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UTAH’S MOST BUILT OUT CITY, TAYLORSVILLE, FEELING THE SQUEEZE FINDING WAYS TO HOUSE MORE PEOPLE By Carl Fauver | c.fauver@mycityjournals.com

tah Gov. Spencer J. Cox found several opportunities to interject humor into his annual “State of the State Address,” on Jan. 18. But he also found moments to be deadly serious. “I believe the single greatest threat to our future prosperity is the price of housing – period,” Cox said. “Housing attainability is a crisis in Utah.” He then went on to explain how his office plans to deal with the challenge over the next half-decade. “I have proposed the ‘Utah First Homes Program,’ with the audacious goal to build 35,000 starter homes in the next five years,” Cox added. “My focus is on affordable, attainable, single-family, owner-occupied, detached housing.” That goal likely has a lot of Utahns excited – including members of the Taylorsville Planning Commission. However, because our city in the heart of the Salt Lake Valley is already so built out, several commission members are already openly wondering what will happen next. Nine-year Planning Commission member Lynette Wendel is concerned about what state lawmakers have done already. “The State Legislature keeps taking authority from local planning commissions,” Wendel said. “The state is The seven-member Taylorsville Planning commission includes (L-R): Don Russell, David Wright, Cindy Wilkey, Don Quigley, Mark McElreath, Lyeliminating public hearing requirements in some cases. nette Wendel and Gordon Willardson. (Courtesy Don Quigley) But public comment is essential to the process. We anticipate more changes will come out of this year’s legislaconcerned the state’s effort to fast-track reduces the number of public hearings and educational organization.” It claims tive session. We want to make sure our citizens continue more Utah housing is creating challenges. required for certain projects. Now, when SB 174 “streamlines the process for propto have a chance to speak out – to ask for the character of “I’ve served on the Planning Com- we have a public hearing, we have to be erty owners who wish to subdivide their their community to be preserved.” mission since January 2022 and was vice ultra-prepared and ultra-thoughtful, be- land and build homes. When a property While Wendel is one of the longest-serving memchair last year,” she said. “Utah Senate cause we only get one shot at it.” owner wants to subdivide their land, the bers of the Taylorsville Planning Commission, newly Bill 174 is pro development. It attempts The Utah-based Libertas Institute elected Chair Cindy Wilkey is the newest. She too is Continued page 9 to shorten timelines for developers and describes itself as a “nonprofit think tank

Page 2 | February 2024

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Elected officials, youth council join Local Officials Day at the State Legislature By Carl Fauver | c.fauver@mycityjournals.com

t was just the second day of this year’s Utah State Legislative session when hundreds of elected officials and high school students from across the state descended upon the Capitol for the annual Local Officials Day at the Legislature. Among them was Taylorsville Mayor Kristie Overson, four of five city council members, 20 of 21 Taylorsville Youth Council members and their adviser, Kris Heineman. “All but one of our Youth Council members was able to attend; and they all seemed to have a good time visiting the Capitol and hearing Governor Cox during our lunch at the Salt Palace,” Heineman said. “Representative Dunnigan really went above and beyond this year, leading our students on a tour. They really got to see the ‘back side’ of the State Capitol. Our students also participated in a mock debate before lunch. I think they learned a lot.” The busy day, Wednesday Jan. 17, began early. Taylorsville students arrived at their continental breakfast before 8 a.m., where they had the opportunity to meet and mingle with counterparts from other schools and parts of the state. By 9:30, the Taylorsville group was on to its Rep. Jim Dunnigan-led tour. Overson also considered that a highlight. “Oh my gosh, he was just so attentive to our students,” she said of Dunnigan. “The students got to go on the House and Senate floors. We took back hallways and behind the scenes stairways. It was really a VIP tour. Kudos to Kris for arranging it.” This year’s group of 21 Taylorsville Youth Council members is the largest ever. “We had 21 applicants last fall and they all met the requirements to be youth council members,” Heineman said. “It just didn’t seem fair to select most of them but leave a few off. Having a larger group has not been a problem because these are all responsible, top-notch students. We have several pairs of siblings in

Journals T H E

Taylorsville House Representative Jim Dunnigan (L) led Youth Council members on a behind-thescenes tour of the state capitol during last month’s Local Officials Day at the State Legislature. (Courtesy Taylorsville City)

this year’s council. After older siblings join and enjoy it, they recommend it to their younger brothers and sisters.” One of those sibling pairs is Mason and Miles Harker. They are the two younger boys among Taylorsville City Council Vice Chair Meredith Harker’s four sons. “My two older boys weren’t on Youth Council – but this is Mason’s third year; he’s a senior and Miles is a freshman,” Harker said. “I love that Youth Council members provide service. The students are given a lot of opportunities to serve. It helps them see how one person can make a difference in their community. It gets them outside of themselves – out of their high school bubble.” In addition to Mason and Miles Harker, another pair of Taylorsville Youth Council siblings are Kenzie and Hudson Hathaway. Kenzie serves the council as its public information officer. She is also the only youth ambassador

Taylorsville was well represented at this year’s Local Officials Day at the State Legislature. Among the Capitol Hill visitors were: City Councilman Bob Knudsen (left, in red), Mayor Kristie Overson and Council Vice Chair Meredith Harker (left and right of Taylorsville House Representative Jim Dunnigan, middle back), 20 of this year’s 21 Taylorsville Youth Council members and (second from right) their adviser, Kris Heineman. (Courtesy Taylorsville City)

from the group, meaning she draws public duties attending Taylorsville business ribbon cuttings and other official events. “We had only five returning seniors this year and only three of us were eligible to be youth ambassadors,” Kenzie Hathaway said. “The other two said they were too busy to do it. I thought, ‘I’m a busy person also – but I am not going to shy away from another experience.’ I’ve enjoyed it. I’ve attended three ribbon cuttings so far and expect a few more this spring.” As youth ambassador, Kenzie is also eligible to earn a $750 college scholarship if she completes a community service project and reports to the Taylorsville City Council about it. “I’m working with the Taylorsville Police Department to put together an event that now has the working title of ‘Autism Awareness

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Carnival,’” Hathaway explained. “We are still working on the details. Essentially, I want the 1-day event to include informational booths and workshops to help the public – and police officers themselves – to communicate more effectively with autistic kids.” Hathaway said the “Autism Awareness Carnival” is likely to be a featured activity at one of this summer’s Starry Nights @ the Plaza events outside city hall. The next major event for Taylorsville Youth Council members comes next month. On March 14-16 they will participate in the group’s annual leadership conference, spending a couple of nights at Utah State University in Logan. l

