Midvale City Newsletter | November 2021

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

The Heart of the Matter

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 Robert Hale Email: Rhale@midvale.com

801-567-7204

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

October wasn’t even half finished, and the first killer frost of the fall struck our gardens. I hope you were able to harvest and clean up the ground, ready it for winter’s blast, and prepare it for the eventual spring when the growth cycle restarts. My helpmeet, Susan, and I spent a couple of hours cleaning out the vines for our squash plants and tomatoes. It filled two garbage cans. It will make good, clean methane at the landfill, which in turn will make good clean electricity, which will in turn keep the lights on and cellphones charged in several homes for a few brief milliseconds, I am sure. It is a cycle of life that is enjoyed by many.

The butternut squash has been repurposed into the tastiest soup imaginable. The vat of soup is now in bottles, one of which has already been delivered to a neighbor-friend recovering from an operation to warm their evening meal. Sharing is the best activity that comes from a garden! Caring for the garden was not so hard because it has an automated watering system. Unfortunately, weeds and bugs also have “automated” growing and eating systems that require constant oversight and prevention by the gardener to slow and remove so the harvest is bountiful. I hope your garden, large or small, early or late, savory or sweet, has been a joy for you this year. When (not if) community gardens become a reality in our city, encouragement is given for all who desire to get dirt in their fingernails, and can tell the difference between weeds and vegetables, and love the harvest of fresh vegetables to take a meaningful role in its creation, care and maintenance.

We have come through a hotly pursued election with three races being decided this week: two for council seats and the Mayor of our city. It has been interesting to be a participant. I have walked to the front doors of so many Midvale homes, whether apartments, condos, or single-family homes; whether upstairs, downstairs, or on grade. I have been greeted by smiling faces, handshakes (or elbow bumps), and only one time by a person who was grumpy. (Remember: the Mayor, as well as all City employees, serve all citizens, whether they be pleasant, nonchalant or happy to see us.) I was out in the wind, rain, and hot sunny days to perform my privilege to meet voters and encourage a favorable vote this November 2nd. This was my second cross-city campaign to become acquainted with all corners of our 6 ½ square mile

NOVEMBER 2021 CITY NEWSLETTER

By Mayor Robert Hale

city, block by block. Most of the rest of the four years I met many at city offices, by phone or at public gatherings. These are the most personable methods of communications. There are more expeditious means, like email, and text messages; but the personal visit is my favorite.

On a sad note, one of our favorite Midvale residents, Fausto Rivas, was recently laid to rest after a prolonged illness. Fausto and his dear devoted wife, Dolores, were the backbone of a long time Midvale celebration, Cinco de Mayo. All who worked with Fausto can recall his deep-seated desire to include as many citizens of Midvale and those with Hispanic heritage in the annual celebration. The parade and park gatherings under the Rivas Family were always well attended and special. There was always an alegría por la vida with our brief Cinco de Mayo celebrations.

That is because Fausto enjoyed life. His enthusiasm for his heritage rubbed off on all his fellow celebrants. Our sincere sympathies to Dolores and their bereaved family. Pasaje seguro a tus bendiciones eternas, amigo Fausto.

A Big “Thank You” For Conserving Water Because of your efforts, Midvale City was able to save 145,332,000 gallons of water compared to the prior year! We appreciate those who have taken the statewide drought seriously and your efforts to conserve water. Our parks reduced water usage by 47%, schools reduced their usage by 4%, and our residents reduced their usage by 17%! Utah is a semi-arid state and its water future is one of the most significant challenges facing the state today. We will be able to meet future water needs through a combination of solutions, including conservation, efficiency, optimization, agriculture conservation, and water development.

In The Middle of Everything US Postal Slows Delivery Starting on October 1, the postal service’s current three-day delivery standard for first-class mail — letters, bills, tax documents and the like — will drop to delivery anywhere within the U.S. within five days.

