Should Utah County Continue to Emulate Salt Lake County with Respect to Support Staff?

Following the election this year I continued to research county governments because I had some outstanding questions. I found only two counties in Utah (Salt Lake and Utah) where County Commissioners or County Council members have their own personal assistants. Both counties use the same title for these employees – senior policy advisor.

Highland City Council Agenda Preview for Dec 1, 2020

Key items on the agenda include:

• Two code cleanup and clarification items dealing with resolving issues with public trees and identifying locations where people can engage in expressive activities such as marches, parades, and protests.
• The council will look at a code change to limit the ability of protesters to trap or harass people as they enter, exit, and use their private homes (this is not constitutionally protected conduct) without unduly limiting free speech activities.
• Burt Brothers is seeking a conditional use permit to build a lube center to the east of their existing facility.

The 400th Anniversary of the Mayflower

The Embarkation of the Pilgrims (1857) by American painter Robert Walter Weir

400 years ago, this December, the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock where they would build a settlement that would be a founding pillar of our great nation. They experienced many hardships; over half of those who landed initially died the first winter. On the other hand, there were miracles as well, such as Squanto, an Indian they encountered in 1621, who just happened to speak fluent English and served as an interpreter between the Pilgrims and Indians.

Highland City Council Agenda Preview for Nov 10, 2020

Key items on the agenda are:

• A presentation on Ranked Choice Voting that will include reviewing the pros and cons. This should be interesting. Several cities used this process in the last municipal elections (agenda item 2).
• Discussion regarding an inconsistency in our alcoholic beverage sales ordinances (agenda item 7).
• Repeal of Chapter 12.30 Removal of Neighbor Option Trails of the Highland City Municipal Code (agenda item 8).

Highland City Council Agenda Preview for Oct 20, 2020

The most interesting items on the agenda are:

• Mitchell Hollow baseball field improvements
• Amending to water reservation agreement

Why I Support Utah County Proposition 9

If passed, Proposition 9 will change the form of government in Utah County from a three-member commission to five council members and a mayor. Each council member will represent one of five districts in the county while the mayor will be elected by the entire county.

Highland City Council Agenda Preview for Oct 6, 2020

The most interesting items on the agenda are:

• The annual city library report.
• Approval of funds for a front counter remodel using CARES act monies.
• Approval of 2% potential merit increases for employees in the 2020-21 budget year.
• Allocation of remaining CARES act funds.

Highland City Council Agenda Preview for Sept 15, 2020

This could be a longer meeting depending on resident input. The most interesting items on the agenda are:

1. Preliminary plat approval for a 64.5 acre 69-lot subdivision to be known as The Hollows located at 10250 N 6531 W. There are two aspects to the development which have generated public interest. The first is preservation of wetlands in Mitchell Hollow and the second is a northbound connection to 10250 N.
2. Whether or not to allow temporary signs (e.g. political signs) on public property.
3. Authorization of additional CARES act spending by the city and a report of what we have spent to date.

An abbreviated meeting agenda together with my thoughts is shown below. This meeting will be held at city hall but there will be limited space because of distancing requirements. We will also stream it on our YouTube channel (click here to watch). 

Another Conversation on Building A More Inclusive Community

On August 12th of this year we recorded our second conversation on racial inclusivity. This time our discussion included Alexis & Brandon Bradley, Briawna & Ronell Hugh, and Chelsi & Ivan Hurtt, as well as Lehi Mayor Mark Johnson of Lehi and myself (Rod Mann). It was another great conversation and one that is worth watching.

Here is an email we received from Brigitte Madrian, a Highland resident and the dean BYU’s Marriott School of Business, who watched our conversation:

Highland City Council Agenda Preview for Aug 18, 2020

This should be a relative short meeting. We will be covering a few items I believe are particularly important:

1. Envision Utah will review a report based on an extensive survey they conducted for all Utah County that deal with the type of growth and locations residents preferred. If you are interested in what type of growth we can expect over the next 20 to 30 years in the county and where it will be located this will be a good presentation to watch.
2. The council will discuss a resolution to indicate support for the funding and legal obligations associated with a $2M grant to help cover the cost of adding water meters to existing pressurized irrigation connections.
3. An addition to our municipal code related to parking vehicles for sale on public streets. We've a had a number of complaints related to this and police will now have the authority to address it.

