 City of Ketchum
P.O. Box 2315
480 East Avenue N.
Ketchum, Idaho 83340
"The Original Mountain Town"
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June 12, 2014
A Message from Mayor Nina Jonas:
 I was awakened once again early, early by the chirps, whistles and songs of a zillion birds looking for summer love. What to do, but carpe diem, or seize the day!
A hike in the fresh bright air of June with yellow arrowroot blossoms and purple and pink lupine coloring the hillside, the sage still bright green, the mountain tops outlined in snowy white, and the sky clean, bright blue was the appropriate choice. Early summer in the Rocky Mountains holds a delicate beauty that impresses the soul with hope and joy. Rounding the edge of my hike, I saw the velvet antlers of two bucks hanging on the remainder of the Dollar half-pipe and throwing shaka brahs in my direction. Right on, it's going to be another great day in Ketchum!
Clearly we are not the only ones who know of the year-round splendor of our area. We had 84 applicants for the position of Ketchum city administrator! With the tremendous patience and effort of 15 community volunteers, we have narrowed the search down to a select few. I am anticipating introducing to you the new city administrator very soon.
Over the past four months, Ray Silver has been serving as Ketchum's interim city administrator. Ray has been a gem! Ray has played an instrumental role in refining an under-revenue budget for this year and helping make tough decisions for the upcoming 2014/2015 budget. He has helped with union negotiations with our local firefighters, bringing us to a tentative agreement within weeks. Ray's breadth and depth of knowledge on a variety of issues has been critical in these past months. I have greatly appreciated his counsel, candor and humor and will be sad to see him go. If you haven't had the chance to meet Ray, you can learn more about him in an article in this newsletter. Thank you very much, Ray!
I am so grateful for the great beauty of this area and the people that it draws here who are willing to share and create a community. It's just another fantastic day!
Thank you very much Ketchum!
Nina
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Helping Start-Ups Find Investors, Mentors
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  It's hardly news that lifestyle is the biggest reason people live here. The news is that start-ups are tapping the remarkable pool of business experts attracted by Ketchum's lifestyle.
The Ketchum Innovation Center (KIC) is a project of the Ketchum Community Development Corp., opened earlier this year. Executive Director Jon Duval is going beyond traditional business incubator services such as affordable rent and flexible leases.
KIC offers mentors, workshops and an outreach program to attract potential local investors. It's also working on a partnership with Boise State University to offer an entrepreneurial program that will suit the schedules of entrepreneurs who also have jobs other than their start-ups.
"In addition to our KIC efforts, we are working with Sun Valley Economic Development to ask local investors to allocate some small percent of their portfolios to local start-ups," Duval said. "The investment community has been very receptive and is interested in looking at potential deals."
KIC also has more than 20 volunteers who have registered as mentors, with even more interested in the program, with expertise ranging from venture capital to marketing to corporate legal issues. A series of workshops began this spring, with this evening's program featuring speakers on legal advice for start-ups. A 10-week computer programming class started yesterday.
Ketchum Innovation Center is in a three-story, 4,800-square-foot building at 100 Lindsey Circle, just off Saddle Road near the industrial area. It started with a $28,000 grant from the City and a flexible lease from the landlord. Companies pay between $250 and $500 in base rent, which includes all utilities, as well as access to a conference room, kitchen and showers.
Tenants so far include a creative design group, an adventure film production company, a documentary production company, a structural engineer and an environmentally friendly building product company.
There is room for 15 to 18 employees, with Duval anticipating that no single tenant will employ more than three people. As companies outgrow the center, they will be expected to find other locations.
Why do entrepreneurs want to start businesses here? The same reason everyone else does, Duval pointed out. "Lifestyle is the main reason anyone is here, including many very successful executives. Thanks to this pool of intellectual capital, we can offer extraordinary support to new companies," he said.
For more information about the Ketchum Innovation Center or upcoming programs, contact Duval at 727-2117 or [email protected] or visit ketchuminnovationcenter.com on the web.
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Far More Initiatives Than One Would Expect in a City of 3,800 by Ray Silver
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 Ray Silver has served as interim city administrator since March. He will be here through June 26, when his contract expires.
During the past three months, I have had the pleasure and good fortune to work with a good Mayor and City Council, a staff that I enjoy and a community that loves its town.
