Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Open Space Funding topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Open Space committee votes to recommend $750,000 for 'Heart of Midway' easement
Summary
The Midway Open Space Committee voted to recommend that the City Council allocate $750,000 from a proposed bond to help complete the 'Heart of Midway' conservation easement; Utah Openlands and Preserve Midway said the local dollars would leverage private and federal funds toward a larger $5 million project.
The Midway Open Space Committee voted to recommend that the City Council approve $750,000 from a proposed second open‑space bond to help buy a conservation easement on the so‑called “Heart of Midway.” The recommendation passed by voice vote after a brief motion and second; committee leadership said the commitment would strengthen other grant and foundation applications.
Wendy, representing Utah Openlands, told the committee the Heart of Midway reflects several adjacent landowners who have partnered to preserve views and pastureland and that prior federal funding under the Regional Conservation Partnership Program was frozen, requiring reapplication. "We already secured $250,000 from the open space bond," Wendy said, and she asked the committee to consider another $750,000 so Midway’s contribution would total $1,000,000 toward an estimated $5,000,000 project that combines public funds, private donations and landowner contributions.
Chair asked for the formal motion: "Can I get a motion and a 2nd to present to the city council our recommendation for $750,000 for this project?" A motion was moved and seconded and the committee responded "Aye." The transcript records no roll‑call tally; the action was recorded as a voice vote in favor.
Committee members said they wanted the recommendation to appear on the July 7 City Council agenda so the group could show committed local funding to other potential donors and foundations. Wendy and staff said presenting July 7 would improve the committee’s standing in pending grant applications and expedite other fundraising steps.
The committee's action is a recommendation to the City Council, not a final appropriation. The City Council must still review and authorize the actual allocation of bond proceeds. The committee also discussed continued fundraising and the organization's plan to leverage the requested city contribution to match private and federal grants.
The committee adjourned after scheduling follow‑up briefings and asking staff and Utah Openlands to prepare materials for the July council meeting.
