Mayor Pro Tempore?
The Eagle Mountain City Council last night voted Tom Westmoreland to the position of Mayor Pro Tempore for 2017. Here is a little background on what the Mayor Pro Tempore is. Pro Tempore is a Latin phrase that means “for the time being”. Eagle Mountain has a six-council member government. Basically the five (5) City Council members have the ability to vote, and the Mayor has the responsibility of breaking any votes that result in a tie among the Council Members, and is the person who conducts the meetings. In the event that the Mayor is unable to perform their duties, then the Mayor Pro Tempore takes over those responsibilities. State Code (10-3b-302-2) defines the Mayor Pro Tempore’s responsibilities.
- (a) If the mayor is absent or unable or refuses to act, the council may elect a member of the council as mayor pro tempore, to:
- (i) preside at a council meeting; and
- (ii) perform, during the mayor’s absence, disability, or refusal to act, the duties and functions of mayor.
- (b) The municipal clerk or recorder shall enter in the minutes of the council meeting the election of a council member as mayor pro tempore under Subsection (2)(a).
The City Council also appointed several other residents to positions in different Boards and Commissions. Each of the residents that are appointed to a board or commission agree to the following oath. The oath of office is given in the Utah State Constitution Article IV, Section 10.
I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support, obey and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Utah, and that I will discharge the duties of my office with fidelity.
Planning Commission
The City Council voted to add Muriel E. Xochimitl and Mike Owens to the Planning Commission for a term of three (3) years. The Planning Commission is a five (5) person commission that reviews all matters related to development and land use prior to the matter being put before the City Council. Colby Curtis and Ben Reaves are the City Council Liaisons for the Planning Commission.
Library Board
The City Council voted to add Dave Ulibarri to a three (3) year term on the Library Board. The Library board is responsible for the policies, programs, and needs of the library. The board is a five (5) member board with Tom Westmoreland filling the role as the City Council Liaison.
Military and Veterans Board
The City Council appointed Mike Ditto, Erika Douglas, and Matt Cloutier to the board. The Military and Veterans board is tasked with and provides support and input to city-sponsored programs in support of the local military personnel. They also are the ones responsible for setting up the Welcome Home processions for residents serving in the military that are returning from deployment.
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.