The vote was 5-2 with Councilmembers Debby Lauret and Tom Macdonald voting against the resolution. They were concerned that the job had not be vetted correctly.

“I don’t feel comfortable appointing someone I’ve never met,” Lauret said. “I would like to be part of the process.”

Members of the council were concerned about immediate legal problems, and other issues, and felt they needed independent representation.

While many said they support the city’s legal office growing, adding eyes specifically for the council was important.

Mayor Dave Young gave high credit to the city’s legal team and assuaged those concerned about potential blurred lines of communication, saying, “I expect they’ll work together.”

Newly-elected Councilwoman LaNae Millett noted the pressure the council was under for the State Street moratorium. “This is a six month period of time that’s critical for Orem.”

Councilman Terry Petersen agreed with Millett’s concerns. “We have problems right now. We have big issues, we need extra ears.”

Riddle’s appointment is considered time-limited for an initial period not to exceed six months. During that period, he will be considered a full-time employee of the city.

Riddle has served as an attorney for 34 years representing several well-known businesses and organizations. He has also represented military servicemembers and is licensed to practice law in Utah, Texas, Colorado, Oregon and Hawaii. He was a recent candidate for mayor in Lehi City.

Under the direction of the city council, Riddle will perform legislative and budgetary analysis, attend city council meetings, perform various special projects as directed by the city council and may attend certain administrative meetings.

The prescribed duties of the director include:

• Provide advice and support to the city council on legislative issues that come before the City Council for consideration including but not limited to land use regulations, budgetary appropriations and ordinance amendments.
• Advise the city council on the city’s lobbying efforts and participate with those efforts as directed by the city council.
• Respond to the city council’s directives and perform research.
• May attend city council agenda preparation meetings and suggest agenda items as instructed by the city council.
• May attend executive level administration meetings at which legislative issues are calendared and discussed as instructed by the city council.
• Review and analyze Planning Commission, Board of Adjustment and other board and commission issues for the city council.
• Review issues related to Alpine School District that have impacted the city.
• Work with the city staff relating to the public affairs of the city council.

Riddle may seek information and assistance from city staff in carrying out these duties, but he may not direct or supervise city staff. Such requests for information and assistance will be directed through the city manager and not interfere with the administrative operations of the city. However, the director’s duties may be amended from time to time.

Riddle’s office serves at the pleasure of the city council and reports directly to them. Performance reviews are conducted by the city council. He may have business cards, letterhead, an office, an email address, a phone and other effects. After six months the job will be up for review and may be renewed.

The resolution takes effect immediately, but the director’s employment will not begin until execution of the employment agreement.