Eagle Mountain, Utah

Infobox Settlement
official_name = Eagle Mountain, Utah
settlement_type = City
nickname =
motto =

pushpin_

pushpin_label_position =left
pushpin_map_caption =Location within the state of Utah
pushpin_mapsize =

|mapsize =
map_caption =


mapsize1 =
map_caption1 =

subdivision_type = Country
subdivision_name = United States
subdivision_type1 = State
subdivision_name1 = Utah
subdivision_type2 = County
subdivision_name2 = Utah

government_footnotes =
government_type = strong mayor
leader_title =
leader_name =
leader_title1 =
leader_name1 =
established_title =
established_date =

unit_pref = Imperial
area_footnotes =
area_magnitude =
area_total_km2 = 108.0
area_land_km2 = 108.0
area_water_km2 = 0.0
area_total_sq_mi = 41.7
area_land_sq_mi = 41.7
area_water_sq_mi = 0.0

population_as_of = 2000
population_footnotes =
population_total = 2157
population_density_km2 = 20.0
population_density_sq_mi = 51.7

timezone = Mountain (MST)
utc_offset = -7
timezone_DST = MDT
utc_offset_DST = -6
elevation_footnotes =
elevation_m = 1488
elevation_ft = 4882
latd = 40 |latm = 18 |lats = 22 |latNS = N
longd = 112 |longm = 0 |longs = 35 |longEW = W

postal_code_type = ZIP code
postal_code = 84005
area_code = 801
blank_name = FIPS code
blank_info = 49-20810GR|2
blank1_name = GNIS feature ID
blank1_info = 1759211GR|3
website = [http://www.eaglemountaincity.com www.eaglemountaincity.com]
footnotes =

Eagle Mountain is a city in Utah County, Utah, United States. It is part of the Provo–Orem, Utah Metropolitan Statistical Area. The city is located to the west of the Lake Mountains, which are west of Utah Lake. It was incorporated December 3, 1996 and has been rapidly growing ever since. The population was 2,157 at the 2000 census. Although Eagle Mountain was a town in 2000,GR|2 it has since been classified as a fifth-class city by state law. [ [http://www.livepublish.le.state.ut.us/lpBin22/lpext.dll/InfobaseUtahCode/title01306.htm/chapter01347.htm/section01373.htm?fn=document-frame.htm&f=templates §10-2-301] of the Utah Code, last amended in 2003. Accessed 2008-06-14.] In its short history, the city has quickly become popular for its rapid growth.cite web| url=http://www.sltrib.com//ci_6778165?IADID=Search-www.sltrib.com-www.sltrib.com| title=Eagle Mountain elementary schools bursting - help may be on the way| work=Salt Lake Tribune| accessdate=2007-09-23] cite web| url=http://www.sltrib.com//ci_6824501?IADID=Search-www.sltrib.com-www.sltrib.com| title=City votes to double size of new sewer| work=Salt Lake Tribune| accessdate=2007-09-23]

Geography

Eagle Mountain is located at coor dms|40|18|22|N|112|0|35|W|city (40.305982, -112.009726),GR|1 at the western base of the Lake Mountains in the flat Cedar Valley northeast of the city of Cedar Fort. An area known as "The Ranches" is also being developed just north of the Lake Mountains on State Route 73 (west of Lehi), within the city limits of Eagle Mountain. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of (convert|41.7|sqmi|km2|1).

SR-73 and Eagle Mountain Boulevard provide access to the city from Utah Valley and Salt Lake Valley, although the city center sits at least convert|15|mi|km|0 from the two valleys' main transportation corridor along Interstate 15. The Utah Department of Transportation is in the process of planning a western freeway for the Salt Lake valley which would connect to SR-73 only a few miles from The Ranches Parkway and Eagle Mountain Boulevard and provide more direct access to Provo and Salt Lake City. [cite web| url=http://www.udot.utah.gov/mountainview/| title=MountainView Corridor| publisher=Utah Department of Transportation| accessdate=2006-08-13]

The area is home to a number of natural landmarks, including a site along the original Pony Express trail [cite web| url=http://www.emcity.org/newsletters/June&July2007.pdf| title=Dedication of Pony Express Trail Monument| publisher=Eagle Mountain City| accessdate=2007-09-23] and 1,800-year-old rock art petroglyphs carved by ancient Freemont Indians. [cite web| url=http://www.nationaltrust.org/Magazine/archives/arc_news_2006/092806.htm| title=Utah Rock Art Will Be Centerpiece of Subdivision's Park| publisher=Preservation Online| accessdate=2007-09-23]

Demographics

As of the censusGR|2 of 2000, there were 2,157 people, 532 households, and 502 families residing in the town. The population density was 20.0/km² (51.7/sq mi). There were 598 housing units at an average density of 14.3/sq mi (5.5/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 96.57% White, 0.32% African American, 0.37% Native American, 0.32% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 0.88% from other races, and 1.48% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.11% of the population.

