Cottonwood Heights Journal | June 2024

STORM WATER DRAIN FEE TO INCREASE, ‘WITH INFLATION, I THINK SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE’

By Cassie Goff | c.goff@mycityjournals.com

The city budget for fiscal year 2024-25 in Cottonwood Heights will be adopted on June 18. In preparation for that date, the Cottonwood Heights City Council will hold two separate public hearings on June 4 at 7 p.m.— one hearing for the budget itself and one hearing regarding increases in pay for executive staff (as mandated by new legislation for the State of Utah). The Tentative Budget was adopted on May 7 (Resolution 2024-31) and is available on the city’s website for residents’ perusal.

The only current increase to impact residents proposed within the tentative budget is an increment increase to Storm Water Drain fees. The Storm Water Drain fee will increase by 70 cents per month, bringing the average total up to $8.20 per household from $7.50. This fee increase will generate an additional $130,414 of revenue for the Public Works Department to put toward storm drain systems throughout the city.

“Maintenance and reconstruction of storm water lines have expended most of the revenue. If we have an emergency project, we will be out,” said Public Works Director Matt Shipp.

Flushing out storm water manholes and inlets and raising buried storm drain manholes is anticipated to cost $237,430. A reconstruction of the Supernal Way storm drain is anticipated to cost $500,000. Maintenance costs for the storm drain system is estimated at $729,000.

City Manager Tim Tingey explained to the city council the Storm Water Drain fees are allowed to be increased by 3% annually, even though Cottonwood Heights has not changed the fee since it was implemented within the 2021-22 fiscal year.

“With inflation, I think something needs to be done,”

$237,430 will be needed next fiscal year to flush out storm drain inlets in Cottonwood Heights. (Cassie Goff/City Journals)

Tingey said.

Finance Director Scott Jurges is working with Rocky Mountain Power to get all agreements and auxiliary paperwork filed to implement the fee increase by July 1. Residents can expect to see this increase on their utility bill later this summer.

Cottonwood Heights receives tax revenue from various state taxes including property, county option highway sales, fee in lieu of property, franchise, transient room and telecom franchise. Additional forms of typical revenue for the city include Class C Road funds, interest revenue, licenses and permits, liquor fund allotment, court fines and various grants.

Jurges summarized the total revenues to be $26,158,605 which represents an increase of $855,400 or a 3.1% overall increase from the current 2023-24 adopted budget.

Budget discussions have been partly transpiring in city council meetings over the past two months. The council chambers has been packed with audience members of city staff and police officers concerned about the proposed increase to COLA (Cost-of-living adjustments) and merit.

“A number of employees are worried about COLA because they are already working two jobs in order to make ends meet,” Jurges said.

The currently proposed COLA and merit increases within the 2024-25 city budget average around 3% each. At 3%, the overall COLA impact will increase expenditures to the city’s budget by $325,620. This echoes the COLA increase from the 2023-24 fiscal year budget which was an increase of 3.4%.

Merit averages closer to 3.62%, with a handful of

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SHE GAVE ME MY LIFE BACK

Local clinic has a modern, medical solution to treat your Peripheral Neuropathy and is seeing incredible results.

"It started out as a normal outing. My wife and I had to run to the grocery store. We were driving down the road, casually going over our shopping list, when the car ahead of me started to slow down anticipating the yellow light. I started to move my foot from the gas to the brake as any normal person would do when they see brake lights in front of them but I couldn't. I couldn't feel my foot. The car kept moving forward and I just couldn't get my foot on the brake. And CRUNCH! I finally came to a stop when I hit the car in front of me."

This tragic story was shared with us by Bob S., a Salt Lake resident who has peripheral neuropathy. And while no one was hurt in this accident, Bob had suffered almost everyday of his life with tingling and burning in his feet until numbness set in and he could no longer feel even the brake pedal beneath his foot.

“The first stage is pain,” shares Dr. Stephanie Scott of Salt Lake Acupuncture Clinic. “You feel burning, tingling, sharp pains; or you feel like you’re walking on tacks or marbles. This pain eventually subsides and the numbness sets in. Unfortunately the numbness brings with it a whole host of problems.”

This was the case with Bob. "I said I wasn't going to drive again. What if that had been a pedestrian?"

It is terribly common that peripheral neuropathy and its debilitating symptoms interfere with a person's ability to live their life. Bob was now reliant on his wife to drive him around, even the simple pleasure of cruising down Highland Drive or taking her out to dinner was outside his capabilities. And even more common, Bob's general practitioner and several specialists told him there was nothing they could do other than prescribe him pills that would ease the pain of his neuropathy.

That's where Dr. Scott and her staff at Salt Lake Acupuncture Clinic come in. "About 75% of our current patients come to us suffering from the same condition as Bob," tells Dr. Scott.

"They're in constant pain from neuropathy, and it prevents them from not only living their lives but more importantly, it prevents them from enjoying it. Depending on the severity of their nerve damage, we typically see tremendous progress in 3-4 months of treatment. I like to say we're in the business of making your golden years golden."

"I can't lie," confides Bob. "I was skeptical at first. The folks at the U told me there was nothing that could be done and then there's a doctor right here in Sandy who tells me she can help. Turns out she was right! About three months after treatment I was able to confidently drive myself to my appointments! My wife and I celebrated by buying ourselves a new car! It's hard to put into words how incredible this is, quite frankly [Dr. Scott] gave me my life back."

While Salt Lake Acupuncture Clinic specializes in acupuncture and it's definitely part of their protocols in treating neuropathy, the real secret is in a more modern medical solution called ATP Resonance BioTherapy™. "This technology was originally developed by NASA to expedite healing and recovery" shares Ariel, a Patient Care Coordinator at the clinic. "It's like watering a plant. ATP Resonance BioTherapy™ stimulates the blood vessels to grow back around the peripheral nerve and provide them the proper nutrients to heal and repair."

You can learn more about Dr. Scott and Salt Lake Acupuncture Clinic by visiting SLCacu.com. If you're ready to schedule a consultation, call 801-477-7966 and do so quickly. Salt Lake Acupuncture Clinic is a very intimate clinic, and the staff takes pride in their ability to take their time with each patient, so they are very limited in their ability to take on new patients.

What to know about visiting the E.R.

By Dr. Alex Drake

At CommonSpirit Health, our vision is a healthier future for all – inspired by faith, driven by innovation, and powered by our humanity. This extends to all the care we provide our patients, whether it be in our doctor’s offices, our clinics, or our hospitals.

We want your visit to our care sites to be as comfortable as possible, and we know that visiting the Emergency Department (ER) is difficult for any patient and their loved ones. I would like to share some information about what to expect in the ER, so that you can be as prepared as possible.

Our emergency caregivers are here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to serve our community. We accept all patients – regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. A typical visit to the ER can take two-to-three hours, but please know that in the ER we must evaluate and treat our patients based on severity of their condition. This might mean longer wait times in the lobby or even after being placed in an exam room. However, this also means that if you’re having a life-threatening emergency, you will have the undivided attention of our doctors and nurses.

If you have mild-to-moderate symptoms – such as fever below 103 degrees without a rash, flu-like symptoms without shortness of breath, or sprains and strains – you may wish to consider calling your primary care provider or visiting an urgent care center, as these options may be faster and are often less expensive. Symptoms or health issues that require immediate medical attention may include the following:

• Chest pain

• Sudden weakness or trouble talking

• Difficulty breathing

• Spinal injuries

• Severe head injury

• Major broken bones

• Major burns

• Sudden change in vision

• Heavy bleeding

• Large open wounds

You should never drive yourself to an ER if you are having severe chest pain, severe bleeding, if you feel like you might faint, or if your vision is impaired. When in doubt, please call 911 — what matters most is that you get to the emergency room quickly and safely. If you arrive by

ambulance, you will be triaged and we will determine the level of care required. All emergency physicians at CommonSpirit Holy Cross Hospitals are board certified in Emergency Medicine and have trained for many years to help you in your emergency. The doctors also have specially trained midlevel providers who can also help. Your provider may order tests like X-rays, CT Scans, Ultrasounds, bloodwork, urinalysis, an electrocardiogram (EKG), or others, depending on your health problem.

After receiving test results, the doctor will discuss the findings and diagnosis with you. If needed, they will advise admission to the hospital. If your condition does not need admission, they will give you written instructions about treatment to be followed at home. This may include prescriptions, tips for home care, and any referrals needed for following up with either a primary care or specialized doctor.

While we hope for the health and safety of those in our community, know that we are here if you need us. Our excellent doctors and nurses at CommonSpirit Holy Cross Hospitals are ready to provide high-quality, compassionate, and timely care.

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Jordan Valley West

Four tips to making tough decisions

By Holly Curby | hello@hollycurby.com

There are endless decisions we have to make in life—perhaps you are dealing with some right now: decisions about relationships, moving out of state and relocating, parenting, changing jobs, or even tough financial decisions. Many high school and college graduates can relate right now as to the decision of “what’s next?” It’s not just in our personal life either, but also in our working life we deal with tough calls every day—budgets, changing procedures, customer service decisions, promotions, development, and overall needs of a business.

