The City of Mapleton prepared for several seasonal transitions in November 2017, ranging from municipal election procedures to holiday celebrations. Residents were also advised on important maintenance tasks for irrigation systems and safety protocols for the winter months.
The 2017 General Municipal Election was conducted via mail-in ballots. Registered voters were instructed to return ballots by mail with a clear postmark before November 7, or place them in the ballot box at the Mapleton City building by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day. Voters who did not receive a ballot could contact the Utah County Elections office.
For the upcoming holiday season, the city scheduled the Mapleton Tree Lighting, Wreath, and Christmas Festival for December 4 at 6pm at the City Park. The event featured a children's choir, food trucks, and hot chocolate. A silent auction of holiday wreaths was also organized to benefit the Mapleton Sub-For-Santa Program, with wreaths displayed at Memorial Hall from 5pm to 8pm.
Public Works officials reminded residents that the pressurized irrigation system had been shut down for the year. To prevent damage such as cracked pipes or valves caused by freezing, officials advised residents to winterize their systems by draining water from pipes, valves, and sprinkler heads.
The Mapleton Fire Department issued safety reminders for the holiday season, including instructions to inspect furnaces and ensure chimneys and flues are clear of debris. The department also cautioned residents regarding the use of deep fryers and electric space heaters, advising that combustible materials be kept at least three feet away from heating units.
In community news, the Mapleton Youth Council announced a humanitarian project in partnership with Lifting Hand International to collect items for a refugee family relocating to Tempe, Arizona. Additionally, the department noted that applications for the Mapleton Fire Department would be accepted from November 1 through December 31.
Other scheduled city activities included a blood pressure and blood sugar clinic and a senior luncheon on November 9. The city also noted that the winter parking ordinance, which prohibits street parking between 11pm and 6am, was set to begin on November 15.
