of City Governance

Serving in city government is sometimes like a game of Whack-a-Mole (dealing with surprising issues needs that pop up), Tetris (trying to fit together a complex budget) or a Kaleidoscope (watching as events “shake” the city, altering the landscape).

Lately, the Kaleidoscope analogy has seemed especially apt, as we have faced a number of events that have completely altered the “picture” of our city. I’ll touch on a few of those issues:

Changes Coming for Policing: For many years Holladay has been excellently served by a partnership with the Unified Police Department. That partnership has been shaken by recent legislation—House Bill 374—which removes the Salt Lake County Sheriff from a leading role in UPD and requires Holladay and the other partnering cities and townships to refashion a new model for policing our community between now and July of 2025. While there is still a lot to be worked through, Holladay will take a major role in re-envisioning the future of law enforcement, along with other partners. These changes have also created concerns for our amazing officers and our residents. Holladay is committed to maintaining the highest level of support for our first responders and continuing to provide excellent law enforcement in our community.

Stormwater and Flooding Issues: In 2020 the City Council passed the largest-ever stormwater fee increase to deal with its aging infrastructure. This fee increase has turned out to be providential, as we are just concluding the largest-ever snowfall along the Wasatch Front, which brings with it the threat of historic flooding in May and June. This unforeseen water year brings with it a lot of challenges. Holladay is working diligently to prepare for the worst, stockpiling sandbags, with the generous assistance of residents, and monitoring both the weather (the best case is that we have a long, cool Spring) and Big Cottonwood Creek on a daily basis.

Threats to Historic Homes and Neighborhoods: As one of the oldest communities in Utah, Holladay has a number of historic structures, several over 150 years old, tucked here and there in our neighborhoods. While the City does not own these structures, and within current zoning law, may not mandate what a private landowner does with these properties, there is great concern and sadness when one of these structures is demolished. Under current city law, the hands of the Planning Commission and city staff are essentially tied. The City Council will be holding work sessions in the coming months to look at our ordinances to determine whether a more robust preservation ordinance is possible and supported.

Holladay City is grateful for the amazing team of employees at City Hall and our amazing First Responders—who help the City leaders adjust to the kaleidoscopic changes that arise when our world is “shaken” by unforeseen events.

By Dan Gibbons, Holladay City Council

Appreciation Week

Beginning May 14-20, we will be honoring and celebrating the incredible firefighters and police officers that protect and serve the citizens of Holladay. You will see banners of local first responders posted throughout the Holladay Village area. Feel free to drop off treats and/or notes of support at our local precinct or fire station, honk and wave, or simply shout a “THANK YOU for your service”. We will wrap up with a Pancake Breakfast at Station #104 on Saturday morning, May 20th.

The health, safety and well-being of our residents is a responsibility we share as elected officials. We are so fortunate to have the option to provide these critical services through the shared services model of the Unified Fire Authority and Unified Police of Greater Salt Lake. It is not only efficient and cost-effective but also attracts the best and brightest to these respective fields. Please take the opportunity to express your appreciation for their service throughout the week.

With Gratitude, Rob Dahle, Mayor

Uni ed Police Department (UPD) Update

By Mayor Rob Dahle

State lawmakers passed HB 374 on the final day of the 2023 legislative session. This legislation effectively severs the historical connection between the Salt Lake County Sheriff and UPD. A timeline for the changes of July 1st, 2025 was written into legislation. We are currently working with the County and Salt Lake Valley Law Enforcement Service Area (SLVLESA) to clarify how they intend to proceed. We can then collectively begin the tedious process of restructuring the shared services component of what we are currently referring to as “UPD 2.0”.

We feel strongly that retaining the ability to operate our own on-site precinct while sharing the costs of critical support services makes the most sense for our city. It allows us to attract and retain the best and brightest at every level.

There are a lot of questions that need to be answered in the coming months. We intend to move as quickly as possible, with an understanding that there are numerous contracts that must be thoughtfully and thoroughly vetted by the remaining members. We will continue to provide updates throughout the transition. Rest assured, you will continue to receive the same high-quality level of service you have become accustomed to throughout the transition

Feel free to email (Rdahle@cityofholladay.com) or call if you have questions. Also, happy to meet in person. Thanks in advance for your patience and understanding.