Council approves contracts shifting cheer and martial-arts programs to outside vendors; city to retain background checks

The Santaquin City Council on Tuesday approved two resolutions formalizing contracts with vendors to run the city’s cheer and martial‑arts recreational programs and to change those program leaders from quasi‑employees to independent contractors.

Council members voted to approve the Icon Cheer agreement and a separate agreement for Utah Valley Martial Arts. Council members Ryan, Art, Jeff and Brian each voted “aye” on the motions as recorded.

City staff described the resolutions as a procedural shift intended to “mature” how the city runs these programs, move risk and employment responsibilities to the vendors, and provide clearer contract terms for insurance and indemnification. Staff said the vendor fee split will change from a previously used 70/30 split to a 75/25 split in favor of the contractor, while the programs will remain city‑sponsored and the city will continue to handle signups and fee collection.

One council member raised child‑safety concerns about the vendor model and asked how the city would verify background checks for new vendor employees. The city replied that it will continue to offer and require the city’s background‑check process for employees hired by the contractors.

“We still offer again, it’s a city program. We’re concerned about that safety as well, and so we are actually offering to continue to do the background checks for any of the employees that they hire,” staff said.

Both resolutions passed; staff said the changes should reduce city administrative work while maintaining program continuity and safety checks.