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Taylorsville Police Department reestablishes second deputy chief position to leverage Scott Lloyd’s decades of law enforcement experience By Carl Fauver | c.fauver@mycityjournals.com

hen we hear the term “one-percenter,’ most of us probably picture the likes of Tom Cruise, Taylor Swift, Jeff Bezos or Oprah. But way back in 1996 – when law enforcement agencies had many, many people clamoring to join their ranks – a pair of now top-level Taylorsville PD law enforcers were their own kind of one-percenters. “Brady Cottam and I went through the same police training class in 1996 – and there were about 1,200 applicants all together,” Scott Lloyd said. “In August of that year, Brady and I were two of only 11 people hired by the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Department.” Eleven hired out of 1,200 applicants. That top one percent had nothing to do with income, the way it’s thought of now. But it seems to have had much to do with picking correctly – because both Cottam and Lloyd are still at it. Back then, they were “rookies.” Now, they have titles. It’s been Taylorsville City Police Chief Brady Cottam for three years now. And, as of late last year, it’s Taylorsville City Police Deputy Chief Scott Lloyd. “I never wanted to be an administrator; I don’t like driving a desk,” Lloyd said. “I never even had the title ‘sergeant’ until 2021. But Chief Brady and the Mayor spoke with me about it and assured me I would still be able to work on the streets, close to people. So, I accepted (the deputy chief position) and feel good about it.” “Back when we were first structuring the Taylorsville Police Department, we set up the organizational chart with a chief, two deputy chiefs and two lieutenants; that’s something we always knew we wanted,” Mayor Kristie Overson said. “But we also wanted to take the time to determine what roles each of these people would play. When it came time to fill this deputy chief position, Scott Lloyd was the natural choice. He knows our Taylorsville streets and communities so well.” When Taylorsville PD first launched on July 1, 2021, it had Cottam as chief, two deputy chiefs and no lieutenants. After one of those deputy chiefs departed, TVPD created two lieutenant positions. Last spring, Lt. Jaren Fowler and Lt. Aaron Cheshire were promoted to those posts. But Cottam has always favored the command staff structure the agency now finally has. “I like the idea of having a chief and two deputy chiefs because it allows for different leadership perspectives,” he said. “The department first began operating with a chief, two deputies and 10 sergeants. Now, we have a chief, two dep-

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A change to the Taylorsville Police Department leadership structure now features five people at the top. (L-R): Lt. Jaren Fowler, Deputy Chief Scott Lloyd, Chief Brady Cottam, Deputy Chief Brett Miller and Lt. Aaron Cheshire. (Courtesy TVPD)

uties, two lieutenants and eight sergeants. We may eventually determine we need another sergeant. But we will operate under this structure for awhile and evaluate how it’s going.” TVPD has an additional 53 sworn police officers and nine civilian staff members, for a total employee count of 75. “We are certainly not ‘top heavy’ with department leadership,” Cottam said. “We are as lean as can be. Not in a bad way, our citizens are well served by our department. I just mean we are not wasting money. I would love to sit down with anyone and compare our organizational chart with other cities our size, like Murray or South Jordan. I know we compare very well.” As for new Deputy Chief Lloyd, he was born and raised in Utah, graduated from Brighton High School in 1986 and always knew he wanted to help people. “I grew up with four brothers and all five of us earned our Eagle,” he said. “Whenever someone in our neighborhood needed help, I always wanted to assist them. I am the only one in my family who went into law enforcement. I enjoy helping people.” Lloyd’s public service law enforcement career actually began several years before that 1996 training he underwent

with Cottam. “I went through the Adult Probation and Parole Academy in 1989 and served as a corrections officer in various locations for seven years,” he said. “I am now the longest-serving officer in Taylorsville and have 34 years toward my retirement. I keep trying to tell myself, ‘I may retire in two or three years.’ But I’m in no hurry. I enjoy what I do. I have a good handful of years left in me.” His decades on the job have had Lloyd filling many different roles. He was a motorcycle traffic officer for five years. He also served on the Metro Gang Unit and was involved for a time educating elementary school kids. “It was similar to the D.A.R.E. program, but not exactly the same,” Lloyd explained. “I spoke with fifth graders at the nine different Taylorsville elementary schools for six or seven years. I learned how to build trust with kids. Some of them would come running up to me, years later, to say ‘hi.’ I think we had a big impact on those kids.” Lloyd also had a big impact on his own two children. After his first wife, their mother, passed away – when his son and daughter were just 7 and 5 years old – Lloyd was a single dad for nine years. He

remarried in 2020. “It was just the three of us for a long time,” Lloyd said. “But they are great kids. They took all kinds of AP classes. They are now both in college.” Finally, Lloyd says he couldn’t be more pleased with the people he works for, either. “Brady (Cottam) is great,” he said. “He’s been a street officer, a detective, an investigator. Anything I deal with he has also experienced. He takes the time to get to know everyone in the department. And as for Mayor Overson, you will never find anyone who is more committed. She takes policing to heart. She comes down here often just to say ‘hi’ to us. We are not just a number to her. We are family.” Among just three people at the top – Cottam, and Lloyd and Deputy Chief Brett Miller – there is roughly a century of law enforcement experience leading the Taylorsville Police Department. l

February 2024 | Page 5

Four candidates for House launched campaigns to represent Taylorsville residents By Carl Fauver | c.fauver@mycityjournals.com

n this Presidential election year, it will be next-to-impossible to get away from political news throughout 2024. National pundits will tell us about every twist and turn amongst Biden and Trump. Here in Utah, expect much of the same when it comes to the wide-open race to replace retiring U.S. Senator Mitt Romney. The races you won’t hear much about will be further down on your ballot. On SOME of your ballots, to be more precise. Every even-numbered year, Utah’s 75 State House seats are up for grabs. The incumbent nearly always wins when they seek reelection. That’s just the reality. But this year, voters in northeast Taylorsville – along with many others in West Valley City and elsewhere – should have a little excitement in their District 31 House race. Yes, there is an incumbent; but he’s yet to receive the approval of “citizen voters.” Moreover, if he’s to retain the seat he earned a year ago in a special election, he’ll have to fend off one challenger within his own party – and then a GOP contender in November. Here then are thumbnail sketches of the four people seeking the Utah District 31 House Seat:

Democrat Brett Garner – Incumbent:

A little more than a year ago, popular Utah lawmaker Karen Kwan (D) won her District 31 House race resoundingly. Technically, it was not a “reelection,” because redistricting had changed the composition of her District (and its number). But very soon after Kwan was elected, veteran State Senator Karen Mayne resigned her post for health reasons. In a special election among Democratic Party delegates, Kwan was moved to the Utah Senate, where she has returned now for a second year. Her departure forced another special vote among Salt Lake County Democrats to replace Kwan in House District 31. That is the race Brett Garner won. The election was literally decided by just a handful of delegate votes. But this time around, Garner will have to earn the approval of the general electorate. On his website (brettgarner.org), Garner reports “I am a fifth-generation Utahn, descended from Utah pioneers. My wife Shannon teaches special education resource at Taylorsville High, her alma mater. I’ve worked to improve educational opportunities and fought against threats to our students’ success.” With young children at home, Garner says he has been a stay-at-home dad since

Page 6 | February 2024

Father of three Democratic Taylorsville State Representative Brett Garner replaced Karen Kwan in the House 31 seat a year ago. He now faces one challenger from his party, and two GOP contenders, in his effort to remain in the post. (brettgarner. org)

moving to West Valley City in 2018. “I was born and raised in Utah; grew up in the Bountiful area; and graduated from Woods Cross High School in 2000,” Garner said. “As an elected official, I believe transparency and accountability is critical. I want people in my District to understand my positions. I spent several months posting online links to the hundreds of bills I voted on along with an explanation of why I voted the way I did. Too much of what happens at the State Legislature goes under the radar. That shouldn’t be the case.” At press time, Garner planned to prefile several bills for consideration during the legislative session that just opened Jan. 16. One measure would create automated speed enforcement (“photo cop”) pilot programs in school and construction zones. Two other proposed measures would deal with raising the state’s minimum wage. Before knowing if, or how many, challengers he might face for his House 31 seat, Garner said, “‘I am open to more people being involved in the election. I am more than happy to have a contest of great ideas.”

