 'Clean Sweep' are scheduled for the next few weeks. They all offer additional opportunities to honor and protect the natural beauty that we all love."
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CITY GETS $514,000 FOR COMMUNITY HOUSING
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The city has a $514,000 check to be used for community housing, a contribution required from the Thunder Spring residential development north of Saddle Road.
"I am pleased that the Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Council both stood firm in insisting that the developers fulfill their obligations," Mayor Nina Jonas said.
The amount of the Thunder Spring obligation has been the subject of negotiations since the project was first approved in 1998.
Next steps will be a discussion with City Council about Ketchum's approach to developing community housing consistent with adopted objectives.
| 1. |
Focus on Acquisition and Rehab Using In-Lieu or Other Housing Funds
a. Shortest timeline associated with identifying a project, funding and occupying
b. Lowest cost for greatest benefit
c. More easily funded by IHFA than new construction
d. Integrates and spreads housing throughout the community
e. Rehabilitates and improves declining housing stock
f. Biggest challenge is HOA fees. Subsidies may be necessary to ensure HOA fees do not
price out qualified renters/buyers
g. Arch and Blaine County Housing Authority (BCHA) have experience implementing this
strategy |
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Provide Opportunities for Larger New Construction Projects Within Ketchum
a. Provide land for community housing projects by making key parcels available for
development
b. Sites like Dollhouse (KURA) and Leadville/6th (City) are potential locations
c. Issue RFQ/RFP to identify development partner
d. Consider land swap opportunities in exchange for City or KURA owned properties
e. KCDC, KURA, and City Staff have experience implementing this strategy |
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Support On a Case by Case Basis New Construction Within the Valley (outside
Ketchum City Limits)
a. Valley projects may be easier to fund and easier to build
b. Areas around the hospital are ideal for affordable housing developments
c. Assistance from Ketchum directly or indirectly would increase viability of projects without
compromising efforts within Ketchum
d. Arch or other affordable housing developers have experience implementing this strategy |
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T
his Strategy must be adaptable to changing conditions and funding opportunities. While this proposed strategy responds to current conditions, it is important to re-evaluate the strategy at least every 2-3 years to assess the effectiveness and allow for adjustments.
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MAYOR JONAS CELEBRATES 'EVERYONE MATTERS DAY'
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Mayor Nina Jonas joins over 60 mayors from across the U.S., Canada, UK and globally to affirm every resident's unique contribution to their city's vitality on the third annual Everyone Matters Day, April 12. The children are raising funds to protect the rain forest. Drop by the "Wreck" at Atkinson Park, 900 Third Ave., N., to contribute.
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BUSINESS NEWS
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Visit Sun Valley to Give Report April 19
Visit Sun Valley will give a recap of winter results and discuss upcoming marketing activities on Tuesday, April 19, at 9 a.m. at the Wood River Community YMCA, 101 Saddle Road. The meeting is open to all, whether or not they are members of Visit Sun Valley, which markets the area to visitors.
Following the meeting, Mayor Jonas, Police Chief Dave Kassner and Fire Chief Mike Elle will make a presentation on the upcoming special election for a general obligation bond. Questions are welcome.
Room Nights Up 8 Percent
Room nights sold in March were up 8 percent over last year, as were total room nights sold during the winter season from Oct. 1 to March 31. This represents an additional 9,408 occupied rooms.
Mountain Rides Holds It's Monthly Board Meeting
Mountain Rides board meetings are held at Ketchum City Hall. The upcoming meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 20, 2016 at 12:30 p.m. Click here for agenda.
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WHAT WE'RE READING
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Mayor Nina Jonas
Jennifer L. Smith, director of parks and recreation
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NEWS AT A GLANCE
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Absentee Ballot for May 17 Bond Issue Election
Here's how to get an absentee ballot, as well as deadlines for voting, in the May 17 special election for a general obligation bond for new police, city operations/emergency network communications center and fire facilities.
- April 22 - Last day for pre-registration if you are not already registered to vote. It also is possible to register on Election Day.
- May 11 - Requests for mailed absentee ballot must be received. Forms for requesting absentee ballots are available here.
- May 13 - Last day for in-person absentee voting. You may vote at the Old County Courthouse, 206 First Ave., S. in Hailey, starting April 25, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- May 17 - Polls will be open at Hemingway School from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Absentee ballots must be received at the Blaine County Election Office at 206 First Ave., S. in Hailey, prior to the close of the polls at 8 p.m.