President Theodore Roosevelt said, “In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.”

So, what are some things we can consider when having to make tough decisions:

1. Take your time. Many decisions come with a deadline, but not every decision has to be immediate or a knee-jerk response. Sometimes there is growth to be had within the decision making itself—patience, grit, perseverance or even adaptability. Time may be your friend. Caution: don’t mistake procrastination for taking your time.

2. Make sure the wise person shows up not the foolish. We’ve all heard the phrase “do what makes you happy.” Well, sometimes the choice of what we want is not what we need. It’s the head choice over the heart choice perspective. Be cautious of in the moment emotional decisions. In fact, never text, post on social media or even reply to an email when you are tired, emotional or hangry. You could make matters worse, not realize the unintended consequences, or simply regret it. When we are dealing with tough weighty decisions impulsiveness is not the key, it’s being calm, cool and collected so that the wise person can

show up.

3. Seek wise counsel. One of the wisest things we can do is to surround ourselves with others who provide strength where we are weak. Instead of comparing ourselves with others, we can tap into learning from them in their area of expertise. We can prosper from their wise counsel. Look around you. Who has their life together in the area you want to improve? Who has proven themselves to be raw and real while level headed? Who has had to deal with a situation you are dealing with right now? As leader Ziad Abdelnour said, “Be strong enough to stand alone, smart enough to know when you need help, and brave enough to ask for it.” Seeking help and advice is not a sign of weakness or inability—it’s a sign of strength and determination to do well. It’s often a side of having a growth mindset and caring about the decision that is yours to begin with.

4. Sleep on it. Growing up my mom used to always tell me that if I had a hard decision to make, once I was leaning one way or another—sleep on it. If I woke up full of regret and panic I probably ought to rethink that decision. But if I woke up with a peace (not to say nerves won’t still be there sometimes), then I’m probably on the right track. So, before you make your next big decision in life sleep on it.

Now with decision making may often come added stress. Whether feeling anxious at the decision to be had, overwhelmed by the process of the decision itself, decision fatigue from having to make too many decisions, or even confusion as to what decision to even make, remember to take care of you in the process. Remove yourself from a situation, take a walk to get fresh air or simply catch your breath, exercise or plan a get together with friends to unwind. Whatever it is don’t let the stress of making tough decisions get the best

of you.

If you’re finding decision making nearly impossible to do and it’s effecting your everyday this could be a good indicator to seek professional counseling or a medical adviser. It might even reveal the opportunity to work with a leadership or life coach so you can develop problem solving skills, figure out good coping skills for you, and improve self-awareness. Whatever decision you are needing to make in life or leadership, may you be remind-

ed to take the time you need in making it, ensure that the wise person shows up and not the foolish, seek wise counsel, and give it a night to sleep on it.

For more in-depth discussion on this topic or for related episodes, check out Holly’s Highlights podcast Season 4 Episode 8 available wherever you listen to podcasts such as Spotify, Pandora, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts, as well as on www.hollycurby.com. l

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Buying a new car can be one of life’s tough decisions. (Photo courtesy Jillian Meyer)

Inside look into unified basketball: Athletes say it’s more than a game

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

They want to be like Mike—dishing, swishing, jamming.

“I want to slam dunk like Michael Jordan,” said Bingham High sophomore Josh McDonald as he was playing in a regional basketball tournament.

Hillcrest High senior Dax Bowen also likes Jordan’s moves as does Corner Canyon High senior Jadon Medina.

The student-athletes all play for their unified high school basketball teams.

In unified coed basketball, there are five players on the court—three athletes and two partners. Teams play against other squads of the same ability in two eight-minute halves. Supported by Special Olympics and the Utah High School Activities Association, unified sports has both a competitive and a player development level, the latter which provides more of a cooperative environment with partners being teammates and mentors.

In the weeks leading up to the state championships, many of the unified basketball players took to the court, practicing skills they learned growing up and playing in regional tournaments.

Murray High started practicing once per week starting a couple months before the state contest. They also did a skills assessment to determine the ability of the players and then divide themselves into two teams.

“We practice shooting and making baskets,” said Murray High junior Parker May, who has a brother who taught him to “dribble, shoot and have my arms up on defense.”

Cottonwood High junior Alizia Sherard said, “We have a lot of practices where we dribble, we try to get the ball from the other team, and we make the shots.”

She learned to play from her dad and continues to play him in the family driveway.

Copper Hills High junior Corbin Roesbery also grew up playing basketball in his driveway. He started at age 12.

Alta High freshman James Miles learned how to play from his dad when he was 4 years old.

“We still play, but now, I’m practicing and playing with my friends and peer tutors in class,” he said.

Hillcrest’s Bowen also learned to play from his dad in a church gym.

“We would shoot around. On this team, we all count on each other,” he said.

Brighton High sophomore Tru Fiessinger said during their practices, they work on dribbling, defense and shooting.

“It comes easy, but to be good, I have to work hard,” Fiessinger said.

For others, basketball was a new sport they learned with their classmates to be able to exercise and be part of their high school unified team.

Jordan High junior Kaitlyn Uzcaga, who learned to play as a freshman, said her team practiced defense.

Brighton High’s coed unified basketball team, which played at the state tournament, forges friendships through learning teamwork and demonstrating sportsmanship. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

“We have practiced our blocking; we’re wanting to move a lot more on the floor,” she said.

Mountain Ridge sophomore Ash Perez said his team also has been practicing.

“Coach (Brock) Whitney, our PE teacher, taught me how to play; I love it,” Perez said.

This year’s unified high school basketball championship was the state’s largest as 80 teams from across the state converged on the University of Utah’s Huntsman Center and HPER courts to not just determine the winners in the divisions, but to have a chance to display skills learned and to forge friendships on the court.

It was kicked off by the Special Olympics’ athlete oath and a welcome from Gov. Spencer Cox and First Lady Abby Cox, who then helped with a dunk team doing a trick.

Much like other athletes, these Special Olympians wanted to do their best—and win.

Sophomore Saiah Lono said Herriman High’s team has a routine as they prepare for a game.

“I’m the hype man,” the point guard said. “We do a little dance to warm up and we dance to celebrate.”

Cottonwood’s Sherard said she’s always wanted to play at the U.

“I want to be No. 1 here. I like winning,” she said.

The last part, having fun together on and off the court is key, the athletes say.

Herriman’s Lono said they “hang out and have lunch together. We have dance parties.”

West Jordan’s West likes being with friends, seeing movies, playing basketball and listening to music, “mostly Taylor Swift.”

Similarly, Olympus High senior Bailee O’Conner says her favorite friends are on her team.

“We go to birthday parties, see movies at a movie theater and go to school dances together,” she said. “It makes me happy.”

Corner Canyon’s Medina knows he’s part of the Chargers’ student body.

“I like being a part of a team where I belong. I’m a part of it and a part of my school,” he said.

Skyline’s Bouck adds, “It’s fun to play here with my friends and have my family and friends cheering.”

Hunter’s Velasquez says she gives her teammates high-fives and cheers for other players when she isn’t on the court.

“We cheer for the other team, especially when they make a basket; it’s fun that everyone can be a winner that way,” she said.

She and other teammates have been part of other unified sports teams; many of the athletes compete in unified soccer. At Hunter, they also perform in their school’s unified musicals. Murray’s May swims on his school’s unified swim team.

“I like to go fast and win races and be cheered on. I cheer on others too,” he said.

West Jordan sophomore Robert West said they practiced to play their best, “but I’m excited to win.”

Alta’s Miles is self-proclaimed “overly competitive. I like to win.”

Teams prepared their strategies.

Bingham’s McDonald loves to play defense.

“We need to stop the other team from scoring. I have to make sure they don’t steal the ball from me, but I love to steal the ball myself,” he said.

Skyline High freshman Andrew Bouck said quick decisions are key.

“Whenever someone passes to me, I will get rid of the ball by shooting it,” he said. “If I don’t have a good look, I’ll pass it.”

Hunter High senior Angelly Velasquez sized up the competition.

“They’re lots of tall teams here,” she said. “We’re hoping we’re fast enough to go around them.”

Jordan’s Uzcaga said they started off playing well.

“We’re doing good and having fun. We’re being brave and trying our hardest,” she said.

Copper Hills’ Corbin said his team works together and helps one another to learn.

“We tell each other to never give up, to listen to our team, to listen to our coach and to have fun,” he said.

Copper Hills’ Roesbery placed in the top 10 in the 60 meters at the state track meet last year.

“The best thing on any team is teamwork. It’s good to listen and work together,” he said.

Riverton High seniors Travis Willis and Jason Johnson are the boys’ basketball team managers.

“We hand out towels and we go on the court to wipe the wet spots. If they’re sweaty, we pass the towels,” Johnson said. “We’ve made friends where we hang out, play basketball, listen to music.”

