APRIL 2022
RIVERTON REVIEW Official Newsletter of the Riverton, Utah City Government MAYOR’S MESSAGE
2022 Legislative Session Recap By Mayor Trent Staggs The 2022 Utah Legislative Session came to a close on March 4. Over the 45-day session, our state legislators passed over 500 bills that covered a wide range of issues from tax cuts, criminal justice, water conservation, and education. This year was also unique due to an increase in onetime funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) that was passed by Congress back in 2021. In response, our state legislators had the opportunity to decide how best to spend the remainder of the state’s ARPA funds in a way that best maximizes their potential.
our water bills exactly how much secondary water we use, versus what the recommended use is, we will conserve. This has proven to be true in parts of the state where it has already been implemented. In a previous legislative session, the state had mandated secondary water meters be installed at the city’s expense. HB 242 reduced this unfunded mandate by allocating $200 million of state ARPA funds for secondary water meters. These funds will be dispersed through a matching grant program that provides a state match of 70% during the first two years and then decreases at different intervals every year until 2030.
While Riverton City has already completed phase one of our secondary metering project, we still need about $10 million dollars to close out phases two This year, we and three. took a special With access interest in “...state legislators had to our own House Bill 242 the opportunity to decide ARPA funds, – Secondary how best to spend the and the newly Water Metering established Amendments. remainder of the state’s grant program In a time of ARPA funds in a way outlined in H.B. drought, the 242, we will be ability to educate that best maximizes their able to provide the public on potential.” secondary water use is a meters to the strategic step rest of our city to protecting without incurring our precious any additional debt. This will allow water resources. While H.B. 242 us to keep secondary water rates at mandates water suppliers to meter their current levels. all secondary connections by 2030, it does not require the city A second bill we closely monitored to charge based on usage. The was House Bill 151 – Retail Facility hope is that by demonstrating on
RIVERTON REVIEW | APRIL 2022
The 2022 Utah Legislative session came to a close on March 4. Over 500 bills were passed in the 45-day session.
Incentive Payments Amendments. Unlike H.B. 242, I was a staunch critic of this piece of legislation as it would have severely restricted the ability to provide incentives to retail businesses inside our newly established Community Reinvestment Areas that reside in front of Riverton City Hall and Riverton City Park. Luckily, through the hard work of our city lobbyist, the Utah League of Cities & Towns, and our local legislators, multiple exceptions were included within H.B. 151 that will allow us to move forward with developing our two CRA areas and help us bring in new retail and dining options to Riverton’s east side. Ultimately, this year’s legislative session was a success and I want to thank Senator Dan McCay, Senator Lincoln Fillmore, Representative Candice Pierucci, Representative Mark Strong and Representative Susan Pulsipher for their continued support and hard work in representing the great people of Riverton.
Come enjoy an Easter tradition with the kiddos at the Riverton Bunny Hop! Families make their way around Riverton City Park visiting stations to get candy or prizes and to participate in fun Easter activities. The Easter Bunny will be in attendance for a quick visit and photo with the kids. Families may arrive anytime between 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and begin their participation at any station. Kids 12 and younger welcome.
Saturday, April 16, 2022 Riverton City Park, 1452 W 12600 S
10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Teen Egg-Streme Chase Chase the clues, win prizes!
Clues will lead teens to safe local destinations throughout Riverton to get candy and prizes. Pre-registration online is required to participate.
