Skatepark
Design by Andy Gilbert

City of Ketchum
P.O. Box 2315
480 East Avenue N.
Ketchum, Idaho 83340
"Small Town, Big Life"

Inform. Celebrate. Involve.
September 18, 2017
In This Issue
A Message From Mayor Nina Jonas

Nina
If you look carefully, you can still see the dust settling across town.
 
Wow! What an action-filled summer season, one that started early, gained steam in August and ended strong with our 60th Annual Wagon Days celebration over the holiday weekend.
 
And it all happened so fast.
 
Eclipse
As always, the summer event calendar kicked off with the Farmers' Market every Tuesday. The city's live summer concert series featuring "Ketch'em Alive and "Jazz in the Park" got rolling in June as well.
 
Then the summer tourist season got going, highlighted early by the Fourth of July and the Idaho State Championship Criterium. Turns out this race was just a tune-up for a crazy-paced August.
 
Eclipse
August got underway with 2017 Ride Idaho, then everything peaked weeks later when thousands flocked to the area for the Total Solar Eclipse. Across the city, staffers agree they have never seen anything like the visitor influx in the days leading up to and after this celestial event, and even during the entire summer.
 
Before there was ample to time to regroup, Wagon Days arrived. And what a celebration it was, with live music, Ketchum's Big Hitch Parade, art, antiques, pancake breakfasts and more.
 
All of this made for a small town, big life here in Ketchum this summer. All indications suggest it was a great season for retailers and meeting the goal of bringing new, first-time visitors to Ketchum.
 
However, I also understand the flip-side of the coin, like how increased traffic and congestion impacts the normal pace and routines. For the city, the busy summer posed challenges in delivering services timely and efficiently as city staff and resources were stretched thin.
   
With that in mind, the city has begun dialogue with businesses, vendors, event producers and patrons to develop new approaches and process for better facilitating events in Ketchum.
   
Until then, sit back, catch your breath and start dreaming of snowfall and the winter season of fun just around the corner.  
 
It's an honor to serve you,
 
Nina 

 COUNCIL AGENDA - MEETING INFORMATION - COMMENT
Stay involved in your community. Included here are links to the Monday, Sept. 18, Council agenda and Council meeting information. The meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. At this meeting, Council will consider the second reading of an amendment to the Floodplain Ordinance and staff's recommendation to approve a new fee resolution. There will also be discussion and requests for direction to staff on the next steps for the fire training facility and the use of Forest Service Park for City Administrative Offices, and on the formation of a working group for a police and fire facility. Several items are up for approval, including the renewal of the WaterSmart contract and a contract for a feasibility analysis and access plan for the Northwood Natural Area.   
   
It is the responsibility of the City to inform the public and gain public input. We encourage you to provide the City with your opinion and comments by attending Monday's meeting at 5:30 p.m. in Ketchum City Hall, 480 East Ave. N., or by sending an email to participate@ketchumidaho.org.

Agenda  
Info 
GUY COLES SKATE PARK GETS READY FOR EXPANSION/NEW TERRAIN
Skatepark Ketchum skateboard enthusiasts are about to get a few new ledges, banks and rails to test and challenge their skill.
 
City officials, along with engineers from Dreamland Skateparks, will break ground today on a new addition and next phase of growth at the city's 22-year-old Guy Coles Skate Park.
 
Built in 1995, the park was then expanded in 2005 to include two new concrete bowls. Mayor Nina Jonas, members of the City Council and supporters of the park have been working for more than a year to raise money and develop plans to take the park to the next level.
 
Skate This summer, the City Council approved spending $127,650 to hire Dreamland to design, engineer and build new features in a new section on the park's northeast side. The Council authorized spending $80,000 toward the project. That sum includes $40,000 that Mayor Jonas sought from the Ketchum Urban Renewal Agency.
 
Additional funding came from other sources, including a fundraiser held this summer featuring an auction of skate decks custom designed by regional artists.
 
Skatepark "From its inception, the Guy Coles skatepark has always been about community support," Jonas said.
 
The expansion also underscores the city's ability to build partnerships within the community and achieve goals effectively and efficiently.
 
Skatepark "The contract with Dreamland was signed two months ago, construction starts today and the goal is to wrap up the work and host a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the end of October," she said. "It's gratifying when so many people can collaborate and deliver on such a cool project like this."
 
The public is welcome to attend the groundbreaking ceremony. The event gets underway at noon at the skate park, located at the corner of Warm Springs and Saddle roads. Food and beverages from local vendors will be provided.

WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT HONORED FOR ENERGY, COST SAVINGS
Mick Mick Mummert has a keen understanding of how a few strategic conservation initiatives translate to long-term energy and cost savings.
 
Several years ago, Mummert, superintendent of the city's wastewater department, set out to find ways to save electricity across all operations of the department. He also partnered with utility consultants and architects to explore all the new and innovative approaches to conservation.
 
From incorporating energy efficiency principles in the design and construction of new buildings to installing energy-saving LED lighting, Mummert's efforts are paying off. In fact, last year alone, his department reported an electrical usage savings of more than 354,700 kilowatt hours, a reduction of more than 37 percent compared to the previous year.
 
Leaders across the state have taken note.
 
Next month, Mummert and the department will receive the Idaho Award for Excellence in Industrial Energy Efficiency during the annual Idaho Energy and Green Building Conference in Boise.
 
Strategies to conserve power and save money have been part of Mummert's approach since 2014 when the department first engaged in an energy savings project with Idaho Power Company.
 
Since late 2014, the department replaced three centrifugal air compressor blowers with more efficient units, netting an energy savings of more than 387,700 kilowatt hours. Also, in 2015, the department swapped out lighting across all buildings, upgrading facilities with LED and other energy efficient lights and motion sensor switches. This project reduced energy consumption by more than 136,000 kilowatt hours.
 
