11/26/2024
OV Incorporation Initiative Passed! Now What?
Compiled by Shanna Francis
By a healthy margin, Valley voters supported the initiative for Ogden Valley to become its own administrative, legislative, and judicial entity. Now what… what’s next?
Sponsors of the incorporation effort, with community input, will likely decide on five Ogden Valley districts (they can choose fewer) from which new council members will be elected. They will also decide on initial term lengths for each new city council member elected in November 2025. Since state law requires that council members serve staggered terms, initial terms for, at least, two of these council members will be for only two years. The mayor will be elected at-large, from incorporated Ogden Valley for, most likely, an initial four-year term.
By law, the population of each district is to be comparable. Thus, sponsors, working with the county, are working to draw district boundaries according to both population requirements and traditional community geographical regions, i.e., unincorporated Huntsville, Middle Fork, Eden, Wolf Creek, and Liberty. Those running for a district council seat will be required to be a full-time resident from the district that they hope to represent. When necessary, district boundaries must be modified every ten years to reflect new census data.
Please note that two community open house meetings have been slated so the public can come and view and provide feedback to proposed district boundaries that are currently being developed for public review. The dates of these open houses are as follows:
• December 4, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at the Ogden Valley Library in Huntsville Town.
• December 17, also from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Ogden Valley Library.
While two open houses have been scheduled, the material presented at both open houses will be identical. You may choose to attend one or the other. Also, since they will be in an open-house format, you may choose to come by at any time between open house hours—from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
After taking feedback from the community from these two open houses, a formal public hearing will be held January 8, 2025 at the Hearthside in Eden where the proposed boundaries will be presented and public comment taken once again. This public hearing will begin at 6:00 p.m. The Hearthside is located at 5612 E. 2200 N. in Eden.
Another important date is November 2025 when full-time residents of Ogden Valley will vote for Ogden Valley’s first mayor and five council members whom they desire to represent them.
Q&A
Q: What will happen to our mailing addresses?
A: Mailing addresses will remain the same for the foreseeable future. Eden, Liberty, and Huntsville will remain valid postal addresses. The traditional names of local communities will also remain in use, i.e., Eden, Liberty, Huntsville, Nordic Valley, Wolf Creek, etc.
Q: What about a new name for the city?
A: The new city council has the opportunity to change a city’s name. However, at least in the beginning, the name will remain the same—Ogden Valley—as this mountain community has been known for well over 150 years. Please note, it will not be called Ogden Valley City, but just Ogden Valley, much like Farr West, Harrisville, Hooper, North Ogden, Pleasant View, etc. Traditionally, none of these are referenced with the term “city” at the end of their names.
This mountain valley’s name is well established and permeated with a rich history. Even many of its local nonprofits use this well-established name: Community Foundation of Ogden Valley (CFOV), Ogden Valley Land Trust, Ogden Valley Tennis & Pickleball, Ogden Valley Adaptive Sports, etc.
Q: Are the mayor and council members paid?
A: It’s up to them. They can pass an ordinance (with appropriate public notice and comment, of course) to pay themselves. This can include salaries and/or allowable reimbursements.
Q: What is the process for running for office?
A: For the answer to this question, see state code, which governs elections. You can learn more at vote.utah.gov/become-a-municipal-candidate/. In addition, Weber County will publish more information about upcoming elections, probably sometime in January 2025.
Ogden Valley’s initial election will be overseen and run by Weber County. The county is also responsible for publishing candidate filing deadlines. Watch for more information in the near future. More information can also be viewed at weberelections.gov/.
Q: When will administrative power shift from the county to the city?
A: January 1, 2026. Until then, county ordinances and processes will continue as usual.
Q: How does a six-council-member form of government work?
A: There are six city council members—one serving as mayor. Although the mayor is formally a member of the council, the mayor only votes in the case of a council tie. This may happen when one council member is absent or needs to abstain from voting.
Q: Are there additional situations when a mayor can vote?
A: The mayor may also vote when it comes to hiring and firing decisions regarding a “municipal or city manager”—a position which is not required. They may also vote for any ordinances about the mayor’s powers, duties, or functions.
City councils are subject to public meeting notification laws regarding public participation, open records, and other Utah governmental body rules. Council members vote on issues related to governing a city, such as planning and zoning decisions and other city business. The council will also have to pass ordinances to get the city up and running.
Q: What will happen to Ogden Valley’s general plan?
A: Ogden Valley’s current general plan will remain as the community’s guiding document until such time as the community determines it needs to be modified or updated.
Q: Will the city have a planning commission?
A: Yes, the council is required to set up a planning commission with appointed members as outlined by state law.
Do you have a question that you would like answered? Email questions to ogdenvalleyinc.org or to [email protected] for collection and publication in upcoming issues of the paper. Questions may also be directed to incorporation sponsor chair Mark Ferrin at 801-745-0445.
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