Councilman Rick Safsten said there was just too strong a public perception that Dustin Chapman would not be an unbiased commissioner.

"In another time or another place, this would not have been such a big deal," said Safsten, who joined four other council members in rejecting Chapman, a 25-year-old Weber State University student. "For the betterment of the community, this is the right choice."

Chapman chastised the council.

"You guys have to look at the position you're putting people in. People want to volunteer for the city, gosh dang it. You're treading on some dangerous waters. People like me don't have to live in Ogden. . . . When the younger generation has the opportunity to serve, you have to look at that."

Opponents of Chapman's nomination had accused Godfrey of trying to stack the Planning Commission with supporters of a massive project that could transform the city's east-side hills and which soon will go before the commission.

Developer Chris Peterson of Sandy wants to buy the city's Mount Ogden Golf Course and adjacent land from Weber State University to build an upscale subdivision. Home sales there would finance a mountain ski resort above the city and a gondola to reach the resort.

The council earlier in the summer approved the appointment of businesswoman Janith Wright, who has been enthusiastic about Peterson's plan but promises to be an objective commissioner.

Chapman, a student and project engineer for Kier Construction, has been involved in Lift Ogden, the group promoting the project as a long-needed shot in the arm for the city. He also was the creator of a pro-gondola Web site called www.goodinogden.com.

Chapman had promised to consider all sides of issues before the commission.

Peterson has not yet made a formal proposal, but one of the first issues the council must decide - with Planning Commission input - is whether to amend the general plan. It now calls for the hillside to be left as open space.

With the decision Tuesday, the council now has two seats to fill on the commission.

Ronald Wheelwright resigned to move out of state, and Godfrey has nominated Lillie Holman, an associate pastor of New Zion Baptist Church, to replace him.

kmoulton@sltrib.com