Midvale City Newsletter | February 2022

In The Middle of Everything City Hall – 7505 South Holden Street • Midvale, UT 84047

Mayor’s Message MIDVALE CITY DIRECTORY City Hall Finance/Utilities Court City Attorney’s Office City Recorder/Human Resources Community Development Public Works Ace Disposal/Recycling Midvale Historical Museum Midvale Senior Center SL County Animal Services Police Dispatch Unified Fire Authority Fire Dispatch Communications

801-567-7200 801-567-7200 801-567-7265 801-567-7250 801-567-7228 801-567-7211 801-567-7235 801-363-9995 801-567-7285 385-468-3350 385-468-7387 801-743-7000 801-743-7200 801-840-4000 801-567-7230

MIDVALE CITY ELECTED OFFICIALS MAYOR Marcus Stevenson 801-567-7204 Email: mstevenson@midvale.com CITY COUNCIL District 1 - Quinn Sperry Email: qsperry@midvale.com District 2 - Paul Glover Email: pglover@midvale.com District 3 - Heidi Robinson Email: Hrobinson@midvale.com District 4 - Bryant Brown Email: bbrown@midvale.com District 5 - Dustin Gettel Email: dgettel@midvale.com

WHO TO CALL FOR… Water Bills Ordering A New Trash Can Reserving the Bowery Permits GRAMA requests Court Paying For Traffic School Business Licensing Property Questions Cemetery Water Line Breaks Planning and Zoning Code Enforcement Building inspections Graffiti

801-567-7200 801-567-7202 801-567-7202 801-567-7212 801-567-7207 801-567-7265 801-567-7202 801-567-7213 801-567-7246 801-567-7235 801-256-2575 801-567-7231 801-567-7208 801-567-7228 385-468-9769

EMERGENCY OR DISASTER CONTACT Public Works Fire Dispatch – Unified Fire Authority Midvale Police Precinct or Police Dispatch Unified Police Department EMERGENCY

801-567-7235 801-840-4000 385-468-9350 801-743-7000

911

As my first official message as Midvale City’s new mayor, I wanted to quickly introduce myself. First off, this role is new to me as I have never held public office before. I will not be a perfect mayor, but I will be consistent, hard-working, and determined to push Midvale towards its bright future. Secondly, I’m a nerd and enjoy learning about all different types of subjects. Whether it be municipal ordinances, our expanding universe, or the history of some of my favorite musicians, my mind is always looking for new information to take in.

Finally, I’m a bonus dad to three young boys (who all have varying thoughts about my new role) and an incredible wife, Nikki, who has been my number one supporter on this journey.

For my first message, I want to talk about volunteerism. Specifically, the need, benefit, and opportunities that the city has for our dedicated residents to get involved. Volunteering is where I first found my own passion for public service by working with organizations to register people to vote. By volunteering in voter registration efforts, it helped me see the impact a single action can make on an individual. As a volunteer, I’ve been able show individuals the power they hold in their own hands if they just learn how to use that power through appropriate measures, such as voting.

Outside of voting, Midvale City has several opportunities for residents to step up and help shape our community the way they see fit. A few examples of groups that residents can volunteer with are the community council, arts council, Harvest Days, and historic society.

The Midvale Community Council serves as a bridge between the city and our residents. The community council is in the process of revamping its programs and outreach and have many vol-

Midvale City Receives Financial Reporting Award The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded Midvale City with the prestigious Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its fiscal year 2020 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). This Certificate is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and reporting, and attaining this award represents a significant accomplishment.

The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting is judged by an impartial panel to meet high program standards which include demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure.” It is awarded to a government that must publish an easily readable and efficiently organized ACFR that satisfies both Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and applicable legal requirements. The Certificate is valid for one year.

The Government Finance Officers Association is a nonprofit professional organization serving more than 20,500 government finance professionals across the United States and Canada.

FEBRUARY 2022 CITY NEWSLETTER

By Mayor Marcus Stevenson

unteer opportunities where residents will be able to help guide the council on critical issues and represent resident voices to Midvale City. You can learn more about the community council at Facebook.com/MidvaleCommunityCouncil.

The Midvale Arts Council works to create a sense of community pride and hope by showcasing local talent, providing free public concerts and discounted theatrical productions. Thanks to the arts council, Midvale residents have had more opportunities for free concerts, Main Street events, and much, much more. You can learn more about the arts council at midvalearts.com Midvale City Harvest Days is fast approaching and there is always a need for residents to get involved and help shape this staple of our community. Whether it be hosting a neighborhood block party to kick off the festivities, helping to staff the parade, or volunteering at the actual festival, Harvest Days is where our residents come together to celebrate our incredible community.

With initial planning still underway, the city will begin reaching out for volunteers soon.

