November 2020
RIVERTON REVIEW Official Newsletter of the Riverton, Utah City Government MAYOR’S MESSAGE
Changes Coming to 12600 S and Bangerter Highway Intersection By Mayor Trent Staggs Utah was recently ranked as having the best economy in the nation by 24/7 Wall Street. Due to our strong economic state, exciting tourism opportunities and world class amenities, people from all over the world are choosing to relocate to our great state. While we welcome growth, we must remain vigilant in our efforts to proactively plan and provide resources to properly handle this additional growth.
Much of this growth has taken place here in the southwest portion of Salt Lake County. In fact, almost 70% of all the growth taking place in the county since 2000 has taken place in our southwest communities. It is safe to say in decades past that previous leaders did not recognize what growth would be like. This of course has led to inadequate infrastructure and roadways. With no true east/west connection from the west side of the valley to I-15, we often deal with congestion near Bangerter Highway and Mountain View Corridor on 13400 S and 12600 S. In an effort to mitigate some of this congestion, UDOT has listed the conversion of Bangerter Highway into a freeway as one of their top priorities. This includes funding for a much-needed interchange at the crossing of Bangerter Highway and 12600 S here in Riverton. I am pleased that construction for this project has commenced and over the next few months we will see several significant changes being made.
Retaining walls for the half-over, half-under intersection are being installed at Bangerter Highway and 12600 S.
RIVERTON REVIEW | NOVEMBER 2020
While this project is well on its
Current construction progress at the intersection of Bangerter Highway and 12600 S.
way, there are a few key timelines that residents should be aware of. To complete the project by Fall 2021, there will be a full closure of 12600 S for east/west travel for six months beginning early next year. This closure will indeed create a temporary increase in travel time and congestion for residents who use 12600 S as their east/west connection since they will need to find an alternative route of travel. Riverton City is currently constructing Old Liberty Way at 4150 W and 4050 W to connect 12600 S and 13400 S near Bangerter. Once completed, we hope by June 2021, this road will help mitigate some of the congestion caused by the temporary closure of east/west travel at 12600 S and Bangerter. It is my hope that during this time,
residents will remain patient and look forward to the benefits that will be delivered by the completion of both of these important projects. Now, the freeway style interchange at 12600 S and Bangerter is not a fix all for our transportation struggles, but it will help traffic flow significantly. As a city, we will continue to identify roadways and other infrastructure projects that need to be funded to improve traffic flow in our community. By planning for our short-term and long-term futures we will be able provide the infrastructure needed to keep up with the growth we will continue to see for the coming decade. For more information on the Bangerter Interchange project and tentative timeline, you can visit: udot.utah.gov/bangerter12600south.
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COUNCIL MESSAGE
Your Vote in Action: Elected Officials Determine City Priorities
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 dbrickey@rivertonutah.gov 801-208-3125
CITY OFFICES
City Hall............................... Cemetery............................ Animal Control.................... Building............................... Code Enforcement.............. Fire Dispatch (UFA)............. Justice Court....................... Parks & Recreation............. Planning & Zoning.............. Police.................................. Public Works....................... Recorder.............................. Utility Billing........................ Water...................................
801-254-0704 801-208-3128 801-208-3108 801-208-3127 801-208-3174 801-743-7200 801-208-3131 801-208-3101 801-208-3138 385-281-2455 801-208-3162 801-208-3128 801-208-3133 801-208-3164
FIND US ONLINE! @rivertonutahgov www.rivertonutah.gov PAGE 2
By Councilmember Troy McDougal Once the votes are tallied and city officers sworn in, your vote turns into action when the elected officials meet to plan what projects will be done, how they will be funded, and their prioritization. This is done through a long-term strategic plan, annual and monthly planning sessions, and most importantly the annual budget meetings which determine which projects will be funded.
prioritized according to overall city needs. Often, the city will focus on a major project in one area of the city, while planning another major project in another area for the following year. I have often heard citizens complain about city staff running their own agenda or controlling what gets done in the city. This is a misplaced and often unfair attack. City staff operate under the budget and direction they receive from elected officials. Due to their expertise and daily management of service, they will be consulted in future planning, but the final decision to do something is held by the City Council through direct project approval and the budget process.
