By Julie Johansen
Prior to the regularly scheduled Orangeville City Council meeting on Tuesday, the Orangeville Youth City Council was sworn into office. Jessie Nicholson became the youth mayor while Nick Lake, Ethan Olsen and Morgan Hughes will serve as council members.
During the meeting, the youth council reported on their recent trip to the legislature at the Capitol Building in Salt Lake City. They expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to see the legislature in action and tour the Capitol Building. They were impressed with Governor Gary Herbert’s speech during lunch at the Salt Palace. Mayor Swenson praised the youth for their willingness to serve and told them they would be the leaders for the future.
The flag ceremony for the meeting was performed by the newly-organized Community Scout Troop 300. The council voted to approve the formation of this community troop to serve the young men and young women of the county in January. The mayor told the young scouts they provided a moral compass for everyone.
Two young men, Zander Hughes and Chance Oldroyd, approached the council requesting permission to proceed with their Eagle projects. Hughes’ project will be a bike rack to be placed at the bus stop entering the city’s subdivision. Oldroyd discussed the possibility of redoing the sign of the rules at the skate park. Councilman Kirk McQuivey will be assisting the boys.
Next, Tasha Jewkes requested a donation for the community theatre. The council told her that a $100 donation would be possible.
Another citizen approached the council about changing the city’s ordinance regarding burial in the cemetery. The request was to be able to place a sealed urn with ashes on the top of a casket in the same grave. The council expressed that it will take this into consideration.
Staff reports were then given to the council. Kim Heiniger, maintenance, will also assume the duties of animal control officer. He reported dog activities for the past month and also that a road sander was ready to be picked up in Salt Lake City. Councilman Brandon Hoffman will assist Heiniger in getting the much needed sander to the city. The council also decided that the Orangeville Community Center could be used by the Emery High swim team for its banquet and a contract would be drawn up for repairs, if needed, of the building. A negative vote for membership in the Emery County Business Chamber was placed.
To conclude, council members shared that they are making plans for the annual Easter egg hunt, Orangeville Days, a public safety training and city cleanup. They are also considering revamping the beautification committee and the Mayor’s award program.