Taylorsville City Newsletter | June 2023

MAYOR'S MESSAGE

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

It was our great privilege to recognize two groups of people this past month who have contributed so much to our Taylorsville community. First, our amazing employees were honored at Taylorsville’s 27th annual Awards Gala, and honored before the City Council were the outstanding senior students who have served on the Youth Council.

Our community simply would not be as successful as it is without the service of these incredible individuals. Serendipitously, each group was recognized on back-to-back nights this past month. I extend my sincerest gratitude for all they do to make our community happier, healthier and safer each day.

As you know, I often like to talk about the work that we do as a team. I can’t deny it, I’m always bragging about our Team Taylorsville, and it’s because I really do believe that out of all of the city’s in the state, we have the best right here. We are able to work at the highest levels because of that secret ingredient — teamwork.

In all, we recognized 18 star employees at our Awards Gala on May 16. “Starry Nights” was our theme for the evening at the Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center, so honors included the Rising Star, Shining Star, North Star and Galaxy awards. TVPD Chief Brady Cottam also presented department awards, recognizing lifesaving e orts and distinguished service, as well as supervisor, o cer, detective and civilian of the year.

We are fortunate to have these extraordinary employees giving their all toward making our Taylorsville home better each day. You can read more about the speci c awards and who received them in next month’s Taylorsville Newsletter and at taylorsvilleut.gov. At the Awards Banquet, I also delivered 2023’s State of the City Address, which you can also nd in the July Newsletter or online.

We extend, too, our deepest congratulations and sincere appreciation to the graduating seniors on our Youth Council, who were recognized on May 17. They are incredible youth leaders who have contributed so much. We extend to them every best wish as they venture out toward the brilliant future that awaits. You can read about their remarkable accomplishments on Page 3 of this section.

Without a doubt, we have the best of the best right here in our city. Thank you to our employees and Youth Council for all that you do. Thank you for making our Taylorsville community the place to be — the place where community connects.

—Mayor Kristie S. Overson

WHAT’S INSIDE – JUNE 2023

Frequently Called Numbers, Page 2

Council Corner, Page 3

TVPD News, Page 6

Heritage Remembrances, Page 7

Environment, Page 8

Taylorsville Dayzz is This Month — June 22, 23 and 24

Taylorsville Dayzz o ers plenty to do for everyone – from carnival rides and food booths to the parade, petting zoo, concerts, car show, 5K and, of course, the best reworks show in the state.

The city’s preeminent event on June 22, 23 and 24 brings a show-stopping lineup of free entertaninment featuring on Thursday evening at 7 p.m., the Beatles tribute band Imagine, with the West Valley Symphony and Cannoneers of the Wasatch. At 9:30 p.m., enjoy a Movie in the Park, showing “Top Gun.”

On Friday, the Taylorsville-SLCC Symphony Orchestra performs at 6:30 p.m., followed at 8 p.m. by the Queen tribute band Queen Nation, and don’t miss the reworks that night at 10 p.m.

Then, on Saturday, the Beach Boys tribute band, Surf City Allstars, will be on stage at 7:30 p.m. Look to the sky for the skydivers at 8:30 p.m., followed by the Fireworks Extravaganza at 10 p.m. (See the full schedule of events on Pages 4 and 5 of this section.)

Also, be sure to register for the Taylorsville Dayzz 5K. Registration closes on Friday, June 23, at 3 p.m. Bib/packet pickup is Thursday, June 22, from 4 to 7 p.m. or Friday, June 23, from noon to 3 p.m. in front of City Hall, 2600 W. Taylorsville Blvd. Race Day is Saturday, June 24. See more information at www.taylorsvilleut.gov under Our City and Taylorsville Dayzz 5K.

The festivities all take place at Valley Regional Park at 5100 S. 2700 West.

Mayor Kristie S. Overson

EVENTS JUNE 2023

Every Friday night through Sept. 15

Starry Nights @the Plaza. The food trucks arrive at 5 p.m. and most music starts at 6:30. See www.taylorsvilleut.gov for the full schedule and details about what’s happening each night.

June 7 & 21 – 6:30 p.m.

