Mayor’s Message
Lyle Holmgren

I’ve been thinking a lot about gratitude lately. The Greek storyteller and fabulist Aesop is credited with saying, “Gratitude turns what we have into enough.” It transforms standard days into thanksgivings, routine jobs into enjoyment, and ordinary opportunities into blessings. It is also the essence of community. My mother, June Holmgren, often expressed her love for this community, family, and her friends. In her journal, she wrote, “I am grateful I live in a community where people learn of you when you are born and care about you when you die.”

I am grateful to have served as your mayor for almost three years. During that time, I have made new acquaintances in our community, witnessed our strengths, and addressed our challenges. I also observed the good you do and how many of you care deeply about our community.

In his recent Memorial Day service address in Tremonton, Gov. Cox noted, “There is something different and special about this place and the people who live here.”

We all seek happiness and a better way of life. This can be achieved through what is done for us and, at least in part, through the good we do for others by volunteering.

Volunteering provides essential services to our community. It fosters unity among diverse members, encourages active citizenship, and helps fill resource gaps. Ultimately, volunteering improves the quality of life for everyone in our community. Volunteers at our food pantry receive donations, stock shelves, and assist people with their orders. Some volunteers help with the farmers’ market, others coach youth sports, and some have guided us in improving our downtown.

Last May, the city organized a Main Street steering committee. The committee was tasked with researching ideas and examples for revitalizing Main Street and then reporting back to the city council with a recommendation to enhance and invigorate our downtown. This committee met multiple times over the summer and fall, sometimes weekly, to develop the plan. They worked with planners, landscape architects, and designers. They helped create a survey to gather information about Main Street from the community. Then, they presented the city council with a solid plan to improve Main Street and the downtown area. Having a citizens’ committee dedicated to improving our community has been inspiring, and I believe it reinforces the Governor’s observation about the special place we live in.

Local government employees are like the tip of a shovel, both literally and figuratively. They perform work that directly affects our daily lives. Their efforts enhance our quality of life and shape our community into a vibrant and growing place.

They perform their jobs so well that many take their daily efforts for granted. For example, several weeks ago, contract workers installing the new four-way stoplight at the crossroads were drilling a hole in preparation for underground power when they accidentally bored through the city’s main water line. Within minutes of the incident, the city offices received homeowner calls informing us they had no water. A few minutes after being notified, the public works department dispatched crews to the scene to repair the damaged water line. Within a few hours, the water was restored.

I’m grateful that our fire and police departments have the experience to handle difficult situations professionally. Emergency responders, such as firefighters and police, often help people on the worst days of their lives. They work in high-stress and traumatic environments to protect our lives and property. Many are members of our community whose families worry about their safety when the call goes out. The next time you see one of these individuals, please tell them how much they are appreciated.

The city offices employ staff who answer our questions, resolve disputes, handle utility bills, assist with building permits, clarify city ordinances, and even direct us to resources to help locate lost dogs.

Our roads are safe to drive on, but there are always ways to improve them. If you notice a problem area that needs repair, please let us know. During winter storms, be patient; there are many streets to plow, and it takes time.

Our parks are inviting, clean, and well-maintained. Year-round structured activities are available for both youth and adults. However, we need additional park space to accommodate our growing population, and the city must improve in this area.

That’s not all. Our senior center provides activities and healthy meals for Tremonton and the Bear River Valley senior citizens. We have a historic library with reading and other educational resources and activities for all ages.

We can be proud of our cemetery. It is a history of our people—a perpetual record of yesterday and a sanctuary of peace for today.

The City Council and Planning Commission consist of community members elected or appointed to make decisions that affect us all. These are good people—your neighbors—who want to serve our community for a time. Their service is similar to a never-ending baton race. Each member carries the baton for their leg of the race, running at the fastest pace they can manage, and then smoothly passes the baton to someone else when their time is up.

When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed. The author, Steve Maraboli, shares this advice: “Don’t wait for others to be loving, giving, compassionate, grateful, forgiving, generous, or friendly—lead the way!”

Our community shines because of each of you! Every day, as citizens of Tremonton, we enjoy the contributions of our residents, volunteers, Tremonton’s employees, and elected and appointed citizens. I am grateful to live in such a wonderful community!