City of Ketchum
P.O. Box 2315
480 East Avenue N.
Ketchum, Idaho 83340
"Small Town, Big Life"
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Inform. Celebrate. Involve.
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A Message From Mayor Nina Jonas
One of my top priorities as mayor has been looking for ways to better conserve our natural resources. In the past three-plus years, I believe we've made significant strides toward this goal, from taking steps to conserve water to pushing the city toward more reliance on solar power.
I've always believed that making a difference in the world starts locally. But I also understand the importance of collaboration and working with others to solve problems on a grander scale.
For this reason, I recently joined The Climate Mayors Network, an organization comprised of more than 275 mayors nationwide committed to tackling the challenge of climate change. Founded by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, along with the former mayors of Houston and Philadelphia, this organization is committed to filling the leadership void created when President Trump recently decided to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement.
I wanted Ketchum to be a part of this group because I see its potential for making an impact. Moreover, it's time for cities to be more engaged, especially as research shows the cities are responsible for 70 percent of all the greenhouse gasses generated globally.
Here in Ketchum, we are doing our part to address climate change. But it's also important to be part of the broader solution, and these mayors understand they are uniquely positioned to lead on climate change in ways our national leaders have simply refused.
In the last three years, we've taken a variety of steps to conserve resources and reduce Ketchum's carbon footprint. In 2015, the city adopted a series of energy conservation goals, including setting targets to achieve a 50 percent per capita reduction in energy use within the city by 2030.
Last summer, the city agreed to waive all fees associated with solar installations. Solar panels installed atop the Ore Wagon Museum have generated more than 33,000 kilowatt hours of energy, offsetting the equivalent of 20 tons of CO2 emissions. Other energy-saving plans are in the works as we strive to achieve our goals and do our part.
I believe these measures are also critical to preserving the quality of life we enjoy so much. It's about making sure plentiful snowfall, healthy rivers and forests are lasting, not just for our enjoyment but generations ahead.
As mayor, I remain committed to protecting our resources by being involved both here at home and engaged with my colleagues across the country. For more information about the Climate Mayors Network, visit:
www.climate-mayors.org
It's an honor to serve you.
Nina
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ASK NINA
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 Q I have been reading about the additional funds for handicap access and landscaping the Atkinson Park tennis courts. I have seen nothing about wind screens and benches for the tennis players. Are those two items included in the original contract? Also, I noticed that the nets had been up and since been removed. What is going on? Please let me know about the screens and benches. Thank you very much. --John D. Jacoby (Jake)
A. Thanks for your interest. The new tennis courts are close to completion and it's true the nets were installed. They were taken down because
some essential components to any public works project must be completed before players can take full advantage of the resurfaced courts. The most important is bringing the facility into compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. The federal law adopted in 1990 dictates that any public facility be accessible to those with disabilities. For this project, that means adding some ramps and other features that bring the courts into compliance with this law.
While I understand our community's tennis fans are anxious to return to Atkinson Park's courts, it's not worth opening now and not being accessible to all. The final-phase work is estimated to cost $42,812.64. Unfortunately this additional work was not included in the original scope of the project contract. Last week, the City Council approved two contracts to help bring the remodel to completion. The windscreen is part of the work yet to be completed. If remaining funds are available from the project budget, we will purchase and install benches.
We appreciate your patience. It shouldn't be too much longer before you and so many others will be able to take advantage of this wonderful new resource.
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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council agenda - meeting information - comment
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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 [email protected].
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STEP UP, HELP SHAPE OUR FUTURE
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 "I always wondered why somebody didn't do something about that. Then, I realized I was somebody."
- Lily Tomlin, American actress, comedian, writer.
It's that time again here in Ketchum. The election season has arrived, and that means it's time for each of us to consider taking our civic engagement to a new level, to decide if the time is right to get involved directly in shaping the future of our community.
To me, there are few things as rewarding as public service. As mayor and previously as a member of the city council, I've had the privilege to work with others to improve the lives of our citizens, to help our business community prosper and make this city a better and safer place to live, work and visit. Outside of public service, how many opportunities exist for each of us to make such an impact?
It's true public service is challenging. But at the same time, serving the public has great potential for bringing our lives the kind of meaning and purpose that simply cannot be found any other way.
How many of us have experienced that same emotion expressed in the quote above by Lily Tomlin?
Maybe you've read something in the newspaper and wondered why city leaders adopted one policy and ignored another. Perhaps you've driven down the street and wondered why city leaders haven't done more, spent more -- or even spent less -- to fix a problem.
