“Most Generous City.” This remarkable recognition bestowed on our city is a true testament of what I have known for many years: Taylorsville is a place of giving. Our residents are kind, and we care about others.
It makes me so proud that our city was honored with this distinction, as the “most generous city” in Utah and the 17th “most generous city” in the United States. While I am thrilled that our city was recognized by an outside party in this way, the label noting our generosity is not surprising to me. Our community has always been one of neighbors helping neighbors. In fact, our city’s very motto points to Taylorsville as the “place where community connects.”
Truly, our community is lled with people who want to pitch in and help whenever they see someone in need, and we function so well as a city in large part due to the e orts of our volunteer committees and their members. All provide a critical service to our city, and I feel blessed every day to live here in Taylorsville, where such support abounds.
This recognition as “most generous city” came from the fundraising website GoFundMe, which researched metrics of fundraisers from around the world in making its conclusion. The designation was then reported by KSL News, which quoted resident Carlos Mendoza saying he, too, was not surprised by the honor.
“People here will do anything to help you, even if you don't ask for it," he said. “And with money? People will always give what they can, even if they don't have much. It's pretty amazing really, when you think about it.”
Cheryl Knight, who helps manage the Taylorsville Food Pantry, also shared with the news station the pantry’s theme of ‘Neighbor helping Neighbor.’ “It’s about the community coming together,” she said. “We couldn't do this work without the community giving however they can.”
Susan Ison, executive director of Helping Hands Inc., a Taylorsvillebased agency that assists in alleviating the needs of children, further described our residents’ generosity as noteworthy, saying, “The people in this city have been fabulous.”
I couldn’t agree more. In Taylorsville, we are known to come together to help wherever we can, making any hardships easier to bear. To me, this is the true de nition of community.
So, I thank each of you from the bottom of my heart. I am so honored to serve as Mayor of such a generous, loving, kind community. There is no place I would rather be.
—Mayor Kristie S. Overson
WHAT’S INSIDE – FEBRUARY 2025
Frequently Called Numbers, Page 2
Council Corner, Page 3
TVPD News, Page 4
Heritage Remembrances, Page 7
Environment, Page 8
Year in Review: Significant Strides Achieved in Key Building Block Areas
City planning again centered around the ve building block areas of Economic Development; Transportation; Public Safety; Arts, Parks and Recreation; and Community Building this past year, but new parks, new art programs and new transportation projects were at the heart of the city’s many achievements in 2024.
“Whew, it was quite a year!” said Mayor Kristie Overson. “I didn’t think we could top the previous year but 2024 was lled with even more accomplishments for our city.”
Following are some of those projects occurring in each of the building block areas. Also, watch the 2024 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 21 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 the opening of the first phase of Summit Park happening this spring. The rst phase of the newly renovated Taylorsville Park, including a new skatepark, will o cially open in the spring, as well, and both parks sport new pickleball courts, installed the previous year.
In this area of Arts, Parks & Recreation, the city’s Plaza +ART program kicked o its fourth season, bringing 19 beautiful sculptures to Centennial Plaza, and several free Evening of Art events hosted artists, who spoke about their work. The Taylorsville Arts Council brought many fantastic shows again to the community, including “Snoopy! The Musical” and “Disaster,” and the 2024 Art Show drew more than 100 entries.
Community Building. The city brought the Taylorsville Farmers Market to Centennial Plaza for the rst time this past summer; thousands turned out for Taylorsville Dayzz 2024, and the annual
Taylorsville Recreation Center ......................................... 385-468-1732
Swimming Pool (Memorial Day to Labor Day) 801-967-5006
Taylorsville-Bennion Heritage Center 801-281-0631
UDOT Region 2 801-975-4900
Utah Transit Authority (UTA) 801-743-3882
EVENTS
FEBRUARY 2025
Feb. 5 & 19 – 6:30 p.m.
City Council Meeting @ City Hall. Watch a livestream of the meeting at taylorsvilleut.gov
Feb. 6 – 6 p.m.
CERT meeting @ City Hall. This public meeting is being held to gauge interest in the emergency preparedness program and explore options for the city.
