Smithfield throws 'opening ceremony' of city meetings open to public participation

By Jessica Rands

March 29, 2004 | SMITHFIELD -- After receiving complaints from the Utah Atheists for conducting a prayer at the commencement of meetings, the Smithfield City Council passed a resolution concerning the opening ceremonies.

The resolution states that members of the community may call the city recorder in advance if they would like to participate in the meeting by way of a prayer, invocation, poem, reading, or sharing a positive or uplifting message.

"The key is that it must be positive and uplifting, and that it cannot be related to any specific political view or item on the agenda. It also shouldn't last longer than roughly three minutes," said City Manager James P. Gass.

Kris Monson has set two public hearings to discuss the possibility of a light ordinance for Smithfield. The first will be April 21 at the planning and zoning meeting, the second will be May 12 during the city council meeting.

Gass said that the city will be rebuilding the road on 300 West and that the water service lines will have to be replaced to prevent the pipes from freezing. The main line is only three feet deep, rather than the standard five feet.

Health Days is not the only event coming up in Smithfield. Clean-up Days is also on the way. The council announced on Wednesday that the city will be collecting recyclable and burnable items on April 23 and 24, May 1, and May 15.

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