WEST BOUNTIFUL — City officials in West Bountiful are holding firm on zoning changes that would allow Manheim Auto Auction to expand onto property owned by John and Mary Hepworth.

Manheim General Manager Nick Boris said the company recently proposed a settlement to the city in an effort to move forward.

“Our offer contained revenue for the city, assistance with their trails network, a low cost lease for a city garage lot, extensive landscaping and fencing, and more,” Boris said. “The city rejected our offer and any further discussion.”

Manheim was forced to remove hundreds of vehicles at 1650 W. 500 South, Woods Cross when West Bountiful won an injunction after filing suit against the auto auction company. Behunin has adamantly opposed the expansion stating concerns of creating an eyesore of old cars parked on the property. Manheim maintains it was promised the property by the former mayor and city administrator.

The settlement was discussed at the last City Council meeting on Oct. 6. “They still want us to rezone,” said Mayor James Behunin. “It’s my inclination to discuss it next time. The sense I’m getting from the council is not to entertain (the offer.)”

The sticking point with the settlement seemed to be the rezoning issue. Behunin asked the council if anyone wanted to discuss the offer as long as the rezoning was included, and both council members Valerie Shaw and Debbie McKean said no.

If no settlement can be reached, the city will proceed with its lawsuit scheduled for March 1.

bginos@davisclipper.com