In other words, we should now expect that letters and other mail could take up to five days to reach destinations. While mail sent within a local area should still be delivered in around two days, you can count on mail sent from farther away to take longer.

WWW . MIDVALECITY . ORG Winter Weather Response

MIDVALE CITY SNOW CREWS ARE READY FOR WINTER!

How can this affect you?

Midvale City Utility bills are mailed from out of the area.

• You may receive your monthly utility bills later than you normally do.

• You may receive a disconnect notice later. So, you won’t have as much time to pay your bill before your service is disconnected.

How do i protect myself from late fees and/or disconnection?

Sign up for Xpress Bill Pay to pay your bills online: www.MidvaleCity.org/Xpress

Season of Giving: Help Pets in YOUR Community Looking to give back to the community? The pets at Salt Lake County Animal Services could benefit from the spirit of giving this holiday season. More pets are ending up at the shelter and while they wait for their families to find them or get adopted out, staff members give them food enrichments to work their brain and fill their tummies.

Want to create a pet treat drive to help homeless pets this winter? If so, the dogs would love: • canned food • soft treats • canned pumpkin • applesauce • large milk bones • peanut butter • AND squeaky toys!

• Material to make new durable dog beds (Kuranda beds) The cats would love to see under their scratching tree: • canned cat food pate • scratching posts & toys • soft treats While pets wait at Salt Lake County Animal Services, staff does their best to treat them like family while they’re in the shelter. On average, the shelter houses 10,000 pets every year.

There are a variety of volunteer and foster opportunities at Salt Lake County Animal Services. Email animalvolunteer@ slco.org for more information.

For more ideas visit, AdoptUtahPets. org. Donations can be dropped off at 511 W 3900 S, SLC 84123, Mon – Sat between 10 AM – 6 PM. Or visit Salt Lake County Animal Services Wishlist’s on Amazon.com.

Midvale City snow crews are dedicated to clearing the streets of snow and ice. They work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, nonstop during a storm or ice event to ensure the safety of the traveling public, to provide access to businesses so that commerce is as uninterrupted as possible, to open emergency routes to hospitals, fire stations, to help school buses arrive on time and safely, for trash collection services to be continued, and to allow all of us the freedom to accomplish many other daily activities.

Each winter storm is slightly different and requires different approaches as it relates to snow and ice management. Midvale City’s Public Works has a Snow Plan which can be modified before and during the storm. Basic policies are set forth with approval from staff and council. The snow and ice management process is dependent on the type of precipitation; depth of snow, sleet or ice; temperature of air and pavement; and timing of winter weather events.

Snow and ice control operations are expensive and involve the use of limited personnel and equipment. During a snow event, snow removal becomes a 24/7 operation until all priority streets, collectors, arterials and school and hospital streets, are cleared.

For snowstorms lasting longer than 24 hours, personnel are divided into crews working alternating 12-hour schedules depending on the shift that they are assigned.

BEFORE SNOW FALLS We monitor weather reports for severity and timing. If road surface temperatures, forecast air temperatures, and precipitation types are favorable for applying anti-icing materials to road surfaces, we begin that process. If rain proceeds the snow/ice, we may not pre-treat as the rain may wash treatment materials off of the road. We also prepare equipment and verify material quantities (salt, blades, etc.).

WHEN SNOW BEGINS Snow plowing does not begin until after 2 inches of snow has accumulated. We continually monitor and evaluate snow clearing operations including staffing and equipment, supplies and changing weather conditions.

AFTER A STORM Review the operation/event to continuously improve our process.

PRIORITIES The Public Works snow crews plow top priority and high-volume roadways first, followed by collector streets and residential through streets. Once conditions have been stabilized on first- and second-priority routes, crews will begin to clear City owned parking areas, cul-de-sacs and dead-end roads (there are currently 125 cul-de-sacs/deadends in Midvale City). In the event of continual snowfall, it may take longer than normal for plows to reach third-priority streets as first- and second-priority streets will require additional attention. Be assured that once it snows, Midvale snow crews work around the clock until all the roads are safe and drivable. Please remain patient until our crews can treat and plow your neighborhood.

