PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that Ogden Valley incorporation sponsors will hold a public hearing at Eden’s Hearthside Event Center, 5612 E. 2200 N., Eden, Utah, on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
The meeting may also be joined via Zoom, Meeting ID: 989 0182 2931, Passcode: 415821
Now that voters have decided to incorporate, the next steps are creating districts for council members (now through Jan 2025) and then elections (Nov 2025). More info on districting below.
The sponsors must draw from two to five council member districts and submit them to the county. In support of this effort, there are two workshops scheduled. Sponsors and their representatives will be available for small group and individual discussions (i.e. there is no formal presentation planned.) Come see the initial five-district plan. Make comments, provide feedback, etc.
The official public hearing is on Wednesday, January 8th, at 6 pm, at The Hearthside in Eden.
Local resident Kraig@HBHome.org built a website where you can try your hand at districting if you like, although it’s not terribly easy to use. The website is at districting.hbhome.org.
Maybe you were opposed to incorporation and didn’t attend some of the lectures about land use (zoning), finances, contracting, etc. Or maybe you’re interested in being a council member and want more info. Check out our lecture series on YouTube.
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 ovincorporation@gmail.com or to slfrancis@digis.net 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.