BLUFFDALE — Now that the dispute over who is not Bluffdale's administrative services director has been settled, the discussion has shifted to filling the position.

One day after a 3rd District Court judge put an end to Dave Hogue's two-month stay as administrative-services director, the Bluffdale City Council discussed its plans for the position during its Tuesday night meeting.

Mayor Claudia Anderson had a resolution drafted that called for the immediate hiring of one of the three candidates who have applied for the job. But the ordinance was tabled by a vote of the City Council after members said more time was needed to interview the candidates.

The three applicants for administrative services director are James J. Nelson; Heath Bateman, who works for the city's parks department; and Christian Crane, son of Herriman Mayor Lynn Crane.

"There's no way I would vote on a name of someone I've never met," said Councilwoman Nancy Lord. "I think (the candidates) should come before the whole council. I think there needs to be a formal discussion process."

And then there's the issue of Brent Bluth, who served as administrative services director from June 2003 until he was fired by the mayor on Jan. 17. Two days later, the mayor appointed Hogue, a former state representative and her longtime political ally, without consulting the City Council.

The City Council challenged the mayor's action by resolution and ordinance, which led Anderson to file a lawsuit against the five members of the council and request that the court settle the dispute.

On Monday, Judge Kate Toomey decided in favor of the council, ruling Anderson needed the advice and consent of the council to appoint someone to the post. The judge also ruled Anderson needed the advice and consent of the council to fire Bluth, opening the door for his return to the city.

The City Council said it wants an invitation to be extended to Bluth asking him to return, before moving forward with the interviewing process.

"As we sit today, I believe we have a city administrative services director," Councilman Bill Maxwell said. "We need to talk to Mr. Bluth and see if he wants to come back."

"If I can pass a resolution tonight, it would be to say, 'Brent, please come back,"' Lord added. "That's my feeling, and that's what I would like Brent to know."

Anderson clashed with Bluth since taking office in January 2005 and twice tried to fire him. The mayor expressed her opposition to Bluth working for Bluffdale on Tuesday but directed city attorney Todd Weiler to see if the administrator wants to return.

"In light of what Mr. Bluth has done with our city, I'd highly request that you don't (bring him back)," Anderson told the council. "I don't think it's best for the city in any way, shape or form to have Mr. Bluth in that position."

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