Murray City Newsletter | June 2021

JUNE 2021

FREQUENTLY REQUESTED NUMBERS Attorney .................................. 801-264-2640 Business Licensing .................. 801-270-2432 Cemetery ................................ 801-264-2637 City Council ............................. 801-264-2603 Finance Department ............... 801-264-2513 FIRE DEPARTMENT Administrative Office .......... 801-264-2781 Non-Emergency Calls ......... 801-840-4000 General Information................ 801-264-2525 Heritage Center (Sr. Center)..... 801-264-2635 Human Resources.................... 801-264-2656 Library .................................... 801-264-2580 Mayor’s Office.......................... 801-264-2600 Municipal Court....................... 801-284-4280 Museum .................................. 801-264-2589 Murray Park Outdoor Pool ....... 801-266-9321 Murray Parkway Golf Course.... 801-262-4653 PARKS AND RECREATION Administrative Office .......... 801-264-2614 Rain-out Information ......... 801-264-2525 Park Center (indoor pool) ........ 801-284-4200 Passports................................. 801-264-2660 POLICE DEPARTMENT Administrative Office .......... 801-264-2673 Animal Control ................... 801-264-2671 Code Enforcement .............. 801-264-2673 Non-Emergency Calls ......... 801-840-4000 POWER DEPARTMENT Administrative Office .......... 801-264-2730 After Hours Emergency....... 801-264-9669 PUBLIC SERVICES Administrative Office .......... 801-270-2440 Building Inspection ............ 801-270-2431 Green Waste Trailers ........... 801-270-2440 Planning and Zoning .......... 801-270-2420 Solid Waste......................... 801-270-2440 Water, Sewer, Streets.......... 801-270-2440 Zoning Enforcement ........... 801-270-2426 UTILITIES After Hours Emergency....... 801-264-9669 Billing Questions ................ 801-264-2626

murray.utah.gov

Mayor’s Message

MAYOR’S OFFICE

Let’s Get Outside!

mayor@murray.utah.gov 801-264-2600 5025 S. State Street Murray, Utah 84107

I love the arrival of summer! The warm sun invites us outdoors for sporting events, outdoor recreation activities, and even yard work. Visiting a city park is a great way to enjoy a summer day. It has been said that “parks and playgrounds are the soul of a city.” A friend of mine whose house backs one of our city parks refers to the sounds of the park as “fun noise,” the sound of people of all ages enjoying the outdoor amenities.

Murray City has a long history of providing outstanding parks and recreation facilities and related programs. We enjoy ten city-owned parks in addition to our popular and well-maintained section of the Jordan River Parkway. But it’s much more than just having great parks, it’s also the programming that brings people to these amenities. There’s something fun for nearly everyone who visits our parks.

For those looking for passive activities, there is great bird watching on the Jordan River Parkway and the wooded areas of Murray Park. Over 100 different species of birds can be found including the Bald Eagle, Golden Eagle, Osprey, Cooper’s Hawk, Wood Duck, Barn owl, and the list keeps going. The Arboretum in Murray Park is a popular place for visitors to stroll and observe the cacti garden, hybrid iris bed, water ponds, shrubbery beds, seasonal flower plantings, and many varieties of trees. The rose garden on the west end of Murray Park near State Street shows off multiple varieties of roses.

Murray’s park system boasts of 21 miles of trails and paths, both paved and unpaved. The addition of the Canal Trail from Wheeler Farm to Fontaine Bleu Drive a few years ago has proven to be a very popular addition to the trail system. You can also walk around the pond at Willow Pond Park and take your fishing pole if you want to take advantage of our urban fishery. You can also fish in Little Cottonwood Creek in Murray Park.

All of Murray’s parks have playgrounds for the kids. The city has endeavored to provide a variety of playground equipment from traditional ladders and slides in some of the parks to a climbing wall at Southwood Park and the newest addition of a boulder climbing playground at Winchester Park. This boulder climbing playground is already becoming popular and we have received a lot of positive feedback.

