Last week, I gained an appreciation of how nice it is when Ketchum officials simply listen to public comment, rather than defend, check their watch, call time after a short minute, or even tell you you're not allowed to speak - all of which has happened to me and others - a major reason people don't come to public meetings.

The positive experience happened with Ketchum's Urban Renewal Agency (KURA). At a meeting to determine their priorities for the coming year, the four (out of seven) Board members present were low-key, respectful of each other and the public, and good listeners to all exchanges. Of significance were up-front comments by two Commissioners that the KURA's past must be put behind it. They stated their commitment to turning the KURA into a positive agency that does things the right way and for the benefit of the public and economic development. The meeting that followed was productive.

Major questions to be faced are how to dispose of KURA current properties, especially the costly Visitor's Center. Should the KURA sell the Visitor's Center/Starbucks building encumbered by Starbucks' lease (ending in 2021) with its way-below-market rate rent? Should it cut its losses and pay Starbucks the $100,000 lease buyout fee to free the building for sale as soon as possible? Should the building parcel be reconfigured (leaving the Town Plaza as is) so as to make it more attractive to a buyer? Lots to consider. 

The Doll's House property was not discussed, as I remember. However, a local finance person - who shall go unnamed - did suggest to me that it should be cultivated for pleasure and income as a marijuana garden! 

Deferring to the KURA's decisions about these larger questions, I submitted for additional consideration the original 2011 Ketchum Business Group (KBG) proposal for a Visitor's Center - one that could still be implemented in some degree. (The Board listened, they really listened!) At the time, just 1/2 of the building, or 2,000 square feet, was out for bid. The proposal, signed by 100 business owners at the time, offered rent at a market rate, a more completely developed plan than Starbucks', and fewer constraints on the KURA; it would have actively promoted all types of local businesses and the Valley's desirable lifestyle to visitors, potential residents, and possible enterpreneurs. You can read it here.

The KBG plan was, however, turned down by the KURA board at the time, after a 15-minute public presentation. Starbucks' proposal was chosen - perhaps not a surprise since franchise representatives had had the advantage of having talked with the Board for several months. In fact, Starbucks' representatives didn't even attend the meeting, much less present their proposal.  

I also suggested that, as the KURA does its scenario planning for the future, it should consider not just the prospect of continuing and adding more projects, but the opposite: moving to as swift a closure as possible. After all, the Board still needs time to fully understand where the KURA is now and to set its priorities; it will then take a few more years to untangle and complete what's currently on its plate (including Sun Valley Company's urban renewal at River Run). 

Planning and Zoning Director Micah Austin reported that, after expenses, the KURA will have $500,000 in the till as of 2016. The KURA then began to consider whether the money should be used to pay down the KURA pre-payment penalty bonds - whose debt service consumes roughly 1/2 of the KURA's income - or to take on new projects that may be brought, for example, by Sun Valley Economic Development or the Ketchum Community Development Center?  If you have an opinion, let your reasoning be known to friends, Micah Austin and the Commissioners!  

Until next week...Jima Rice