Jensen was brought on as the first city manager in West Haven nearly three years ago in 2020 as leaders sought a full-time administrator to help steer the city’s rapid expansion and development. With his contract to expire at the end of August, though, city leaders last month couldn’t reach consensus on whether to extend it, and by virtue of their split 3-3 vote on the question, it won’t renew.

Mayor Rob Vanderwood wouldn’t delve into specifics of the turn of events but said he’s hoping to find a new city manager who fits “a little better” with the city. “I feel like change is good,” he said.

West Haven, with 22,395 residents as of last year, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates, is the fastest-growing locale in Weber County, having recently edged past North Ogden to become the third most-populous city here. It’s also one of the fastest-growing communities in Utah.

Vanderwood and council members Ryan Swapp and Nina Morse voted for the July 11 measure not to renew Jensen’s contract while council members Carrie Call, Kim Dixon and Ryan Saunders voted against not renewing. “I don’t really have a lot to say about that because I don’t want to cause other issues,” Vanderwood said.

Morse, while also not diving into particulars of Jensen’s departure, nevertheless said she’s hoping for a replacement who puts a focus on spurring economic development in West Haven.

“This is something that’s been missing in the city for some time. I had hoped to see more of that when we first hired a (city manager) but feel like we continue to fall short there while cities around us are growing in that area,” Morse said. “Also looking for someone who helps drive the council’s vision.”

In fact, creation of a central gathering point for West Haven, a commercial core, has been a discussion point among officials.

Dixon said she hopes for a city manager who zeroes in on building relationships with city employees.

West Haven Recorder Emily Green and City Attorney Amy Hugie will share city administrative duties as officials search for a new city manager. Vanderwood hopes the new official is on board by Oct. 1.

Jensen lamented the turn of events, saying he had wanted to stay on in West Haven, but was also guarded about specifics of what exactly transpired.

“They’re looking to go in a new direction,” he said. “Quite frankly, I think the mayor wanted to have someone of his own choosing.”

In not renewing Jensen’s contract, the City Council also voted unanimously to put Jensen on paid administrative leave through the end of his contract, Aug. 30. He said he’s currently mulling a county government administrative post in Oregon.

Helping West Haven leaders fine tune a strategic vision for the city and create a brand were to be among his key priorities, Jensen told the Standard-Examiner soon after he was hired.