In a significant addition to the American Fork City Council, Ernie John has been elected as a council member, bringing with him a wealth of experience in water management. His election comes at a crucial time when sustainable water use and management are becoming increasingly important for communities in Utah.

Ernie John, known for his extensive work in managing surface water in American Fork Canyon, has been actively engaged on several water boards prior to his election. His commitment to safeguarding the city’s water resources has been well recognized.

“We have a great city council, and I don’t have any huge changes to offer; I want to stay the course of the ship,” John said. “I think most important is I want to make sure that as we continue to grow as a city, I don’t want the demographic split not to understand each other, I want them to work together. Multifamily housing is on one side of that.”

John also expressed concerns regarding the pacing of growth for American Fork, highlighting the necessity of managing development in a way that ensures the city’s infrastructure, especially affordable housing and multifamily housing.

“Growth is an area we need to do a better job on,” John said. “I want to make sure we have plenty of green space.”

John has lived in American Fork for 22 years. He and his family have deep roots in American Fork, and John and his wife live in her family home. John credits his time living elsewhere as a way to see things done differently, what works and what doesn’t.

“I think living outside of Utah for 25 years gives me a unique perspective,” John added. “Having a different perspective helps us to make better decisions. I try to find common connections with people, which has allowed me to work with just about everyone.”

John’s election is a testament to American Fork residents’ growing concern for environmental sustainability and resource management. His expertise in water management is expected to complement the council’s diverse skill set, enabling more informed decisions that will benefit the city and its residents for years to come.

The American Fork City Council greeted a fresh face in municipal government as Timothy Holley took his seat among the council members on January 3, 2024. Juggling multiple roles as a security sales professional for IBM, a small business owner, and a United States Marine Corps reservist, Holley brings a multifaceted perspective to his new role in local politics.

One of five council members, Holley has taken up responsibilities within the beautification committee, including indoor preservation and oversight of the cemetery. This role shapes the aesthetic and historical fabric of American Fork.

In his transition to public office, Holley remains focused on the city’s financial health, which he describes as a critical component.

“The biggest thing for me is the budget, always, because I want to ensure the budget is managed properly,” Holley said. There is a lot going on in a macroeconomic way that is outside of the city’s control, like inflation and interest rates, that we need to be mindful of. I want to make sure that we are not wasting money, especially with our capital projects.”

Holly’s unique background as the Heart and Seoul Karaoke owner in Provo, coupled with his expertise in security sales, positions him as an advocate for local businesses and civic safety within the council.

“Infrastructure, including how the roads and sidewalks are being maintained, is also a top priority for me,” Holley added. “And the downtown revitalization project. Making sure the downtown area is a place for businesses can be successful.”

The community has reacted positively to Holley’s election, with residents expressing optimism about his commitment to fiscal responsibility and long-term city planning.

“I make myself available [to people] as much as possible, whether it is through a phone call or text, or social media and emails, I do my best to respond to them as quickly as possible,” Holley said. “I think that is one of the most important jobs I have on the city council, connecting to people in person and being available.”

With Holley on board, the American Fork City Council remains poised to manage the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for this vibrant Utah community.

By: Lehi Free Press

Elected officials, employees and members of the public convened on Monday, March 11 at the Utah County Convention Center to hear from Utah County Commissioners Amelia Powers Gardner and Brandon Gordon at the annual State of the County event.

Each Utah County department showcased its 2023 accomplishments, including the following:

Health Department

– Women, Infants, Children (WIC) served an average of 10,120 people per month.

– Purchased a second drone for mosquito abatement in inaccessible areas.

– Increased volunteers in Senior programs.

– Issued 3,464 death certificates and 35,730 birth certificates.

Clerk

– Implemented a new voting method called Fast Cast Voting, a quick, in-person voting option. 

– Placed cameras at all ballot drop box locations.

– Hired a new public services and records manager to oversee the Records Management Division.

– Processed 11,138 passport applications.

– Issued 21,329 marriage licenses.

