September brought two great meetings filled with progress and meaningful discussion. One of my favorite moments in any meeting is recognizing our incredible city staff and welcoming new members to our Heber City Police Department. This month, we had the honor of swearing in Officer Kenzi Bishop on September 2. Dedicating one’s life to protecting others is no small thing, and we’re grateful for Kenzi’s service and commitment to our community.

We also made an important change regarding utility billing. Moving forward, all utility accounts will be placed in the name of the property owner, with tenants receiving duplicate bills if they wish to pay directly. This small adjustment will make billing more efficient and help our staff better serve residents.

One of the biggest accomplishments this month was the adoption of the Central Heber Overlay Zone, which replaces the former Residential-Commercial and Neighborhood Infill overlays. This has been years in the making—a true product of collaboration and cooperation among the council, staff, and residents. This new zoning tool will help revitalize Heber’s core by encouraging flexible, affordable housing options like townhomes, flag lots, and mansion homes. It’s a win for the community and a big step toward keeping Heber livable and vibrant.

We also discussed safety improvements for the intersection of Mill Road and 980 South, a key school route for many families. After listening to residents, we’re exploring solutions such as a lighted crosswalk with flashing lights and traffic-calming measures. This project embodies what good governance looks like—working together to make our city safer for our children.

UDOT joined us to provide an update on the Heber Valley Corridor Project (the bypass). They expect to release a preferred route by December, followed by a public comment period. While elected officials have limited authority in determining the final route, I believe it’s important that we cooperate closely with UDOT to ensure this critical infrastructure project serves our community’s long-term needs.

Finally, we reviewed a proposal from Jordanelle Ridge regarding the preservation of over 2,700 acres of open space. This agreement is a great example of collaboration and mutual benefit—the city, county, and developers are working together to ensure long-term stewardship of trails and open land while maintaining local oversight. It’s a true win-win for everyone involved.

The new Heber City Cemetery Columbarium and Administration Building were dedicated, and we held a ribbon cutting on October 3, 2025. It is a wonderful facility.

September was a productive month, and October looks to be equally busy as we continue building a better Heber together. Election season is upon us, and I encourage everyone to attend upcoming debates and get to know each of the candidates. Your participation matters deeply.

As always, I’m grateful for your trust and support. I’ll continue working every day to strengthen the values that make Heber special—Collaboration. Cooperation. Community.

D. Scott Phillips

Heber City Council

Mayoral Candidate

Key Election Dates:

• Mail Ballots Sent: October 14

• Voter Registration by Mail: October 24

• Early Voting: October 21–31

• Mail Ballot Request Deadline: October 28 at 5 PM

• In-Person & Drop-off Voting: November 4 (Ballots due by 8 PM)