Midvale City Newsletter | April 2024

MIDVALE CITY DIRECTORY

City Hall

801-567-7200

Finance/Utilities 801-567-7200

Court 801-567-7265

City Attorney’s O ce 801-567-7250

City Recorder/Human Resources 801-567-7228

Community Development

Public Works

801-567-7211

801-567-7235

Ace Disposal/Recycling 801-363-9995

Midvale Historical Museum 801-567-7285

Midvale Senior Center 385-468-3350

SL County Animal Services 385-468-7387

Communications

801-567-7230

MIDVALE CITY ELECTED OFFICIALS

MAYOR

Marcus Stevenson

Email: mstevenson@midvale.com

801-567-7204

CITY COUNCIL

District 1 - Bonnie Billings

Email: bbillings@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

Permits

Court

Paying For Tra c School

Business Licensing

Cemetery

Planning and Zoning

Code Enforcement

Building inspections

Graffiti

801-567-7200

801-567-7202

801-567-7213

801-567-7265

801-567-7202

801-567-7214

801-567-7235

801-567-7231

801-567-7208

801-567-7213

385-468-9769

PUBLIC SAFETY & EMERGENCY

CONTACTS

EMERGENCY 911

UFA Fire/UPD Police

> Non-emergency

Uni ed Police Department

> Midvale Precinct

Public Works

Rocky Mountain Power

In The Middle of Everything

Mayor’s Message

Hello Midvale,

Let’s talk about crime along the 7200 S corridor – what we’re seeing, how we’re handling it in the immediate term, and what we’re working on long-term to help.

Crime Trends & Geographic Challenges

Looking at the last three years – 2021, 2022, and 2023 – criminal cases have stayed pretty steady, averaging 933 a month throughout Midvale. Most of those cases occurred along the 7200 South corridor, with three di erent hot spots – west of I-15 near the Riverwalk Shopping Center, I-15 to State Street, and on the eastern boarder of our city near the Shops at Fort Union.

A signi cant reason we see a concentration of crime along the 7200 South corridor is likely related to the geographic features and access. In about a mile and a half, we have the Jordan River, access to I-15 and I-215, several low-cost hotels, a homeless shelter, a Trax station, and State Street. Being situated “In the Middle of Everything” o ers our community unparalleled access, making it easier for residents and businesses to enjoy all the bene ts our valley has to o er. However, this central location also unfortunately makes it easier for undesirable activities to in ltrate our city.

Investing in Policing

unhoused individuals are facing, while holding them accountable with the law when necessary.

Direct Enforcement Unit – This unit tackles street-level crimes such as narcotics and prostitution. They have made strides in disrupting drug distribution, including removing large amounts of drugs from our community. Through their work building relationships with local businesses, especially hotels, the data has shown that this unit is actively deterring criminal activity. The nature of their investigations can become quite time-consuming, and having this unit helps us get drugs o our streets while allowing patrol to do their day-today work in being responsive when residents make emergency calls.

Our city’s accessibility brings big-city challenges to our small-city doorstep. Fortunately, our membership with Uni ed Police presents a signi cant advantage. UPD grants us access to specialized services and resources that would otherwise be beyond our reach as a small community. For instance, when o cers encounter someone that has been victimized into prostitution, UPD can mobilize their special victims’ unit. This team is adept at assisting victims in escaping their situation and arresting those responsible, a capability our city alone would struggle to provide. UPD enhances our ability to address complex challenges, providing us the capability to solve more crimes and better provide justice to victims.

Long-Term Investments

801-840-4000

385-468-9350

801-567-7235

877-508-5088

Since we recognize the need for proactive policing, our city has heavily invested in law enforcement along the 7200 South corridor, not only with our regular patrol o cers, but with two specialized units as well.

Shelter Resource O cers – In 2019, Midvale City, with help from the State of Utah, put together a team of shelter resource o cers – a unit of o cers who are speci cally trained to work with people experiencing homelessness. This unit uses a resource- rst accountability model, where our o cers work closely with the Midvale Family Resource Center, social service providers, and others to connect those on our streets with the resources they need to be self-reliant. For many people experiencing homelessness jail isn’t the answer, and instead we need to ensure they can access programs to address their unique needs.

Midvale City, Uni ed Police, and our shelter resource o cers understand this and work tirelessly to address the root of the problem

Investing in law enforcement is crucial for tackling crime along the 7200 South Corridor, but this approach alone is a temporary x to a persistent issue, in uenced by the area’s geographic features and current uses. We’re not suggesting extreme measures like rerouting the Jordan River (duh) or relocating the freeway or Trax. Instead, we are proposing to alter the land uses along the corridor to encourage more positive activities.

In essence, areas bustling with people due to attractions like restaurants, entertainment venues, and mixed-use housing are less likely to be chosen for illicit transactions like drug deals. That’s why Midvale is currently reimagining the future of the 7200 South corridor, considering new zoning that supports the kind of activities we want to encourage. Our central location, “In the Middle of Everything,” o ers tremendous potential for community bene ts, but realizing this vision will require time, dedication, and active community participation. To contribute to shaping the corridor’s future, please visit engagemidvale.com and participate in the Midvale Fort Union Corridor Study.

My County Rec Pass: Free Access to Youth Recreation in SLC!

Introducing the “My County Rec Pass,” a groundbreaking initiative brought to you by the unwavering support of Mayor Wilson, the Salt Lake County Council, and the Tourism, Recreation, Culture, and Convention program. In 2024, Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation is proud to launch this pilot program exclusively for youth.

With the My County Rec Pass, young residents gain access to a wealth of enriching, safe, and enjoyable activities completely free of charge. Whether it’s after school, during breaks, or on weekends, pass holders can explore a plethora of o erings throughout the year. This pass grants unlimited entry to all county-operated recreation centers, ice centers, and both indoor and outdoor swimming pools.

