Council tables business-license overhaul after member warns it removes elected oversight

The American Fork City Council on March 10 voted to table a proposed ordinance that would revise Title 5 of the city code on business licenses, after a council member said the draft removes elected oversight of license denials and revocations.

Council member Holly, who participated remotely, said she was concerned the proposal would leave the "buck" with the city administrator and that the council would no longer have an appeal role. "It seems like we're not even there in, like, any kind of appeal authority — the buck stops at the city administrator or her designee," Holly said during debate.

City staff responded that the issuance and revocation of business licenses are intended to be administrative functions. "The issuance of a business license is an administrative act by the city," a staff member said, explaining the changes aim to create a clearer, faster process for applicants and the city. Staff noted applicants retain the option to seek relief in district court.

Council members discussed punctuation and red-line edits in the ordinance language and reviewed how the final clean version (exhibit B) controls in case of inconsistencies with the red-line draft. Council member John withdrew an earlier motion to adopt, then moved to table the ordinance so members could review the changes more fully and discuss the removal of council appeal authority in person; Council member Carroll seconded. The motion to table passed by roll call with Council members John, Carroll and Holly voting Aye.

The ordinance will return to a future meeting for further review and possible revision. The council did not adopt the proposed Title 5 changes at this session.