D. Blair Camp -Mayor

There are many more passive activities available in our parks, but for those looking for more active activities and entertainment, we’ve got you covered! The Murray “Arts in the Parks” series is back for the 2021 season! Check out the free Lunch Concerts every Tuesday in June and July, featuring artists such as the Wasatch Jazz Syndicate, Time Cruisers (oldies), Wendy and the Lost Boys, and others. The Murray Library presents “Summer Shorts” every Wednesday at 1:00 pm in June and July, featuring entertainment such as a juggling show, Irish step dancing, and the ever-popular firefighter’s soak on July 28 at the softball field. The Children Matinees are every Thursday in June and July (except July 1) at 2:00 pm in Murray Park. In addition to these activities, there will be four family night concerts on the second Monday of the month in June through September at 7:00 pm at the Senior Recreation Center.

These are free of charge and are a lot of fun to attend.

One of the most attractive venues in Murray Park is the Murray Amphitheater near Little Cottonwood Creek at 495 East 5300 South.

The “Evening Series” at the Amphitheater runs from June 4 through September 11, with tickets ranging from $3.00 to $15.00 each, depending on the event.

Stop by the outdoor fitness area in Murray Park on your way to our very popular Pickleball courts. Also watch for our Movies in the Park series and visit the Food Trucks every Tuesday evening through September. These are just some of the great opportunities offered by the extraordinary Parks and Recreation Department. As Murray residents, we enjoy a great system of parks and trails. Not only do I express my appreciation to the amazing parks and recreation staff, but also to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board for their valuable contributions. Former Arizona Governor Bruce Babbit is quoted as saying, “City parks serve, day in and day out, as the primary green spaces for the majority of Americans.”

Please visit the Parks and Recreation page on our website at murray.utah.gov for additional information, times and locations of events, park pavilion reservations, recreation programs, or any questions you may have.

Stay informed.

murray.utah.gov

MURRAY

Message from the Council As I enter the last part of my first term serving on the Murray City Council, I find myself reflecting more and more on the dedicated Murray City employees. Throughout my career, from being a welder mechanic to serving as the president of the Utah AFL-CIO, I have Dale M. Cox worked vigorously to protect the rights of District 2 working families.

Murray City has the greatest employees of any municipality in the State of Utah. We currently have over 400 full-time employees as well as many part-time and seasonal employees. Our employees work tirelessly, going above and beyond, to serve this wonderful community. Murray City prides itself on being its own selfsustaining community and promises this will be the case well into the future. However, without dedicated employees, this would not be possible.

With our own Power Department that provides power to a portion of the residents and businesses in the city, the Power Department employs top notch individuals who do everything from planning and engineering to tree planting and power pole maintenance. These employees are an integral part to ensuring the city has reliable power.

Not only does The City Attorney’s office handle legal matters for the city, they also have a criminal division that prosecutes misdemeanors and infractions of city ordinances and state laws. The city’s risk and safety department, whose mission is to create a safe working environment for all employees, is also a very important part of the City Attorney’s office.

Our Community and Economic Development houses our building, business licensing, planning and zoning, and economic development divisions. These employees do everything from process business license applications and issuing building permits to working on the city’s General Plan.

In the Finance and Administration Department you will find the City’s Treasurer and Recorder along with utility billing and purchasing. These dedicated staff take utility payments, process monthly bills, ensure the city’s procurement policies are being followed, keep the city’s records in order and process passport applications.

One of the bigger departments in the city is the Parks and Recreation Department. This department oversees activities and meals at the Senior Recreation Center, cares for the cemetery and the golf course, and administers the cultural arts and history programs. The Park Center is also part of this department. Employees in the Parks and Recreation Department do everything from mowing lawns to creating programs for the seniors in our community to implementing sports and other healthy minded activities for adults and youth.

