Midvale City Newsletter | January2021

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

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

CITY NEWSLETTER

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

JANUARY 2021

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

911

By Mayor Robert Hale

ENDURANCE, ASPIRATIONS AND HOPE You and I are likely facing the most serious health crisis in our lifetime.

We couldn’t imagine a year ago what we have since witnessed. We thought, for sure, that whatever the COVID-19 thing was, it would be here and gone within a season. We made plans to go traveling, celebrate birthdays and anniversaries in our favorite locations.

We knew we could finish our preparations for a productive future with our own schooling, or that of our children, or grandchildren.

Now in early 2021, we have gained a vaster appreciation for our miniature oppressor – an itty, bitty viral carnivore that has changed our lives, habits, travels, plans, and really, our futures. Yes, the vaccine army is being deployed in the hundreds of thousands, soon in the millions, to give each of us a strong deterrent and protection against the potential ravages that others have suffered through. My prayers are that each of you will take first opportunity to protect yourself from this pandemic virus.

Because neighborhoods and local businesses develop many close-by contacts, it is paramount to the City of Midvale and all who live and work herein to reengage with those closest to us as soon as possible. School teachers and administrations have worked overtime to see that our children, whether homeschooled or taught in the classroom, advance in their character-building and intellectual learning. I know the chore of raising children has been a source of high magnitude stress to all parents. Grandparents of every stripe have looked from afar, or from the very center of the education process and prayed that their grandbabies were picking up the lessons in English and immersion languages, Physical Education, Music and the Arts, Mathematics and the Sciences.

Local businesses will develop again to meet their customer’s needs. Help them along, too, by spending your money in their establishments. That income recirculates seven times within the area!

Probably one of the most important lessons that is learned by society is how to get along with others. Soon, as the weeks turn to months, the high frequencies of positive testing, hospitalizations and deaths will subside as the virus runs its course looking for ever more scarce vulnerable targets. We will begin reestablishing our own contacts within society again. I can hardly wait to begin to feel free enough to shake hands, hug and associate without extra protections, which are mandatory now and probably for months to come. This is where patience will be the primary inter-social skill.

January is not a month to rest from our labors. No! There is much to do to assist the elderly, ailing, those who mourn, or who lack the tools and strength to clear snow from walkways, driveways, steps and vehicle windows. Let’s be neighborly and assist all – young and old – who can use our abilities.

One more thing – You probably gave some assistance to the poor and homeless during the Holiday months of 2020. But the need to help did not go away with the passing of New Year’s Day. No. Please set up an assistance fund of your own to give to the care of the poor and hungry and homeless. Make your donation just large enough that it makes you wonder if you have given too much.

Then you’ll know it was just right! And thanks! Thanks for looking out for those with less than you have. That makes for a stronger civic pride and binds us closer together as fellow-citizens.

I wish a Prosperous and Happy New Year to you and to your family!

Virtual Senior Center offering classes It’s that time of year when we make New Year’s resolutions. One of the most common resolutions that Americans make is exercising more. If you are 60 plus and this is one of your 2021 goals, Salt Lake County Aging and Adult Services Virtual Senior Center can help. The center offers a variety of free exercise classes that you can take within the safety of your own home.

In January, we are offering two Arthritis Foundation Exercise Programs (AFEP). These programs promote physical activity as a strategy for managing arthritis symptoms and improving or maintaining mobility, strength, and physical functions. Those taking the class have experienced reduced pain and fatigue, less depression, and have been able to manage their arthritis and remain active. The AFEP class (standing and seated) will begin on January 19 at 10:00 AM on Tuesdays and Fridays. A Seated AFEP class will begin on January 25 at 10:15 AM on Mondays and Thursdays. Both

classes run for eight weeks. For more information and to register, call 385-468-3299.

In February, we will be adding several exercise classes taught by University of Utah fitness exercise science students. These students are in their final year of studies. Classes that have been taught in the past are Balance Training for the Older Adults, Chair Stretch and Strengthen, Mobility and Flexibility, and Movement and Dance. Look for more information in our Virtual Senior Center Course Catalog at slco.org/aging-adult-services/ virtual-senior-center/.

Ongoing Virtual Senior Center exercise classes include Tai Chi, Yoga, and Line Dancing.

For more information and to register, call 385468-3329. We also offer videos that can be done anytime anywhere from our SLCO Aging & Adult Services YouTube channel.

We look forward to helping you achieve your 2021 fitness goals.

In The Middle of Everything 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.

WWW . MIDVALECITY . ORG

Understanding Your Utility Bill Did you know your Midvale City utility bill is for more than just your water service?

Here is a breakdown of the services included on your utility bill: WATER – Your water charge includes both a base charge and a usage charge. The base charge is charged regardless of usage and is used to maintain the City’s water infrastructure. The usage charge depends on how much water flows through your water meter and is billed in thousands of gallons. Your usage is calculated by taking the current meter read and subtracting last month’s meter read. From October through May (which is considered an offpeak time), the City charges a lower rate than the summer months. Usage charges are used to purchase water from Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District (JVWCD), and to produce water from the City’s wells.

Resolve to be More Prepared

By Julie Harvey, Municipal Emergency Management Planner If we learned anything from 2020 it is that just when you think you’ve seen everything, something new comes along. With this lesson in mind, I urge you to resolve to increase your preparedness for disasters or emergencies in 2021.

Each month I will be presenting information provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) www.fema.gov or www.ready.gov) or the Do 1 Thing website (https://do1thing.com/). I will be providing reminders to do simple things like check your stored water supply, check the batteries in your flashlights, or checking the phone numbers in your emergency contact list.