Friday, April 15, 2022
This event is FREE for Teens 13 – 18 years. Register online at rivertonutah.gov/teen-easter
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COUNCIL MESSAGE
Riverton Citizen Survey Highlights MAYOR Trent Staggs tstaggs@rivertonutah.gov 801-208-3129
CITY COUNCIL Sheldon Stewart - District 1 sstewart@rivertonutah.gov 801-953-5672 Troy McDougal - District 2 tmcdougal@rivertonutah.gov 801-931-9933 Tawnee McCay - District 3 tmccay@rivertonutah.gov 801-634-7692 Tish Buroker - District 4 tburoker@rivertonutah.gov 801-673-6103 Claude Wells - District 5 cwells@rivertonutah.gov 801-875-0116
CITY MANAGER David R. Brickey citymanager@rivertonutah.gov 801-208-3129
CITY OFFICES City Hall.................................801-254-0704 Administration.......................801-208-3129 Animal Control......................801-208-3108 Cemetery...............................801-208-3128 Code Enforcement.................801-208-3108 Development Services...........801-208-3138 Fire (UFA)...............................801-743-7200 Justice Court..........................801-208-3131 Recreation & Events..............801-208-3101 Police.....................................385-281-2455 Public Works..........................801-208-3162 Recorder................................801-208-3128 Utility Billing..........................801-208-3133 Water.....................................801-208-3164
FIND US ONLINE! @rivertonutahgov www.rivertonutah.gov PAGE 2
By Councilmember Tish Buroker
1. 55% of respondents stated that having a single username and password to access online services offered on the Riverton City website was either very or somewhat important. Riverton is currently working toward this goal with the purchase of a software platform. Installation and training will take the next two years, but it will improve your user experience interacting with the city and improve the efficiency of the city as all departments will be able to interact and share information across one platform.
In December of 2021, the Riverton City communications department surveyed Riverton residents regarding what residents appreciate about Riverton and what additional amenities they would like to see. There were 2,875 residents that 2. Residents completed requested the survey. more Those pickleball responses courts. have been Riverton is incredibly currently helpful to installing four the City additional Council pickleball and Mayor courts at as we Riverton develop our City Park, budget for bringing the the coming city total to year and eight. There have helped has been guide our additional found be can five-year survey the Complete results of discussion online at rivertonutah.gov/survey. master plan. regarding Thank you installing additional courts at to all of those who participated. The the new park to be built west of purpose of my article this month is Bangerter and north of 13400 W, to provide feedback regarding some or installing more courts at select of the key responses.
parks throughout the city. Pickleball courts are expensive and cost approximately $50,000 to install, but there is little maintenance required and no water requirements. 3. Residents also asked for more dining options (65%). There is expected to be additional restaurants at Mountain View Village. The city is also actively working to attract additional restaurants to the Riverton Town Center area (Redwood Road and 12600 S), specifically through the adoption of two Community Reinvestment Areas that have been created in the past several months. Please note that this area has been renamed the Town Center instead of historic downtown, as many of you commented there is little evidence left of our historic downtown. However, we still have an opportunity to make this area unique. 4. 70% of residents requested more biking and walking trails. Agreed! We currently have about 26 miles of trail in Riverton. More are needed and connecting the incomplete trail system that we have will have a positive impact for Riverton residents. As money becomes available, we will continue to work to develop and improve our trail system. It continues to be a great experience to live in Riverton and serve on the City Council.
April 2022 City Council & Planning Commission Meetings CITY COUNCIL • Tuesday, April 5, & April 19, 7 p.m. PLANNING COMMISSION • Thursday, April 14, & April 28, 6:30 p.m.
RIVERTON REVIEW | APRIL 2022
PUBLIC SAFETY MESSAGE
Warmer Weather Brings Safety Risks By Chief Don Hutson As we emerge from the continued disruptions in life we have been forced to endure as a result of the pandemic, we are all filled with anticipation and excitement as the weather warms, and we can actually see hope on the horizon to resume many of the activities we have not been able to do during the last couple of years. Flowers are blooming and
the young, as well as the young at heart, are spending much more time outside enjoying the warmer weather and longer days. Pedestrian traffic and bicycle riding increase dramatically for obvious reasons, and motorcycle riding is far more enjoyable and prevalent. These changes in the traffic dynamic on our roadways make visibility more of a challenge and cause us concern as public safety officers. It is important for all of us to be aware of this changing traffic landscape and be more vigilant in identifying potential hazards as we travel on our streets.
Criminals are aware we are approaching vacation season and they are always looking for an opportunity to break into an empty house or business. This is a good time for all of us to assess the security of our property and be reminded of how to minimize risk.