Democrat Verona Mauga – In-party challenger:

A Taylorsville resident since 2008, Mauga reports she came within three party delegate votes of defeating Garner in that special replace-Kwan vote a year ago. “I find it interesting only 17 voters were allowed to decide who filled the seat,” Mauga said. “I lost 10-7; but there should have been more people from our District voting.” Unlike the incumbent, Mauga does en-

Democratic District 31 Precinct Chief Verona Mauga launched her bid for the Utah House late last year. (voteverona.com)

joy the endorsement of the lawmaker who previously won the general election for the House District 31 seat two years ago. “I have officially endorsed Verona for my House seat,” Senator Karen Kwan said. “She has worked with me ever since I entered the legislature, helping me campaign and get to know our communities. Verona will be very good at responding to community needs. She has the right demeanor and intelligence to be a great member of the House.” “I worked on all of Karen’s House races and was her campaign manager once,” Mauga said. “She called me last year to say she was going to run for the open Senate seat – and she encouraged me to run for her House seat. I had never run for elected office before but always knew it would eventually be in my path. I made the final decision to run again last summer.” Mauga is an Alta High School graduate, while her husband graduated from Taylorsville High. As the owner of two small businesses herself, Mauga considers Utah’s economic development to be one of her key issues. “I own a women’s residential treatment center in Herriman, and I operate a Midvale bakery and café with my siblings,” she explained. “I understand the difficulty in opening and sustaining businesses in Utah.” Mauga is spending the early part of this year trying to gather both financial donations and campaign volunteers. “Karen (Kwan) is the first Democrat to hold this House seat and I think it’s because she genuinely cares about the community,” Mauga concluded. “She literally brings

Republican Andrew Nieto opposed Karen Kwan in the Utah House 31 race two years ago and is now campaigning for the same seat against new opponents. (nieto4house31.com)

people to the table to address issues. That’s the kind of legislator I hope to be – someone who puts people first.” The candidate’s son, Loimata Mauga, was a junior offensive guard on the Southern Utah University football team last fall. On her website (voteverona.com), the candidate says, “(I am) a dedicated advocate and first-generation immigrant committed to positively impacting through compassionate public service and determined action.”

Republican Andrew Nieto – GOP Challenger:

Unlike the other three candidates, including the incumbent, this is Nieto’s second attempt to earn House District 31 general voter support. Two years ago, he fell to Kwan in the race, 62 to 38 percent. “I’ve been thinking about running again, ever since Karen vacated the seat,” he explained. “I am also surprised and pleased to have a Republican opponent. It is good for democracy to have competition.” Nieto grew up in Los Angeles County, California before moving to Utah in 2013 to attend Weber State University. He married in 2016 and moved to Taylorsville in 2018. The couple has no children. Nieto has been a public school substitute teacher for the past three years. On his website (nieto4house31.com), the candidate describes himself as a “devoted conservative, passionate bipartisan bridge-builder, moored to core values. I am ready to earn your trust as the legislative voice of Taylorsville/WVC. House District 31 is among the most diverse in the state. I

Taylorsville City Journal

have learned, through conscientious practice since childhood, to listen and seek understanding of everyone I meet.” Nieto plans to concentrate his early campaigning efforts on reaching out to Salt Lake County GOP delegates who represent his District 31. Salt Lake County Republican Party Chair Chris Null thinks that’s a wise move. “If either candidate earns 60% of the delegate vote, they can avoid a primary,” Null said. “There will be a maximum of 1,560 delegates at our April 13 County Convention. But only those from District 31 will vote in this race. That’s probably 40 to 80 people.” Nieto says two of his top priorities if elected will be criminal justice reform and Utah land management. Additionally, on his website, the candidate mentions homelessness, education funding, infrastructure and crime reduction as some of his key concerns.

Republican Russell Moore – GOP Challenger:

West Valley City resident Russell Moore is a lifelong Utah resident who’s been married 45 years and has seven children and 29 grandkids. “I was raised in Lehi by a mom who was a Democrat and a dad who was registered Democrat – to keep peace in the

house – but who always voted Republican,” Moore said. “My parents hosted a voting precinct in our home and my mom was an election judge for as long as I can remember. We were very active politically.” A ceramic tile contractor by trade, Moore plans to retire in about two years. “I have been a tile contractor 33 years and in construction since 1974,” he said. “But I am stepping back from that now and can be available full time during the legislative session, if elected.” Unlike his three opponents, Moore has not yet established a campaign website – but plans to. Until then, he can be reached at russellbyronmoore@gmail.com or 801301-1765. “We are facing critical issues in our state,” Moore said. “One of my top issues Retired father of seven and grandfather of 29 Russell Byron Moore is seeking the GOP nomination for the is, we can’t afford to lose the Great Salt Utah House District 31 seat. (Courtesy Russell Byron Moore) Lake. We need to protect it – and we also need to be looking 50 years down the road what they are thinking. I know inflation is no House election drama for those voters at how to better preserve and protect our a widespread issue. And with less money this time around. Utah water resources. We need more water to spend, I also know local businesses are Meantime, it’s northern and eastern storage and better water management and not being frequented as much as they once Taylorsville residents who now have this conservation.” were. I want to address that issue, also.” field of four candidates. Summer primary Speaking just a couple of days after Interestingly, in 2020 and 2022 voters elections are a possibility in both parties. At officially entering the race, Moore admitted toward the south and west of Taylorsville a minimum, House District 31 voters will he has homework to do. Maythe23rd made Utah House race very close be- get their final say on Nov. 5, on their ballot “I haven’t thought yet about the is- tween veteran GOP lawmaker Jim Dun- below the races for President, Utah senator Goldennigan Corral,and6652-time East 7200 sues in my particular District,” he said. challenger Democrat Ly- and others.l “Now that I am running, I plan to get into nette Wendel. This time around, Dunnigan South, Midvale the community and talk to people – see is completely unopposed; so there will be

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Continued from front page review and approval processes will contain one public hearing.” Taylorsville City Long Range Planner Mark McGrath works closely with planning commission members. He too is keeping a careful eye on Utah’s Capitol Hill. “The legislature has stepped into the land use game at an unprecedented level in the past three to four years,” McGrath explained. “Legislators are concerned planning commissions along the Wasatch Front are limiting growth. There’s no doubt we are in a housing crisis. The legislature is passing laws to streamline the building process. A lot of things that used to require public hearings no longer do.” McGrath said city planning commissions still maintain broad control over land use through zoning. But he’s also hearing concerns the state may seek to take control of that someday, as well. “The Salt Lake-Ogden-Provo corridor now has about 2.7 million residents – and is projected to grow by another 1.5 million in 40 years,” McGrath said. “This is why there is such a struggle now over land use. Demand is only growing.” Former Taylorsville Planning Commission Chair Marc McElreath adds, “Lawmakers want to make zoning and land use laws more consistent across the state; but this can tie the hands of planning commissions and city councils.”

