By Shannon K. Johnson

April 23, 2007 | NIBLEY -- Former Councilman Scott Wells' seat is to be filled by Larry Jacobson, a former Planning and Zoning commission member.

Of the five candidates who sought the seat, two legally couldn't run. In order to be on the council a candidate must have lived in Nibley for 365 calendar days.

The candidates who had not resided in Nibley long enough, Denise Irwin and Bill Green, plan to run in the upcoming election.

Bill Green was three weeks short of having lived in Nibley for a year, and Denise Irwin will be qualified in June. Green was eager to run shortly after arriving in Nibley.

"After living here for two months I had picked up the application papers," said Bill Green.

Each of the remaining three candidates made a two-minute presentation to the council.

Eric Bishop was the first to present his resume. When he spoke he sat at the center table and thanked the council for its public service.

Then Larry Jacobson pulled his chair to the edge of the curved council table and listed the pros and cons of his qualifications for the council.

Ben Watkins was the final candidate. He is a student at Utah State and spoke to the council while standing.

After a brief question and answer period the three present council members voted to unanimously elect Larry Jacobson to fill Scott Wells' open position.

Immediately after having won the appointment, then Larry Ahnders, the city manager, swore Jacobson into the position and he took his seat.

Also at the council meeting, the Sunset Parks subdivision's plan was hotly debated. The two biggest issues considered were the density of the district the location of a road.

Again the question of whether the road should be considered in the new development was the most heated consideration.

"But the purpose of this vote is a courtesy vote -- if we are in favor of this concept or not. The understanding is that if we are in favor go spend some money and come up with a proposal, now show us the real plan," said Larry Jacobson.

"We just need some guidance and some direction," said one developer, responding.

The proposal passed with a vote of 3-2.

"I think it is our responsibility to our citizens to be responsible with the development," said Councilman Scott W. Larsen.

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