PARK CITY -- In a letter to the judge overseeing the eviction case involving Park City Mountain Resort, lawyers asked for an extension to keep mediation talks going.
"Earlier today, Talisker, Vail and PCMR sent the attached letter to the Honorable Judge Ryan Harris, Third District Court Judge. Together, we reported that the parties continue to work in good faith with the mediator," John Lund, a lawyer for Talisker, wrote in an email to FOX 13.
The letter asks for a week to keep negotiating, setting a new mediation deadline for Aug. 24.
Read the letter to the judge here:
On Park City's Main Street, businesses were thrilled with the news of negotiations continuing. With jobs and tourist dollars at stake, many feared an economic hit if one of the town's three ski resorts was to suddenly cease operations.
"I think both sides, both Park City Mountain Resort and Canyons/Vail, they understand what it would mean to the community not to have a ski season," said Alison Butz, the executive director of the Historic Park City Alliance. "And yes, there would be heartbreak if that were to come forward. But really, the best scenario would be for that terrain to be used for skiing this winter."
Bill Malone, the president of the Park City Chamber of Commerce and Visitor's Bureau, told FOX 13 they were bracing for an economic hit "similar to what we experienced with the recession."
Malone said the bulk of ski season bookings take place in January, buying them time. The visitor's bureau is in the midst of planning its upcoming marketing campaign to cities outside Utah. Malone said it remains uncertain about how they would handle PCMR.
"We do have time but the longer it goes, the more anxiety it creates," he said.
A judge ruled that PCMR missed a deadline to renew its lease on the mountain, which Talisker owns. The judge also signed an eviction order for PCMR, but ordered both sides into mediation.
As part of ongoing negotiations, PCMR and Talisker said they were open to the idea of posting a bond in order to keep going for the 2014-15 ski season. The judge set a Friday deadline for bond figures, which are anticipated to be in the millions of dollars.
Talisker Holdings filed papers with the court late Friday stating how much it believed PCMR should pay in a bond, but the exact amount was filed under a protective order.
Read Talisker's filing with the court here:
In its own filing, Park City Mountain Resort attorneys revealed how much they believe the resort should pay: anywhere from $1-6 million.
Read Park City Mountain Resort's filing with the court here:
At a hearing on Aug. 27, it is anticipated that Judge Ryan Harris will determine an exact amount in order to stay the eviction order.
