John and Janet West want to help fast-growing Manti grow even faster.
They've submitted a petition to the City Council, asking that the 22-acre farm on which they live east of town be annexed by the city.The reasons they gave are to gain services, police protection, snow removal, access to utilities and, most importantly, the opportunity to vote in Manti elections.
John West pointed out that he's already a member of the Manti Volunteer Fire Department.
Council members said the 22 acres would be a rather big bite to digest at one gulp. The petition will be referred to the Planning Commission, which will take into account how the annexation would fit into the master plan and such items as an access road and the costs of street and utility line extensions if the Wests later decide to develop the tract.
"I can see ourselves with another sub-division to cope with as lots go on the market," said one council member.
A decision will be made after the Planning Commission has made its recommendation, the Wests were told. In the meantime, John West was assured, the city will be glad to have him continue serving as a volunteer fireman.