Feb. 11 & 25 – 6:30 p.m.
Planning Commission Meeting @ City Hall.
Feb. 13 – 7 p.m.
An Evening of Art @ the Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center. The free event, sponsored by the city’s Plaza +ART program, features glass artist Tom Holdman and oil painter Tyler Swain, who will speak about their work.
Feb. 17 – All Day
President’s Day. City O ces are closed in recognition, reopening Feb. 18.
Feb. 20 & 21 – 7:30 p.m.
Musical Revue @ the Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center. This show features local talent performing a variety of songs by composer Alan Menken.
UPCOMING: March 27 – 7 p.m.
Free Localscapes Class @ City Hall. Sponsored by the Green Committee. Register at www.taylorsvilleut.gov/services/localscapes
Find our calendar of events every month on the city’s website, where you can also submit your own events for possible publication. Go to www.taylorsvilleut.gov
Also, a standing event every Thursday, from 2 to 4 p.m., at City Hall is the “Mayor is In.” During this time, Mayor Kristie Overson has open o ce hours to meet with residents about any issue on their minds. Drop by and meet with the Mayor. All are welcome.
P E R F O R M E R C A L L
Taylorsville City is on the hunt for some fabulous entertainment for our 2025 Starry Nights @ the Plaza events! These free public events groove right alongside our weekly Friday night food truck rallies. We're looking to hire 19+ awesome acts to light up our summer stage!
COUNCIL CORNER
By Council Member Bob Knudsen
Make a Difference, Join the Many Volunteers Helping Our City
most active budget committee — speaking volumes to how we seek input from our citizens.
During my time on the City Council, I have been amazed at all the work being done by individuals to help give us so much.
Within the City of Taylorsville, we have many who want to help improve our community and quality of life. To that end, we have several volunteer citizen committees that serve our community, many times behind the scenes.
Our Arts Council helps us in gathering people who want to share their artistic talents, showcasing ner parts in the community. This can come through performances, such as our local productions that are put on by actors, coordinating performances by our local Taylorsville-SLCC Orchestra, or helping to put on a venue for individuals to showcase their original works of art. There are so many people who want to learn, grow and stretch themselves, and the work of our Arts Council helps to allow this.
We have a Budget Committee, a group of community members who want to help ensure that Taylorsville is being wise in the stewardship of the funds that we are granted. This group works to examine the budget, and to recommend to the City Council regarding various items under consideration for our operational budget. External auditors have commented about the level of activity and the number of members we have serving this committee, and that we have the largest/
Every year, we see many who look forward to “spring cleaning,” and there are questions that come about the city’s efforts to help with this. Our Green Committee not only helps us to consider how we can be more waterwise in our water use and other e ciencies, but they help coordinate annual e orts where citizens can bring unwanted or needed items to dispose of properly, cleanly and in the wisest manner.
Within the city, we also have some true gems who show where we came from and our rich history. The Historic Preservation Committee is devoted to helping us ensure that we do not forget those who came before us, who laid the path for us to have what we take for granted today. E orts from this group have allowed us to successfully work to obtain historic designations for some of our oldest buildings, which is no small feat. For us to be prepared for the future, we must also be aware of our past.
We have many great options to get outside and enjoy the world. This is the large focus of our Parks and Recreation Committee. My children particularly love readying their bikes for a ride down the Jordan River Parkway, and this is thanks in large part to the e orts of the Parks and Rec Committee’s focus on our parks and facilities and their work to gather us together to enjoy them.
In Taylorsville, we take our public safety seriously. To this end, we have our Public Safety Committee, which
Legislators Hard at Work on the Hill
The 2025 General Session of the 66th Utah Legislature is underway on Capitol Hill, and Taylorsville’s legislators have the needs of the city and its residents top of mind.
City leaders, including Mayor Kristie Overson and Police Chief Brady Cottam, held a breakfast at City Hall with Taylorsville-area legislators in advance of the legislative session to talk about priorities.
“We are so lucky,” said Mayor Overson. “Our elected representatives are remarkably responsive, and their dedication to meeting the needs of our Taylorsville community and residents is unmatched.”