The public art here is as good as I have seen anywhere in the United States. My favorite perhaps is The River Dance on Fourth Street between East and Walnut Avenues. The Community Library and its funding sources are excellent and a testimony to citizen participation. The quality of the city's boards and commissions reminds me of the high level I experienced in Coronado, Calif. There are various groups dedicated to improving the city and assisting in its continued success, no matter what the challenges and competition.
The projects such as the business incubator are innovative (see story on the Ketchum Innovation Center in this newsletter) and the number of initiatives is far greater than one would expect in a city of 3,800. When I walk the commercial retail and the industrial business areas of Ketchum, I feel a warmth and friendliness that I have not always experienced elsewhere.
I became interim city administrator as the result of a February telephone call from a fellow professional, who grew up in Ketchum and whose wife was born and raised in Hailey. He mentioned that Ketchum was looking for an interim city administrator. I applied, talked with Mayor Jonas and we agreed that I would start in March.
My wife, Lynn, and I arrived on March 3. Our first experience was a bus ride from Boise to Ketchum. It was the beginning of my education on the challenges of flying in and out of Sun Valley. We enjoyed the snow, the beauty of the mountains and the comfortableness of the town from the moment we arrived. Lynn left later in the first week to return to work as a school choral music clinician in Southern California.
During Memorial Day weekend, my wife, two sons and their wives and my three grandchildren came. I wanted them to experience one of the best places to visit and live. It also provided me a chance to enjoy the area as a tourist.
The grandchildren enjoyed ice-skating at the Sun Valley Lodge and my wife and daughter-in-laws found the retail shopping to be excellent. My sons and I one evening enjoyed great country music at Whiskey Jacques until almost midnight. That was a late-night experience that I almost never have anymore. All our activities were an example of what one can do during the "slack season." A drive to Redfish Lake, where we rented a boat, demonstrated additional recreational activities within a relatively short drive.
My wife and I will again spend our summer at Chautauqua, N.Y. where we have a family home. Her family goes back to the 1600's in New England.
I will again visit Ketchum, because I now know it far more than I would as a tourist passing through. In fact, I think that all of my family will return together or separately because of the great time they all had in this authentic mountain town.
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Rich Fabiano: Focus on Team Work, River Health
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 "We all addressed issues as a team," said Rich Fabiano, co-chair of the Ketchum Planning & Zoning Commission as he leaves the commission after seven years. "Each of us brought something to the table and we all worked together. I feel very proud to have been a part of the Commission."
It's this attitude that perhaps explains why Fabiano, a retired developer and contractor, was so successful.
"Riparian issues were my specialty," he added. "I live close to the river, so I was able to see some of the problems. Too many people fail to realize that a 25-foot strip adjacent to the river must be left in its natural state. One of my pet peeves is people who landscape and apply fertilizer and weed killer right up to the water's edge. It is bad for the water and for river health."
Fabiano has lived in Ketchum since 1970. "I raised two daughters here," he said. "It's a very special place and it always has been. Not a day goes by that I don't remember how lucky I am. I enjoyed serving on the Commission, and I was glad to have a chance to give back to the community."
"We thank Rich Fabiano for his long service on the Commission," Mayor Nina Jonas said. "He worked very hard in helping to develop the Comprehensive Plan we adopted last year, and he has been particularly concerned about preserving riparian habitat and angler access to the river. We hope to continue his efforts."
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Attorney Erin Smith Joins Planning & Zoning Commission
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 Attorney Erin Smith has been appointed to the Ketchum Planning & Zoning Commission by Mayor Nina Jonas.
"Smith brings both financial and legal experience, and she is eager to serve her community," Jonas said. "She is particularly concerned about encouraging more young people to live in Ketchum."
Smith was secretary/treasurer and CFO of Tribeca Tables Software Development, LLC in Ketchum before leaving to go to New York Law School in 2003. She previously was CFO of Bigfoot International, Inc., a holding company in New York City, and vice president of the Citibank Private Banking Group in the United Kingdom and in New York. She served on the board of the Animal Shelter of the Wood River Valley from 2009 to 2011 and currently is a member of the board of directors of Harvey Mudd College in Claremont, Calif.
"I am extremely honored to have been appointed to Ketchum's Planning & Zoning Commission," Smith said. "I believe my background in finance, law and entrepreneurship will complement and enhance the P&Z. I am excited to work with the other commissioners in helping advance the city's vision for the future."