Willis said at unified sporting events, he gets to see middle school friends who go to other high schools.

Hillcrest’s Bowen said his team has gone through a coaching change and several of his teammates graduated last year.

“I’ve made more friends and since I’ve played on the team for a while, I know I need to help them and be one of the leaders on the team,” he said. “State is really big. It’s the main event. But our team is what’s most important.”

Mountain Ridge’s Perez agrees.

“I like helping my team and we love each other,” Perez said. “Unified basketball gives me friends and a good work out so getting a good sweat is worth it.” l

Artist of the Month exhibit in City Hall celebrates local history, landscapes and artists

As visitors step into Cottonwood Heights City Hall’s lobby, they’re greeted by a display of art that showcases local artists and highlights regional history, themes and landscapes.

An exhibit titled "Utah Women Making History," a collection of artwork celebrating the achievements of Utah women who have played key roles in the advancement of women's rights, was displayed in April and featured illustrations by Brooke Smart.

The Cottonwood Heights Arts Council, in partnership with the Utah Division of Museums Traveling Exhibit program, hosted the exhibit which was presented by Better Days 2020, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting Utah women's history and leading statewide celebrations of these historic milestones.

Commissioned to commemorate three major women's rights milestones in 2020 (the 150th anniversary of Utah women's first votes, the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, and the 55th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act) Smart's artwork depicts these influential figures who have made significant strides in areas such as arts, business, education, law, medicine, military, music and politics. The exhibit showcases the diverse contributions and efforts of Utah women across various fields and is accompanied by the illustrated book "Champions of Change: 25 Women Who Made History," written by Naomi Watkins and Katherine Kitterman and illustrated with the artwork shown in the exhibit.

The exhibit features well-known historical figures in women’s history such as Martha Hughes Cannon, America’s first female state senator and Emmeline B. Wells, Utah’s leading suffragist; but also highlights lesser-known Utah women like Zitkala-Sa, co-founder of the National Council of American Indians, Hannah Kaaepa, an advocate for Hawaiian women’s rights, Barbara Toomer, who was jailed 35 times for protests

By Megan McKellar | m.mckellar@mycityjournals.com

to make public transportation accessible, and the women of the Kanab Town Council, one of the first all-female city councils in the country.

“We lose the full scope of the work and diversity of the people involved in making history when we only tell the same stories about well-known people,” the accompanying book explains.

In May, the city hall art exhibit featured two Brighton High School alumni, Savannah Cottam and Kylie Pregill.

Cottam, a design and architecture student at the University of Utah and advocate for the environment and people's well-being, aspires to “actively use forms of art that engage in initiatives that contribute to meaningful transformations in people's lives and advocate for positive change,” according to the Cottonwood Heights Arts Council website.

Passionate about landscape and wildlife photography, Pregill was raised with a deep love of nature thanks to her outdoors-loving family who taught her about the natural world’s beauty. Her goal is to transmit the beauty she sees through her lens to those who view her photography.

In June, the art exhibit will feature works by Miguel Alejandro Pabón, a painter who discovered a passion for mountain landscapes while attending college and graduate school in Utah. Pabón’s artistic intention is to “convey the beauty of Utah landscapes and beyond in a colorful, playful, and contemporary format while enjoying the process of drawing and painting,” according to the artist’s biography.

Located in the Cottonwood Heights City Hall lobby, 2277 E. Bengal Blvd., the art exhibits are open to the public on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. l

Star Wars-themed fun run reflects Special Olympics support

It didn’t happen long, long ago in a galaxy far, far away. It happened this spring when 200 community members supported Special Olympics’ unified sports by participating in Canyons Education Foundation’s “May the 4th Be with You” 5K run and 1-mile walk. In addition, several local high schools’ sports teams, administrators and Canyons Board of Education members took part in the event that was supported by Darth Vader, R2D2 and other Star Wars characters. “This has been great having our community supporting unified sports in our schools,” said Canyons school board president Amber Shill, who also serves on a Special Olympics committee. “We started by offering unified soccer, then unified basketball. Now, we’re expanding to offer more opportunities in unified sports and activities in all our schools.”

The “Utah Women Making History” exhibit displayed in April. (Megan McKellar/City Journals)

Photo by Julie Slama

Thousands of local girls engage in SheTech Explorer Day activities

Riverton High senior Gabi Fenn was one of 3,000 girls from 130 of high schools across the state who was immersed for a day of STEM education at the 10th annual SheTech Explorer Day.

“You’re going to have an opportunity today to see so many different technologies and to be able to apply to things that you love,” Cydni Tetro, president and one of the founders of Women Tech Council who oversaw SheTech Explorer Day, told the girls. “Think about if you learn technology, how you can apply that and help us change the world.”

Girls had the opportunity to attend workshops in programming, engineering, aerospace, robotics, biomedicine, esports, web design and more as well as talk to 1,000 professionals in the industry in the hands-on TechZone. There, many of them discovered that science and technology will be part of whatever career they would choose, Tetro said.

There also were opportunities to learn about college and career pathways and programs, which Fenn checked out.

“I want to learn more about the colleges’ engineering programs,” she said. “I’m thinking of studying biological engineering because I like biology and chemistry.”

Her classmate, senior Shreya Goyal,

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

already has been accepted into Vanderbilt University’s engineering program.

meet other girls who are interested in the same things as us and make connections for the future,” Goyal said.

Applications for the one-year SheTech student board positions and summer internships are now open.

Around the corner from them, a large group was huddled around the one of the dozens and dozens of industry and college booths. They were talking with one of the Utah Royals’ owners, Jessica Gelman, who pointed out that they use tech from the heart monitors to taking care of the field.

“We’ve come back with a new ownership group and everything other than the name was recreated; so much of what we’re doing on the team side is analytics because there has been a lack of it in women’s sport,” she said. “A huge focus is leveraging STEM to drive both the player side, the performance side on field, as well as the business side. We believe strongly how analytics is a differentiator and we want to empower and help young women understand these opportunities that they’re passionate about.”

Both girls have served the past year on SheTech’s student board, where they helped plan this event.

“This has been a great opportunity to

“I’m figuring out what kind of engineering I’m interested in and what I want to do in the future by talking to these different companies here,” she said. “We just talked to one company’s biological engineering person, and that was pretty cool.”

Brighton High job fair links businesses with students looking for job opportunities

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

Duringher lunchtime, Brighton sophomore Olivia Anderson checked out the variety of businesses that came to speak to students at the school’s annual job fair. She, and other students, had the opportunity to make contacts or get information that could lead to summer jobs and possibly, career internships. For example, there were representatives from Megaplex Theatres, American Food Stores, Cowabunga Bay, Sandy City, credit unions and more — including Canyons School

District offering students IT internships this summer. The mood was upbeat and fun, pointed out Eileen Kasteler, Brighton work-based learning facilitator, who explained that Uptown Jungle played a video and Cottonwood Heights Rec Center blasted a boombox. There also were challenges, such as Valley Plumbing awarding a prize to students who could hold a 55-pound wrench in an extended arm for one minute. “(It) seemed like everyone wanted in on the challenge,” Kasteler said.

Brighton High students check out the school’s job fair for job and internship opportunities. (Marissa Merket/Brighton High)

The interactive SheTech Explorer Day concluded with the opportunity for students to innovate and create in teams. In the TechChallenge, they brainstormed ideas to solve an issue and pitched their solution to industry mentors. l

At the 10th annual SheTech Explorer Day TechZone, students tried out 3D pens as well as explored tech booths and talked to industry professionals. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

How Cottonwood Heights is preparing for Utah’s earthquake risks

By Megan McKellar | m.mckellar@mycityjournals.com

Ninety percent of Utah's population lives in active earthquake zones. Serious earthquakes have occurred in the past in Utah, and based on geologic evidence, even greater ones are likely to happen in the future. Such earthquakes are most likely in a "seismic belt" about 100 miles wide extending north to south along the Wasatch Front and through Richfield to Cedar City and St. George, according to The Great Utah Shake Out website.

To prepare the community for an emergency situation, Cottonwood Heights held an annual city “Shake Out” on April 20.

Cottonwood Heights residents were instructed to place either a green, yellow, red or black ribbon —or an object in that color—in a visible place outside their home before 9 a.m.: green for no medical situations, yellow for non-life-threatening medical issue, red for a life-threatening situation, and black for a death in the home. It was also recommended that residents should also create and review a personal or family emergency plan as part of the drill.

Block captains collected information from the street beginning at 9 a.m. The data was then transferred to the emer-

gency operations center at City Hall by the Cottonwood Heights Amateur Radio Club, a volunteer group that handles the city’s radio disaster communications.

According to Paul Brenneman, assistant chief and emergency manager of the Cottonwood Heights Police Department, the goal of this year’s Shake Out was to practice three components: community involvement in collecting information, equipment and personnel’s ability to collect and transfer the information to the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), and the deployment of city and volunteer resources setting up the city EOC and receiving the collected data. The city’s emergency response is prioritized based on this data.

