City of South Jordan 2022 Annual Report

City of South Jordan

South Jordan City Council

“I firmly believe South Jordan is a city that we all should be proud to live in. As we grow, our community continues to amaze me in its resourcefulness, kindness, and resilience.”

Donald J. Shelton

Mayor

Patrick Harris

District 1 Council Member

Bradley G. Marlor

District 2 Council Member

District 3 Council Member

Tamara Zander

District 4 Council Member

Jason T. McGuire

District 5 Council Member

Dawn R. Ramsey

– Dawn R. Ramsey

City Manager Note

Honorable Mayor, Members of the City Council, and South Jordan residents:

With the events of the last few years and their lingering economic effects our city, staff has used their ingenuity in coming up with creative solutions to accomplish many wonderful community improvements. The personal commitment of our city staff and our city council’s forethought to prepare for any situation have been essential in getting our good work done. That’s why I am especially pleased to present to you this annual report on the council’s initiatives and accomplishments for 2022.

The performance goals, priorities, and strategies are focused in the areas of Creating a Safe Community, Delivering Reliable Public Infrastructure, Providing Desirable Amenities & Open Space, Fostering Economic Development, Engaging the Community, Representing Responsible Governance, Balancing the Regulatory Environment, and Ensuring Sustainable Growth.

This report summarizes the year’s achievements and successes. Some of our goals were reached this year, others we will continue to work towards accomplishing in 2023. Our mission is to provide serviceoriented, responsible government,

consistent with the community’s values, priorities, and expectations for a high quality of life, enhancing the City’s fiscal health, providing professional and innovative services, and managing the City’s resources, while planning for the future. We have worked diligently to ensure a wonderful quality of life for our residents, while making sure we encourage smart growth and fiscal responsibility. I believe you will see this reflected in this 2022 Annual Report.

As staff and council work together to continue our goal of building a community that has an aboveaverage quality of life with a sustainable fiscal outlook towards the future, the City Council’s and the Mayor’s support and guidance through the upcoming year will be invaluable to our success in all strategic areas. We look forward to working together to build a better tomorrow for the City of South Jordan.

Respectfully yours,

Gary L. Whatcott

Balancing the Regulatory Environment & Representing

Responsible Governance

South Jordan City establishes and implements clear, effective, and necessary regulations to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the community by

• Implementing and enforcing regulations,

• Executing the general plan, and

• Appropriately engaging the community.

Financial Awards

South Jordan City provides efficient and effective governance through best practices in

• Fiscal responsibility,

• Technology and transparency,

• Operational excellence, and

• Strategic alignment.

Anticipated Financial Awards for 2022

37th consecutive year

Certificate of Excellence for the in Financial Reporting for the city’s 2022 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR)

Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting for the city’s Fiscal Year 2022 Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) for the 10th consecutive year

Financial Awards Received in 2022

Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the city’s Annual Budget for Fiscal Year 2023 for the 29th consecutive year

Bond Rating

The City maintains a revenue bond rating of AAA from Standard and Poor’s and AAA from Fitch and has an implied AAA General Obligation Bond rating by both Standard and Poor’s and Fitch.

“Your city council has committed to representing responsible governance, which includes using tax payer dollars prudently. We have also continued to work hard for our city to maintain local control of our city’s zoning and planning.”

Understanding Property Taxes

State Basic School Levy 16%

Other 9%

Salt Lake County Library 4%

South Valley Sewer 2%

Salt Lake County 14%

South Jordan City 14%

Jordan School District 41%

All property taxes collected pay for only 63% of South Jordan fire and police costs.

City Staff & Training

Recruited and hired 11 full-time firefighters to fully staff Station 64 Implemented the First Responders Mental Health Support Plan Received the Top Workplace Award for the 4th year in a row Employees scored a 54% engagement rate (50% is the industry benchmark)

– Bradley G. Marlor, District 2

Delivering Reliable Public Infrastructure & Ensuring Sustainable Growth

South Jordan City delivers reliable public infrastructure by effectively planning, constructing and maintaining

• Transportation networks

• Public utility systems

• Public facilities

South Jordan City promotes a sustainable community by planning for growth while aligning resources through

• Intentional & integrated planning

• Maintaining service levels

• Conservation programs

Construction Project Highlights

A new traffic signal was installed at White Peach Drive and 1300 West.

