I represent Holladay’s interests on the board of Wasatch Front Waste and Recycling (WFWRD).
WFWRD provides essential services for Holladay including garbage, recycling, and green waste disposal. They also provide our curbside dumpster, seasonal leaf and Christmas tree clean up services. Last year, through these programs Holladay residents achieved some remarkable milestones: they composted 915 tons of waste, recycled 2,044 tons of traditional recycling, and diverted 97 tons of glass from our landfills. These amounts have increased from the previous year and reflect Holladay residents’ commitment to protecting our community and our beautiful state.
Momentum Recycling, in partnership with WFWRD, is now introducing an exciting new opportunity to our city: food waste pickup. This initiative, new to Holladay residents starting last year, diverts food waste away from our landfills, and creates renewable natural gas and carbon-based fertilizer used in local farms.
We tend to think of food waste in our garbage as harmless, knowing that it will decompose. Reality is a bit more complex. In landfills, food waste often lacks the oxygen and water necessary for it to break down. It can take up to 25 years for a single head of cabbage to decompose in a landfill. When the food finally does decompose it emits methane out into the atmosphere – significantly more damaging than carbon dioxide for our already troubled air. The new food waste program offered to our residents captures these gases, keeping them out of our atmosphere and converts them to clean, renewable natural gas. This gas is routed into the municipal pipeline providing a sustainable energy source for approximately 15,000 households or a community the size of Bountiful.
Momentum picks up food waste curbside in provided 16-gallon bins or 5-gallon buckets, similar to existing waste pickup. Once collected the food waste is taken to their facility in North Salt Lake. There it is ground down and mixed with water, screened and introduced into a specialized digester. This machine, with the aid of microbes, transforms the food into natural gas and nutrient rich fertilizer.
WFWRD’s traditional green waste pick up service focuses on yard waste but also can compost fruits, vegetables and eggshells throughout the spring and summer months. This new companion program accepts virtually every kind of food waste, including fruit, vegetables, meat, bones, dairy, fats, liquids, raw and prepared food – everything we think of as ‘food’. It is ‘scrape-the-plate’ service. However, packaging of any kind, including compostable packaging cannot be included– as the process used is not the traditional industrial composting.
The goal of this program is to provide Holladay residents with an affordable, responsible and environmentally friendly way to dispose of their food waste. One of the many things that I love about Holladay is our strong sense of community and desire to protect our way of life for future generations. I believe this opportunity is one piece in that puzzle to help us preserve and protect our community. If you believe that this opportunity would work well for your household and are interested in participating in this service, please visit Momentum Recycling’s website for more information. https://utah.momentumrecycling.com/residentialfood-waste-recycing-in-holladay/
—Council Member Emily Gray, District 5
GRANTS PROCURED
Now that we’re making headway into an exciting new year, we’d like to take a moment to reflect on what we accomplished in 2024. This last year was a big one for Holladay as we celebrated Holladay’s 25th official birthday! From special events and infrastructure projects to being fully staffed for the first time in nearly 8 years, the City worked hard to serve you and run responsibly.
We’re proud to share some of the highlights of our hard work with you and look forward to continuing to uphold a high standard for every Holladay resident.
We supplement City costs by procuring as much grant funding as possible. Last year, our administration team was able to secure $1.5 million in funding from various grants which included the following:
• $100,000 from the Utah Department of Transportation to fill-in sidewalk on 4500 South near Olympus Hills Park.
• $100,000 from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program to replace aged HVAC equipment with efficient units.
• $1,230,000 from the 2024 Legislative Session’s House Bill 488 for the Highland Drive Reconstruction and Complete Street Project.
2 Grant-Funded Projects Completed in 2024
• $75,000 from Salt Lake County Tourism Recreation Cultural Convention Program and a generous private donor to install sports lighting at Holladay Skatepark.
• $500,000 from Utah Department of Transportation for Phase I of sidewalk fill-in on 2700 East.
PUBLIC WORKS & FACILITIES
Our Public Works Team works tirelessly to maintain and improve our infrastructure assets.
• Crosswalks & Sidewalks: Replaced crosswalk stone pavers on Murray Holladay Rd. and Holladay Blvd. with a longer-lasting alternative, and completed Phase I of the sidewalk project on 2700 E from Lincoln Ln. to 3900 S on both sides.
• Roads: Repaved various streets and residential roads, and resurfaced 6200 S.
• Storm Drains: Stormwater mapping & inspecting was completed, and the City began and continued numerous storm drain projects (locations include Casto Ln., Hillsden Dr., Meadowmoor, Cottonwood Ln., and El Dorado.
• Ongoing Projects: Completed work on waterways, replaced various curbs and gutters, and completed bridge repairs on Murray Holladay Rd.
• Rentals: Provided 501 park and room reservations amounting to $30,000 in total revenue.
