WASHINGTON CITY — Civic leaders celebrated new beginnings with the first official business of the new year inside Washington City Hall.
Incumbent city councilmen Kurt Ivie and Craig Coats, along with newly elected Troy Belliston took their oaths of office before a special city council meeting on Jan. 2.
Mayor Kress Staheli told St. George News the first meeting of 2024 was a chance for all council members to recall highlights and progress through hearing reports from many city departments.
“I feel very fortunate for the opportunity to work with this group of council members, each elected to serve a full second term, and each bringing a valuable skill set, perspective and desire to serve Washington City residents,” he said. “I fully expect this group of elected officials to continue leading out in the policies, practices and priorities that have contributed to our many recent successes.”
First appointed in 2017, then elected in 2019, Ivie said the last nearly six years have been some of the most fulfilling of his career, which includes three decades as an educator and Dixie High School baseball coach.
“With great pride and gratitude, I look forward to once again representing you, the people of Washington City,” Ivie said. “Over the past four years, we have seen the goodness, resilience and hope from our residents and community. We’ve seen what’s possible when we come together in the hard, but vital work, in securing a good quality of life, safety and opportunity for all. I am honored and humbled to serve you and thank you for believing in me.”
Coats told St. George News that he is excited to start a second term on the Washington City Council, as he has learned a lot during his first time around the block.
“Great things are happening,” Coats said. “With my first term behind me, I have learned a lot and can make some real progress going into the next four years. The city is a happening place, and we want to make sure we grow responsibility for the current and future residents of Washington City.”
Former councilman Ben Martinsen was replaced on the current council by Troy Belliston, a former councilman who lost his first bid for reelection four years ago. Belliston said his relatives have always taught the need to give back to the community, whether that be a church calling, Lions Club, soup kitchen or coaching Little League.
“I was never ready to be done the first time,” Belliston said. “I guess sitting on the council is my way of contributing to the community. And I appreciate the opportunity to serve again.”
The next Washington City Council will be held Jan. 10 inside Washington City Hall, located at 111 North 100 East. A workshop meeting starts at 4 p.m. with a regular meeting at 6 p.m.
During the workshop meeting, council members will receive an update on the old gym renovation, according to the agenda.
Among noteworthy items on the regular meeting’s agenda is the council’s consideration to approve a preliminary plat for ARA Logistics, a large-scale distribution hub planned east of the St. George Airport and west of Southern Parkway in Washington County.
Photo Gallery
New council members Kurt Ivie, Craig Coats and Troy Belliston pose for a photo at the Washington City Council meeting where they took their oaths of office, Jan. 2, 2023 | Photo by David Woodcock, St. George News Councilman Kurt Ivie is greeted by Mayor Kress Staheli during a swearing in ceremony in Washington City, Utah, Jan. 2, 2023 | Photo by David Woodcock, St. George News City recorder Tara Pentz officiated the proceedings at the swearing-in ceremony for three council members in Washington City, Utah, Jan. 2, 2023 | Photo by David Woodcock, St. George News New council member Troy Belliston recites the oath of office to city recorder Tara Pentz at his swearing in ceremony in Washington City, Utah, Jan. 2, 2023 | Photo by David Woodcock, St. George News City recorder Tara Pentz congratulates Craig Coats at the swearing in ceremony for three council members in Washington City, Utah, Jan. 2, 2023 | Photo by David Woodcock, St. George News
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