that needs repairing? Curious about how the city decides where to put new sidewalks? Keep reading!
When Holladay was incorporated in 1999, most streets did not have sidewalks, and most residents wanted to keep it that way to preserve our city’s “country road” feel. However, as traffic has increased and resident priorities have evolved, that attitude is changing.
The need for sidewalks that keep our residents safe is a high priority for the City Council. The entire City of Holladay has been mapped, allowing the Council and city engineers to “see” what areas are without sidewalks, and the condition of existing sidewalks. Our priority is to add sidewalks to streets with high pedestrian traffic, especially routes taken by children walking to school.
For example, sidewalks are currently being installed on 2700 East between 3900 South and 4500 South. This project will help kids walking to Driggs Elementary and Olympus High School. It is being built in two phases. By the end of the summer sidewalks between 3900 South and Lincoln Lane will be completed, and next spring and summer, construction from Lincoln Lane to 4500 South will kick-off to finish the project. The cost of installing a new sidewalk is not insignificant, and we are grateful that the funding for this project came from three grants awarded to the City.
Another grant received by the city will allow us to extend the sidewalk on the north side of 4500 South from Olympus Hills Park westward. This project will be built in three phases, with the first phase coming next summer.
So, what about the sidewalk in front of your house? Holladay ordinance states that the homeowner is responsible for maintenance, replacement, or repair of the curb, gutter, or sidewalk. (Title 14, Chapter 14.32.010) To help offset costs for residential property owners for sidewalk, curb or gutter replacement, the city will contribute up to a $1,000 match for the expense under its Sidewalk 50/50 program. You can learn more and apply online on the city website under Document Center/Public Works permits or https://tinyurl. com/5050sidewalk.
For safety reasons, the city may replace or cut sidewalk panels. The engineering department aims to address as many trip hazards as possible within the annual budget, which is set at $10,000 this year. Each year, Holladay’s engineering team identifies sidewalks in a priority area or corridor for repair.
And it always helps to take care of your existing sidewalks! If you have a park strip and are considering planning a tree or two, please keep in mind that a large tree such as a sycamore or maple has large roots that in a few years will be pushing up your sidewalk. Choose smaller trees that can provide beauty and shade while peacefully coexisting with your sidewalk and gutter.
Finally, for residents that want sidewalks but do not have them, unless you live on an arterial road or one with significant pedestrian traffic, please be patient. Building new sidewalks is expensive and many of our neighborhood streets are ineligible for many of the grant programs. Please know that we share your vision and are working towards improving our sidewalk network throughout the community.
Drew Quinn, Council Member District 4
Property Tax Update & Public Hearing
Legislative instruction from the State last year caused some structural changes within Unified Police Department (UPD). These changes mean that we will now have to put a larger portion of funding towards public safety.
We’ve enjoyed incredible service from UPD and want to keep up that standard of public safety for our residents! To fund these changes, the City Council has voted to increase the City’s portion of property tax by 15%. The tax on a $944,000 residence would increase from $648.48 to $745.57, which is $97.09 per year. The City of Holladay tax on a $944,000 business would increase from $1,179.06 to $1,355.58, which is $176.52 per year.
It’s helpful to note that the City receives less than 1/6 of your property tax payment (much of it goes towards Granite School District and Salt Lake County).
There will be a public hearing on Thursday, August 15 at 6:00 pm in the Council Chambers. This hearing will give you as residents an opportunity to express your thoughts to the Council on the property tax rate. Please visit our website for more information regarding property taxes. You can also contact your district’s City Council member with questions or concerns
Keep Our Children Safe. Please Slow Down!
By Chief Justin Hoyal, UPD
Over the last several years we have heard stories in the media of people driving at extremely high rates of speed all across Utah. We have even heard the tragedies of people being killed due to excessive speed. The excessive speeding is not different in Holladay. We continually receive complaints from our community about motorists going too fast in their neighborhoods.
As the school year starts once again, we want to ensure the safety of all our children as they go to and from school. We want to remind everyone that the speed limits in our neighborhoods are 25 MPH, unless otherwise posted. In addition, when the school zone lights are flashing, the speed is 20 MPH.