• Sustainability Efforts: The City is currently in the process of converting all two-stroke engine machines into electric motors to reduce emissions.
PUBLIC SAFETY & PUBLIC HEALTH
We prioritize public safety and health through close partnerships with Unified Police Dept. and Unified Fire Authority, and through in-house efforts.
• Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP): Created an updated and comprehensive plan that outlines how the city will prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate against disaster.
Collection of Hard to Recycle Materials - Charm Event
The City of Holladay is excited to announce a Collection of Hard to Recycle Materials (CHaRM) event will take place on Saturday, March 29th from 9am-12pm at the Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church (5335 S Highland Dr).
In partnership with the Utah Recycling Alliance (URA), residents can help keep precious materials out of landfillsmaterials that are capable of being recycled but are not accepted in the City’s curbside collection bins. Keeping these materials out of landfills protects the quality of Utah’s air, land, and water.
During this drive-thru style event, residents can bring the following accepted items:
• Bicycles
• Carpet Pad (padding only, no carpets/rugs)
• Electronics (no batteries, CRT TVs)
• Eye Glasses
• Ink Cartridges
• Lightbulbs (no fluorescents)
• Mattresses & Box Springs ($15 fee/each)*
• Oral Care
• Plastic Bags/Films
• Scrap Metal
• Ski/Snowboard Equipment
• Styrofoam (no food containers)
• Tires ($5 fee/car tire, $12 fee/truck tire)*
*If you are bringing items that require a fee, payment is required at entry via cash or card.
Please note that we are NOT accepting household hazardous waste: batteries, paint, chemicals, etc.
Residents can drop off household hazardous waste materials at the County’s new Household Hazardous Waste Facility (8805 S 700 W, Sandy, UT 84070).
The City aims for this event to provide a convenient & safe way for residents to deliver these items for recycling while knowing that they will be transported to a responsible recycling facility.
We would like to thank the Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church specifically for their partnership in allowing us to use their space!
If you have questions regarding the event, please contact the Utah Recycling Alliance at www.UtahRecyclingAlliance.org.
LIBRARY HAPPENINGS
MARCH
Seed Library - Opening Day!
Grab, grow, and share!
Saturday, March 01: 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Come get some seeds to start your garden and from 3:00 - 5:00 PM grab a microgreens kit (while supplies last) to tide you over till your garden grows. Also, make some fun shrinky- dink plant markers!
Composting with Jim Tehan
Make the best stuff for your garden for free! Saturday, March 29: 11:30am - 1:00pm
Participants will learn how to make the best fertilizer utilizing free ingredients from their kitchen. Like anything else, you can’t buy it as good as you can make it at no cost!
CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS:
Rob Dahle, Mayor rdahle@holladayut.gov
801-580-3056
Ty Brewer, District 1 tbrewer@holladayut.gov 801-550-8747
Matt Durham, District 2 mdurham@holladayut.gov 801-999-0781
Paul Fotheringham, District 3 pfotheringham@holladayut.gov 801-424-3058
Drew Quinn, District 4 dquinn@holladayut.gov 801-860-6130
Emily Gray, District 5 egray@holladayut.gov 801-755-3477
Gina Chamness, City Manager gchamness@holladayut.gov
PUBLIC MEETINGS:
• Implemented the CTC (Communities That Care) process: Utilized grant funds to roll out the CTC process in our city, focusing on building a framework for prevention and community-driven change.
• Hosted or participated in numerous mission-driven events: Organized or took part in several events advancing the Healthy Holladay coalition’s mission, including Naloxone training and distribution, QPR training, an organ donor information session, and a blood drive that exceeded the American Red Cross donation goal.
COMMUNITY BUILDING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:
We believe in being good neighbors and growing responsibly.
• Legislative Relationships: Fostered relationships with Holladay’s Congressional Delegation with the guidance of Barker Leavitt, Holladay’s federal consultant. Hosted visits by Representative Mike Kennedy and staff and met with Senator Lee’s staff.
• Housing: Studied and assisted the council on passing ordinance amendments that address housing options, including an ADU ordinance, maintaining compliance with state legislation.
• Business Advisory Board: Hosted a variety of events including workshops on crime prevention, the 2nd annual Community Comfort Drive (in partnership with the Huntsman Cancer Institute), 9 Ribbon Cuttings for new or growing Holladay businesses, and HOLLA-Ween treat booths in which 18 businesses participated.
ARTS/CULTURE & EVENTS:
We are proud to offer numerous events and programs through which Holladay residents can better engage in their community and enjoy local talent.
• Record-Breaking Participation: Nearly 20,000 attendees, including 6,450 youth, participated in Arts Council and Historical Commission events throughout the year. Additionally, 1,206 artists were supported in disciplines like visual arts, dance, and music.