This year’s session kicked o Jan. 21 and concludes March 7. Below are the legislators representing Taylorsville and their contact information:
Rep. Verona Mauga, Legislative District 3. Phone: 801-573-8279. Email: vmauga@le.utah.gov
Rep. Rosalba Dominguez, Legislative District 35. Phone: 801-419-3283. Email: rdominguez@le.utah.gov
Rep. Jim Dunnigan, Legislative District 36. Phone: 801-538-1029. Email: jdunnigan@le.utah.gov
Rep. Ashlee Matthews, Legislative District 37. Phone: 385-264-2024. Email: amatthews@le.utah.gov
Sen. Karen Kwan, Senate District 12. Phone: 385-249-0683. Email: kkwan@le.utah.gov
Sen. Wayne Harper, Senate District 16. Phone: 801-566-5466. Email: wharper@le.utah.gov
works to nd ways that we can be prepared. Preparations range from being involved with our neighbors and neighborhoods in watching out for another to seeing how we can be ready for emergency situations. There is so much more to speak on but all is made possible by people gathering together and being willing to volunteer. There are chances for good all around, and opportunities right in our way. We function so well in Taylorsville in large part to the e orts of our volunteer committees and their members. If you, too, would like to volunteer please sign up on our website, www. taylorsvilleut.gov (click “Our City” and then “Committees & Volunteers”).
ANNUAL CLEANUP DAY
Saturday, May 17th
@TAYLORSVILLE HIGH NORTHWEST PARKING LOT ...Save the Date...
Watch for some exciting changes coming to the program, to be announced soon!
LEFT TO RIGHT: Bob Knudsen, Vice Chair (District 5), Curt Cochran, (District 2), Anna Barbieri, (District 3), Meredith Harker, Chair (District 4) and Ernest Burgess (District 1)
TVPD Recognizes Drawing Contest Winners Among 150 Entries
Check this space each month for news about the Taylorsville Police Department (TVPD) and their valuable service to our community.
Throughout the holiday season, TVPD showcased a selection of 25 holiday drawings on our social media channels. These drawings were chosen from more than 150 entries submitted by fthgrade students attending one of our eight elementary schools in Taylorsville.
A big thank you to all the students who participated. As Mayor Kristie Overson said, selecting the drawings to feature as our o cial TVPD holiday card was “no easy task.”
The winners — Jaide from Bennion Elementary, Mabel from Fox Hills Elementary and Kenya from Taylorsville Elementary — were celebrated with a special lunch outing at Café Rio in Taylorsville. Joining them were Mayor Overson, Deputy Chief Lloyd, Sgt. Palmer and Dets. Andrew and Christensen.
During the lunch, we had the chance to learn more about these talented students:
Jaide started drawing when she was just 6 and completed her drawing in one day. She has three older brothers. Her favorite food is sushi, and her
EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
Please join us in congratulating Records Manager Donny Gasu as our latest Employee of the Month. Donny is a highly valued member of our civilian staff and has more than 13 years of public safety experience. For the past 15 years, he has served with both the Unified and Taylorsville Police departments, as well as the City of Taylorsville, in various roles, including Evidence Technician, Emergency Planning Manager and Records Manager.
Donny was previously selected as Employee of the Month in November 2021. Not much has changed since then when it comes to his unmatched work ethic. Chief Cottam said Donny “continues to maintain a positive attitude and successfully tackles any challenge or task assigned to him.” His positive attitude “remains contagious."
Donny plays a pivotal role in transitioning TVPD to the newly contracted L3Harris Technologies advanced radio system, part of a broader initiative by the Utah Communication Authority (UCA) to enhance public safety communications statewide.
favorite animals include turtles, cats and dogs. Jaide hopes to pursue a career as a veterinarian. Mabel discovered her love for drawing at age 8 and spent two days completing her holiday creation. She has one older sister and a younger brother. Her favorite food is chicken alfredo, and amingos are her favorite animals. Mabel’s current dream is to become a wedding and party planner. Kenya began drawing at age 10 and dedicated half a week to creating her holiday drawing. She has an older brother and a younger sister. Her favorite foods are elotes and tacos, and her favorite animals are eagles and dogs. Kenya aspires to become a police o cer.
