pAiD Community’s Vision pErMit #39€¦ · and sites. Telling the story of our history to newcomers and visitors keeps our rural character alive. However, all of this comes back

October 2012

in this issueMeet the Candidates .......2-3

Mad Hatter Announced ....4

Thank You Tin Cup .............4

Teton County Vacates Mountain Legends ..............4

Mission: To advocate for the private, public and civic actions that will result in the responsible development and sustainable use of natural resources (water, land, wildlife and air) in Teton Valley.

offiCe Hours—M-Tr 9:00am-4:00pmfriday by appointment

offiCe Address—285 e Little Ave, driggs, id 83422

MAiLing Address—Po Box 1164, driggs, id 83422208.354.1707 ph / 208.354.1709 fxwww.tetonvalleyadvocates.org

www.facebook.com/Valley.Advocates.for. responsible.development

VArd, Po Box 1164, driggs, id 83422

NoNprofit org

US poStAgE

pAiDpErMit #39

DriggS iD 83422

ECrWSSpoStAl CUStoMEr

loCAlGrowth can be great for a community – new homes and businesses cre-ate jobs and contribute the revenue needed to provide public services and maintain good schools for our children. But harnessing the power of growth to enhance our community amenities, while also protecting wildlife habitat and rural character, doesn’t simply happen by chance. It takes a bold vision and strong planning.

Through the 2+ year planning process out-lined at left, the citizens of Teton Valley asked for proactive measures to harness the positive benefits of growth, rather than a continuation of the piecemeal approach from the past decade. The new Comprehensive Plan, which was unani-mously adopted by the County Commissioners, provides the vision and directive for establishing Teton County, Idaho as an innovative model for quality growth in the Intermountain West.

The next stage of the Comprehensive Plan process is implementation of the community’s vision. Elected officials, public employees, and – most importantly – our citizenry, are all valuable participants in the process of convert-ing the Comprehensive Plan’s values and goals into meaningful action.

Implementing a complex document full of ambitious objectives is not easy. County ordinances will have to be revamped and

re-written. Programs to cultivate and support quality growth will have to be developed. Val-ley Advocates for Responsible Development will continue to support community engage-ment by providing fact-based and solution-oriented outreach for engaged citizens and public officials.

It is the next administration of County Com-missioners that will put these goals and values into action. Because this is an election year, inside this newsletter you’ll find a valuable introduction to each candidate’s perspective on our new Comprehensive Plan and how he/she thinks it should be implemented.

Please note: VARD does not endorse any can-didates or platforms. We have simply posed five planning-related questions to each candidate and provided you with their unedited responses in their entirety. Our role is to provide the commu-nity with information and encourage civic par-ticipation. One way that you can make your voice heard is to vote this fall. I’ll see you at the polls!

—Stacey Frisk, Executive Director

Implementing the Community’s Vision

Celebrating Over 10 Years of Working Together

sTAff—stacey frisk, executive director Anna Trentadue, Program directorChris Lundberg, Communications &

education AssociateJen Werlin, Communications &

development Manager

BoArd of direCTors—david Axelrod, Presidentdave Work, secretaryguch Lombardi-spray, Treasurerrich Berg sandy Masonnancy siverdKat smithhammerJulie stomperMolly Tysonsusie Work, Trustee emeritus

AdVisorY BoArd—Jeff Carterrichard danforthgeorgie stanley

RegisteR tO VOte— You only need two things to register:1. Proof of residence in Teton County, ID

2. A FREE voter-registration card (which can be picked up at the Teton County Courthouse, online at www.tetoncountyidaho.gov or at the polls on Election Day)

You may register in person at your correct precinct location on Election Day.

Proof of residence is:1. A current Idaho driver’s license or identification card with your current physical address listed (PO Box address not acceptable); OR

2. Any photo ID plus a utility bill, lease, certificate of car insurance, etc., with name & current physical address

VOte Absentee— You may vote absentee for any reason:In Person (until Friday, November 2, 5pm): Go to the County Clerk’s office at the NEW courthouse in Driggs and complete an absen-tee ballot application. You will be given an absentee ballot to vote before leaving the courthouse.

