North Ogden council unanimously appoints Stephen Neighbor to fill midterm vacancy

The North Ogden City Council appointed Stephen (Steve) Neighbor to fill a midterm vacancy after completing a public interview process and a written-ballot vote.

Council followed the procedure read aloud by the recorder: applicants gave opening statements and answered six questions; council members submitted written ballots that the mayor read aloud. The mayor read four ballots, each naming Neighbor, and the council certified the result as unanimous. Neighbor took the oath of office at the meeting and told the council he was "deeply honored" to serve and that, as a recent retiree, he now had time to fulfill the role.

Council members said they had reviewed applicants' packets and weighed qualities such as fiscal experience, familiarity with land-use issues and readiness to serve. After the vote, Council Member Pulver said the council sought additional financial knowledge and zoning familiarity when considering whom to add to the bench; another council member noted Neighbor's breadth of financial experience and leadership background.

The appointment followed an advertised interview process the city read to the record earlier in the meeting, including rules for opening statements, question order and written-ballot selection. The council also noted one applicant had withdrawn prior to interviews. The mayor administered the oath at the dais and invited Neighbor to take a seat with the council.

Neighbor's swearing-in concluded the appointment portion of the agenda. Staff subsequently announced the now-vacant planning-commission seat (previously held by Neighbor) will be posted and interested residents may reapply.

The council adjourned after additional public comments and staff updates.