D ECEMBER 2024
COUNCIL MESSAGE
A season of memories and Holladay cheer!
With Thanksgiving just behind us, we can all begin to unwind from a year marked by a particularly impassioned presidential election. Many have felt strong emotions surrounding its outcome, but as the holiday season unfolds, we can shift our focus to traditions that bring gratitude, peace, goodwill, and cherished time with friends and family. The celebrations of Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and other winter holidays offer a welcome reprieve and a reminder of what truly matters as we close out the year.
The city council recently had a unique opportunity to review the contents of a time capsule that city representatives assembled at the time of Holladay’s incorporation. From newspaper articles debating incorporation’s pros and cons, to photos of the city at the time, to looking back on all who were involved in that effort, I must admit — it beat my expectations! What a delight it was to not only reminisce on the Holladay of 25 years ago, but it naturally made us reflect further back on the Holladay-Cottonwood area that most of us were here for preincorporation. Holladay, this second settlement in Utah, is indeed a special place!
Then, on November 18th, the Historical Commission put on an event celebrating 25 years as a city, where we heard from current and former mayors and city managers and where the contents of that capsule were on display for all to enjoy. What great memories! A special thanks to the wonderful volunteers on our Historical Commission, both past and present, for their efforts in preserving and celebrating Holladay’s rich history.
History matters. Preserving history matters!
On that note, at the time of this writing, we have amendments to ordinances
Be Winter Ready
by Allison Jester, Emergency Management Coordinator
Snowstorms, cold temperatures, and holiday travel are upon us, and while we are no strangers to dealing with beautiful snow, it is always prudent to make sure you are ready for the expected and unexpected. Whether you are setting out on a road trip to see family, commuting to work, or staying at home, here are some simple reminders to ensure you are #WinterReady.
• Have an emergency kit in your car that includes the following: jumper cables, an ice scraper, flares or a reflective triangle, cat litter or sand, a cell phone charger, blankets, and hand warmers.
• When shoveling snow, pace yourself and get your neighbors involved. Many people die each year from heart attacks brought on by shoveling snow.
• Check that you have a carbon monoxide alarm to ensure your heating systems are working efficiently and safely.
• When it’s freezing, limit time outside, and remember that layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing will keep you warmer than one bulky layer.
• Clear snow and ice off of nearby fire hydrants so fire departments can gain access if needed.
• Pay attention to weather alerts and remember: A WATCH means be prepared, and a WARNING means take action.
Finally, check on your neighbors and loved ones and enjoy the white winter wonderland we are blessed with each year here in Holladay!
related to designating historic sites and to incentivizing historic preservation in Holladay that by the time this article is published, I expect the council to have adopted. Legislating changes like these can be more difficult than one might expect as it involves careful balance as we strive to support preservation while respecting private property rights. It is a privilege to serve with council members who understand the trust placed in us, and I believe we arrived at a place that properly considers these interests.
These amendments enable additional properties to be added to Holladay’s historic register and enable our planning commission to approve alternative land use options for designated historic sites. Among the new provisions is an ability to exclude these structures from density calculations — an option that may make preservation more economically viable and help prevent demolition. I only wish we’d had these in place years ago!
A heartfelt thanks to our city staff and city attorney for their work in turning council direction into ordinances that will help protect Holladay’s history.
Throughout this month of December, I hope that we’ll all be able to keep the “holiday hustle” at bay, intentionally slowing down to enjoy the lights, sights, and sounds of the season. Perhaps we could each take moments to put pen to paper, or fingers to keyboards, to capture our own history. Our future selves and our posterity will thank us, as, indeed, “The faintest ink is better than the best memory.”
May this holiday season be a time that brings warmth, connection, and joy to you and your loved ones and may we all make many memories worth preserving.
—Council Member Ty Brewer, District 1
Foster A Pet This Holiday Season
Salt Lake County Animal Services
This holiday season, we invite you to open your heart and home to a dog or cat from Salt Lake County Animal Services. We have many pets eagerly waiting for foster homes where they can feel safe and loved while they wait for their forever families. Fosters provide essential, temporary care for animals in need, whether it’s a dog needing basic training, an animal recovering from medical treatment, or unweaned kittens requiring special care.
Even a short stay in your home can have a profound impact on these animals. And if you develop a special bond with your foster pet, you’ll have the first opportunity to adopt! To get started, simply email Fosters@SaltLakeCounty.gov
By fostering, you have the power to save lives. Make a difference this holiday season by offering a temporary home to an animal in need. Your kindness and generosity can be life-changing for these pets and help them find their forever homes.