Grandville Avenue from Lake Avenue to Old Bingham Highway is under construction (completion scheduled for summer 2023).

South Jordan Parkway from Mt. View Corridor to Trocadero Avenue was completed.

Welby-Jacobs Canal Trail was completed.

Midas Creek Trail from Midas Creek Park to 3300 West & 11800 South was completed.

Bangerter Highway interchange and under pass at 10400 South was completed.

Bangerter Highway interchange at 9800 South is in the design and programming stage.

A solution was developed to have Bangerter go under 9800 South similar to 11400 South & 10400 South.

Public Works

Storm and Sanitation

19,932 feet of storm pipe cleaned

5,224 miles of neighborhood roads and 2,407 miles of main roads swept

33% increase of dumpsters available to residents for daily rental

1,967 neighborhood dumpster program deliveries

645 tons of garbage collected during spring cleanup event

3,351 tons of garbage collected (including trash and green waste)

Streets Automobiles

3,873 square feet of road asphalt repaired or replaced

58 pot holes repaired city wide

327 street signs replaced

1,855,391 square feet of asphalt preservation installed

32 lane miles of asphalt treatment

6 lane miles of asphalt overlay

Lights

150 street lights repaired or replaced

60 street lights added along 2200 West

6 street lights added along

3200 West at 11400 South

Pedestrians

17,768 square feet of sidewalk concrete replaced

460 trip hazards eliminated

“With South Jordan being one of the fastest growing cities in the nation, the City Council has made it a priority to maintain and develop the city’s infrastructure to meet the current demands and future needs of the city.”

– Jason T. McGuire, District 5

Engaging the Community

South Jordan City promotes an informed and engaged community by listening, learning, educating, and fostering shared responsibility.

Website Re-design

• New user-friendly navigation

• Ability to access most key actions within 3-clicks or fewer

• ADA accessible

• Timely events and news on front page

Tax Education 101 Campaign

Educated residents on how taxes work for South Jordan City

• New Tax Education 101 web page

• Educational videos

• Educational articles

• Property tax calculator

Know where your tax dollars go.

1. Visit sjc.utah.gov

2. Hover over Government

3. Click Tax Education 101

Mayor’s Corner

A new article section was added to The Focus, South Jordan’s monthly newsletter, where residents can hear directly from the mayor.

Committees and Boards

Residents on South Jordan’s committees make a difference for our community. Most are always looking for community members to join them. Consider applying to participate in one of these committees today.

• Senior Advisory Committee

• Historic Preservation Committee

• South Jordan Arts Council

• South Jordan Youth Council

Gale Center Museum

Approximately 2,000 craft kits distributed at the Gale Center Selected to host Legacy of Leadership traveling exhibit

“The only thing that makes government work is participation from our residents. Your engagement, feedback and involvement are key to ensuring spectacular programming that meets the needs of our community.”

– Dawn R. Ramsey, Mayor

Arts Program

By Lindsey Schmidt

By Jenna Garett

By Scott Stanley

By Gary Swanson

Jordan River Trail Mural On the Jordan River Trail near the 10600 South Bridge

The Music Man Theater

Production Sold Out 8 Shows

Art Show Entries at Record High: ~145

Providing Desirable Amenities & Open Space

The City of South Jordan promotes a strong sense of place by providing parks, trails, open space, and a variety of cultural and recreational opportunities.

SoJo Summerfest

Doubled attendance from 2021 SoJo Summerfest

Major Brent Taylor Flag featured in parade

New in 2022

• SoJo Rec Zone

• Home Run Derby

• Butterfly Encounter

• SoJo Summerfest

Music Festival

• XPoGo

Events

Pumpkin Promenade: 2,000+ attendees

Light the Night: 2,400 attendees

Senior Programs

15,500 senior meals distributed

27 senior trips and outings provided

3,530 rides provided to South Jordan seniors

“Our beautiful city is known for its open space and top-of-the-line amenities. We rely on our residents’ feedback as we continue to make improvements and add unique gathering places as we grow.”

– Patrick Harris, District 1

Mulligans Golf & Games

317 First Tee Program Participants

New mats and dividers installed in driving range structure

New netting on the batting cages and driving range

New windows installed on driving range structure

Splash Pad

The Heritage Park Splash Pad is 50% completed.

It is expected to be finished by Memorial Day 2023

.

