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There are also over 700 [[Mormon Fundamentalists]] ( |
There are also over 700 [[Mormon Fundamentalists]] (all associated with the LDS Church), many of whom practice [[plural marriage]], who live in Eagle Mountain. |
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Despite a recent claim by the Chicago Tribune, it should be born in mind that the [[Apostolic United Brethren]] are a small minority of the population in Eagle Mountain, and their percentage of the population is in constant decline as the city mushrooms. |
Despite a recent claim by the Chicago Tribune, it should be born in mind that the [[Apostolic United Brethren]] are a small minority of the population in Eagle Mountain, and their percentage of the population is in constant decline as the city mushrooms. |
Revision as of 21:00, 17 October 2007
Eagle Mountain, Utah | |
---|---|
Country | United States |
State | Utah |
County | Utah |
Area | |
• Total | 41.7 sq mi (108.0 km2) |
• Land | 41.7 sq mi (108.0 km2) |
• Water | 0.0 sq mi (0.0 km2) |
Elevation | 4,882 ft (1,488 m) |
Population (2000) | |
• Total | 2,157 |
• Density | 51.7/sq mi (20.0/km2) |
Time zone | UTC-7 (Mountain (MST)) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC-6 (MDT) |
ZIP code | 84043 |
Area code | 801 |
FIPS code | 49-20810Template:GR |
GNIS feature ID | 1759211Template:GR |
Eagle Mountain is a city in Utah County, Utah, United States. The city is located to the west of the Lake Mountains, which are west of Utah Lake. It was incorporated December 3, 1996 and has been rapidly growing ever since. The population was 2,157 at the 2000 census. By February 2007 the estimated population had reached 19,000.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 108.0 square kilometres (41.7 square miles (108.0 km2)).
Eagle Mountain sits at the western base of the Lake Mountains in the flat Cedar Valley northeast of the city of Cedar Fort. An area known as The Ranches is also being developed just north of the Lake Mountains on Utah State Route 73 (west of Lehi), within the city limits of Eagle Mountain.
A citywide 2005 Dan Jones Survey resulted in Mr. Dan Jones reporting to the 2005 council that it was more than likely major moral and political battles would be had in the town because of the predominant religious base of LDS in the area.
Highway 73 and Eagle Mountain Boulevard provide access to the city from Utah Valley and Salt Lake Valley, although the city center sits at least 15 miles (24 km) from the two valleys' main transportation corridor along Interstate 15. The Utah Department of Transportation is in the process of planning a western freeway for the Salt Lake valley which would connect to Highway 73 only a few miles from The Ranches Parkway and Eagle Mountain Boulevard and provide more direct access to Provo and Salt Lake City.[1]
Climate
Most of Utah is arid and high in elevation. Much of eastern and southern Utah receive 12 inches (300 mm) or less of precipitation per year, while many mountain areas receive more than 40 inches (1 m) per year, with some areas receiving up to 60 in (1.5 m). Much of western Utah receives less than 10 inches (25 cm), while the Wasatch Front receives approximately 15 inches (38 cm). Snowfall is common from November through mid-April in the lower elevations and from October through May in the mountains. The mountains often remain snow-covered into July.
During summer and fall, most of the precipitation is received from the storms coming from the south and consists of short, sporadic, and intense thunderstorms that can cause wildfires and flash floods. Most precipitation during the rest of the year is received from the Pacific Ocean. Spring is the wettest season across the north, while late summer and early fall are the wettest times in the south, and winter is the wettest season in most of the mountain areas.
Temperatures during the winter across most of Utah are below freezing. High temperatures average between 25 °F (-4 °C) and 50 °F (10 °C) across the state. Days below 0 °F (-18 °C) can be expected in many areas at least once a year, but in most of the populated areas, periods of subzero temperature are usually short in duration and not severe.
Mountains to the north and east of the state sometimes serve as barriers to Arctic air. In the summer, high temperatures average between 85 °F (29 °C) and 100 °F (38 °C). Days over 100 °F (38 °C) can be expected in most areas below 5,000 feet (1,500 m) at least once per year and are the norm in the southern valleys.
Utah, like most of the western United States, has few days of thunderstorms. On average there are fewer than 40 days of thunderstorm activity during the year, although these storms can be briefly intense when they do occur. Tornadoes are uncommon.
Wildlife
While driving to the City Center, it is not uncommon to see herds of wild antelope grazing on undeveloped land. In the winter, deer can also be seen foraging for food in your yard, or more likely dead along the side of the road. Along with cottontail rabbits, field mice, and foxes which are out and about depending on the season and time of day.