Winter storms resulting in accumulations of 6 inches or more are not considered normal for this area. This will increase the snow clearing time in these cases. In addition, abandoned vehicles, improperly parked cars, traffic congestion, garbage cans, etc. may limit snow and ice control efforts on some City streets.

Priority 1: Mains and arterial roads Priority 2: Collector and residential through streets Priority 3: City owned parking areas, cul-de-sacs and dead-end roads* View interactive map to determine plowing priorities within your area.

Please note, there are several streets and properties that are maintained by the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), Salt Lake County (SLCo) or Utah Transit Authority (UTA). Therefore, Midvale City does not plow or treat the following streets and properties.

• UDOT is responsible to for 900 E., State St., 7200 S. (from State to Jordan River) • SLCo is responsible for 700 W. (7200 S. to 6800 S.), 6960 S. (County Shop Rd.), northbound Union Park Ave. • UTA is responsible for all public transit parking lots and associated properties

NOVEMBER 2021 CITY NEWSLETTER WWW . MIDVALECITY . ORG

Winter On-Street Parking If there are cars parked on the streets, plows can’t fully clear the roads and run the risk of hitting parked vehicles. Residents are not permitted to park any vehicle on city streets where one inch of snow has accumulated.

The parking prohibition shall remain in effect for 24 hours after snow has ceased to fall, or until such time as the snow has been removed from the street. (Midvale Municipal Code Section 10.16.120). Residents should be mindful of the weather and make arrangements to park off the streets when snow is forecasted.

SIDEWALKS Property owners are responsible for keeping all sidewalks along their property clear and free of snow and ice. City crews are responsible for clearing sidewalks at public facilities such as City Hall.

SNOW BLOWING AND SHOVELING State law prohibits residents, business owners, and/or contractors from depositing snow into public roads. Snow removed from sidewalks and driveways should be placed on lawn areas or on private property and NOT on public roads. This practice is dangerous and impedes the City’s snow removal efforts.

BLOCKED DRIVEWAYS Snow accumulated on the plow blade has no place to go but in the road right-of-way, which includes driveway approaches. Many times, snowplowing forms snowdrifts across driveway approaches, which may create hardships for some residents. Unfortunately, the City possesses neither the personnel nor the equipment to clear the thousands of driveway approaches within the City; therefore, snow removal of driveway approaches is the resident’s responsibility.

When clearing driveways, snow should be placed on the lawn or park strips, (do not cover fire hydrants). This will minimize snow accumulation in drive approach areas during snowplowing operations. Putting snow in the street can cause delays in snow removal as well as damage to personal property.

Holiday Meals at Midvale Senior Center Midvale Senior Center will be serving a Thanksgiving Holiday Meal on Wednesday, November 17. It will be a traditional Thanksgiving meal (turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, vegetable medley, dinner roll, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie).

Our December Holiday Meal will be on Wednesday, December 15.

We will have two seatings for each meal. One at 11:30 a.m. and another one at 12:30 p.m. You are also welcomed to pick up a to go meal from the cafe. Please call 385-468-3350 to make your reservations. Reservations for the Thanksgiving meal will need to be made by November 10 and for the December meal on December 8.

FIRE HYDRANTS During the winter season, it is very important to remove the snow from around a fire hydrant. If there is a fire hydrant in front of a resident’s home, it is their responsibility to keep it clear of all snow.

DRIVING • Please do not pull out in front of or attempt to pass a snowplow.

• Never tailgate a snowplow truck. Stay at least 200 feet away from plows at all times. If you can’t see the mirrors on the struck, they can’t see you.

• Be alert and drive with caution. Remember that winter storms create slick road conditions. Maintain safe distances between vehicles and decrease your normal driving speeds to allow for additional time to stop.