Additionally, some in our community, who are inclined to victimize others by stealing their property or burglarizing their homes, take advantage of the milder temperatures. Criminals are aware we are approaching vacation season and they are always looking for an opportunity to break into an empty house or business. It is also easier for them to hide or avoid us tracking them with additional foliage and no snow to leave footprints. For these reasons, it is a good time for all of us to assess the security of our property and be reminded of how to minimize risk. First, always lock your doors and keep your external lights on at night. If you are leaving town, let your neighbors know who should or should not be at your home so they can keep an eye out for suspicious vehicles. Have someone retrieve your mail and ensure papers or flyers don’t accumulate on your porch. As always, please don’t hesitate to call the Riverton Police Department if you see something suspicious. Stay safe and enjoy our beautiful city as the weather improves and we spend additional time participating in outdoor activities.
Come learn about the Localscapes approach to help create your ideal Riverton yard using a series of landscaping patterns and practices that take into account Utah’s unique climate. You’ll learn how to solve your landscape challenges in a way that will improve curb appeal while reducing maintenance costs and time. Space is limited. Registration is free but required. Register Online: bit.ly/localscapes-april-6 Location: Riverton City Hall, 12830 S Redwood Road, Riverton, Utah 84065
RIVERTON REVIEW | APRIL 2022
Secondary Water System Maintenance Maintenance on Riverton City’s secondary water irrigation system will begin shortly. Please ensure your valve is closed as soon as possible to prevent flooding. Irrigation water is scheduled to be available for use by May 1.
Please ensure your ball valve is closed.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
RIVERTON REVIEW
Arbor Day Tree Planting Workshop
QPR Suicide Prevention Training
Register: Start Smart Sports
Register: Tennis League Registration
Register: Pickleball League
Come learn the ins and outs of proper tree planting from an expert at Riverton City’s free annual Arbor Day Tree Planting Workshop.
Attend a free QPR suicide prevention class to learn how to respond to someone in crises. Classes occur monthly, excluding July and December.
Registration is now open for spring Start Smart Sports programs for kids age 3-5, including baseball, soccer and multi-sport. Register online.
Riverton City’s flexible tennis league is for all abilities, with one match played per week on your own schedule. Register online.
Join Riverton City’s pickleball league to play in a fun, social and competitive environment. Partners rotate weekly. Register online.
• Saturday, April 30, 9 a.m., Monarch Meadows Park
• Thursday, April 21, 7 p.m., Riverton City Hall
• Registration Opens March 1, Programs Begin May 3
• Offered Monthly, May-August
• Sessions Begin in April
To register or find more details, visit rivertonutah.gov/recreation.
T R AV E L I N G E X H I B I T
V E RT RI
Spring Clean Up Days Dumpster Drop
RES E NT S ID
ON
FREE FOR
FREE Community dumpsters for trash, cardboard and tree branches will be available on two Saturdays in April at both Riverton City Park and Western Springs Park. For Riverton resident use only. Proof of residency required. Some additional limitations and exclusions apply, so please visit rivertonutah.gov/beautiful for details.
Saturday, April 9 & 23 | 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Two Locations: Riverton City Park, 1452 W 12600 S, Riverton Western Springs Park, 4570 S Goshute Drive, Riverton
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WHAT IS IT YOU PLAN TO DO…? Traveling Exhibit In 1992 Mary Oliver wrote the poem “The Summer Day” which ends with the acclaimed lines, “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” The “WHAT IS IT YOU PLAN TO DO...?” Traveling Exhibit seeks to answer that question. The work in this exhibit has been created by artists who are exploring their world in various ways but all with the objective of understanding it better.
Tuesday, March 29 - Wednesday, April 27 Exhibit Hours: Monday - Wednesday, Noon - 5 p.m. Public Open House: Monday, March 28 | 6 - 8 p.m. | Old Dome Meeting Hall
RIVERTON REVIEW | APRIL 2022