May 16, 2006 – STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS – UTAH COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION

2. That no public access be allowed or created from American Fork Canyon onto the Snowbird Mineral Basin Accessory Ski area;”

Editors note : [Why has Snowbird has been actively buying up land, fully aware that they were told no lower AF Canyon access?]

http://www.utahcountyonline.org/Dept/COMDEV/Data/Minutes/PLANCOM/2006/051806.pdf

[Bill Ferguson arrived and took his place as Chair]

SNOWBIRD CORP – PROPOSED SITE PLAN AMENDMENT FOR MINERAL BASIN SKI AREA IN THE CE-1 ZONE, Sections 10-22, T3S, R3E, American Fork Canyon area

Mr. Mendenhall explained that in 1997 Snowbird Corporation was granted a conditional use permit for accessory ski lifts and associate facilities as per Section 5-5-C-10 of the Utah County Land Use ordinance with the original site plan calling for the Mineral Basin double chair lift, Mineral Basin Quad lift, a warming hut for ski patrol and lift operators, hiking trails, ski runs, service road, skiers access tunnel and a bomb tram option. The proposed amendment to the Snowbird Ski Resort, Mineral Basin site plan would add additional area and a mountain rescue station warming hut with storage of safety and rescue gear in sections 19, 20, 29 & 30 in T3S, R3E, in the Mineral Basin area of American Fork Canyon area. This is in the CE-1, Critical Environment zone. There are now two ski lifts in that area with some access roads, and a tunnel at the top which allows skiers to access Mineral Basin. Mr. Mendenhall explained that the proposal is in the name of safety in the sense that it is to place a rescue station lower into the mineral basin area so when a skier or summer hiker is stranded, there will be a rescue station and warming facility. This would require expanding the proposed boundary of the Snowbird parcel (11:058:0037). Staff recommend approval with three conditions as found in the May 16, 2006 staff report.

Edward ‘Ted’ Kimball, representing Snowbird, and also a resident and property owner in the area, explained the need for a base camp for rescue personnel and equipment in this area. This back country is used by the public both summer and winter, and continues to be a concern for Snowbird, Utah County and the local property owners as well. Mr. Kimball explained that the base camp would be a locked facility housing radios and rescue equipment used by rescue patrols, but would be a shelter which would also serve to orient lost hikers or winter sportsman until help would arrive. As to the issue of vandalism, there is a heavy locked gate which has been in place for three years. The County Sheriff is investigating some problems they have been having.

Motion: Dean Miner        Second: Rebecca Albiston

That the Planning Commission approve the amended plan for the Snowbird Corporation for an expanded boundary to include a rescue station warming hut in the Mineral Basin accessory ski area to the Snowbird Ski Resort if the following findings can be met and the following conditions attached:

PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES May 16, 2006 Page 4 of 5

Findings:
1. It meets the requirements of section 7-24-D, standard 3(a) through (g);
2. It is an existing accessory ski lift and associated ski facility area connected to the Snowbird Ski Resort;
3. The expanded boundary is to accommodate the best location for the rescue station warming hut facility.

Conditions:

1. That the boundary of parcel 11:058:0037 include the proposed expansion and that no new parcel be created which would be in violation of the Utah Code Annotated 1953 as amended, Section 17-27a-103(38), definition of “subdivision”;

2. That no public access be allowed or created from American Fork Canyon onto the Snowbird Mineral Basin Accessory Ski area;

3. That Snowbird Corporation submit an operations plan for the maintenance of the Rescue Station warming hut facility for both structure and safety supplies and equipment.

The motion passed by a unanimous vote.