A large majority of funds collected by fees and sales tax are allocated to maintenance of existing services You will often hear elected officials such as culinary water, stormwater, praise the work of city staff, this is roads, etc. Under because we see the direction of a firsthand how City Manager, the they are taking “You will often hear city hires comelected official dielected officials praise rection and turnpetent, full-time the work of city staff, professionals ing it into action, to oversee and this is because we see often at a great maintain these savings to our citfirsthand how they are izens. Just one of services year over taking elected official year. Larger projmany examples ects or upgrades is our Finance direction and turning to city services Department who it into action, often at require long-term oversee the a great savings to our spending of your planning and budgeting, as not tax dollars, they citizens.” all can be done recently received without raising the Certificate of taxes or accruing Achievement for increased debt. The limitation of Excellence in Financial Reporting, funds and personnel requires large for fiscal management of citizen tax projects throughout the city to be dollars. Making sure your tax dollars
The city’s Finance Department received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting.
are being used prudently and as they say, “Getting the most bang for your buck.” When residents need a specific service or have questions regarding a service or process, city staff are ready and able to assist them. When citizens have concerns regarding services or projects, they can always reach out to their elected officials to better understand the financing and prioritizing of those projects and to assist them with potential solutions. Let your vote be transferred into action by communicating with your elected officials, they can then review your concern in the context of planning and budgeting, and you will have a better chance of a successful outcome.
REMINDER: Winterize Your Sprinkler System
Now that Riverton City’s secondary water system has been shut-off for the season, make sure to winterize your sprinkler system to protect it from cold temperatures. RIVERTON REVIEW | NOVEMBER 2020
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PUBLIC SAFETY MESSAGE
Opportunity for Our Youth By Chief Wade Watkins I experienced something special that I really wish I would have had the opportunity in my youth to participate in. Recently, I was assigned to the Unified Fire Authority’s Fire Training Division. This has given me the opportunity to view the first responder community through a different lens. As our team focuses on the training and development of new firefighters.
This high school based firefighter development course is derived from Utah State Fire Fighter Standards, NFPA, IFSAC, current Unified Fire Authority standards and the experience of an instructor cadre from multiple jurisdictions.” (Source: jordantech.org, 2020)
Observing our next generation of firefighters prepare to do the job, really reminded me of why I pursued this career in the first place. I could clearly see dedication and discipline growing at an incredible pace in the classroom and fire ground. Working together and relying on the performance of the “TEAM” is Through this new assignment, I the only path to success in this type had the awesome of environment. experience of parCapturing and ticipating in some understanding “Observing our training with the what was taking Jordan Academy place through my next generation of for Technology worldview was firefighters prepare and Careers an incredible exto do the job, really (JATC). The JATC perience for me. has a fire science reminded me of why program with this The students I pursued this career mission: “Prestarted the in the first place.” pares individuals day off with an to perform the duintense group ties of a firefighter. workout. This Instruction inworkout is decludes training in safety, firefighting, signed to replicate the “Work Cycle” equipment operation, maintenance, on a real-world incident. Following and the principles of fire science. the workout, the focus in the class-
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TEXT MESSAGE ALERTS Students at Jordan Academy for Technology and Careers (JATC) participate in a firefighter development course where they experience hands-on training.
room is learning the science and dynamics of fighting fire safely with the key being able to observe live fire. This immersion into firefighting culture provides the students with an opportunity to understand and learn firsthand. I have created a short video at bit. ly/jatc-fire that I hope has captured some of the experience. If you or someone you know has interest, please visit JATC’s website at jordantech.org or unifiedfire.org/becoming-a-firefighter.
Riverton City Events With the changing environment due to COVID-19, we recommend you regularly visit rivertonutah.gov to find the most recent event and meeting information. RIVERTON REVIEW | NOVEMBER 2020
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Bring the kids to see Santa Claus arrive in Riverton! Santa will greet families from a horse-drawn carriage as he travels around the park. Children can write their letter to Santa that evening. There will be free scones, hot chocolate, marshmallow roasting, cookie decorating, and crafts. Event is free and open to all.
'Twas The Lights Before Christmas
Monday, November 30, 6:30 p.m.
November 30 - December 3, 6:30 - 9 p.m.
Riverton City Park, 1452 W 12600 S, Riverton, Utah
Bring the family and come walk around Riverton City Park to read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas and see the fun lights! This is a free event for all and no ticket is required.
**Due to COVID-19, children will be unable to sit on Santa’s lap this year. They can greet him at his carriage and write him a letter that evening.
Visit candycanecornerslc.org for a list of items to donate. Donations may be dropped off at the Parks & Recreation window at Riverton City Hall until Friday, December 11. All items must be new and unwrapped. Candy Cane Corner is an annual holiday donation drive sponsored by The Road Home and Volunteers of America.
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Riverton City Park, 1452 W 12600 S, Riverton, Utah
Riverton residents who put up awesome Christmas light displays are encouraged to enter Riverton City’s 2nd Annual Christmas Lighting Contest! Cash prizes are available for 1st – 3rd Place. Entry is free. Entry Deadline: Tuesday, December 15 For contest details, or to enter, visit:
rivertonutah.gov/contests
RIVERTON REVIEW | NOVEMBER 2020