If you’d like more information or have any questions, email Fosters@SaltLakeCounty.gov or visit our website at www.AdoptUtahPets.org
25 YEARS OF HOLLADAY
by Mayor Rob Dahle
On November 30th, we celebrate the 25th anniversary of Holladay’s incorporation. Our journey began 177 years ago, just days after Latter-day Saint pioneers entered the valley. John Holladay, one of these pioneers, moved south with his Mississippi Company and discovered a free-flowing spring-fed stream near what is now Kentucky Avenue and Holladay Blvd. It was aptly named Spring Creek. Their first winter was spent in lean-tos built into the bank of the creek to protect them from the elements. Over time, canals were constructed to deliver irrigation water to the higher elevations of the area. With ditches, farms, mills, and shops following, the community grew and prospered.
The early 20th century saw the Walker, Bamberger, and Moyle families (to name just a few) build summer estates in what is now known as the Walker Lane area. The beautiful tree canopy and abundant water provided the perfect setting for prominent Salt Lake City families to escape the heat of the summer. That tradition continues today.
In 1985, a petition to incorporate was filed with the county. Local visionaries felt that their friends and neighbors were much better suited to make decisions about the future of their community than the three elected commissioners in the county. The effort failed at the polls, as did a follow-up petition in 1994. However, the third time was the charm, and on November 30th, 1999, the City of Holladay was established with 83% voter approval. We were finally able to elect the councils and create boards, commissions, and committees that would guide the future of our city.
Following its construction in 1962, the Cottonwood Mall became the central gathering place for residents of Holladay and the surrounding community. It was the first enclosed mall in the state and was expected to be the economic engine of our fledgling city. But as retail sales started to lag and the recession of 2008 took its toll, the mall was eventually forced to shut its doors.
These were difficult times for the City Council. They were forced to cut back on spending to continue making necessary investments in infrastructure projects. Budgets were tight, but they persevered. The city entered into public-private partnerships and created a vision through the General Plan and zoning ordinances that still guide our Planning Commission and City Council decisions today.
We have seen various examples of that critical work over the years. The acquisition of land for Knudsen Park, establishing and executing the first phase of Holladay Village, the construction of Fire Station #104, replacing the old gravel pit at the south end of the city with the Millrock office and retail development, approving a Site Development Master Plan to guide the redevelopment of the Cottonwood Mall site, and preserving Holladay Elementary for a new City Hall and City Hall Park were vital steps taken prior to
Fire Station opening- Fitzgerald J. Petersen, UFA
Holladay Blvd. 1920scourtesy of Bertha Wayman
Fire Station opening & ribbon cutting - Fitzgerald J. Petersen, UFA
Big Cottonwood Ward Young Adults Party 1910Leona Sutherland collection
my entering office in January of 2014. During the past 25 years, the City even expanded its boundaries through three annexations. We originally incorporated with just over 11,000 residents and now boast nearly 32,000 people in our corner of the world.
As I look to the future, I do so with tremendous excitement and optimism. The state of the city has never been stronger. We are not only financially stable but strong. Our City Council and Planning Commission are focused on the future. Our volunteer committees, commissions, and councils continue to selflessly work behind the scenes to sustain and strengthen the unique character of Holladay, and our city staff is poised to deliver on our vision.
We have exciting plans on the horizon, including a seismically sound remodel of City Hall, a potential partnership with Granite School District to preserve Spring Lane Elementary as a public open space, critical active transportation connections along I-215 and 3900 South, necessary improvements along Wasatch Blvd., a possible full reconstruction of Highland Drive from Arbor Lane to Van Winkle, and completion of the Holladay Hills mixeduse development (to name just a few). These projects are in addition to the substantial completion of Holladay Village, Knudsen Park, City Hall Park, and too many critical street and storm drain projects to list here. Holladay is a gem in the county. We’re proud to be known for having a hometown atmosphere amid a thriving urban setting. We value the quality of our schools, as well as an economic base driven by hardworking local business owners. We honor our dedicated first responders, revel in the beauty of our tree canopy and the streams and rivers that feed it, and we appreciate being located at the base of Mt. Olympus (the most beautiful peak in the state). We’re lucky to have second-to-none access to the most sought-after outdoor amenities in the Mountain West, and we prioritize a deep-seated appreciation of the arts, the many cultures that shape us, and our roots, both old and new.