The now longest-serving member of the Taylorsville Planning Commission (by just a few months over Lynette Wendel) is Don Quigley. He too joined the body in 2015. “Taylorsville is poised for a very interesting, but bright future,” Quigley said. “Financing issues have slowed growth in the city recently. When demand returns, I believe we are in a position now where Taylorsville’s next mode of growth will be vertical. But I don’t see a need for growth above six stories in our city. We are working hard to maintain our communities.” Another Taylorsville Planning Commission member who weighed in on the issue is landscape architect David Wright. “Recent state legislative items have significantly impacted the Planning Commission,” Wright said. “In some cases, the legislature has restricted the number of public meetings we can have regarding certain projects. We have had no problems with this; but there is a potential for problems. There could be reckless development if we don’t keep an eye on it.” Wright views the change through an interesting analogy. “I feel like the Planning Commission is being minimized,” he said. “If we were a football team, instead of starting on the offensive line, I feel like the commission is now on special teams. We don’t have as much control over the outcome of the game as we once did. Gov. Cox says his goal is to

get more affordable housing more quickly. I believe this goal can cause troubles.” However, despite the varying level of concern among several Taylorsville Planning Commission members, Mayor Kristie Overson is not wringing her hands over Utah housing growth pressures. “We keep a careful eye on the bills passed by the legislature,” she began. “Last year, some bills passed that forced us to modify our General Plan, to be sure we were current and compliant. But we are doing our best to preserve our (zoning) codes and ordinances. We will preserve our neighborhoods.” Overson believes Cox’s push for more “starter homes” will be a good thing for Taylorsville. “We have plenty of ‘first homes’ in our city,” she said. “They aren’t new homes; but they are comfortable, smaller first homes. Our Planning Commission is correct in the assumption the governor and legislature are pushing for more housing. But I am not panicked about it. When projects are proposed, the city always has the option to hold more public meetings. We are conscious of our residents. They will continue to have a strong voice.” Before her current stint as mayor – and her time on the Taylorsville City Council – Overson spent 11 years on the planning commission herself. Despite this current push by the legislature to create more af-

Vice Chair Don Russell and Chair Cindy Wilkey were elected to their new posts during the first 2024 meeting of the Taylorsville Planning Commission. (Courtesy Don Quigley)

fordable housing in Utah, she believes the current body will be able to face any new challenges. “Our Planning Commission works well and makes wise decisions,” Overson concluded. “They are well-educated people who have served on there for a long time. I am confident in their ability to oversee community development.” l

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OBESITY: This study is for adults over 18 and older who have type 2 diabetes, are obese, are overweight, and are at a high risk of heart or blood vessel disease. You must have a BMI greater than 25kg. This study can last one year or two years, depending on which group you get selected for. There are 20 clinic visits and 7 phone calls. To see if you qualify, call 801-542-8190. HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIA: This study is for adults 18 and older who have hypercholesterolemia, and is 60 weeks long. There are two groups you could get put into for this study. There are 8 visits and one phone call. You must have a history of major ASCVD (Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease) which is a build-up of cholesterol plaque in the arteries. If you have no history of a major ASCVD but are intermediate to high risk for the development of a first major event, you may also be eligible to participate. Compensation may be provided if you qualify.

HYPERTRIGLYCERIDEMIA: Statin-naive or statin-stable subjects - Do you

have high TG levels (higher than 3-00)? If you are between the ages of 18 and 79, and are currently on a statin or non-statin lipid-altering therapy of more than 200mg/day. You must be stable for more than 28 days prior to the first TG baseline qualifying measurement visit. You should remain stable thereafter for the duration of the study. This study is 28 weeks long and there are 8 visits and 2 phone calls. You must have a BMI no greater than 50, compensation may be provided if you qualify.

COVID BOOSTER: This study is for adults 50 and older who have been

previously vaccinated with COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. You must be medically stable; you must agree to not participate in any other SARS-CoV-2 prevention or treatment trials for the study. You must have previously received 3 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine with the last dose having been given 90 days or longer. This study is 7.5 months long. There are 4 visits and one phone call. Call us today to see if you qualify, 3590 West 9000 South, compensation may be provided.

801.542.8198 Page 10 | February 2024

Suite 300 West Jordan, UT 84088

velocitypatients.com Taylorsville City Journal

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,

www.taylorsvilleut.gov

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

FREQUENTLY CALLED NUMBERS

PAGE 2

| www.taylorsvilleut.gov

Emergency ...................................................................................................911 Police Department ............................................................... 801-840-4000 Poison Control Center .................................................... 1-800-222-1222 Animal Control Shelter ....................................................... 801-965-5800 Animal Control After House Dispatch ........................... 801-840-4000 Building Inspection ............................................................. 801-955-2030 Chamber West (Chamber of Commerce) ...................... 801-977-8755 Fire Department ................................................................... 801-743-7200 Gang Tip Line ......................................................................... 385-468-9768 Garbage/Recycle/GreenWaste Pick-up ........................ 385-468-6325 (Wasatch Front Waste & Recycling) Granite School District........................................................ 385-646-5000 Health Department ............................................................. 385-468-4100 Highway Conditions (from cell phone) .............................................511 Park Reservations ................................................................. 385-468-7275 Public Works (Salt Lake County) ....................................... 385-468-6101 Dominion Energy ................................................................. 800-323-5517 Rocky Mountain Power ...................................................... 888-221-7070 Salt Lake County Recycling/Landfill .............................. 801-974-6920 Taylorsville Bennion Improvement District................. 801-968-9081 Taylorsville Food Pantry ..................................................... 801-815-0003 Taylorsville Senior Center .................................................. 385-468-3370 Taylorsville Code Enforcement ........................................ 801-955-2013 Taylorsville Justice Court ................................................... 801-963-0268 Taylorsville Library ............................................................... 801-943-4636 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

City of Taylorsville Newsletter

Calling all performers!

Applicatio ns must be received by March 15.