The Midvale Historical Society & Museum may be the perfect place for you to volunteer if you’re interested in collecting, preserving, and educating residents about the rich history of Midvale. To learn more about how to get involved you can visit Facebook.com/MidvaleMuseum. These opportunities may not be for everyone, so if you’re looking for something different, consider spending some time with the Road Home where you can directly lend a hand to families in need or the Boys & Girls Club where you can help kids learn and develop critical life skills.

Now, I’m not the type of person to ask you to do a job that I’m not willing to do myself, so I can’t wait to meet you as we are both involved in these wonderful organizations that call Midvale home.

In The Middle of Everything Midvale Arts Council: Marking 25 Years Of Art A HISTORY DRAPED IN PLAID The Midvale Arts Council is happy to see the Midvale Performing Arts Center (including the newly named JoAnn B. Seghini Hall) ready to bring joy and arts to the public again. The MAC will be producing its first show in over a year and a half with the upcoming production of the audience favorite, “Forever Plaid”.

This production will run March 4-12 and is a delightfully goofy nostalgia trip through the 1950’s as a quartet, killed in a car crash, reunite back on earth to perform the show they never got to do in real life. It’s a musical revue full of wonderful songs and big laughs.

What makes “Forever Plaid” particularly special to the Midvale Arts Council is that it was also the very first show that was officially put on by the organization back in 1997, 25 years ago! Suzanne Walker directed the show and had to adapt to some unique circumstances. Back then, the Arts Council didn’t have a dedicated performance space, so the musical was performed in the city council chambers of the old city hall – now torn down. Cast member, and MAC President, Wade Walker remembers the show fondly.

“It was great to finally be able to do a show as an arts council,” he said.

“Even if the ‘dressing room’ was just the little pantry behind the council room.”

In that first show Wade performed with Bruce Craven, Steve Duke and Cody Sims. And he must really like the show because 25 years later he is back for more.

The new production will again have Wade Walker, but this time he will be joined by Jourdan Dixon, Shawn Timothy, and Wade’s brother, Kevin Walker. Dixon is also the musical director for the show, and he and Timothy are part of the improv comedy troupe, Quick Wits, which also performs at the Midvale Performing Arts Center.

More information on “Forever Plaid” and all of the other shows that will be coming to the MPAC can be found at www.midvalearts.com.

WWW . MIDVALECITY . ORG

Ride UTA for Free in February In an effort led by Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendendall, and supported by numerous local governments, partner government agencies and private businesses, UTA fares will be free during the month of February!

Fares will be free in February across our entire service area on all UTA bus and rail services, including Ski Bus, paratransit service, the Park City-SLC Connect, and UTA On Demand in southwestern Salt Lake County and Salt Lake City - Westside.

For more see rideuta.com/freefare.

Get Your Pet Ready for a New Year Salt Lake County Animal Services Did you get a pet this holiday season? Or did vaccinating or licensing your pet in 2021 slip your mind?

Here’s a few things to get your pet ready for the new year.

1. VACCINATE: Make sure they are up to date on vaccinations. Pet illnesses and diseases are preventable if you vaccinate your pet. Veterinary visits are often booked out, so call and make an appointment right away.

2. MICROCHIP: At Salt Lake County Animal Services, any pet in Salt Lake County with a current pet license can receive a FREE microchip with proof of license. You can walk in with your pet during our open hours for this service, no appointment necessary. Microchipping is one of the best ways to get an animal back to their owner as quick as possible. Questions? Email animal@slco.org.

3. LICENSE: By Utah state law, pet owners must license a pet by the time they are five months of age or within 30 days of moving into an area or acquiring the pet. Find out more about licensing on our website.

Salt Lake County Animal Services is located at 511 W 3900 S, SLC. The shelter is open Tues-Sat, 10 AM6PM. Visit AdoptUtahPets.org for more information.

Scoop the Poop Dog and cat waste left on the ground is more than smelly and unsightly….it pollutes our water and poses a health risk for pets and people, especially children!

Please remember to always Scoop the Poop and to dispose of pet waste properly!

Human and Pet Health • Giardia • Roundworms • Salmonella • Other viruses and parasites Water Quality • Overgrowth of algae and aquatic weeds • Reduced oxygen for fish What Can You Do? • Bring It! Carry a scooper bag when you walk your dog.

• Scoop It! Use the baggie like a glove, scoop the poop, invert and seal the bag.

• Toss It! It belongs in the trash.

• Place a Sign! Put a “Scoop the Poop” sign in your yard to encourage your neighbors to scoop it up too! We even created a fun sign for you to print at home. Visit www.MidvaleCity.org/Scoop to download the sign.