Highland City Council Agenda for August 4, 2020

This should be a good meeting. For me the most interesting agenda items are:

1. Introduction to the council and residents of our new financial director Tyler Bahr. He comes to us from San Antonio, TX where he was an assistant finance director. He is enthusiastic and has a track record of improving processes.
2. A Planned Area Development for 5.8 acres in Town Center (Apple Creek). This proposal includes two office buildings with a total of 23,000 sq. ft. and 42 homes: 16 villas (single family homes), 16 twin homes, and 10 brownstones (town homes). You can find more details on Apple Creek in the meeting agenda (Item #4 Staff Report). In the meeting preview video below I share some of my thoughts on the project.
   
3. Creation of an Inclusivity Committee. This was an outgrowth of a couple of meetings that were held in June, including my Meet with the Mayor session. You can watch the June Meet with the Mayor and learn more about the genesis of the committee by reading this post.

An abbreviated agenda for the meeting is shown below along with my video preview. This meeting will be held at city hall but there will be limited space because of distancing requirements. We will also stream it on our YouTube channel (click here to watch). 

Note, individuals, especially those in a high-risk category, are strongly encouraged to participate in the meeting virtually!

Your Change, Sir: Opening Our Eyes and Becoming Better

About 25 years ago I started a new job. Over time I became good friends with one of my co-workers, Eric Hughes. He is incredibly innovative, outgoing, kind, positive and has a great sense of humor. We were having lunch one day and talking about racial bias. I didn’t believe it was very prevalent. However, Eric, who is black, said it still existed and he regularly experienced it. As an example, he shared how some store clerks would put change on the counter rather than put it in his hand. I was taken aback and it caused me to look myself a little differently and see if I needed to do better.

Subsequent to that I was talking with another dear friend and business associate, Marti Colwell who, like Eric, is a talented and amazing person. During the conversation I used a term regarding negotiations that I could tell gave her pause. I had used a phrase that referenced her heritage (Jewish). I certainly had not intended to offend. It was a phrase I had heard often growing up and used it without thinking about its implications. She didn’t say much, but I could tell from her eyes that what I said was hurtful. Her quiet reprimand made me a better more thoughtful person. We remain good friends to this day.

Over a year ago I was at a meeting where Dr. Susan Madsen spoke about unconscious bias as it relates to woman. As with Eric, I had assumed that bias was very limited in this sphere, but again I was wrong. As Dr. Madsen went through her presentation I realized that there were a lot of things in the world I just didn’t see. In a recent article she published on unconscious bias training, she noted the following

“After spending many years studying unconscious bias, curriculum design and training best practices (reading books, listening to lectures, watching videos, attending trainings and workshops, and participating in multiday programs), I learned that I could not teach this subject without first exploring my own biases thoroughly. And I am still learning. It is truly deep work.”

Have we made progress over the years in reducing bias? Yes! However, we live in an imperfect world and so there will always be things that we can improve on. I’ve found that having sincere and honest conversations with those who are different than me is the best way to remove negative preconceptions. Perhaps this is because our ability to empathize with others improves when we listen. In his book “The War for Kindness”, Jamil Zaki states, “Empathy’s most important role, though, is to inspire kindness: our tendency to help each other, even at a cost to ourselves.” Kindness is something the world certainly needs more of, especially today.

On June 10th of the year we recorded conversation with Highland’s police chief, Brian Gwilliam, Highland residents Ronell Hugh, Brady Brammer (State Rep), Nicki Brammer, myself, and Alpine’s Mayor Troy Stout about racial inclusivity.It was a great conversation and one that is worth watching.

After this discussion our group put together a Learn Feel Act Challenge that can help families gain a broader perspective on racial issues. The challenges asked families to read a book, watch a video and memorize a quote. They can select their own resources or use a list we worked with the library to develop that include recommendations based on the reader's age. An independent group has created its own website with a broader list of material. I am sure that this site items that we otherwise might not read and won’t agree with but I have always found learning about other perspectives to be valuable.

After learning about these issues, the challenge asks families to explore their feelings and develop a plan for positive actions. One of these actions could include meeting with a member of our police department to learn more about how they deal with bias and other issues. You can schedule your appointment by calling (801) 756-9800. Our police chief, Brian Gwilliam, and I hope you do.

After completing the challenge you will be awarded with a sticker that you can put on a window in your home or car to indicate that your family values inclusivity and is taking steps to be more inclusive. Additionally, you will receive t-shirts for family members to wear.

For those of you who are old enough to remember, the sticker reminds me of the helping hand sign that the people put in their windows when I was growing up. It indicated that the home was a place you could go to if you felt unsafe (e.g. if you were being chased by someone older on the way home from school).