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Remember That Fireworks Are Illegal
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 It was a great Fourth of July party until someone set off a firecracker. The pet dog chased it and caught the lighted firecracker in its mouth. Fortunately, a friend was able to douse the dog and the firecracker before it exploded.
With the Fourth of July approaching, please remember that fireworks are illegal in Ketchum. This is true despite the fact that fireworks are legally sold in some parts of Idaho. It is legal in Ketchum to use smaller pyrotechnics such as sparklers, smoke bombs, "snakes," spinners and small fountains. However, all these items are illegal in the city if they or the sparks they emit go more than 20 feet in the air or travel outside a circle 15 feet in diameter.
Even these can be hazardous both to humans and animals. Nationwide, 30 to 40 percent of fireworks-related injuries each year are to children under 14. Fireworks cause more than 32,000 fires and more than $30 million in property damage annually. Click here for more statistics.
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Keep Your Pets Safe on the Fourth of July Holiday by Hillary Hayward
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Hillary Hayward is the behavior and training manager at the Animal Shelter of the Wood River Valley.
 Fireworks can be incredibly frightening to any animal, even one that is well socialized and confident. No pet should attend any event where there is a possibility of someone setting off a firecracker. If you must attend festivities with your dog, please make sure you keep your dog on leash and under control. The days leading up to the Fourth and after are the prime periods when fireworks are set off. Prepare yourself in advance with a plan on where you can keep your pet inside and properly secured. Doorways and windows can be easy for your pet to slip through and some pets can escape fences when frightened. Crate-training your dogs can make managing them in their surroundings easy and cats should be kept in a room they are most comfortable in with access to water, food and litter box. After selecting a room where your pets will be kept, play soothing music or leave the TV on to drown out the noise of firecrackers. This can help your pets relax and feel comfortable. It's a great idea to also provide them with safe toys to play with or chew on. Have pets wear collars with current contact information and license in case they do go missing. The Animal Shelter of the Wood River Valley can provide personalized name tags for a nominal fee. Microchipping pets is also an invaluable way to identify animals if they happen to lose their collars or are not wearing one when they go missing. If your pet becomes particularly upset by fireworks, contact your veterinarian about possible options to help alleviate extreme anxiety caused by fireworks. If your animal does go missing, please contact the Animal Shelter of the Wood River Valley at 788-4351 immediately. If your pet is microchipped, be sure the microchip company has your current phone numbers and information. If you find a lost pet, contact the owners if that information is on the pet's collar. You can also call the animal shelter or bring the animal to the shelter at 100 Croy Creek Road in Hailey.
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Rainmaker Splash Park Plans Grand Opening with New Name
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 Rainmaker Splash Park for children, located at Atkinson Park, will hold the grand opening under its new name on Saturday, June 21, at 11 a.m.
The feature is named in memory of the late Ron "The Rainmaker" Brady, who installed the mechanized irrigation system at Atkinson Park years ago and was a long-time supporter of youth recreation in Ketchum.
City Council President Michael David, former Parks & Recreation Director Kirk Mason and Mr. Brady's children will speak. The ceremonies will conclude with free treats from Toni's Sun Valley Ice Cream Company.
The family--friendly splash park is surrounded by shade trees and features a fully re-circulating and filtered system to ensure water quality. It will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week in June and until 7 p.m. in July and August, weather permitting.
The water feature is activated by stepping on a sensor located on the concrete surface in the middle of the drain grate. The sensor times out after a few minutes and must be re-activated. Appropriate swimwear is required. Swim diapers are required for diaper-age children. Dogs and glass are not permitted.
Mr. Brady had lived in the Wood River Valley, where he owned Rainmaker Sprinklers, Landscape and Maintenance, for almost 40 years before his death in 2009. The city received many donations for the splash park in memory of Mr. Brady.
"My dad loved the water. He enjoyed sailing, water skiing, diving and swimming. This park is not only a testament to his hard work at Ketchum parks, but also his love of water. Of course, he would love the Rainmaker Park, as it is the mother of all sprinklers!" said his son, Michael Brady.
"My dad was always very proud of his work with Ketchum parks. He loved the friendships that he made and completing new projects. My dad would be very honored, especially knowing that his grandchildren would be able to enjoy it," his daughter, Kelly Choma, added.
Atkinson Park is located near Ernest Hemingway Elementary School on Eighth Street in West Ketchum. For additional information, contact the Ketchum Department of Parks & Recreation at 726-7820.