While the results of this year’s event are still being collected and evaluated, initial data indicates “a great turn out,” Brenneman said.

Utah averages a magnitude 6.0 earthquake once every 15 to 20 years. According to The Great Utah Shake Out website, some Utah residents are discounting the earthquake hazard since moderate to large earthquakes have been nearly absent since pioneer settlement in 1847, especially along the Wasatch Front. The likelihood

of the Wasatch Front region experiencing a magnitude 6.0 or greater earthquake within the next 50 years is 57%, with a 43% probability of a magnitude 6.75 or greater earthquake occurring, as per information provided by Earthquakes.Utah. gov.

“Over the years, we have identified processes and practices that initially we thought were good ideas (that) needed to be reworked, changed or set aside,” Brenneman said. “We have also identified items which enhance our data and improve our abilities and effectiveness. Specifically, we have added a drone program and a rover program which can be deployed to gather critical data. Both enhance our ability to efficiently gather real time intelligence which translates into actionable data.”

A dedicated volunteer staff makes the program possible, who “donate countless hours to make our community a safer, prepared community ready to help out during a large-scale disaster.”

Cottonwood Heights also holds emergency preparedness trainings twice a year. These meetings are available to watch on the city’s website. l

A green ribbon hangs from a resident’s door in Cottonwood Heights, indicating no medical situation. (Photo courtesy of Paul Brenneman)

Butler eighth-grader Kai Smith got “arrested” at middle school this spring.

In the simulation of real life, the school resource officer didn’t pull him over for running or “speeding,” but for “driving” without insurance.

“I was on my way to get it, but I got arrested,” Kai said. “I’m technically a cop, but if you do anything wrong, you still pay the price.”

It was a $100 Reality Town ticket, but a lesson learned for the FBI agent who wore a homemade badge and was dressed in a $25 suit he purchased from Deseret Industries.

Kai chose his career to portray Agent William Mulder of the now defunct television supernatural series, “The X-Files.”

“I watched that show and it sounded cool to be an FBI agent today—and you make pretty good money,” he said. “It’s a career choice along with YouTube content creation.”

In Reality Town, the FBI agent’s salary is $5,000. Enough for Kai to purchase a car, house, clothes, utilities, a pet goldfish for $2—and his insurance for $200.

“There’s some actual realness in this,” he said.

He was one of hundreds of Butler eighth graders rotating through booths getting essentials—housing, transportation, medical and dental insurance, kids’ care, property tax—and some non-essentials, such as entertainment and pets. There was financial counseling, secondary career options and others to turn to navigate the reality of their futures.

Each student could choose a career with a built-in monthly income. They randomly were assigned a spouse and family.

When eighth-grader Haden Diana first got money from the bank, the first stop was donations.

“I donated to the homeless shelter, just to be nice,” Haden said. “My next stop is insurance and then get a place to live. It’s good to learn how to do all this stuff.”

Haden’s classmate, Lucian Farnsworth, had bought a house and paid property tax—“first time ever.”

“It wasn’t too much money. It was $3.75 per month of my engineer’s salary of $4,468,” Lucian said. “I’m going over to home improvement next.”

Eighth-grader Alicia Menchaca chose to be a physical therapist.

“As an ice skater, I’m having physical therapy right now to strengthen my knee so it’s a career I’m interested in,” she said. “It’s cool to help athletes and people out, and to have a feeling like what life is going to be like.”

For Alicia, it meant having a spouse

Reality Town: Giving real-life scenarios to Butler Middle students through simulation

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

and two kids.

“He stays at home, so I don’t need to pay for child care, but we’ll be getting a house, car and car insurance on my salary,” she said.

Alicia was prepared, thanks to counselors and teachers who prepped students beforehand.

“They told us to bring coupons for discounts and if we knew another language, we would get more money so that’s what I’ve done,” she said.

Those are some of the tweaks that Butler, under school counselor Tatiana Grant, has done to make it fit the student body.

“These kids are learning finances, so they understand the importance of having a job and budgeting and having the experience before they’re older and they have to figure it out on their own,” she said. “This way they can see how life is and start to think about their future and make choices now.”

The notes from family saying they will take care of their students’ children, or coupons for 10% off groceries contribute to learning how to navigate costs.

“Everything adds up, so they learn how to start saving,” Grant said. “We also give them $100 in reality money if they’re in one of our Spanish or French classes that we offer here, or if they already speak a foreign language and if they visit the CTEC booth to learn more about classes offered there.”

It’s the 10th year Butler has offered

es in life within their budget and have a concept of reality,” she said.

Ruth Bartlett’s son chose to be an animal trainer as his career and is supporting a spouse and a 6 year old.

“He’s excited and is very proud of himself,” she said. “He’s special needs so I don’t know if how much he will be able to do in his life, but it’s fun for him to imagine it and do this. He’s been talking about it since they came into his class. He has learned about his wants versus his needs. He has understanding he can’t spend money if he doesn’t have money.”

Cyprus Credit Union Assistant Branch Manager Heather Barnes is the mother of an eighth grader, who is a single father and earns $3,000 as a cancer researcher.

“I hope my son learns the seriousness about budgeting,” she said. “While this is fun, he is going to have to realize his responsibilities once he steps out into that world. This is a need for all the kids.”

She and other colleagues talked to students about their checking accounts and how it works, as well as about savings, withdrawals and saving money for later.

the program and it’s not just a few hours of simulation. Grant said students learn in math class how to write and balance a checkbook. In English class, they create a resume on Google Docs so they can keep it updated with work experience, academic achievement, volunteer opportunities, career interest, extracurricular activities and computer knowledge.

“They’re starting to think about their future,” she said. “I’ve had one student that said she felt sorry for her parents, because this was hard. I’ve had a student who said, ‘I am going to be so much better about asking for only necessary things’ because he was blown away how quickly the money goes away. I’ve had people say they need to rethink their careers because they don’t make enough. I’ve had people that said, ‘I didn’t understand how hard it is to have a second and third job.’”

Brighton school counselor Amy Mena was one of 60 volunteers that day.

“This is a reality check. They learn they need to have good grades to get better careers so we love the reality it carries over to high school to focus on their academics,” she said.

Many parents were helping at the stations, explaining to students their options of what they could purchase and even giving advice on watching their balances in their checkbooks.

Parent Phoenix Gatrell has helped for three years.

“It’s fun to talk to the students and help them understand how to make choic-

“I even had one young man asking me if it’s a good idea to have money leftover so he could save it for retirement,” she said.

Butler school psychologist Ben White is a supporter of Reality Town.

“I’m a big fan of any opportunity that lets students do real-world learning; these are the things that are memorable for kids and where they learn the most,” he said. “It’s good when you’re a kid to be able to live as a kid, but also this allows some sense of perspective on life and how your parents live and what sacrifices are made. It provides perspective to make thoughtful decisions about what are we going to do when we graduate from high school and what do we want to pursue as a career and as a lifestyle.” l

As part of Reality Town, Butler eighth-grade students learn how to write checks as they donate money to various charities. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Unified basketball more than a sport for Canyons middle school students

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

Mt.

Jordan seventh-grader Jillian Lundberg was excited for Canyons Middle School’s unified basketball tournament to start.

“I played last year and have been waiting to play again this year,” Jillian said. “I did Sports Day in elementary school until COVID came and stopped it. It’s just fun to be with friends and play together.”

She, and student-athletes from seven other schools, stood solemnly while Mt. Jordan sixth-grader Dash Johnson and eighth-grader Maggie Goodfellow said the Special Olympics athletes’ pledge before the games began.

In unified coed basketball, there are five players on the court, typically three athletes and two partners, and teams play against other squads of similar ability, said Boston Iacobazzi, Unified Champion School’s college-growth coordinator.

“It’s exciting we’re starting to see the younger age get involved in unified sports and Special Olympics,” he said. “We have students at 80 high schools doing it and now, we have two tournaments with 24 middle schools. Several schools brought more than one team.”

Many of the students learned and practiced skills in the eight weeks leading up to the tournament. At the tournament, players were awarded medals and had their names

announced.

“Within Special Olympics, we recommend middle schools do a recreational model where they can show their skills and have fun. It’s a little competitive, and we encourage them practicing and building up their skills, but we just want to have fun,” Iacobazzi said.

At the Canyons tournament, Canyons School District’s Special Education Administrator Linda Hall said the play isn’t for first, second and third places.

“We want them to just play,” she said. “It’s not about winning. It’s about enjoying it and the joy of the sport and being part of a team. We want to award each of our players with a medal.”

Iacobazzi said that through unified sports, students are learning teamwork and sportsmanship, and it helps promote friendship within the schools.

“They’re learning that inclusivity is important at any age; everyone needs a friend and wants to be included,” he said.

Hall agrees: “This builds mentorship and friendship, leadership skills and long friendships. I’m hoping our peer students know that they can see the capability of that student who may have a disability. These students have a gift, a talent and so much that they can bring to them as a friend. And they can be the leader to them.”

