April Newsletter: Interview with victim advocate Malena Stevens

Post Date:04/07/2017 4:53 PM

 

 

 

SO MANY WAYS TO STAY ENGAGED IN OUR COMMUNITY

Friends,

Engaged residents and citizens are an essential component for creating and sustaining our complete community. This month's newsletter highlights several ways for you to become and stay engaged with city projects and initiatives.

  • There will be two meetings about parking management in Old Town on April 12 & 13. These are the first in a series of ongoing public forums, which will give you an opportunity to learn the outlines of the plan, as well as provide input about your parking and commuting needs.
  • We will be hosting Coffee with Council on Tuesday, April 25. My fellow councilors and I have enjoyed these informal chats with residents because they give us a sense of what's important to you.
  • We currently have openings on three boards (information below). Boards and commissions are one of the most powerful ways you can make your voice heard and help create a bright future for our town.
  • And, lastly, we have an article about what to consider if you're thinking about running for office (the filing window for City Council opens June 1).We welcome a diversity of voices on our council, and I would ask everyone who may be interested to strongly consider running.Be sure to also save the date for our Running for Office workshop on May 17 (details to follow).

I look forward to seeing you at our next community event!

— Jack Thomas, Mayor

 

INFORMATION IS THE KEY TO TAKING BACK YOUR POWER

Park City's Victim Advocate Coordinator Malena Stevens says gathering information is a crucial first step to removing yourself from a bad situation

Park City Municipal: What is a victim advocate?

Malena Stevens: Victim advocates assist the victim of any violent crime, as well as people who are subject to the threat of violence such as stalking. Our cases include sexual assault and domestic violence as well as simple assaults such as bar fights. We also assist with unattended deaths and suicides. We provide information and emotional support, and we connect the victims with legal, housing, medical, and other resources.

PCMC: Who provides these additional resources?

MS: We work with a dedicated network of providers including Utah Legal Services in Salt Lake City, the Christian Center, Peace House, Valley Behavioral Health, Holy Cross Ministries, and Mountainlands Community Housing Trust. Oftentimes, victims are dealing with more than just the crime itself, so we need to offer a complete continuum of care.

PCMC: How many clients do you work with, and what is the demographic composition?

MS: I have an average of 150 clients a year, about 75 percent of whom are women. The majority of my cases are related to domestic violence. People should understand that domestic violence does not discriminate: it affects every socio-economic level and segment of the community. I have clients from some of the wealthiest neighborhoods in town; in fact, money can be a key way to abuse and control someone. Attorneys can help victims put together a financial game plan, which is one reason we encourage people to contact us if they are thinking of leaving and abusive situation.

 

 

 

 

WHAT TO CONSIDER IF YOU'RE CONSIDERING RUNNING FOR OFFICE

You—yes you—should think about serving

City Council elections are in November, and three seats, including the mayor’s, will be on the ballot. The filing window is fast approaching (June 1-7). Before you file, Park City Election Official Michelle Kellogg and Councilwoman Becca Gerber offer the following helpful background.

Technical Filing Requirements

PCMC: What should people know about the process before they decide to file?

Michelle Kellogg: We want potential candidates to understand the laws and protocols that govern municipal elections. Understanding these will save them a lot of unnecessary effort and confusion.Read on to learn the basics of filing and what to expect when campaigning and serving.

 

 

WHERE DOES PARK CITY'S STORMWATER END UP?

When it rains or snows in Park City, stormwater that flows into the gutters and storm drains eventually end up in McLeod and Silver Creeks without being treated. These creeks drain into the Weber River, which flows into the Great Salt Lake. It’s important that you never use the gutter or storm drain to dispose of used kitchen chemicals. Use environmentally safe products or contact the Summit County Landfill to find out how to dispose of your unwanted hazardous kitchen materials.

It’s important that we think big picture and do everything we can to prevent the contamination of Utah’s water system. Visit parkcityutilities.org to learn how.

 

 

The public is invited and encouraged to attend the following meetings this month. Follow this link for additional meeting information and agendas.

Wed., April 12 Parking Community Forum | 4:00 pm | Park City Library

Wed., April 12 Planning Commission | 5:30 pm | Council Chambers

Thurs., April 13 Parking Community Forum| 9:00 am| Park City Library

Thurs., April 13 City Council | 6:00 pm | Council Chambers

Mon., April 17 Public Art Advisory Board | 5:00 pm| Marsac Executive Conference Room

Wed., April 19 Special Events Advisory Committee | 12:00 pm|Park City Library

Tues., April 25 COSAC | 8:30 am | Council Chambers

Wed., April 26 Planning Commision | 5:30 pm | Council Chambers

Tues., April 25 Coffee with Council | 9:00 am |Park City Library

Thurs., April 27 City Council | Time TBD | Council Chambers

Can't make it to City Council or Planning Comission in person? Attend virtually or download the recording via the Listen Live link.

