During a special meeting on the Eagle Mountain City Council, the City Council appointed John Painter to the Eagle Mountain Mayors position. Mayor Pengra on July 26th, 2017 announced, ” I have been honored and blessed to serve the residents of Eagle Mountain City over the last few years. I have equally enjoyed working with each of you. For this reason it is bittersweet that I write to inform you of my resignation as Mayor of Eagle Mountain City, effective as of August 18.” This announcement forced the City to appoint an Interim Mayor that could fill the Mayors seat until the Mayor Elect can take office at the beginning of 2018. The announcement says that the position will last until Noon on January 1st, 2018.
It should be noted that the Interim Mayor is not the same thing as the Mayor Pro Tempore The Mayor Pro Tempore can only officiate for a limited amount of time as Mayor in the event of the Mayor being unable to perform their duties or after a resignation. Because the length of period without a mayor would be greater than 30 days, state law requires that the City appoint an Interim Mayor to the position. The Mayor Pro Tempore is currently Tom Westomoreland, and the City Council appoints the Mayor Pro Tempore each year. The Interim Mayor will have all of the same responsibilities and powers that an Elected Mayor would have.
Eight Eagle Mountain residents put their names in for consideration of the appointment. The City Recorder sent each of them a list of questions that they should consider when they were to address the City Council during the special session. Each candidate was given three minutes to address the City Council prior to their deliberation and voting. The residents who put their name in for consideration were: Adam Bradley (withdrew during council meeting), John Harrington, Ryan Ireland, Mike Kieffer (withdrew 8/11), Vincent Liddiard, John Painter, Richard Steinkopf, and Casey Voeks.
The Mayor of Eagle Mountain, according to City and State, has the following responsibilities. The Mayor is the presiding officer of the Eagle Mountain City Council, and as such is responsible for the preparation of the agenda and supporting documents. Utah Code defines Eagle Mountain as a Six-Member Council Form of Municipal Government, and as such the Mayor is a voting member of the City Council. But can only vote if there is a tie vote, the council is voting on appointing or dismissing the City Manager, or voting on an ordinance that restricts, or enlarges the Mayor’s duties, powers, or functions. The Mayor exercises ceremonial functions for the City. The Mayor does not have any veto power. And is responsible for signing any legal contracts on behalf of the city. The Interim Mayor is now responsible for these items to help the City Government function until Noon on January 1st, 2018.
Supporting Documents
City Council Agenda for Special Meeting
Questions for Interim Mayor
Mike Kieffer – Editor-in-Chief, Cedar Valley Sentinel
Mike Kieffer is a dynamic leader and community advocate based in Eagle Mountain, Utah. He serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Cedar Valley Sentinel, a local publication dedicated to informing, inspiring, and elevating the Cedar Valley community through honest and accurate journalism. With a passion for fostering connections, Kieffer has made it his mission to highlight local businesses, provide reliable news, and support community development.
Beyond his editorial role, Kieffer is the owner of Lake Mountain Media, LLC, a company specializing in media and communications, and the co-owner of Quail Run Farms, which focuses on sustainable farming and community engagement. He also actively contributes to the local economy and culture as a member of the Eagle Mountain Chamber of Commerce.
Kieffer’s dedication extends to preserving and promoting the history and heritage of the Cedar Valley area. He often participates in community-centered events and media, including podcasts that explore the unique aspects of life in the region. Through his varied endeavors, he remains a steadfast advocate for the growth and enrichment of the local community.