Riverton Review Print Newsletter - January 2025

JANUARY 2025

RIVERTON REVIEW Official Newsletter of the Riverton, Utah City Government MAYOR’S MESSAGE

2024: Riverton City Highlights and Awards By Mayor Trent Staggs Riverton’s success and progress in 2024 instills confidence that 2025 and beyond will also bring great things to come.

Our city received some awards and recognitions and completed major projects that will be of great benefit to the residents. Not all our highlights were featured on the nightly news or your social media feed, so I thought it would be helpful to list some significant achievements from this past year here: Sandra N. Lloyd Community Center Reopening Last May, we completed renovations of the Sandra N. Lloyd Community Center and reopened it to the public.

This is a beautiful, historic building once again opened for all sorts of events. Elected officials had the vision of maintaining its historic charm while giving it a 21st century makeover.

We’ve already held city events in this building and it’s great to see it being used by our community once more.

Riverton City sought to offset the $2.7 million cost to refurbish the auditorium and nearby plaza by partnering with Salt Lake County. The County generously awarded the City a TRCC grant of $1.2 million to help with this project.

New City Hall Plaza The new plaza behind city hall was also completed in conjunction with the community center. This plaza offers a

wonderful outdoor gathering spot for families and others. It features a small amphitheater with two-tier seating.

And look out for a statue of a tiger and her cub that was graciously donated by the family of Dollores B. Shelledy.

The cost of the plaza was mitigated through provision of grants provided

by Salt Lake County.

Riverton City staff added a beautiful, new pavilion to the Peggy Green Park. Increasing the amenities at our parks is a priority for the city. Proper upkeep and maintenance at our park keep our public spaces clean and perfect for use by families.

recommendation to eliminate 85 fees from city code to better reduce unnecessary bureaucratic costs. This is part of an ongoing initiative I commenced to regularly require our government to review its fees and regulations. For example, Riverton taxpayers have saved millions since we created our own fire and police taxing district.

Since 2018, the Riverton Law Enforcement Service Area has reached over $21 million in cumulative savings, while the Riverton Fire Service Area has totaled nearly $2 million in cumulative savings since 2021.

Additionally, Riverton City maintains the lowest utility fees in the Salt Lake Valley due to our determination to live up to our fiscal principles.

Canyon View Park’s New ADA Playground

Groundbreaking of Paige Retail Center Across from City Hall

In addition to park maintenance, city staff recently constructed Riverton’s first ADA compliant playground at Canyon View Park. This park enables children of all abilities to engage in the power of play.

Riverton City continues to grow and improve in ways that will benefit generations. I was pleased to attend the groundbreaking ceremony of the Paige Retail Plaza that will be built on Redwood Road across from city hall.

The plaza will consist of 20 nearly 2,000 square-foot retail spaces in 4 buildings. It will also provide residents with greater access to a variety of retail and dining options, making Riverton a more convenient and attractive place to live, work, and play.

Peggy Green Park Pavillion

Two Financial Recognition Awards from the Government Finance Officers Association Riverton City takes pride in our fiscal discipline and it’s nice for our staff to be recognized for their efforts. This past year, Riverton City received two financial recognition awards from the Government Finance Officers Association. The first is a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. The second is an Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting.

Eliminated 85 Fees from City Code Riverton City Council approved my

RIVERTON REVIEW | JANUARY 2025

Utah Taxpayers Association Recognition

Christmas Tree Composting Properly dispose of live Christmas trees at one of three free drop-off locations through the end of January.

Centennial Park 13000 S 2700 W Monarch Meadows Park 13675 S Monarch Meadows Parkway Riverton Rodeo Arena 12800 S 1300 W

The Utah Taxpayers Association recognized Riverton City for having one of the lowest city tax burdens in the state per capita, and the lowest in the southern Salt Lake County Area. I am proud of our city’s fiscally conservative principles and the courage demonstrated by our elected officials and staff to live them.