Taylorsville City needs you to help make our Starry Nights @the Plaza events shine like the Milky Way! These free shows are the perfect accompaniment to our delicious food truck Fridays, and we're on the lookout for 17 amazing acts for our upcoming summer series. The stage is set at Centennial Plaza, a dazzling community space located at 2600 West Taylorsville Blvd. With an amphitheater, walking paths, gorgeous art sculptures, and clean restrooms, it's the perfect place to showcase your talents to an adoring crowd. So what are you waiting for? The spotlight is yours for the taking! To apply, scan the QR code or head to Taylorsvilleut.gov, under the "Our City" tab and "The Starry Nights @ the Plaza" tab.

EVENTS FEBRUARY 2024 Feb. 2 – All day It’s Groundhog Day. Are you ready for spring? Will the groundhog see his shadow?

Feb. 7 & 21 – 6:30 p.m. City Council Meeting @ City Hall and online. Watch a livestream of the meeting on the city’s website, www.taylorsvilleut.gov

Feb. 13 & Feb. 27 – 6:30 p.m. Planning Commission Meeting @ City Hall.

Feb. 14 – All day Happy Valentine's Day! We hope your day is lovely.

Feb. 15 – 7 p.m.

UPCOMING EVENTS

An Evening of Art @ the Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center. Meet artists Doug and Dianne Adams, who will talk about their work. See ad on Page 3.

Feb. 19 – All day

February 9 Imagine Entertainment presents BEATLES 60TH ANNIVERSARY TRIBUTE

President’s Day. City Offices are closed for the holiday.

Upcoming: March 29 & 30 – 7:30 p.m. A Musical Revue @ the Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center. Presented by the Taylorsville Arts Council, it will feature the music of Broadway’s Stephen Schwartz. 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

GET TICKETS AT SaltLakeCountyArts.org

February 10-18 Lyrical Opera Theater presents THE BARBER OF SEVILLE

February 2024

COUNCIL CORNER

2600 West Taylorsville Boulevard • 801-963-5400 |

PAGE 3

Remembering our Veterans is an Honor and Moving Experience

By Council Member Ernest Burgess The honorable men and women who have served in the military forces are foremost of mind this month, mainly due to the strong impression left on me by those who helped organize and attended the city’s recent Wreaths Across America ceremony. I and my fellow Council Members were so moved to be able to volunteer to set wreaths on the headstones of those men and women who served in the Armed Forces and are buried at the Taylorsville City Cemetery. I went to the cemetery early that morning on Dec. 16, and with others, cleaned the headstones. After a program at City Hall, all the volunteers came back to the cemetery to place 260 wreaths on the veterans’ graves. We were given a wreath with a name placed on it. We walked to that gravesite, spoke the full name out loud, then placed the wreath. It was quite an emotional experience to realize there were so many service people buried in our small Taylorsville cemetery. I thought about my own father, grandfather, brother and others who had served in the Armed Forces, and hoped that someone was recognizing their service, and appreciating and honoring them. I have come to realize the great sacrifices they made to serve our country, and I am grateful.

Each year, the Veterans Day Concert, sponsored by the Utah National Guard, presents songs and thoughts about our veterans. As the hymn of each branch of the Armed Forces is played, attendees are asked to stand if they or a member of their family served in any of the branches. As a family member, I am proud and thankful to stand for the Navy and Army branches and remember some of the lyrics from their songs:

U.S. Navy Song “Anchors Aweigh” Anchors Aweigh, my boys, Anchors Aweigh Farewell to foreign shores, we sail at break of day, of day Through our last night ashore, drink to the foam, Until we meet once more, here’s wishing you a happy voyage home!

U.S. Army Song “The Army Goes Rolling Along” First to fight for the right, And to build the Nation’s might, And the Army goes rolling along. Proud of all we have done, Fighting till the battle’s won, And the Army goes rolling along. Our freedom and liberty in this great country has been bought with a price. Let us teach the rising

LEFT TO RIGHT: Bob Knudsen, (District 5), Curt Cochran, Chair (District 2), Anna Barbieri, (District 3), Meredith Harker, Vice Chair (District 4) and Ernest Burgess (District 1)

generation about what that freedom requires from each of us. And, if you missed the Wreaths Across America ceremony, please consider attending this next December. It is an incredible, unforgettable experience!

Don’t Get a Ticket, Follow These Parking & Snow Removal Laws With winter now here, the City of Taylorsville and Taylorsville Police Department want to remind everyone of a few city and state laws related to snow removal and winter parking, as well as year-round parking laws. Please be advised that violations of the ordinances below may result in citations, vehicles being towed, or administrative fines related to code enforcement. TVPD and city administrators also extend a thank you to community members who stay in compliance with these laws, as it assists in maintaining home values and contributes to overall public safety. Remember:

• All snow, hail or sleet must be removed from a paved sidewalk and existing curb ramp within 24 hours after the snow, hail or sleet has ceased falling (City Code 14.32.100) • It is unlawful to remove snow (or any other material) from the sidewalk or curb in a gutter in a manner that will prevent the free flow of water (City Code 14.32.110) • It is unlawful to remove snow, ice or any other material and place it on any city road or highway in an interfering, obstructive or dangerous manner (City Code 14.20.105) • It is unlawful to park or allow a vehicle/trailer to be parked on any roadway after any amount of snow and/or ice accumulation until after the roadway is cleared of snow and/or ice (City Code 11.20.080) • It is unlawful to park or allow a vehicle/trailer to be parked on any roadway for more than 24 hours (City Code 11.20.080) • Vehicles must be parked in a manner where the sidewalk is not blocked (Utah Code 41.6a.1402) • Vehicles cannot be parked within 5 feet of a driveway or 10 feet of a mailbox during delivery times (City Code 11.20.040) • Commercial trucks and trailers cannot be parked in residential areas (City Code 11.20.050) • Recreational trailers cannot be parked on the roadways for more than 24 hours or in a manner that obstructs the roadway (City code 11.20.055) • An inoperable vehicle (including unregistered/expired/uninsured) cannot be operated/driven/parked on the roadway (City Code 11.20.090, Utah code 41.1a.1303 and 41.12.302)

FALL IN LOVE with art!

AN EVENING OF ART THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 7PM VENUE: MID-VALLEY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER ADDRESS: 2525 W TAYLORSVILLE BLVD, TAYLORSVILLE FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC The City of Taylorsville is excited to present our third Plaza +ART: An Evening of Art! This evening promises to be a very special and fun time as it has been named "Fall in Love With Art" and will feature husband and wife artists, Doug and Dianne Adams. Doug is a metal bell sculptor and Dianne is a watercolor and mixed media artist. You will love hearing their stories and seeing samples of their beautiful work! There will be a raflle of some of their donated pieces. Funds will go to the Plaza +ART program. Sweet treats will be provided. Please email Jandrus@taylorsvilleut.gov to RSVP for the event.