• Digital Milestone: The Holladay Historical Commission’s May Preservation Month website, featuring 35 historic sites, garnered 4,297 visits.
• Strengthened Community Partnerships: Collaborations expanded with city committees, businesses, and nonprofits.
• Special Events: This year’s events included a 4th of July Celebration (breakfast, bike parade, concert), the Blue Moon Festival, our first rendition of Movies in the Park, HOLLA-Ween, and a holiday season Tree Lighting. These events boasted over 13,000 attendees collectively.
Heading into 2025, we want to make sure you stay connected! One of our biggest accomplishments this year was redesigning our City website; there you can find many ways to stay up to date on events and other news (HolladayUT.gov).
You can also stay in the know by signing up for our weekly email via the website or by following us on social media (@CityofHolladay).
Thank you for making Holladay a wonderful place to live & serve. For a full list of last year’s accomplishments, please visit our website.
J. James Palmer — In Memoriam
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of J. James Palmer. Jim passed peacefully on January 25th surrounded by family.
Jim served our city with distinction, six years as a Planning Commissioner followed by eight years on our City Council. Jim’s extensive knowledge of Holladay history and the inner workings of municipal government, coupled with exceptional leadership skills helped shepherd our city through its early years of incorporation. He was instrumental in the redevelopment of our Holladay Village, City Hall (repurposing of Holladay Elementary), protecting and improving City Hall Park, construction of fire station #104, implementing the Knudsen Park Master Plan, development of Millrock Park and preservation of The Cotton Bottom, to name just a few.
Compromise was often achieved through Jim’s unique ability to navigate differing, and at times contentious issues. He was a voice a reason, always willing to guide the Commission or Council toward consensus. We all felt privileged to work alongside Jim and are grateful for his dedicated, passionate service to citizens of Holladay. His impact will be felt for generations to come.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Palmer family.
RIP Jim.
Rob Dahle Mayor
Time to Leash Up!
By Salt Lake County Animal Services
Spring is on its way, signaling the perfect opportunity for you and your furry companion to explore the neighborhood, parks, and trails. Before you head out, don’t forget to grab a leash and those essential poop bags!
LEASH LAWS
Many violators of this ordinance will claim that their pet is friendly, or less aggressive when off a leash. However, Salt Lake County Animal Services would like to emphasize that not everyone appreciates encountering a “friendly” off-leash dog, including those with leashed dogs. A leash isn’t just an optional accessory; it’s a legal requirement. If you and your dog are found off-leash in areas other than designated off-leash dog parks, you will receive a ticket and be subject to a fine.
PACK OUT THE POOP
It’s a legal requirement to clean up after your dog. Failure to do so may result in fines. This is considered a public nuisance violation. Whether you’re in the neighborhood or on a busy hiking trail, be a considerate neighbor or hiker by carrying poop bags to clean up after your dog when they poop.
THE LAWS
Curious about the ordinances in your city? Check out AdoptUtahPets.com and visit our “Laws” section to look up the ordinances in your area. Need to contact an Animal Control Officer? Call dispatch at 801-840-4000.
After School Sports at Holladay Lions Recreation Center
Holladay Lions Recreation Center is launching an After School Sports program. It will provide a weekly opportunity for kids ages 6–12 to learn FUNdamentals. A focus on respect, discipline, and proper attitude, while helping them develop sports skills. Each week they will focus on balance and coordination, gross and fine motor skills, all while having fun!
It’s VOLLEYBALL every Thursday in March from 5:15 pm–6 pm for ages 6–12. Registration is required: holladaylionsrec. activityreg.com. This program is free for all My County Rec pass holders, a pilot program from Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation. Find out more about the FREE program for Salt Lake County residents ages 0–18: slco.to/pass.
Welcome Code Enforcement Of cer Chad Pedersen
by Carolina Costa, Communications Mgr
Recently, our code enforcement officer, Warren Dallof, retired after a lengthy career in law enforcement. We are grateful to him for his years of service and the dedication with which he served. Following his retirement, we are pleased to welcome Officer Chad Pedersen to Holladay as the new code enforcement officer.
UPD’s Lieutenant Ackerman shared, “UPD’s Holladay Precinct is thrilled to continue this partnership with the City of Holladay. We believe this service from the UPD will continue to be of great benefit to citizens of this city. This position is part of our Community Policing Team and works very closely with the city on ordinance-related matters…we have selected Officer Chad Pedersen to serve in this code enforcement position. Chad has over 17 years of law enforcement experience and he has worked in a variety of assignments throughout his career that have prepared him for this new position.”
Officer Pedersen, a Utah County native, joined the force out of a desire to work closely with people. As a police officer he has worked in various units including investigations, major crimes, as a traffic officer, and more. Holladay appealed to him for its small-town feel and family-friendly atmosphere. An avid fisher and hunter, Officer Pedersen loves the mountains and is excited to be in our beautiful little corner of the world where it’s a little quieter and neighbors still know each other.
