Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Hailey assesses long-term goals

Strategic planning workshop uncovers hopes and woes

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By TONY EVANS
Express Staff Writer

A strategic planning workshop on March 12 uncovered some lingering economic concerns and possible long-term goals for the city of Hailey.

Twenty members of city departments and commissions as well as Chamber of Commerce officials joined the City Council and Mayor Fritz Haemmerle in an effort to establish capital improvement goals for the coming year. The group also discussed ideas to promote the city to maintain a recent up-tick in local-option tax revenue.

"I think Hailey is just a great place already and we just have to tell people about it," said Hailey Arts Commission Chair R.L. Rowsey, whose commission is in the process of identifying locations for public art in the city and seeking grants for arts commissions.

Rowsey proposed filling empty windows in the downtown core with signs promoting events in the city, such as rodeos, bike races and Fourth of July festivities. The idea was well-received.

Building Official Dave Ferguson recommended building a temporary winter ice rink above the foundation for the Hailey Ice rink, which was left incomplete last year.

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Jason Miller, Mountain Rides executive director and chair of the Hailey Urban Renewal Agency, announced that a new bus stop would soon be built near the Hailey Hotel. He said use of the Hailey circulator bus had doubled in the past year.

Fire Chief Mike Chapman reminded the group that for three years an expected $50,000-per-year infusion of capital for Fire Department upgrades had not materialized, and that the need remains for a new fire station. Haemmerle said he thought the Fire Department and other fire-fighting agencies could share equipment to save costs if "real" consolidation efforts were pursued.

Hailey Public Library librarian LeAnn Gelskey announced that use of the library was up 31 percent over last year, and that a security system and other upgrades were needed. Gelskey said the fundraising group Friends of the Hailey Public Library has only two members, down from 50 a few years ago.

Public Works Director Tom Hellen said he is researching the possibility of having businesses adopt parks in the city to defray the cost of park maintenance.

Haemmerle said the city will hold further hearings on proposed capital improvement expenditures in the coming months.

Tony Evans: tevans@mtexpress.com.

Community Survey results:

Top 5 projects important to Hailey citizens:

1) Rebates for water conservation.

2) Reduction of pesticide and chemical use.

3) Installation of holiday lighting in the downtown.

4) Improved access to trails.

5) More walking or biking paths.

Top 5 things needing improvement:

1) Condition of alleys.

2) Condition of sidewalks.

3) Trash, water and sewer rates.

4) Pedestrian safety.

5) Snow plowing.

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