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Residents urge Cottonwood Heights to join Utah Renewable Communities program and demand clearer general-plan outreach
Summary
Multiple residents urged the council to support the Utah Renewable Communities program and asked for greater transparency and early public input on updates to the city's general plan; commenters cited recreation, snowpack and modest household cost estimates.
Dozens of Cottonwood Heights residents used the city's public-comment period on Jan. 20 to press elected officials to join the Utah Renewable Communities program and to ask for more transparent, ongoing engagement on a forthcoming general-plan update.
The comments opened with Casey France, who said, "I'm 12 years old, so I'm a kid," and urged the council to act on climate concerns because snow and outdoor recreation are central to Utah's identity. Several other speakers said the city should participate in the statewide program and not let short-term costs or outside pressure displace long-term planning.
Drew Tidwell, a 21-year Cottonwood Heights resident, said participation could be affordable: "My understanding is that the cost for each household will be about $4 a month." John Adams urged transparency on the general-plan process and cited Aspen's work persuading its utility to switch to cleaner energy as an example of what local leadership can accomplish. Chester France reported that the trailhead at Top Of The World Drive was recently purchased and closed to public access and encouraged legal steps to restore trail use.
Several speakers spoke directly about public engagement and decisionmaking. Ethan Millard and Mickey Harris urged the council to "tap the brakes" and bring public input into planning from the start; Millard said slowing the process yields better long-term outcomes. Daniel Kovac, who attended the council's earlier working session, criticized limited "flash votes" and asked the council to publish results so voters know what their representatives prioritize.
Maggie Mills, manager of the Whitmore branch of the Salt Lake County Library, used her time to publicize library programs for children and families and directed residents to the library and city calendars for details.
Mayor Benyon and the council thanked commenters and said the council has been working on the general plan since about September and will begin public engagement again soon. No formal council action on joining the Utah Renewable Communities program was recorded at the meeting; the matter was presented during public comment and will require council review and any future formal action.
The council moved on to regular agenda business after comments; the city did not take a vote related to joining the renewable program at this meeting.