By Mail: Obtain an absentee ballot application by calling 208-354-8780 OR download it from www.idahoVotes.gov/vinfo.htm Complete the application and return it to the County Clerk by mail or fax, and you will be mailed an absentee ballot. Wednesday, October 31 is the last day for the application to be received in order to have the absentee ballot mailed to you. Follow instructions to complete the ballot and mail it back to the clerk. Absentee ballots must be returned by 8pm on Election Day.

More voting information is available at www.tetoncountyidaho.gov or call the Teton County Clerk at 208-354-8780

VOTE: TuEsday, NOVEmbEr 6When— TuesdaY, NoveMBer 6, 7am-8pm OR fill out an absentee ballot anytime between now and Election Day.

WheRe— Teton valley has new election precincts. See new precinct boundaries map at www.tetoncountyidaho.gov

POlling PlAces hAVe chAnged fOR 2012:• Precinct 1 Gymnasium at LDS Church, 6181 S Main St, Tetonia• Precinct 2 Commissioners Meeting Room at Courthouse, 150 Courthouse Dr, Driggs • Precinct 3 Driggs City Center, 60 S.Main St, Driggs• Precinct 4 Driggs City Center, 60 S.Main St, Driggs• Precinct 5 Commissioners Meeting Room at Courthouse, 150 Courthouse Dr, Driggs • Precinct 6 Gymnasium at LDS Church, 87 E Center St, Victor• Precinct 7 Gymnasium at LDS Church, 87 E Center St, Victor• Precinct 8 Clerk’s Office at Courthouse, 150 Courthouse Dr, Driggs

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ComprehensIVe plan TImelInePLANNING PHASEmay 17, 2010

County Commissioners officially kick off Comprehensive Plan rewrite.

June 2010–January 2011Plan for Planning (P4P) committee formed to strat-egize public outreach for Teton Valley 2020, including designating six citizen committees and hosting block party events in Tetonia, Driggs and Victor.

OutrEAcH PHASEmarCh 2011

P4P and county commissioners select Harmony Design & Engineering to facilitate development of the plan.

aprIl 2011–may 201213 months of citizen committee work, public outreach, surveys, stakeholder interviews and open house events.

February 2012Teton County awarded $1.5M planning grant by the US Dept of Housing and Urban Development as a part of a four-county consortium. Teton County receives over $300K in grant funds to draft a new land-use code.

may 31, 2012Citizen Core Committee unanimously passes draft plan for public hearing.

DrAftING PHASEJuly 11, 2012

Teton County Planning & Zoning Commission unani-mously recommends approval of the plan.

augusT 24, 2012County Commissioners unanimously adopt plan.

ImPLEmENtAtION PHASEnoW!

Teton County begins to organize implementing the actions outlined in the Comprehensive Plan.

u PAGE 2 OCTOBER 2012www.tetonvalleyadvocates.org

on Tuesday, november 6, every voter in Teton County will be able to vote for two County Commissioner candidates. no matter where you live in the county, you will be able to vote for boTh a District 1 candidate and a District 3 candidate.

VarD hopes the candidates’ responses to the questions below will provide insight into their respective visions for the future of Teton Valley. The following are their exact, unedited responses.

Kim Keeley

District 1Democrat

SidKunzDistrict 1Republican

As Commissioner, what key actions will you propose to achieve the vision for economic development that is outlined in the new Comp Plan?

Stabilizing our boom/bust cycle is critical to long-term economic recovery. Land use policies are the cornerstone to

that, and providing predictability creates trust within the marketplace. We need to be certain that our infrastructure, from roads, water, sewer, and technologi-cal connectivity are well maintained and up to date. I believe the regulation process to open a business should be streamlined, and not act as a hindrance to new or expanding businesses. Local successful businesses such as CityPass and Grand Teton Brewing should be used as models. We must prioritize hiring an Economic Development Coordinator with a strong marketing background and experience generating and soliciting new businesses. If a local entity is not prepared to house this position, then we should repurpose the Economic Development Committee into a nonprofit board of directors.

What are your plans to nurture and enhance the rural character of Teton Valley through the implementation of the Comp Plan?

Agriculture, public lands, and small towns define our rural character. For me to better understand what agriculture needs in order to be enhanced, I would do a review of the Ag types, the amount of property of each, and ask questions of landowners. Is changing crop types viable? What about livestock? What kind of support does the agricultural community need from its local leadership? We could then create a collaborative plan that would help farmers achieve their goals on their property.