Another big department the city has is Public Works. These employees work hard to take care of our precious water, stormwater, sewer, streets, and tend to our garbage and recycling. They oversee everything from ensuring the city’s water system is clean to fixing potholes and sidewalks. The city’s engineers are also a valuable part of the Public Works Department.

Employees in the Information Technology, Geographic Information Systems, and Human Resources Departments provide greatly needed internal services to the city’s employees. Although you may never see these employees, the work they do is invaluable to our front-line employees.

Murray City also has its own library and justice court. The library employees always provide a good selection of books, videos, and e-books, along with fun and educational programs for our community. And where would we be without our justice court employees who ensure that every person who goes there receives fair treatment.

Lastly, I want to recognize our public safety departments. Our Police and Fire Departments keep the residents of Murray safe and sound 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Both departments are filled with superb individuals who are well trained, well qualified, and want nothing more than to provide a safe environment for our community.

As you can see, although I was elected to the city council to represent and work for the citizens of Council District 2, it is really the city’s employees who do all the work. These hard working, dedicated employees make Murray City what it is and without them, this city would not be the great city that it is today. Thank you Murray City employees! Your hard work has not gone unnoticed by the council or other members of the community.

Dale Cox , District 2

CITY COUNCIL Council District 1 Kat Martinez 801-264-2624

kat.martinez@murray.utah.gov Council District 2 Dale M. Cox 801-264-2624

dale.cox@murray.utah.gov Council District 3 Rosalba Dominguez 801-264-2624

rosalba.dominguez@murray.utah.gov Council District 4 Diane Turner 801-264-2624

diane.turner@murray.utah.gov Council District 5 Brett A. Hales 801-264-2624

brett.hales@murray.utah.gov Executive Director Jennifer Kennedy Office: 801-264-2622

jkennedy@murray.utah.gov Telephone Agenda Information 801-264-2525

JUNE 2021 Murray Senior Recreation Center CLASSES & SERVICES History Class (Hybrid) — On Wednesday, June 9 10:30, Jimmy Duignan, who originally hails from Dublin, Ireland, and is a retired history teacher, will be presenting Clarissa Barton (founded the American Red Cross in 1881).

Grief Support Class (Zoom) — On Friday, June 11, & 25 at 10:30 a.m., Jody Davis, a Chaplin from Rocky Mountain Hospice, will discuss ways to process in this Grief Support Class. Grief is not limited only to the death of a loved one; it may also be caused by a reaction to divorce, a decrease in physical ability, and other grief-producing events that are all too common as we age.

#10 East 6150 South (one block west of State Street) For information on these and other programs call 801-264-2635 Blood Pressure Clinic — Monique from Harmony Home Health and Hospice will be conducting a BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC on Thursday, June 10 from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

No appointment necessary.

Legal Consultation: (Zoom) — An attorney is available for 30-minute LEGAL CONSULTAION no charge on Tuesday, June 8 from 1-3 p.m. This will be a virtual appointment, please call the Center to scheduled. Kyle Barrick is a local attorney and he has been working with the Center for many years.

TRIPS ARE BACK!

Wednesday Painting Class — Jeanette Morris’s painting class will start Wednesday June 16 and run through August 4. This 8- week course will feature watercolors, oils, pastels, and acrylics. This class will meet the needs of both new and experienced painters. Cost is $40 and capacity is limited to 15.

Heber City and Granny’s Drive Inn — Come take a drive on the Center bus to HEBER CITY and visit Granny’s Drive Inn for one of their classic milkshakes. On the way back, we’ll drive through scenic Midway, then down Provo Canyon and back to the Center.

The trip leaves on Thursday, June 24 at 11 a.m. Cost is $8. Lunch or milkshake is on your own. Call to register.

CPR/First Aid — On Friday, June 4 at 10 a.m. George Zboril, from the Murray City Fire Department will present a CPR and First Aid refresher class. You will learn basic CPR and First Aid techniques. It is always a great idea to refresh first aid skills that you may have forgotten over the years. These skills are simple, fast, and easy to learn. This is a free class.

