Bountiful council backs pursuing Get Healthy Utah Community designation, plans small stakeholder committee

Bountiful city staff told the council they will pursue the Get Healthy Utah Community designation, a program run by the Utah League of Cities and Towns in partnership with state agencies to recognize communities that promote healthy lifestyles.

The city manager told the council, "In your packet on page 7 is the staff report on the Get Healthy Utah Community application," and described the program''s designation process and the steps for qualification included in the staff report. Councilmembers discussed forming a committee of community stakeholders to prepare the application, noting existing local groups and programs could be highlighted rather than creating new programs.

Councilmembers recommended a small, diverse committee. Staff noted the Healthy Utah guidance lists a minimum of four participants for the committee and that the group is expected to meet about four times a year to develop strategies and a three-year plan. A councilmember noted the Division of Outdoor Recreation had contacted the city to suggest the Every Kid Outdoors program be considered as part of the application to emphasize youth outdoor activity. The city manager said staff would identify a coordinator if the council considered the application a priority and that the workload depends on whether the city highlights existing programs or creates new initiatives.

Councilmember Price Huish confirmed willingness to lead the effort: "I am so willing." Council members and staff discussed potential committee members including representatives from local health care (Lakeview Hospital was mentioned), the farmers market, youth council, trails committee, recreation district staff, gardening groups, Communities That Care (mental health focus), and volunteers already engaged in relevant work. Several members said starting small and emphasizing programs the city already runs would minimize staff time while still qualifying the city for the designation.

Next steps and timeline agreed in the meeting included sending a draft letter of commitment for the mayor's signature this week, soliciting recommended committee members by about a week from the meeting so invitations can be issued, and aiming to have the application materials prepared in time for an August submission window. Staff said they would compile emailed suggestions from councilmembers, work with the mayor on appointments, and coordinate the committee's initial meeting to assemble strategies for the application.

Councilmembers stressed flexibility in committee size and membership, the value of drawing on existing volunteer groups, and an incremental approach: use year one to document and highlight existing programs, then expand activities in subsequent years if desired.