Midvale City Newsletter | March 2023

In The Middle of Everything

City Hall – 7505 South Holden Street • Midvale, UT 84047

MIDVALE CITY DIRECTORY

City Hall

801-567-7200

Finance/Utilities 801-567-7200

Court 801-567-7265

City Attorney’s O ce 801-567-7250

City Recorder/Human Resources 801-567-7228

Community Development 801-567-7211

Public Works 801-567-7235

Ace Disposal/Recycling 801-363-9995

Midvale Historical Museum 801-567-7285

Midvale Senior Center 385-468-3350

SL County Animal Services 385-468-7387

Communications 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 801-567-7200

Ordering A New Trash Can 801-567-7202

Permits 801-567-7213

Court 801-567-7265

Paying For Tra c School 801-567-7202

Business Licensing 801-567-7214 Cemetery 801-567-7235

Planning and Zoning 801-567-7231

Code Enforcement 801-567-7208

Building inspections 801-567-7213

Graffiti 385-468-9769

PUBLIC SAFETY & EMERGENCY CONTACTS

EMERGENCY 911

UFA Fire/UPD Police

> Non-emergency 801-840-4000

Uni ed Police Department

> Midvale Precinct 385-468-9350

Public Works 801-567-7235

Rocky Mountain Power 877-508-5088

Message

Recently, Salt Lake County and the Unied Police Department completed a study to determine where youth violence originates. While crime statistics usually look at where a crime occurred, these two groups put together information to show where the criminal came from. This data shows that Midvale City has one of the highest youth violence rates in Salt Lake County. Unfortunately, our kids are going into other communities and committing violent crimes.

Since this discovery, we’ve been working to create more youth programming outside of the school system in hopes of providing the youth in our community more opportunities. In this month’s mayor’s message, I want to talk about some of programs we are working to start.

YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

For several years, Midvale operated a Youth Ambassador program where high school students would participate in a service-based leadership program for the city. During their time, each student would complete community service projects, participate on the City’s parade oat, serve as ambassadors over community events, and then received a $1,000 scholarship for

By Mayor Marcus Stevenson

they’d learn about how cities work, the projects we are working on, issues facing our community, and in turn get their feedback on how we can better respond to community needs. In order to get feedback on our proposed program, I recently did two town halls at Hillcrest High School. The 100 or so students who attended were engaged, observant, and committed to bettering their community. I was incredibly impressed with their feedback and questions, especially around gangs, homelessness, and requests for more job training programs before they leave high school.

While we are still guring out details on this program, we hope to have it up and running beginning next school year.

SPORTS PROGRAMMING

Unfortunately, it can be harder to nd youth sport programs in Midvale than it is in many of our surrounding communities. That reality exists for a few reasons, but one of the largest being that our county owned and operated recreation center is at the end of its life and doesn’t have the same commodities that exist in many other rec. centers. While a long-term project, Midvale City is working to secure the funding needed for a new rec. center which will provide more youth sports programming. More immediately than a new rec. center, we have been in preliminary conversations to bring in new soccer program into the city. Speci cally, we’ve been starting conversations with AYSO and Utah Avalanche to provide more soccer opportunities for Midvale’s youth. While we still have a lot to gure out with bringing in either group, we hope to have these programs expanded in our community sometime in the near future.

GANG PREVENTION

While both the youth leadership program and sports programming are geared towards keeping kids out of gang violence, we are also working to help those who have already entered it. We are partnering with the Salt Lake Area Gang Project and Choose Gang Free to provide gang prevention programming outside of school hours in the evening and during the summer break.

college. While this program was limited to 3-5 students each year because of the scholarship funds, it was a staple of our community for many years. With the COVID pandemic, this program was put on hold and has not been brought back.

As our city has discussed restarting the youth ambassador program, I’ve pushed to create a new program that allows for more kids to be able to participate. This has led us to conversations around starting a youth council, or a youth leadership program, which is what we are working on right now.

In short, the idea of a youth leadership program is to allow youth in our community to get involved in local government where

Fortunately, the pieces have been put into place for this program and it will be starting shortly. This program will work one-on-one with individuals involved in gangs and help get them out by providing a support system. That support may be anything from reducing food insecurities, helping to nd employment, or getting these kids into new hobbies.