City Council Meeting @ City Hall and online. Watch a livestream of the meeting on the city’s website.

June 7-9 – 8 p.m.

Into The Woods Jr. @ the Centennial Plaza stage. Tickets are $10, purchased at the plaza before the performance.

June 10 – 8 a.m. to noon

Taylorsville Annual Cleanup Day @Taylorsville High School, northwest parking lot.

June 10 – 7:30 p.m.

Taylorsville’s Got Talent @ the Centennial Plaza stage.

June 13 – 7 p.m. & June 27 – 6 p.m.

Planning Commission Meeting @ City Hall.

June 22, 23 & 24

Taylorsville Dayzz @ Valley Regional Park!

See Pages 4 and 5 of this section for a full schedule of events.

Upcoming: July 10-15 – 7:30 p.m.

Footloose @ the Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $15.

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

June 2-3

West Point Ballet and Utah Theatre Ballet presents THE WIZARD OF OZ

June 3

West Point Ballet and Utah Theatre Ballet presents OVER THE RAINBOW

June 8

Nasha Woodhouse presents LIFEHOUSE MUSICAL THEATER SHOWCASE

June 9

BellyDancing by Thia presents GODDESS’, AVATARS & MAGIC

June 9

Sonus Productions presents CARPENTERS PLATINUM - A TRIBUTE

June 10

Tutu School presents BRAVO BASH

June 16-17

Serena Webb Dance Theater presents WUTHERING HEIGHTS

June 16-17

Underground Dance Company presents SLEEP. DREAM. WAKE UP.

June 20

Serena Webb Dance Theater presents ALIZE IN WONDERLAND

June 22-26

Wasatch Theatre Company presents EVERY BRILLIANT THING

Graduating Students Recognized for Service, Leadership

The City Council is dedicating this month’s space where their Council Corner column usually runs to honor the Youth Council’s graduating seniors.

The nine members of the Taylorsville Youth Council who will be graduating from Taylorsville High School were recognized this past month by the City Council and Mayor Kristie Overson. During their time as Youth Council members, these teens have learned about leadership, as well as local and state government, and provided countless hours of service to the community.

They were honored at the May 17 City Council meeting, and each were awarded a Medal of Honor. The nine seniors include:

Kayla Nicoll — Kayla has triple-lettered each year in academics, track and eld and music. She is receiving a Diploma of Merit with areas of distinction in citizenship and music. Kayla will be pursuing a degree in Veterinary Technology and hopes to pursue a higher degree in Veterinary Medicine.

Khai-Hy Ngo — Khai-Hy has maintained a 4.0-GPA throughout high school while handling a rigorous schedule of AP and concurrent enrollment classes. He earned Academic All-State honors for both debate and track and eld, along with Academic All-Region recognition for speech and debate. He is graduating as salutatorian of his class and will be attending the University of Utah with a full-ride scholarship to study nursing and biology.

Maryn Seaman — Maryn, who has served on the Youth Council for four years, was captain of the girls’ tennis team, choir president and served on The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Seminary Council. She enjoys playing piano, ute and ukulele. Studying Mandarin Chinese, she earned the World Languages Sterling Scholar Award. She plans to attend Utah State University and serve a mission for her church. She would love to teach English abroad.

Jenna Marchant — Jenna has served on the Taylorsville Youth Council for four years. She has also participated in every one of the choirs in high school and loved Madrigals most. She has enjoyed her involvement in the school’s theater program and served as the Activities Theatre O cer. Jenna has danced, too, for 14 years. She plans to serve a mission for her church and will attend Utah State University.

Morgan Thompson — Morgan has enjoyed being part of Taylorsville High’s Madrigals, Graces and Concert choirs, as well as Editor in Chief of the school’s newspaper. She has taken several AP and concurrent enrollment courses and other college-level classes. She is receiving an Area of Distinction in both music and journalism. Morgan will attend Salt Lake Community College in the fall to pursue a degree in journalism and digital media.