 

 

This month we will be kicking off an ongoing series of community forums to discuss the upcoming Old Town Parking Management Plan. Please join us for the first in the series of discussions this month at the Park City Library. We want to hear your commuting and parking needs, and get your input on incentive programs. We hope to see you there!

 

 

 

 

PRESERVATION UTAH HONORS PCMC WITH TWO HERITAGE AWARDS

McPolin Farm & Comstock Mine both cited for stabilization and restoration efforts

Last night, PCMC staff received two Heritage Awards in the category of Stabilization, Restoration, or Renovation from Preservation Utah. The California Comstock Mill Building and the McPolin Farm were both recognized.

Over the summer of 2016 and with the help of local contractor, Clark Martinez Xcavation Inc., construction crews carefully cleared debris, salvaged structural members, and reconstructed the back half of the California Comstock Mill Building. The mill is no longer threatened by collapse, and the structural stabilization will allow for the safe, future restoration efforts on the stone foundation and remaining wood structure. This project was executed in collaboration with Friends of Ski Mountain Mining History and Park City Mountain, on whose property the building sits. Special thanks to both entities for helping bring this project to fruition.

The McPolin Barn—the iconic national historic landmark that graces the entry corridor on SR224—will stand tall for generations to come, thanks to a extensive structural upgrade. The six-month-long construction project—led by CRSA Architects and Hogan Construction—wrapped up in December. The scope included new footings installed underneath the barn floor, new interior structural framing, a new brace frame on the interior of the gambrel roof, and the restoration of historic windows and installation of replica windows, which has allowed the first to be daylit for the first time in a generation. The adjacent silos were also seismically stabilized and patched. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held in the summer.

The Heritage Awards "celebrate the people who make preservation happen." Thank you to all of the dedicated PCMC staff—including Matt Twombly, Denise Carey, Anya Grahn, and Jarren Chamberlain—as well as the volunteers, residents, businesses, architects, nonprofits, and contractors who help Park City maintain our rich history.

Read the full press release here.

 

 

 

PCMC STAFFER PRESENTS NET-ZERO CONCEPTS AT SUSTAINABILITY SUMMIT

Energy project manager Bina Skordas outlined how the city's water- and energy-conservation programs can be applied to other communities

On March 17, PCMC Energy Project Manager Bina Skordas took part in a panel discussion titled “Net Zero Intersections: Energy, Carbon & Water.” The panel was part of the Intermountain Sustainability Summit at Weber State University. Ms. Skordas explained that the term “net-zero” generally refers to a building or other system that produces as much of something (such as energy or water) as it consumes. Ms. Skordas and the panelists addressed the applications and scalability of net-zero concepts and outlined how the should shape planning and goal-setting at both the building and broader community level (including municipalities and campus environments). Ms. Skordas used PCMC’s net-zero goals and programs to illustrate how these concepts can be applied in real-world settings. Brava, Bina!

 

 

Water & Energy Program Framework

 

 

APPLICATIONS WANTED FOR ADJUSTMENT, HISTORIC PRESERVATION & LIBRARY BOARDS

Community boards are the lifeblood of our local democracy, and our city government couldn't run without them. Please help keep our institutions strong and vibrant. Right now, there are openings for three city boards: Board of Adjustment, Historic Preservation, and Library. Terms and meeting commitments vary, but you can learn more and download the applications by visiting the Boards & Commissions tab on the city's website.

 

CITY LEADERS EDUCATE PCMC STAFF ABOUT CLIMATE REALITY PROJECT

Park City has North America’s most ambitious climate goals: to be net-zero carbon and running on 100% renewable electricity by 2022 for municipal operations, and by 2032 community-wide.

On March 31, 40 municipal employees attended a Climate Reality Project presentation by city manager Diane Foster, Mayor Jack Thomas, and Environmental Sustainability Manager Luke Cartin at the Park City Library. The informational presentation covered the latest climate science and recent extreme weather events, as well as solutions to solving the climate crisis. After the presentation, employees were invited to share their ideas of what Park City should stop doing, start and stop doing, and continue to reach its climate goals.

If you are interested in hosting a Climate Reality Project presentation for your organization, please contact Celia Peterson at celia.peterson@parkcity.org.

 

SAVE THE DATE: COFFEE WITH COUNCIL APRIL 25

Mayor Jack Thomas & Councilwoman Becca Gerber hosted the March Council community outreach event at the Spur on March 28. Great conversation! Thanks to everyone who attended. Save the date for our next event in the series: Coffee with Council, Tuesday, April 25, from 9:00 to 10:30 am at the Park City Library. Look for an invitation in your email later this month.

