Hyrum OKs regional council for Cache Valley

By M. Cory Broussard

April 24, 2006 | HYRUM -- The City Council joined members from Franklin County, Idaho, and Cache County and approved a resolution 7-1, to create a regional council for Cache Valley Thursday night.

Hyrum was the last city in both counties to approve the resolution. The regional council will consist of three members from the regions north and south of Logan, the mayor of Logan and a Logan City council member, the Cache County executive and a member of the County Council, the president of USU, the mayor of Franklin County and a member of the county commission. A representative from the Utah and Idaho Legislature will also be included.

The regional council would work to promote cooperation between local, state and federal officials and educate elected officials and the general public on issues that affect the region.

"Anytime we can get people involved about what is best for the community is good on the whole," Stephanie Miller, Hyrum city council member, said.

The one dissenting vote came from Councilman Douglas Stipes, who said he voted against the resolution for "bureaucratic" reasons. Councilman Craig Rasmussen also had some criticism for the resolution.

"I have concerns on how it will affect our community and relationship with the county planners," Rasmussen said. He voted for the resolution after stating that he thought the resolution might hurt the city's relationship with the county planners.

Mayor Dean Howard stated that he thought the resolution was well thought out, and would represent Hyrum city well.

Since the resolution has been approved throughout Franklin and Cache County it will take effect immediately and the new council members will be voted in by their governing bodies.

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