Who’s eligible? Salt Lake County residents aged 5–18.

What’s included? A complimentary membership/pass allowing access to various Salt Lake County-operated recreation centers and amenities, such as 18 swimming pools, 3 ice centers, 2 climbing walls, gyms, weight rooms, tness areas, and walking tracks. (Age restrictions may apply.)

When can you get it? Registration opens on April 1, 2024, with card activation starting on June 1, 2024.

In The Middle of Everything

Shape the Future: Participate in the Utah Wellbeing Survey 2024!

The Utah Wellbeing Project collaborates closely with cities across the state to gather valuable insights into residents’ wellbeing. This collaboration informs crucial city planning processes and decisions, aiming to keep a finger on the pulse of residents’ perspectives on community issues. By participating in the Wellbeing Survey, you play a vital role in shaping the future of our communities.

Your voice matters in fostering informed decision-making across Utah municipalities. From April 15 to April 29, 2024, the survey will be open for you to share your thoughts and contribute to maintaining awareness of residents’ wellbeing and perspectives on community matters.

Your input is essential for enhancing the quality of life in Utah’s cities and towns. Let’s work together to make a positive difference in our communities. Join us in participating in the Wellbeing Survey and ensure your voice is heard!

Wellbeing Survey

Midvale City has partnered with Utah State University's Utah Wellbeing Project to conduct a public wellbeing survey, and we want to hear from you!

We encourage all residents aged 18 and older to take part in this brief 10-minute survey Please also share this survey with your friends and family.

Thank you for contributing to the betterment of our community.

Administration, is once again organizing a nationwide Drug Takeback event on Saturday, April 27, 2024, from 10 am to 2 pm, at the UPD Midvale Precinct located at 7912 S Main St. This initiative aims to provide a safe and convenient way for individuals to dispose of their unused or expired medications, thereby preventing potential misuse, abuse, or environmental contamination.

Residents of Midvale areas are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to clear their homes of any unwanted prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, or other substances.

The disposal process is simple and anonymous. Participants can bring their medications in their original containers or remove the labels if they prefer. Law enforcement officials will be on hand to collect the

medications and ensure their safe disposal. This event is free of charge and does not require individuals to provide any personal information.

By participating in the DEA Drug Takeback event, community members contribute to the collective effort to combat the opioid epidemic and reduce the risk of accidental poisoning, overdose, or environmental harm. Unused medications left in homes can be a temptation for misuse, particularly among teenagers and others susceptible to substance abuse. Additionally, improper disposal of medications, such as flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash, can contaminate water sources and harm wildlife.

So, mark your calendars for Saturday, April 27, 2024, and join the effort to safeguard our communities by safely disposing of unused. Together, we can make a difference in promoting public health and safety.

APRIL 2024 CITY NEWSLETTER

MIDVALE. UTAH. GOV

In-person Book Buddies at Salt Lake County Animal Services. This is a program designed for children under 18 to come read to the cats at Animal Services, where they will get their reading minutes in, and cats will get to socialize! How it works:

1. Come to Salt Lake County Animal Services, 511 W 3900 S, SLC, between 10 AM – 6 PM, Tue-Sat.

2. Children must always be accompanied by an adult.

3. Bring a book (or 3 to read) Or read one in the cattery “library.”

4. Sign in and out on the clipboard in the cattery. This is logged as volunteer time!

The program will help children improve their reading skills AND will help the shelter pets with socialization. Animals find the rhythmic sounds of a voice very soothing. Similar programs at other shelters across the country have seen the benefits the program has to offer. Questions? Email animalvolunteer@ slco.org or visit AdoptUtahPets.org.

Nestled along Midvale’s vibrant Main Street, The Art House will stand as a beacon for artistic expression, cultural exchange, and communal engagement. This dynamic space offers artists a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a supportive environment while contributing to the rich tapestry of arts and culture in the area.

Boasting approximately 4,791 square feet of open space, each artist will be granted their own personalized 8’X8’ area, providing ample room for exploration and innovation. Equipped with essential amenities such as security, electricity, internet access, onsite restrooms, and cleaning facilities, the studio spaces are designed to cater to the diverse needs of its occupants.

For a nominal monthly rent of $200, artists gain round-the-clock access, 7 days a week, from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., allowing for flexibility and uninterrupted creative pursuits. Additionally, The Art House proudly reserves two studio spaces for artists demonstrating low income, offered at a subsidized rate of $115, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility within the artistic community.

Artists who will call this space home are required to pledge to spend a minimum of 20 hours per week in the studio during designated open hours, fostering a sense of collaboration and camaraderie among peers. This dedication extends to participating in community-oriented events, including monthly open studio nights, holiday celebrations such as Trick or Treat on Main, and seasonal festivities like Light Up Main Street, all orchestrated by the Redevelopment Agency of Midvale City (RDA) to promote local art and culture.

Artists at The Art House will be afforded numerous opportunities for exposure and advancement. Through strategic marketing initiatives led by the RDA, studio tenants will receive heightened visibility, showcasing their work on various platforms and attracting a broader audience. Artists will have the chance to host lectures, workshops, live discussions, and art shows within the space, with the potential to secure funding to support these endeavors.

As The Art House opens its doors to applicants, the deadline for submissions has been extended to April 11, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. Artists passionate about making a positive impact on Midvale’s Main Street are encouraged to seize this opportunity to join a collaborative environment where creativity flourishes and community connections abound. Apply today and become a catalyst for change through the transformative power of art. Visit EngageMidvale. com/Art-House to learn more.