West Jordan October 2015

October 2015 | Vol. 15 Iss. 10

FREE UTA on Track to Take Tax Dollars

By Rachel Hall

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Page 2 | October 2015 Proposition 1 will be on the November ballot to allow voters an opportunity to accept or reject a proposed 0.25 percent sales tax increase. The funding raised for transportation, should the proposition pass, would be split with 40 percent going to local cities, 40 percent to UTA and 20 percent to the county.

P

THE WEST JORDAN TEAM

oliticians will have their hands out again as residents return to the polls this November. Proposition 1 on this year’s ballot asks a simple question: Are you willing to pay more taxes? However the facts about this question seem to be less simple.

On face value the proposed tax increase associated with Proposition 1 would raise funds to be used for transportation expenses. Residents in most cities have sincere concerns about the condition of their roads and the costs associated with building, repairing and maintaining them.

To those concerned motorists, this tax increase may look acceptable. After scratching the surface and looking past the face value, voters will see that only 40 percent of the funds will be allocated to the local city, 40 percent of the funds will be given to UTA, and 20 percent of the funds will be given to the specific county where the proposition passes.

Voters will not have the option to accept the local portion of the proposed tax, without accepting the UTA portion of the tax as well as the county portion of the tax. This means for every 10 million dollars the city receives to spend on roads, the residents of the city have to pay $25 million in additional sales tax.

“I think it’s much more appropriate for each entity to make a case separately for why they need a tax increase and what they are going to do with the money,” West Jordan Councilman Ben Southworth said.

Voters may be in favor of fixing local roads, but not in providing funds to UTA or the county – or vice versa – according to Southworth, who also believes that each entity and lobbyists recognized it’s easier to make a case to pass a tax increase when everything is lumped together.

“The entities may have very legitimate needs, but don’t hold one hostage to another,” Southworth said. “I don’t support the initiative at all and will be voting against it. That’s not an indictment on any of the entities; it’s an indictment on the process.”

Over a dozen counties have decided to put the proposition on the ballot, and nearly all the city officials in Salt Lake County have shown support for the proposition in one way or another. However, Proposition 1 on the November ballot will give voters the opportunity to choose to support or not support the sales tax increase geared towards providing more funding for transportation, including UTA. The proposed 0.25 percent tax increase was approved to be placed on the ballot after the state legislature passed HB362 that allowed for the proposition to be voted on – this same bill also approved a 5 cent per gallon gas tax to go into effect on Jan. 1, 2016.

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Higher Taxes on Ballot - How Will You Vote?

By Rachel Hall If the average family uses 20 gallons of gas per week, the increased cost of fuel next year will take an additional $52 per year out of their budget. Consumers should also prepare for this tax to increase other products; it would make sense that if Smith’s trucks are paying more at the pump, then consumers will be paying more for their groceries. This increase to the gas tax is already approved and will take effect no matter the outcome of Proposition 1.

Proposition 1 affects the county as a whole, so we reached out to some politicians throughout the county. When the Journals asked Cottonwood Heights Mayor Cullimore about the impact the proposition would have on residents in his city, he said, “We are thrilled that we are getting 40 percent. It was a negotiated split. This is how politics is done – it’s compromise. What matters is we came to a compromise that everyone agreed upon.”

The split funding would result in families having to pay $2.50 for every $1.00 of city revenue received.

“I think there are some people concerned about UTA getting some of the funds. 60 percent of the funds are going to cities and counties to take care of local roads. 40 percent is going to UTA, but those [funds] are also going to specifically be going to the bus service in our communities,” Cullimore said.

However, there is nothing in the bill that would require the UTA to spend the funds in the local city or county.

“We’ve been falling behind for years. Once you fall behind, you can almost never catch up,” Sandy City Mayor Dolan said. “The growth is going to happen. Without this revenue stream, it will become more difficult [to complete projects].

The federal funds have dried up. We can’t expect to see much coming out of Washington.”

Press conferences have been held around the valley to inform voters of the specifics of Proposition 1, but elected officials are only allowed to give a personal opinion on the measure as an individual and not acting as a representative of the public. UTA is also required to offer education to the public and not push for approving or denying the tax increase.

“It’s really not our job to advocate for or against the tax increase. What we do, and what we have been doing, is listening to local elected leaders and civic leaders as they ask questions about how money can be spent to improve transit services in their communities,” UTA Spokesman Remi Barron said. “It’s up to them to tell us what they’re looking for. We try to provide the service after they tell us the kinds of service

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that they need.”

“We get funding from different sources. We currently do get money through the sales tax. This [proposition] is just an increase. We also get federal funding though federal grants and then some state funding through programs the state has. We also get fare box revenue,” Barron said. “The yearly budget varies from year to year based off of the amount of sales tax collected.”

The needs of each community are unique, and that is why not every mayor has personally spoken up in favor of the tax increase. South Jordan Mayor Alvord will personally be voting against the measure because of the “UTA component” and the “one size fits all nature.”

“This is a pedal to the medal spending approach for transportation. In other words, every city has to spend more on their transportation spending regardless of their history of spending,” Alvord told the City Journals. “The problem with that is that if there are cities in the county that have had adequate transportation spending; they cannot reduce their spending with this new revenue. They have to find creative places to put the money.”

South Jordan has implemented priority based budgeting, which requires all of the initiatives and all of the programs of the city to be ranked according to priority. City staff and the city council both rank projects to set the priority.

“That’s the way we would anticipate funding roads in the future. If we need to place a higher priority on maintenance, for example, we could simply give that a higher score and m i ss i o n s tate m e n t

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Page 4 | October 2015

West Jordan City Journal

September Western Stampede Events Celebrate Tradition and Innovation

Peripheral Neuropathy:

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Peripheral neuropathy is a result of damage to the nerves often causing weakness, pain, numbness, tingling and the most debilitating balance problems.

This damage is commonly caused by a lack of blood flow to the nerves in the hands and feet which causes the nerves to begin to degenerate due to lack of nutrient flow.

As you can see in Figure 1, as the blood vessels that surround the nerves become diseased, they shrivel up which causes the nerves to not receive the nutrients needed to survive. When these nerves begin to “die” they cause you to have balance problems, pain, numbness, tingling, burning and many additional symptoms.

The most common method your

doctor will recommend to treat your neuropathy is with prescription drugs that may temporarily reduce your symptoms. These drugs have names such as Gabapentin, Lyrica, Cymbalta and Neurontin and are primarily antidepressant or anti-seizure drugs. These drugs may cause you to feel uncomfortable and have a variety of harmful side effects.

The main problem is that your doctor has told you to just live with the problem or try the drugs which you don’t like taking because they make you feel uncomfortable. There is now a facility right here in South Jordan that offers you new hope without taking those endless drugs with serious side effects.

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Figure 1: When these very small blood vessels become diseased, they begin to shrivel up and the nerves begin to degenerate.

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T

he City of West Jordan and the Western Stampede hosted two major events in the West Jordan arena in September. West Jordan’s annual Demolition Derby holds long ties to tradition, and its brand-new Endurocross event brought a fresh twist to the city, but both brought the same energetic crowds.

The city has been working for several months to bring new events to the arena. “We’ve been trying for quite some time to find ways to better use the rodeo arena, because so frequently it just sits there empty,” Councilmember Chris McConnehey said.

The city hosted its annual Demolition Derby on Sept. 12. This year, the derby solely featured trucks—a major draw to the event for many spectators—whose drivers competed for $14,000 in prize money.

“It’s really all strategy,” West Jordan resident and Demolition Derby fan Gage Pomikala said, “which is so much fun because all the cars are set with rules of what they can or can’t have with their

car—like a weight limit—but it still has to be safe for the drivers. I like to see who made their car to last; also, which driver can deal the biggest hit.”

The city also held its first-ever Endurocross event on Sept. 23.

Endurocross is a relatively new competition in the United States that incorporates aspects of the off-road racing sport supercross and endurance racing to create a hybrid motorcycle competition.

The competition is hosted in an indoor arena and features motorcyclists showcasing their skills with big jumps over obstacles such as logs, rocks and bodies of water.

“We tried to do this event either two or three years ago, and we just didn’t have enough time to get it pulled together, so this will be the first time we’ll be able to do the Endurocross,” Councilmember Chris McConnehey said. “I’m excited to see how it plays out. It’s a fantastic venue for a lot of different potential uses, but so often it sits there empty.”