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City of Taylorsville Newsletter

| www.taylorsvilleut.gov

TVPD Announces 2 Winners of Holiday Card Contest Check this space each month for news about the Taylorsville Police Department (TVPD) and their valuable service to our community. It has been a long-standing tradition for TVPD to solicit help from all local fifth-graders to design a drawing for our official TVPD holiday card. Out of the more than 150 drawings received this season, TVPD selected two winners. Keyannah of Vista Elementary (Mrs. Cooper’s class) drew a colorful picture depicting Santa’s sleigh drawn by six police cars flying over her school, the police station and a beautifully decorated Christmas tree. Leili of Bennion Elementary (Mrs. Miller’s class) is the artist behind the picture titled “Have a Policey Christmas!,” complete with a TVPD car and police K-9 in a Santa hat. Congratulations to both! In addition to their featured drawings on TVPD’s holiday card, both students were taken to lunch this past month at Café Rio in Taylorsville, joined by Sgt. Palmer, Det. Andrew, Mayor Overson and Chief Cottam. Texas Roadhouse in Taylorsville also provided a meal to each of the students’ families. Thank you to all the fifth-grade students who participated. You can see some of their additional drawings on TVPD’s social media channels.

Leili of Bennion Elementary

EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH Congratulations to Det. Griffith, TVPD’s latest Employee of the Month. Det. Griffith has more than 10 years of experience in law enforcement and has worked for both Cottonwood Heights and Taylorsville police departments. He obtained his degree in criminal justice and graduated from Salt Lake Community College’s Peace Officers Standards and Training. Officer Griffith has served in several areas including patrol, field training, SWAT, traffic, motors, investigations, and he is a member of the Salt Lake Valley Crash Analyst and Reconstruction Team (CAR). Det. Griffith currently serves as a SWAT team member within TVPD and is assigned to our Directed Enforcement Unit where he investigates property crimes and assists in investigating serious vehicle collisions involving critical injuries. Chief Cottam notes his outstanding work in the investigation of three high-profile traffic collisions, which all occurred in November. At this time, Det. Griffith was not assigned to the CAR team, but he did not hesitate to “step up to the plate.” Due to his previous experience, he was able to take on this new assignment while maintaining his responsibilities as a property crimes detective and SWAT officer. In his free time, Det. Griffith enjoys traveling and taking vacations with his family. Thank you, Det. Griffith, for your service and dedication to law enforcement and for choosing to be a part of Team Taylorsville! Keyannah of Vista Elementary

February 2024

2600 West Taylorsville Boulevard • 801-963-5400 |

PAGE 5

Organizations, Businesses Celebrate New Openings in Taylorsville Among the new openings in Taylorsville over the past few months were Summit Vista’s Spruce Grove, the Utah Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Geneva Rock. Each celebrated with Ribbon Cutting events and are detailed below: GENEVA ROCK — Utah construction company Geneva Rock has opened its new headquarters in Taylorsville, at 4393 S. Riverboat Road. Due to internal growth, Geneva Rock needed to relocate from its former headquarters at 5300 South in Murray — a move that will allow it to expand operations while remaining centrally situated in the Salt Lake Valley, said Jay Ritchie, company president. In all, their new location at the Riverboat Building offers 100,000 square feet of space. Since 1954, Geneva Rock has been the top supplier of ready-mix concrete, sand and gravel, asphalt, and construction services. You can read more about them on their website, genevarock.com. UTAH HISPANIC CHAMBER — The Utah Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s new office is located within Mountain America Credit Union’s Taylorsville branch at 3065 W. 5400 South. Mountain America CEO Sterling Nielsen told KSL News that the credit union's expertise as a Small Business Administration lender, in conjunction with the chamber's close proximity, will allow it to help more Hispanic entrepreneurs. The Utah Hispanic Chamber of Commerce also has locations in Ogden and Salt Lake City, where its day-to-day operations will continue. Visit the chamber's website, utahhcc.com, for additional details.

SUMMIT VISTA’S SPRUCE GROVE — Summit Vista’s newest independent living building, Spruce Grove (pictured below), features several one- and two-bedroom floor plans. In welcoming the latest opening, Mayor Kristie Overson noted the retirement community as “a vibrant village of neighbors helping neighbors.” Summit Vista opened in Taylorsville in 2018. Visit their website, summitvista.com, to find out more about available apartments, pricing, amenities and services. Read additional details and more about other new businesses opening in Taylorsville on the city’s website, www.taylorsvilleut.gov.

A Taylorsville Arts Council Production

AMUSICAL REVUE

TAYLORSVILLE Community Greenhouse The greenhouse will open

February 24th

March 29 & March 30 7:30 PM

Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center Tickets $10

for anyone interested in starting their vegetables and flowers for spring planting. Cost is $25. Please contact Toni Lenning at 801-414-4192 if you are interested.

PAGE 6

| www.taylorsvilleut.gov

City of Taylorsville Newsletter

YEAR IN REVIEW CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 their work. The Taylorsville Arts Council brought many fantastic shows again to the community, including an Evening of Fascinating Rhythm, Into the Woods Jr., Taylorsville’s Got Talent, Footloose and the 2023 Art Show that drew more than 130 entries. COMMUNITY BUILDING Thousands turned out for Taylorsville Dayzz 2023 and its parade, 5K, carnival, concerts, car show and, of course, the best fireworks in the state! The annual Cleanup Day, sponsored by the Green Committee, collected literally tons of items for disposal and recycling, and the city's many star employees were recognized at Taylorsville's 27th annual Awards Gala, where Mayor Overson also delivered the 2023 State of the City address.

the world, run retail stores, restaurants and other businesses. The renovation has included demolition and repaving of the entire parking lot, the planting of new landscaping throughout, the addition of curbs and gutters for ADA compliance, and the widening of sidewalks and patio areas to support outdoor seating along building fronts. PUBLIC SAFETY Taylorsville’s Police Department and the Unified Fire Authority firefighters and paramedics worked throughout the year to keep our community safe, covering several high-profile incidents. They also participated in and led many community events. Among them, the Public Safety Committee hosted the city’s 2023 Night Out Against Crime, and TVPD held its first Cops and Pups event, a pet adoption fair that also collected donations for the Animal Shelter. In addition, TVPD took the first-place Overall Top Narcotics Dog award at the Utah Peace Officers Association K-9 Trials.

City leaders worked to keep the Taylorsville Food Pantry open following changes by the local nonprofit that had managed it previously. It remains in operation thanks to volunteers from Intermountain Baptist Church. And Salt Lake Community College celebrated 75 years with an anniversary ceremony, where Mayor Overson recognized the college’s amazing legacy in Taylorsville. Also in this area, the Historic Preservation Committee hosted its first Fall Festival, featuring a pumpkin patch, quilt show and other activities at the Taylorsville-Bennion Heritage Center, and residents turned out for the 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance. Other community-building events were Trick-or-Treating on the Plaza, the Wreaths Across America ceremony, Saturday with Santa and the city’s second annual holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT New businesses opened across the city and were celebrated with Ribbon Cutting events by city officials and ChamberWest representatives. Bulldozers and backhoes cleared the site of the old Kmart store at 5400 South and Bangerter Highway to make way for the new mixed-use project, called Volta. Major renovations also were made at the Carriage Square shopping center where more than 40 individual business owners, who come from at least 10 different areas of

