Riverton City Newsletter | October 2023

RIVERTON REVIEW

Official Newsletter of the Riverton, Utah City Government

Riverton’s New City Manager

By Mayor Trent Staggs

I am pleased to announce the hiring of Riverton’s new city manager, Craig Giles. He started last Monday, September 25 and will be a great addition to our city. Our search for a new manager was broad and extensive. Craig stood out as not only the most qualified, but also as one who intuitively understands the importance of fiscal discipline in project management and pro-active communication with our residents.

Craig brings with him nearly 16 years of experience in city government. He most recently served as the city manager for Smithfield City, where he helped steer the city through rapid residential and commercial growth. He has vast leadership experience through previously serving as the public works director. Maintaining project schedules and expectations for multiple million-dollar projects were executive functions he excelled at.

I am confident in Craig’s leadership acumen to execute plans directed by myself and the city council to benefit the lives of Riverton residents. His background operating in small and mid-size cities gives him a great sense of our culture and an ability to safeguard

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the constitute priority of maintaining Riverton’s close-community qualities. Craig will ensure our city staff fulfills all that is expected of the city and more.

Craig said this recently after our City Council voted to appoint him as the city manager: “I am thrilled and honored to start working with Riverton city’s dedicated staff. The Mayor and City Council’s vision for the city as a collaborative, community-oriented municipality is exactly the type of local government I am excited to be a part of.”

“I am confident in Craig’s leadership acumen to execute plans directed by myself and the city council to benefit the lives of Riverton residents.”

Riverton City is continuing to prove to the state that fiscally conservative government can provide for the needs of our residents without raising taxes. Our discipline over the years is attracting like minds to help us increase the quality of our municipal services without placing on our taxpayers’ shoulders the burden of increased taxes.

Riverton elected officials and staff are united behind these strategic priorities. We will continue to execute our plan to benefit our citizens today and provide for the city’s future for generations to come. Please join me in welcoming Craig!

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New Riverton City Manager Craig Giles with Mayor Trent Staggs.

COUNCIL MESSAGE

A More Prefect Solution

By Councilmember Troy McDougal

ELECTED OFFICIALS

UPCOMING CITY MEETINGS

CITY COUNCIL

October 3 & 17, 7 p.m.

PLANNING COMMISSION

October 12 & 26, 6:30 p.m.

This past month we celebrated and focused on the Constitution of the United States. I wanted to discuss what triggered that document’s creation. At that time most countries were ruled by a monarchy. One person making all the decisions, one opinion that decided the fate of thousands without their input. Then came the Declaration of Independence that was unique. The ground breaking idea: “we hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.” With these words individual men and women declared they could govern themselves, they had that right and the capacity to do it.

CONTACT US rivertonutah.gov 801-254-0704

Report a problem at rivertonutah.gov/report

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They would begin to make that possible after a bloody war was fought and they gathered to create a government that would protect the right of the individual to govern themselves, while recognizing the

need for people to work together on broader issues that affected the larger community. The process was messy, people with different ideas on how to govern came together for almost four months. They debated, argued, and discussed how to best accomplish government of the people by the people. And in the end, nobody got everything they wanted. A spirit of collaboration and unity would create the Constitution that they could all get behind and support. That Constitution would become the backbone document that many other countries, states, and many city governments are modeled after.

I have seen and been a part of this process in our city government. We have not always agreed and at times we have argued our points passionately, but in the end, we

have come together for the good of our residents. The coming year begins a great political debate in our country. Let us remember the example of our founding fathers that we do not need to always get our way. We can listen to the ideas and views of others. Perhaps, we can learn a different perspective, and in the end, come to a more perfect solution that we can unite behind.

We do not need to give into personal slander, one liner attacks, or non-truthful statements. Regardless of our political affiliations and ideas that may divide us, we can all agree that this is a great country. Working together we can preserve its greatness. Realizing that united we stand and divided we fall. Let us be united in respect for each other, and accept that we can agree to disagree, but not have to be disagreeable. We are after all neighbors and friends with the same goal in mind: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.

Riverton Quilt Exhibition

see dozens of amazing quilts made by local quilters on display at this free, non-juried, exhibition. Runs through October 25 at the Old Dome Meeting Hall at 1452 W 12600 S in Riverton. Visit rivertonutah.gov/exhibits for more details

Trent Staggs - Mayor

Andy Pierucci - District 1

Troy McDougal - District 2

Tawnee McCay - District 3

Tish Buroker - District 4

Claude Wells - District 5

Could You Survive for 96 Hours?

A recent study found that it would take approximately 96 hours for outside resources to arrive to the Salt Lake Valley should a natural disaster occur and cause damage to transportation corridors and critical infrastructure.