Public Works

– Loafer Mountain Parkway

– New emergency management building (26,827 sq ft)

– New salt storage building (15,878 sq ft)

– New records building (10,495 sq ft)

– Maintains over 1 million square feet of buildings

– Completed 6,483 work orders 

– Maintained 916 phone extensions 

– Maintained 431 vehicles 

– Maintained 533 acres of parks and trailheads

– Completed 4,173 campsite reservations 

– Plowed 690 lane miles of roadway 

Surveyor

– 4 plats published on NAD 83

– Replaced 50 monuments 

– Met with cities to continue PLSS clearance program 

– Reduced workforce by 1 full-time employee

Recorder

– Implemented the Property Watch program

– Recorded 84,416 documents 

Auditor

– Implemented a paperless purchase order system

– Received the Government Finance Officers Association’s Budget Presentation Award

– Held a budget open house 

– Produced 13 audit reports 

– Hired a project manager to plan and execute the replacement of financial systems.

Assessor 

– County saw a 3.1% increase in population (22,063 people)

Information Systems

– Enhanced infrastructure of main network storage

– Implemented a new IT service desk management system

– Added a two-factor authentication requirement for all county employees 

– Added an advanced cyber threat detection system 

– New system for jail inmate medical assessments 

– New online parcel map 

Human Resources 

– Processed 3,314 job applications and hired 376 employees

– 86 job descriptions updated 

– 46,534 direct deposits administered 

– Digitized all employee files 

Childrens Justice Center 

– 226 Medical exams 

– Serviced 3,993 people 

– Expanded pediatric SANE program

Justice Court 

– Reduced backlog of pending criminal cases from down 23% to 13%

– Streamlined cash count and monthly reconciliation process

– Hired Judge Birch permanently 

Attorney

– 75% increase in felony case charges

– 29% increase in misdemeanor case charges

– 112% increase in DUI case charges 

– Case screening backlog decreased by 72% 

– Processed over 2,000 GRAMA requests 

– Settled six opioid litigations cases 

Sheriff 

– 12,737 jail bookings

– Prepared 200,298 Meals on Wheels meals

– Jail garden produced 20 tons of fruits and vegetables for inmate meals and food banks

– Deputy training in autism, de-escalation tactics and defense tactics 

– 119 Search & Rescue calls 

– 2 deputies attended flight school

– 38,322 people passed through Utah County Justice Court security 

– 5 students went through the Intern Program 

Utah County Person of the Year: BYU Athletic Director, Tom Holmoe

Utah County Business of the Year: Sundance Mountain Resort

By: Brynn Carnesecca

American Fork Mayor Brad Frost and the American Fork City Council honored brothers Ed and Koleton Daley with a special hero presentation on Tuesday, Feb. 27. 

As presented by Mayor Frost, Ed and Koleton Daley were honored for their work with the American Fork police and fire departments. The Daleys, local business owners, have operated a packaging distribution business for many years. During this time, they have continually supported local law enforcement in different ways. Previously, they have donated K-9 safety vests and riot gear to the police force. 

This year, however, the brothers decided to change their donations. The Daleys donated specialized light-up gear to officers and firefighters throughout Utah. AF is one of the cities receiving donations. 

These specialized lights hold many purposes, aiding in the safety of both first responders and citizens. According to Mayor Frost, the lights provide “assistance in foot pursuits, general visibility during traffic stops and higher awareness to our officers during traffic accidents.” Fire and Rescue also utilizes this technology, with the lights providing higher visibility for the trucks the teams use. 

“These lights can indicate where our teams have entered, but more importantly, how they can get out,” Mayor Frost explained. 

Additionally, the lights can be used in the event of vehicle accidents to assist drivers in identifying traffic patterns and to increase visibility for personnel on the scene. The Daley’s donation offers great support to the city. 

“Ed and Koleton simply said, ‘What do you need? How can we help?’” said Mayor Frost. To recognize their donations, the Mayor and City Council presented the brothers with a Hero Award, as well as naming Feb. 27 “Ed and Koleton Daley Day” for the city of American Fork. 

“On behalf of American Fork city and its residents, we would like to thank Ed and Koleton and their families for their willingness to step in where the needs arise,” said Mayor Frost. “They have helped stretch the public safety budget, and are also able to directly place their contributions where they can immediately be most helpful.”