TRANSPORTATION Construction improvements were in full force along Redwood Road from 6200 South to I-215, with the aim of improving traffic flow and safety along the corridor. The Redwood Road Mobility Project, from 4100 to 5400 South, also has brought such enhancements as the installation of a right turn pocket near Taylorsville High School, consolidations of commercial accesses and the removal and reconstruction of aging curbs, sidewalks and pedestrian ramps. Overhead utilities and power poles are going underground, and wider parking strips and landscaping will improve aesthetics. Major work is underway, too, at 4700 South and Bangerter Highway to construct a new freeway-style interchange. A new culvert was installed at the corner of 2700 West and Longmeadow Drive to make it safer for area students to get to school, and a raised median along 4700 South between the east- and westbound lanes, from 2700 West and I-215, was put in place to improve traffic flow on 4700 South and help alleviate some of the past traffic issues there. In addition, work continues on the development of the Mid-Valley Connector Bus Rapid Transit line, and the Taylorsville Active Communities Plan is working to better incorporate bicycles and pedestrians into transportation and recreational planning. “It’s amazing to me that as a city, working together, we accomplished so much this past year,” Mayor Overson said. “Taylorsville is definitely the place to be — the place where community connects.”

February 2024 Taylorsville Bennion Heritage

2600 West Taylorsville Boulevard • 801-963-5400 |

PAGE 7

Don’t Miss These Library Events

REMEMBRANCES

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

Early Settlers William and Mary Haigh Made Taylorsville Their Home

HYGGE LIBRARY BINGO — Thursday, Feb. 1 to Thursday, Feb. 29. Hygge ("hooga") is a Danish concept about enjoying life's quieter pleasures. Experience hygge this February with a bingo card from the library. Enter to win a prize basket. TODDLER PLAYTIME — Fridays, Feb. 2, 9 and 23, at 10:30 a.m. Open playtime and social interaction for toddlers and their caring adult(s). Toys, tunnels and more! VIRTUAL ADULT LECTURE | Hygge, Health, and Happiness — Monday, Feb. 5, at 7 p.m. Register at: thecountylibrary.org/LectureSeries. Professor Claus E. Andersen will introduce the concept of Hygge, explain how it relates to the Scandinavian way of life and give concrete suggestions for how to incorporate hygge into your life. SELF-IMPROVEMENT BOOK CLUB — Saturday, Feb. 10, at 11 a.m. Meet other readers interested in self-improvement and self-discovery in this monthly book club. February's book pick is “The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brené Brown. Swing by the Taylorsville Branch to pick up a copy. PUPPET SHOW: PRINCESS AND THE FROG — Friday, Feb. 16, at 10:30 a.m. When a princess drops her golden ball into the pond, the frog offers to get it. Will she really have to kiss the frog?

This month’s article features William and Mary Ann Harker Haigh from the Harker Family History. William Henry Haigh was born on July 18, 1844, in Huddersfield, Yorkshire, England, to Abraham Haigh and Elizabeth Cartwright. William’s mother died when he was a child. His father worked at a woolen manufacturing business in Yorkshire, and William stayed at home when not attending school. In 1855, when William was 11, his father also died, leaving William to fend for himself. He followed after his father, working in the woolen manufacturing trade until 1866, when the 22-year-old sailed for New York City and then headed west in Capt. Thomas E. Ricks’ wagon train. Once in Utah, he settled west of the Jordan River, and was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Sept. 30, 1866, by Joseph Harker. About three years later, he married Harker’s daughter, Mary Ann, who was then 16 — nine years his junior. Mary Ann Harker Haigh was born in Taylorsville on June 22, 1853. She had five older brothers and eventually five younger brothers and sisters. She and William had three children and lived most of their lives in Taylorsville, where they built a home in the fall of 1875. They were very happy together there until Jan. 5, 1879, when William was sent by his church to serve a mission for nearly two years in Liverpool, England. Mary Ann said she was not too lonely, as she kept busy knitting socks and curtains to help keep him on his mission. William, who was pictured in the local newspaper for his 90th birthday, died in April 1936, and his wife died in August that year. He was 92 and she was 83. They are both buried in the Taylorsville City Cemetery. You can learn more about the Haigh family and many other early Taylorsville settlers and their histories at the Taylorsville-Bennion Heritage Center museum, 1488 W. 4800 South. Drop on by!

VIRTUAL ADULT LECTURE | Avatar: The Last Airbender – Zuko's Transformation — Tuesday, Feb. 27, at 7 p.m. Register at: thecountylibrary.org/ LectureSeries. In this lecture, philosophy professor Justin White will use the “Avatar: The Last Airbender” character Zuko to discuss the process and difficulty of deep personal change. Zuko's transformation illustrates the complex interplay between two dimensions of identity. This complexity can make possible transformative change, but it also helps explain the difficulty we can face as we work to change, to leave behind old ways of being and to acquire new ones. TEEN: DUCT TAPE CREATIONS — Thursday, Feb. 29, at 6:30 p.m. Make your own duct tape wallet, earrings, flip flops and more! Supplies provided.

TAYLORSVILLE SENIOR CENTER 4743 S. Plymouth View Drive

February Class Highlights The center has planned a variety of classes this month: Craft with Vickie: Make a fun craft with Vickie on Wednesday, Feb. 7, at 10 a.m. Hot Cocoa Party: Stay warm in the center with some delicious hot cocoa on Tuesday, Feb. 13, at 9:30 a.m. Creative Writing Workshop: Learn the art of creative writing with the Salt Lake Community College Writing Center on Tuesday, Feb. 20, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in classroom B. Free UVU Health Screening: Get a free health screening from Utah Valley University nursing residents on Feb. 27 from 10 a.m. to noon in the aerobics room. Line Dancing: Line Dancing with Bonnie on Fridays from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Beginner and advanced classes available. 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 1-385-468-3370.

ANNUAL COLLECTION DAY PAGE 8

| www.taylorsvilleut.gov

City of Taylorsville Newsletter Water and Sewer Line Issues Often Come with a Key Question

FEBRUARY UPDATES Waste in the Winter As we dig out of the snow, residents can help WFWRD drivers by moving waste and recycling cans from out behind the snowbanks on collection day. Please also remember to clear the snow off the top of your lids. As the winter months continue, there is a possibility of bad weather affecting the district’s ability to provide timely service to your neighborhood. Its Facebook and Twitter pages are the best way for residents and customers to find out if there could be a delay in service due to weather or traffic complications. Please follow Wasatch Front Waste & Recycling District on Facebook and Twitter to stay apprised of these issues, and also to receive waste and recycling tips and updates.

Mail and Packaging: Is it Recyclable? As online shopping and deliveries continue to increase, the district is seeing more and more shipping packaging come through the recycling stream. Remember, bubble wrap, cellophane, Styrofoam and other plastic shipping materials are not accepted in your curbside recycle cans. If it’s film plastic and you can crumple it in your fist, then it belongs in the black garbage can. Please throw these items in the garbage or visit the district’s website to find alternative recycling options.

