Print Article
This is editorial content, and contains the opinions of the author.
The HOA residents were concerned that not having conformity would lower their property values, while the residents outside of the HOA were concerned about the regulations removing their individualism. While pondering this conundrum, I came up with three questions that I would like to weigh in on. First, is it the responsibility of government to insure and protect the property values of its residents? Second, is it the responsibility of city government to force conformity within the city? And third, why are people willing to discuss things on Facebook, but then not willing to actually attend the City Meetings and voice their input during the legislative process?
First, is the city responsible for keeping a residents property value at it’s current level or working on increasing it? There were several people on Facebook that voiced this concern, as well as a resident making public comment during the Planning Commission discussion about them wanting the city to protect their property values. My answer to that question is NO! But this topic could be a post in itself. It think it is not the cities responsibility, but the responsibility of the resident to protect their property value. I don’t think it is possible for a city to protect your property value, unless every little aspect of your life is regulated. I would like to see a study, that shows a correlation of property value to city or HOA regulations. I know of a lot of areas in Utah that are not under HOA, have no HOA type regulations, but their property value is above average, and the housing market in those areas could be considered booming. Regulations don’t protect your property value, what you do and how you maintain your property does.
“Upon learning of the HOA’s intent to disband, staff and I discussed the impacts of this decision on the City. We quickly identified several areas where a discrepancy between City code and the Ranches HOA standard will have an impact. I did not weigh in on the proposed changes, but I did ask staff to bring changes forward for consideration. In this case, it was far more important that the areas of potential conflict had a proposed change brought forward so that we could discuss it and take action as opposed to leaving the conflict until a later day.” [Proposed Code Changes April 24th, 2017]Is there really going to be a conflict, or are you creating the conflict by trying to stop an imaginary conflict? You have a group of people that wanted the restrictions of the HOA, and another group of people that did not want the restrictions of an HOA. Who is to say that the group who no longer can enforce those restrictions have the higher moral ground, and that those restrictions should now be imposed on the ones who did not want those restrictions? Which conflict are we trying to resolve, if the HOA home owners were so willing to abide by the rules, then why do we even need to have enforcement?
Third, the topic of Facebook quarterbacks. All I can say is shame on the residents of Eagle Mountain. You are willing to let your opinions be known, and bash your neighbors on social media, but you are not willing to put the screen behind, and attend the meetings where the policies are being discussed, and eventually made into law. Real life is where things happen, not in the digital social media world. The discussion of Facebook was active, but then only 5 people attended with only two of them making public comment at the Planning Commission meeting. I should note, that I was there, but was one of those not making comment. I do commend the two individuals that did submit their input to the city prior to the meeting. Out of a population of 20,000+ only 7 people showed the City that they were watching what was happening, and officially voiced their opinion. I had several people tell me that they were glad that I brought this information into the spotlight, one even commented that I was the Forth Branch of the Eagle Mountain Government. I am flattered by those comments, but they can be applied towards my point. I am not the Forth Branch of government, but YOU are. We The People are the fourth branch of government, and it is our responsibility to police the policies and actions of the other three branches. I have heard numerous times from different Elected Officials, that they value our input, that they want to hear from us. And I have no reason to believe that this is political speak, but that they really do want our input. Remember, our elected officials live in a bubble. They only know what they experience, or what they are told. If you do not tell them, then their decisions and actions are limited to that bubble. You are the only way that their bubble can be expanded. If you don’t give them your input, then they have no idea what your thought, trials, philosophies are.
If the City Council passes the new codes, you have lost the right to use 4X4 posts for your deck you now have to use 6X6 posts, prefabricated metal carports are prohibited in front yards, your garage doors need to be non-white and a specific design, and your house can’t have the same floor plan, color scheme, or elevation as the three houses next to you on either side, or the houses across the street. These regulations were all imposed by the now defunct Ranches HOA, but are now going to be imposed on all residents in Eagle Mountain. Does the benefit of conformity out weight the benefit of individualism in regards to these code changes? What other changes will be proposed to avoid conflict?
Mike Kieffer is an IT geek by hobby and trade, with a BS in Information Systems & Technology. He is a proud father of 10, a grandpa, an author, a journalist, and internet publisher. His motto is to “Elevate, Inspire and Inform”, and he is politically conservative and a Christian. Mike has a passion for technology, writing, and helping others. With a wealth of experience, he is committed to sharing his knowledge with others to help them reach their full potential. He is known for his jackassery or his form of self-expression that encourages boldness, creativity, and risk-taking. It can be a way to push the boundaries and challenge traditional norms, leading to creative solutions and positive change.