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What Business Owners Told Us
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The passion for Ketchum, as well as frustration with the current business climate, were the major themes of the city's Business Owners Forum, attended by approximately 80 people.
The city used keypad polling to gather opinions on a number of topics. Highlights are below. A complete report is available on the city website.
- Participants want more communication from the city. Only 39 percent rated city communication as excellent or good. Preferred methods are email, newspapers and the city e-newsletter.
- Opinions were mixed on whether Ketchum needs a new business organization, such as a chamber of commerce. Approximately 47 percent said yes, another 36 percent said no and 17 percent were neutral.
- If a new business organization were available, three key services would be networking, advocacy and small business support.
- Of those who attended, 34 percent both live and own businesses in Ketchum. Almost 80 percent have been in business for more than 10 years. Only one person had started a business in the past year.
These are some of the comments:
- We want a better understanding of the function and organization of Visit Sun Valley, the regional marketing alliance of the cities of Ketchum and Sun Valley and local businesses.
- We need more flexibility in the Visit Sun Valley marketing budget. The weather was exceptionally good in May, but there was insufficient outreach to nearby communities such as Boise.
- Internet purchases have an impact on local businesses, which must collect sales tax. The city should encourage the Idaho legislature to tax Internet sales.
- The city e-newsletter and website should include more information of interest to business owners, such as local-option tax collections. (Note: LOT collection information is available here.)
- Business owners need a place to share information informally. The restarting of Business After Hours gatherings in March has been helpful.
"I view the discussions as a beginning," Mayor Nina Jonas said. "I'm hearing that you want more networking and more communication in a less formal manner. I'm hearing love and passion for your own business and for our community. We are going to get together and we are going to make this work. Thank you again for your interest and help."
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What We're Reading - Recommendations from City Officials
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From Mayor Nina Jonas
From City Council President Michael David
" Creative Class Counties," small counties with high percentages of workers "in fields like arts, architecture, engineering and other 'creative' occupations"
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Around Town
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Starting a Business?
Thinking of starting a business? Come to the Ketchum Innovation Center's program, " Legal Advice for Startups," today, Thursday, June 12 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Farmers Market is Open for Business Every Tuesday through October, the Farmers Market will be open on 4th Street between East Avenue and Walnut Street from 2-6 p.m. Listen to music and check out the new vendors this year.
Sun Valley Center for the Arts Holds Special Classes
A special class will be held in connection with the Sun Valley Center for the Arts exhibition, "Western Light, Ecstatic Landscapes," tonight, Thursday, June 12, at 5:30 p.m. Speaker is musicologist Dr. Christopher Sheer, whose topic is "Enchanted Modernities: Theosophical Thought in the History of 20th Century Art and Music." A second lecture on the metaphysical use of light in California art will be Thursday, June 19, at 5:30 p.m. The exhibit continues through Aug. 16.
Always Wanted to Try Fishing?
Get ready for free fishing Saturday, June 14. All anglers can celebrate the day by fishing in Idaho without a license. It's a great time to introduce a friend to the sport. Loaner rods and reels are available at selected sites.
Free Concerts Start June 19
Bring a friend and a picnic and enjoy outdoor music at concerts co-sponsored by the City of Ketchum. "Town Squares Tunes," as one might expect, is in Town Square (East Avenue between Fourth Street and Sun Valley Road) with local bands on Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. starting June 19. "Jazz in the Park" is at Rotary Park, Warm Springs and Saddle roads, on Sundays from 6-8 p.m. starting June 22. "Ketch'Em Alive" is on Tuesdays, starting June 24, from 7-9 p.m. in Forest Service Park, 131 E. River Street, with a mix of music including rock, reggae, world beat, American and folk music. Bring a picnic and enjoy the show!
1st Annual Ketchum/Sun Valley Brewfest!
The Ketchum/Sun Valley Rotary Club invites you to Town Square on Saturday, June 21, from noon-6 p.m. for great local food, music and entertainment from local bands and the best beer found anywhere.
Learn About Firefighting
Ketchum firefighters will be part of the Blaine County Fire Expo Saturday, June 21, at Festival Meadows on Sun Valley Road from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This annual community event features local firefighters sharing their expertise, skills and talents in vivid demonstrations. You can learn about extricating victims from cars, rescue drills, helicopters, fire safety for kids, family health and more.