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“As a peer tutor in science, I help by writing stuff down; I make sure they’re paying attention to the lecture,” he said. “On the court, we’re working together and that’s fun.”

Draper Park special education teacher Morgann Collins also was a peer tutor and unified basketball partner at her high school.

“I loved that experience so when they wanted to start unified basketball in middle school last year, I jumped to get us involved,” she said. “It’s fun to give the athletes an opportunity to play on a team that they may not normally have the chance to. This gives them the opportunity to be part of a team and represent our school.”

Collins said it helps her peer tutors to support their partners outside of academics.

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Midvale Middle School athlete Isaac Tenario said he likes getting to have fun, eat lunch and hang out with his teammates when they’re not practicing.

“On the court, we get the most basketballs in the hoop so our team gets lots of points,” the eighth grader said. “We’ve become good friends.”

Eighth-grader Lily Barney’s favorite sport is basketball.

“I like to shoot, and I’ve made three baskets so far,” she said during the tournament. “I practiced a lot for this. Sometimes I practice with my dad in my driveway, but he’s too tall. I mostly practice at school with my friends on the team. We practice passing and rebounding. It’s fun.”

Her dad, Scott, was there to cheer on his daughter and her team.

“She likes to have friends, and this is a good way for her to get to make friends and learn how to play with others,” he said. “It gives her a feel of accomplishment. That makes her happy.”

Her principal, Stacy Kutrzhals, was cheering on the students as well.

“It makes my heart happy that they get to be included in something that they should be included,” she said, adding that special education students are included in morning announcements, clubs and every aspect of the school. “This is the way it should be.”

At a break, Draper Park Middle student-athletes were discussing their games.

Sixth-grader Jocie Richards had made nearly every shot.

“I made 15 shots to help our team,” she said. “I like playing with the team. It’s cool.”

Teammate Jacob Molina is an eighthgrade peer tutor.

“It’s fun for the peer tutors to see the athletes participate in basketball where they may not know that they have these skills. They’re seeing each other in a different light,” she said. “Sometimes, in school, we have some down time to interact with their partners. We have blocks and magnet tiles and they’ll build something. Or they will pull books from our classroom library and read together, or they will dance; my students love to dance to this YouTube video called ‘Twenty Trucks.’”

Union eighth-grader Henry Montague enjoys having lunch with his teammates.

“Today, I like to dribble and make baskets; I’ve made four,” he said. “My teacher, coach (Jeremy) Wright, taught me how to play basketball. He’s weird and old, but he’s funny. I like him.”

Wright, who coaches along with Zachary Schlesinger, said coaching allows him to engage with the students more personally.

“I enjoy their different characters and personalities on that informal level and we smile and laugh together,” he said. “I like seeing the efforts and determination of these players and then seeing when they succeed, to say how much fun they’re having. Our partners are very amazing. They have so much patience and a desire to help, which allows these students this amazing experience.”

A Draper Park Middle School peer tutor mother, who wished to remain anonymous, echoes that sentiment.

“This brings out the best of these kids,” she said. “I’m so thankful for the chance that these peer tutors have given their peers to play.”

Midvale Middle School Assistant Principal Courtney Long ran the tournament.

“I love seeing them smile,” he said. “Sometimes when they’re in class, they may not be outgoing. But here, they’re running up and down as they’re playing. They’re having a great time. It’s just fun to see them coming out of their shell and playing together with their peers.” l

A Midvale Middle player bring up the ball in their game versus Eastmont Middle during Canyons School District’s unified coed basketball. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Yard & home section

A publication covering local yard and home stories and events in the Salt Lake Valley City Journals presents:

Real estate commission settlement to have minimal impact in Utah

By Jolene Croasmun

Spring is a busy time for buying and selling homes in Utah and sales were up by 9% in April and with the recent National Association of Realtors (NAR) lawsuit settlement, Utah realtors do not expect to see many changes in the way homes are bought and sold.

In March, a $418-million settlement was reached with the National Association of Realtors. The deal came after a jury ruled against the NAR in a class-action antitrust lawsuit. The suit was filed alleging that the association had colluded with some large real estate brokerages to keep real estate commissions inflated, benefiting real estate agents and costing sellers more in the commissions they pay to those agents.

Those rates nationally are about 6%. Approval of the settlement by a federal court would do away with set rates and let buyers and sellers negotiate those commissions with real estate brokers and agents.

The Utah Association of Realtors say the ruling won’t have much impact on buyers and sellers in Utah due to decades of proactive, consumer-friendly efforts by Utah realtors.

“We don’t feel that the lawsuit is going to have a big impact here in Utah,” said Adam Kirkham, president of the Utah Association of Realtors (UAR). “Anyone that sold a home could expect to receive a postcard about the class action suit. The lawsuit did not originate here because in Utah we have been using buyer-agent agreements for 20 years. Consumers in Utah have been more informed about what the commissions were.”

The lawsuit’s resulting rules aren’t expected to impact the inventory of available homes or values, which are based more on the supply and demand in the market, according to Kirkham.

“Millcreek has an affordability issue and between 2012-22 the average homes listed were 500 and post COVID the inventory

dropped and we have been hovering around 160 to 177 available homes for the last two years. Prices went up and the median price of a home in Millcreek is around $688,000 and in Salt Lake City the median price is $535,000,” Kirkham said.

Utah realtors have been using written, transparent agency forms with their buyer clients for decades and providing seller disclosures. This will be new for the rest of the country due to the settlement but was already being covered in Utah.

One of the new rules that came out of the lawsuit is that the buyer’s agent commission can no longer be listed on the multiple listing service (MLS) and this will create a lack of knowledge of what will be paid to the buyer’s realtor.

“Buyers will have to determine for each house what the sellers offering for the buyer’s agent’s commission,” Kirkham said. “This is a conversation you want to have before looking at the house and before you make an offer. The seller’s agent can still advertise the commission on social media or

on the realtor’s website but not on the MLS.”

“Commissions can fluctuate due to inventory and competitiveness of the market,” he continued. “It is worth it for the seller to offer a buyer’s agent commission due to it will bring a better educated consumer who still wants to hire a realtor.”

There will be additional training for realtors who are now required to enter into an agreement with a homebuyer before they look at homes. “So that they can agree upon a commission rate which has always been negotiable,” Kirkham said.

He warned buyers who forego representation to save the commission might regret it.

“Not having an agent can come back to hurt you in negotiation or hiring the wrong inspectors plus you want to be informed of the other offers or you could lose the bid,” Kirkham said. “Agents want to bring value to the process of buying and selling a home.”

Jason Eldredge, local realtor of The Eldredge Group with Equity Real EstateSolid said they always had a buyer-broker

agreement and have their customers sign one.

“The commissions have always been negotiable, and the standard was 6% but now we are seeing commission compression that is nationwide. With all of the iBuyers coming in, it compressed commissions and the new standard is about 5%, but it has always been negotiable,” Eldredge said.

“We meet with our clients and find out what is their situation, why you are selling. A good agent will have some flexibility,” Eldredge said.

The national settlement requires listing agents to disclose to sellers any portion of their compensation that will be shared with a cooperating broker. Sellers must also approve in writing the sharing of the listing agent's compensation. Which Eldredge said is the “bummer” part of the lawsuit.

“You cannot post the commission on the MLS anymore,” he said. “It is an additional negotiating step and could make it really tough for a new buyer. The buyer might have to come up with the commission.”

Deanna Devey, director of operations and communications at UAR, said the changes will be more procedural in Utah.

“The buyer has three options to pay the agent,” Devey explained. “The listing agent will offer to share compensation with the buyer’s agent or the buyer might negotiate directly with the seller to have the seller pay the compensation. The third option is the buyer might pay their agent outright.”

Eldredge added, “I think for the next few years sadly we might have more lawsuits due to buyers not having representation when purchasing a home.”

The new rules go into effect after Aug. 17. More information about the NAR lawsuit can be found at realestatecommissionlitigation.com and Utah FAQs can be found on the website Utahrealtors.com.

Additional reporting by Darrell Kirby.

Home for sale in West Valley City. (File photo Darrell Kirby/City Journals)

Salt Lake County breaks ground on ‘Flip the Strip’ project

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

In a significant move toward sustainability, Salt Lake County celebrated the groundbreaking of the "Flip the Strip" project, May 16, at the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy. The event, marked by the presence of Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson and other local officials, signaled the commencement of a $2.1-million initiative aimed at retrofitting park strips with waterwise landscapes across the county.

“Salt Lake County is committed to water conservation and smart water management. As such, landscape standards for waterwise park strips at county facilities have been identified,” the Salt Lake County Mayor’s Office said in a “Flip the Strip” guidebook.

“Water conservation is a critical issue to the well-being of our community as we grow and adapt to the changes our landscape faces,” Wilson said. “‘Flip the Strip’ aims to reduce water use and promote drought-tolerant landscapes.”