There were 532 households of which 74.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 89.1% were married couples living together, 3.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 5.6% were non-families. 3.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 0.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 4.05 and the average family size was 4.18. In the town the population was spread out with 47.4% under the age of 18, 11.9% from 18 to 24, 33.2% from 25 to 44, 6.3% from 45 to 64, and 1.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 21 years. For every 100 females there were 100.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.8 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $52,102, and the median income for a family was $52,434. Males had a median income of $40,777 versus $25,313 for females. The per capita income for the town was $16,340. About 2.0% of families and 2.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.1% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

2006 estimates

Census estimates for 2006 were adjusted to 17,391, [cite web| url=http://www.sltrib.com/ci_6949702| title=Eagle Mountain wins population challenge to U.S. Census| work=Salt Lake Tribune| accessdate=2007-09-23] although city officials now estimate the total population to be closer to 22,000.

Law and government

Eagle Mountain city government operates under a strong mayor system, where the mayor acts as an elected executive with the city council functioning with legislative powers. The mayor may select a chief administrative officer to oversee the different departments.

The current mayor is Heather Jackson. David Lifferth is the current mayor pro tempore. City council meets the first and third Tuesday of every month at the Eagle Mountain City Hall for a 4pm work session and a 7pm policy session. This meeting is open to the public.

History of Eagle Mountain's mayors

Eagle Mountain has had several mayors in its short history. No doubt the unique financial situation of the city, the complexities involved in managing such a high growth city, and the influence of developers beginning the town are primary contributors to it. Some have said that Eagle Mountain City is the most financially complex city in the State of Utah due to its ownership of all its utilities, i.e. gas, electric, water, sewer, and naturally roads and parks. Until 2005 it even owned the telephone company.

Shortly after incorporation, a lawsuit was filed by a Cedar Valley resident who challenged the legitimacy of the town, since mayor Debbie Hooge did not actually yet reside in the community at the time of the city's incorporation. There were also questions of conflict of interest raised by residents concerned about members of the council approving developments from which they would personally benefit. After several months, the courts agreed the law was based on "intent" and that Mayor Hooge and the city were legal. Later in 1998 the city council would adopt its first "Conflict of Interest" ordinance as a result of these types of potential conflicts for political officials.

Debbie Hooge was appointed the first mayor by the Utah County Commission upon incorporation in December 1996. Along with her appointment came the appointment of the city council members, which consisted of Nick Berg,John Jacob,Cyril Watts,and Diane Bradshaw.

The first elections to the town council were held in November 1997. Mayor Hooge ran unopposed. There was a write in candidate who garnered more than half the votes. Diane Bradshaw and Cyril Watt were re-elected. Dan Valentine and Rob Bateman were newly elected. When Mayor Hooge resigned the following year, Rob Bateman was appointed to fill her term until the next election, where a new mayor would be elected to finish her remaining time in office. William (Bill) Chipman was appointed to fill the open council seat after Rob Bateman assumed the mantle of mayor. It was at this time that mayor Bateman hired John Newman as city administrator for Eagle Mountain.

At the next regular election in 1999, Paul Bond was elected mayor to serve a term for the remaining two years, 2000-2002, of former Mayor Hooge. Brigham Morgan and Greg Kehl were also elected at that time replacing Rob Bateman, and Bill Chipman. Bill initially ran for office against Paul Bond, but later dropped out when it was discovered he had a felony record. Cyril Watts resigned shortly after the election because he was a polygamist and as such he could not hold a public office by state law and Dan Valentine was appointed to fill his seat.

When Kelvin Bailey ran for the office of mayor in 2001 against Greg Kehl, a city councilman, he won by about 70 votes. Bailey later said the city was left in a very precarious financial situation prior to his election. To date, Bailey claims there are no financial records available for the years of 1998-2000 and that these financial records disappeared or were lost during Bond's term. The utility bonds that the city based its loan for millions of dollars were based on those years of financial records that disappeared. After city administrator John Newman left, Bailey was left with the responsibility to serve not only as the mayor, but as the full time city administrator and public works director while the city searched for replacements for these full time positions. Chris Hillman was hired as the new city administrator in May 2002 and Mark Sovine was hired as the public works director in August 2002.

