There is a unique opportunity coming up in January. With Kevin Smith preparing to assume the duties of Mayor, a mid-term vacancy will open on the Ivins City Council to fill the remaining two years of his term. The City Council will appoint a resident to that seat at its January 15th meeting.
This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to serve, learn, and help shape Ivins’ future, without going through a full campaign. No fundraising, no yard signs, just jump in and serve. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to help make city decisions, this is a friendly way to try it out.
Applications are due by mid-December. If you are interested, please contact Kari Jimenez, Ivins City Recorder, at kjimenez@ivinsutah.gov for an application packet.
What Makes the Work Rewarding
There’s nothing quite like seeing the tangible results of your efforts. Some of the most fulfilling moments for me have been solving major challenges, like properly staffing the Center Street Fire Station, developing a better approach to analyzing and funding our long-term capital needs, updating our General Plan, drafting a water conservation ordinance and more.
Launching community programs like the Ivins Youth Council, Healthy Ivins Coalition, and the Ivins Community Garden has been equally rewarding. You’ll find yourself immersed in challenges you never imagined, but you’ll also experience the immense satisfaction of solving them.
And let’s be honest, some of it, especially learning new things, is just plain fun. I now know the city has over 68 miles of sewer pipe and over 1,400 manholes. Who wouldn’t want to add that to their trivia knowledge?
Qualities That Help Council Members Succeed
You don’t need all the answers, but you do need to listen, collaborate, do your homework, and stay transparent. Analytical thinking and a genuine desire to serve go a long way. Being approachable and open to new ideas is equally important.
Time Commitment
The time commitment varies depending on how much effort you choose to invest. The “job description” technically doesn’t require more than showing up, but I believe the role demands much more. And our residents certainly deserve much more.
We deal with a lot of complex issues, so making good decisions requires more than just instinct or personal perspective. To have the best chance at making sound choices, we need to do our homework, thoroughly understand the issues, and base our decisions on well-informed analysis.
I believe thoughtful decision-making requires a broad perspective and a willingness to dig into the details. Engaging with diverse viewpoints, understanding the potential impacts of each decision, and coming to meetings well-prepared ensures we are making choices that truly serve the entire community.
Resources for Council Members
No one steps into this role knowing everything, but you’re not on your own. The best resource is our incredible city staff, whose expertise is invaluable.
I’ve also learned a lot by reaching out to mayors, council members, city managers, and staff in other cities. Most Utah communities face the same challenges as Ivins, and I’ve always been met with open doors and a willingness to share ideas.
Another invaluable resource is the Utah League of Cities & Towns. They offer workshops, training, and guidance, and their website is full of helpful information. Check it out. It’s a great starting point.