THE GOAL

While we hope to see the immediate impacts of the work we are doing now, kids make poor decisions for a variety of reasons, and it will likely take years before we see any signi cant changes. In the meantime, it’s critical that our city act urgently in hopes that our e orts will make the lives better for youth in our community, and that will translate into better lifelong outcomes.

M ARCH 2023

CITY NEWSLETTER

Marcus’

In The Middle of Everything

Protecting Our Lifeline: Groundwater Awareness Week 2023

Groundwater is a vital resource for communities around the world, providing water for drinking, irrigation, and industrial uses. To raise awareness about the importance of groundwater and the need for its protection, Groundwater Awareness Week is observed annually from March 5 through 11.

During Groundwater Awareness Week, organizations and individuals come together to educate the public about the importance of groundwater and the challenges it faces. The week provides an opportunity for communities to learn about the science of groundwater, the ways it can be protected, and the role individuals can play in preserving this critical resource.

An important focus of Groundwater Awareness Week is the need to protect groundwater from contamination. Groundwater can become polluted through activities such as oil and gas drilling, and improper disposal of hazardous waste. By promoting responsible use of land and resources, individuals can help prevent groundwater contamination and ensure the safety of their communities.

A common contaminant is dog poop. Dog poop, if not disposed of properly, can have a signi cant impact on groundwater quality. When dog poop is left on the ground, the rain can wash it into storm drains, streams, and rivers. From there, it can make its way into groundwater. When dog poop decomposes, it releases nutrients and bacteria that can contaminate groundwater, making it unsafe for humans and animals to drink.

To prevent dog poop from contaminating groundwater, it’s important to pick it up and dispose of it properly. This means putting it in a plastic bag and throwing it in the trash, rather than leaving it on the ground or in a storm drain. If you’re out on a walk and there are no trash cans nearby, take the bag home with you and dispose of it there. By picking up after our pets and disposing of their waste properly, we can help protect our groundwater and keep our environment healthy. So the next time you’re out for a walk with your furry friend, remember to bring a bag and do your part to protect our precious resources.

How to Greet a Dog Properly

By Salt Lake County Animal Services

Before you go putting your hand (or face) in front of a dog you don’t know, make sure you check with the owner AND the dog. Salt Lake County Animal Services has some suggestions on How to Greet a Dog safely. Did you know these most common mistakes that lead to getting bit by a dog?

#1 – DON’T Put your hand up to a dog’s nose. A dog’s sense of smell is extremely powerful. They could smell you before your hand is in their face.

#2 – DON’T Lean over a dog or put your face in front of a dog’s face. If you’re going to pet them for the rst time, pet their shoulder.

WHEN APPROACHING A DOG:

Step 1: Make sure the dog has a leash, a collar, and an owner. If it doesn’t, call Animal Control. Step 2: Look at the dog’s body language. Look to see if it is a happy/relaxed dog.

Step 3: Ask permission from the Owner: “May I please pet your dog?” It is okay if the owner says “no!”

Step 4: If you have permission, do a quick body language check again.

Step 5: Angle body slightly away from dog.

Step 6: Keep hands to yourself until the dog approaches you, seeking out interaction.

Step 7: Pet the dog calmly and quietly, avoiding sensitive areas.

Step 8: Remain standing if it is a large or medium sized dog. If it is a small dog, you can crouch down, making sure you are still not leaning over the dog.

If you are bitten by a dog, contact your local Animal Control to le a bite report. Visit AdoptUtahPets.org for more information.

Disc on 6th Disc Golf Course Opening for the Season

Attention all disc golf enthusiasts! Get ready to dust o your discs and hit the course because, weather permitting, Disc on 6th Disc Golf Course is opening for the season on March 1, 2023, at Midvale City Park.

Disc golf is a growing sport that combines elements of traditional golf and Frisbee. The goal is to throw a disc into a basket in as few throws as possible. Disc golf courses are often set up in parks and other public spaces and o er a fun and challenging way to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors.

Disc on 6th Disc Golf Course, located in Midvale City Park, is a popular destination for disc golfers in the area. The course features 9 holes with a practice basket for pre-game putting practice. Players of all skill levels are welcome, from beginners to seasoned veterans.

In addition to the fun and challenging gameplay, disc golf is also a great way to get exercise and enjoy the outdoors. Walking the course and throwing the disc helps to improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles, and reduce stress. It’s also a social activity that can be enjoyed with friends and family.

