On July 14th, the Coalville City Council took action that may have placed our city in serious legal jeopardy.
On the agenda was a petition for annexation submitted by the Larry H. Miller Real Estate Development Group for a proposed project known as Hidden Meadow. Under the law, such a petition does not constitute an approval of annexation. It merely begins a defined process: one that includes a 30-day protest period for neighboring landowners, public notification, and multiple opportunities for community input before any final decision is made.
Instead, the Council made some serious mistakes.
That evening, without proper notice to the public, the Council moved to open the floor for immediate public comment—despite the fact that doing so at this stage was not on the published agenda. This action is a direct violation of the Utah Open and Public Meetings Act, which exists to ensure transparency and fairness in our local government. After hearing impromptu comments from only those who happened to be in the room—without giving the rest of the residents a fair chance to participate—the Council then acted on the petition and voted to deny it outright.
This wasn’t a procedural misstep. It was a violation of the law.
And that distinction matters.
Because the Council violated state law and failed to follow due process, the City has now opened itself up to a potentially devastating lawsuit from the developer. Even worse, because this action falls outside the scope of lawful governance, governmental immunity may not apply. That means individual council members could be held personally liable for damages.
This is not about being “for” or “against” development. It’s about being for the rule of law. It’s about having a Council that respects the responsibilities entrusted to them—not just the causes they personally support or oppose.
Coalville Deserves Better
In moments like this, we are reminded why elections matter. We need leadership that respects the processes that protect our community. We need leaders who can separate personal opinion from public duty—who understand that emotional reaction is not a substitute for lawful governance.
Coalville is changing. Growth is coming. The question is: Will we face that growth recklessly or responsibly?
We have the opportunity—and the obligation—to use this moment wisely. We can defend our rural charm and negotiate from a position of strength with developers to ensure Coalville secures the infrastructure, open space, and long-term benefits our community needs. But that requires a city government that is disciplined, strategic, and trustworthy.
This November, Coalville voters have a choice.
We can continue down a path of reactive decisions, legal missteps, and personal politics—or we can choose a new direction.
A direction rooted in law, transparency, and civic responsibility.
A direction that embraces growth, but on our terms, with our values, and for the benefit of our future.
It’s time for new leadership in Coalville.
Let’s make it happen—together.
—
Rory Swensen
Candidate for Mayor of Coalville