A serious focus on noxious weed mitigation in the valley is a priority. I would propose to increase funding for the Extension Agent and challenge them to de-velop a comprehensive public awareness program, a cost-share system for small property owners, and a more wide-spread spraying program.

I’m a history buff, so I strongly believe in the preservation of historic structures and sites. Telling the story of our history to newcomers and visitors keeps our rural character alive.

However, all of this comes back to our economy. Our economy is based on our rural character. People come for the open spaces, wildlife, pristine rivers, and natural beauty. New investors want to know that the rural character is being protected, thereby providing predictability. We achieve that through agreement on common goals, a collective vision, and execution of a plan in a methodical manner.

The new Comp Plan calls for strengthening the wildlife and natural hazard regulations. As Commissioner, how do you think this should be done?

We need clear guidelines to follow when a natural disaster occurs. We will need to work with FEMA and other agencies. I do not support over regulation.

Protection of our wildlife is part of our economic stability. Visitors come here to see wildlife. Hunting and fishing are enormous economic drivers, and so protection of waterways and wildlife corridors through the wildlife overlay is imperative.

The new Comp Plan calls for creating a more sustainable supply of residential lots. As Commissioner, how do you think this should be done?

1. Work willing landowners to encourage vacation and replatting of lots where appropriate and viable, and economically feasible.

2. As a community we’ve prioritized open space, and as such, I believe we’re all responsible for it. To me that means that we implement a program to purchase development rights and properties.

As Teton County embarks on the implementation phase of the new Comp Plan, how do you recommend VARD’s membership stay involved in this process?

I encourage all members of the community to stay involved in the process. If elected I will keep my website updated with the most recent information pertaining to the public process, and I commit to being accessible to constituents who have questions.


As with any successful business, Teton County should create a strategic plan based on the current economic facts.

Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats should be identified and considered. Careful planning that will allow the free market to work is im-perative. I will support private enterprise in starting up new businesses by providing incentives and by relaxing regulations imposed by the county for start-up businesses. I will support development of light industrial business and/or businesses that are useful to and consistent with rural communities. I support developing a collaborative effort with existing employers (example Fall River Rural Electric and/or Silver Star Communications) for the expansion of the electronic data/telecommunication (fiber-optic) infrastructure, thus allowing an increased opportunity for “work-at-home businesses” to thrive. We must strike a balance to incentivize business growth and attract visitors while respecting the heritage the valley holds dear.


Historically, landowners have demonstrated that they are good stewards of THEIR land. Leave the land in the hands of those that own it. They will nurture and preserve what they have and shouldn’t be driven by private entities or special interest groups to regulate private ownership. I would support conservation easements that are voluntarily/privately funded and not dependent on taxpayer funded initiatives. The community, with county government leadership, should support agriculture and promote awareness of the variety of opportunities here. We need to take a balanced approach to zoning ordinances and have a simple, user-friendly zoning code.


There are state and federal regulatory agencies responsible for the study, maintenance and management of wildlife and its habitat. Allow these agencies to do their job. State code specifications already exist that generously protect wildlife. County ordinances which are more restrictive and duplicate State responsibility are not necessary. Teton County currently has in place the LEPC (Local Emergency Planning Committee) which is charged with identification and mitigation of all hazards. All emergency providers are represented on this committee that is directed by a nearly full-time professional individual. I will encourage these organizations to promote community awareness.


Developers are currently suffering from the unintended con-sequences of a national market collapse. County government

should not add to the pain and loss already experienced but should, instead, let free market principles rectify the issue. The provision to vacate lots in currently platted subdivisions must be a totally voluntary program without penalty to the landowner. Provisions should be made to allow reentry into the development phase whenever the landowner deems appropriate.


Any one private citizen or an entity (such as VARD) should have no undue influence in the political process or implemen-

tation of any phase as we move forward with the Comp Plan. VARD’s role and influence in the future should be weighed as a special interest group; equally weighed with all other valid interest perspectives. Perhaps VARD could utilize its expertise and resources in the private funding of conserva-tion/preservation easements.

PAGE 3 tOCTOBER 2012 www.tetonvalleyadvocates.org

on Tuesday, november 6, every voter in Teton County will be able to vote for two County Commissioner candidates. no matter where you live in the county, you will be able to vote for boTh a District 1 candidate and a District 3 candidate.