To watch this or other city council meetings, visit www.youtube.com/@AmericanForkCity

By: Sally Francom

In a peculiar move that has raised concerns among residents and elected officials, the Utah County Commission recently changed its policy to allow public comments in person exclusively. This decision removed the option for virtual participation via Zoom during Commission meetings. The change was enacted on the January 17 Commission agenda, where the public Zoom link was no longer provided. 

Utah County Commissioner Amelia Powers Gardner expressed surprise when questioned about the new policy. “I am unaware of this policy,” she stated when reached for comment. 

“Public input into Utah County’s governance is essential, and the option to participate virtually allows those who can’t attend in person the ability to offer their comments for our consideration,” said Commissioner Tom Sakievich. 

“Our office was unaware of the policy change eliminating virtual public comment from our Commission meetings until February 21. This decision needs to be reversed,” concluded Sakievich. 

Of the three County Commissioners, Brandon Gordon was the only one aware of the change.

Commissioner Brandon Gordon defended the change, citing a desire to return to pre-pandemic procedures. “We felt like, post-COVID, we would continue to stream the meetings on YouTube and hope to see people in person for public comment,” Gordon said in a statement to the Lehi Free Press. He also encouraged residents to utilize alternative channels such as email or phone to offer comments on Commission matters. 

Utah County Deputy Clerk Brian Voeks, speaking on behalf of the Clerk’s Office, which manages meeting minutes and records process, said, “The decision to eliminate the Zoom option was made entirely by the Commission Office and not the Clerk’s Office.”

The public comment policy change will not include the Commission or County staff’s ability to join remotely, and they may continue to do so. 

A request under the Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA) for records and communications about the decision to remove virtual public comments was denied, prompting an ongoing appeal process from the Lehi Free Press.

Brynn Carnesecca

With caucus meetings scheduled for the upcoming weeks, presidential candidate Nikki Haley rallied at UVU’s Noorda Center on Wednesday, February 28. Although tickets had to be purchased in advance, eager listeners filled both theaters with a combined seating capacity of 1,400. 

The rally began with a video introduction from the 17th governor of Utah, Gary R. Herbert. Herbert praised Haley’s former position as South Carolina’s governor, highlighting her dedication to cutting taxes, easing government restrictions, supporting small businesses and the record-low unemployment rates (and associated record-high employment rates) while Haley was in office. “Most importantly, she has done it with grace and dignity,” Governor Herbert added. “She has always shown respect for her office, the people she represents and significantly also for her opponents.” Lieutenant Governor Deidre Henderson spoke and echoed similar sentiments regarding Haley. 

Haley started her remarks by bluntly mentioning how difficult it is to see the state of the Country, particularly regarding the United States’ debt of over $34 trillion. Haley has a background in accounting and focused much of her address on the Country’s financial state. She mentioned her concern about the Country’s debt to China and her opinion that foreign countries were not giving their fair share for global security. “I would love to tell you that Joe Biden did that to us,” Haley commented. “and he sent us down this roller coaster of socialism that is dangerous. But I’ve always spoken hard truths, and I’m going to do that with you today. Donald Trump and our Republicans did that to us, too.” 

Haley also mentioned COVID-19 stimulus payments and entitlement programs. The crowd cheered with Haley’s final comment on finances, “We can’t keep going on like that. So, don’t you think it’s time we had an accountant in the White House?” 

The former governor touched on other points of interest, such as introducing term limits in Congress, enforcing competency tests for members of government and ensuring members of Congress do not receive paychecks until the Country’s budget is completed on time. “Congress has become the most privileged nursing home in America,” said Haley. “This is nothing to play with. These are people making decisions on the future of our economy.” 

Haley expressed her frustration with border security. If elected, she promised to enforce stricter policies to prevent the smuggling of fentanyl and the entry of foreign nationals at the southern border. During her term in South Carolina, Haley said she enforced the strictest immigration policy of any state. “President Obama sued us over it, and we won,” explained Haley. “I want to take what we did in South Carolina and go National with it.” 

Haley also discussed Veteran healthcare. Her husband is a veteran who served in Afghanistan and is currently deployed in Africa. Haley was firm in her support of veterans, stating the need for immediate mental and physical health resources. By utilizing Telehealth and allowing veterans to visit whichever hospital they choose, Haley plans to support veterans during often difficult transitions to civilian life. 