We asked the students what they would want all Taylorsville residents to know. Their collective message was: "Never give up and always keep trying." What an amazing generation we have coming up; these three remarkable kids are great examples. Thank you, Jaide, Kenya and Mabel, for your creativity, determination and inspiring message.
The ongoing transition has been complex while requiring meticulous coordination, a responsibility that Donny is spearheading for TVPD. Donny continues to manage this signi cant undertaking while excelling in his regular assignments.
YEAR IN REVIEW CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Cleanup Day collected literally tons of items again for safe disposal and recycling. The city's many star employees were recognized at Taylorsville's 28th annual Awards Gala, where Mayor Overson also delivered the 2024 State of the City address.
The Historic Preservation Committee hosted its Fall Festival and Saturday with Santa, while other community events included the Wreaths Across America ceremony and the city’s third annual holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony. The community also celebrated the championship Taylorsville High Cross Country Team with a special recognition at City Hall and a bus parade. Also o cially recognized was the Taylorsville High Softball team as undefeated region champs.
Economic Development. New businesses opened across the city and were celebrated with Ribbon Cutting events by city o cials and ChamberWest representatives. The newly renovated Carriage Square shopping center opened, bringing an inviting shopping environment with an entirely new parking lot, new landscaping throughout and the widening of sidewalks and patio areas. Brand-new constructions at Legacy Plaza also brought in several high-end national stores, including Ulta, Petco and Five Below. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints opened its new Taylorsville Utah Temple, which is expected to bring further economic development to the immediate area and o ers “a beautiful landmark to beltway motorists,” as described by church o cials.
Public Safety. Taylorsville’s Police Department and the Uni ed Fire Authority reghters and paramedics worked throughout the year to keep our community safe, covering several high-pro le incidents.
They also participated in and led many community events. Among them, the Public Safety Committee hosted the city’s 2024 Night Out Against Crime, and re ghters hosted an ever-popular Pancake Breakfast that drew hundreds of people. In addition, TVPD celebrated not one, but two major K-9 competition wins.
Transportation. Topping the list in this area, the Midvalley Express (MVX) Bus Rapid Transit line secured a $62.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation toward its completion. The seven-mile, 15-station all-electric line will run through
DO YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY?
Thursday, Feb. 6th
Taylorsville and connect jobs, retail, healthcare and education destinations, including Salt Lake Community College. And, in complement of the project, the city is working with a dozen local artists to the design the glass panels of the MVX stations.
City o cials joined residents in “walking the road” to celebrate the opening of the I-215 Southbound Frontage Road. The 4700 South Reconstruction Project between 5400 West and 5600 West also was completed, and the city added the name “Constitution Blvd.” to 2700 West in recognition of the U.S. Constitution and Constitution Day. Additionally, work continues on 4700 South and Bangerter Highway intersection, where a freeway-style interchange will cut commute times and improve safety.
“It’s amazing to me that as a city, working together, we accomplished so much this past year,” Mayor Overson said. “Taylorsville is de nitely the place to be — the place where community connects.”
T-SHIRT AND MEDAL DESIGN CONTEST!
Calling all artists! We are excited to announce an opportunity to showcase your creativity by designing the 2025 Taylorsville Dayzz 5k and Kids Run t-shirt and medal! This is your chance to make a lasting impression on participants and be part of an exciting community event! We encourage you to embrace your creativity and incorporate a theme into your design. Please note, our t-shirts will only feature two colors, so consider that in your design process We also ask that you include the words “Taylorsville Dayzz 5k” and the date of the run (June 28, 2025) in your design. We look forward to your artwork capturing the spirit and energy of the event Submissions are due by February 28th. The winning design will be selected on March 7th. Please submit your designs to Jandrus@taylorsvilleut.gov
The following formats are appreciated: .ai .eps .pdf .svg .png .jpg Selected designer will receive
a t-shirt, a medal and a shout out on social media!