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Page 6 | October 2015

West Jordan City Journal

City Implements New WaterSmart Program

By Taylor Stevens West Jordan City recently adopted a new WaterSmart program that will allow users to see custom reports of their water usage in an effort to promote citywide accountability and sustainability.

The idea for the WaterSmart program came from a group of citizens called the Sustainability Committee, according to Councilmember Chris McConnehey, and was implemented by West Jordan’s management assistant to the city manager, Steve Glain.

The program will send custom water reports to 5,000 randomly-selected, singlefamily homes in West Jordan. Those residents will then be able to see how their water usage matches up to that of other families in the area.

Household comparison is the key to

After 5,000 randomly-selected, single-family homes receive water usage reports for the next year, the city hopes they will become more conscious of their water usage—saving the environment and saving the city money.

the program.

“People can learn how they compare to their neighbors, and without setting up any penalties or fines, we just provide them with information; people tend to want to do the right thing and move toward their efficient neighbors and become more like them.”

The first water reports went out at the end of September, and the city will now begin sending those residents their bimonthly water usage report. At the end of the program, the city will compare the water usage of those who received WaterSmart reports with a control group who did not and decide if the program is worth continuing.

The WaterSmart program is being funded 80 percent with money from a grant from the Jordan Water Conservancy District and 20 percent by the city.

If West Jordan residents use less water, it’s better for the environment— which is why the city is moving toward its goal of a citywide reduction in water usage.

“The city has a goal that was set back in the year 2000 to reduce its per capita water consumption by 25 percent by the year 2025, and that’s actually the same as the statewide goal,” Glain said. “Any [reduction] in water consumption will move us toward that goal, and of course its good for the environment. In Utah, population is growing but the water supply is not growing. It’s sort of a fixed amount.”

Water reduction is also good for the city’s pocketbooks.

“From a financial perspective, the city can save money on the water that we buy from the water district before we sell it to our customers [if consumers use less],” Glain said. “We can save money if

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If you use city water but your home wasn’t one of the 5,000 randomly selected to receive WaterSmart usage reports and you’re interested in seeing your data, Glain says the city is still able to provide that.

“Even if a homeowner is not part of that 5,000, we have all of the data,” Glain

said. “We have these customer reports electronically that we can send by email to any customer for free.”

Interested residents can request this information from Steve Glain at SteveG@ wjordan.com.

“Overall, the city is moving towards its goal of 25 percent reduction per capita water use,” Glain said. “We’re saving water, but we’re saving a little bit less than we used to, and we’re hoping people will respond to a little reminder like this.”

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fund maintenance,” Alvord said. “We would have to live within a budget more carefully [if Proposition 1 does not pass].”

“Until the streets are paved in gold, we could always spend more. I don’t say that to sound flippant; literally, in Washington D.C. for example, they had granite on their curbing,” Alvord said. “I’m trying to illustrate the point without this money, South Jordan would have to look at our priorities and decide if we wanted to allocate more money to our roads.”

Holladay Mayor Dahle, on the other hand, will individually vote in favor of the tax increase. He feels appropriately funding the needs of the community is the responsible thing to do, and will save money down the road.

“It comes down to being a responsible steward of your assets. It’s irresponsible to let them continue to go downhill when you can maintain them for pennies on the dollar,” Dahle said. “This is a really, really important issue. The citizens can decide if it’s something they think is worth funding.”

Advocacy groups, such as the Utah Taxpayers Association, spoke up suggesting that the potential tax increase should have been placed on next year’s ballot when more voters are likely to offer their opinion during the presidential election.

“I think taxpayers have a lot to think about. As a family, can you afford the increase?” Utah Taxpayers Association Vice-President Hesterman said. “We have to understand there is a need – this is one way to fill the need.”

Americans for Prosperity State Director Evelyn Everton released a statement expressing regret that the potential sales tax has landed on the November ballot.

“We are disappointed to hear that county commissions would even consider allowing a sales tax hike to move forward. As responsible legislators, county officials should be working to protect their constituents from harmful legislation like the ‘local sales tax option.’

If approved, the new tax would increase the price of nearly everything that families need,” Everton wrote.

The sales tax rate would increase to 7.1 percent if approved, compared to the current 6.85 percent in most Salt Lake County areas – equivalent to one cent more for every $4 spent.

“Even worse? Almost half the funding would go to the wasteful Utah Transit Authority — where it’s common practice to use taxpayer dollars to award massive executive bonuses.

Utahns are already adjusting their budgets for the new gas and property tax hikes. Allowing a vote on a bill to hike the sales tax, just wouldn’t be fair,” Everton wrote.

Everton’s remarks obviously illustrate the alleged mismanagement of the UTA in the past. Where administration has been blamed for high spending, low rider base, and gross amount of money being spent on executive bonuses.

The proposition is about more than what it would cost voters now if passed, but what it could cost voters in the future if it does not pass.

“If we don’t receive the additional revenue – projects will have to wait,” Eyre said. “It costs about one dollar to repair a road and it costs about ten dollars to replace it.”

“There’s a baseline of what you have to spend to maintain transportation,” Dahle said. “It does stop the bleeding from what we have to pull [from the general fund] to maintain the roads [if Proposition 1 passes].

Some politicians have argued that citizens should accept this tax because it is a good compromise; it raises the money that is needed for the roads. It will allow the cities to maintain the roads at a lower cost than replacing them in the future.

When the City Journals reached out to residents, many thought that it sounded like politicians were handcuffing the maintenance of roads to the executive bonuses of the UTA. Many city residents were disgusted to find out that they were not given the option to raise funds for the roads without being forced to raise money for UTA. Many residents showed faith in their local politicians and city staff, but doubted the financial feasibility and management of the UTA.

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Page 8 | October 2015

West Jordan City Journal

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fter over a year of political development consulting group in Salt us move forward and build on the instability, and in the wake of Lake City. many things that make West Jordan the abrupt resignation of the city’s Palesh earned a bachelor’s a great place to live, work and raise permanent city manager and the yearlong degree from Parks College of a family,” Mayor Kim Rolfe said in appointment of an interim city manager, Aeronautical Technology and a master a statement released by the city. “We West Jordan City announced on Sept. of public administration degree from are confident in our choice and excited 1 that it had selected an applicant to Brigham Young University. to work together.” fill the position permanently.

To help find a suitable match for Palesh’s appointment comes Mark R. Palesh was named West the position, the council employed an a little over a year after the abrupt Jordan’s new city manager on Sept. 1 “executive recruiting firm,” Waters resignation of the prior city manager, after an hour-long interview process & Company, to conduct a nationwide Rick Davis, last August— amidst on Aug. 26. His appointment was search for applicants, a service for lawsuit allegations brought forward officially confirmed at the council’s by a city employee and a Sept. 9 meeting, where Palesh controversial severance was sworn in before the package worth nearly council, staff and assembled $200,000—and just three residents. He began his tenure weeks after the council the next day. approved an equally “I’m looking forward to contentious pay raise for this new opportunity,” Palesh Interim City Manager Bryce said in a statement released by Haderlie. the city. “My experience in P a l e s h ’s c o n t r a c t the military, public and private includes a yearly annual sectors will be an asset to this salary of $160,000. He will rapidly growing community. also receive disability and life There are many great things insurance, medical insurance happening in West Jordan, and up to $2,400 annually, 160 I’m excited to take on this new hours of executive leave (in challenge with Mayor Rolfe addition to vacation leave in and the city council.” line with city policies) and The council approved an automobile allowance Palesh’s appointment with a of $5,590. The agreement rare 6-0 vote. also included a six-month “He has the full severance package. confidence of every single Palesh currently resides member of the city council,” in Midvale with his family and C o u n c i l m e m b e r C h r i s New city manager Mark Palesh is sworn into his position at the city’s Sep. is consequently fully aware McConnehey said. “That’s 9 council meeting. of the current climate at City significant to find somebody which the city paid up to $24,500, Hall. that we can all agree on. He seems according to reporting by the Salt “When you look at his proximity like a good fit; he seems like what Lake Tribune. to West Jordan City, he’s been there,” we need at this time.”