Residents occasionally encounter small scorpions, camel spiders, crickets, ticks, and all kinds of other desert insects.
History
Pre-history
The area now known as Eagle Mountain is also home to a number of natural landmarks, including:
- A site along the original Pony Express trail.[2]
- 1,800-year-old rock art petroglyphs carved by ancient Freemont Indians.[3]
Prior to incorporation, most of the land within the boundary of what is now Eagle Mountain was zoned by Utah County for agricultural use, with large lot residential development also allowed.
1990s to present
The city of Eagle Mountain, Utah was incorporated on December 3, 1996.[4]
In its short history, the city has quickly become popular for its rapid growth[5][6], appreciation, affordable homes, equestrianism, ancient Indian rock art, and a site of the pony express riders.
The city has also had numerous mayors and mayor pro tems that have served since its inception.
Demographics
As of the 2000 census, there were 2,157 people, 532 households, and 502 families residing in the town. The population density was 20.0/km² (51.7/mi²). There were 598 housing units at an average density of 5.5/km² (14.3/mi²). The racial makeup of the town was 96.57% White, 0.32% African American, 0.37% Native American, 0.32% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 0.88% from other races, and 1.48% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.11% of the population.
There were 532 households of which 74.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 89.1% were married couples living together, 3.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 5.6% were non-families. 3.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 0.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 4.05 and the average family size was 4.18.
Since the 2000 census there has been massive growth in Eagle Mountain and surrounding cities.
Population
Census estimates for 2006 were adjusted to 17,391[7], although city officials now estimate the total population to be closer to 22,000.[8]
Age and gender
In the town the population was spread out with 47.4% under the age of 18, 11.9% from 18 to 24, 33.2% from 25 to 44, 6.3% from 45 to 64, and 1.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 21 years. For every 100 females there were 100.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.8 males.
Income
The median income for a household in the town was $52,102, and the median income for a family was $52,434. Males had a median income of $40,777 versus $25,313 for females. The per capita income for the town was $16,340. About 2.0% of families and 2.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.1% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.
Religion
Mormonism
The majority of people who reside in Cedar Valley now are mormons. For many years the Cedar Valley Ward at Cedar Fort and at times the Fairfield Branch functioned as the presiding units. However, with all the recent population growth, great changes have occurred. There are now three Stakes. A temple in American Fork, the Timpanogos Temple, which serves these people. Many new buildings have been constructed to serve as Stake and Ward meeting houses in the Eagle Mountain area.
Eagle Mountain is predominantly populated by mormons and as one indication of how fast Eagle Mountain has grown it becomes obvious in the fact that it has gone from having no LDS stakes in 1999 to having three stakes today.
Mormon Fundamentalists
There are also over 700 Mormon Fundamentalists (all associated with the LDS Church), many of whom practice plural marriage, who live in Eagle Mountain.
Despite a recent claim by the Chicago Tribune, it should be born in mind that the Apostolic United Brethren are a small minority of the population in Eagle Mountain, and their percentage of the population is in constant decline as the city mushrooms.
Economy
In terms of attracting business, currently limited to a Chevron gas station, a pizza parlour, and a couple of retail stores in a strip mall.
Law and government
Eagle Mountain city government operates under a strong mayor system, where the mayor acts as an elected executive with the city council functioning with legislative powers. The mayor may select a chief administrative officer to oversee the different departments. This is the system used in most of the United States' large cities, primarily because mayors serve full time and have a wide range of services that they oversee.
The current mayor pro tems of is Don D. Richardson. The mayor was elected to serve a 14 month term. The current city council members are Heather Jackson, David Blackburn, David Lifferth, Linn Strouse, and Vincent Liddiard. City council meets the first and third Tuesday of every month at the Eagle Mountain City Hall for a 4pm Work Session and a 7pm Policy Session. This meeting is open to the public.
Politics
Eagle Mountain has had several mayors in its short history. No doubt the unique financial situation of the city, the complexities involved in managing such a high growth city, and the influence of developers beginning the town are primary contributors to it. Some have said that Eagle Mountain City is the most financially complex city in the State of Utah due to its ownership of all its utilities, i.e. gas, electric, water, sewer, and naturally roads and parks. Until 2005 it even owned the telephone company. Town developers have had a tremendous influence on the politics and the politicians which has only compounded the issues. John Walden and Mike Wren have been the most controversial proponents in the local politics as they have pushed their agendas and concerns for their development issues to the forefront of the political landscape. Mike Wren even served as the city Chief of Staff and Public Works Director for a short time in the place of Chris Hillman, whom mayor Olsen and the majority of the City Council fired after entering office. Mike Wren's father, Bob Wren, even served as the public works supervisor for many of the beginning years of Eagle Mountain.
The political controversy and politics began almost from its inception.
In 1992, Scott Kirkland moved his family to Utah in search of a better quality of life. He had started out in the real estate development business in 1982 in Orange County, California, and was very successful. In 1990 real estate values began to decline, along with the savings and loan debacle, cutbacks in defense spending and natural disasters. Feeling he had learned some valuable lessons he started Jamestown Homes with some partners. Here he became acquainted with Debbie Hooge, who handled sales for Jamestown. She became the original broker for sales at Cedar Pass Ranch. She later became the first mayor of Eagle Mountain.
In 1994, Jamestown Homes merged with Trophy Homes of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Kirkland moved on to land development.
It was about that time when he, Phil Nolen and Grant Marsh (two Denver developers) joined to create Cedar Pass Ranch. Each lot was five acres or larger with an equestrian twist. Horse trails run between the lots over the entire 800 acres (3.2 km2). Most homes are in the $200,000 to $400,000 range. Prior to incorporation, most of the land within the boundary of what became Eagle Mountain was zoned by Utah County for agricultural use, with large lot residential development also allowed. In addition to homes in Cedar Pass Ranch and Harvest Haven in the northeast corner of the community, there were another eight or ten homes along the length of Lake Mountain Road. The predominant land use remains agricultural, primarily in irrigated cropland, dry farming and livestock grazing, though within two years of incorporation two large areas were in the early stages of intensive development. Despite a recent claim by the Chicago Tribune it should be born in mind that the Apostolic United Brethren are a small minority of the population in Eagle Mountain, and their percentage of the population is in constant decline as the city mushrooms.
Until 1993, the area now known as Eagle Mountain contained several homes on Lake Mountain Road and a few farmhouses in the valley. In 1993, members of the Communities of the Apostolic United Brethren began building homes on property purchased from their church on the north side of State Road 73 about seven miles (11 km) west of Lehi. Their small subdivision was known as Harvest Haven. Shortly thereafter, Cedar Pass L.C., a development group based in Colorado, purchased property on the south side of the highway from Grant Smith, a farmer and large landowner in the Cedar Valley. The development, known as Cedar Pass Ranch, was developed under Utah County ruled requiring a minimum lot size of 3.25 acres. Unusual for a rural development, it included features like trails and common parks or recreation facilities.
In 1994, John W. Walden (a developer based in Florida) purchased the Monte Vista Ranch from the Fitzgerald Estate which consisted of 8,000 acres (32 km²) together with several thousand acres feet of water. Nick Berg, a manager of four other Walden projects in Utah, assembled a team that included three land planners (Ira hodges, David, Conine and Lee Nellis), along with other real estate and engineering professionals to evaluate the development opportunities for the property. Initially purchasing the land for the water rights and after finding out that those rights could not be transferred out of the valley, Walden later decided to form a city by joining with the developers in the Ranches and with Harvest Haven development, both from the north area of the city, in order to have enough residents to form a town. Because the Utah County commission was opposed to extensive development in unincorporated areas, it was apparent that incorporation was the only alternative if Walden was to pursue large-scale development.
The Walden team approached the developers of both Cedar Pass Ranch and Harvest Haven about incorporation. With their support, a sufficient number of residents signed a petition requesting a town. Eagle Mountain was incorporated in December 1996. The county commission allowed the developers to propose the names for positions for the first town council and mayor. Debbie Hooge, (not a member of Cedar Pass L.C. but owner of DMH Real Estate and current owner of Tuscany Homes), volunteered to be Mayor. Nick Berg was also appointed. John Jacob (2006 United States Congressional Candidate) and Diane Bradshaw, both residents of Cedar Pass Ranch, were appointed. D. Cyril Watt of Harvest Haven was also appointed.
A need for city services was paramount to make a reality of this effort and so the city shortly after being formed entered into the utility business and began providing, gas, electric, water, sewer and even telephone since this area was so far removed from typical services. This would require millions of dollars and would become the root of much controversy in the future. The ability to actually finance this amount of infrastructure and build it would have been a challenge for any community but to achieve that feat with a little over 20 permanent residences was a tribute to the ingenuity of this first Council and Mayor and the cooperation achieved between the administration and the various development entities.
Regardless, shortly after incorporation, a lawsuit was filed by a Cedar Valley resident who challenged the legitimacy of the town, since the mayor (Debbie Hooge) whose residence in Cedar Pass Ranch was not finished enough to occupy at the time and was unable to reside in the community at the time of incorporation. There were also questions of conflict of interest raised by residents concerned about members of the council approving developments from which they would personally benefit (i.e. Today, councilwoman Jackson is a title worker and does all of Walden's title work). After several months, Hooge was finally able to move into her home and the courts agreed the law was based on "intent" and that Mayor Hooge and the city were legal.
Eagle Mountain was a planned city built around a concept of new urbanism, and incorporated in December 1996 with a population of approximately 250 residents. These concepts have been one of the major political controversies over the years and the development code was totally revamped and approved in 2003 after many political debates and discussions. It maintains many of the feature and goals of the old code, but made it more appropriate for the way growth really occurs in a fast growing community.
The city formed its own volunteer fire department that would later become one of the finest in the State of Utah for a city its size. The first permanent structure built was the fire station by Mayor Hooge. Temporary trailers were brought in as the first official city offices with a new city hall/utilities administration building being built and completed in May 2005 during Mayor Bailey's term in office along with a new public works building. They even formed their own library that now occupies over 2,000 square feet (200 m2) in its new city hall/utilities administration building.
Shortly after incorporation, a lawsuit was filed by a Cedar Valley resident who challenged the legitimacy of the town, since mayor Debbie Hooge did not actually yet reside in the community at the time of the city's incorporation. There were also questions of conflict of interest raised by residents concerned about members of the council approving developments from which they would personally benefit (i.e. mayor Hooge after becoming mayor was John Walden's principal real estate agent. Nick Berg was a key employee of John Walden and today, councilwoman Jackson is a title worker and does all of John Walden's title and notary work). After several months, the courts agreed the law was based on "intent" and that Mayor Hooge and the city were legal. Later in 1998 the city council would adopt its first "Conflict of Interest" ordinance as a result of these types of potential conflicts for political officials. There would be a later "Conflict of Interest" ordinance written to address concerns for Councilwoman Diane Jacob and her husband's (former 2005 Third US Congressional Candidate John Jacob) whose had business dealings with land and water development activities in the city and with other developers. This would be pushed on the agenda by Councilman Mark Madsen in late 2004 prior to his becoming State Senator Madsen and a key employee of John Walden and after resigning from the city council office in December 2004.
Debbie Hooge was appointed the first mayor by the Utah County Commission upon incorporation in December 1996. Along with her appointment came the appointment of the city council members, which consisted of Nick Berg, an employee of John Walden, John Jacob, a local land and water developer, Cyril Watts, of Harvest Haven, and Diane Bradshaw a resident of Cedar Pass Ranch.
The first elections to the town council were held in November 1997. Mayor Hooge ran unopposed. There was a write in candidate who garnered more than half the votes. Diane Bradshaw and Cyril Watt were re-elected. Dan Valentine and Rob Bateman were newly elected. When Mayor Hooge resigned the following year, Rob Bateman was appointed to fill her term until the next election, where a new mayor would be elected to finish her remaining time in office. William (Bill) Chipman was appointed to fill the open council seat after Rob Bateman assumed the mantle of mayor. It was at this time that mayor Bateman hired John Newman as city administrator for Eagle Mountain. John Newman would later become a very controversial political figure in the political landscape of Eagle Mountain.
At the next regular election in 1999, Paul Bond was elected mayor to serve a term for the remaining two years, 2000-2002, of former Mayor Hooge. Brigham Morgan and Greg Kehl were also elected at that time replacing Rob Bateman, and Bill Chipman. Bill initially ran for office against Paul Bond, but later dropped out when it was discovered he had a felony record which was brought to light. Cyril Watts resigned shortly after the election and Dan Valentine was appointed to fill his seat. Dan also managed the city owned telephone company and his wife, Janet, was the city recorder.
When Kelvin Bailey ran for the office of mayor in 2001 against Greg Kehl, a city councilman, he won by about 70 votes. Bailey resigned on June 30, 2005, citing financial problems and a need to have time to develop his inventions. Vincent Liddiard, the Mayor Pro Tem, took the lead until David Lifferth was appointed by 5-0 vote of the council on August 2, 2005. Lifferth resigned his position as mayor at the end of the final council meeting for 2005. Brian Olsen, the mayor pro tem and mayor-elect filled the seat for the final days of 2005. Brian Olsen was the Sixth mayor to serve in the office since 1996 until he resigned on October 20, 2006. Councilwoman Linn Strouse was appointed to fill the mayor seat on October 21. The vote was 3-2, with council members Liddiard and Jackson dissenting.[9] Kelvin Bailey, after being elected Mayor in 2002, later said the city was left in a very precarious financial situation as result of Paul Bond's Administration with John Newman, the city administrator, being primarily responsible for it, since Paul was a part time mayor. During Paul's term John Newman helped convince the new city mayor and council to borrow money to expand the utility systems placing the city into debt in excess of $63 million dollars. In addition, the financial records were not kept up to date for the years of 2000-2002, no bank reconciliations were done during his administration, and utility rates were excesive. In addition, the city was left with a $481,000 deficit because of the approved budget by the previous city council from July 2001-July 2002. To date, Bailey claims there are no financial records available for the years of 1998-2000 and that these financial records disappeared or were lost during Bond's term. Interestingly, the utility bonds that the city based its loan for millions of dollars were based on those years of financial records that disappeared. John Newman had no explanation for it and mayor Bailey asked for his resignation after becoming mayor. The majority of the council supported this decision except Greg Kehl and Brigham Morgan, who were very much against this action and defended John Newman and the decisions he had made while he was employed by Eagle Mountain in spite of the glaring financial evidences against him.
After John Newman left mayor Bailey was left with the responsibility to serve not only as the mayor, but as the full time city administrator and public works director while the city searched for replacements for these full time positions. Chris Hillman was hired as the new city administrator in May 2002 and Mark Sovine was hired as the public works director in August 2002. Mayor Bailey received no compensation for filling these positions during that time.
In spite of the many controversial events and articles in the paper, Mayor Bailey was able to turn the financial situation of the city around with the help of his new administrator, public works director and other employees that he hired. Mayor Bailey was able to turn the previous financial demise that was looming into a success story. He was able to take the city from a $481,000 deficit to a $730,000 surplus by the end of the following fiscal year 2003. He was able to realize additional surpluses of over one million dollar in the year of 2004 & 2005. Bailey was able to sell off the telecom system, paying off the debt and gaining almost a $500,000 profit from the sale. He refinanced the utility bonds savings millions of dollars for the city and citizens. He paid the $63 million dollar debt down to less than $50 million dollars by the end of his term. He built a new permanent city hall and public works building.
Once city administator Chris Hillman joined the team he was able to form the first network intregated "Purchase Order System" and "Procedure for Payment Issuance Directives" for the city. Yet, during a recent third party audit several city employees were not following the purchase order system citing they had not been trained properly. In addition, Glen Sexton, senior accountant for Eagle Mountain discovered that the Utah Sales Taxes and Federal Excise Taxes were not being reported during 2000, 2001 and 2002, which were brought up-to-date to avoid penalties from the state. Glen Sexton and the financial department also discovered that the city had not filed its State Annual Audit reports since the city's inception and was facing additional penalties from the state. All of these reports were brought up-to-date by the beginning of 2004. According to the State Auditors report Eagle Mountain had never submitted its audits on time until mayor Bailey assumed office. Audits due on December 1997 were never filed (the state said they forgave the city for not filing that year since the 1997 financials numbers were such a minimal amount), audit reports due on December 1998 were not submitted until February 25, 1999, audits due on December 1999 were not submitted until June 16, 2000, audits due on December 2000 were not submitted until January 31, 2001, audits due on December 2001 were not submitted until May 19, 2003 and audits due on December 2002 were not submitted until July 16, 2003. Audits for December 2003, 2004, and 2005 were submitted on time; however, as of date the city is failing again to submit its State Annual Audit reports. During 2006 and 2007 the city was found to be in violation of the law by exceeding the percentages of monies allowed in its General Fund Accounts.
During mayor Bailey's first year and half he fought to draft up an entirely new and innovative development code and met with a lot of political controversy for trying, primarily from Diane Jacob, Greg Kehl, and Brighman Morgan. It was not until the election of 2003, which brought new council members, that he was able to complete this goal to improve the development code for Eagle Mountain. With the help of the new council and the now Senator Mark Madsen, who was very instrumental in making this a reality, was he and the council able to bring this to fruition, thus improving the future development of the city, but perhaps not the politics.