Download a Recycling Guide or Coloring Sheet Find both at wasatchfrontwaste.org

A common question 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 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. 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 financial protection, it is recommended that homeowners contact their 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 Twitter.

Taylorsville Food Pantry thriving under volunteers from the city’s Intermountain Baptist Church By Carl Fauver | c.fauver@mycityjournals.com

aylorsville Mayor Kristie Overson says, “They have exceeded our expectations. They are so friendly and loving. They are a Godsend.” The city’s Community Outreach Coordinator Jay Ziolkowski adds, “Their performance grade is an A++.” That high praise is being lavished upon the squadron of volunteers from the Intermountain Baptist Church (4770 S. 1950 West) who, for the past year, have volunteered their time on Fridays and Saturdays to provide thousands of families with a wide variety of provisions at the Taylorsville Food Pantry (4775 S. 1600 West). “We distribute food at the pantry every Saturday starting at 10 a.m.,” volunteer manager Phil Knight said. “That’s when most of our volunteers are there – probably 12 to 15 every week. We also have a smaller crew of volunteers to take the food in on Fridays.” Previously, paid food pantry operators distributed food multiple times each week. You might think cutting it back to a single weekly distribution would lead to some grumbling. But city and pantry officials say that has not been the case. “We’re supposed to be open from 10 to noon on Saturdays,” Knight continued. “But instead, we are cutting the line off at noon. By the time we finish serving everyone it’s early afternoon.” ‘Red tape’ procedures required of each person receiving food have been streamlined under the new volunteers. For starters, they are now serving everyone who shows up – regardless of where they live. Before, due to the federal funding the previous operators received, food pantry provisions could only be handed out to people with proof of Taylorsville residency. “On any given week, we have people here from Lehi to Ogden,” Knight said. “But we have never run out of food. I am volunteering my time because I want to serve anyone with a need. If they tried to require me to limit it to people living in a certain area, I’d have to leave.” Kelly Ostler has attended Intermountain Baptist Church about eight years and is one of Knight’s most reliable weekly volunteers at the Taylorsville Food Pantry. “I’ve never been married and have no children; so, I love being with my (congregational) ‘family’ every week,” Ostler said. “I have been homeless on a couple of occasions. I also did six months in jail once. But now I am proud to give back. I enjoy helping people in need. Before we start distributing food, I go up and down the line talking with people. I have gotten two people to start attending our church. I

TaylorsvilleJ ournal.com

feel so blessed the Lord has given me this opportunity.” Ostler adds, he’s also been ministering to people in Liberty Park – most of them suffering homelessness – for three years. And he recently purchased ten acres of land in eastern Utah he’s donating to his church, for a “spiritual retreat.” Volunteer Jerry Bullock is not a member of the Baptist Church. Instead, he’s someone who occasionally needs assistance himself – and also takes pride in giving back. “I have a sick wife who’s been unable to walk (due to Multiple Sclerosis) for 16 years,” Bullock explained. “I grew up in this area, attended Kearns High School and now live in Taylorsville. Sometimes we need assistance. So, I come to the pantry very early on Saturdays, put my bag in line to save my place and volunteer a couple Dozens of Taylorsville’s Intermountain Baptist Church congregants have volunteered their time over the of hours. The other volunteers are good to past year at the city’s food pantry. (Carl Fauver/City Journals) work with – and there is a better food selection now than in years past.” Knight prides himself in helping to generate the wider selection of food that’s now typically available at the pantry. “I chase down my own contacts to procure meat,” he said. “I have a strong connection with Daily’s Premium Meats. They are a pork producer and provided us with 17,000 pounds of bacon and hams just before Thanksgiving. Many Utah food pantries aren’t able to provide meat products at all. I’m always trying to find new food donors.” Knight also spends time tracking down appliances to handle all of the pantry’s fresh foods. “There were five refrigerators and freezers at the Taylorsville Food Pantry when we began volunteering here a year ago,” he said. “We’ve now added 12 more Jerry Bullock occasionally receives assistance from the Taylorsville Food Pantry and frequently enjoys “paying it back” by volunteering there. (Carl Fauver/City Journals) appliances that can either refrigerate or freeze, just by adjusting their temperature. I like to buy through school district auctions. Intermountain Baptist Church volun- food coming in and going out. I know we We’ve purchased appliances from Jordan, teers got their start providing food to those are serving a lot more families now.” Granite, Salt Lake and even Cache School in need nearly four years ago, during the It’s gotten so busy at the Taylorsville District. I had to make a run up to Logan to pandemic. For several months, they distrib- Food Pantry, Knight says they are quickpick up four large units.” uted food boxes to hundreds of their mem- ly outgrowing the facility. But, for now, In their first year operating the pantry, bers each month. So they had a bit of ex- they’re getting by with the refrigerator, Knight says they have served more than perience prior to Taylorsville City officials freezer and shelf space they have. 6,000 households and nearly 22,000 peo- putting the word out in the fall of 2022 they “Mayor Overson has been down here ple. Their busiest month, by far, was last needed new food pantry operators. several times while we are distributing food November when 1,290 households received “We still provide the food pantry to talk with the people in line and to see food, representing 4,942 family members. building and cover their electricity and oth- how we are doing,” Knight said. “We ap“We told people we would be giving er utilities,” Ziolkowski said. “But our city preciate the city’s support. The other day, our volunteers a break over the holidays, budget has not changed for the pantry oper- I handed a man a package of bacon. He and the pantry would not be open Decem- ation under the new volunteers. The previ- got a little teary-eyed as he told me, ‘I’ve ber 23 or 30,” Knight explained. “But we ous operators were able to pay a couple of not been able to afford bacon for 11 years.’ distributed more food than usual before people to work there through federal grants. That’s why our church members volunteer those closures. That was a big reason why Now, there are a lot more volunteers taking here.” l our November numbers were so high.” up that slack. The result has been a lot more

February 2024 | Page 19

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or a state run by legislators who sneer at tobacco products, I find it confusing they don’t give a flying cigar about our state’s dangerous air quality. GOP legislators balk at green energy initiatives like a vampire facing the sunrise and a head of garlic. A 2023 American Lung Association report said Salt Lake ranks among the nation’s most polluted cities for ozone and short-term particle pollution. I don’t know what those words mean, but it doesn’t sound good. Lawmakers say Salt Lake has always dealt with inversions, we just have to work around a valley filled with pollution. That’s like saying the kitchen’s always been filled with rotting banana peels, crushed egg shells, open yogurt containers veiled in mold, and a greasy chicken carcass. We just have to work around it. Studies show polluted air is a bigger threat to our health than alcohol or tobacco. Maybe not breathing polluted air should be included in the Word of Wisdom next to wine (the devil’s fancy beverage) and tea (the witch’s drink). Then, perhaps, our lawmakers will pay attention. It’s true the valley’s design creates Utah’s crappy air quality. Temperature inversions trap cold air under a layer of warm air, like putting a lid on a pot of soup. Only this soup is filled with vehicle pollution, smoke from wood burning stoves, industrial emis-

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