PAGE 1

COUNCIL MESSAGE

Public Input Wanted for Riverton’s Strategic Plan ELECTED OFFICIALS Trent Staggs - Mayor Andy Pierucci - District 1 Troy McDougal - District 2 Tawnee McCay - District 3 Tish Buroker - District 4 Spencer Haymond - District 5

UPCOMING CITY MEETINGS CITY COUNCIL January 7 & 21, 7 p.m.

PLANNING COMMISSION January 9 & 23, 6:30 p.m.

By Councilmember Troy McDougal I believe it was Thomas Jefferson who said, “The government closest to the people serves the people best.” I agree with that statement, political leaders can make better decisions for their community when they have the feedback of the community.

With that in mind, this year the City Council will be reviewing the Riverton City General Plan for land use. Perhaps no issue affects our citizens more than the development of open land and protecting the existing zoning in our current neighborhoods.

property. When you buy into a community, it is with the expectation that there will be some standards to maintain the integrity of the community.

This allows us all the quiet enjoyment of our investment and lifestyle, without it being decreased, by an individual who wants to alter the existing plan to meet their personal desires.

I along with several of my Council Members would like “I invite everyone to to involve the public I believe that when review the General to a greater degree in a person invests the General Plan proPlan found on the in buying a home, cess. It is our goal to city website.” they do so with the meet with residents expectation that with of each individual few exceptions, the district to get feedproperties around back from residents them will continue on concerns and to reflect the existing desires for their spezoning. I am a strong cific areas. With his supporter of individual property rights, feedback, we can better maintain and but that does not mean people can design a plan that will help Riverton have free reign to do anything on their

keep its current financial strength and unique smalltown lifestyle.

As we prepare for the review process, I invite everyone to review the General Plan found on the city website (rivertonutah.gov/planning/maps.php).

Carefully consider what you would like our city to look like, not just five years from now, but 15-20 years from now.

Attend the meetings and let your voice be heard.

I can promise that not everyone will be happy, with such a wide variety of opinions that is just not possible. But what we can do is better represent the residents who have invested financially and emotionally into this community.

As Benjamin Franklin said, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.”

2025 Riverton City Calendar Has Arrived!

CONTACT US rivertonutah.gov 801-254-0704

Report a problem at rivertonutah.gov/report

FIND US ONLINE! @rivertonutahgov PAGE 2

The new 2025 Riverton Calendar will keep you in the know on events and happenings this year.

You should have received it in your mailbox already. If you haven’t received one, you can pick one up for free at the Recreation & Events window at Riverton City Hall.

RIVERTON REVIEW | JANUARY 2025

PUBLIC SAFETY MESSAGE

Our Community’s Role in Ensuring Traffic Safety

By Chief Shane Taylor I encourage all motorists to allow more time to commute to and from their homes. Please be considerate and patient with one another, especially with the road closure of 13400 South and Bangerter Highway for the following year.

Friendly reminders: Use your signals to let everyone know your intentions for safe travel. The center dividing lane of the roadway is not designed for legal travel. Please make sure to yield at signs and come to a complete stop at stop signs. Go back through your driver’s exam book and know vehicular right of way. Remember, obeying traffic laws is not just a suggestion; it’s a responsibility. We should all know the finer points of operating a motor vehicle and adhere to the regulations.

Text Alerts

n rivertonutah.gov/alerts

Get important traffic alerts, emergency updates, and city info with Riverton’s all new text alerts. Text JOIN (and your email) to 530-456-9523

Email Notifications

Please be considerate and patient with one another, especially with the road closure of 13400 South and Bangerter Highway for the following year.

anticipating potential hazards, and avoiding distractions.

With the inclement weather approaching, I must stress the imporStreet racing, reckless driving, and tance of maintaining a safe driving not obeying the postdistance between ed speed limits are you and other monot just dangerous torists. This caution but illegal. Rememcan prevent unnecber, these actions essary accidents.

