Special Town Council Meeting

MAYOR TOWN OF ALTA ROGER BOURKE P.O. BOX 8016 ALTA, UTAH 84092 TOWN COUNCIL CAROLYN ANCTIL TEL (801) 363-5105 JOHN BYRNE (801) 742-3522 ELISE MORGAN FAX (801)742-1006 DAN SCHILLING TTY 711 April 24, 2025 – Special Town Council Public Comment and Discussion related to the Town’s potential purchase of Our Lady of the Snows Center Written Public Comments to be included in the Meeting Minutes (presented in the order in which they were received, from April 20 – April 23. Any comments received after April 24 will be posted with the next meeting) Name Page Number Robert Reinfurt 2-3 Jim Williams 4-5 Evan Tobin 6-16  crew put into this a well-thought-out labor of love, always puts community first. I can see many ways to handle the sale of OLS to benefit ACE and the shared interest of the town in serving the community. Either way, I think ACE needs to keep its home at OLS. In the end, whoever ends up with ownership of the building whether that is ACE or the town, in event of a sale, either entity should have first right of refusal in order to keep OLS a place where the community comes first. Supporting Document (if applicable): Is this comment to be included in the minutes for the Yes next Town Council meeting?:  Therefore, the prospect of the town purchasing the Our Lady of the Snows (OLS) structure and then potentially leasing it back to ACE at its current below market / reduced rate raises several questions. Does the town possess the financial capacity to undertake such a purchase, especially when coupled with the need to construct a new community center? Moreover, the FKKR report suggests the necessity of addressing the disrepair of our existing buildings. Considering this, and the apparent need for a dedicated space for our police department, wouldn't it be a more fiscally responsible approach to reconstruct the current building as Comment*: recommended? This could / would / should provide a proper facility for police operations / police housing, emergency / fire services, the post office, and perhaps something like a modest reading room/quiet space to make phone calls, plug in an electric vehicle, hold council meetings, public restrooms that are built to accommodate (like urinals and stalls)– fulfilling essential community needs. Let ACE continue its excellent work in providing social and recreational opportunities. Allow the ego to fade away and the kindness to show towards a pillar of our community. It’s ok to change one’s mind for the long term lasting relationship for the betterment of the community. To relieve the fear of what if…. Perhaps we could have a deed restriction that would allow for the Town to receive the building as a gift from ACE in the case of dissolving the non-profit? Much like George Watson deeding 1800 acres to the Forest Service to allow for a ski area to be developed. Again, it appears that the town's resources would be better allocated to managing and improving the buildings we already possess. Therefore, I respectfully urge the town to reconsider the acquisition of OLS and allow ACE to proceed with its potential purchase independently. There seems to be little direct value for the town in entering the entertainment or venue management business, particularly given our lack of community-led events and dedicated programming. Let us instead focus on more pressing matters, such as the decisions surrounding Patsey Marley and other critical town business. Prioritizing the maintenance and potential reconstruction of our existing infrastructure appears to be a more judicious use of our town's financial resources. Thank you for your time and consideration of these concerns. Sincerely, A Concerned Resident of Alta Jim Williams Supporting Document (if applicable): Is this comment to be included in the minutes for the Yes next Town Council meeting?:  last 30 years, if owned by ACE, will continue to enjoy the widest range of tax sheltered giving opportunities and grant possibilities that would not be available if the Town of Alta buys the building. Comment*: If the Town buys the building they will be saddled with the maintenance and upkeep of the building and will not be able to solicit tax sheltered contributions from donors. Alta has other budget issues which should take priority, including building maintenance projects and facilities requirements. ACE was designated the Alta Arts Council in 1997 in preparation for adding this valuable resource to our community. Please help the vision of Bill Lennon become a reality which will ever memorialize his love of this community and hopefully can even be named "The Bill Lennon Memorial ACE Community Center or something like that! I implore the Town Council to withdraw it's letter of intent to purchase OLS from the diocese and instead endorse ACE's letter of intent by reminding the Diocese that ACE is the Alta Arts Council and therefore an integral part of the Town. Thank you for your time, please reflect on the attached documents and act in the best interests of the town and the community. Sincerely, Evan Tobin Supporting ACE funding-arts council proposal-resolution and 501c3 Document (if determination.pdf (see below) applicable): Is this comment to be included in the minutes for the Yes next Town Council meeting?: