Spanish Fork, Mapleton to vote on boundary change intent this week

MAPLETON (Deseret News) — Both Spanish Fork and Mapleton city councils are scheduled to vote on resolutions of intent this week to change a common boundary bringing controversial land into Mapleton where explosives manufacturing took place for more than 60 years.

Cleanup of the Ensign-Bickford Corp., site for development near the mouth of Spanish Fork Canyon, south of Mapleton is ongoing, but the final report from the state Division of Hazardous Waste hasn't yet been issued, Mapleton Mayor Laurel Brady said.

"This just starts the 60-day comment period," she said of the vote.

Spanish Fork is planning a Dec. 15 public hearing preceding the final vote and expects Mapleton to also hold a hearing about that time before taking a final tally of the City Council, Spanish Fork City Attorney Junior Baker said.

The change involves just one property owner, explosives manufacturer Ensign-Bickford, which is one of the applicants, along with developer Jack Evans, to build on the more than 500 acres bordering U.S. 6.

Moving the property into Mapleton would give the city an opportunity to develop a business strip, adding to its tax base, which city leaders have long desired, Brady said. If it's approved, Evans could then bring his sewer lines through Mapleton, which Spanish Fork officials say would be far less expensive.

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