We share the greatest respect for the history of our city and the forefathers and civic leaders who sacrificed so much to strengthen our community. As we approach continued growth and change on the horizon, we do so with a profound sense of responsibility to protect and maintain the beauty and togetherness, in all their many forms, that make Holladay the place you and I call home. 2025 will be my 12th and final year serving as your mayor. What an honor and privilege it has been for me and my wife Joni to play a part in these first 25 years of incorporation. Our unified desire, as local elected officials (including your dedicated City Council), is to strengthen the fabric of our community and leave it better than we found it. We have tried our very best to do just that. I’m proud to be a resident of this special place and can say without hesitation—The Best Is Yet to Come!
Happy 25th, Rob
Dahle, Mayor
City Hall Opening 2000 – Stephen L. Carr, MD
Holladay Elementary School
- Stephen L. Carr, MD
Knudsen Park Playground - Deb Yokshas.
New Signs Mark Cottonwood Historic Area
by Megan Attermann, Arts & Culture Manager
Located southwest of the first pioneer settlements outside Salt Lake City, Historic Cottonwood extended from 13th East to the Wasatch foothills. Early pioneer settlers faced challenges in managing Big and Little Cottonwood Creeks for irrigation, but soon established essential community institutions like schools and gathering spaces. By 1911, the growing population led to the formation of new congregations of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A peach orchard and granary in the area once served local residents, offering resources and support to the wider community. A chapel, built entirely through voluntary labor and donations, was completed and dedicated on February 12, 1928, marking an important milestone for the Cottonwood community when the settlement of Cottonwood was officially recognized as a ward* of Salt Lake City. Today, Historic Cottonwood is designated as a Historic Area by the City of Holladay, honoring its significant role in shaping the growth and development of our community.
*Wards are congregations of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that are organized geographically.
Sources: https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=254741, https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=254738
LIBRARY HAPPENINGS
DECEMBER
Holiday Music and Movement with The Nutcracker Suite - for children and their families
Tuesday, December 17 10:15am - 11:00am
Come in costume! With bubbles, and “skating,” dancing and posing, enjoy moving to Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, a holiday classic! With party favors, and treats served.
Nutcracker Ballet Program with the Sunset Dancers
Wednesday, December 11 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Engaging performance of selections from the quintessential holiday ballet, The Nutcracker!
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:
Fraud Warning this Holiday Season!
by Chief Justin Hoyal, Unified Police Dept Holladay Precinct
As we approach the holiday season, there are those who will take advantage of the community’s goodwill to give at this time of year. These suspects are always looking for new ways to take advantage of people’s good nature and take your money. Many frauds and scams occur on a regular basis, and others that you will see occur more often around this time of year. I want to share a few of these types of scams to keep you safe this holiday season, but please know, there are many scams out there and new ones start daily.
In law enforcement, we regularly get calls from our community saying they received a call from someone claiming to be from a police or sheriff’s department and inform the person they have warrants for their arrest. The scammer will tell the person that they need to get a gift card to pay off the fines related to the warrant. Some of these scammers will even use the names of real officers at those departments and make the caller ID on your phone show that police/sheriff’s department name on the display. It is important to know that in law enforcement we will NEVER call and ask you for money. If you get this call, do not give the caller any money, credit card numbers or gift card numbers. You can always hang up and call your local police department to verify if an officer was trying to get a hold of you. In Holladay, you can call our 24-hour non-emergency phone number at 801-840-4000.
Another common scam is someone pretending to be from your financial institution. You may get a phone call, e-mail or text message. In these phone calls or messages, the scammer will say there is a problem with your account and need you to verify your account number and password. The scammers may even go as far as asking you to get gift cards to help them track down the suspects in the case. Do not give out your account information or give out gift card information. If you have questions about your account, call your financial institution.
We do not want you to have to worry about being a victim of fraud or a scam this holiday season. If you get a phone call, voice mail, e-mail or text message that is suspicious, do some research to verify if it is real. Do not give out account information, personal information, credit card information or gift card information to those who reach out asking for it. It is most likely a scam. You can always call the police department, financial institution or business to see if they were actually calling you before you give out that information. Lastly, look up the number yourself for that institution and don’t call the number a scammer may give you.
If you feel you are the victim of fraud or a scam, please call us at 801-840-4000. We will do all we can to help you through the investigation. We wish everyone a safe, healthy and happy holiday season.