VarD hopes the candidates’ responses to the questions below will provide insight into their respective visions for the future of Teton Valley. The following are their exact, unedited responses.

Sue Muncaster

District 3Democrat

KellyParkDistrict 3Republican


Diversity is important for a vibrant, stable economy. However, in the short-term we should focus our scarce money and human

resources on enhancing the economic drivers already here—farming, tourism, recreation, and natural resources. Creative local lending programs, branding, value-added processing, distribution, signage, and continued education focusing on these strengths are all essential to good paying jobs and increased land values.

I will support the strategic plan developed through the collaboration between our various business development groups and the identified need for a paid economic development coordinator. Before contributing County funds to this position, though, a strong organization with the capacity of executing and funding the position long term must be identified.

Where children thrive, economies thrive. The priorities identified by the youth committee—development of art, culture, and recreational facilities, enhancing education opportunities and entertainment, and preserving access to natural resources—are all key economic drivers that I will support.


I will advocate for family farms and a robust regional food system. As founder of Slow Food in the Tetons I am well versed and passionate about op-portunities to revive working farms and ranches. We have an amazing opportunity being located next door to the wealthiest county in the nation demanding local food. Beyond our region there is a strong demand for high-quality, clean food.

The County should promote/support all aspects of the food chain—production (value-added), distribution, marketing, education, grant support, farm-to-institution purchasing, and a seed bank. I will insist on a stronger partnership with the Idaho Extension Agency and Idaho Department of Agriculture, and will encourage col-laboration between small organic farmers and large commercial operations.


I will encourage incentives over regulation and insist that as new ordinances are laid out that the public is deeply involved. The long-time landowners are strong stewards of wildlife and their knowledge of migration and changing populations over time is valuable data. I will assure there is a bal-ance between wildlife preservation and undue financial hardship on farms and ranches. I support tax incentives and voluntary community funding programs for conservation easements, and aggressive vacation of non-viable subdivisions.


The “market” has solved this issue for now, and I’m please to see that the Comp Plan recommends five years to implement this

policy. Sustainability—a system of practices that are healthy for the environment, community, and economy, and can be maintained for current and future generations—would unquestionably set this number at zero today. We need a few years to direct growth toward the approximately 1800 empty homes and 8000- plus empty lots, and vacate what we can before we tackle this difficult issue. New policies set forth should have a consistent and bold timeline for review and reconsideration (rather than open-ended/forever statements).


VARD should continue to present solution-oriented ideas for consideration that meet the community vision/goals as

outlined in the Comp Plan on behalf of its members and VARD’s mission to “advocate for … the responsible development and sustainable use of the natural resources in Teton Valley.”


I would support and encourage development in better locations, and create incentives for vacation of non-viable subdivisions. As

noted in the Comprehensive Plan, poorly-planned subdividing of land will not help the Valley’s economy or character. Conversely, well-planned subdividing on marketable land will help the County’s economy. Development can and should occur in better locations than many of the currently platted subdivisions, and this development will contribute to the local economy. I would therefore support careful measures to allow markets to work, but to also ensure on the governmental side that the proposed development or subdivisions are well-planned and appropriate for its particular location.


I would encourage the use of conservation easements, particu-larly the efforts of the Teton Regional Land Trust. Use of this tool, in my view, is the best way to respect private property rights and also preserve the rural character of Teton Valley as called for in the Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan calls for the development of a means to compensate private property owners for large parcels of open space that benefit the community, as well as the exploration of funding opportunities to protect open lands (e.g. Land District, voluntary open space fees and Land Trust Conservation Easements). Therefore, I would champion the respect of private property rights and support the efforts of accredited land trusts and other entities to acquire land and easements for resource protection and community character considerations such as agricultural open space. Com-prehensive Plan at 41.


Any regulations from the County regarding the wildlife overlay should be clearly defined and, as the Comprehensive Plan provides, must be predictable and not vague and ambiguous. These regulations should also respect the role of other federal and state agencies and their expertise. I would encourage the implementation of private partnerships with landowners to vol-untarily protect wildlife and natural resources, which respects private property rights and preserves these resources, both of which are repeatedly called for in the Comprehensive Plan.


Incentives to businesses and developers to build in the cities.