In May 2005 mayor Bailey surprised everyone with the announcement of his resignation. The Daily Herald printed some of his statement at the council meeting when he made his announcement. The following is an excerpt from his announcement:
"....At this time it is with deep regret that I announce my resignation from the office of Mayor and CEO of Eagle Mountain effective June 30, 2005 at 5pm.
It has now come time for me to focus on my family, who has been the anchor in the storm and the light of my soul. It is time to reinvest in my business, which has suffered greatly during this time. I have served more than three years for many reasons, but it can be summed up in a quote by one of my favorite fictional heroes from Star Trek, who said, “the needs of the many out weigh the needs of the few or the one”; however, the time has come that “the needs of the one out weigh the needs of the many”.
I would have enjoyed finishing my term in office had circumstances been different. However, I have achieved the goals I set out to reach when I began this quest and I had no political aspirations beyond what I have done. Now that the city has been turned around and is heading in the right direction with qualified leaders at the helm, I can step down with a peace of mind.
I will continue to assist in every way to make this transition as smooth as possible. I will continue to be a citizen of the community and participate in making Eagle Mountain a better place to live. I would hope that whoever is chosen to finish this term will be given the proper respect they deserve by all citizens regardless of their political views or differences.
Again, thanks to all and wishes of luck to those who remain in our service."
Vincent Liddard, mayor protem, acted in the place of the mayor until the council could vote to select a new mayor for the remaining six months of mayor Bailey's term in office. Vincent Liddiard received severe criticism from the majority of council members for the manner in which he hired the first full-time Fire Chief for the city by offering more than half the allowable salary and did so without council approval. Mayor Lifferth was appointed mayor in August 2005 and served until the last meeting in November when he resigned amidst allegations that he paid $20,000 dollars to Beard International for a stack of papers regarding a sewer treatment facility. Lifferth was also accused by Chris Hillman and Brigham Morgan of illegally using his credit card to purchase a hard drive for his city issued laptop. To date no criminal charges were ever filed against him. The mayor elect Brian Olsen, from the recent November election and current city council members was mayor protem and acted as mayor until January 2006 when he was officially appointed as mayor. He served December 2005 without compensation.
Immediately prior to resigning as mayor, Mayor Lifferth's last official act was to officially name the Utilities Administration Building (the City Hall) in honor of his long time friend mayor Kelvin Bailey for all the accomplishments he had during his term in office. The sign would have read, "Eagle Mountain's Mayor Kelvin Bailey City Administration Building". While David Lifferth felt he had the power to make this change as Mayor, the city attorney Jerry Kinghorn informed them that they could not vote on this issue until proper notice had been given and it was placed on a future agenda.
After Brian Olsen was sworn in, the proposal fizzled out and was finally killed at mayor Olsens first official meeting when former mayor Baily sent a letter to the council and media requesting that the proposal not be implemented. "While I was surprised, humbled and honored by this recommendation, I would like to request that this recommendation not be acted upon", Bailey wrote in the letter, a copy of which was obtained by the Daily Herald. "I appreciate the gesture on his part and those on the City Council who wished to take this action as a way of demonstrating their appreciation in behalf of the citizens of Eagle Mountain for my service. However, I believe that this building is the key focal point for our city, or any city, and as such should remain the, 'Eagle Mountain City Hall'."
