January 2018 | Vol. 5 Iss. 01
FREE
SOUTH JORDAN: 2017 YEAR IN REVIEW By Jennifer Gardiner | j.gardiner@mycityjournals.com
T
his past year brought many new things for South Jordan. A lot of good has happened, and there were many notable changes designed to continue making South Jordan a great place to live. The election of a new judge The year started off with the appointing of a new judge, Michael Peter Boehm, who replaced Judge Clinton Balmforth who resigned in January. Boehm received a degree in business management from Brigham Young University. He returned to law school after a short stint in the corporate world. Boehm received his Juris Doctor from Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego, California, before joining the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office as a prosecutor where he handled a broad range of matters, including several high-profile cases over the eight years prior to becoming the South Jordan judge. Boehm, his wife and three kids are residents of South Jordan. When Boehm was elected, he told City Journals that he loves working with law enforcement. “I care about what I do and even care about the people I prosecute,” said Boehm. “I’m where I’m at because I work hard and I care about what I do. Without the love that I have from my family, I wouldn’t be where I am today.” Boehm said he is involved in public service, which he finds important and rewarding and that there is nothing in his background that would bring dishonor to the court or to the council. “I’m here for my family,” he said. “I try to make the best decisions I can make. There is nothing that I couldn’t share with you about my life that would dishonor this court.” Additional changes of city staff The next change of staff occurred when South Jordan hired Dustin Lewis as the city’s assistant city manager. Lewis was selected out of more than 64 candidates to replace Chief of Staff Paul Cunningham, who retired at the end of February. South Jordan City Manager Gary Whatcott said he was confident Lewis would rise to the challenge of his new position. “Dustin has been an engaged leader in our organization,” Whatcott said. “His ongoing contributions will help to keep South Jordan a leader in municipal governance.” Lewis’ role as assistant city manager has been to provide professional support and assistance to the city manager. He has worked closely with city department heads and helped to outline goals and outcomes. Lewis currently leads day-to-day city operations, directs assigned committees and projects, and assists in agenda development and preparation of the budget. Rezones and construction projects South Jordan had its share of ups and downs this year, and it started with the rezone of a property located at 11054 South
Newly elected Mayor Dawn Ramsey with her family. (Courtesy of Dawn Ramsey)
Lucas Lane. The council voted 3–2 in favor of the rezone that would ensure the road adjacent to the property would connect to River Heights Drive. Several residents who attended the city council meeting on Jan. 17 were unhappy with the decision. They were concerned with the connection of the road to River Heights Drive and voiced their concerns over increased traffic and decreased safety for their secluded neighborhood. Another construction project sure to make heads turn is the main intersection at 11400 South Bangerter Highway. The construction got underway a few months ago and is scheduled through Fall of 2018. While it may be a long and inconvenient, crews are trying to do everything they can to help ease concerns. The project is phased so that traffic can flow easier during construction. John Gleason, public information officer for the Utah Department of Transportation, said so far things are on track with
Local Postal Customer ECRWSS Scan Here: Interactive online edition with more photos.
the completion of the intersection, and it should wrap up in late next year. “It was started this past spring and is scheduled for two construction seasons,” Gleason said. “It’s one of the five freeway style interchanges they are working on this year, and once completed, Bangerter will feel much more like a freeway with fewer stop lights, improving safety.” City Hall expansion underway The City Hall expansion project was approved and the city is in the process of constructing the new public safety building and civic plaza. The public safety building will house the South Jordan Police Department and Court and will be located in the South Jordan Towne Center between the county library and The Pie Pizzeria. The plaza will feature three interactive fountains, a walkable area and library seating. Continued on Page 5...
Thank You to our Community Sponsors for supporting City Journals
Presort Std U.S. Postage PAID Riverton, UT Permit #44