According to the guidebook, the project is a testament to the county's commitment to addressing the pressing issue of water conservation amid frequent droughts and changing environmental conditions.

The "Flip the Strip" project targets the

often-overlooked park strips—those narrow stretches of land between sidewalks and roads. These areas will be transformed into drought-tolerant landscapes, a move expected to save the county approximately 4 million gallons of water annually. The pilot program will be implemented at five key locations: the Mountain America Expo Center, the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office in South Salt Lake, Meadow Brook Golf Course in Taylorsville, Central City Recreation Center in Salt Lake City and Animal Services in Millcreek.

At the event, Wilson emphasized the critical importance of this initiative. “Salt Lake County is committed to long-term water conservation and smart management strategies in response to frequent emergency droughts and changing environmental landscapes. ‘Flip the Strip’ is just one way we are achieving this,” she stated.

The program, which allocates $2 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding, is set to convert four acres (177,860 square feet) of county-owned landscapes. This transformation not only aims to conserve water but also to enhance the aesthetic, environmental and economic value of these areas.

RGS Exteriors & Construction doesn’t skimp on quality

Since its original inception more than 70 years ago, RGS Exteriors & Construction has evolved from being a weatherstripping and caulking service to becoming a toptier installer of quality siding, rain gutters, windows and more.

As a fth-generation business, what sets RGS apart from its competitors is its dedication to quality products, its guaranteed installation and its high-quality workmanship. RGS COO Kurt Fisher said the company has intentionally become experts in the industry by methodically incorporating new products and services.

“Our general philosophy has been to nd the best version of a product or the best material and then gure out how to install it in the most superior way,” he said. “If we’re going to do quality work, we want it to last a long time. So we have a 10-year warranty on anything that we do.”

The products used by RGS must live up to that warranty so they partner with superior suppliers to o er true value for money. Because RGS doesn’t cut corners with inexpensive materials, homeowners can be assured the investment they make in their home will be backed up with exemplary workmanship.

As the state’s premium rain gutter installation company for more than 60 years, RGS has spent decades re ning its products and services to protect homes from roof rot, damaged siding or leaky foundations.

Fisher said they are uncompromising when it comes to quality and their clients are willing to pay the extra expense for materials that are long-lasting, durable and installed correctly.

“We’re asking customers to pay more money to do this job the right way and that’s the only way anybody can justify paying more money for anything. There has to be tangible value,” Fisher said. “Our ideal clients are people who are really invested in their home, people who care about quality and have a high sense of value in their home.”

For siding projects, RGS uses James Hardie ber cement siding for its durability, style and low-maintenance lifespan. As the only Elite Preferred installer for James Hardie in Utah, RGS trains its installation crews to be incredibly knowledgeable about the product before they ever get to work on a home.

RGS also features triple-pane windows, expertly installed for the price of a double-pane window. With the extreme

temperatures in Utah, high-quality windows o er less temperature bleed-through, better sound dampening and added security.

With a variety of window options, homeowners can choose a style that re ects their home’s personality. Whether it’s a bay window, a picture window or a garden window, RGS backs its window installation with a lifetime warranty.

Other services o ered by RGS include remodeled entryways, custom metalwork, stucco, doors and chimney covers. Stop by the RGS location at 4235 Farm Road in West Jordan to talk with an expert, or for more information, visit rgsexteriorsutah.com or call 801-997-6616.

“Our whole executive team and our management team have the same paradigm; we would rather do it right,” Fisher said. “It’s so much easier to work with people when you know you’re providing a great product. We also give the reassurance that if we do something wrong, we absolutely, unequivocally will take care of it. That’s just our guarantee.”

Mayors from Salt Lake County, Taylorsville City and Sandy City broke ground on the start of a “Flip the Strip” program to make county-owned landscapes more sustainable for the future. (Photo courtesy of Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation)

Involved in these efforts, the Salt Lake County Office of Regional Development, released on their website that waterwise landscaping offers numerous advantages, including functional and attractive designs that are easy to maintain. These landscapes are not only visually appealing but also significantly reduce water waste, a crucial benefit in a region often plagued by drought.

Additionally, improved environmental health and economic savings are notable benefits. Less water usage translates to lower bills and simpler irrigation systems, which in turn reduce maintenance costs and enhance curb appeal, making neighborhoods and public spaces more attractive.

Salt Lake County is not stopping at retrofitting public spaces. The county challenges its 1.16 million residents to join the water conservation effort by reducing their own water use by 5%. If 25% of residents take up this challenge, the county could save approximately 2 million gallons of water daily. To help residents achieve this goal, the county offers practical tips. Reducing sprinkler use by 10% can make a significant difference. Watering during the cooler nighttime hours reduces evaporation and conserves water. Using a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks saves water and time. Adjusting sprinklers to ensure they water only plants

and grass, not sidewalks or driveways, can help conserve water. Opting for drought-resistant plants, such as those native to Utah, can keep gardens beautiful while conserving water.

The "Flip the Strip" project is just the beginning of a broader effort to promote sustainable landscaping and water conservation in Salt Lake County. By leading through example, the county aims to inspire its residents and neighboring regions to adopt similar practices.

Mayor Wilson said, “We anticipate that Salt Lake County will save around 4 million gallons of water with the conclusion of the five pilot locations. This initiative not only addresses immediate water conservation needs but also sets a precedent for future sustainability efforts.”

The project’s success will serve as a model for other communities facing similar challenges. Salt Lake County departments have planned to audit outdoor water systems to develop specialized water plans for current and future use. The county parks are relying on current technology to determine minimum watering schedules while continuing to maintain high-quality outdoor facilities.

For information on “Flip the Strip,” including details on rebates and resources from local government agencies, residents can visit the county's website at slcoh20. org.

Sandy Mayor Monica Zoltanski, Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson and Taylorsville Mayor Kristie Overson broke ground on Salt Lake County’s “Flip the Strip” program. (Photo courtesy of Salt Lake County Mayor’s Office)

Conservation fair highlights waterwise improvements

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

Tip 1: Planning and Design. Using the appropriate plants for sun, shade and wind can help sustain a beautiful garden. Visit Localscapes.com to find free, professional designs to make a Utah-friendly landscape. (City Journals)

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Tip 2: Practical Turf Areas. Getting away from the idea of “big lawns,” JVWCD suggests spicing up your outdoor space with waterwise plants and trees, and a reasonable amount of turf or ground cover. (City Journals)

Tip 3: Waterwise Plants. Drought-tolerant plants can add color, height and interest to your garden, without using a wasteful amount of water. Iris, daisies, catmint, ice plants and decorative grass are all examples of waterwise choices. (City Journals)

Small changes make a big difference. Last year the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District sent more than 1.6 billion gallons of water to the Great Salt Lake as a result of residents implementing waterwise conservation.

JVWCD held a water conservation fair at its Conservation Garden Park (8275 S.1300 West) in West Jordan in May, educating gardeners on how to create the healthiest environment for lawns, flowers, trees and shrubs in the Salt Lake Valley.

Here are seven suggested principles to create waterwise landscapes:

Tip 4: Efficient Irrigation. Learning where and how to plant trees is part of efficient irrigation that allows the trees to take root and bring long-lasting beauty to a landscape. Installing drip systems, maintaining irrigation and fixing leaks keep everything flowing. (City Journals)

Tip 5: Soil Improvements. Overused soil often needs more nutrients to maintain healthy plants. Keep soil healthy by using organic materials and protect topsoil with moisture-retaining mulch. Avoid putting chemicals in the soil, if possible. (City Journals)

Tip 6: Surface Mulches. Mulching with bark, wood chips and other plant materials protects against erosion and retains water. Mulch can also help control weeds and add color to the garden. (City Journals)

Tip 7: Appropriate Maintenance. Even waterwise landscaping needs to be maintained. Weed control, fertilization, healthy pruning and non-chemical integrated pest management will keep the landscape looking good for years. (City Journals)

The Conservation Garden Park is free and open to the public on Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, visit conservationgardenpark.org.

