The setting was informal: The Deerfield-area home of Hailey Mayor Rick Davis. The group was select: people Davis had chosen for a variety of reasons, and invited to his living room via e-mail.
The topics? Whatever the group came up with. Davis called the meeting, the first of what he described as the "Mayor's Advisory Committee," to gather information on a variety of issues facing the city.
"I think this first meeting went very well," Davis said. "I realize now the need for more outreach to inform the community on issues."
Attendees to the meeting included Bob MacLeod, builder Brian Bothwell, architect Jay Cone, Hailey Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jim Spinelli, real estate agent Julie Evans, attorney Martin Flannes, landscaper Peter Lobb, and former fireman and P&Z member Rob Thomas.
"I selected these individuals for the meeting because they have attended city meetings, written letters or blogs, and otherwise been involved in the well-being of the city," he said. E-mails to the group were sent by Robin Crotty, an administrative assistant at Hailey City Hall.
The attending committee members threw out topics without a formal agenda. Davis compiled a list of these issues on a yellow pad, while attendees enjoyed hors d'oeuvres, wine and beer.
Topics discussed during the meeting were protection of the city's water rights, clearing debris from alleys, developing incentives for commercial developments in Hailey's downtown, fire department consolidation, emergency dispatch fees, the city budget , the extension of city services without annexation, local option tax revenues, tree maintenance in city rights of way, bicycle safety and jay-walking.
Davis answered several pertinent questions and resolved to research and address others by the next meeting. He said city staff are doing a "terrific job" despite losing 10 positions due to budget constraints. He also said the emergency dispatch fee issue, which will go to a countywide vote in November, is settled for now, but will need a "permanent solution" in the future.
"I think this first meeting went very well," Davis said. "The information I gathered here will be invaluable."
Also invited to participate in the meetings were Wood River High School student Chauncey McGraw, Hailey Parks and Lands Board Vice President Darin Sales, former Power Engineers Vice President Frank Halverson, South Valley Merchants Alliance organizer Kim Garvin, Friedman Airport Operations Chief Pete Kramer, YMCA Executive Director Teresa Beahan and Willi Huxford.
Davis said the most pressing issue facing the city is the special election in November to repeal development impact fees and business license fees. Development impact fees were implemented two years ago to ensure that real estate developers in the city pay for their impacts on city services. The fees are used to finance the city's long term capital plan. Business license fees are used to pay for annual safety inspections at Hailey businesses.
"I think our first meeting was pretty successful," said Thomas. "It was good to have some general topics and public opinions expressed in a more relaxed atmosphere. I think it was an attempt by city government to be more in touch with city constituents and he (Davis) achieved that. People could give us a call if they have topics they would like us bring to the next meeting."
