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Mayor Schmidt tenders resignation

Aaron Osowski, The Park Record
Coalville Mayor Duane Schmidt tendered his resignation, effective Monday, Oct. 7. He has served as Mayor of Coalville since 2006 and will be moving to Ivins in Southern Utah. Trever Johnson and Arlin Judd will compete for Schmidt s seat in November. (Park Record file photo)
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Coalville Mayor Duane Schmidt, the leader of the North Summit city since 2006, resigned on Monday, indicating with bittersweet emotions he will move to the Southern Utah community of Ivins.

Schmidt, who recently sold his trash collection business, Humpty Dumpsters, is moving to Ivins to start another trash collection business. He has been pleased with serving the city of Coalville but is excited for the new opportunities that await him.

"The job was very rewarding. I was very happy with it and it was challenging at the same time," Schmidt said. "I think I learned a lot. I’ve put in almost eight years. It’s time that we’re moving on."

Schmidt said that the timing of leaving his job as mayor did not work out "as good as what we expected," as he anticipated it would take longer to sell his house.

The $12 million wastewater treatment plant and the $1.4 million Icy Springs bridge are two of the most notable public infrastructure projects for which Schmidt helped secure funding. Construction on both projects will begin this month. In a letter to the residents of Coalville, Schmidt wrote that he hopes the next administration does not "cut corners" with the treatment plant.

Schmidt also expressed his opinion of what he hopes the next mayor does while in office. The town’s culinary water system, he wrote, needs another million-gallon storage tank and upgrades to water lines are also needed.

Promoting Coalville and creating events that draw people to the community were also mentioned by Schmidt. Promoting development while attracting the cycling community, he wrote, are key priorities.

"Embrace the bicycling community and co-exist while figuring out how to make money for our local entrepreneurs and city," Schmidt wrote. "You can fight it, but you won’t beat it. The bikes are here to stay. The person who opens a bike shop in Coalville that is open on weekends will make a lot of money."

A hallmark of his administration, Schmidt wrote, has been securing grants and having "smart money management." Since he took office, Coalville has received $25 million in grants and low-interest loans, he wrote.

"These funds have made a significant difference in the lives of our residents. [$25 million] represents roughly $18,115 for each man, woman and child in Coalville City," Schmidt said.

Schmidt implored residents of Coalville to choose a mayor who will work hard and "have vision to make our community a better place."

"As a citizen, you should demand that our elected leaders invest time into their jobs to forward our community and represent you well," Schmidt said. "These elected positions are more than a two meeting a month job."

Coalville has called an emergency City Council meeting, was scheduled to take place on Tuesday night, in which an interim mayor was set to be announced. Schmidt had earlier announced he was not going to seek re-election. Trever Johnson and Arlin Judd will be vying for Schmidt’s seat, with the election date set for Nov. 5.

"I appreciate the opportunity that was presented to me to represent the people in the community and to be elected mayor twice," Schmidt said. "It’s a real honor. Coalville’s got a really, really good future and I’m very thankful for the way that I was treated in the community."

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