New digs: City cuts ribbon on new public works building

Service

Photos by Cassie Goff

Cottonwood Heights City’s Public Works Facilities and brand-new building is located at 6579 S. 3000 East. (Cassie Goff/City Journals)

Public Works Director Matt Shipp takes a moment to thank the contractors that helped to make this project a reality. (Cassie Goff/City Journals)

Public Works Deputy Director Danny Martinez wasted no time cutting the ribbon as his excitement for the new public works building erupts. Records, Culture and Human Resources Director Paula Melgar, members of the Public Works team, Cottonwood Heights Youth City Council Mayor, City Manager Tim Tingey, Councilmember Ellen Birrell, Cottonwood Heights Parks & Recreation

Area Executive Director Ben Hill and former Councilmember Scott Bracken all celebrate with him. (Cassie Goff/City Journals)

The ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Public Works building was held at 5:30 p.m. on May 13. (Cassie Goff/City Journals)

Mayor Pro Tempore (Councilmember) Shawn Newell delivers the welcoming address at the Public Works building ribbon cutting. He expressed his gratitude for all the Public Works team does to keep the city’s roads safe. (Cassie Goff/City Journals)

Knudsen Park updates wayfinding signage

Photos by Cassie Goff

“Through Salt Lake County funding, we were able to add updated wayfinding signage along the Big Cottonwood Trail, as well as reconstruct portions of its surface,” said Cottonwood Heights Senior Planner Samantha DeSeelhorst. (Cassie Goff/City Journals)

Big Cottonwood Trail is approximately 2 miles, or 4 miles roundtrip, and is equipped for both pedestrians and bikers. (Cassie Goff/City Journals)

Cottonwood Heights Senior Planner Samantha DeSeelhorst asked attendees to find all 16 items within this scavenger hunt. Can you find them all? If so, let her know at: SDeSeelhorst@ch.utah.gov. (Samantha DeSeelhorst/Cottonwood Heights)

The Big Cottonwood Trail can be picked up at Knudsen Park or the Big Cottonwood Park and Ride. (Cassie Goff/City Journals)

city staff members topped out within their position. The total overall impact to the city budget will be $231,773. Those few people who are at the top of their range receive a 1% longevity in lieu of merit, which will be an impact of $31,092.

“We try to balance the respect (city staff) deserve with the pressures from the federal side,” said Councilmember Matthew Holton. “We are in a s---show cycle where the federal side spends us into oblivion, and we get inflation, then it trickles down to every level of government. We want to try find the sweet middle ground where everyone is happy. We are not there yet.”

In addition to the COLA and merit increases, the city will be paying a health insurance increase of 5%, which will be an extra cost of $44,478.

Cottonwood Heights pays annual fees to various entities, committees and districts. Membership fee increase for the city council, including the Utah League of Cities and Towns, will total $10,000.

Mayor Mike Weichers was able to negotiate a reduction of $18,000 to the annual Central Wasatch Commission contribution. The city will now pay $32,000.

VECC (Valley Emergency Communications) typically raises their fees for the CHPD to utilize their dispatching services

GRIEF HAS NO TIMELINE

Grief is an individual journey with a path as unique as each one of us. To o er support and hope, we provide various Grief Support Services for those who are mourning a recent or past loss.

every year with inflation. This year, the increase will include an additional $527 for their Crime Tracer enhancement to the records system, bringing this year’s increase to $18,665.

As of publication, the UFA Board was still deliberating on fee adjustments, but Jurges anticipates a 5.4% fee, which amounts to $244,448.

Additional expenditure changes to the 2024-25 city budget will include: $65,000 to replace the camera systems at City Hall; $67,5000 for IT at the new Public Works Building, and $60,000 for operational expenses within the new Public Works building among others.

Jurges summarized the total expenses recommend at $22,878,105 which represents an increase of $1,303,036 when compared with the 2023-24 adopted budget.

To view the 2024-25 Tentative Budget, visit the Cottonwood Heights City website at www.cottonwoodhieghts.utah.gov.

For the first few weeks of June, the Tentative Budget link is planned to be scrolling on the home page. Otherwise, the link can be found by hovering over the “Your Government” tab, finding the “Finance” title and clicking on the “Budget & Financial Reporting” subhead. The FY 2024-25 Tentative Budget will be the first link under the “Annual operating and capital budget” list. l

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Cottonwood Heights is expecting to pay UFA $244,448 during 2024-25 as their membership fee. (Cassie Goff/City Journals)

Brighton High celebrates 13 Academic All State athletes this spring

By Jerry Christensen | j.christensen@mycityjournals.com

"Brightonstudent-athletes compete well on the field, on the court and on the track. To add to that incredible physical talent, many perform well in the classroom. We are pleased to have 13 Academic All State student-athletes named this season," Brighton High School Athletic Director Garrett Wilson said.

The Utah High School Activities Association (UHSAA) awards the Academic All State title to varsity athletes who are at the top of their classes academically. Typically, this means that the student-athletes maintain a perfect 4.0 grade point average (GPA). Of the 85,000 Utah students who are active in high school sports or art, only a handful in each sport are so designated.

“Brighton considers it a high honor to have a record 13 of our student-athletes recognized this season as Academic All State awardees,” Brighton Principal Marielle Rawle said.

One of the Brighton honorees, Talmage Howe of the track and field team, was also designated as a National Merit Scholar. Winners in the prestigious scholarship competition for National Merit Scholars are judged to have the strongest combination of academic achievement, leadership skills and service-oriented endeavors. Information about each finalist is provided to the Nation-

al Merit Scholarship Corp. for consideration. Of the 31 Utah students who were recently announced as 2024 National Merit Scholars, five are from Canyons District high schools. National Merit Scholars receive $2,500 to help pay for their college or university stud-

Brighton’s spring sports season Academic All State student-athletes are:

James Anderson - Boys Lacrosse

Owen Anderson - Boys Track and Field

Poppy Chamberlain - Girls Track and Field

James Covey - Boys Tennis

Daisy Dastrup - Girls Track and Field

Artemesia Evans - Girls Track and Field

Thomas Hansen - Boys Lacrosse

Talmage Howe - Boys Track and Field

Michael Lindsay - Boys Track and Field

Avery Parry - Girls Track and Field

Elizabeth Petersen - Girls Track and Field

Ansley Phillips - Girls Lacrosse

Ailian Timoney - Girls Track and Field

ies—but being named to the list is often the biggest reward for students and their families.

“Our students work hard in and outside of the classroom,” Canyons District Superintendent Rick Robins said. “To see their

names being recognized at the national level is a testament to their hard work and dedication. It also is a testament to the support provided by our educators, counselors and principals.” l

Rattlesnake aversion training can protect dogs from bites

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

As the weather warms up, outdoor adventures with your dog become more appealing. However, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential dangers posed by rattlesnakes. These venomous snakes are common in many areas of the state and pose a serious threat to dogs.

Rattlesnake sightings increase in the summer and Utah is home to more than 30 species and subspecies of snakes, including venomous rattlers. Top Dog Snake Finders recently announced a partnership with the Asclepius Snakebite Foundation to promote rattlesnake safety awareness and save human and animal lives. ASF is committed to tackling issues associated with snakebites.

“Through our partnership with ASF, we aim to not only promote rattlesnake safety but also contribute to the broader mission of reversing the tragic cycle of snakebites and saving lives and limbs,” said Kim Beck, founder of Top Dog Snake Finders.

K9 rattlesnake aversion training, offered by places like Top Dog Snake Finders, help dogs learn to keep away from the snakes, allowing them to avoid a potentially deadly bite. Even if treated quickly, dog can easily die and treatment costs run into thou-

sands of dollars.

Beck said teaching a dog to “leave it” is not sufficient when it comes to snake encounters. Dogs are trained using contained, live rattlesnakes with the venom sacs intact, so the dog can learn how a venomous snake smells. In the interest of humane treatment, the snake’s fangs are not removed. Teaching a dog to be safe around a rattler includes detecting danger using sight, sound and smell.

ASF provides affordable antivenoms, ensuring families can access care. It also offers medical training to protect high-risk regions and engages in community outreach to prevent snakebites.

“Our mission aligns closely with ASF’s goal of preventing unnecessary suffering and death from snakebites,” Beck said. “Together, we can make a meaningful impact in safeguarding both humans and animals from rattlesnake encounters.”

Other ways to protect your dog and family members from snakebites include staying on designated trails and avoiding tall grass and rocky areas where rattlesnakes may hide. Additionally, clean out woodpiles and debris around the home, stay vigilant of surroundings, listen for the distinctive rattle

sound and steer clear if a snake is nearby.

It’s also crucial to recognize the signs of a rattlesnake bite that includes swelling and two small puncture wounds. A dog might also show signs of pain, whining, limping and becoming weak or unresponsive. If owners believe their dog has been bitten, do

not apply ice to the wound, try to keep the bitten area lower than the heart and seek immediate veterinary care.

Learn more at topdogsnakefinders.com.

“Snakebites are a serious concern,” Beck said, “not only for humans but also for our beloved canine companions.” l

During the warmer months, rattlesnake sightings increase. Dogs are susceptible to rattlesnake bites, which can be deadly, but furry friends can be trained to sense and steer clear before a potentially fatal accident.

(Stock photo)

Spring 2024 was kind to Brighton High School athletics. Or, rather, spring 2024 was the successful culmination of a year of athletic blood, sweat and tears by Brighton coaches and student-athletes. Brighton teams added multiple region and state trophies to the school’s Legacy Center. (note: baseball and boys lacrosse seasons ended after press deadline)

Brighton boys tennis

The reigning 2023 state champion Brighton boys tennis team was edged out of a region trophy and a repeat state trophy by a surging Highland Rams team. Brighton added a second-place state trophy to its trove coming within a single point of the state championship.