“Remember, will not go unnoobeying traffic ticed and will result Road rage has in a citation to corled drivers to do laws is not just a rect the behavior. the unthinkable suggestion; it’s a to others in our The consequences are real and severe; community. It is the responsibility.” not obeying the leading cause of posted speed limits violent behavior on can lead to accithe road. I ask you dents, injuries, and to be an example even fatalities. We must all underfor your family and community. stand and respect them.

Let’s not forget that operating a Careless driving results in a high motor vehicle is a privilege and not volume of unnecessary traffic aca right. We all play an essential role cidents that can be prevented with in ensuring safe travel. intelligent thinking, such as mainNo one likes a knock on the door taining a safe following distance,

RIVERTON REVIEW | JANUARY 2025

with bad news about a family member injured by careless motorists or poor choices. Unfortunately, this occurs way too often.

I would ask all of you to partner with the Riverton Police Department and report irresponsible driving to the non-emergency VECC dispatch center. This center is staffed with trained professionals who can take your report and dispatch an officer if necessary. You can reach them by calling 801-840-4000. Your vigilance and willingness to report can help us keep our roads safe for everyone. Remember, you are not just a driver but a guardian of road safety in our community.

The Riverton Police Department is deeply committed to enhancing the quality of life in our community and partnering with you to ensure safety. We value your cooperation and vigilance in maintaining road safety. Together, we can make a difference and keep our roads safe for everyone.

n rivertonutah.gov/subscribe Get the latest city updates, e-newsletters, event information and other news delivered right to your inbox.

Riverton Connect App

n @rivertonutahgov

Connect with Riverton City to get quick updates, essential information, event details and more on the platforms you use.

Social Media

n rivertonutah.gov/app

Report a problem, see the city calendar, get directions to parks and city facilities, and find city information right from your mobile device.

PAGE 3

UPCOMING EVENTS

RIVERTON REVIEW

Trans-Jordan Landfill Disposal Vouchers

Register: Couch to 5K

Arts and Museums Exhibition 125 Years of Collecting

Register: Just You & I Daddy-Daughter Date

Pick up a free voucher to the TransJordan Landfill at the Utility Billing Office at Riverton City Hall when you begin your spring cleaning.

Gradually build up your running ability as part of our Couch to 5K training program!

Program begins January 29 and continues for 8 weeks.

• Limit of two vouchers per household per year.

• Register online at rivertonutah.gov/couch-to-5k.

This traveling exhibition showcases artworks This daddy-daughter date night near collected over the decades. From recent Valentine’s Day is a hit and sells out early! acquisitions of living artists to artworks Suitable for girls ages 3-12. Register at illustrating the state’s early history from a variety rivertonutah.gov/date-night. of some of Utah’s finest artists.

• Friday, February 7, 6 p.m., • January 6-29, Old Dome Meeting Hall JATC Building

Reserve a Facility

Old Dome Meeting Hall & Plaza • Community Center Hamilton Event Center • City Park Pavilions Riverton City has many wonderful facilities available for rent for residents and non-residents. To make reservations visit rivertonutah.gov/reserve or call us at 801-208-3101.

Art Submissions Needed Young artists and creators age 18 and younger are invited submit artwork entries in the Not Your Parent’s Art Show February 3-26, 2025.

This non-judged event gives young artists the opportunity to showcase their artwork in an exhibition at the Old Dome Meeting Hall.

• Artwork Entry Period: January 13-24 • Find details at rivertonutah.gov/exhibits.

PAGE 4

WINTER SNOW PARKING PROTOCOL The following snow removal protocol and winter parking policy is in effect in Riverton: • Between November 1 and March 1, no vehicle may be parked on city streets during a snow storm OR where snow has accumulated on road shoulders.

For additional details, visit rivertonutah.gov/snow

Half Marathon, 10K & 5K Be part of a Riverton tradition and come participate in one of the valley’s best races. The race is designed for all ages and abilities with medals and prizes awarded for participants and winners.

General registration opens January 1 for the Riverton Half Marathon, 10K & 5K • Race Day is Saturday, March 22 • Register at: rivertonutah.gov/half

RIVERTON REVIEW | JANUARY 2025