If you complete the actions I recommend, you’ll be a little more prepared each month.

The thing about preparedness is it never ends; batteries always go dead, stored food passes expiration dates, or addresses and phone numbers change. This year resolve to do something each month to be resilient if something unexpected happens.

In January 2021 make a plan with your loved ones for what you need to do if you have to evacuate. (https://do1thing.com/ tasks/evacuate) Choose two places for your family to meet. One should be right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, such as a fire. The other should be outside of your neighborhood, in case you cannot return home or are asked to evacuate.

Decide where you would go and what route you would take to get there. You may choose to go to a hotel, stay with friends or family in a safe location, or go to a shelter. Hold evacuation drills at home. Practice getting out of the house quickly and drive your planned evacuation route. The more you practice, the more confident you will be if you really have to evacuate.

Plan ahead for your pets. Due to health concerns, pets are not allowed in Red Cross shelters; however, there may be a pet shelter set up nearby during large evacuations. Keep a phone list of pet-friendly hotels and animal shelters that are along your evacuation route in case a designated pet shelter is not available.

Do 1 Thing. (n.d.). Make a Plan : Plan what to do if you have to evacuate. Retrieved December 15, 2020, from https://do1thing.com/tasks/evacuate

SEWER – Your sewer service is either handled by Midvale City, Midvalley Improvement District, Sandy Suburban Improvement District, or Cottonwood Improvement District (depending on where you live). If you live outside of Midvale City’s service area, you will receive a separate bill from that District. For Midvale City customers, the sewer service includes both a base charge and usage charge. The base charge is a flat amount charged regardless of usage. This amount funds ongoing maintenance and repair of the sewer system.

In addition, your bill also includes a usage charge. This charge is based off your average winter water usage. The period used to calculate this usage is November through March, and your average will be adjusted on your bill each July. This usage charge is used to pay for sewage treatment costs.

STORM DRAIN – You may ask, “why is a storm drain utility needed?” The City’s storm drain system is needed to safely and efficiently manage a property’s rainfall runoff into pipe systems, drainage channels, detention structures, streams, and water bodies. This system requires ongoing monitoring and maintenance to work effectively, and is required by the Utah Clean Water Act. Each residential customer is charged 1 ERU (Equivalent Residential Unit), while commercial customers are charged based off their property’s impervious (hard) surface area (such as parking lots, roofs, etc.).

GARBAGE – This service covers your weekly garbage and recycling pickup, and also the City’s bi-annual curbside bulky waste program (occurring each April and October).

Street Lighting – A flat fee is charged to each residential and commercial customer each month. This fee pays for maintenance, operating costs (such as electricity), and debt service on the City’s entire street lighting system.

UTOPIA – We have a number of residents with UTOPIA service contracts that are billed through Midvale City. Please refer to your signed contract detailing the terms of your agreement.

It is also important to note that your utility charges and fees DO NOT support general government expenses (such as public safety, streets, parks, etc.). All of the funds collected are used to support the maintenance, operations, and capital needs of the respective utility.

JANUARY 2021 CITY NEWSLETTER WWW . MIDVALECITY . ORG Salt Lake County Animal Services

Thousands of Pets Helped in 2020

Salt Lake County Animal Services is the largest, lifesaving (no-kill) municipal shelter in Utah. In 2020, we helped over 11,500 animals. We cared for a variety of pets including: cats, dogs, rabbits, horses, chickens, goats, pigs, reptiles, birds & small mammals.

Salt Lake County Animal Services in 2020: • 11,500 pets were cared for or received services from Animal Services.

• 3,400 owned pets received food from the Pet Crew Pantry • 1,850 pets were returned to their owners • 2,600 pets were adopted or sent to a rescue • 2,500 pets were spayed/neutered by the on-site clinic • AND SO MUCH MORE! Whether you have a pet or may be looking for a new one, please check out our website for adoptable pets, or programs for you and your current pet to take advantage of. Animal Services has other lifesaving programming that may interest you: volunteering, fostering, free virtual workshops, humane education presentations, sponsorships, and more.

Please consider donating to the spay/neuter or injured animal fund: bit.ly/donate2slcoas For more information visit AdoptUtahPets.org, check out our Facebook page, email animal@slco.org, or visit 511 W 3900 S in Salt Lake City. The shelter is open Monday – Saturday from 10 AM – 6 PM.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP or formerly known as Food Stamps) SNAP provides food assistance to low-income individuals and households through an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card known as the Horizon Card.

To apply for benefits, go to the Department of Workforce Services online at jobs.utah. gov/mycase.

You may also apply at a Utah Department of Workforce Services Office or they can mail an application to you; however you may lose benefits due to mailing delays.

• No documents are needed to file an application.

• You may be eligible for expedited SNAP benefits receiving SNAP within seven calendar days.

• Expedited SNAP benefits are a faster way to get your first month of SNAP benefits. You may be eligible for expedited SNAP if: • You have $150 or less in monthly gross income and $100 or less in liquid assets (cash and money in the bank), or • Your shelter costs are higher than your combined gross monthly income and cash and savings or • You are a migrant household with $100 or less in cash and savings.

• Identity is the only verification you need if you are eligible for expedited SNAP. For more information, call 1-800-453-FOOD (2561) or visit UAH.org Use our calculator to see if you might be eligible, or visit: uah.org/get-help/calculator

Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC) Moms, are you eligible for WIC? If you qualify for SNAP, you likely qualify for WIC. The Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC) provides nutrition and breastfeeding services and supplemental foods to pregnant women, new mothers, infants and children up to their 5th birthday.

Learn more at wic.utah.gov or call 1-877-942-5437.