Hike Up Baldy to Benefit Camp Rainbow Gold June 21 Celebrate the first day of summer on Saturday, June 21, by hiking up Baldy to Roundhouse with a buddy. Start at 9:30 a.m. Cost is $20 for a two-person team and proceeds benefit Camp Rainbow Gold for children with cancer and their siblings. Register in advance at the Elephant's Perch or HardCore Training Center in Ketchum or at River Run on the day of the event.
Learn About Native Landscaping on Larger Lots Tour a Ketchum home with native landscaping on Tuesday, June 24, from 5:30-6:30 p.m., the final program in a series on water conservation co-sponsored by the City of Ketchum and the Wood River Land Trust. Meet at 600 Northwood Way and discuss native and naturalized plants, drought tolerant grasses and design elements for a larger landscape.
June's Business After Hours will be held on Wednesday, June 25, from 5-6 p.m. at the new Sun Valley Laundry on Trail Creek Road, near the Sinclair gas station. Take this opportunity to network and share your knowledge. Admission is $5 and there will be snacks and drinks. If you are interested in attending or helping with a future BAH, contact Gary Hoffman at 725-5522 or [email protected]. It's "Crazy Dress-Up Day" on June 25If you see some strange outfits at Atkinson Park on Wednesday, June 25, it's because it's " Crazy Dress-Up Day" in the Parks & Recreation Department's summer program for kids. The reason? It was the idea of "crazy staff members who love to play with crazy kids. It's the day we all get to let our crazy out and get our crazy on!" said Jennifer Smith, director of parks and recreation.
Americans for the Arts to Visit Here June 26 Americans for the Arts, the leading nonprofit committed to advancing the arts in America, will be in Ketchum for its 2014 Leadership Roundtable June 26-28. Marty Albertson, chair of Visit Sun Valley and chair of the 2014 Americans for the Arts Leadership Roundtable, led the efforts to move this year's summer conference from Aspen. "Americans for the Arts' decision to bring this important national program to our area underscores the growing reputation of Sun Valley as an arts and culture destination," Albertson said. It also will be the first time that Americans for the Arts' roundtable program has partnered with a community of arts leaders rather than one institution.
Ride Sun Valley returns June 26 through July 5, featuring one of the longest enduro rides in the country covering 24 miles and 9,000 feet of vertical descent over two days. The City of Ketchum is sponsoring the criterium on Friday, June 26, at Town Square from 6-6:30 p.m. Stay for the party at Town Square after the race. Advocates Benefit June 27 The Black & White Soiree to benefit the Advocates will be June 27 at 5:30 p.m. at Trail Creek Cabin. Among the highlights will be a short film that explores the journey of the participants in the Advocates' Skills for Success Employability Program. The film was produced by Peggy Elliot Goldwyn, directed by Kendall Nelson, edited by John Plummer, and narrated by Chantal Westerman. The Advocates envisions a compassionate community, free from emotional and physical abuse.
Free Fridays on Mountain Rides
Lots of events are taking place at Mountain Rides this month. You can take the Valley route to Hailey and Bellevue for free on Fridays from June 20 to July 18. (Rides within Ketchum are always free.) The summer Friday Sun Valley Story Tours start June 27 at 10:15 a.m. at the Visitors Center. The new summer schedule starts Saturday, June 14.
More Air Service It's a good time to invite you friends to visit. Nonstop flights to Denver on United start July 2. In addition, Alaska Airlines is offering 15 percent off on flights to Sun Valley from any cities it serves except those in Mexico, Hawaii and Prudhoe Bay.
Need a Summer Job?
The Ketchum Parks & Recreation Department is hiring summer youth recreation program counselors. Apply here before tomorrow's deadline, June 13.
KDPI Radio - "For A Cause"
Tune in to KDPI 89.3 FM to hear from Mayor Nina Jonas. The half-hour program is held on Tuesdays following Council meetings from noon to 12:30 p.m. Next week's show will be on Tuesday, June 17, at noon. Listen live at 89.3 or visit www.kdpifm.org.
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Meeting Information
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City Council
 Please take the opportunity at the next City Council meeting to voice your opinions and concerns on the proposed Transit Hub. The meeting is at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, June 16. 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
Planning and Zoning Commission meetings are held on the second and fourth Mondays of each month. The next P&Z meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, June 23 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 have an opinion, please submit your comments via email to [email protected]. Your input and engagement is encouraged. All comments will be entered into public record and reviewed by the Mayor and Council.
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