City of Taylorsville Newsletter 2600 West Taylorsville Boulevard • 801-963-5400
It’s that busy time of year again for the state legislators representing our community. The 2024 General Session of the 65th Utah Legislature began this past month, and they are off and running. In advance of its start, we hosted Taylorsville-area state representatives over breakfast at City Hall to discuss what to expect. All agreed that housing will be the top issue, along with water conservation, energy and transportation. The governor also has outlined housing as a priority in his Utah First Homes initiative. With this in mind, we want our legislators to know that the strength of our neighborhoods is of utmost importance. While we have a good inventory of homes, a first home does not have to be a new home. There are many possibilities for first homes in our city. It is important that we preserve our neighborhoods as strong, presentable and desirable. I know our Taylorsville-area representatives — including Reps. Jim Dunnigan, Brett Garner, Ashlee Matthews and Mark Wheatley, as well as Sens. Wayne Harper and Karen Kwan — support this effort. They each are so good to work with and represent us well. In addition to our breakfast with them, I had the opportunity to confer with ChamberWest’s Legislative Affairs Committee, which meets twice weekly at the Capitol. Additionally, the Utah Taxpayers Association hosted a Legislative Outlook that was packed with information and featured Gov. Spencer Cox, House Speaker Mike Schultz, Congressman Blake Moore and others who gave us a peek into the economic future of our state. The Utah League of Cities and Towns’ Legislative Policy Committee is another good resource. The league also hosted its Local Officials Day at the Capitol, which is always time well spent. The Taylorsville Youth Council joined City Council members and me for the day, which included a mock debate for the youth over a bill on that important issue of housing. The youth also were able to stand on the floor of the House and Senate, attend a live committee meeting and met with Taylorsvillearea representatives including Rep. Dunnigan, who gave them a VIP tour of the Capitol. At the luncheon, Gov. Cox was the featured speaker. It was such a great day! This year’s legislative session concludes March 1, and you can find more information and contact your representative at le.utah.gov. I enjoy being involved with the Legislature and hope you do, too. After all, it is all of us who make up ‘We, the people,’ and I wouldn’t have it any other way. —Mayor Kristie S. Overson
WHAT’S INSIDE – FEBRUARY 2024 Frequently Called Numbers, Page 2 Council Corner, Page 3 TVPD News, Page 4 Heritage Remembrances, Page 7 Environment, Page 8
February 2024
Year in Review: Transportation, Community Building Define 2023
MAYOR'S MESSAGE Dear Friends and Neighbors,
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lanning and projects again centered around key building block areas of Economic Development, Transportation, Public Safety, Arts Parks and Recreation, and Community Building this past year, but transportation and community building took center stage. “The last year was filled with plenty of fun and celebration but also included some hefty lifts in the area of transportation that will benefit our community long into the future,” said Mayor Kristie Overson. “At some point, during the summer, there seemed to be orange cones everywhere,” she added, with a laugh. “But we know the inconvenience will be well worth it in the end as we move through our city with more ease.” Following are some of the projects occurring in each of these building block areas this past year. Also, watch the 2023 Year in Review video either on social media sites or the city’s YouTube channel to see pictures of the various activities and accomplishments. The video is also playing in the lobby at City Hall. ARTS, PARKS & RECREATION The city’s Starry Nights @the Plaza series featured the Food Truck League food trucks and other activities and entertainment every Friday night, from May to September. In all, an amazing 20 Starry Nights were held at Centennial Plaza, and planning has already begun for more Starry Nights on Friday nights this year. Parks were also a significant focus, with planning underway for a new park at 6200 S. 3200 West, as well as enhanced amenities and substantial improvements at Taylorsville Park. Four new pickleball courts have already opened at the location of the new park, and courts were added at Vista Park and the Senior Center — bringing 10 new courts in all, in addition to the two already at Millrace Park. The newly renovated Larry H. Miller Softball Complex in Taylorsville celebrated with a grand re-opening, and three Taylorsville softball teams were honored by city leaders for their championship wins. Additionally, the city focused on water conservation and preventing any potential flooding after a winter of record-breaking snowfall. It even “flipped its own strip,” planting more than 120 waterwise plants in the center median along Centennial Boulevard thanks to a grant from Salt Lake County. In this area of Arts, Parks & Recreation, the city’s Plaza +ART program also kicked off its third season, bringing 18 beautiful sculptures to Centennial Plaza, and hosted several free Evening of Art events, where artists spoke about
YEAR IN REVIEW CONTINUED ON PAGE 6