Lehi City Council votes no on shift in its government

LEHI — After nearly a year of debate, the Lehi City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to leave the city's form of government as it is — for now.

The decision will leave the city's administrative powers with Mayor Howard Johnson, rather than placing that authority with a council-appointed city manager.

Although several council members had previously favored changing the city's government structure by way of ordinance — which does not require a public vote. Legislation being considered at the state Legislature was cited as one reason for a change of heart.

"As far as I'm concerned, (Senate Bill 41) came through the Senate unanimously, and it could probably go through the House," Councilman Mark Johnson said. "It doesn't make any sense to consider it (the change of government)."

SB41 is a bill sponsored by Sen. Carlene Walker, R-Cottonwood Heights, and proposes placing an 18-month moratorium on allowing any city to change its form of government by ordinance. If the bill passes, an appointed task force will review current state law to determine if residents should be required to vote on any change to a city's form of government.

Council members said they favored the option to change the government by ordinance because it allowed the city more flexibility. They said requiring a referendum is too restrictive. A committee of residents formed early last year studied the different options available to the city and also recommended that the council change the government by ordinance.

A number of residents protested, saying they wanted to vote on the proposed change and the issue has been a heated one at several public meetings.

Some residents said they are glad the proposed legislation changed the minds of their council members, but they also expressed regret that it seemed to be the determining factor.

"I'm grateful for the state Legislature and Sen. Walker and Sen. (Curt) Bramble for looking into this issue," said resident Michelle Stallings. "It's clear that they feel strongly that the people have the right to choose how they are governed. It's just too bad that the City Council is being forced into allowing the people to have a vote instead of deciding that on their own."

Council members said they may reconsider the change next year, after the moratorium is removed, and most likely will put the issue to a public vote no matter what the Legislature decides.

Although council members say the issue has divided their community, their decision to delay pursuing a change of government will allow the mayor and all of the council members to finish their elected terms. According to state code, a public vote to change the city government on an odd year, such as 2007, would place the mayor and at least two council members up for re-election.

"We want to keep you around here," Councilman Johnny Barnes said to Mayor Johnson at the end of the meeting.

If the city decides to change its structure by a public vote, it will not take effect until 2009.

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