Mayoral year in review: Spanish Fork has seen major growth in city services in 2022
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- Spanish Fork Mayor Mike Mendenhall
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- From left, Capt. Kristina Reid, Chief Eddie Hales, Deputy Chief Krista Horting and Fire Marshal Jason Turner talk after the swearing-in ceremony held Thursday, July 7, 2022.
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- The new Spanish Fork wastewater treatment plant will be in close proximity to the old one. The new plant is set to open in 2025.
Courtesy Spanish Fork City
Spanish Fork Mayor Mike Mendenhall
Editor’s Note: As 2022 comes to an end, Utah County cities and officials are looking back on the year. The Daily Herald is conducting a review of 2022 with different mayors discussing their accomplishments and goals for 2023 — along with their holiday traditions and celebrations.
While it may often feel like Spanish Fork is in Fiesta Days celebration mode every day of the year, it’s taken days and months full of hard work to achieve to major accomplishments.
Mayor Mike Mendenhall shared what he believes are five of the top successes for the year. They include the following:
- The Fire and EMS Department receiving a Paramedic Services license.
- Aquatic Center-Recreation Center-Senior Center announcement.
- Groundbreakings for new Transfer Station, Sewer, and SFCN buildings.
- Golf Course irrigation project.
- Funding for transportation issues: 2700 N Exit, SF Parkway over Union Pacific railroad.
Mendenhall said there was one thing he was hoping to accomplish that has not happened quite yet. Spanish Fork is yet to to finalize the RDA for the industrial area in the northwest quadrant of the city to facilitate commercial development.
Looking to 2023, Mendenhall is hoping for a successful opening of Library Hall, an opening for the new Target and to finalize the RDA to keep the economic successes of Spanish Fork going.
Kelcie Hartley, Daily Herald file photo
From left, Capt. Kristina Reid, Chief Eddie Hales, Deputy Chief Krista Horting and Fire Marshal Jason Turner talk after the swearing-in ceremony held Thursday, July 7, 2022.
Mendenhall also mentioned the departure of Councilmember Brandon Gordon, who resigned from his office after winning election to the Utah County Commission.
“When we had a meeting to tell him thank you, it was evident how much love he, the staff, elected officials, and family & friends in the room have for this City,” Mendenhall said. “The next day we interviewed sixteen applicants to fill his vacant seat. The vision, dedication and love they shared with us were inspiring. It was hard to choose just one.”
Mendenhall has a rich heritage of celebration and family during this time of year. This year it was a more poignant time of remembering.
“These are tough for me this year as it’s the first one without my mom. My mom made the best mashed potatoes and banana cream pie for Thanksgiving and Christmas. As much as we try to duplicate it, it’s not the same,” Mendenhall said.
“We’ve had a Mendenhall Family Tradition for the last seven years that my mom wouldn’t let us stop so we won’t,” Mendenhall explained. “The week before Christmas we bring food and money to Tabitha’s Way, the local food pantry. All the Mendenhall kids think it’s just another fun night with their cousins. But the hugs and tears that are shared together makes it different and we all feel it.”
Courtesy Spanish Fork City
The new Spanish Fork wastewater treatment plant will be in close proximity to the old one. The new plant is set to open in 2025.
Through the holidays, Mendenhall has kept his mother close to his heart. He added that she’s a reminder of what’s most important in life — relationships.
“The future of Spanish Fork is bright and it’s because of the citizens who are willing to give of themselves to make it a better place,” Mendenhall said. “Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Spanish Fork, the Home of Pride and Progress.”