Through this targeted research, McConnehey said. “He’s seen the Palesh has served as a local more than 1,000 people were notified news. He knows exactly what he’s government chief executive across of the opportunity, and the city getting into, and he’s optimistic to the United States, from New York received 21 applications for the move forward.” and Alaska to Utah. In Utah, he has position. Palesh was among four Palesh said he anticipates the worked in Lindon, Centerville and finalists, who were “selected based current climate in City Hall to be one Riverton. on a body of information that included of the biggest challenges he’ll have He has also had extensive work a resume, cover letter, questionnaire to overcome as city manager. experience outside of city government. and video interview,” according to a “I think the biggest issue that’s He retired as a lieutenant colonel from city news release. After filing through been in the council is the council the Air Force Reserve and National the applications, the city eventually working together as a cohesive team Guard Forces, and since 1995, he chose Palesh. and accomplishing the things they has worked as managing member/ “Mark brings a wealth of want to accomplish,” Palesh said.

CEO of the Magellan Group, a land experience to our city that will help “Getting all those seven to work

October 2015 | Page 9

WestJordanJournal .com

After a year of instability without a permanent city manager, West Jordan City swore in new city manager Mark Palesh at its Sep. 9 council meeting. towards a comprehensive plan for the city sometimes takes conscious corrections, so hopefully we’ll be able to do that.”

Palesh also wants to focus on improving economic development in the city.

“We have a wealth of property that we can utilize for large development projects and developing the infrastructure to satisfy

our needs,” Palesh said.

McConnehey said that Palesh’s approach to economic development— along with his good working relationships across the city—helped solidify Palesh as the right candidate for West Jordan.

“He has a good working relationship with folks from the county and folks on Capitol Hill. He’s been involved in a number of projects with the state, and that’s what we need if we’re trying to grow the city now. He has a lot of connections and relationships that will be beneficial to us as a city. He’s had experience with economic development, and he wants to take a rather aggressive approach to [growth].”

In the District 1 “Meet the Candidates” debate on July 14, McConnehey expressed concern that lacking a permanent city manager had contributed to a feeling of instability in West Jordan’s political climate. Now that the council has filled that position, he said he thinks the city will also gain a certain level of stability.

“There’s been a lot of uncertainty as to who’s in charge, who’s doing what,” said McConnehey. “Now that the council has made a decision, there’s a permanent fixture that’s in there. I think we’re going

to have some instability during this initial phase—typically you’ll see [when] a new CEO comes in, they spend time reviewing the organization, trying to get a feel for what’s going on, and often you’ll see reorganization or restructuring. We still don’t have a sense of certainty yet because the dust hasn’t settled, but six months from now we’ll be operating in an environment

with a permanent city manager and people understanding what’s expected of them.”

Palesh is also confident that he can bring the stability that West Jordan needs to be able to focus on the other issues he’d like to address during his occupancy.

“I think I have a good skill set that will satisfy the needs of the city of West Jordan,” he said.

New city manager Mark Palesh shakes the hands of staff after he is sworn into his new position.

Vote for Change I am a third generation resident of West Jordan. My experience in city government and working with city organizations, will afford me a unique perspective as a city council member. Allow me to use my education and experience to maintain and enhance the quality of life in West Jordan. Please give me a chance to represent your concerns on the city council.

Please reach out to me with any questions or concerns. Feel free to send me a direct message, reach me at: kevin4wjcitycouncil@gmail.com, or 385-226-3740.

If you want the same results from the current City Council, then keep the same people in office. If you want change for the better, then I am the person to help get it started. Vote for change, vote Kevin Mertin for West Jordan City Council District #1.

My reasons for running for West Jordan City CounCil: I want to be more involved in my community. I'm concerned about the decisions being made by our current city council. As I have met with residents throughout District 1, many have concerns that are not currently being met. I would like to help solve their city related issues and concerns. I want to use my consensus building skills to create a better functioning city council.

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Page 10 | October 2015

West Jordan City Journal

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quirrh Elementary and Columbia Elementary transitioned from a yearround to a traditional calendar this year to accommodate community preferences.

The school board voted for this change back in January, claiming the traditional schedule would unify the elementary schools’ schedules with those of the middle and high schools, making planning easier for families with children in multiple schools.

Now that Oquirrh and Columbia completed the transition trend, all schools within West Jordan High School boundaries are on a complimentary schedule.

During a year-round calendar rotation, 25 percent of the staff is “off track,” or on break, at any given time, and teachers can be up to six weeks ahead or behind curriculum compared to their

colleagues on different tracks. Katherine Riding, principal of Columbia Elementary, said her staff is able to collaborate more effectively because of the change to a traditional calendar.

“Our master schedule got to be very clear on how we were going to teach everything. Each grade is going to be teaching the same concept at the same time, but it is going to be individualized by the teacher’s talents and the class needs,” she said.

“Now everyone can focus on a concept together so we can see how the kids are doing.”

Despite its help in planning, Mandy Thurman, principal at Oquirrh Elementary, said the calendar change led to a major turnover in teachers at her school because teachers who preferred year-round transferred to nearby schools with their preferred schedule.

As teachers transferred from Oquirrh Elementary School, students transferred into it. 150 students transferred into Oquirrh Elementary after the schedule change announcement. The school will serve 760 students on a traditional schedule, while it served only

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630 last year on a year-round calendar. Two portables have been added to accommodate the extra students.

Thurman said “cramped quarters” are an adjustment for the faculty and staff, as they are used to having a ton of space. Prior to the schedule change, assistants and aids each had their own classrooms.

One of the biggest challenges, Thurman said, is trying to decide if they should keep the class sizes bigger with more classrooms available for teaching specialists, or if they should hire another teacher, reduce class sizes, and consolidate the area for the specialists.

Columbia Elementary revamped their classroom organization as well. Hallways used to be organized by grade, but with the change to a traditional schedule, four classrooms were needed at a time per grade, instead of three, so classes were arranged wherever there was space, and not necessarily by grade level.

Ms. Riding said there was quite a hype about the schedule and classroom organizational change.

Around 1500 people attended the open house in late August to see the changes.

Riding said that, although some teachers are sad to lose breaks during the year and many students miss the pride that comes from having their own “track,” she is confident the new schedule will be implemented successfully.

“What I have to remind people is that the year-round school system is not a new thing. It has been around for ages,” she said. “It will work out for us.”

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WestJordanJournal .com

Mayor Rolfe Files Lawsuit Against Council

By Taylor Stevens

M

ayor Kim Rolfe’s lawsuit, filed against the City Council to prevent the council body from discussing and making changes to his authority and pay, was rejected in a Salt Lake City courtroom on Aug. 25.

Rolfe had filed the restraining order against the council a day earlier on Aug. 24, stating in court documents that he and his family would be financially harmed if his status as mayor was moved from full-time to part-time and if his salary were reduced from $90,000 to $10,000 a year. He said it would be a detriment to the city as well if he were unable to put in the hours he is currently working as full-time mayor.

“It sounds like he has asked the judge to stop the council from discussing this issue. That is the purpose of the council: to discuss issues like this,” Councilmember Ben Southworth said when the lawsuit was first issued.

Honorable Ryan Harris declined the restraining order, stating that the issue was political and should be handled within the realm of the city council, where the council body is within its rights to discuss and make changes to the mayor’s authority.

The business item set to discuss the issue was tabled indefinitely at the city’s Aug. 25 meeting, but it was far from over.

“I’m very frustrated with what I’ve

seen in the last few days. Two people have tried to seek methods through the judicial system -- which would prohibit the council from even discussing matters that are of interest to the public,” Councilmember Chris McConnehey said at that same City Council meeting. “It’s frustrating beyond belief to think that the atmosphere has degenerated to a point where we have to speak to each other through attorneys and we can’t speak civilly face to face.’”

The City of West Jordan operates under a council/manager form of government, in which the city manager acts as the head of the city and the mayor is effectively a figurehead.

This form of government was removed from Utah code in 2008, according to reporting by the Salt Lake Tribune.

Councilmember Chad Nichols said in the council’s Aug. 25 meeting that the reason the issue of form of government should be discussed “is to conform with Utah State code rather than be in contradiction to it.

That is the purpose: to conform with Utah code,” he reiterated.

Although the council can make changes to the mayor’s salary, Councilmember Jeff Haaga said it takes a resident vote to change West Jordan’s form of government.