Haley commented on former president Donald Trump’s recent off-script comments in South Carolina. “Trump said that he would encourage Putin to invade our allies…” Haley said. “In that moment that Donald Trump went off the teleprompter, he chose to side with a thug when half a million have died or been wounded because Putin invaded Ukraine. Trump chose to side with a dictator who killed his political opponents. In that one moment, he made our allies more vulnerable, he emboldened Putin, and he put our military members who are serving in those areas in danger. We need a president who knows we can never be so arrogant to think we don’t need friends.” 

Gaining control after more cheers of support, Haley encouraged attendees to attend the caucus meetings, bring friends, and try to turn the tables in her favor. “The decision is do you want more of the same, or do you want to go in a new direction?” Haley asked. 

Haley spoke of Trump’s arrogance and his narcissistic tendencies which in her view “represent a shift in the Republican party.” She also mentioned President Joe Biden’s age and perceived low level of competency.

Haley finished her message with comments about her motives.“I’m not doing this for me,” she stated. “I’m doing this for my kids. I’m doing this for your kids and your grandkids. I want to get us back to a country where it’s about faith and family and freedom.” 

Directly following her speech, Haley held an hour-long meet and greet for all interested attendees. She continued encouraging listeners to fight for a change in the Country and attend caucus meetings. 

Caucus meetings for both the Republican and Democratic parties will be held next week. Visit utah.gov to register or to find your precinct location.  

by Skyler Beltran

According to the Oxford Dictionary, a caucus is “a meeting at which local members of a political party register their preference among candidates running for office or select delegates to attend a convention.”

Utahns will meet on March 5 for a statewide caucus of all major political parties. This civic engagement process is a biannual meeting of party precincts that serve as a conduit between citizens and their political representatives.

At the heart of the caucus are precinct leaders and delegates, individuals selected and entrusted with the responsibility of reflecting the values of their community and party.

Precinct delegates are also responsible for vetting and selecting party candidates for public office. They review and vet candidates over six to eight weeks before their respective party conventions. 

When is this year’s caucus?

Republicans, Democrats, United Utah members and other major political parties will meet on March 5 starting at 7 p.m. 

Where is the caucus?

Republicans can find their meeting location at precinctportal.org.

Democrats can find their meeting location at utahdemocrats.org/caucus.

United Utah can find their meeting location at unitedutah.org.

What will happen at the caucus?

Republicans will elect precinct chairs, vice chairs and delegates. Republicans will also vote in the statewide Presidential Preference Poll.

Democrats will elect precinct chairs, vice-chairs and delegates. Democrats are currently conducting their Presidential Primary, and voters should have received their ballots to turn in by March 5. 

What will elected precinct leadership and delegates do?

In Utah County, precinct chairs and vice-chairs for Republican and Democrat parties serve on their party’s respective central committees. They are tasked with managing their county party’s business for two years.  

Along with precinct chairs and vice-chairs, delegates will be tasked with vetting their party candidates and attending their party convention, where they will nominate one or two candidates for the Primary ballot in June.

Citizens with additional questions or want to know more about participating are encouraged to visit their party websites at caucus.utah.gov/index.html.

In a recent community chamber meeting, Josh Walker, the co-president of the American Fork Chamber of Commerce, made significant announcements regarding upcoming programs and events aimed at fostering community engagement and participation. Among these announcements were plans for Steel Days celebrations scheduled for July 13th through July 20th, as well as encouragement for involvement in other community events such as Highland Fling and Alpine Days. 

The meeting started with ceremonial proceedings, including the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance led by Ernie John. Recognition was also extended to city council members and county officials present.

Following these opening remarks, Jason Wilson, the American Fork Hospital Administrator, took the floor to discuss the growth and services provided by the local hospital to the community. A notable announcement was the opening of a new hospital campus in Saratoga Springs, showing the commitment to expanding healthcare access for the community. Wilson closed his comments by saying, “One of the things I love about the hospital is we take care of everybody. Whether they are the wealthiest person in town or the most hard on their luck person in town. They’re all welcome to come here. We’re happy to take care of them. It’s kind of what makes working here awesome is that we have the opportunity to work with everybody.”

