Responses from Dirk Youngberg, candidate for City Council At Large Seat A
I believe that the zoning ordinances that are presently in effect are adequate. When proposals for a zoning change are submitted, they are presented to the City Council by the Planning Department with recommendations from the Planning Commission for consideration on a one by one basis. I would consider looking into the overlay zoning that allows for current changes in land use, to possibly allow more widespread use of the overlay in the city as businesses and demographics change.
2. The UTA and the Wasatch Front Regional Council have proposed a streetcar or bus rapid transit system for Ogden, which would connect downtown with WSU and McKay-Dee Hospital via Harrison Blvd. The present administration favors instead a gondola line over a similar route. The administration has also proposed streetcar routes in other parts of Ogden and neighboring cities. What are your views on these competing proposals?
At this point in time I would support a streetcar or bus rapid transit system, because of the economic effects and the more accessible stops for passengers. The street car and rapid transit systems have shown to be beneficial along their routes for economic development. The Gondola system would most likely be limited to fewer access points, therefore limiting the economic development to those areas.
3. If elected, would you favor or oppose the sale of any city-owned open space along the benches for private development? Please explain.
I would be opposed to the sale of City owned property along the benches, I believe that we need to keep and maintain these areas for the use and enjoyment of all citizens and the future of our children. Many cities are struggling to acquire the same types of open spaces that we have in out own back yard.
4. Should you be elected, do you plan to recommend changes in the way Ogden deals with waste, recyclables, water conservation, and/or protecting our aquifers and watershed areas? If so, what changes will you recommend, and why?
It is our obligation to keep our environment clean and free from pollutants. We live in a desert, the water that we have is limited. I believe that we need to protect our watersheds and aquifers from pollution. We need to implement and educate citizens on water conservation programs, along with a recycling program to help alleviate the excess waste of land fill spaces.
5. The current administration supports rewriting Ogden's Sensitive Area Overlay Zone ordinance in such a way as to eliminate the current ban on construction on land sloped at 30 percent or more, and to increase the density of development that is permitted on other steeply sloped lands. What are your views on these proposed changes?
I would not support construction on the slopes with 30 percent or more. There are many instances in neighboring communities where problems exist when building on slopes of 30 percent or greater.
6. Ogden's urban and foothill trails are a valuable recreational asset for residents and an important factor in drawing visitors and businesses to Ogden. If elected, what changes (if any) would you propose to the city's trail system?
I would propose that we complete the trail systems and implement a maintenance program to keep them in usable state.
7. Do you favor designating a portion of the National Forest lands above Ogden as federally protected wilderness? Why or why not?
I would be in favor designating a portion of the National Forest land as wilderness. It is important to preserve those areas to enjoy the serenity away from the distractions of City life. Ogden is a unique area because of the many outdoor activities we have to offer. Preserving a portion of the National Forest would help to promote our outdoor recreation and our dedication to a better outdoor experience. I cannot think of a better way to enhance those outdoor opportunities for people to enjoy, and to let everyone know how much we value our outdoor areas.
8. The current administration has recently reduced the city's energy and carbon footprint by buying renewable energy credits and hybrid vehicles and by initiating the Fresh Air Fridays program. Do you support these programs? Would you favor expanding them? Why or why not?
I support the programs to reduce energy consumption, and to promote cleaner air. I would be in favor of expanding the programs. Considering the air pollution we face throughout the year we should look into more ways to reduce pollutants introduced into the air. Some examples would be to provide more education on the effects and ways to reduce carbon output, dedicated bike lanes in streets, windmill power generating farms, hybrid vehicles, and mass transit systems, and by purchasing products that consume less energy to operate.
9. What other environmental issues would you address if elected?
I would like to add more educational material such as, how to reduce energy consumption, water conservation, eco-friendly landscaping to the Ogden City Television Channel 17, and in the water bills.