Orangeville selects new councilmember

By Phil Fauver
Staff Writer

Mayor Roger Swenson opened the Orangeville City Council meeting Oct. 12 with a major item on the agenda and that was the election of a new councilmember.
After the opening ceremonies the first item on the agenda was to interview candidates Jeff Tuttle and Brandon Hoffman for the replacement of Councilman Kent Wilson who was recently elected to be an Emery County Commissioner.
The councilmembers using a secret ballot elected Brandon Hoffman to be the new Orangeville City Councilmember. Brandon after being elected will be over Orangeville City roads, water/sewer and animal control. Following his election Brandon Hoffman was sworn in by city recorder Ruanne Leeflang. Brandon Hoffman works for the United States Forest Service as a fire management officer and has served seven years on the Orangeville City Planning and Zoning Board.
Brandon’s wife Melodie was also there to support him in applying for this position.
Mayor Swenson reminded the Council that they would have to appoint a councilmember again after the first of the year. Because Brandon is fulfilling the unexpired term of councilmember Kent Wilson. There will be no election for city Council members in November because no one filed against the sitting councilmembers. We will have a vote again in January for this position on the City Council.
The next item on the agenda was the approval of a contractor for a sidewalk project. Merrial Johansen of Johansen and Tuttle reported that the bids were out and they received only one bid for the project. That bid was below their estimated cost. Mike Riley of B. Hansen Construction bid $38,197.50. Merrial Johansen recommended Orangeville City award the contract to B. Hansen Construction for the sidewalk project. This project may not start until the weather warms in the spring.
Mayor Swenson mentioned that we want to continue to emphasize keeping dogs and cats under control by homeowners. A letter is being prepared for homeowners who allow their dogs and cats to run free.
Carole Larsen reported that the legislature has passed a law that cities can no longer charge for a business license. Businesses still need to have a business license from the city. This change by the legislature could amount to about $1,500 in lost revenue for Orangeville City. Planning and zoning is also looking at changes to the policy for four wheelers and motorcycles.
Kirk McQuivey reported he has assembled a list of the original firemen that started the Orangeville City Fire Department in 1974.
The plaque for this commemoration will list those firemen and include the newspaper article about this event in 1974.
Mayor Roger Swenson said it would cost $6,300 to repair the old snowplow truck and recommend the Council consider finding a newer smaller snowplow truck.