Joe Phelon moderated the meeting and then gave elected officials the opportunity to present their respective districts, organizations, and legislative initiatives. Various bills were highlighted, ranging from education issues addressed by the Utah State Board of Education to proposed legislation concerning military retention bonuses and occupational licensing.

Education emerged as a significant focal point during the meeting, with Cindy Davis shedding light on pertinent education issues. Davis states, “I just want you to know that the members of our board of education are there because we care about the children of Utah. We engage, we advocate, we look at funding, we look at all of these things. But what really matters is what happens where the rubber meets the road. And so the policy that affects the teachers and the students in the classroom every day is what matters.” Recently elected senator, Heidi Balderree, mentioned 3 pieces of legislature that is currently being worked on, focusing on those who currently serve our country in the military. Balderree states, “With everyone doing their part, we’re able to accomplish great things.”

Mike Kennedy, a state senator, underscored his legislative efforts, including his involvement in passing legislation on transgender surgery for minors. According to Kennedy, “it was one of the most complicated things I’ve ever confronted in my life. But working collaboratively with decent people, we’re able to get a good bill. I’m proud to stand before you today and as an attorney and as a doctor, as the bill still stands” Brady Brammer, a house representative, talks about the bills he is working on regarding the exercise of religion, child pornography generated by AI, and Medicaid shortfalls. Brammer recognizes his fellow representatives by stating, “But I wanted to spend most of my time saying that my colleagues are just really thoughtful, smart people.”

Legal matters and prosecutions were also discussed, with Jeff Gray, Utah County Attorney, highlighting the increase in felony prosecutions under his leadership, and the creation of a new special victims unit. Gray gives us an insight on the improvement being made, stating, “since last year, we almost doubled our felony prosecution filings in our courts. Crime was not being prosecuted as it should… And that is something that needs to be done.” Jon Hawkins, another representative, delved into his responsibilities regarding sports policy as well as redefining child sexual abuse offenses by “making sure that we have clear understanding of what those offenses are so we can actually prosecute them properly.”                                      

Legislative concerns and reservations were expressed about SB 113, which could impact local control over land near the Developmental Center, potentially affecting individuals with special needs who rely on that land. Economic impact and tax structures were also on the agenda, with discussions revolving around the potential economic benefits of professional sports teams coming to Utah County. However, concerns were raised about the allocation of taxpayer funds for such endeavors and the potential negative impacts on local communities.

The community chamber meeting provided a platform for residents to discuss a wide range of issues and legislative initiatives pertinent to the local community. From education to healthcare, legal matters, and economic development, the meeting underscored the importance of community engagement and participation in shaping the region’s future. Community members were urged to stay informed and engaged in local legislative matters, emphasizing the importance of ongoing monitoring and involvement in proposed bills and resolutions.

In the summer of 2012, Rob Shelton rode in the Steel Days parade as a new member of the city council and spotted people in the crowd that he knew through personal relations. Fast forward twelve years later, in the same parade, Shelton was overcome with gratitude as he recognized many more individual faces. These faces were residents whom Shelton had developed a relationship with through their concerns, representing them, or just through serving during his tenure. 

“The very fiber of this country is representation,” Shelton said. “The best advice that I ever received was to stay close to the people so you knew who you represented.”

Shelton recognized his participation in more “unconventional projects” as he discussed the Murdock Connector, which is the road that connects American Fork with Highland and Cedar Hills.

“It’s kind of weird to say that a road is one of the biggest accomplishments, but it helped with connectivity, as well as saved the city five and a half million dollars,” said Shelton. 

In an online petition for the road, it was stated that the “less than a mile road would cut five miles off an ambulance trip to American Fork Hospital from the South Highland area.” Due to this shortcut, an additional fire station was not needed on the west side of town, saving American Fork City five and a half million dollars. 

“Given Rob’s background in finances, he is very thorough in his analysis of proposals and issues,” said Brian Thompson, former Chair of the PARC Tax Committee. “He would be the furthest thing away from someone who makes rash decisions.”

During the Dec. 12 council meeting, Mayor Brad Frost honored Shelton, as well as fellow departing city council member Kevin Barnes, for their service and gifted each with a brick from Historic City Hall. 

In the meeting, Frost discussed some of the accomplishments of the council during Shelton’s three-term tenure, as well as his statistics: 572 council meetings, 2,700 action items, 540 discussion items, 712 ordinances approved, 484 resolutions approved, and approximately 900 hours in council meetings, which excludes additional time in committee meetings. 