“Putting this back on our agenda again violates our constitution,” Haaga said at the

council’s Aug. 25 meeting. “The only people that can change our form of government are the residents by a vote of the people.

That’s how it’s been from the foundation of our country.”

Residents came to the Aug. 25 meeting to oppose changes to the mayor’s authority and wages.

“Why would we want a part-time mayor?” asked West Jordan resident Russell Evans during the public comments section of the Aug. 25 meeting. “I think West Jordan needs a full-time mayor. We have full-time problems, we have full-time residents, we

have full-time issues, and we need to have it. I think that’s what the citizens want.”

Other residents echoed these sentiments.

“We elected a mayor. Leave him alone,” Luella Thompson, a West Jordan resident, said to the council. “He deserves his position. He deserves his money. Leave him alone.”

The city is currently looking into employing a mediator so that the council can address its political infighting and get back to serving the residents, at McConnehey’s suggestion.

The tense atmosphere at City Hall over the past few months culminated with West Jordan mayor Kim Rolfe filing a restraining order against the City Council, a lawsuit that was rejected in court Aug. 25.

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West Jordan City Journal

Safety Assembly at Westland Elementary

By Margaret Spencer Westland Elementary, home of the Wildcats, began the school year with a safety assembly on Monday, Aug. 31, where they were visited by their mascot as well as Police Chief Doug Diamond and a few fellow officers.

The West Jordan High School marching band started the assembly off on the right foot by playing the West Jordan Jaguar fight song, while substituting “Jaguar” for “Wild Cats.”

Excited to learn about safety, the children were pleasantly surprised when a police motorcycle roared its way into the gymnasium.

The officers had also brought their friend and colleague, Bronco the police dog. They did a demonstration of his skills for the children and Bronco performed spectacularly. Chief Diamond talked with the children about being safe at school and when walking to or from school. He went over safety rules for being dropped off or picked up, as well as proper crosswalk and crossing guard procedures.

Some of the tips on safety they talked about were walking in groups and with friends, and having a safe word for children to ask for when someone besides their parents are picking them up. Included were tips about stranger danger: what to be aware of and how to avoid it. He used the example that adults should never

be asking a child for directions or help, and what to do if someone does.

They also watched a short video on safety that included a few of their very own Westland fellow students. “The students loved seeing some of their friends and fellow students in the video,” Principal Barbara Yost said.

The “Walk More in Four” Utah Department of Transportation program that is being highlighted in the month of September was also discussed. This program encourages children to walk or bike to school at least three days a week for their health. There is a paper that can be downloaded and filled out for every day that the child walks or bikes to school.

As an added surprise, the children were given little papers to pledge to follow safety rules and signed their names. These papers were then entered into a drawing for a green scooter with a pink helmet that UDOT had supplied. Rylin McBeth of the third grade won this exciting prize, and for participating, everyone else was given a chocolate bar that had been donated by Steve from World’s Finest.

Brushing up on safety tips and stranger danger tips is a great way to start off the new year. Having the support of the West Jordan Police Department and Bronco, these little Wildcats will do their best to stay safe and help others to be safe, too.

O C TO B E R 2 0 1 5

G O OD NEIG HBOR

NEWS Paid for by the City of West Jordan

Ballots for the General Election Mail the Week of Oct. 5-9

The Salt Lake County Elections Division will mail the General Election Ballots to all registered voters in the City the week of Oct.5-9. There are several options for returning your ballot. You can mail it, but make sure it’s postmarked by Nov. 2. Or you can drop your ballot in a secure ballot box – there is one in the City Hall parking lot – any time until 8 p.m. on Election Night, Nov. 3. You can also return your ballot to a Vote Center, which will be open only on election day from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. There are two vote centers in West Jordan: the West Jordan Library at 8030 South 1825 West and the Bingham Creek Library at 4834 West 9000 South.

Thanks to all who entered the race to fill four City Council seats in this year’s municipal election! Get to know your candidates and the issues and help shape the future of your community. Candidates running for City Council Districts 1-4 are as follows: DISTRICT 1: Kevin L. Mertin, Christopher M. McConnehey DISTRICT 2: Dirk Burton, Judith M. Hansen DISTRICT 3: Zach Jacob, Tim McConnehey, Mike Kellermeyer (write-in) DISTRICT 4: Alan R. Anderson, Sophie Rice

Traditional lighting casts an almost pink or orange glow as shown in the “Before” photos. LED lights produce a cooler, whiter light that improves light quality and saves money.

M AY O R ’ S M E S S A G E

Greening Our Future City leaders are constantly on the lookout for ways to become a more sustainable city. It’s a balancing act to make sure we are meeting the needs of the community, while minimizing the impact on our environment and being fiscally responsible with tax dollars. The city currently has a variety of programs that support sustainability: green waste recycling was implemented in 2004, hybrid cars were added to the city fleet in 2009, and e-waste recycling, document shredding and glass recycling were introduced in partnership with A.C.E. Disposal, the city’s solid waste contractor, in 2013.

We will soon be converting about 5,000 traditional streetlights to LEDs (light emitting diode) lights. LEDs provide better lighting at a reduced operating cost. They save energy costs, reduce carbon emissions and have life spans of approximately 50,000 hours, compared to approximately 20,000 hours of traditional lamps. We will use existing poles to minimize costs, and expect to receive rebates from Rocky Mountain Power and save money on power bills.

LEDs will change the look of the city both in terms of the light they produce and the style of the fixture. LEDs produce a light that appears cooler and whiter, similar to moonlight.

(Traditional lights look more pink or orange.) We are considering several different fixtures and invite you to share your preference.

For the residential LEDs, there are three different fixtures to choose from. They are installed in groups of three. To view the fixtures go to the intersection of 9000 South and Grizzly Way (5200 West). Head north and turn west onto 8900 South. Turn left onto Mountain Vista Dr. The Hadco fixtures begin at about 8980 South and 5220 West. The Leotek fixtures begin where Mountain Vista Drive turns into Aspen View Dr. Halfway down Aspen View the fixtures change from Leotek to Sternberg.

For the arterial road samples, there are two different fixtures installed in groups of three each. To view the sample fixtures, go to the intersection of 7000 South and 4800 West. Head south along 4800 West. After a short distance, you will see the samples installed on the east side of 4800 West.

After visiting the sample light fixtures, please provide feedback by taking a short survey at WJordan.com. Access the survey from the homepage by clicking the “Survey” quicklink.

We are also partnering with WaterSmart to test a tool that helps users improve water use efficiency and save money. It will provide customized home water reports to 5,000 randomly selected residential water users and compare homes with similar property size and family size. The goal is to increase awareness and encourage water conservation. If the WaterSmart tool proves useful, it could become available to more customers.

I also wanted to remind you that one of the glass recycling bins has been moved. Because the county is in the process of building a health department building in the parking lot where it was located, the bin has been moved from behind Fire Station 52 to the parking lot of the old library at 1970 W. 7800 South. The other glass recycling bin is at the intersection of 7800 South and New Sycamore Drive (7025 West).

We will continue to look for sustainability options that reduce our environmental impact and make financial sense for the city. If you have any ideas you’d like to share, please email info@wjordan.com.

GOOD NEIGHBOR NEWS: WEST JORDAN NEWSLETTER PAID FOR BY THE CITY OF WEST JORDAN

Volunteers in Police Service donate $22,711 worth of service Six West Jordan Police Department volunteers have been recognized for their service in 2014 to the department and the City of West Jordan. The six residents donated a total of $22,711 worth of service in 2014. More than 600 hours have been contributed this year through the end of July. Those hours equal a $12,416 savings to police department so far this year.

Four of the volunteers earned an additional recognition by meeting the requirements of the President’s Volunteer Service Award. The program encourages citizens to live a life of service through presidential gratitude and national recognition. Presidents of the United States challenge citizens to take positive action that can change their communities through volunteer service.

A special award and service plaque were presented to Bonnie Hutchings, a Volunteer In Police Service on behalf of her husband, Robert, also a police volunteer.

He passed away in April 2015. He served as a volunteer with the department for seven years, donating countless hours. He graduated in the first class of the Citizen Police Academy. Robert, Bonnie and Kimberly Sell were the first official members of the Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) program when it was established in 2008.