Bailey and Eagle Mountain gained some undesired national attention in March 2003 when Bailey reportedly claimed to have been kidnapped and forced to drive to Barstow, California. FBI personnel were briefly involved in the case and after interviewing Bailey they chose not to take any action or file any charges against him. However, the county attorney’s office two weeks later filed charges. Bailey reported the following in a press release to the local media the following day, "I would like to explain some of the recent events that have occurred this past week. Over the past several months events have happened in my life that has placed me under extreme stress both personally and professionally. Last Thursday afternoon this stress reached a new peak. After more than 24 hours of no sleep and an all night drive, reality set in and I remembered the most important thing in my life, my family. In my exhaustion I concocted a story that I planned to tell only my wife that would explain where I had been until I could get a chance to talk to her in person. Unbeknown to me she had already notified the authorities. It was poor judgment that perpetuated this story and I take full responsibility for it. In route home I realized that the right thing to do was to go to the authorities and correct this error. At this time I want to thank the officers of the Utah County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI. They handled my problem with extreme courtesy and professionalism. I felt their concern for me and my well being was genuine, and I will always appreciate them for their help." [2] However, the county attorney's office did not take the position of the sheriff’s office or the FBI and initially charged Bailey with a misdemeanor charge of filing a false police report, but later changed their charge to providing false information to law enforcement officers as there was no actual report that was ever filed by him. Bailey initially pled not guilty to misdemeanor charges of providing false information, but finally accepted a plea deal in 2005. He was quoted in the Daily Herald after accepting the plea stating, "After a year of trying to resolve this issue and protect my innocence against an alleged minor Class-B Misdemeanor, I feel that it is in my best interest and in my family’s financial interest to enter a plea of no contest and have the case completely dismissed. It is disappointing that our justice system makes it less expensive to enter a plea than to stand up for one’s innocence and principles. However, being the pragmatist that I am, this choice is simply the more financially wise decision to put an end to the false accusations and allegations that have gone on for over a year for something that was simply a misfortunate [sic] emotional break-down on my part. Also, I would like to thank my family and all those individuals who have been there in my support during this difficult time. Again I apologize as I did a year ago for any embarrassment that this may have caused to my community. I am glad to have this case dismissed and have this entirely behind me as I look forward to continuing to serve my community."

In spite of this controversial event, during Mayor Bailey's administration the financial situation of the city was turned around. The city went from a $481,000 deficit to a $730,000 surplus by the end of the following fiscal year in 2003. The city realized additional surpluses of over one million dollars in the year of 2004 & 2005. Bailey was able to sell off the telecom system, paying off the debt and gaining almost a $500,000 profit from the sale. He refinanced the utility bonds, savings millions of dollars. He paid the $63 million dollar debt down to less than $50 million dollars by the end of his term. He built a new permanent city hall and public works building. Bailey resigned on June 30, 2005, citing financial problems and a need to have time to develop his inventions.

Prior to leaving office, Mayor Bailey encouraged the city council to recognize that part of the problem lay in the fact that the mayor received a monthly stipend of only $1,000, but that the job required an enormous amount of time to be able to serve effectively. Mayor Bailey encouraged and pressed the city council for making the position a full time position with full time pay at his last meeting on June 28, 2005. He felt while he would not benefit from this action that it would be unfair to make the position more difficult for future mayors. In July 2005 the city council agreed and approved a salary for the mayor of $69,982 per year, with benefits included only if paid for by the employee.

Vincent Liddiard, the Mayor Pro Tem, replaced Bailey as mayor until David Lifferth was appointed by 5-0 vote of the council on August 2, 2005. Lifferth resigned his position as mayor at the end of the final council meeting for 2005. Brian Olsen, the mayor pro tem and mayor-elect filled the seat for the final days of 2005.

Brian Olsen was the Sixth mayor to serve in the office since 1996 until he resigned on October 20, 2006. The reason cited was "family and personal considerations". In light of this resignation, the council met in emergency session on October 21, 2006 and selected Linn Strouse to serve as interim mayor/mayor pro tem for a 30 day period. The vote was 3-2, with council members Liddiard and Jackson dissenting. On September 21, 2007, while still serving as a city council member, Linn Strouse was charged with a second degree felony for accepting a gift, compensation, or loan in the amount of $10,000 from developer John Walden. Strouse was defeated in the 2007 election and her criminal case is still awaiting resolution.

On October 23, 2006, Olsen was accused of seven felony accounts of misusing public funds by the Utah County Attorney's office. On September 25th 2008, Olsen was found innocent of all charges by a court of law and jury (The Salt Lake Tribune by Donald W. Meyers 9-26-08).

Don Richardson was unanimously appointed interim mayor by the council on November 14, 2006 to serve through the election of 2007. In April 2007 a City Council meeting was held to determine if the council members should receive an increase in pay from $300/month to $600/month. Mayor Richardson sought a reduction in salary to $40,000 as he was serving as mayor part-time.

City Council Member Heather Jackson defeated Richard Culbertson in the election of 2007 and became mayor in January, 2008.

Education

Eagle Mountain currently has three elementary schools (Pony Express Elementary, Hidden Hollow Elementary and Eagle Valley Elementary) and a public charter school (The Ranches Academy with K - 8th grade). Rockwell High school is currently under construction. Their mascot will be the 'Marshalls'.

References

External links

* [http://www.emcity.org/ Official site]