“It is a team effort,” said Shelton. “No one on a city council can do anything, you’re only 20% of what is needed to accomplish something.” 

Frost continued by listing some of the committees that Shelton has served on in the past 12 years, which include Historic preservation, Library, PARC Tax, Steel Days, Beautification, 911 Dispatch, and the Northpoint Solid Waste Special Service District. 

“Rob Shelton gave American Fork the benefit of his keen financial sense, helping us chart a course to award-winning budgets and secure financial conservatism,” said Heidi Rodeback, former city council member and current library board member. “He is a great out-of-the-box thinker, and he is absolutely devoted to his hometown and its people.”

Shelton plans on continuing his service to American Fork in other ways, including being the editor-in-chief of the American Fork Citizen. The desire to start this paper comes from a love of community and his own childhood memories of seeing his name in the paper. 

When Shelton returned from his two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he read in the newspaper that there was a vacancy on the city council. Although Shelton did not serve on the council at that time, former Mayor Barrett asked Shelton if he would be willing to serve on the Board of Adjustments. The local newspaper jumpstarted Shelton’s active participation in city service when he was just 21 years old. 

Shelton wants to continue using the American Fork Citizen publication as a tool to share information and stories of American Fork and allow the new generation to see their name being mentioned as Cavemen sports are covered. 

“I’ll tell you, I am pretty exhausted. 12 years is a long time to serve,” Shelton said. “But the thing that I treasure the most and the thing that cannot be quantified is the relationships gained.” 

As a resident of American Fork City for over 40 years and a devoted scoutmaster, Kevin Barnes thought he knew just about everyone in the city. It wasn’t until he was elected to the city council in 2016 that he realized just how wrong he was.

Barnes laughed as he said, “I thought I knew almost everyone, but I didn’t. I had met a lot of people in American Fork City prior to my time on the city council, but I really didn’t know hardly anybody.”

Barnes and his wife, Donna, moved to American Fork in 1979 and raised their six children as Cavemen. With a front-row seat to the growth that the city has experienced in the last 44 years, Barnes remembered the fields that his children would play in that are now retail stores. 

In 2015, Barnes chose to run for the city council for the main purpose of serving the residents of American Fork. 

“I only ran so I could serve, and I served for eight years, so in that sense, I was successful,” said Barnes. “I didn’t have any grandiose plans or major projects I wanted to do, I just wanted to serve. I knew there would be issues that hadn’t been thought of and definitely issues that I didn’t know or understand. In that sense, I accomplished what I wanted to do.” 

In a recent city council meeting, Mayor Brad Frost honored Barnes for his service and gifted him with a brick from Historic City Hall. During the meeting, Frost discussed some of the accomplishments of the council during Barnes’s tenure, as well as his statistics: 364 council meetings, 1800 action items, 360 discussion items, 498 ordinances approved, 343 resolutions approved, and approximately 600 hours in council meetings, which excludes additional time in committee meetings. 

The interactions with fellow city officials, city staff, and residents of American Fork were Barnes’s favorite part of his time on the council. 

“Kevin Barnes is a patriot who served for the love of country and understood that some of the most meaningful service happens closest to home,” said Heidi Rodeback, former city council member and current library board member. “American Fork benefitted greatly by his wisdom and business sense, which developed over his long career as a local business owner.”

When asked about his plans for the future and if he was staying in American Fork, Barnes said, “We made the decision a long time ago that this is where we are going to stay for the rest of our lives. We even have our cemetery plots here!”

“Kevin is a person who oozes kindness,” said Brian Thompson, former Chair of the PARC Tax Committee. “He is someone who respects the individual. He has always been very kind when it comes to addressing residents, committee members, other city council members, you name it! He is the embodiment of a kind person.” 

“I will continue to be involved here in American Fork,” said Barnes. “At what level and where and how, I do not know and will not even start to guess!” 

“I thank everybody that I’ve had the opportunity to meet and serve with. It truly has been a pleasure. There are some mixed emotions,” continued Barnes. “I will miss some of these meetings, but I will have a lot more free time that I don’t know what I’m going to do with!”