From Deseret News archives:

Payson to stick with UTOPIA system

Published: Thursday, July 8, 2004 12:00 a.m. MDT
PRINT | FONT + - 
PAYSON — The City Council has reaffirmed its June 26 decision to stay with the controversial UTOPIA telecommunications system.

The legality of the original vote — which included two council members participating by telephone — had been questioned by one of two councilmen who voted against the city's involvement with the system that will bring high-speed Internet and other telecommunications offerings to the city.

By the same 3-2 majority, the council on Wednesday approved a resolution cementing its position. City Attorney Dave Tuckett said the only problem with the earlier vote was a lack of written protocols for using teleconferencing.

Councilman Brent Burdick earlier charged that the June 26 emergency meeting was illegal because he didn't receive 24 hours notice, but Tuckett disputed that, saying proper public notice was given. Councilman Larry Skinner also voted against the resolution, saying it put taxpayers at too great a risk.

"This project has little chance of being successful," he said.

Other council members disagreed, saying the city needed the high-tech fiber-optic lines UTOPIA will provide to attract more business into the community.

About this ad

View Comments

DeseretNews.com encourages a civil dialogue among its readers. We welcome your thoughtful comments.

– About Comments

rss icon

Recommended in Utah

Story

Officials confirmed Friday that a man and a woman from Wyoming were killed in a plane crash.

Story

A state senator vows that proposed changes to Utah's open records law this year won't be controversial.

Story

Dozens of Cache Valley residents gathered to release balloons in memory of Charlie and Braden Powell.

No. Utah sees a major earthquake every 350 years. Last one? 350 years ago.