Wendover — Travel to WENDOVER on Thursday, August 12, and enjoy a day at the Rainbow Casino. The cost is $20 per person which includes transportation, bonus package from the casino, buffet lunch, and free bingo on the bus. The bus will depart the Center at 8:30 a.m. and return about 7 p.m. The deadline to register is Thursday, August 5.

Protecting Yourself from Scams and Financial Exploitation — On Thursday, June 10 at 10:30 a.m., Kate Nance, Grant Coordinator for the Utah Department of Human Services, and former elder law attorney, will offer a class called Protecting Yourself from Scams and Financial Exploitation. You will learn some simple tips to protect yourself and your loved ones. This is a free class.

RECREATION

EXERCISE CLASSES: NIA ($10.) Mondays 9-10 a.m.

YOGA ($20) Mondays & Wednesdays, 10-11 a.m.

STRENGTH CONDITIONING ($20) Mondays & Thursdays, 2-3 p.m.

TAI CHI ($20) Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10:30–11:30 a.m.

CHAIR AROBICS (FREE) Wednesdays & Fridays 11:15-11:45 a.m.

EXERCISE ROOM ($5) Open daily from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

UNIVERSITY OF UTAH STUDENTS Tuesdays & Fridays 12:30-1:30 p.m. Overall fitness

Murray Public Works Department Beginning in June, Cedar Street from Creek Drive to 6100 South will be reconstructed and have sidewalk added to the west side to encourage a safe walkway for students of Liberty Elementary. Murray City water crews will begin replacement of the water line on Shiloh Way off 5900 South and will be followed by a roadway reconstruction complete with curb and sidewalk repairs. New storm drain will be installed along 5400 South as part of a phased project to address flooding issues in the Clover Meadow neighborhood.

With the summer heat fast approaching, the Murray City water division wants to remind water users to conserve this valuable resource by avoiding overwatering and wasting water. We ask that residents refrain from watering their landscape between the hours of 10 a.m.-6 p.m. as the water evaporates quickly and is not efficiently absorbed by plants and grass. All water conservation efforts can make a difference!

As of Wednesday, June 2, Bingo will be moving inside on Wednesdays and Fridays at 12:45 p.m.

Cornhole — Some of you might have played the bean bag toss game known as CORNHOLE. We will put some cornhole boards out on the plaza for open play every day.

Cornhole toss can be a 2 or 4 player game. The cornhole boards are set up 27’ across from each other. Each team stands behind the front edge of their board and tosses their bean bags at the other teams board.

Teams take turns throwing bags at the other side’s board; the first team to reach 21 points wins. Bags that land on the board are worth one point; bags that go into the hole are worth 3 points, bags that touch the ground, including bags that hit the ground first then bounce onto the board, are worth 0 points. Let Wayne know if you are interested in learning how to play or would like to volunteer with this program.

For additional information: 801-270-2440

RESIDENT ON DISPLAY Original artwork by Murray resident artists are displayed in the central display case at City Hall.

Lucy Batey will be showcasing her pottery June-July. She started creating pottery to occupy her time when Covid-19 hit, or as she refers to, the “dark winters”.

ARTS IN THE PARK TICKETS Tickets will be available for the Evening Series performances at the Murray Parks and Recreation Office (296 E Murray Park Ave) or online through RegTix. *If Pavilion #5 is still under construction, Lunch Concerts & Summer Shorts will be held at Pavilion #2. Most of the Children Matinee Series will be held at the White Gazebo or Pavilion #2.

Lori Edmunds: 801-264-2620

SECONDARY ART SHOW 2021 First Place Winners: “Shogun Defeated” (Acrylic)

by London J. “Still Life” (Pencil) by Sarah H. “Untitled” (Photography) by Carissa H. “Sgraffito Tower (3-D) by Benjamin P. “Beauty in the Dark” (Junior High)

by Yhilary G.