Braden Tolman — Braden has participated in Taylorsville High School’s MESA and Key clubs. He has completed several AP and concurrent enrollment courses, and he scored a 36 on the ACT. Braden has earned Areas of Distinction in math, science and world languages and upon graduation, he will receive a Diploma of Merit. He will attend Utah State University, with a full-ride scholarship, and plans to major in electrical engineering.

Joshua Taylor — Josh has taken AP classes, concurrent enrollment and honors courses. He also has been a member of the Key Club and National Honors Society, as well as Concert and Madrigals show choirs. He participated in track and eld as a pole vaulter and was a member of the varsity swim team. Josh will serve a mission for his church and has been accepted to Brigham Young University. He plans to attend law school and become an attorney.

Tyne Vanderbilt — Tyne is the Youth Council’s public information o cer and chair. She served this year as a Youth Ambassador and on the Student Board of the Utah Association of Youth Councils. She has earned Areas of Distinction in service, Spanish and English. She was recognized as an Outstanding Senior with a Diploma of Merit. She played the ute for more than 10 years. She plans to attend the University of Utah and serve a mission for her church.

Dillon Nguyen — Dillon has been a member of the MESA (Math, Engineering, Science Achievement), FBLA, Speech and Debate and Key clubs, and was on the swim and track and eld teams. He maintained a 4.0-GPA and has not missed a day of school. Dillon also received the Vietnamese American Outstanding Academic Achievement award from the Vietnamese Community of Utah. He is a Sterling Scholar in math and earned the Presidential Scholarship to the University of Utah, where he plans to major in computer engineering and business.

TVPD Among 15 Community Partners Participating in Healthy Kids Day

Check this space each month for news about the Taylorsville Police Department (TVPD) and their valuable service to our community.

TVPD was happy to join the YMCAsponsored Healthy Kids Day held in Taylorsville. The free fair on April 29 was hosted by the YMCA of Northern Utah, in keeping with its mission to provide experiences that “enhance healthy mind, body and spirit while building strong kids, strong families and strong communities.”

In all, the event drew more than 700 visitors, and TVPD was one of 15 community partners participating. TVPD showed off some of the gear we use and provided safety tips to the children. The highlight of our booth was the police shield and police vest. Thanks to Captain America, the kids knew exactly how to hold the shield while they acted the part.

We appreciate YMCA of Northern Utah for including us!

TVPD EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

Congratulations to O cer Teynor, our latest Employee of the Month. Prior to joining TVPD, O cer Teynor served with the Sandy, Utah, and Austin, Texas, police departments. In total, O cer Teynor has more than 17 years of law enforcement experience where he has served in various capacities.

These include serving as a patrol o cer, special response team member, counter active shooter team member, special weapons and tactics team member, unmanned aerial vehicle operator and master peace o cer. Additionally, O cer Teynor has more than 19 years of service in the U.S. military, including three overseas deployments.

O cer Teynor was nominated as Employee of the Month by O cer Sargent, who noted the vast experience he brings to the table. O cer Sargent stated that he sees O cer Teynor “operate on a daily basis and is continuously impressed

experience.” He said O cer Teynor continuously conducts “in-depth investigations, never shies away from a busy day and is always willing to share his extensive experience with his area partners.”

O cer Teynor has also developed a reputation of being the shift’s “go-to o cer” when it comes to locating and investigating impaired drivers. He was further described as a “well-rounded, pro-active o cer who is continuously looking for fugitives, illegal drugs, suspicious vehicles, reckless and impaired drivers while never falling short regarding responding to daily calls for service, which he handles with extreme professionalism.” An anonymous citizen recently told O cer Sargent that O cer Teynor really cared about her situation and wanted to help. She stated he was “professional, respectful and did an excellent job at communicating.”

O cer Teynor’s hobbies include hiking, working out, horse riding and horse training. O cer Teynor is a great asset to TVPD, and we are glad to have him as a member of Team Taylorsville!

JULY 10-15 7:30 PM

@Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center

2525 W. Taylorsville Blvd.

Tickets $15

Taylorsville Arts Council production

Taylorsville Bennion Heritage REMEMBRANCES

History Revisited: Past Article Reveals Projects Realized and Other Changes

This month’s article is an excerpt from one by Alice Rosenthal published in 2006.