Knowledge can influence actions and change behaviors. It has in my life and I hope it will continue to do so. Frederick Douglass, an abolitionist leader and former slave, changed his view over time on what actions needed to be taken to make progress as he learned and grew. Here’s a quote from a speech he gave in Glasgow, Scotland on March 26, 1860:

“When I was a child, I thought and spoke as a child. But the question is not as to what were my opinions fourteen years ago, but what they are now. If I am right now, it really does not matter what I was fourteen years ago. My position now is one of reform, not of revolution. I would act for the abolition of slavery through the Government — not over its ruins.”

Links:

• Building a More Racially Inclusive Community (video)
• Eric Hughes (LinkedIn)
• Frederick Douglass March 26, 1860 speech 
• Learn Feel Act Challenge (Highland City)
• Susan Madsen, PhD (USU, LinkedIn)
• All Unconscious Bias Training Is Not Equal, Susan Madsen
  This short article is an excellent read and contains important principles with respect to affecting change.
• Utah Women & Leadership Project
• The War for Kindness: Building Empathy in a Fractured World, Jamil Zaki, 2019. Note, the Highland City Library has ordered this book.

2019-2020 Highland Property Taxes & Fees Compared to Other N. Utah County Cities

Highland City Council Preview for July 7, 2020

In this preview of the 7-Jul-2020 Highland City council meeting agenda, in my view, the most interesting items are:

1. The Natura Solve presentation on an organic solution that can be added to our pressurized irrigation system that has the potential to reduce water requirements by 20% to 50% and fertilizer needs by 30% to 50% and
2. The 3 open space maintenance agreements (items 4-6).
3. The presentation by our library director where she will discuss fund raising goals.

An abbreviated agenda for the meeting is shown below along with my video preview. This meeting will again be held at city hall. There will be limited space because of distancing requirements. We will also stream it on our YouTube channel (click here to watch). 

Note, individuals, especially those in a high-risk category, are strongly encouraged to participate in the meeting virtually!

Why I Support Spencer Cox for Governor

First let me say that I believe that we would be well served by any of the primary candidates for governor. I have listened to each in small group settings and have been impressed by them; both as individuals as well as the policies and ideas they espouse. Each candidate has supporters who I respect and whose judgement I value.

Council Preview for June 16, 2020

The 2020-21 Budget will be approved at the meeting because we have a statutory obligation approve it. We will be dipping into to reserves a little to make the budget whole. That said, we were able to mitigate the negative impact the COVID related economic slowdown is having by putting a hold on wage increases and putting limits on non-essential project. We anticipate reviewing the budget on a quarterly basis as we better understand the impact of COVID on the city.

Our first presentation will be an overview of the city survey results which I always find interesting. If you missed this on the live broadcast I believe it will be worth watching on our YouTube channel.

An abbreviated agenda for the meeting is shown below along with my video preview. This meeting will again be held at city hall. There will be limited space because of distancing requirements. We will also stream it on our YouTube channel (click here to watch). 

Note, individuals, especially those in a high-risk category, are strongly encouraged to participate in the meeting virtually!

Council Preview for June 2, 2020

Prior to talking about Tuesday’s agenda I would like to share with you some good news. Drum roll please! On Friday May 29th we received a schedule for the construction of the East-West Connector. Work will run from first week of June (next week) to the end of November.  The schedule is aggressive and relies on weather conducive to road work in November. If all goes as planned the road will be substantively completed by the end of November. Otherwise will it be completed in late spring of 2021.

An abbreviated agenda for the June 2nd City Council meeting is shown below along with my video preview. This meeting will again be held at city hall. There will be limited space because of distancing requirements. We will also stream it on our YouTube channel (click here to watch). 

Note, individuals, especially those in a high-risk category, are strongly encouraged to participate in the meeting virtually!

Letter to 2020 High School Graduates

My best wishes to all 2020 High School graduates. Highland City students who graduated from American Fork, Lone Peak, and Skyridge High Schools this year received the following letter from the mayor. Much of it is relevant to all of us, especially me.

City Council Preview for May 19, 2020

Below is the agenda for our May 19th City Council Meeting along with my video preview. This meeting will be held at city hall. There will be limited space because of distancing requirements. We will also stream it on our YouTube channel (click here to watch).  If you want to provide comments in open comment (unscheduled public appearances) portion of the meeting or for any specific agenda item and are not physically present please call 346-248-7799 and use the meeting ID 839 5020 414. You can also send an email to council@highlandcity.org prior to the meeting. Staff will read your comments during the meeting at the appropriate time.

Note, individuals, especially those in a high-risk category, are strongly encouraged to participate in the meeting virtually!