Taylorsville Home Sought to Receive Free Professionally Designed Landscape LANDSCAPE
TRANSFORMATION
Casting Call
Taylorsville City is partnering with Salt Lake County and Utah Water Ways to create a residential landscape within the city, as a way of demonstrating waterwise methods and to show what a Utah yard should really look like.
The project is seeking interested homeowners who would want to o er their property as a canvas on which to show how to create an attractive front yard that is in harmony with Utah’s climate and Taylorsville City's landscape ordinance.
The City of Taylorsville, Salt Lake County and Utah Water Ways are seeking a Taylorsville residence for a free landscaping makeover. The project is meant to show waterwise methods and landscaping that complies with Utah’s climate and the city's landscape ordinance. If interested, please click the QR code to apply.
To that end, the Taylorsville Landscape Transformation e ort is searching for a “typical" existing landscape that can be transformed from a “blandscape" into a beautiful example yard others can emulate. Once selected, the residence will receive a professionally designed landscape, installed by a licensed, experienced landscape contractor, at no cost to the participant.
The entire landscape transformation process will be professionally photographed and lmed before, during and annually for up to ve years after completion. The process and the outcomes also will be featured in the statewide Slow the Flow water conservation campaign.
In addition, participants would agree to allow occasional, scheduled tours or learning events in their landscape for up to the next ve years. Millcreek, Herriman and Sandy also are participating in the project. One residence in the city will be selected for the makeover in Taylorsville.
If interested, please apply on the city’s website, www.taylorsvilleut.gov, under “Our City” and “Taylorsville Landscape Transformation.”
MUSICAL REVUE
Don’t Miss These Library Events Taylorsville Bennion Heritage REMEMBRANCES
'The Great War’ A ected the Life Path of this Taylorsville Resident
This month’s article highlights the life history of Abraham “Abe” Barker.
Abraham Barker was born on March 25, 1898. In his biography, he writes about the things he had been grateful for in his life throughout the late 1800s and 1900s in Taylorsville. An excerpt of his life history, told in his own words, states:
“As I, Abraham Barker, start to write a biography and history of my life, it comes very forcibly to me at this time that some, or most of this, should have been done years ago and that from time to time, I should have kept a diary to refer to. It will tax my memory now to recall nearly 80 years of life — all of which I have been grateful for.
“I have been blessed beyond my ability to express. I was born in Taylorsville on 2200 West and about 4300 South, in a humble two-room home on the 25th day of March, 1898. I was the eighth child of a family of 11 children.
I graduated from Granite High School, and because of the war, I decided to join the Army in the fall of 1918. I had made up my mind to take my military training and when the war was over, I would keep going to school.
“I thought at that time I would study medicine. Perhaps watching my father su er so helped me decide. The war was soon over, ‘First World War.’ I was released from the Army in December of 1918, but because our nancial condition on the farm, I was unable to go back to school.” He eventually formed a full, long life with his wife, Else. Excerpts from biographies like this give us a glimpse into what life was like in Taylorsville in the 1800s and 1900s. You can learn more about Abraham Barker, as well as the histories of other families in Taylorsville, at the Taylorsville-Bennion Heritage Center, 1488 W. 4800 South. Drop on by!
The Taylorsville Library has planned several programs during the month of January. You’ll want to mark your calendar for these events:
ALL ABILITY ACTIVITY AT TAYLORSVILLE — Monday, Feb. 3, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Join in an interactive event, designed with adults and teens with intellectual disabilities in mind. Drop by anytime during the event’s time. Meet together, play Valentine's Bingo and do seasonal crafts. Join the library quarterly for Ability Programs at the Taylorsville branch. Groups welcome!
A FORBIDDEN ADVENTURE: TEEN BOARD GAME — Saturday, Feb. 8, 1 p.m. Play Forbidden Adventure Games with the Board Game Guild.
HOMESCHOOL ‘WHO WAS’ BOOK CLUB — Monday, Feb. 10, 1 p.m. Learn about people and places with books from the ‘Who Was’ series. The group will talk about the book, learn cool facts and do other fun activities. February is “Who Was Harriet Tubman?”