Taylorsville may have made its mark as home to the creators of the world’s longest paperclip chain (22.17 miles to be exact). Or maybe it was the world’s fastest human conveyor belt, longest balloon chain, largest loaf of bread ever baked or tallest ice cream cone.

With a roster of these Guinness-size record busters, it’s easy to see that Taylorsville is a place that’s, well, interesting. But aside from Eisenhower Junior High’s lofty experiments, Taylorsville City ocials have been working on a handful of other projects to keep it that way — and though the plans aren’t necessarily record-breaking, the city’s scope of the big picture is something impressive.

Since Taylorsville’s incorporation, the city has constructed a Senior Citizen’s Center; designed and carried out three separate city parks; installed an outdoor swimming pool; and nished two sections of the Jordan River Parkway. It’s currently designing and building a bike trail on 1300 West.

Taylorsville City also has taken on a beauti cation project for Redwood Road that should ultimately increase business, decrease tra c and spi up Taylorsville’s hub. “The plan features landscape beauti cation,” said Don Adams, [then] economic development director for Taylorsville. “New construction is already underway on both Redwood Road and 5600 South. From the city’s perspective, it’s very exciting.”

The project’s main focus is the area surrounding City Hall on 5400 South and 2700 West. Already, a grass-and- ower-covered median de nes the main entrance. The entrance is also accented by friendly lamp posts that arch over as if to welcome visitors.

A drive down 2700 West or Redwood Road might be the easiest way to catch some of the city’s avor. Spaces like Valley Regional Park on 5000 South and 2700 West give away the all-American backbone of this town. A blue announcer’s tower shadows several separate ball diamonds. Batting cages line the periphery and lead to open parks and playgrounds where [people] play fetch with their dogs.

The city is remembered as “Over Jordan” or “Bennion.” Heading east from Redwood Road on 4800 South, a sense of history lls the air. Tucked between Fore Lakes golf course and retail centers on Redwood Road, nding this historical street is a breath of fresh air — not too unlike a secret revealed.

The Taylorsville-Bennion Heritage Center opened in December last year [2005]. The center is housed by the old Jones Dairy farmhouse, which used to be “a gathering place for milk and other dairy products” said Connie Taney, [then] president of Taylorsville’s historic preservation committee. The city purchased the dairy in 2001.

The surrounding grounds include a rentable garden space “for those who don’t have their own yards to tend but like to plant owers and vegetables,” Taney said. Inside, the house has been fully refurbished to its original 1906 condition.

Stop by for a visit. The center is located at 1488 W. 4800 South.

TAYLORSVILLE SENIOR CENTER 4743 S. Plymouth View Drive

June Class Highlights

The center has planned a variety of classes this month:

Funerals of the Rich & Famous – Thursday, June 8 at 10 a.m. Take a journey through time and learn about the life of Elvis Presley with presenter David White.

Volunteer Appreciation Event – Thursday, June 22 at 11 a.m. Celebrate the volunteers who do so much for the Taylorsville Senior Center.

Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program – Every Thursday at 9 a.m.

Drums Alive – Every Wednesday at 2 p.m.

Visit the center’s website at www.slco.org/taylorsville-senior-center for other activities and lunch menu information. The Taylorsville Senior Center is located at 4743 S. Plymouth View Drive and can be contacted by phone at 801-385-3370.

Don’t Miss These Library Events

The Taylorsville Library has planned several programs during the month of June. You’ll want to mark your calendar for these events:

TAYLORSVILLE SUMMER READING KICKOFF PARTY: All Together Now

Wednesday, June 7, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. — Drop in and enjoy a variety of fun activities.

SERVICE SATURDAY: Craft Kits for Help Me Grow

Saturday, June 10, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — Drop in to provide service for our community. We'll be putting together craft kits for children, to be donated to Help Me Grow Utah.

BUSKING BUS THEATRE SHOW

Monday, June 12, 6 p.m. — See a busking style variety show outside, from the side of a short bus. Discover the raucous antics of silly clowns, puppets, narrative sketches and more.

TEEN KINDNESS ROCKS

Tuesday, June 13, 1 p.m. — Design and paint your own Kindness Rock. Registration begins Monday, June 12.