Three Groups Collaborate on Upcoming Earth Day Program
Turn Off Holiday Lights by Friday
Holiday lights must be turned off throughout the city by April 15 under Ketchum's
Dark Skies ordinance
. In addition, lights must be completely removed from all publicly owned trees.
Thank You for Helping City Programs
Thank you to the donors to programs that make the city a better place to live:
- Proceeds from the city of Ketchum's Idaho Classic Pond Hockey Tournament were donated to the Children's Recreation Trust Fund ($1,000), the Youth Recreation Scholarships Trust Fund ($521) and the Christina Potters Outdoor Ice Rink Trust Fund ($400).
- Leroy's Ice Cream, $1,667 to the Youth Recreation Scholarships Trust Fund.
- James and Barbara Cimino Foundation, $3,000 to the LP Women's Soccer Fund.
Donations to city programs are tax-deductible as permitted by law. For additional information, contact
[email protected].
Pay Water Bills, Business License Fee and Sales Tax Online
Ketchum customers can pay bills online. This service was motivated by city staff for more efficiency and also offers faster and more convenient bill payment options for the city's customers. A link to the service is on the home page of the
city website or go to
xpressbillpay.com
. Eventually, the city will move towards monthly water billing, improving customers' ability to monitor water consumption. Remember to sign up for
WaterSmart
to see how you currently use water.
Take the Water Survey
Click here to participate in the water survey developed by Oregon State University at the request of water users in the Wood River Basin. The goal of this survey is to provide information to users and managers in your basin to support management decisions and planning for future water needs. Your participation is extremely important to ensure that the multiple water perspectives are represented. The survey will take approximately five minutes of your time. Questions and requests for a paper copy of the survey can be directed to Anna Pakenham at
[email protected]
or (541) 272-9911.
Volunteer at Ketchum Bike Park
The Ketchum Parks & Recreation Department could use your help in getting the bike park ready for riding. Click here for the volunteer schedule or contact volunteer coordinator Julian Tyo at
[email protected]
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City Seeks Planning Commissioner
Ketchum is accepting applications through May 2 for an upcoming vacancy on the Planning & Zoning Commission. Click here to read qualifications and additional information.
Become a "Fellow"
The city is offering Fellowship opportunities to gain valuable assistance on city initiatives, inject the city with fresh perspectives and introduce Ketchum to a new audience. Please encourage your friends and family to apply. Click
here for details.
Ketchum Seeks Legal Services
Ketchum is seeking an attorney to provide legal services to the city. Details can be found here.
It's Flood Season
Temperatures are warming and rain is falling. Spring weather combined with the large volume of snowfall this winter may bring high and fast water, and flooding. Please be aware of the potential dangers. More information can be found here.
Chip Sealing Scheduled for July 11-14
Summer chip sealing of streets is scheduled for July 11-14. Click
here
for schedule and locations.
Would You Like to Report a Concern?
Go to the homepage of the city website and click on "Report a Concern." You can comment on issues with Fire and Ambulance, Parks and Recreation, Police, Streets, Planning and Building, or other general areas.
Coming Up at City Council
Council will consider contracts for artists selected by the Ketchum Arts Commission for the 2016 Art on Fourth exhibition and Art in City Hall. They will also consider the contract for services to produce the city of Ketchum Summer Concert Series; Ketch'em Alive and Jazz in the Park. The Spot, LLC text amendment is also on Monday's agenda.
Mayor Nina Jonas Talks About Why 'Everyone Matters'
Mayor Nina Jonas talked to children in the Ketchum parks and recreation department after-school program on Tuesday in observation of Everyone Matters Day. She joined mayors across the nation in discussing the importance of respecting all individuals.
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MEETING INFORMATION
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City Council
 Attend the next City Council meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, April 18. City Council meetings are held on the first and third Mondays of each month in Ketchum City Hall. Click here to see the agenda and staff reports or scan the QR code.
Planning and Zoning Commission
Attend the next Planning and Zoning Commission meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, April 25. P&Z meetings are held on the second and fourth Mondays of each month in Ketchum City Hall. Click here for agendas and staff reports or scan the QR code.
Public Comment
If you cannot attend the Council or P&Z meetings and would like to express an opinion, please submit your comments via email to [email protected]. Your input and engagement is encouraged. All comments will be reviewed.
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Subscribers
You are receiving this email because you have requested it or done business with the City of Ketchum in the past. We appreciate our residents, businesses and visitors and look forward to telling you more about Ketchum and receiving your input. To subscribe, click here. If you would like to unsubscribe, please click on the link below.
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City of Ketchum
208-726-3841
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Copyright © 2015. All Rights Reserved.
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