2 new races — Break the Freeze and Veterans Day Ruck

Participation is approximately 2,000, which is a 47% increase over the previous year.

Gold Star Families Memorial Monument

10655 South Redwood Road

The City of South Jordan dedicated the first ever Gold Star Families Memorial Monument to be built

Pictured: South Jordan City Council Members Breaking Ground on memorial, Mayor Dawn Ramsey speaking at dedication

These monuments honor the families of active military members who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Honoring these Gold Star families within the City and Salt Lake County was a top priority for the Mayor and City Council.

In attendance at the dedication on September 7, 2022, were several Gold Star families, City leadership, school performance groups, and Congressman Burgess Owens.

Pictured: Congressman Burgess Owens speaking at dedication, Tamara Zander with officers, visitors leaving roses for loved ones lost in military service

Fostering Economic Development

The City of South Jordan promotes economic development by facilitating efforts with employers and developers to increase the City’s tax base for a sustainable future.

New Businesses in South Jordan

Black Rifle Coffee 3634 West 11400 South (Under Construction)

EOS Fitness 10498 South River Heights Drive (Under Construction)

Kum & Go 1710 West Shields Lane (Under Construction)

Bastian Agricultural Center, USU Extension 2100 West 11400 South

Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa 3537 South 11400 South

Happy Teriyaki 5474 West Daybreak Parkway

Harmons Daybreak and Just Burgers 4727 South South Jordan Parkway

Maria’s Mexican Grill 781 West 10600 S

MassageLuXe 11336 Beckstead Lane

The Mountain Barber Company 1072 West South Jordan Parkway

MunchKart 1776 West 10610 South

SodaBoba Drinks 10309 South Redwood Road

Starbucks 1133 West South Jordan Parkway

Zulu Grille 10709 South Redwood Road

“We’ve had some exciting changes and new additions to the economic landscape of our city. Your City Council has made some important decisions, like joining the South Valley Chamber, that will better prepare us for a successful economic environment in South

– Donald J. Shelton, District 3

Ivory Homes

Photo: South Jordan City leadership and Ivory Homes staff

Creating a Safe Community

South Jordan City promotes a strong safety culture for the entire community and its workforce by

• Creating a sense of community

• Ensuring an appropriate response

• Ensuring community readiness

Fire Department

5 new firefighters hired for Station 64

4 radio repeaters were replaced within the City for backup public safety emergency communication network.

1,814 inter-facility transfers

6,966 calls for service

Increase in total calls for service 2021 15% 2022 18%

Launched “Ready, Set, Go” wildfire education campaign and fuel reduction plan in the Bingham Creek area.

Pictured: New firefighters swearing in, firefighters at Blue Red Green Event, Bingham Creek native open space

Police Department

38,302 calls for service

146 use-of-force incidents

1,177 students taught by D.A.R.E. officers

3 new officer positions created Officers received 85 hours of training on average

Launched 420 drone training flights and 30 operational deployments

Pictured: D.A.R.E. Graduation, Tamara Zander with officers

“We have made huge strides for public safety in South Jordan. We’ve been able to retain and recruit because of the vision of our City Council. I can’t say enough how much I appreciate our first responders.”

– Tamara Zander, District 4

Council Member Addresses to Districts

It has been another fulfilling and exciting year to represent the residents of South Jordan as mayor. It has been my honor to represent your interests on dozens of statewide boards and committees like the Western Growth Coalition and the State Drinking Water Board. I was also the President of the Utah League of Cities and Towns in 2022, fighting for local government control to ensure we can maintain smart, manageable growth in our city. We’ve continued to look toward the long-term prosperity and success of our great city by developing infrastructure for tomorrow’s needs. One project that launched this year to investigate future possibilities is our Pure SoJo water purification demonstration project. The project came online last spring, and we’re excited that in 2023 we will host tours and educate the public about this forward-looking project. We’ve also continued to make huge strides in our water conservation program — our residents rising to the challenge and saving more water, even as we grow.

In 2022, one of the most awaited amenities has been the addition of Google Fiber. Fiber optic internet service has been installed in portions of our city, and they are moving forward with speed. The first residents are already signing up for service.

I was honored that our city was the first in Salt Lake County to dedicate a Gold Star Families Memorial Monument. The beautiful event last fall featured Congressman Burgess Owens and Jennie Taylor of the Major Brent Taylor Foundation as speakers. It was truly moving and while the monument itself is large and sturdy, it’s a small gesture for the sacrifice families have made when they’ve lost their loved ones in service to our country.