VIRTUAL ADULT LECTURE | The Evolution of Beekeeping

Tuesday, June 13, 7 p.m. Register at: thecountylibrary.org/LectureSeries — Learn about bee biology, beekeeping, relocation and inspection with Peter Somers.

WASATCH PEAK VAULTERS

Wednesday, June 14, 10:30 a.m. — See equestrian vaulters perform outside and learn about the amazing sport from members of Wasatch Peak Vaulters.

SPLISH SPLASH STORYTIME

Fridays, June 16 and 23, 10 a.m. — The Taylorsville Library and the Taylorsville Outdoor Pool are partnering to o er free summer story times in the pool for families. The Splish Splash Storytime is free. Attendees re-entering the pool after the program are subject to the regular fee. This will be in the shallow beach area at the pool, 4914 S. 2700 West. Children ages 2 and under must wear a swim diaper. Children 5 and under must be within arms’ reach of a parent or guardian at all times. All children must be accompanied by a grownup.

TOYS & GAMES SWAP

Saturday, June 17, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — Save your items from the land ll by sharing with others. Drop your toys, games, and/or puzzles o at the Taylorsville Branch beginning Saturday, June 10, and receive a VIP access ticket for early entry into the swap at 10:30 a.m. Doors open to the public at 11:30 a.m.

LONG WING SUMMER BIRD SHOW

Wednesday, June 21, 10:30 a.m. — See and learn about birds with Long Wing, Inc.

SHAKESPEARE FOR KIDS: A Midsummer Night's Dream

Wednesday, June 28, 10:30 a.m. — Join Becky and Joel Wallin for an interactive Shakespeare performance of “A Midsummer Night's Dream,” starring the audience.

RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE

Monday, June 26, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Give blood to help others. Schedule your appointment at redcrossblood.org or 1.800.RED.CROSS.

JUNE UPDATES

International Plastic Bag Free Day

On July 3, Wasatch Front Waste & Recycling District will join other organizations around the world in support of International Plastic Bag Free Day (www. plasticbagfreeday.org).

There are a lot of good ways to celebrate, and the easiest requires a simple commitment by each individual. Even if just for one day, choose paper over plastic; or even better, bring your own bags to the retailers to pick up your goods. Some stores even o er discounts or other perks for the customers who bring their own.

Fireworks Disposal

The summer holidays are here, and fireworks and barbecues are common ways to celebrate. WFWRD reminds all residents that reworks and re pit/barbecue ashes must be completely cooled before placing them in the garbage can. Smoldering reworks or embers will melt the can and create a larger re hazard on waste trucks. Please consult the United Fire Authority for information on reworks restrictions, dates and times for legal discharge, and re prevention tips.

New Hazardous Waste Page on the WFWRD Website

WFWRD has a new page on their website (www.wasatchfrontwaste. org) that addresses hazardous waste material and hard to recycle items. Visit the “Hazardous Waste” web page to nd alternative options to hazardous waste disposal and hard to recycle items that cannot be recycled in your curbside recycle can, but can be recycled elsewhere. Can’t nd an item? Head to the “How to Recycle” page to use the district’s Recycle Right tool and nd where to dispose of a particular item.

Learn More About Water with TBID’s Consumer Confidence Report

The purpose of the Consumer Confidence Report is to provide you with information on the quality of your drinking water. In addition to water quality, the report provides information on conservation resources, potential contamination sources and where your water comes from.

Taylorsville-Bennion Improvement District distributes culinary water that meets all federal and state quality requirements. The report can be found on the district website: tbid.org/ccr.html or you may contact TBID at 801-968-9081 and a copy will be mailed to your home.

Also, concerning the Drought Response Level: The record-breaking snow received over the winter has greatly helped the water supply situation in the state. TBID is pleased to report that because of this improvement, its board was able to set the Drought Response Level at 0, which means we have normal water supply.

Customers are still encouraged to conserve water and safeguard this valuable natural resource. Please consider following the State Watering Guide at conservewater.utah.gov/weekly-lawn-watering-guide/ to know how often to water your lawn.

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 Twitter.