As with all residents of Teton County, everyone should be informed and involved to the extent their circumstances allow in

the preparation of the zoning ordinances and policies that will be subsequently implemented. There should be a diversity of perspectives to best inform the process, particularly the perspective of large land owners who, in my view, have not had their needs fully addressed in the Comprehensive Plan. VARD is a well-organized group of individuals who are primarily transplants from other part of the country, who financially support VARD’s professional staff. Individual members of VARD may not have the time or resources to be directly involved, but I would anticipate that their paid staff will be intimately involved in the implementation phase of the Comprehensive Plan, primarily to provide comments on the drafting of new zoning ordinances and regulations.

u PAGE 4 OCTOBER 2012www.tetonvalleyadvocates.org

Get Involved • Become a Member • TeTon Valley needs you!name ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Members receive meeting invitations, regular newsletters and e-mail updates.

Please ReTuRn THIs FORM wIth YOUR CHeCK To: VaRd PO Box 1164, Driggs, ID 83422

VARD IS A NONPROFIt 501(c)(3) ORGANIZAtION, DONAtIONS ARE tAX DEDUCtIBLE.

MEMBERShIP LEVELSBenefactor ...................$1000+/year ❒Sponsor ................. $500-$999/year ❒Patron ..................... $250-$499/year ❒Friend ...................... $100-$249/year ❒Supporter ...................$50-$99/year ❒Member .......................$25-$49/year ❒

Tin Cup Challenge GratitudeVARD would like to extend our sincerest thanks

to everyone who supported us in the 5th Annual Tin Cup Challenge. We are continuously humbled by the growing support of our organization and are inspired to keep up the hard work of promoting fair and responsible land-use decisions in Teton Valley. THANK YOU!! VARD

Teton County Vacates Fifth Subdivision:Mountain Legends PUD

Mountain Legends PUD (Planned Unit Development), was vacated September 13, 2012. To date, this is the largest plat to be vacated by the county. Platted in 2007 with 114 lots on 197 acres at 3500N and Stateline Road, Mountain Legends was a controversial PUD even back in 2007, with at least one remand ordered from the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) and huge public opposition at all of the public hearings held on this project. This project was platted in Ag2.5 acre zoning, but using Teton County’s previous Urban Reserve PUD ordinance, this development was granted a 65% density bonus. In 2009, the commissioners granted a one time only 12- and 18-month phasing extension that gave the developer until April 4, 2012, to install the infrastructure for this development. With no lots sold and no infrastructure installed, the BOCC unanimously voted to vacate the “paper plat.” VARD

Mark your calendar for this year’s 10th An-nual Mad Hatter Party on Friday, November 9, 6pm-10pm, at Alpine Wines & Bistro in downtown Driggs. Entry will be $25 per per-son / $45 per couple and includes entrance, dinner & drinks from Grand Teton Brewing and Alpine Wines. This year’s hat theme is Visions of the Future.

Enter the raffle for a one-night stay for two at Spring Creek Ranch, and fantastic live auc-tion items will include:• 7-Night Admiral’s Package for Two at the Bitter

End Yacht Club in the British Virgin Islands• Yurt Rental from Rendezvous Backcountry

Tours at your choice of Rammell, Commis-sary Ridge, Plummer Canyon, or Baldy Knoll Mountain Hut VARD

Save the Date: 10th Annual Mad Hatter Party Set for November 9

Visions of the Future

VARD Golf Tournament & Summer Music Party Hit High NotesWe would like to sincerely thank all of our supporters who attended our Summer Music Party this

past June at the Knotty Pine Supper Club in Victor and/or participated in our 3rd Annual Golf Tourna-ment and Evening Social at Huntsman Springs in September! Thank you very much to the staff of the Knotty Pine and Huntsman Springs, attendees and volunteers who came out for these charity events to support healthy air, water, wildlife, and land in Teton Valley! VARD

Special thanks to the “teton Valley Honky tonkers” for their toe-tapping performance at the VArD Summer Music party this June (l-r): ted Wells, Christine langdon, thomas Sneed, Dave Bundy, tom Marshall and greg Creamer.

Documents

pAiD Community’s Vision pErMit #39€¦ · and sites. Telling the story of our history to newcomers and visitors keeps our rural character alive. However, all of this comes back