 

PARK CITY WASTE & RECYCLING CONTAINER ETIQUETTE

In 2015, Park City adopted a Waste & Recycling Receptacle Ordinance and amended municipal code for all properties in Old Town.The code specifies:

  • Receptacles can be curbside no earlier than 6:00 p.m. the night before collection. For example, if collection day in Old Town is Thursday, receptacles are allowed curbside starting at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday.
  • Receptacles must be removed by 11:59 p.m. the day of collection. For example, if collection day in Old Town is Thursday, receptacles must be removed by 11:59 p.m. Thursday. If collection is delayed due to weather, holiday schedules, or any other reason, receptacles must be removed by 11:59 p.m. that day.
  • All receptacles must be labeled with your street address with a 2-inch label. If your address is 123 Main Street, “123” is the required information on the front and the top of your receptacles. Labels may be stickers, written, painted, or otherwise applied. Labels must not interfere with the collection of the receptacle.

Full details of the municipal code and the ordinance are available here. If you have any questions, please contact Code Enforcement at 435.615.5100.Summit County also provides helpful waste and recycling information on their website.


 



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Departments » Sustainability » For Homes

Home: Energy Myths

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Some ideas are so widely held that they generate little scrutiny or even a second thought. While often factual, such common wisdom can also be based on outdated or erroneous information—old-wives tales or urban legends. Widespread misconceptions about home energy use—often taken as fact—can cost homeowners on their energy bills and lead to unnecessary home maintenance and reduced comfort.

Following are some common home energy myths that may be costing you.

1. Setting the thermostat higher or lower will heat or cool the house faster.

 Many a homeowner has come home to an uncomfortable house and set the thermostat higher or lower than necessary, thinking it will warm or cool faster. In reality, a furnace or air-conditioner works at the same speed, no matter what the thermostat setting. A home will warm up to 68ºF just as quickly if the thermostat is set at 68ºF as it would if the thermostat was set at 80ºF. In such instances, energy may be wasted as the heating or cooling system continues to run after it  reaches your desired set point.

2. A heating and cooling system "works harder" to reach a comfortable temperature after setback or set forward.Many people do not adjust their thermostat at night or while the home is unoccupied because of the common misconception that the heating or cooling system must "work harder" or use more energy to reheat or re-cool the house. This is not how a thermostat works. The system turns on to reach a set level and then shuts off when that level is reached. It can be likened more to a switch that shuts on and off, rather than a gas pedal that accelerates faster the more you step on it.

3. Energy efficiency and energy conservation are the same thing.
Efficiency refers to using less to perform a specific task. Examples include replacing traditional lighting with LEDs (light emitting diodes), or installing a high performance appliance. Conservation refers to reducing your need for energy through changes in behavior, such as setting the thermostat lower or riding a bike to work.

4. When an appliance is turned off, it is off.
Many appliances and electronic devices—such as coffee makers and cell phone chargers—in the home continue to use power after they have been switched off. Sometimes as much as if they were on! This is known as standby power or “phantom load.” The only way to stop the power usage by these devices is to unplug them.

5. Leaving lights, computers and appliances on uses less energy than turning them on and off.
In most cases, the small surge of power needed to start a device is much less than the power that is wasted by leaving it on when it is not needed.

6. Duct tape is the best choice for sealing ducts.
Duct tape has very low durability when used to seal ducts, according to laboratory research. On new installations duct tape will not last long without extensive surface preparation, especially in dirty or dusty locations. Over time, duct tape will fall off as the adhesive dries out and the tape starts to wrinkle. Mastic or metal-backed tapes—available at your local hardware or do-it-yourself retailer—are better choices for duct sealing.

7. Purchasing an efficient air-conditioner or furnace will automatically reduce energy bills.
This is true to some extent, but optimal savings will not be achieved unless the system is sized and installed correctly. Installing an efficient, but over-sized, system can negate much of the potential savings, while a poorly designed duct system can also have an impact on efficiency and comfort. Windows, doors, and insulation also play a factor in heating and cooling efficiency. 

8. Dimming lights by 50% will cut lighting costs in half.
In reality, the relationship is not quite direct and the savings may be less than expected. Dimmed lights do use less power, but when lights are dimmed, the voltage drops and the filament becomes cooler. This causes a loss in overall efficiency.

9. Closing off vents will help to lower heating and cooling costs.
Closing or covering up vents is typically not a good way to save on energy costs. Heating and cooling systems balance their load throughout the duct system. If one vent gets closed off, it throws the system off balance. Pressure can build up in the duct work, causing leakage and less air circulating in your home. This reduces system efficiency and home comfort.