Robert’s many assignments included maintaining, deploying and collecting data for the speed trailers seen throughout the city, administrative assignments, assisting in community events, SWAT and K-9 training exercises and helping officers in assigned tasks. Robert and Bonnie sponsor a July 4th pre-parade breakfast at their home for officers and volunteers. It has become a tradition in the department.

The posthumous service plaque was presented to Bonnie Hutchings by Deputy Chief, Richard Davis, during a West Jordan City Council meeting.

Mrs. Hutchings wants the residents of West Jordan to know how passionate and dedicated Robert was in serving his community. “He exemplified the Presidential Volunteer Service Award program,” she said. She encourages people to get involved in West Jordan City programs and make the city an even better place to live.

People interested in volunteering in city programs are encouraged to email info@wjordan.com or call 801-569-5119.

Bonnie Hutchings and her son Steve display the service plaque that was presented posthumously to Bonnie’s husband Robert Hutching (Steve’s father) for his volunteer service for the police department.

GOOD NEIGHBOR NEWS: WEST JORDAN NEWSLETTER PAID FOR BY THE CITY OF WEST JORDAN

Parks close for season Oct. 5 City parks will close for the season on Oct. 5. This means there will be no restrooms, drinking fountains or trash pick-up, but people are still welcome to enjoy the park. Parks will reopen on April 4. The splash pad will reopen for Memorial Day.

City-wide food drive to benefit the Utah Food Bank

your donations make a real difference!

City employees will be holding a city-wide food drive to benefit the Utah Food Bank. Bins will be located around the city and at city buildings beginning Oct. 26 and running through Nov. 24. Stay tuned for location details and watch the city website WJordan.com or follow West Jordan City Hall on Facebook.

Storm Drainage Master Plan Open House Oct. 13 An open house will be held Oct. 13 where the public can come learn about the City’s storm drain system and share input on the draft master plan.

The open house is from 6-8 p.m. in the West Jordan City Hall, Community Room, 8000 S. Redwood Road. The draft storm drain master plan assesses and recommends future infrastructure needs. Public comments are an important part of the process. Please plan on attending and sharing your input.

Symphony Presents Fall Concert Join the West Jordan Symphony Friday, Oct. 30 at 7 p.m. at the Viridian Center, 8030 S. 1825 West. The program includes music from “Frozen,” “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “Phantom of the Opera,” “Somewhere in Time,” “Fantasia” and more! Kids can enjoy trick or treating afterward. Admission is free.

Employment Opportunities The City of West Jordan currently has employment opportunities including a court clerk, crossing guard, firefighter, seasonal parks laborer, seasonal sidewalk inspector and a wastewater construction technician. Job opportunities continually change so if you don’t see something that interests you now or need more information check our website: www.wjordan.com/JobPostings.aspx

Improved safety and security at the Welby Rail Yard Several improvements are being made by Savage Bingham and Garfield Railroad at the Welby Rail Yard, at approximately 9000 South and Old Bingham Highway, together with the installation of an additional rail track.

These enhancements increase public safety and security, and comply with applicable codes and regulations for new construction projects. The Railroad has already cleared weeds, brush and debris at the site, installed security fencing and “no trespassing” signs, and upgraded its inspection lane. Additional improvements agreed to with the City of West Jordan include the installation of fire hydrants, upgrades to the emergency access road and secured gates to provide Fire Department access to nearby hydrants. These improvements will take place in the near future.

The Welby Rail Yard has existed for more than a century. Since 2007, Savage Bingham and Garfield Railroad has operated the Yard under agreements with the Utah Transit Authority and Union Pacific Railroad, and utilizes the property for the switching and storage-in-transit of customer-owned railcars. Ensuring public safety is a priority for both Savage Bingham and Garfield Railroad and the City of West Jordan. The Welby Rail Yard is on private property and trespassing is prohibited. For questions, contact Jeff Hymas at jeffhymas@savageservices.com or by calling 801-944-6600.

Sign up for the next session of CERT The West Jordan Fire Department is teaching a two-day Community Emergency Response Team training on Oct. 23 and 24. This CERT course is for those residents and people who work or own businesses in West Jordan who would like to be trained on what to do in case of natural disaster or other emergency. The course requires completion of an online course prior to taking the hands-on class. The hands-on portion is taught by West Jordan firefighters and other local professionals.

CL ASS RUNS O C TO B E R 23 & 24

Topics include Disaster Preparedness, Disaster Medical, Fire Suppression, and Search and Rescue. The online self-study portion usually takes about six hours to complete. The 12-hour classroom practical session will be held Friday, Oct. 23 from 6-10 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 24 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

You must complete both portions and the required training hours in order to receive certification.

CERT training is open to all West Jordan Residents, age 18 and over, and anyone who works within West Jordan City limits. The cost of the class is $35, to cover some of the costs of materials.

The maximum number of students is 24 and it is a first-come, first-served basis. To register for this class, bring a $35 non-refundable deposit to Fire Station #53, 7602 S. Jordan Landing Blvd. (approximately 4000 West), between 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday. Park in the front lower parking lot and register with the Administrative Assistant, Marti. She will take your information, and give you a manual and instructions for completing the online portion.

Any student who paid for the class previously and was unable to attend, must repay the deposit for the new upcoming class. The deposit money is non-refundable. If you have questions, please feel free to email certwjfd@wjordan.com or call 801-260-7300.

GOOD NEIGHBOR NEWS: WEST JORDAN NEWSLETTER PAID FOR BY THE CITY OF WEST JORDAN CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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CITY PARKS CLOSE FOR THE SEASON

PLANNING COMMISSION

WRITING HORROR WORKSHOP

City Hall 8000 S. Redwood Rd. 6 p.m.

Viridian Event Center 8030 S. 1825 West 7-9 p.m.

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SEPTEMBER

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

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City Hall 8000 S. Redwood Rd. 6 p.m.

City Hall 8000 S. Redwood Rd. 6 p.m.

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WEST JORDAN SYMPHONY FALL CONCERT

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West Jordan Arena 8035 S. 2200 West 7 p.m.

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Fire Station 53 6-10 p.m.

City Hall 8000 S. Redwood Rd. 6 p.m.

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The City of West Jordan 8000 S. Redwood Rd., West Jordan, UT 84088 (801) 569-5100 www.wjordan.com

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Listen to City Council Meetings Did you know you can listen to City Council meetings? The audio files are online the day after the meeting (we are also evaluating the costs to stream them live) as well as meeting agendas and minutes. Stay informed at: www.wjordan.com.

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West Jordan City Journal

$3 Million Dollar Remodel to Make School Safer for Kids

By Margaret Spencer Joel P. Jensen Middle School went through some drastic changes over the summer of 2015, for better security and safety reasons. Having been built in 1984, the building was no longer up to code and lacked convenience items like air conditioning.

This had become a safety issue, since the outside doors were being propped open to allow for air flow. “Even with the doors propped, the temperature would remain above eighty degrees on hot days,” Principal Bryan Leggat said.

Two lucky schools, Joel P. Jensen and Oquirrh Hills Middle, were granted a nearly $3 million remodel over the summer. These were two of the largest grants given by the Jordan School District.

Taking a six-month job and turning it into a three-month job, JPJMS was able to open for fall with a new layout and better security system. As students enter the building through the front door, there are now double doors for them to go through.

The inner set of doors is locked up as soon as school starts, as are all of the side doors. The only doors left unlocked now are the first set of doors in the front of the building and the single side door leading into the office that is located between the two double doors.

Part of the remodel was to bring their main

office, which had been located in the middle of the school, to the front. Now visitors and tardy students are rerouted directly into the main office through the side door. This helps the office monitor know who is arriving and leaving, and guests are actually checking into the office now.

The office of the school resource officer, Detective Tory Leary, also used to be farther into the school and now it is just a few steps from the new front office. When asked about the remodel, he was very positive about it.

“I like the way it’s inviting and friendly but also more secure,” Detective Leary said. He mentioned that it was easier to control the traffic in and out of the school with the set up they have now.

The budget of the remodel allowed them to upgrade their security camera system so that they can better monitor the hallways, cafeteria, gymnasium and school grounds, 24/7. They also had blinds installed on all the windows to help with lighting, and if ever there was a lock down, they could close up the windows.

Another added bonus of this remodel was air-conditioning. No longer do students have to toil away under the heat with the safety issue of doors propped open.