Bailey and Eagle Mountain gained some undesired national attention in March 2003 when Bailey reportedly claimed to have been kidnapped and forced to drive to Barstow, California. FBI personnel were briefly involved in the case and after interviewing Bailey they chose not to take any action or file any charges against him. However, the county attorneys office two weeks later filed charges. Bailey reported the following in a press release to the local media the following day, "I would like to explain some of the recent events that have occurred this past week. Over the past several months events have happened in my life that has placed me under extreme stress both personally and professionally. Last Thursday afternoon this stress reached a new peak. After more than 24 hours of no sleep and an all night drive, reality set in and I remembered the most important thing in my life, my family. In my exhaustion I concocted a story that I planned to tell only my wife that would explain where I had been until I could get a chance to talk to her in person. Unbeknown to me she had already notified the authorities. It was poor judgment that perpetuated this story and I take full responsibility for it. In route home I realized that the right thing to do was to go to the authorities and correct this error. At this time I want to thank the officers of the Utah County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI. They handled my problem with extreme courtesy and professionalism. I felt their concern for me and my well being was genuine, and I will always appreciate them for their help."[10] However, the county attorney's office did not take the position of the sheriffs office or the FBI and initially charged Bailey with a misdemeanor charge of filing a false police report, but later changed their charge to providing false information to law enforcement officers as there was no actual report that was ever filed by him. Bailey initially pled not guilty to misdemeanor charges of providing false information, but finally accepted a plea deal in 2005. He was quoted in the Daily Herald after accepting the plea stating, "After a year of trying to resolve this issue and protect my innocence against an alleged minor Class-B Misdemeanor, I feel that it is in my best interest and in my family’s financial interest to enter a plea of no contest and have the case completely dismissed. It is disappointing that our justice system makes it less expensive to enter a plea than to stand up for one’s innocence and principles. However, being the pragmatist that I am, this choice is simply the more financially wise decision to put an end to the false accusations and allegations that have gone on for over a year for something that was simply a misfortunate emotional break-down on my part. Also, I would like to thank my family and all those individuals who have been there in my support during this difficult time. Again I apologize as I did a year ago for any embarrassment that this may have caused to my community. I am glad to have this case dismissed and have this entirely behind me as I look forward to continuing to serve my community."
Interestingly, to-date Brigham Morgan and Greg Kehl are the only two city councilmen to finish four-year elected terms. Linn Strouse completed a two year term and was the first council member to be re-elected to a four year term and if she completes her term until the end of 2007 she will be the 3 council members to complete a four year term and the first to ever complete two elected terms in office. No Eagle Mountain mayor has finished a four-year term, Bailey came the closest with 3.5 years.
Prior to leaving office, Mayor Bailey encouraged the city council to recognize that part of the problem lay in the fact that the mayor received a monthly stipend of only $1,000, but that the job required an enormous amount of time to be able to serve effectively. Mayor Bailey encouraged and pressed the city council for making the position a full time position with full time pay at his last meeting on June 28, 2005. He felt while he would not benefit from this action that it would be unfair to make the position more difficult for future mayors. In July 2005 the city council agreed and approved a salary for the mayor of $69,982 per year, which benefits were included only if paid for by the employee. When the seventh mayor, Don Richardson was appointed, he chose to serve only part time, but still receives a much higher salary than any previous part time mayor of Eagle Mountain. The council voted to change the manner in which it paid its salary to the mayor buy providing benefits in addition to the pay. The next election may be centered on this issues as much as the previous election was.
In the election of 2005 the two candidates in the forefront ran on opposite sides of this issue with the one in favor of a full time mayor winning.
In April 2007 City Council meeting was held to determine if the council members should receive a healthy increase in pay from $300/month to $600/month. The mayor, Don Richardson, is seeking a reduction in salary to $40,000, as he reports he can only be a mayor part time.
On October 20, 2006, Brian Olsen resigned from office. The reason cited was "family and personal considerations. In light of this resignation, the council met in emergency session on October 21, 2006 and selected Linn Strouse to serve as interim mayor/mayor pro tem for a 30 day period. Even then the vote was controversial with a 3-2, council members Liddiard and Jackson dissenting.|url=http://www.heraldextra.com/content/view/197319 |title=Interim mayor for Eagle Mountain |publisher=The Daily Herald |accessdate=2006-10-22 |date=2006-10-22 }}</ref>
It wasn't until October 23, that Olsen was accused of seven felony accounts of misusing public funds by the Utah County Attorney's office. The amount of monies have not been disclosed. Papers reported that an employee of the city is accusing Olsen.[11]
The current mayor is Don Richardson, a newcomer to Eagle Mountain politics. An election will be held November 2007 to determine who will serve for the next two years to finish mayor Olsen's term of office(2008-2010).
Councilman David Blackburn was chosen by the council to serve as mayor pro tempore, despite accusations that he failed to declare a conflict of interest when he accepted Elk hunting and Pheasant Hunting trips from Epic Engineering. During 2005, Epic Engineering was one of the applicants bidding on the $5 Million sewer treatment expansion project. Interestingly, David Blackburn voiced deep emotion at one council meeting where he voted for Epic Engineering to receive the bid and it was defeated. Blackburn continues to defend himself that accepting fully paid hunting trips from Epic were not a conflict of interest. (Thursday, March 22, 2007 Councilman denies conflict of interest Utah's Daily Herald). On June 21, 2007 the Daily Herald reported that "An investigation of Eagle Mountain councilman David Blackburn found no wrong doing and no further action will be taken, the city announced late Tuesday -- and one council member didn't like that outcome.