Mayor Dawn R. Ramsey

Finally, it was so good to have our SoJo Summerfest parade back and better than ever. Our events staff has continued to raise the bar on City events, and it’s been amazing to see how creative they are at developing engaging environments for our residents.

Thank you, South Jordan residents, for everything you do to make our community amazing. Thank you for letting me serve as your mayor; because of you, I stand by what I always say — the future is bright in South Jordan!

District 1

Patrick Harris

As the representative for District 1 on our City Council, I am proud to say we’ve accomplished a lot in 2022. I am happy to announce that I now represent the City of South Jordan on the South Valley Sewer Board.

Google Fiber cable has already been installed in a portion of our district, and service is already available in some neighborhoods.

We’ve added numerous new businesses in District 1, like MassageLuXe at 11336 Beckstead Lane and the Mountain Barber Company at 1072 W South Jordan Parkway.

The beautification of our city continues through public art with new trail wall murals at the underpass of 10600 South on the Jordan River trail.

Our recreation department has been busy putting on amazing programming like SoJo Summerfest. My family enjoyed the fun and energizing Spring Spectacular event. I have also had the pleasure of participating in several of our SoJo Race Series rucking events, including the Date Dash, Gold Rush, SoJo Glow Run, and the Veteran’s Day Ruck.

I am also excited that the splash pad at Heritage Park is almost complete. Your city council worked hard to launch this project, and I can’t wait to see our community enjoy it soon.

Finally, I had the pleasure of attending the dedication of our Gold Star Families Memorial Monument. It was sobering and humbling to be in the presence of so many families whose loved ones paid the ultimate price for our freedom.

Thank you all for being a part of this amazing community and allowing me to continue to serve you.

District 2 Bradley G. Marlor

We’ve had another exciting year in the City of South Jordan and in District 2. It was a relief to see more of you in person as we’ve seen the tail end of the pandemic. We had so many more City events in person and some progress in important infrastructure.

First, the long-awaited Google Fiber installation is bearing fruit. District 2 has either had Google Fiber installed or is in the construction phase, and some residents have even begun to sign up for service. This additional option creates more competition between internet providers and gives another great option to our residents desiring fast internet connectivity.

Several projects have made significant progress that will benefit District 2 residents. Our council worked to get a second splash pad in our city at Heritage Park on Redwood Road and construction is about half way done. I was also pleased to announce after much negotiation that Bangerter will go under 9800 South when the interchange is complete.

I’ve had the pleasure of participating in numerous City events this year, including the SoJo Summerfest parade and rucking, where you walk the race route with a weighted pack, in the SoJo Race Series Date Dash, Gold Rush, and Veteran’s Day events.

I was also humbled and proud to participate in the dedication of the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument. Our council fully supported the

installation of this monument honoring our South Jordan families who have lost family members while serving their country in the military.

Finally, myself and several of my neighbors were able to do our part for water conservation this year by taking advantage of South Jordan’s parkstrip flipping program. I encourage all of the District 2 residents to consider doing the same. Thank you all for your participation and feedback this year. I am honored to continue to serve as your District 2 council member.

District 3 Donald J. Shelton

First of all, I wanted to thank you for re-electing me to be your District 3 council member. It has been an honor, and I will continue to do my best to represent your interests on our City Council.

We’ve had some exciting progress in the City, including adding new amenities that make South Jordan an even more desirable place to live. The first phase of Bingham Creek Regional Park is almost complete and will be open for residents to enjoy by Memorial Day 2023. The new splash pad at Heritage Park should also be completed and open for use by Memorial Day 2023 as well.

I was proud that our City dedicated the first Gold Star Families Memorial Monument in Salt Lake County. It was our honor to recognize the sacrifice of families who lost loved ones in their service of our country. I encourage you to visit our South Jordan Public Safety Building plaza to view the monument in person.

I’ve also been able to advocate for our city with our state lawmakers through my participation with the Utah League of Cities and Towns Legislative Policy Committee. This is extremely important because there are those on the state level that would take away our ability to make zoning and other decisions that are best for our residents.

Thank you again, District 3, for your on-going support and for the honor of serving as your council member.