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New Year Brings New Students and Teachers

By Margaret Spencer As the new school year welcomes new students, new goals and freshly-sharpened pencils, West Jordan High School also welcomed 13 new teachers. After a bout of retirements and transfers, they happily welcomed the new teachers into their school.

A few were willing to share why they became educators.

Blake Burtenshaw, the new U.S. government and world civilization teacher, is from Utah. He grew up in the south in Blanding and went to college at Weber State. This is his second year of teaching -- his first was in Moab at Grand County Middle School. He used to commute down to Moab and back every day, so now his commute will be much shorter. He was inspired to become a teacher while on his mission to Poland. He visited the concentration camps and felt the need to teach people of history.

“My main goal this year is to get kids who don’t know any of it (history) to feel confident and know the material,” Burtenshaw said.

Teaching runs in his family and he really enjoys working with children. His favorite part of teaching is coming up with creative ways to make school more enjoyable. He also helps with coaching the football team in his spare time.

Marci Sabin is welcomed to Utah from Washington State. She has been teaching for 14 years at two different high schools in

Washington. She graduated from both Brigham Young University and Central Washington University with two bachelor’s degrees, and she is National Board Certified. She did her student teaching at Wahluke School District in her hometown of Mattawa, WA. Her favorite teacher in high school, Ms. Lori Russell (now Wyborny), was her inspiration to become a teacher. Ms. Russell’s classes were always something to look forward to, and Sabin found that when she learned something new she couldn’t wait to share it with others.

Moving to a new state and learning the new district and even state policies can be a little overwhelming, but Sabin is excited for the new school year. Her last school mascot was also a jaguar, so she feels right at home.

The faculty and staff have made her feel so welcomed and she’s excited to be there. In her spare time to help her relax and de-stress, she plays sports, reads, hikes and hangs out with family and friends.

Sabin is the business and marketing teacher, and her goal this year is to have at least three students attend DECA Nationals.

“My favorite part of teaching is watching my students grow and share their skills in society,” said Sabin. She is looking forward to a new year of watching students bloom with confidence and employability skills.

Tyler Robertson, formerly of Arizona, is the new English teacher at WJHS. He attended Brigham Young University, Boise State University and Utah Valley University.

He did his student teaching at Orem Jr. High and then taught for one year on an Indian reservation. He also taught for two years in Show Low, Arizona.

His father inspired him to be a teacher, and his favorite part of teaching is anything but the grading. In his spare time, when he’s not grading papers, he’s writing poetry, working

on a book or at the gym.

He is looking forward to the new year filled with new students and new opportunities for success. His goal this year is to connect better with students.

“We love the new teachers! They add a new energy and new ideas to the curriculum,” said Kathy McConneley from the attendance office. WJHS is very excited to have these three and the ten others that have joined their ranks.

Here’s to a new year and the new teachers for WJHS!

education

Page 20 | October 2015

West Jordan City Journal

Late Start Leads to Great Start, Administrators Claim

S

everal years ago, Jordan School District implemented late-start bell schedules on Fridays in all West Jordan middle and high schools, to allow teachers and administration built-in collaboration time.

West Jordan schools use Friday mornings for professional development and for professional learning communities (PLC), which are divided by grade level and/or department. The PLCs have altered the way teachers deliver education to their students because they give teachers a time to evaluate individual students’ needs, according to Dixie Crowther, principal at West Jordan Middle School.

Last year the ninth grade teachers at WJMS created a freshman credit recovery program.

Teachers collaborated Friday mornings to create custom curriculum packets for each student in the program. At the end of the 2014-15 school year, only 164 total classes were failed at WJMS, compared to 445 from the previous year.

“Prior to late-start, we didn’t have time for meetings like this,” Crowther said. “It is as if we changed from performing surgery with an ax to a scalpel.”

Test scores have improved at Sunset Ridge Middle School since the late-start Fridays began.

Larry Urry, SRMS principal, said students are getting a better education from late-start, even though they are losing a couple hours of class time.

“Teacher preparation trickles into student

By Tori Jorgensen learning,” he said. “Teachers need a time to learn, too.”

Bryan Leggat, Joel P. Jensen Middle School principal, said teachers at JPJMS learn from each other and occasional guest speakers in Friday morning meetings. He said these guest speakers help teachers gain new skills and perspectives.

According to Rebecca Hagen, a teacher at Copper Hills High School, the most effective thing about her PLC is sharing data with fellow math teachers. Computerized quizzes are administered to students course-wide. The teachers then review student understanding breakdowns during the Friday morning collaboration and can ask for suggestions from their colleagues.

Although late-start school is favorited

by West Jordan administration and teachers, it poses complications for some parents. One mother rushed into the WJMS office in a frenzy around 8:15 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 28 trying to locate her son. She had dropped her son off at 7:30 a.m., expecting school to start at 7:50 a.m.

Unbeknownst to her, Friday classes would not begin until 9:50 a.m. Her son had decided to walk home, bored of waiting for class to start.

Lowey Spencer and Abby Dierks, students at WJMS, said they get excited to be early to school on Friday mornings because it gives them time to goof around. They could be seen atop the overpass by WJMS over Redwood Rd. on Friday, Aug. 28, trying to get as many cars to honk at them as possible. Afterward, they still

had time to socialize with friends in the hallway before class.

For high school student Ashlynn Schmidt, late-start Fridays mean more time dancing. She and the rest of the CHHS dance company get together to practice at 5:30 a.m. every morning.

Dance company is the first period of their day, so on some Fridays the team dances from 5:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m., over four hours, because of

the late start. Schmidt said she doesn’t really like or dislike Friday late-start days, they just make her tired.

For Aspen Drown, a student at WJMS, late-start Fridays do just the opposite. Drown said she and her friends love late-start because they can sleep in if they want to. She said she is a fan of late-start Fridays and hopes they never get taken away.

English teachers at West Jordan Middle School collaborate in their professional learning community on a Friday morning. Late start Fridays give teachers time to collaborate and institute new programs within their classrooms.

October 2015 | Page 21

WestJordanJournal .com

Retirement of the Flag Ceremony at Westvale Elementary

By Margaret Spencer

When a flag is old, frayed and faded, it is retired with a ceremony, thanking it for its duty and then replacing it with a new one.

Westvale Elementary held such a ceremony on Sept. 11 with the help of the University of Utah’s ROTC color guard. This was the first time they had ever done this ceremony before at this elementary school, and there was a hint of excitement in the air, mixed with the hushed reverence of respect for the faded Old Glory.

While students eagerly awaited the arrival of the color guard, “God Bless the USA” played over the loud speakers. Climate and culture specialist Theresa Christensen called the students to order, asking them questions about the ceremony and explaining what they could expect and what was expected of them.

She pointed out that the flag was at halfmast and asked if anyone knew why. A few hands flew up and a young girl called out that it was for Sept. 11. Theresa agreed and explained to those students who didn’t know that it was out of respect for those who fell on that day, fourteen years ago, and it was also for respect for those who continue to serve our country.

She reminded students about their very own Wall of Heroes: pictures of family and friends, brought in by students, who have served or are currently serving our country.

The Wall of Heroes is located just down the hall from the office and has quite a few pictures of veterans, those currently serving, police officers and firefighters.

Just before the ROTC arrived, the student body sang the national anthem one last time to their old flag. As the last of the little voices trailed off, up the sidewalk marched the crisp, white ROTC color guard.

With the presenting of arms, they slowly lowered the old flag down the pole. As they folded the flag, Jose Gonzalez spoke the official words of the retirement.

“This flag has served its nation well and long. It has worn to a condition in which it should no longer be used to represent the nation. This flag represents all of the flags collected and being retired from service today.

The honor we show here this evening for this one flag, we are showing for all of the flags, even those not physically here.”

After the flag was folded into the tight blue-and-white starred triangle, it was presented to the principal, Brenda Anderson. She, in return, presented them with the new flag and it was raised with precision and honor.

The light breeze snapped the new flag crisply as the student body placed their hands over their hearts and pledged allegiance to their new flag.

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sports

Page 22 | October 2015

West Jordan City Journal

Grizzlies Set to Ace the Test

Soccer Team’s Key: Belief

By Greg James

By Greg James

When a new movie comes to theaters, there is a grand premiere, with hype and flocks of new fans to see how the ending turns out. The Copper Hills Grizzlies have a premiere of their own coming up on the volleyball courts, and the fans are excited to see how the season turns out.

