Naturally as transitions come in ones life an assessment is usually made. Tuesday was my last City Council Meeting as a Council Member in American Fork City. Choosing not to seek a third term; my last day in public office will be December 31.
I enjoyed my service, the citizens, staff and fellow elected officials. I worked with some dedicated servants; three mayors in Ted Barratt, the late Heber Thompson and J.H. Hadfield. City Council Members I have had the privilege of sitting and serving with were Juel Belmont, Keith Blake, Rick Storrs, Tom Hunter, the late Jimmy Cates, Dale Gunther, Heidi Rodeback, and Sherrie Kramer.
Some City accomplishments of which I participated in my first and second terms (not in order of importance). It was an eventful few years:
- New Library: a significant addition to the fabric of our community
- Secondary irrigation system: This has assured us of water for many decades. This has made it possible to utilize the irrigation shares and other surface waters we have been collecting over the years without the need to construct a water treatment plant.
- The Meadows shopping Center and Alpine Valley Centers. These projects have greatly increased our tax revenue and our contribution to make it happen has now been paid in full.
- The RDA/Recreation and Cultural Project Bond issue which made it possible to add significantly to the City's parks and recreation facilities including:
- The Skate Park
- Expansion of the Fitness Center with leisure pool
- Boat Harbor upgrade and new boat docks
- Amphitheater improvements - lighting, rock walk-way, sound system, flower garden
- Trails, disc golf and Art Dye improvements
- Renovated beautiful and Historic City Hall with excess and saved funds
- Historical Buildings ordinance
- Partnered with Amercian Fork HS Marching Band in a Presidential Inaugrual Parade, Macy's Thanksgiving Parade and the Parade of Roses in California.
- Landscape ordinance
- Sensitive lands (south of freeway) ordinance
- Construction of 1120 North has commenced, at long last.
- Survived the downturn in the economy without reducing essential services or reduction in workforce as other cities were forced to.
- Completion of Fire/Rescue Building including new ambulances and new fire truck
- Implementation of Paramedic Services
- Update Police Fleet and increased wage package
- Implementation of Double Deep burial policy which conserves land and space
- Started a recycling program
- Major upgrades, improvements, club house and replacement of 40 year old irrigation system at Fox Hollow Golf Club. Only lighted driving range at a championship golf course south of point of mountain.
- Reinvigorating the Am. Fork Youth City Council with new Charter
- Main Street visioning Project started
- Major Hires in City Administrator, Fire Chief, Police Chief, Recreation Director and City Engineer
- Roads maintenance priority and master plan implemented
- Capital Improvements 5 year plan instituted
- Adopted Simplifed Rules of Order and Procedure - to help facilitate meeting orderliness and communications.
- Overhauled the city website (additional tweaking coming)
- Adopted a new logo and made it uniform throughout the city.
- Set Strategic Goals and Objectives.
- Began process for a Justice Court in American Fork.
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