I think it's safe to say we've all asked these questions at some point in our lives. It's also safe to say that our city still has its share of challenges in need of solutions.
Now, Ketchum's election calendar tells us it's time for each of us to consider stepping up and taking a more active role in shaping the future of our community. Three important leadership roles in city government are up for grabs in November, including the job of mayor and two seats on the city council.
With the official filing date still more than two months away, there is still plenty of time to consider the words of famed anthropologist Margaret Mead, who said: "Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
It's just as important to participate at the ballot box. Four years ago, 60 percent of Ketchum's registered voters turned out for the city's general election, the highest general election turnout since 1983. It was assuring then to see voters so engaged and interested in the city's future, and it's my hope that enthusiasm grows this fall.
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AN OPPORTUNITY FOR CHANGE IN THE "SAGEBRUSH SEA"
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Change is rarely measured in big, grandiose gestures. In fact, all too often, the best and lasting change, comes in smaller increments.
On Saturday, community residents have a chance to learn about some important agents of change operating in the environment all around us: Pollinators. What are pollinators? Well, they come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from bees to spiders and hummingbirds.
Pollinators play an essential role in sustaining plant life across our native landscapes and keeping our ecosystems vibrant and healthy.
Wildflowers benefit directly from the work of pollinators. In turn, wildflowers play a critical role in the overall health of the rangeland ecosystem that surrounds the Wood River Valley.
The interplay of pollinators, wildflowers and healthy sagebrush rangelands is the topic of the second "Sagebrush Saturday" at Rock Creek Ranch on June 17. The event is free, open to the public and runs from 9 to 11:30 a.m.
Rock Creek Ranch is a 10,400-acre working ranch west of Hailey. It also serves as an educational facility owned and managed by the University of Idaho's Rangeland Center, The Nature Conservancy and the Wood River Land Trust. For more information, visit:
https://woodriverlandtrust.org/.
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SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
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Jazz in the Park
The season begins with new local jazz group, Avenue B, with John and Leslie Mauldin, Tyia Wilson and Demetrios Pappas. The free concert is held at Rotary Park on Sunday, June 18, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Ketch'em Alive
World's Finest from Portland takes the stage on Tuesday, June 20, at Forest Service Park from 7 to 9 p.m. Don't miss local food and brew on Washington Avenue during the event.
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BUSINESS NEWS
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Awards for Local Entrepreneurs at KIC's Startup Showcase
Bring an an idea you'd like to pursue, a complete business plan or a project that is underway to KIC's first Startup Showcase. Startups and entrepreneurs will share their ideas, services and products to the community. Those who are interested will also have the unique opportunity to gain support from investors, mentors or partners. For more details or to register for this event, please contact Jon Duval at 727-2117 or [email protected].
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WHAT WE'RE READING
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Mayor Nina Jonas
Suzanne Frick, City Administrator
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NEWS AT A GLANCE
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Sandbag Disposal
Many people are interested in removing sandbags from their property as the flood waters recede. Individuals may EMPTY their sandbags at the Ketchum Street Department at 200 Tenth Street between 7 a.m. and noon on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and from 7 to 11 a.m. on Tuesday and Thursday. PLEASE DO NOT EMPTY YOUR SANDBAGS INTO THE RIVER.
FEMA Updates Flood Risk Maps
FEMA is in the process of updating the flood risk maps for our area. Local, on-the-ground information on where flooding occurred is instrumental in producing accurate flood risk maps.
Please contact Brittany Skelton at 727-5085 or [email protected] if any of the following applies to you:
- Your property was damaged by flooding, even if slightly and even if the repair work does not require a building permit, so that locations and value of damage can be documented
- You experienced flooding but your property was not shown on the floodplain maps to be in the floodplain.
- You have photos or observed flooding occurring in unanticipated areas where flooding has not occurred before.
- You have observed or marked new high water locations.
Creating for Skating
The skater community is leading a fundraising initiative to increase the funding from the City of Ketchum and the Ketchum Urban Renewal Agency to expand and upgrade the city's Guy Coles Skate Park. Join the effort by placing your art on a skateboard deck to be sold at auction. Proceeds will go toward the project. If you are an established, amateur or aspiring artist, stop in the Board Bin, pick up a blank deck and win a prize. Contact the Board Bin Crew at 726-1222 for more information.
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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, June 19. 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 meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, July 10. 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 [email protected]. Your input and engagement is encouraged. All comments will be reviewed.
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Subscribers
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City of Ketchum
208-726-3841
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Copyright © 2014. All Rights Reserved.
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