City Council opens meeting with prayer led by parks assistant director Foster Watanabe

The Provo City Council meeting on July 8, 2025, commenced with a roll call, confirming the attendance of council members Becky Bogdan, Gary Garrett, Rachel Whipple, Katrice McCain, and George Hanley. Councilors Christiansen and Hoban were noted as excused from the session.

Following the roll call, the meeting proceeded with an opening prayer led by Foster Watanabe, the assistant director of parks and recreation. Watanabe expressed gratitude for the day and the council's opportunities to serve the community, asking for guidance and blessings for the citizens of Provo and the nation. After the prayer, Councilor Bogdan led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance, reaffirming the commitment to the values of liberty and justice.

This opening segment set a respectful and community-focused tone for the meeting, emphasizing the council's dedication to public service and civic responsibility. Further discussions and agenda items were expected to follow in subsequent segments of the meeting.