His new role is one we’re glad to have filled. Officer Pedersen feels strongly that code enforcement is a tool that brings uniformity and fairness. He mentioned that it would be hard to build a city like Holladay without those things, and that code enforcement allows us to meet the vision of what Holladay wants to be. His law enforcement background will especially come in handy. Being an officer means that he brings an extra set of knowledge and tools with him, which is a huge asset to residents.
A “people person” by nature, Officer Pedersen is here to work with the public. He recognizes that not all code enforcement issues can be solved overnight, and that the important thing is working together and moving in the right direction. We are so glad that Officer Dallof’s shoes are being filled by someone so deeply dedicated to serving and getting to know this community. As always, we’re grateful to UPD for their continued partnership in offering incredible service to our city.
Welcome to Holladay, Officer Pedersen!
Cont. from UPD: If you have a code enforcement complaint you would like to submit to Chad, you can do so by visiting the city website. You can also reach him by phone at 801-548-8427. Code enforcement complaints that can be reported to Chad include violations involving property, buildings and vehicles. Lastly, we would like to remind the community that if there is a police emergency to still call 911, or the non-emergency 24-hour UPD dispatch center at 801-840-4000.
Rules Regarding Removal of Trees in Holladay
By: Tyler McArthur, Holladay Tree Committee Member for District 1
One of the most common concerns brought to us at the Holladay Tree Committee is from residents who see trees being removed and worry about the negative impact on our Holladay tree canopy. We love trees too and our job as a committee is to provide education and engagement which encourages preservation of our incredibly beautiful and unique tree canopy here. So, we thought it would be helpful to run through the existing ordinances in place that govern the removal trees from properties in Holladay.
A few years ago, a new Tree Canopy Sustainability ordinance was passed (Title 13.77.080). Part of this ordinance details which trees in Holladay are considered “Protected”:
• Community Trees – Trees found in our city parks and other city-owned properties.
• Heritage Trees – Specific trees which have already been recognized as Heritage Trees by the Utah Community Forest Council
• Street Trees – Any tree planted in a public right-of-way, which generally includes park strips.
• Waterway Trees – Tress found around our creeks, streams, and canals.
In order to remove a Protected Tree, a property owner needs to submit an application for a Tree Removal Permit. The permit application, which may change periodically, will require a tree removal plan, a requirement for tree canopy replacement, and will need to be approved by a certified arborist.
Homes and other structures are also continuously being built and remodeled in Holladay, which is a good thing and we love to see new, beautiful buildings come to our community. Sometimes during the planning of a new project, it becomes clear that some trees will need to be removed. Every building permit application that is submitted in Holladay is required to have a Tree Canopy Sustainability Plan. This plan will include detailed inventory of existing trees and contain plans for replacing the trees that will be removed with an equivalent amount of future tree canopy coverage.
Additionally, part of the ordinance governs clear-cutting of trees on privately owned lots. Clear-cutting is defined as removing greater than 60% of the trees on any parcel on which no person resides at the time of removal and is prohibited without a permit and sustainability plan.
In other words, trees cannot be removed by private property owners without a permit if they are 1) Protected Trees, 2) directly impacted by permitted construction activity, or 3) clear-cutting private land.
Inversely, what this also means is that private property owners are allowed to remove trees not falling under any of these above conditions without a permit. This is true even if the trees are large, healthy, or provide privacy or shade for neighbors. The city recognizes that private property rights are important and the Tree Canopy ordinance tries to balance these private interests with the interest of the public. It is also important to remember that there may be very valid reasons that one of our residents has for removing a tree – it may be old, diseased, rotting, or present a danger to people or property in a way that isn’t immediately visible. If the tree is located on private property and doesn’t require a permit for removal, then the property owner can remove it.
One last thing - property boundaries are vertical. If a tree’s branches cross a property line, then a neighbor may cause them to be trimmed or cut back to the property line, even if it results in an unsightly shape to the tree. Hopefully neighbors can, but are not obligated to, work together to create beautiful treescapes along property boundaries for everyone to enjoy.
If you see a tree being removed or worked on in Holladay and you’re concerned that the work is unpermitted and unlawful then:
1. Do not approach the property owner or contractor performing the work. We do not want to risk conflicts among neighbors in emotionally charged situations.
2. Call Code Enforcement at the Holladay Non-Emergency Line 801-743-7000.
3. You can also reach out to the Community Development Director, Jon Teerlink, at 801-527-3890 or jteerlink@holladayut.gov. I’ve personally found that the Community Development Department is very professional and very quick to respond to anything regarding our trees here in Holladay.
Hopefully this helps clarify some of the regulations regarding our trees here in Holladay. Let’s all work together to make Holladay’s tree canopy even more beautiful than it currently is.