As you travel through school zones, please watch for crossing guards. They do all they can to make sure that the children cross the street safely. Watch for their direction to stop. We have had many instances where motorists drive around the crossing guards while they are holding their stop signs. The crossing guards only stop traffic when kids are about to cross or are crossing the street. Driving around the crossing guard only puts the kids’ safety in jeopardy.
I would also like to remind everyone about school bus safety. The flashing yellow lights mean you can pass at 20 miles per hour. If the lights are flashing red, you must stop. Those lights mean children could be crossing the street and could step out in front of traffic very easily. Please follow the direction of the lights on the school buses.
We do not want our children to have to worry about the way others drive while going to and from school. As a father myself, I want nothing more than for our children to be able to go to school, get an education and feel safe. Please do your part to help ensure they get to school safely. Officers will be strictly enforcing the speed limits in and around our school zones to ensure our students arrive at school and focus on what they are there for, an education.
In the end, our goal is to keep everyone safe. We do not want to have any preventable tragedies due to unsafe driving in our community. Working together, we will keep Holladay a great and safe community to live, work and recreate.
LIBRARY HAPPENINGS — AUGUST
Stories in the Park—at the Gazebo
Thursday, August 1st and 8th
10:15am to 11am
Pop-up story time and playtime with a Holladay librarian. Join us for stories at Holladay City Park (4580 S 2300 E) and more while the weather is warm!
Game Night-Drop in and Play
Monday, August 12th
5pm to 8pm
Board game lovers of all ages are welcome to come play old favorites or learn fun new games! This is a great way for people to learn strategy, planning, and social skills. Derrek from Game Night Games will be supporting to make sure everyone has fun!
Lost & Found Pets: Where to Begin
Salt Lake County Animal Services
If your pet escapes from your yard, bolts out the front door, or goes missing while you’re on vacation, here’s where to start looking and posting. What to do if your pet is lost:
Visit Shelters: Visit your local shelter and surrounding shelters within 24 hours and keep returning. All lost pets that come into Salt Lake County Animal Services are listed at www.adoptutahpets. org. Call Dispatch to report your missing pet at 801-840-4000.
Use social media and flyers: Post your pet’s photo on social media platforms like the Next Door App, KSL, and Utah’s Lost & Found Pet Facebook page.
Search Actively: Look for your pet during the day and at night. Call for your pet and stay in one place long enough for them to respond. Organize a search party and go door to door with lost pet flyers in the neighborhood where your pet went missing. Place your lost pet flyers on public bulletin boards. DON’T GIVE UP!
Steps to take if you find a lost pet:
Report the Pet: Lost pets must be reported to local animal control within 24 hours. It’s the law, and a shelter is the FIRST place most pet owners look for their missing pet.
Take the Pet to a Shelter: If you find the pet in Salt Lake County Animal Services jurisdiction, take it directly to the shelter at 511 W. 3900 S. during business hours (10 AM – 6 PM, Tues-Sat). If it’s outside of business hours, call animal control dispatch at 801-840-4000. Salt Lake County Animal Control operates 24/7.
Post Online: Take a picture of the pet and post it on social media (e.g., Facebook, Next Door App, KSL) with details of where you found the animal and that you took it to Salt Lake County Animal Services.
Consider Fostering: Inquire about our Dog & Cat Foster Finder Program.
Prepare yourself before your pet gets lost: Licenses, ID Tags, and Microchips: Ensure your pet is properly licensed annually and has current ID tags and up-to-date microchip info. All pets in Salt Lake County can receive a free microchip at Salt Lake County Animal Services at 511 W 3900 S. For questions, email animal@slco.org.
CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS:
Rob Dahle, Mayor rdahle@holladayut.gov 801-580-3056
Ty Brewer, District 1 tbrewer@holladayut.gov 801-550-8747
Matt Durham, District 2 mdurham@holladayut.gov 801-999-0781
Paul Fotheringham, District 3 pfotheringham@holladayut.gov 801-424-3058
Drew Quinn, District 4 dquinn@holladayut.gov 801-860-6130
Emily Gray, District 5 egray@holladayut.gov 801-755-3477
Gina Chamness, City Manager gchamness@holladayut.gov
PUBLIC MEETINGS:
Remembering Jim Kastanis Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Center
by Rob Dahle, Mayor
On June 22nd we bid a sad farewell to a Holladay icon, James I. Kastanis. Jim was the founding member of our Interfaith Council. He served 16 years as our Chair prior to passing the baton. He has attended our annual Interfaith Service every year since.
Jim’s professional accomplishments in the local Insurance community are well known, but his legacy is the passion and commitment he shared for family and service. In addition to his participation on the City’s Interfaith Council he served as past President of his Parish Council, the Federation of Greek Orthodox Church Choirs of the Western United States, past Chairman of the annual Salt Lake Greek Festival and was founding member and past President of The Hellenic Cultural Association.
Members of our Interfaith Council were inspired by Jim’s humility and empathy. He loved bringing various faith communities together to celebrate the common good he recognized in each faith tradition. This year’s Interfaith Service will honor and celebrate the memory of this great man. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Lucille and the Kastanis family.
Rest easy dear friend, may your memory be eternal.
PETAPALOOZA: An Adoption Extravaganza!
Salt Lake County Animal Services
Get ready for Petapalooza, a pet adoption event like no other! Join Salt Lake County Animal Services and the No-Kill Initiative on Saturday, September 14, from 9 AM – 4 PM at Wheeler Historic Farm (6351 S 900 E in Murray). This year’s extravaganza promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a variety of over 500 loving pets looking for their forever homes.
This FREE, family, and dog-friendly event is the perfect way to celebrate your pets with us!
You’ll find adoptable dogs, cats, and other small mammals from more than 15 pet rescues across Utah. Enjoy browsing local vendors, consulting with a pet psychic, getting fun “tattoos” for pets, indulging in food trucks, and so much more!
Petapalooza is the ultimate opportunity to adopt a new best friend, pamper your pet, support local businesses, and connect with the animal welfare community. Plus, our awesome Animal Control Officers will be on hand to microchip pets living in Salt Lake County and license pets in our jurisdiction.
For more information, visit AdoptUtahPets.org or email events@slco.org.
Don’t miss out on the fun – see you at Petapalooza!
385-468-4380 | 8805 South 700 West Monday–Saturday, 7 a.m. – 5
Great news residents! Salt Lake County just opened its new Household Hazardous Waste collection center in Sandy City! No need to drive out to the landfill to drop off your old containers of paint, fuel, pesticides, batteries, etc. The new collection center is located at 8805 South 700 West. Hours are Monday–Saturday, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. Household hazardous waste (HHW) is anything in or around your home that is poisonous, flammable, corrosive, or toxic, as well as products (such as electronics) that contain certain materials like heavy metals. slco.org/health/household-hazardous-waste
Back to School Preparedness
By Allison Jester, Emergency Management Coord
As summer comes to an end and family schedules change with the start of school, it is a great time to talk to children and grandchildren about safety, risks, and preparedness. Parents and grandparents can be ready to assist their family in emergencies when they understand school emergency plans and take steps to prepare ahead of time. Similarly, children and teens can be empowered by understanding their risks, what to expect in an emergency, and knowing how to protect themselves.
All schools should have emergency plans and protocols in place to deal with a range of situations at the school. As a parent or grandparent, it is important that you ask about what these plans are, how they are practiced with and without students, and what is expected of you.
Ensure that you know how the school will contact you in an emergency and how the school will deal with possible evacuations, relocations, shelter-in-place, lockdowns, and reunification after an event. Ensure that the school has up-to-date emergency contact information and communicate any special needs with the school in advance.
Children can be empowered through knowledge and practice. Develop, review, and practice a family emergency plan so that everyone will know who to contact and where to go if something happens while children are at school and parents are at work. Determine safe, accessible places where your family can go for protection or to reunite. You can also help children understand risks and how to deal with adverse disaster situations through games and activity books available online at: ready.gov/kids/ games and www.ready.gov/kids/prepare-with-pedro