VIRTUAL LECTURE | The Life and Legend of Frontier Marshal Bass Reeves — Monday, Feb. 24, 7 p.m. Register at: thecountylibrary.org/LectureSeries. Deputy U.S. Marshal Bass Reeves, a former enslaved man, became a legendary lawman of the Wild West. Art T. Burton will discuss the facts and myths of this remarkable 19th-century peace o cer.
DISCOVERY FRIDAY | DNA — Friday, Feb. 28, 4 p.m. Learn all about that super-cool molecule — DNA. Enjoy some fun activities and learn more about what makes you, you!
LIBRARY CLOSURE — Monday, Feb. 17, all day. Closed for Presidents’ Day.
UPCOMING: SENIOR HEALTH CLASS | Memory Matters — Tuesday, March 18, 2 to 3 p.m. Identify the di erence between typical age-related cognitive changes and more serious decline, while learning practical tips for improving memory and focus at any age.
Taylorsville Community Greenhouse
If you are interested in starting vegetables or flowers for your garden, the Taylorsville Community Greenhouse will open on February 28th.
For more information, please contact Toni Lenning at 801-414-4192
ANNUAL COLLECTION DAY
FEBRUARY UPDATES
WFWRD Accomplishes Diversion Rate Goal
With your help, WFWRD achieved its districtwide 2024 Diversion Rate Goal of 18%!
The district's diversion rate is the percentage of residential municipal waste diverted from the land ll through reuse, reduction, recycling and composting programs. Below are the tonnages for Taylorsville:
Determining Ownership
Often Tops Repair List
A question routinely asked when a water service line is leaking or if there is a blockage in a sewer lateral is: “Who is responsible for it?"
A water service line is a pipe that conveys water from a large water main to the home. The homeowner and the Taylorsville-Bennion Improvement District have responsibilities for portions of the water service line. The district owns and maintains the water service line from the water main, which is normally located in the road or park strip, into the meter box that services the home. The homeowner is responsible for maintaining and repairing the water service line after it leaves the meter box.
The Trans-Jordan Landfill is predicted to reach capacity in eight years, while the Salt Lake Valley Land ll is set to reach capacity in about 40 years. After these land lls ll up, trash will need to be transported out of the valley, increasing vehicles on the road, emissions and transportation costs. Diverting from the land ll supports the longevity of the land lls and reduces our carbon footprint. WFWRD o ers multiple diversion opportunities including recycling, glass recycling and subscription weekly curbside green waste collection. Check WFWRD’s website and follow them on social media to nd out how you can help divert waste from the land ll: www.wasatchfrontwaste.org.
Strengthening Sustainability, One Leg at a Time
The "Three-Legged Stool" model represents the three key areas essential for community sustainability. Like a stool, if one leg is missing, stability is lost.
The Wasatch Front Waste & Recycling District is committed to community sustainability. Each year, they monitor, track and improve in each area of the model to ensure a sustainable future.
In the coming months, WFDRD will share updates on its initiatives and progress in each leg of the stool. Stay tuned!
How WFWRD Measures Contamination
Each month, WFDRD collaborates with its recycling partner to process your single-stream recycling.
Through "Sample Sorts," WFWRD assesses contamination rates by sorting a portion of the load into two categories:
• Accepted Recyclables: cardboard, paper, metal cans, plastic bottles, jugs and tubs
• Non-Accepted Items and Garbage: items that cannot be recycled
WFWRD weighs each material and calculates the contamination rate. Recyclables are processed into new products, while contaminants are sent to the land ll.
A sewer lateral is a pipe that takes wastewater away from the home. The homeowner owns, maintains, repairs and replaces the sewer lateral and connection to the sewer main as needed. The district maintains the sewer main that receives the wastewater from the homeowners’ sewer lateral.
For further nancial protection, it is recommended that homeowners contact their homeowners’ insurance company or consider third-party insurance for coverage on water and sewer laterals.
If you have any questions, please contact Taylorsville-Bennion Improvement District by calling 801-968-9081 or visiting www.tbid.org. Follow TBID on Facebook and X.
