AUGUST 2021
RIVERTON REVIEW Official Newsletter of the Riverton, Utah City Government MAYOR’S MESSAGE
A Vision for the Historic Downtown By Mayor Trent Staggs Over the last few years, we have seen Riverton’s commercial development grow by over 1 million square feet, along with sales tax revenue almost doubling. Much of this growth has taken place on the west side of our city. We have seen exciting projects like Mountain View Village Phase I completed, with Phase II well underway. Costco is under construction and many other exciting commercial and retail opportunities will be announced in the near future. As exciting as these opportunities are, I have always been a proponent of creating equitable opportunities for our historic downtown area on the east side of Riverton near Redwood Road and Riverton City Park. In 2018, I sat down with the City Council to create an official strategic priorities list which included Priority #3 – “Create a revitalized, pedestrian-friendly downtown destination.” In support of this priority, we have taken many important steps that could enhance the downtown area. First, multiple studies have been performed from various professional and student-led organizations. These groups were
tasked with creating unique land use designs that could improve the vibrancy of the downtown area, keeping in mind its distinct heritage. These plans have been shared with our planning commission and resident volunteer groups. The City Council plans to also share them with the public to receive feedback. Second, there often needs to be financial incentives offered to prospective developers for large scale projects like the redevelopment of a downtown. Looking at different tools available to our city, the council recently approved the creation of a Community Reinvestment Area (CRA). This option permits cities to designate specific areas that could use additional investment, and work with property taxing entities to share the increased property tax revenue as a result of new development. This newfound “tax increment” can be used to encourage specific development that is desirable to the community. Third, the city organized a
RIVERTON REVIEW | AUGUST 2021
market study for the Community Reinvestment Area to analyze the downtown’s potential uses, its strengths and weaknesses, as well as the viability of commercial and retail markets. I’ve heard from many of you about the desire of having additional restaurants and office space in this area and am working with the private development community to push for this type of use. Fourth, $150,000 was approved in the current FY 21-22 RDA budget for downtown signage and beautification projects. These monies in the RDA come from tax increment. I’ve asked staff and our Historic Preservation Commission to conceptualize streetscape, monument signage, trails and lighting concepts that would really distinguish this area
of the city, keeping in mind its historical significance. The city will also be putting $200,000 toward improvements to the Sandra N. Lloyd Community Center this year. Fifth, we are working with Salt Lake County on potential redesigns of the club house at Riverbend Golf Course and development of their adjoining property. The ultimate vision is to create a destination that can be used for golf tournaments, weddings and other events. With your help and the support of the City Council, I believe we can substantially improve the downtown area, inviting uses that our residents will enjoy for decades to come; all while maintaining a semblance of the historic nature of this oldest part of our city.
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COUNCIL MESSAGE
Redistricting of City Council Districts 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 801-208-3129
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 Dispatch (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 Sheldon Stewart We will be participating in the processes tied to the 2020 Census and the impacts on the political process of aligning and redistricting areas this year. Many do not know that this process also occurs at the local level, and sometime this year, we will make adjustments to our local city council districts. As Riverton has grown, most of the growth has occurred west of Bangerter Highway. The growth over the next ten years will be primarily in this area as well. There is presently only one council district that is completely west of Bangerter Highway, which is District 1, and the one I represent. The remaining four districts meet at roughly 2700 W. As a city, it is important that we ensure that we have proper representation that covers our city and is balanced through the representative areas. It is important that the boundaries of our districts:
2. That the remaining three districts have representation west of Bangerter highway with an alignment near the Welby Jacob Canal, which is approximately 4300 W. 3. The growth area of the city is split proportionately among all districts. 4. That multiple council districts share in the representation or areas where budget, events, and activities are driven, such as school district, resource centers, and city amenities and services. Some things residents may not know or be aware of is: 1. Schools: District 1 has no students that are included in Riverton High School boundaries. All attend either Mountain Ridge High School or Herriman High School; however, more than 90% of city resources for the high schools are dedicated to
Riverton High School and programs that target participation from Riverton High School. 2. Apartments: An estimated 80% of apartment complexes that exist or are approved are within the boundaries of District 1 and the only other district that has apartments is District 5. 3. Growth: Nearly 100% of the large areas remaining for growth are found in District 1 and District 3. As our city grows, we face new challenges. During this time as we evaluate the boundaries within our city for those that represent it, there is opportunity to correct some of the disparity that occurs as our city expands. These will be the challenges and issues that the City Council and city staff will face as we propose changes through this process. Please be sure to reach out to your councilmembers to ensure your voice is heard through this process.
1. Are split so that each district has relatively equal population. 2. Each district accounts for the areas of projected growth so that one district is not overburdened with the majority of growth. 3. That representation accounts for the various boundaries of other entities, such as school boundaries. As we go through the alignment process, I personally have goals that will ensure: 1. At least two council districts are drawn completely west of Bangerter Highway.