FEBURARY 2022 CITY NEWSLETTER WWW . MIDVALECITY . ORG

Send Love to Seniors This Valentine’s Day For most people, Valentine’s Day represents a time to celebrate love with romantic partners, friends, and family. But for some – especially older adults – many feel lonely around the holiday. To combat loneliness this Valentine’s Day, Midvale City is asking the community to send handwritten cards to City Hall.

We will share the cards with local seniors on Valentine’s Day. Take a few minutes, sit down, and write a letter to a senior. Tell them about yourself, maybe say a joke or a riddle and let them know that they are loved. It might feel difficult at first to be writing to someone you don’t know. Our advice: just pretend like it’s a conversation!

GUIDELINES: 1. Letters must be legible (large print) and handwritten.

No worries if you’re not artistic– make your card as what you’d like to receive.

2. Exclude the date (day, month, and year). Do not reference COVID, isolation, or quarantine– focus your letter on making the recipient feel good.

3. Embrace creativity! Recipients love it when the letters are personal. We encourage you to make your letters colorful and fun—photos, crosswords, and drawings are great!

4. Be kind & thoughtful. This is a one-way letter exchange, so you will not receive a letter back. Receiving nothing in return is part of the beauty of your act of kindness, and recipients aren’t burdened by feeling obligated or unable to respond.

5. Ready to mail? Yay! Mail by February 10th to: Laura Magness Midvale City 7505 S Holden Street Midvale, UT 84065 Thank you for supporting our seniors!

Property Tax FAQ’s How is my Midvale City Property Tax Rate Calculated?

The Salt Lake County Auditor calculates what is called a “Certified Tax Rate” each year for each entity. The tax rate formula is designed to give Midvale City the same amount of property tax revenue received in the prior year, plus any new growth that happened in the City (such as new homes, businesses, etc.). This rate is then multiplied by the assessed taxable value for every property within Midvale. Keep in mind that most homeowners receive a 45% reduction in assessed value for their primary residence. This formula DOES NOT give the City any automatic increases, outside of new growth within the City (for example, no inflationary increases are built into the formula).

Don’t my Property Taxes go up When the Value of my Home Goes up?

Because the City receives the same amount of revenue as the prior year, plus new growth, the property tax rate actually goes DOWN when the value of a home goes up. Conversely, if a property’s value goes down, the tax rate goes UP to give the same amount of revenue.

If the Property Tax Rate is Supposed to Give “Neutral” Revenue, Why Did my Property Tax Bill Go Up? There are a number of reasons why the amount of property taxes paid may fluctuate. Here are a few of the most common: 1. A taxing entity has raised their property tax rate – State law allows a taxing entity to raise their property tax rate by going through a process called “Truth in Taxation.” This process involves a series of mandated steps, including public noticing and a public hearing. If approved by

the governing body, the tax rate is increased beyond what the “Certified Tax Rate” calculates.

2. Individual properties are appreciating faster than average – Because the Certified Tax Rate relies on entity-wide averages to calculate the tax rate, it is possible individual properties will appreciate faster than average. Because of this, certain properties will show an increase (while others will show a decrease).

3. Improvements have been made to the property – Substantial improvements (such as an addition to a home) constitute “new growth” and would be added to the base property tax amount.

What is Property Tax Revenue Used For? Midvale City only receives 8%, or $184, of property tax each year on an average residence. Conversely, 55% of property tax revenue, or $1,301, goes to the Canyons School District. Overall, Midvale City receives approximately $2.7 million from property tax. The City’s total General Fund budget totals approximately $21 million. Property tax is devoted to pay for Police services provided by the Unified Police Department (UPD). As a point of reference, the City’s UPD contract amount is $10.2 million a year.

Who Can I Contact with Additional Questions?

Questions about the assessed value of your property should be directed to the Salt Lake County Assessor’s Office at (385) 468-8000. Questions about paying your property taxes should be addressed to the Salt Lake County Treasurer’s Office at (385) 468-8300. If you have a question about Midvale City’s property tax rate, or what property taxes are used for, please contact Kyle Maurer, Assistant City Manager, at (801) 567-7200.

Protecting Groundwater We work every day to ensure our customers can turn on a tap or take a shower with no worries about the purity of their water. In keeping with federal, state, and our own agency rules and guidelines, our Water Division team strives to protect our water supplies, our water quality and safety and to deliver this life-giving resource.

In order to maintain clean, high-quality water, we must all work together to protect the groundwater source. Water that is pumped from wells flows through a groundwater aquifer that is located beneath this area before reaching the well. Because the soils between the ground surface and the aquifer are porous, any contaminants that are discharged on the ground have the potential to seep into the groundwater aquifer and eventually contaminate the water in the well. This could in turn compromise the health of the people drinking the water.

Fortunately, there is something that we all can do to protect our groundwater. There are two fundamental categories of groundwater protection: Keeping it safe from contamination and using it wisely by not wasting it. For more information, visit www.ngwa.org