From Deseret News archives:
Lehi puts manager decision on hold
More than 200 people filled the north gym of the Legacy Center to both listen to city officials and speak their piece about a change-of-government proposal, which would give more authority to a city manager and make the mayor's office largely ceremonial.
The public meeting, which ended after 11 p.m., was held at the Legacy Center instead of City Hall to accommodate a larger crowd.
As residents stood and addressed the council, some were staunchly in support of moving toward a weak mayor/strong city manager form of government, while others were vehemently opposed to change.
"We were able to hear both sides of the concerns," said Councilman Johnny Barnes, regarding the more than two-hour public comment session. "I think it should help us to get a lot of this stuff behind us."
As a result of hearing the public comments, the council decided to delay acting on the proposal until the council decides whether a public vote should be called.
The council also talked about forming a citizens committee as an option to help gather input, as well as possibly considering making compromises.
"(The meeting) was the democratic process in action— pure and simple— and I thought it was just neat," said Mayor Howard Johnson, who has clashed with other members of the council on several issues since taking office in January.
"We came part way. I don't know where it's going to end up at, but the fact that the council decided the citizens will have input is a major step."
According to a statement read by Councilman Mark Johnson, the council's main motivation for initiating the change is to secure the position of the city manager.
Instead of the mayor having the authority to reappoint or not appoint current city employees, the council would have the authority by way of a city manager hired by the council.
However, Johnson said, the language of the proposed ordinance that would put the new government form into effect did not necessarily confirm a long-term presence of an appointed manager, only a redistribution of administrative powers.
The council agreed to conduct public meetings, more than one if necessary, to clarify the language.
Though the meeting was relatively peaceful, occasional outbursts from the audience reflected a frustration that grew as it got later into the evening. Some expressed dismay that the council did not formally decide for or against the change, but others were encouraged by the progress made.
"I really liked that a couple of the city councilmen acknowledged that there were good issues on both sides," said Lehi resident Connor Boyack. "I came into the meeting tonight somewhat indifferent to the actual ordinance. I was more disgruntled with how things were being handled in a public forum, and the personal attacks and things of that nature. . . . But I'm satisfied that it's been tabled for more work, then brought back for consideration and (possibly) put to a public vote."
E-mail: achoate@desnews.com
