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October is a Good Month to be a City Staff Member

Oct 27, 2016 03:35PM ● By Cassie Goff

David Muir receives his Distinguished City’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report Award. (Cassandra Goff/ City Journals)

By Cassandra Goff | [email protected] 


Cottonwood Heights

Recognition of Cottonwood Heights has been high throughout the past month. On Sept. 20, the city gained recognition for being a business-friendly community. On Oct. 11, the community and economic development staff earned recognition for the previous award with two additional proclamations. On Sept. 27, Treasurer and Financial Reporting Manager David Muir was awarded the Distinguished City’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Award.

Cottonwood Heights was one of only four cities presented the Business-Friendly City Award at the Utah League of Cities and Town Conference by the Governor’s Office. 

In response to this achievement, the Cottonwood Heights City Council recognized the community and economic development staff as well as Senior Planner Michael Johnson. 

The recognition announcement for the staff reads, “Brian Berndt (community and economic development director), Peri Kinder (business development and licensing coordinator), and the staff of the Community and Economic Development department is acknowledged for excellence which was recognized by the Utah State Governor’s office.”

The council recognized the effort put forth by the staff who “created the Cottonwood Heights Business Association (CHBA) that nurtures current business, attracts new ones and provides training. The council commends staff for fostering new growth with a successful pattern for years to come,” said Mayor Kelvyn Cullimore 

“The staff has worked hard to foster a business-friendly environment,” Cullimore said. “My hat’s off to Brian (Berndt) and Peri (Kinder) who really did a fabulous job at qualifying the city for this award.”

Berndt replied it helps to have decision makers who want to look at processes and do the best they can.

Johnson was recognized by the Utah State Chapter of the American Planning Association for outstanding work on the Cottonwood Heights Bicycle Master Plan. 

The proclamation for Johnson included recognition of how the plan “addresses specific goals intend for general plan, creates a network of walking paths and bike trails which promotes a healthy lifestyle for residents and visitors of the city and laying a framework for future development of bike plan.”

“The council would like to commemorate Mike for his foresight, leadership and efforts to make Cottonwood Heights a vibrant community,” Cullimore said. 

On Sept. 27, Muir was awarded the Distinguished City’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report Award by the Government Finance Officers Association. 

Assistant City Manager of Eagle Mountain and President of the Finance Organization Paul Jerome presented Muir with this award. 

“We are very grateful for (Finance Director) Dean Lundell and David Muir. We appreciate all the work that they do. I’m here tonight to present the recognition that Cottonwood Heights has achieved the Certificate of Finance Reporting,” Jerome said. “This is the highest form of recognition. The obtainment of this award has to be judged by an impartial panel, demonstrate government spirit and clearly communicate the financial history of the city. It is a great undertaking.”