The City Council will make adjustments to city council district boundaries based on the results of the 2020 Census. Citizens are encouraged to reach out to their councilmembers if they have comment on the redistricting process.
RIVERTON REVIEW | AUGUST 2021
PUBLIC SAFETY MESSAGE
RPD Unveils Safe Exchange Zone By Chief Don Hutson As part of the Riverton Police Department’s ongoing effort to identify services which may be beneficial to our community, we recently unveiled our Safe Exchange Zone program to assist members of our community to feel a little safer while conducting property or custody exchanges. As the popularity of online commerce continues to increase, we recognized the need to provide a public location where people can meet to conduct transactions and feel more secure. We have designated two well-marked parking stalls immediately in front of our police station at 12810 S Redwood Road and identified this location as our Safe Exchange Zone. This is a highly visible, well-lit area and is under 24-hour recorded video surveillance. It is also visible to officers as they perform their duties at the police station. Additionally, if a person is concerned they may be buying stolen property, they may request a police officer meet them and check available databases to ensure the
property being exchanged has not been reported stolen. The proximity of the exchange zone makes it far more convenient for our officers to provide this service.
bring someone along to avoid being alone, do not get in a stranger’s vehicle, and do not hesitate to call our dispatch center if something seems suspicious.
This area could also be utilized by disputing parties or for custodial transfers which have the potential to escalate. Traditionally, these situations, often referred to as “keep the peace” calls, have occurred in less controlled environments. Providing a designated and monitored area for these situations will mitigate the potential risk for all involved parties.
We hope this program will benefit our citizens, and we look forward to seeing you in “The Zone” soon.
Of course, there is always the possibility that things can go wrong even when steps have been taken to minimize risk. We encourage all our residents to use caution whenever they are conducting business with unknown persons. When possible, always
• FALL CLASSIC PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT
Register for the Fall Classic Pickleball Tournament on September 17-18 at Riverton City Park featuring a pool bracket with various divisions. Register online at rivertonutah.gov/recreation.
• FALL FLAG FOOTBALL
The recently unveiled our Safe Exchange Zone located in front of the Riverton Police Station on 12810 S Redwood Road provides a place for members of our community to feel a little safer while conducting property or custody exchanges.
Riverton City Election Notice
• CITY MEETINGS
UPDATED
INFORMATION
GENERAL ELECTION: Tuesday, November 2, 2021 CANDIDATE FILING PERIOD: August 10-17, 2021 OFFICES UP FOR ELECTION: Mayor, City Councilmembers in District 3 and District 4
rivertonutah.gov/government/elections
Registration for Flag Football ends in August. Children in 1st-6th Grade are eligible to participate. Season features 7 games. Begins September 7. Register at rivertonutah.gov/recreation.
2021 ELECTION
On December 15, 2020, the Riverton City Council voted to participate in the Municipal Alternate Voting Methods pilot project for the 2021 Municipal Elections. This voting method is better known as Ranked Choice Voting. It eliminates the need for a primary election and pushes back the filing period from June to August.
RIVERTON REVIEW | AUGUST 2021
UPCOMING EVENTS
CITY COUNCIL • August 3 & 17, 7 p.m. PLANNING COMMISSION • August 12 & 26, 6:30 p.m.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
RIVERTON REVIEW
Friday Fun Nights in Riverton
Food Trucks • Entertainment • Summer Market • Movie in the Park • Games Come enjoy a casual night out at Friday Fun Night in Riverton every Friday night in August from 5-9 p.m. at Riverton City Park! Bring your own blankets or lawn chairs.
Entertainment Schedule August 6 Waiting for James August 13 Sean’s Garage August 20 Bluegrass Thunder August 27 City Jazz Big Band
Movie Schedule (Begins at dusk) 5 - 6:30 p.m. August 6 The War with Grandpa 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. August 13 Hook 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. August 20 Onward 6 - 8 p.m. August 27 The Addams Family
Concerts in the Park Sundays | 6 p.m. | August 1 - 22 Riverton City Park Event Lawn August 1 August 8 August 15 August 22
Bluegrass Thunder Trenton McKean Relativity Mark Owens
Bring your own chairs or blankets to sit on.
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Trailblazing Women of Utah Exhibition
Riverton Public Safety Night
Come see powerful photos and read inspiring stories about trailblazing women from our city and state. Open Monday - Wednesday, Noon - 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday by appointment only. Group and school tours are also welcome by appointment by calling 385-237-3421.
Bring the family and come learn more about the Riverton Police Department and Unified Fire Authority.
Through September 22 Old Dome Meeting Hall
Wednesday, August 4 6-8 p.m. | Riverton City Park
There will be activities, demonstrations, and lots of fun! Free and open to all.
RIVERTON REVIEW | AUGUST 2021