Disc on 6th Disc Golf Course is open to the public and free to play. Players are asked to respect the course and other players by following the rules and being mindful of their surroundings.

If you’re a disc golf enthusiast or just looking for a fun and challenging outdoor activity, be sure to check out Disc on 6th Disc Golf Course at Midvale City Park. Get ready to throw, aim, and have some fun!

WWW. MIDVALECITY. ORG

MARCH 2023 CITY NEWSLETTER

WWW. MIDVALECITY. ORG

A Look Back at Midvale City’s Old Jail House

By Bill Miller, Midvale Historical Society & Museum

On the west side of S Main St. (7818) stands the old, but stately, building that was once known as the Mitchell Apts. (not sure of the name today). If the old building could speak, what interesting stories it could tell! The tale, of course, would be about its early ditizens who periodically lived in this unique building. Their stays were short, but of interest to Midvale’s early residents, especially law enforcement branch of our “fair city”. The reason for this keen interest was because this building known as “THE MIDVALE CITY JAIL HOUSE” and the council chambers.

The Jail House was built near the turn of the century, (1900’s) as can be determined by early historical records. The downstairs (1st oor) was composed of a small o ce for the Chief of Police and his associates, plus the jail cells. The jail cells were the temporary residence for Midvale’s law breakers. The serious, who having lost control of their judgement, o ended or hilarious provoked the residents and the police.

The cells in the city jail, though not comfortable or gracious, were adequate. Each was equipped with a bed, sometimes a chair, access to a water tap and sink, plus a

necessity- an open view Gentlemen’s chamber. The open view chamber, of course, had its drawbacks! It was a promoter of conversation.

Upstairs, in the old City Jail, was the mayor’s o ce, and councilmen chambers. This was the o cial meeting house for Midvale’s civic business responsibilities. As can be imagined, occasionally the City Council meetings were interrupted by the outspoken burst of conversation by the cell mates below on the 1st oor. Sometimes as the city o cials were mounting the stairs to the council chambers, an indignant occupant of the cell block would appeal for justice or more leniency.

Sometime after the original construction of the City Jail an addition was made on the north side, to house the city’s retruck. The Old Jail House became inadequate for the o enders whose sentences were of a long duration, were moved to the county jail or the state penitentiary.

Around 1960 the jail house was o cially abandoned. It stood idle for several years. Finally, the Old Jail House was sold to May A. Mitchell in January 1964. As a result, The Mitchell Apartment’s began.

This information was taken from a fact sheet by Harry S. Wright, October 20, 1978.

AGING WELL CONFERENCE

Midvale Senior Center is hosting an Aging Well Conference to help with memory and mental wellness to not only add years to your life but life to your years. The conference will be held on Thursday, March 23, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. We will begin the conference with a lunch of either salmon, a chef salad or sandwich with side salad. Classes include Boosting Memory and Cognition, Tool Kit for Success: Managing Anxiety and Depression, and Food and Mood. They will be taught by Valley Behavioral Health. The suggested donation for the conference is $4.00 to cover the cost of lunch. Call 385-468-3350 to register or for more information.

Curbside Bulky Waste

2023 Spring

23, 24,

(MTI).

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residents who currently receive City garbage service.

Curbside pick up will be provided for approved items that are boxed, bundled or bagged. The intent of this program is to reduce pollution in our streams, rivers and lakes and to keep our City clean. When utilizing curbside collection, residents are reminded that hazardous materials such as oil, batteries, paint, tires and other pollutants will not be collected.

Please follow your regularly scheduled garbage pick up day listed below to determine when your Curbside Bulky Waste pick up day is scheduled. Comply with the Bulky Waste Pick Up Guidelines (listed on back). If you don't comply with these important guidelines your items will not be picked up.

If your regular garbage pick up day is: Your Curbside Bulky Waste pick up day is scheduled for:

Monday Monday, April 3

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

Wednesday, April 5

Monday, April 10

Wednesday, April 12

Properly prepared items may be placed curbside up to one week prior to the scheduled pick up dates, no later than 6:30 a.m. on the scheduled Curbside Bulky Waste pick up day. Items placed at the curb must not obstruct sidewalks, gutters, storm drain inlets, water meters, or the free movement of traffic.

Help prevent stormwater pollution. Do not obstruct sidewalks, gutters, or storm drain inlets.