Ford Owen, Owen Hopkin and Cameron Grass, Brighton’s trio of senior single players all scored into the semifinal matches. The doubles side of the varsity team took their scoring into the final round with James Covey, a senior, and Henry Owen, a sophomore taking second place in state. The highlight of the state tournament was doubles team Max Pohlman and Talbot Ballstaedt finishing the grueling season atop the podium as state champions.

“I’m proud of this team. They are nice athletes who showed perfect professionalism. I’m excited to see what the future brings for

TheWesleyBellRingers.com

Contact email: TWBR@christumcutah.org

Instagram: @the_wesley_bell_ringers

Facebook: The Wesley Bell Ringers

YouTube: @thewesleybellringers

SBrighton spring sports bloom bright

By Jerry S. Christensen | j.christensen@mycityjournals.com

them” said coach Natalie Meyer. Five of the seven varsity spots will open up on the Brighton boys tennis team after graduation 2024.

Girls lacrosse

Coach Melissa Nash, in her 10th year coaching and teaching at Brighton High School brought the girls lacrosse team to the state semifinals where they played the state champion Olympus team to a narrow 12-11 loss. The successful season graduates several seniors but will have a strong core back for the 2025 campaign. This the fourth year in a row with Brighton bringing home state third-place honors.

Brighton boys and girls track

The Brighton boys track team completed a three-peat with the region title win this year. The team produced many individual podium finishers including an impressive state championship by Beau LaFleur in 330m hurdles. Other medalists include Vance Langston3200m and 1600m, Carter Summers - 3200m, Kaleb Miller - shotput, Tanner Robinson110m hurdles, Analena Jacob - 1600m and 400m, Griffin Seal - 300m hurdles, and Jack Johnson - javelin. Jack Johnson, a three-year starting quarterback for the football team, was also named Brighton male athlete of the year.

“Brighton track benefits from strong and ded-

ince 1963, The Wesley Bell Ringers has provided a unique opportunity for youth in the community to learn and perfect the art of handbell ringing. As the oldest and longest-running handbell program in the state of Utah, more than 500 teens have performed with the group over the years.

Hosted by Christ United Methodist Church in Salt Lake City, the handbell musicians play 6 octaves of bells, 6 octaves of hand chimes, two octaves of cup bells, two octaves of silver melody bells, a 25-note set of Belleplates, a carillon and a boom-a-gong.. They’ve performed with The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Kurt Bestor, and have joined The Piano Guys on one of their Christmas albums.

Director Katie Lay said The Wesley Bell Ringers perform concerts throughout northern Utah, at both public and private events. In the summer, they go on a two-week concert tour to a di erent area of the United States, putting on free performances. Youth in the choir raise the money to a ord these tours and purchase equipment, teaching them the direct link between their hard work and a reward.

Tell us more about you, Katie. I have been the director of The Wesley Bell Ringers for the last 10 years, and have been employed in the music department at Christ United Methodist Church for almost 20 years. I hold a bachelor’s degree in arts administration from Westminster College.

icated multisport athletes—nine of which also were named Academic All State student-athletes,” said coach Kirk Merhish.

Brighton girls golf

“We had a good season in a tough region. I’m proud of our golfers,” said coach Ron

What sets your organization apart?

We are a non-audition group, meaning we will teach any youth how to read music and play handbells. We are the only youth choir in the nation who performs and travels so extensively. Our concerts provide audiences with the opportunity to hear beautiful music, and to see youth from di erent backgrounds working together to reach a common goal. We spend time learning music, having fun, and becoming lifelong friends. We create a place for all youth to feel accepted.

Meyer. Brighton girls golf moved from 10th in state to ninth in state. The team was headlined by sophomore sensation Catherine Cook who earned first team all-state. She is known as “all-state Cate” among her peers on the team. Spring blooms bright at Brighton High School.l

What is your best advice for someone considering joining your group or hosting a performance?

Simply to reach out. If we can perform for you or encourage a youth to join, we will! The opportunities provided to youth in The Wesley Bell Ringers are unlike anything they can nd elsewhere. Not the right age? Christ United Methodist Church has handbell opportunities for kids as young as 4th grade, and adults of all ages! Come join us!

Who is your ideal performer?

Ideal ringers are youth from ninth grade through freshmen in college. We want people who bring good attitudes and are willing to learn and work hard. All denominations are welcome. Ideal concert hosts and audiences are anyone who appreciates good music.

Are you currently hosting any upcoming events?

Our summer tour runs from June 8-23. We will perform in Nevada, California, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Washington and Utah. All concerts are free and open to the public. Concert information can be found on our website TheWesleyBellRingers.com.

We are also hosting a social for potential new ringers on August 25. Details on this opportunity will be posted on our website and in the City Journals.

Brighton’s Beau LaFleur hurdles to the state championship. (Photo Kirk Merhish)

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

UTA’s popular summer youth pass is back, providing unlimited rides on FrontRunner, TRAX, streetcar, UTA On Demand and buses for kids ages 6 to 18. For $49, the UTA Rider’s License can take youth to places from Weber to Utah County.

“UTA is excited to once again be offering kids the chance to get out and explore their community this summer,” said UTA spokesperson Carl Arky. “Our hope is once they start using public transportation, they’ll become more comfortable and familiar with the UTA system and continue using transit as they get older. That will help reduce congestion and air pollution

all while enhancing the quality of life for everyone along the Wasatch Front.”

The pass is valid through Aug. 31 and can be purchased as a mobile ticket on the Ride UTA mobile app. For youth without a smartphone, Tap passes can be purchased online at RideUta.com or UTA customer service locations.

UTA transit goes to Hogle Zoo, Tracy Aviary, Living Planet Aquarium, Thanksgiving Point, BYU Museum of Art, Scera Theater and Outdoor Amphitheater, Lagoon, Cherry Hill, Kenley Amphitheater, Station Park and more. For information, visit rideuta.com/Rider-Info/Riders-License. l

Don’t get me wrong. I’m all for men beating each other with sticks but the ice-palooza circus we’ve experienced as the National Hockey League moved a team to Utah has been a bit much.

My sports-crazed husband is in hockey high-heaven, and he’s not alone. The former Arizona Coyotes (but currently unnamed Utah team) was welcomed by a multitude of rabid hockey fans as the team arrived in Salt Lake. The Utah Snow Angels (?) will now undergo a terrifying assimilation into the state’s culture.

Ryan Smith, new owner of the Utah Iceholes (?), spent $1.2 billion to bring the NHL team here and he has Big Plans! Plans that include restructuring a mall to create a hockey training center, reconfiguring the Delta Center so fans can see all the bloody hockey fights and gaining extreme control over three city blocks in downtown Salt Lake, although he promised not to blast the beloved Abravanel Hall to rubble. Yet.

In the ultimate power play, Smith asked lawmakers to contribute another $1 billion to the project, which includes a sales tax increase, so everyone can help finance the Utah Snowplows’ (?) salvation of the state’s pro sports scene.

(Sidenote: Sales tax? Really? Have

Peri Kinder Life and Laughter

Utah’s Miracle on Ice

our lawmakers seen the lines outside of food banks? People can’t afford Cheerios, let alone tickets to a hockey game.)

But it’s not just hockey. Government and business groups are willing to toss billions (BILLIONS) of dollars around to fund baseball stadiums in Daybreak and, potentially, Salt Lake’s west side.

This is a slap-shot to the face for women’s sports in Utah. If we’re going to invest billions, can legislators squeak the wallet open a bit more to give a portion to female teams? A survey showed overwhelming support for a redesign of the current Salt Lake Bees stadium to become a female-focused sports center. Where are the billions of dollars for that project?

Did you know our state has a championship female/non-binary Pro Ultimate Frisbee team, the Utah Wild? We also host the Utah Falconz, part of the Women’s Na-

tional Football Conference. Where do they play? On high school football fields. The only reason the Utah Royal’s soccer team has a beautiful venue is because it was built for Real, a men’s team.

Don’t whine and say, “But nobody cares about women’s sports.” For its opening game this year, the Royals set a record for the highest-attended women’s sporting event in Utah history.

Millions of fans watched the women’s college final as Caitlin Clark played her last game before being drafted into the WNBA with a four-year, $338,000 contract. I’m sure she was offered the same amount as her male counterpart, the first overall draft pick in last year’s NBA.

Record scratch! Hold up! Last year, top draft pick Victor Wembanyama signed a four-year contract with the Spurs worth $55.2 million. Sigh.

Acquiring the Utah Frostbite (?) was a great accomplishment, but the state has a chance to pull off a phenomenal hat trick: develop a hockey fan base, build a baseball utopia and create a haven for women’s sports.

How cool would it be, for a state that ranks last in women’s pay equality, to invest in women’s athletics? What message

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would that send to our daughters and granddaughters?

I don’t know much about hockey but its success shouldn’t come with a sales tax increase, carte blanche control over a key center of downtown or at the expense of women’s sports.

With its shiny new logo and sparkly Zambonis, the Utah Windchill (?) could have a great first season as fans get behind them. But don’t be fooled. Hockey isn’t the only game in town.