The city and the Utah County Attorney's Office wanted to know if Blackburn failed to disclose gifts from people doing business with the city.
"The investigation is over, and no wrongdoing was found on the part of David Blackburn", said Mayor Don Richardson. "He was exonerated of any wrongdoing."
Currently Councilwoman Heather Jackson has filed to serve as Eagle Mountain Mayor. Councilman David Blackburn is seeking a second term.
Utilities
Except telecom, all utilities are owned by the city. It is a major financial debate with current city politicians.
- Direct Communications - telephone, DSL high-speed internet
1680 East Heritage Drive, Eagle Mountain, Utah 84005 - (801) 789-2800 - www.directcom.com/eaglemtn - Eagle Mountain City - water, electric, natural gas, and sewer
1650 E. Stagecoach Run, Eagle Mountain, Utah 84005 - (801) 789-6600 - www.emcity.org
Homeowners Associations
The Ranches
- Quality Management Services - manages Highlands, Highlands on the Green, willow Springs, Meadow Ranch, North Ranch, Cedar Pass
3688 E Campus Dr. #230, Eagle Mountain, Utah 84043 - (801) 789-5500 www.rancheshoa.com - Total Property Management - manages Rock Creek, Plum Creek
2230 N University Pkwy Suite 7A Provo, UT 84604 - (801) 375-6719 - www.totalproperty.net - Sage Community Management - manages Cold Springs, Silver Lake
1305 North Commerce Drive #210, Saratoga Springs, Utah 84045 - (801) 768-7373 - www.sagecommunitymanagement.com
City Center
- Field Master Community Management - manages Pioneer Addition
P.O. Box 1111, Riverton, Utah 84065 - (801) 446-4922 - www.fieldmasterut.com
Education
Eagle Mountain currently has two elementary schools and a public charter school. A high school is currently under construction.
Elementary Schools
- Pony Express Elementary, first school, opened over capacity.
- Eagle Valley Elementary, opened in 2004 over capacity.
Public Charter Schools
- The Ranches Academy, opened in 2004 at set enrollment capacity.
See also
References
- ^ "MountainView Corridor". Utah Department of Transportation. Retrieved 2006-08-13.
- ^ "Dedication of Pony Express Trail Monument" (PDF). Eagle Mountain City. Retrieved 2007-09-23.
- ^ "Utah Rock Art Will Be Centerpiece of Subdivision's Park". Preservation Online. Retrieved 2007-09-23.
- ^ "A Brief History - Eagle Mountain City Newsletter" (PDF). Eagle Mountain City Government. Retrieved 2007-10-01.
- ^ "Eagle Mountain elementary schools bursting - help may be on the way". The Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved 2007-09-23.
- ^ "City votes to double size of new sewer". The Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved 2007-09-23.
- ^ "Eagle Mountain wins population challenge to U.S. Census". The Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved 2007-09-23.
- ^ "Press Release: CENSUS BUREAU ADJUSTS NUMBERS AFTER CITY'S CHALLE". David Lifferth's Blog. Retrieved 2007-09-23.
- ^ "Interim mayor for Eagle Mountain". The Daily Herald. 2006-10-22. Retrieved 2006-10-22.
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(help) - ^ "Jury to decide fate of mayor". Deseret Morning News. 2003-12-18. Retrieved 2006-08-13.
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(help) - ^ "Eagle Mountain's ex-mayor charged". The Daily Herald. 2006-10-24. Retrieved 2006-10-24.
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External links
City Websites
owned and operated by the city government.
- www.eaglemountaincity.com - Eagle Mountain :: Utah's New Frontier
- www.eaglemountainutah.com - Eagle Mountain - Live, work, and play, all in the same community
Builder-Community Websites
owned and operated by builders to either sell homes in or benefit the city.
- www.buildupem.com - Eagle Mountain Properties, LLC
- www.eaglemountaincommunities.com - Bigg Homes
Community Websites
owned and operated by residents of the community with a focus or role in city government.
- www.averagejoecitizen.com - Average Joe Citizen
- www.davidlifferth.com - Councilman David Lifferth's Blog
- www.emcityinfo.com - Citizen's Coalition of Eagle Mountain
- www.emutah.com - EMUtah.com: Bringing Eagle Mountain Neighbors Together
- www.emwatchdog.com - Eagle Mountain Watch Dog: Concerned Citizens Committee