Alta council votes to make offer to buy Our Lady of the Snow; council and ACE to negotiate long-term lease

The Alta Town Council voted 4-1 April 24 to authorize making a purchase offer to the Diocese for Our Lady of the Snow, a community facility currently used by Alta Community Enrichment (ACE).

The vote followed a lengthy public discussion about maintenance, long-term use, and who should operate the building if the town acquires it. Council members repeatedly emphasized the goal of preserving ACE’s programming while deciding how to manage town property and budgets going forward.

ACE board president Sarah Snediger spoke for ACE during the meeting and said the organization supports a town purchase if it leads to a long-term agreement that secures ACE’s operations. “We are confident that both the town's and ACE's vision for the building can coexist and that we will be able to enter into an agreement and partnership that is mutually beneficial,” Snediger said. She added that ACE would “support the town in doing so with the belief that we can work together to enter into a long term master lease for ACE to administer the building as a community center for the benefit of all of us.”

Council members debated whether the town should own the building, let ACE buy it, or buy it and grant ACE a long lease. Several council members said ACE is best positioned to manage day-to-day operations; others said the town should not buy the building without a clearer plan for operation and maintenance. One council member summarized the divide: some members favor purchase paired with a long-term lease to ACE, while others oppose a purchase without a full implementation plan.

Public commenters and ACE supporters urged the council to preserve ACE’s stability. ACE board member Evan Tobin submitted documents showing ACE’s 1999 IRS determination as a 501(c)(3) organization and argued donors are more likely to give to ACE than to the town. “If people want to give money, they can do that and reap [tax] benefits,” Tobin said, urging that ACE be able to buy and maintain the building.

Council discussion covered several practical points raised by residents and council members: a May 31 deadline mentioned by the Diocese for resolving the sale; a proposed $1 million contribution from ACE toward the purchase; questions about whether the Forest Service restrictions on the underlying land would limit future uses; and whether ongoing maintenance should be funded by the town or ACE. One council member reported a usage estimate presented in the meeting that OLS is used about 59% by ACE and 41% by the broader community.

After debate the council called for the question and approved the motion to "make a purchase offer to the diocese per the discussed terms" by roll call: Council Member Anselm — yes; Council Member Burton — no; Mayor Mary Burke — yes; Council Member Morgan — yes; Council Member Schelling — yes. The motion passed 4-1.

Council members also asked staff to begin immediate conversations with ACE to work out lease mechanics. The council directed staff to meet with the ACE board and ACE executive director as soon as possible to develop lease terms and the details of a partnership, and the mayor said the town would seek to preserve ACE’s ability to plan by maintaining the current operating arrangements through the end of the year while negotiations continue.

The vote does not by itself finalize a purchase. Council members and staff said additional legal review and a real estate contract will be required if the town proceeds. The council agreed to follow up with a work session and negotiations on lease length and maintenance responsibilities before any final closing.

The decision transfers the transaction from a public hearing into an active negotiation phase: the council authorized making an offer and directed staff to start negotiating a master lease or similar long-term arrangement for ACE’s continued use.