Ark Valley News - Park City looks to get Prairie Hills residents control with own HOA

Park City looks to get Prairie Hills residents control with own HOA
By David Dinell
Last Updated: May 14, 2015

Residents of Prairie Hills may soon be getting more management over their own development. Park City's city council approved seeking the oversight of the developer's "rights and obligations" for the area. What that does is clear the way for the city to transition to having a homeowners' association for Prairie Hills operated by the residents themselves, with an elected board.

The housing, which was developed by Edge LLC, is south of 61st Street North on the east side of Hydraulic.

The city has more than a causal interest in it as it owns 83 lots there, lots it would love to see occupied by new property taxpayers.

There are about 30 to 35 occupied houses in the subdivision. Those homeowners recently received a letter asking for $200 for community dues, but they balked at that request, saying they didn't see where the money was going and what it would be used for. Things such as mowing of common areas didn't seem to be getting done, they said.

Mayor Ray Mann and city attorney Doug Moshier have been working on the situation, and by backing Edge LLC out of the picture and moving the city and then the residents themselves into it, they believe there will be a brighter future for the area.

Officers of the company still have to sign the measure, but city officials hope and believe that they will, especially as they have become less active in their business endeavors.

Mann is adamant that residents steer their future.

"It only makes sense to let the homeowners control it," he said. "This is a group of people who want an HOA (Homeowners Association) and that's what we want them to have. We're looking to protect the property owners there."

That would include the city — and its investment — as it would have a voice on the direction. If it didn't, such things as architectural mandates could be imposed that might make the area difficult to market.

Homes in Prairie Hills start in the low 160s. The development starts on Hydraulic and goes eastward with a large swath of city-owned land waiting to be developed.

City council members don't want to see the development deteriorate.

"It's an active area and we need to take care of it and protect it," said Jim Schroeder from Ward 1.

Moshier agreed. "It's important to protect our investment," he said.

In other action, the council:

•Witnessed Mayor Ray Mann proclaim May 10 through 16 as "National Police Week."

•Presented service awards to senior reserve police officers Brenda Adams and Randy Browning. Both work without compensation from the city. Since January of last year, the officers have gone through a variety of training each month and have served at numerous community events. The awards were presented by Chief Phil Bostian and witnessed by three active-duty members of the force.

•Approved a resolution that allows the acquisition of private property for the city in connection with improvements to 53rd Street. "We're in pretty good shape," said City Administrator Jack Whitson about clearing the way for the project. Whitson is facing a June deadline for get property acquisitions and right-of-ways in place in order to obtain federal funding.

•Also approved an agreement with Buckley Industries concerning a right of way relating to the 53rd Street project.

•Heard a report from Rick Norman, head of public works, on his department's recent activities, most of which involve mowing and weed control. The department also replaced concrete blocks at the Senior Center.

•Approved the appointment of Judge Gregory Keith as municipal court judge and Brandi Baily as treasurer.

•Accepted appointments to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board/Tree Board. They are: Larry Kelley, Carol Flower and Joel Pumphrey, all with terms expiring May 31, 2018; and Jeff Hardwick, with a term expiring May 31, 2017.

•Approved three appointments to the Planning Commission/Board of Zoning Appeals, with terms expiring May 31, 2018. They are: Harry Woodson, T. Michael Smith and Kris Lewis.

•Accepted two appointments to the Board of Examiners and Appeals, with terms expiring May 31, 2018. They are John Grisham and Tim Hendricks.

All eight council members were present along with the mayor. The next meeting is at 7 p.m. May 26 at City Hall.