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Council appoints Melanie Botte to fill vacant Mapleton City Council seat
Summary
After public interviews with six applicants, Mapleton City Council unanimously selected Melanie Botte to fill the vacancy created by Darren Garrett’s election as mayor. Botte was sworn in immediately and cited experience in local economic and community preparedness work.
Mayor Darren Garrett announced a public interview process to fill the council vacancy created when he was sworn in as mayor. After interviewing six candidates in a publicly noticed session, council members cast ballots and unanimously selected Melanie Botte to fill the seat.
Melanie Botte introduced herself to the council as the president and CEO of the Springville Mapleton Chamber of Commerce and a member of the city planning commission and the community preparedness committee. “I am not just a resident of Mapleton, I am someone who is here to serve and to give back,” Botte said during her opening remarks. In her answers, she emphasized "smart growth," especially along Highway 89, pursuing economic development that preserves Mapleton’s character and seeking alternative revenue sources to reduce reliance on property tax.
Several applicants likewise highlighted walkability and safety during interviews; council members asked follow-ups about how candidates would balance growth, infrastructure and community character. After closing remarks from the applicants the council proceeded to vote. The mayor announced the unanimous result and the city administered the oath of office immediately.
During the subsequent public forum, a resident urged the council to allow more vetting time and to consider election results when filling vacancies. Mayor Garrett responded that the council and staff had reviewed the applications and he believed the process had been thorough.
The appointee was sworn in at the meeting and will assume council duties immediately. The council welcomed Botte and noted plans to integrate new members into committee assignments and training.