The Grizzlies’ new head coach, Silver Fonua, had been an assistant coach at the school but is now the leader of the up-andcoming Grizzly volleyball team. He has been charged with the task of improving a team that has not been to the state tournament in over 10 years.

“We have not had that much success in the past. It has been new to this team to start winning. We are learning what it takes,” Fonua said.

The team started off on the right foot with a win over Granger, 3-0. They then beat Grantsville in their first home match, 3-0. They also participated in the Hunter Invitational tournament, where they finished 4-5.

“We have given the girls lots of opportunities. Most of our team played club volleyball in the summer. More time on the court is a good thing for them. Playing in the Hunter tournament gives us exposure to different teams and styles of play. This will help us going into region play,” Fonua said.

On Sept. 1 they opened play in Region 3. They beat Cottonwood, 3-0, and lost to Bingham, 3-0. Their seven wins so far this season havesurpassed the four

they collected in total last year. They were winless in Region 3 in 2014.

“In the past we would give up mentally and emotionally. I want the girls to get some confidence. They have learned it is ok to make mistakes, but we want to learn from those mistakes. We are showing that we can compete,” Fonua said.

Senior captains Janae Tinger and Rachel Chamberlain are part of a versatile core of players who play in many positions.

Tinger and Sami Jones have split time at libero (a defensive position). Fonua said this helps the team have better ball control.

Taela Laufiso, a sophomore, is playing as setter.

“I am excited about Taela. She has worked really hard and has gotten some experience. She is getting to the point of feeling comfortable leading the team,” Fonua said.

The Grizzlies are scheduled to close out their season at Cottonwood on Thursday, Oct. 1 and at home on Tuesday, Oct. 6 against Bingham. The 5A state tournament is scheduled for Nov. 5 and 7 at Utah Valley University.

“This team has a lot of character. We know what it is like to get beat really bad, and that has molded us into the type of team we are now. The girls are good people off the court and good students. That is what makes us better. I really believe that this is our year to break through into the state tournament,” Fonua said.

The Grizzlies participated in club volleyball tournaments this summer. Their new head coach, Silver Fonua, thinks that has bonded them as a team.

Do you believe in Santa Claus, Martians, or the Easter bunny? The Copper Hills girls soccer team is beginning to believe they can win.

“The belief is what makes this team different. Conditioning in the summer has made them (the players) better, but the number one thing is the belief that these girls can play soccer. They can hang with any team. It just depends on us,” head girls soccer coach Ryan Rumfallo said.

Despite a roller coaster pre-season the Grizzlies have pulled it together in region play. They opened their 2015 season with a 5-0 win over Riverton and then defeated Skyview in Smithfield, 3-2. After the two opening wins, they suffered a 3-0 loss to American Fork and tied Cottonwood, 2-2.

“We started out really well. We had set the bar really high. I feel like to this point of the season it has been a progression.

We do have three varsity starters out with injuries, so we have had to juggle some things going into region,” Rumfallo said.

The Grizzlies righted the ship with a 6-0 victory over Taylorsville. Five players scored in the game, and Ashley Sargent recorded the shutout. They then beat Brighton, 1-0, for the first time in school

history. Kate Sissler notched the game’s only goal in the first half. Sargent has recorded three shutouts.

“Ashley came up with huge saves.

If she does not come with the ball in the Brighton game, we do not win it. Kate Sissler has given us strong leadership and Dominique (Estrada) has really stepped up for us scoring wise,” Rumfallo said.

Estrada scored four goals in the victory over Riverton. She is a sophomore and leads the Grizzlies in scoring this season with eight goals.

The Grizzlies are scheduled to close out the regular season on Thursday, Oct. 1 at Brighton and then travel to West Jordan High School to face the Jaguars on Thursday, Oct. 8. The first round of the state playoffs is scheduled to begin Oct. 13, and the state finals will be Oct. 23 at Rio Tinto Stadium.

“The players are really starting to get behind each other. With any sport, you have to keep pushing together even when it gets tough. The ultimate goal is to win a region title and then a state title. I think it is a step in the right direction for us to win some of these big games,” Rumfallo said.

Grizzly goal keeper Ashley Sargent has recorded three shutouts this season. Photo courtesy of Aaron Rumfallo

October 2015 | Page 23

WestJordanJournal .com

Director Doesn’t Like Nomad Status

By Rhett Wilkinson A veteran director in the Salt Lake valley voiced concerns with uncertainty in locations of performances that used to be a mainstay at Sugar Factory Playhouse in West Jordan and is temporarily at West Jordan Community Arts Center.

Michelle Groves, the West Jordan Theater Arts president, is upset that the performances have been moved throughout the Salt Lake valley, including Midvale locations, a city hall, a library, various high schools and even an elementary school, she said. The performances haven’t had a permanent home for five years, when a condemnation notice was posted on the locked door of Sugar Factory Playhouse.

A Groves production, “39 Steps,” just concluded at the West Jordan Community Arts Center, a converted library.

“It’s been very difficult,” she said.

“You lose some of your following because people want to know where you are, so you lose your regular following.” She added that storage has also been difficult.

She, cast and crew have done their best to “keep it alive,” she said,

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expressing gratitude for their website – still sugarfactoryplayhouse.com and social media, including Facebook.

“You kind of need a home,” she said.

“You need a home when acquiring royalties to do the shows; when you are talking with publishers.”

The West Jordan City Council’s current plan is for plays to happen at the arts center until a few years from now, when a permanent, dedicated arts facility will be completely built, actor Travis Green said.

“We are certainly grateful for the facility we’ve been given access to, but we are really looking forward to having a building that is built for performing in,” Green said. Added Groves: “It’s good to have our seat settled, even though it’s temporary.”

Auditions for “Dickens” were held Sept. 22 and 23 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the West Jordan Community Arts Center at 1970 W. 7800 S. in West Jordan. The show will run Dec. 3-19 except Wednesdays and Thursdays.

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sports

Page 24 | October 2015

West Jordan City Journal

Cross Country Teams Off and Running

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he chorus of the popular Kelly Clarkson song, “Stronger,” says, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” The cross country teams at West Jordan and Copper Hills high schools are becoming more competitive every season. Every time the teams’ runners step on the course, they are trying to get stronger.

Grizzly senior Christian Allen started the season on top for the boys team. At their first competitive meet, the Premier XC Invitational, he placed first overall and helped his team to a first place finish: eight points in front of the second place team, Bingham. The Grizzlies also had four other runners finish in the top 11: Benjamin Papenfuss (6th), Cameron Bodily (7th), Corban Allen (8th) and Alex Newbold (11th).

At the Herriman Invitational Sept. 11, Allen placed fifth overall, with the boys team finishing sixth. The defending state champions, American Fork, placed first.

The Grizzly girls team was not to be outdone and also placed first at their first meet this season. They had four runners in the top ten: Hailey Barker (6th), Julia Falcon (7th), Autumn Babcock (8th) and Katie Tanner (10th).

The Region 3 Pre-Region Meet was held Sept. 2 and the Grizzlies placed second overall.

The Copper Hills girls placed tenth at the state championship in 2014, with the boys placing ninth. Allen placed 12th overall.

The West Jordan girls placed third overall at the Premier Invitational. Senior Makenzie Prows led the way with the fastest time for the Jaguars. They had four other runners finish in the top 30: Arianna Valerio, Lauren Brown, Kelly Ballard and Ashlyn Demke.

The Jaguars boys’ best finish this season was eighth overall at the Herriman Invitational.

Alex Valerio, Ryan Ward and Clancey Buhler were the team’s top finishers.

The Grizzlies and Jaguars are scheduled to compete in the Region 3 championships Oct. 13. If they qualify, they will participate in the state 5A championships, which are scheduled for Oct. 21 at Sugarhouse Park.

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The Copper Hills cross country boys and girls won the Premiere Invitational Aug. 15. Photo courtesy of Copper Hills cross country

October 2015 | Page 25

WestJordanJournal .com

Junk in the Trunk

By Peri Kinder

Trunks are super useful. If you’re an elephant, they’re a necessity. If you want to change a tire, hide Christmas gifts or transport a body, trunks are invaluable. But I don’t understand the connection between trunks and Halloween. Why is trunk-or-treating a thing?