Earthquakes, wildfires and flooding are three of the most likely natural disasters to impact the valley, though other forms of disaster could produce similar results. Unable to predict when these sorts of disasters will occur, we encourage each family to always be prepared for the worst. One of the many ways you can prepare now is by creating a 96-hour kit.

A 96-hour kit is meant to help sustain you for roughly four days, and it doesn’t have to be something that becomes a financial burden for

you and your family. Many of the items that can be included in your kit could be hiding in the back of a closet or medicine cabinet.

These kits will vary depending on the size, age and needs of your family, but there are common items that would be beneficial for all families to include, such as a first aid kit, hygiene items, some form of lighting, a selection of tools, clothing and a radio.

Enough food and water to last 96 hours for your entire household should also make up part of your 96-hour kit. Take in account how many people live in your home

as well as their dietary needs and restrictions. The recommended one gallon of water per person per day can make your kit heavy. You may consider purchasing a water bottle with a built-in water filter.

Required medication is something else that you should include, but be aware of how it is stored. Generally speaking, medicines and pills need to be kept in cool, dry locations.

The last few items we recommend you put together are for those who have furry friends. If you have a dog, cat or other pet at home, you may want to prepare food and any necessary medications or toys in case of an emergency. Being caught without emergency items for your pets could make a difficult situation that is much more stressful.

Riverton City has gathered materials to help families prepare for catastrophes. From gathering items to creating plans, there are plenty of things you can do today to put yourself in an advantageous position for the future. To view what the city has collected for emergency preparedness, visit rivertonutah.gov/ preparedness.

Help Keep Our Creek and River Corridors Clean

Falling leaves are often trapped by roadway curbs and end up blocking gutters flow and storm drains, increasing the likelihood of flooding. Excessive amounts of leaves also end up draining into canals, creeks and the Jordan River, often resulting in smelly water and depleting

Secondary Water Shut-Off Reminder

The anticipated shut-off date for Riverton City’s secondary water system is October 13. The date is dependent on if canal companies end up shutting off canals sooner than that date. Sprinkler systems should be winterized to protect them from cold temperatures by the end of November.

OPEN BALL VALVE

the oxygen level in the water, making it harmful to fish.

Help us to prevent flooding and to keep our creeks and rivers clean by removing leaves from your property, sidewalk and gutters by regularly mulching or bagging.

Please ensure your ball valve is OPEN after water is shut off to drain your lines.

“Being caught without emergency items for your pets could make a difficult situation that is much more stressful.”

UPCOMING EVENTS RIVERTON REVIEW

October 19-21 6-9 pm

rivertonutah.gov/monsters

Wreaths Across America coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery and more than 1,600 locations nationwide, including Riverton City Cemetery. Sponsor a $17 wreath to be placed at a veteran’s grave at Riverton City Cemetery in December. Learn more by visiting rivertonutah.gov/wreaths.

Join the Community Christmas Choir

Trans-Jordan Landfill Disposal Vouchers

QPR Suicide Prevention Training

Monday, October 16 6 - 8 p.m.

Join the community choir to sing at this year’s Christmas Night of Music Concert on Monday, December 11, 2023. Practices held weekly in November.

• Sign up online today at: rivertonutah.gov/night-of-music

Pick up a free voucher to the Trans-Jordan Landfill at the Utility Billing Office at Riverton City Hall when you begin your fall cleaning.

• Limit of two vouchers per household per year.

Attend a free QPR suicide prevention class to learn how to respond to someone in crises. Classes occur monthly, excluding July and December.

• Thursday, October 19, 7 p.m. rivertonutah.gov/qpr

miss our Scare Rodeo

for the older kids! Find details at rivertonutah.gov/halloween

Register: Start Smart Basketball Christmas Card Contest - Win $100

Children ages 3-5 learn the basic skills needed to play basketball in a fun and positive environment. Participants must be accompanied by a parent.

• Classes being Jan 9, 2024 rivertonutah.gov/startsmart

Elementary children from Riverton or who attend school here are invited to submit a card design in the contest. The winner will receive a $100 Walmart gift card.

• Learn more at rivertonutah.gov/christmascard

Families are invited to dress up in Halloween costumes and come to Riverton City Park to participate in a trunk-or-treat style event with dozens of stations where you can pick up candy and do activities. Be sure not to

spook alley

Riverton City Park, 1452 W 12600 S

Come see dozens of the cutest monsters you have ever seen. This year enjoy a trunk-or-treat style walk through experience!

$5 per person (12 months and under free) includes hot chocolate and a donut! Purchase tickets online at rivertonutah.gov/monsters.

City Hall Park (Behind City Hall) 12825 S 1830 W