District 4 Tamara Zander

Hello and Happy New Year! I’ve seen a lot of exciting and notable progress while serving you and our wonderful city over the last year.

Our council is thrilled that South Jordan is the first city in Salt Lake Valley to have a Gold Star Families Memorial monument. Visiting this monument is a great opportunity to talk with your family about the freedoms we enjoy thanks to the sacrifice of families whose loved ones paid the ultimate price for our freedom.

As your city council member, I work to stay aware of your needs and to make wise decisions with your best interest at heart. Some of those that we’ve made progress on include fully staffing Fire Station 64 on the west side of our city; building a new splash pad at Heritage Park, which will be open on Memorial Day of this year; and working with city staff to secure the infrastructure to improve coverage for our residents, including the installation of several small 5G cell towers throughout the city.

This year I’ve had the honor of serving on the behalf of our residents in several capacities. I served on the Legislative Policy Committee and advocated for our city through my involvement with the Utah League of Cities and Towns. Engaging with our state lawmakers is essential and I strive to be your voice for local government land use authority. South Jordan City recently joined the South Valley Chamber of Commerce. I am honored to serve on their South Jordan business committee and invite other local business owners to join us. This is a valuable opportunity to grow local business relations and give back to our community.

We have several spectacular recreation events throughout the year. The SoJo Race Series is one of my favorite city events, which includes rucking, an adult 5K, and a children’s race. Another is the annual SoJo Summerfest event in June. I particularly love engaging with you at the city parade and seeing the beautiful talent of local chalk art participants. Save the date and come join us at the 2023 Summerfest!

Thank you for your involvement in our great city. I am grateful to serve you as your Council Member in District 4.

District 5 Jason T. McGuire

The residents of South Jordan are amazing. Through my five years of serving on the City Council, I have found our residents to be resilient, creative, and striving towards a better future.

Part of this better future is due to the work of our South Jordan Arts Council. This past year we installed six pieces of public art, and hosted four in-person art events: the South Jordan Art Show, the Get to the River community mural event, Art on the Towne, and the Music Man. Their hard work has not only beautified our city but has exposed more people to the benefits of the arts.

The City has also made progress on several long-term construction goals, like completing the interchange at 10400 South and Bangerter, and starting the new splash pad at Heritage Park. The new splash pad is about halfway done, and is scheduled to be open on Memorial Day 2023.

I enjoyed being able to attend and interact with residents at various events throughout the year. It was especially nice to have the SoJo Summerfest parade back at its normal time in June, to kick off the beginning of summer.

I was honored to participate in the events that supported those who have served, are serving, or have lost loved ones who served in our country’s armed forces. The Gold Star Memorial Monument groundbreaking and dedication were truly heart touching, and I encourage everyone to visit this monument in front of the City’s Public Safety Building. I also want to express gratitude to everyone who volunteers their time to make the Veterans Day Breakfast a success each year.

Finally, THANK YOU to everyone who has taken water conservation efforts seriously. Through your efforts, South Jordan continues to be an example for water conservation throughout the state.

Thank you all for your efforts to ensure a better future for our City. I am honored to continue to serve you.

Council Districts and Key 2022 Locations

District boundaries were changed in 2022 to reflect 2020 Census data.

Grandville Road

Construction to be completed in 2023

Baseball & Softball Complex Murals 11000 South Redwood Road

Heritage Park Splash Pad

Scheduled to open on Memorial Day 2023

Crosswalk Murals

Towne Center Drive

Gold Star Families Memorial Monument 10655 South Redwood Road

Community and Trail Wall Murals

On the Jordan River Trail near the 10600 South Bridge

District 3

District 5

District 4

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City of South Jordan

1600 W Towne Center Dr

South Jordan, UT 84095

Executive Team

Gary L. Whatcott

City Manager

Dustin Lewis

Deputy City Manager

Ryan Loose

City Attorney

Don Tingey

Director of Strategy and Budget

Melinda Nagai Seager

Director of Administrative Services

Janell Payne Director of Recreation

Brian Preece

Director of City Commerce & Sustainability

Brad Klavano Director of Engineering/ City Engineer

Teresa Cook Director of Human Resources

Jason Rasmussen Director of Public Works

Steven Schaefermeyer Director of Planning

Jeff Carr

Police Chief

Chris Dawson Fire Chief

Sunil K. Naidu Chief Financial Officer/ Budget Officer