In the U.S., trick-or-treating started after WWII when children went door to door begging for food on Thanksgiving (not joking). Then they continued begging through Christmas, New Years, Valentine’s Day, Easter, and so on, so I guess someone decided to create a national begging celebration on Halloween.

This mass candy solicitation certainly worked for me for many years. Part of the thrill of trick-or-treating was leaving the familiar neighborhoods, searching for the families handing out full-size Butterfingers. We’d come home with pillowcases full of candy, after walking miles and miles through Murray.

Now, in our heavily-sanitized society, parents want to make sure their kids won’t be handed anything with sugar or gluten, or have to interact with neighbors they’ve never met—so trunk-or-treating was introduced.

I know some churches feel trunk-ortreating (Halloween tailgating) is a way to

watch over kids while keeping demonic costumes to a minimum. In fact, kids are often encouraged to dress as Bible characters.

(Side note: If I was forced to dress as a woman from the Bible, I’d be Jael and I’d carry Sisera’s head with a nail shoved through his temple. But that’s just me. The Book of Revelations also has some pretty messed-up oddities. My daughters could easily have passed for the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse on any given day.)

Anyway. Part of growing up is being terrified all the time. Kids have so little control over their lives and, unfortunately, they learn

early on that life can be scary and unpredictable.

As kids on Halloween, we got super scared, but we also knew that, deep down, we truly were safe. Visiting haunted houses made us feel brave. In our minds, going from house to house, asking strangers for candy, was akin to walking down a dark alley in New York City.

There was always one house on the block you were afraid to visit because it had strobe lights, shrieking screams, ghoulish laughter when you rang the bell and an unidentifiable zombie handing out treats with his bloody hands.

Even scarier was the house where the neighborhood witch resided. Lights turned off.

No jack o’ lantern. You knew she was sitting in the dark, staring out her window, ready to cast spells on children who came to her door.

Additionally, my mom had me paranoid about eating any unwrapped candy, convinced my friend’s mom had dipped the open jawbreaker in bleach several times before handing it to me.

But really? How many people did you know that found a razor blade in their apple or received temporary tattoos laced with acid?

On Nov. 1, when we woke up with piles of candy, stomachaches and Halloween makeup smeared on our pillows, we also felt we had survived something frightening—and imagined ourselves a little bit braver as we faced our lives.

But trunk-or-treating is not remotely scary, unless your trunk is part of a 1950s Cadillac hearse, complete with creaky coffin and a driver named Lurch. Maybe instead of meeting in church parking lots, we can stay in our homes and hand out candy as kids go doorto-door. I think that idea might just catch on.

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Page 26 | October 2015

West Jordan City Journal

Is Frugal the New Sexy?

By Joani Taylor Several money-saving blogs I’m familiar with are pushing frugal as the “new sexy,” going so far as to admit that finding a bargain is a high and deals must be purchased now, without thought, or will never be available again.

While I’m personally excited to see more people striving to achieve a secure financial future, my hope is that, like all extremes, these dealfinding bloggers aren’t missing the mark and actually creating unnecessary, and even impulsive, spending habits. Living and saving money takes practice, time and most of all commitment, and

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can’t be achieved in a day. It takes work, is time consuming and often requires long-term sacrifice.

With that being said, putting a few simple techniques into play could save you hundreds and even thousands of dollars yearly. Here are a couple of un-extreme ideas to help get you started on your frugal journey.

Cut back on eating out: An article on Fox News reports that Americans are actually spending more on eating out than they are at the grocery store. What’s even more interesting, the article sites that younger generations are more apt to habitually eat out than their baby boomer parents, stating that they use eating out as a time to socialize and connect.

This left me scratching my head, as it’s rare I see this generation eating out without looking at their phones for at least half of the meal. #socialconnecting Hashtags and sarcasm aside, considering that the average price of a single meal at a “nothing

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exciting” restaurant comes in at around $12, and the price of dinner for two at a midrange restaurant is as much as $45, forgoing eating out a couple of times could easily cover an entire weeks’ worth of groceries for a family of two or three, or even four if you are a frugal shopper.

Throw in packing a lunch to work in lieu of your burger and fries and you’ll save another $3-$5 a day. That could add up to $1,700 a year, not to mention the additional health benefits.

Wait to buy: Wait at least 48 hours before deciding to buy anything over a certain price point: mine is $50. During that time, ask yourself some questions: Do I need this right now? The keyword is now. If the answer is no, start watching for a better price, and challenge yourself to find one.

Chances are, when you do, you’ll wonder why you wanted the item in the first place.

How will you pay for it? Are you going to give up something to have it? Do you have space for it? Is the item going to create debt? If you’re going into debt for an item, you could end up paying double or more for it. Is it worth that?

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Megaplex offers their $5 Tuesdays, where all movies are just $5 every Tuesday, including D-box. If you sign up for text alerts from Redbox (text the word MOVIENIGHT to 727272), you’ll be rewarded with regular codes for free movie rentals. We also share current codes we find on Coupons4Utah.com. (coupons4utah.com/redboxmovie-codes) With a little time and consideration, living a money-saving lifestyle can become a habit and not just a fleeting trend or another way to accumulate more unneeded stuff. With time and practice, it will lead to the security of a larger bank account, and that is, what I call, sexy.

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October 2015 | Page 27

WestJordanJournal .com

Spotlight on: Riley’s

Sandwich shops seem to be on every corner these days, which makes it hard for a person to choose where to go to get their sandwich fix for lunch or dinner. If you’re looking for a place in West Jordan to grab a quick bite to eat-in or take-out, you might want to check out Riley’s, a new sandwich shop in town.

Riley’s started in the early 1990s as a delivery business selling sandwiches, salads and cookies, and only expanded from there.

When Elizabeth and Bart Beutler saw how popular their food had become, they decided to open a storefront. Riley’s opened its doors in 1997, originally at 8133 South Redwood Road. One year ago, in October 2014, they moved the store to 7903 South Airport Road in West Jordan, where they can be found today.

Initially, Riley’s opened with a menu that included their current delivery business offerings, plus a few more. Now included on their menu is their famous potato cheese soup, loaded with potatoes, cheese, and bacon, as well as a “soup of the day,” which changes daily. You can enjoy the soup alone, or order it with a sandwich to round out your meal.

Everyone in the family can find a sandwich they will love at Riley’s. The menu has many tempting selections for all, even including peanut butter and jelly for the little ones, or those who are young at heart. Start building your sandwich by choosing from 5 different bread choices—including sourdough, marble rye, and a gluten-free option—and then

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comes the hard part: choosing which sandwich to try. Turkey and bacon, ham and cheddar, pastrami and Swiss, chicken salad … even a vegetarian offering is on the menu. You can try any sandwich panini-style, or make it a meal with hand-cut French fries and a drink. If you are looking for something a bit lighter, there are also several salad options to choose from,

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Don’t despair if you have an affinity for the menu items more on the sweet side.

There are plenty of options to satisfy a sweet tooth at the end of a meal, including Bart’s homemade cookies, ice cream cones, root beer floats, sundaes and fantastic over-thetop shakes. Thirty-five shake flavors adorn the menu, with a changing flavor-of-the-month topping it out at 36.

Riley’s is the go-to place to get delicious sandwiches, salads, or shakes and the best place in town to get food for events and meetings. Riley’s caters meetings and parties of any size, with box lunches that include a whole sandwich, chips, and one of Bart’s freshly-baked cookies. They serve excellent food with a smile, and genuinely care that each of their guests has an exceptional experience each and every time they visit.

Visit Riley’s at 7903 South Airport Road in West Jordan, or call them at 801-566-4855 to see what makes their sandwiches the best in town.

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PRESCHOOL

TREE SERvICES

— Affordable Rates —

Advantage Preschool is enrolling for Summer & Fall classes! Sessions are Mon., Wed. & Fri. morning or afternoon. Veteran teachers and small classes.

Call 801-964-2889 for info. $10 OFF registration or tuition with this ad. Located in Taylorsville.

Operating out of St Matthew’s Lutheran Church.

Affordable Trimming & Removal

promote your business

Call 801.264.6649 to reserve this space.

Residential & Commercial - Licensed and Insured

Senior Discounts!

Call Dan: 801-518-7365