City Council Preview for May 5, 2020

Below is the agenda for our May 5th City Council Meeting along with my video preview. This will be a virtual/electronic meeting. We will stream it on our YouTube channel (click here to watch).  If you want to provide comments in open comment (unscheduled public appearances) portion of the meeting or for any specific agenda item please call in (253-215-8782) during the unscheduled public appearances portion of the meeting or send an email to council@highlandcity.org prior to the meeting. Staff will read your comments during the meeting at the appropriate time.

City Council Preview for April 21, 2020

Below is the agenda for our April 21, 2020 City Council Meeting along with my video preview. This will be a virtual/electronic meeting. We will stream it on our YouTube channel (click here to watch).  If you want to provide comments in open comment (unscheduled public appearances) portion of the meeting or for any specific agenda item please send an email to council@highlandcity.org prior to the meeting. Staff will read your comments during the meeting at the appropriate time.

2020: A Year of Hope – A Highland City Proclamation

Everyone has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to one degree or another. During what can seem like a dark time, Highland City wanted to bring hope to the community via a proclamation “2020: A Year of Hope” and an accompanying video.  I  hope you find it inspirational. We all hope for a brighter tomorrow and thanks to your efforts we will.

A special thanks to my wife Suzanne who was the inspiration behind the proclamation, Scott Hart who produced the accompanying video, and the city council for sharing their thoughts.

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Mayor’s Message for April 2020: Silver Linings

Along with the rest of the world, we are going through a challenging time, but there are always silver linings. In this case we have a chance to develop creative solutions. Jeff Dyer, a Highland resident, co-authored The Innovator’s DNA with Clayton Christensen and Hal Gregersen. In the book they describe different exercises that can be used to develop creative solutions. One such exercise is to define a problem and then put constraints on the solution. According to Marissa Mayer, former Google executive, “creativity, in fact, thrives best when constrained.” Clearly constraints have been put on much of our life, giving us the opportunity to address many of life’s challenges in new ways. New solutions to problems will be found that will benefit all of us going forward.

COVID-19 Comments for Today

As Mayor of Highland City I would like to briefly discuss our present circumstances.

The Majesty of Calmness – William George Jordan

The following is the first chapter in William George Jordan’s first book, The Majesty of Calmness. It is very apropos for the circumstances the world find’s itself in today.

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almness is the rarest quality in human life. It is the poise of a great nature, in harmony with itself and its ideals. It is the moral atmosphere of a life self-centred, self-reliant, and self-controlled. Calmness is singleness of purpose, absolute confidence, and conscious power―ready to be focused in an instant to meet any crisis.

Highland City 2019 Review

If you haven’t filled out the 2020 city survey which is due by the end of March please take a few minutes to do so. It is  where you can help assess how the city is doing and provide input on priorities going forward. When looking ahead it is often helpful to look at what progress has been made in the past. Here is a summary of 2019 from a city perspective.

Let’s start with Highland in the news. We were covered in all major local and state news media as well as out of state and national publications. In all we appeared in print and video over 45 times during the year. Below are links to most of the coverage.

Utopia Fiber and Highland

(435) 200-4051.  Pin: 5500

On February 4th, 2020 Roger Timmerman, executive director of Utopia Fiber, reviewed with the city council Utopia Fiber’s program for installing and running “Municipal Open Access” fiber in Highland (video, copy of slides). The short version of their proposal is:

2019 Road Projects Review

We completed 2.2 miles of rehabilitation (orange on map below) and 5.8 miles of preservation projects (yellow)) during 2019 at a cost of ~$1M. Five rehabilitation and one preservation projects were delayed for one year (red). Some of the money from those projects was applied to twelve preservation projects previously scheduled for 2020 which we were able to complete early. The remaining money was held to help fund 2020 projects. Note, 22 other preservation projects originally scheduled for 2019 were completed in prior years.

Wimbleton Trail Referendum: Comments on the Do Not Sign the Petition Flyer

On December 3rd 2019 the city council agreed to sell trails and adjacent open space property in the Wimbleton subdivision to neighboring land owners. The map below shows trails in the vicinity. The yellow ones are those that the council agreed to sell.

I read with some interest the flyer I received today from the “Neighbors and Friends of the Wimbleton Subdivision.” The subject of the flyer was a referendum that was filed to overturn the city council’s decision to sell the trails and adjacent open space in the Wimbleton subdivision. The flyer states “You will soon be asked to sign a referendum to reverse the wise decision to sell this property.” Was it a “wise” decision?  Let’s begin by reviewing their questions and answers.