Since 2014, the department's cumulative energy savings exceeds 2 million kilowatt hours, which pencils out to a dollars and cents savings of more than $100,000.
 
These overall savings have been achieved by modifying practices, such as well pumping times to take advantage of more energy efficient periods. When the department buys new equipment, Mummert said energy efficiency performance is a key factor in the decision-making process. He also said the department designates $50,000 annually for energy efficient projects.
 
So, join us in congratulating Mick and his staff on the award, the department's commitment to conservation and the results that have been achieved in the last three years. Keep up the good work!

MAYOR TO URGE CITY COUNCIL TO EXTEND WATERSMART CONTRACT
WaterSmart 
WaterSmart 
WaterSmart 
WaterSmart Have you ever wondered what more you could do to be more efficient with water consumption? Ever been curious how your consumption measures up with others?
 
For the last two years, some Ketchum water customers have taken advantage of a software platform called WaterSmart to better manage water use, and in some cases, identify leaks and reduce their monthly bills.
 
At tonight's meeting, Mayor Nina Jonas will ask the City Council to re-up the city's contract with WaterSmart as part of the Mayor's overall policy approach towards efficient water use. 
 
"This is a tool that is showing significant results in many communities committed to being more efficient," Jonas said. "Our partnership with WaterSmart in a pilot program that last two years has also shown progress, but I think there is more that can still be done."
 
So far, 232 Ketchum customers, just 15 percent of eligible accounts, have registered with WaterSmart. If the contract is extended, the city and WaterSmart would collaborate to increase awareness and participation.
 
WaterSmart was founded in 2009 and the company's software is designed to enable customers to help themselves through access to data and information. The company believes that once water users learn more about their usage, they'll find ways to conserve, identify and address problems like leaks, and ultimately enjoy the benefit of lower monthly water bills.
 
For participants, WaterSmart analyzes each customer's pattern of water use and the specifics of their property, criteria like size, number of bathrooms, occupants and irrigation use. The software estimates how property owners use water and can provide specific suggestions about how to improve efficiency.
 
Data suggests that customers who use the software are often better able to manage water use. In addition, in cities like Ketchum and the surrounding high, alpine desert climate, WaterSmart data can help design effective programs targeting the water efficiency goals of the community.
 
For several western cities, the proof is in the results. For example, the California city of Oakdale has reduced water consumption by 20 percent by using WaterSmart software. Greeley, Colorado, and Roseville, Calif., have also reported water use reductions of 4.1 percent and 4.6 percent, respectively.
 
To sign up and learn more about Ketchum's relationship with WaterSmart, check out this link: ketchumidaho.org/watersmart.  
 
The city council is expected to consider the contract extension at its meeting on Monday Sept. 18. The cost of extending the contract is $10,300 per year, with funds to pay for the deal coming from the Water Department's professional services budget.

BUSINESS NEWS
KIC
KIC Founder Moves On
Jon Duval, founder of the Ketchum Innovation Center, leaves KIC to start an adventure travel company. Board member Kathryn Kemp Guylay will take over as Chief Executive Officer. KIC is funded by the City of Ketchum for its programs and the Ketchum Urban Renewal Agency for building expenses. Read full press release here.
 
DestiMetrics August Report Available
Visit Sun Valley has released the Daily Occupancy Report and Reservations Activity Outlook prepared by DestiMetrics. The DestiMetrics team is still collecting historical data from participating properties, so look for improved reports in the future.
WHAT WE'RE READING
2014.07.17 Mayor Nina Jonas
NEWS AT A GLANCE
Bridge Art on Display
On Wednesday, Sept. 13, Mayor Nina Jonas joined Claudia McCain, former chair of the Ketchum Arts Commission, artist Kay Kirkpatrick, Idaho Transportation Department and other partners to dedicate the art on the new bridge on Highway 75 near St. Luke's Medical Center. Take a quick look as you're driving by. Better yet, take a walk along the trestle bridge for a longer look! 
 
Get Prepared to Vote Nov. 7  
Visit ketchumidaho.org/election for registration and absentee ballot and voting deadlines along with other voter information to be prepared to vote in the Nov. 7 election. Mayor and two city councilmember positions are open. Each position serves a 4-year term. 
 
Recent Trail Maintenance by Ketchum Ranger District Trail Crew
The Ketchum Ranger District Trail Crew has most recently performed maintenance on Mahoney Trail #821Mahoney-Lodgepole Connector Trail #819, and portions of both Lodgepole #310 and Cow Creek #180. The crew has also been working in Deer Creek; making trail repairs and performing maintenance. The trails in Deer Creek are cutout. The Deer Creek Road is gated closed to four-wheeled vehicles west of its intersection with Wolftone Road. Keep up with recent trail news here.   
 
Airport Maintenance Cancelled 
Construction work planned for this week, Sept. 18-20, has been cancelled due to contractor scheduling and uncooperative temperatures. The project will take place in spring 2018.  
 
Snow Stake Safety
It won't be long before the snow starts to fly so Ketchum is preparing for safer snow stakes or road markers in the right of way. Please eliminate the use of steel snow stakes and replace them with fiberglass poles. The steel can be dangerous to pedestrians, vehicles and snow removal equipment.
 
Jobs Available  
Several positions are available at the city. Full job descriptions and application can be found at ketchumidaho.org/jobs. Most positions are open until filled.
MEETING INFORMATION
City Council 
Attend the next City Council meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 18. City Council meetings are held on the first and third Monday 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 meetings at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 9. P&Z meetings are held on the second Monday 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 participate@ketchumidaho.org. Your input and engagement is encouraged. All comments will be reviewed. 
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.

City of Ketchum
208-726-3841