Happy New Year! I’m sure I can speak for my colleagues at City Hall in wishing all citizens and friends of Holladay our best wishes in the new year. Let’s make it a great one!
HEALTH OF HOLLADAY
2024 Community Comfort Drive –Thank you for your Support!
by Ann Francis Garcia, Economic Development & Housing Manager
As a member of the City Council (and as an accountant by profession), Mayor Dahle has invited me to serve on our city financial audit committee for the last several years. A few months after each fiscal year, which ends June 30, our city finance director and our city manager submit the city’s annual financial statements to our independent auditors for their examination. At the end of that examination, the auditors prepare a statement expressing their opinion as to the accuracy and completeness of those financial statements. I’m happy to report that not only did the auditors express a “clean” opinion of Holladay’s financial statements, but also I would like to express that my own review (personal, but arguably informed review) of our financial condition is that Holladay is very financially healthy.
Though our goal as a city is not “profitability,” nor “growth of net assets” nor “market share,” as the goals of a business might be, financially healthy organizations like Holladay tend to reflect financial growth in key areas of their financial statements. I’ll try to keep it very simple (government financial statements can get pretty wonky).
• 6% growth in “Net Position.” Net position is like net assets for a business. Net position is basically “what you own minus what you owe.” In 2024, our city muscles got a little bigger and stronger, and our operating ethic continues to include the principle of responsible budgeting and spending relative to revenues.
• 16% growth in Governmental Fund Balances. Holladay has 4 governmental funds - General Fund, Capital Projects Fund, Revelopment Agency Fund, and Debt Service Fund. The fund balances for each of these funds constitute the city’s “reserves.” Our budgeting process includes maintaining healthy reserves. This year, though we budgeted to increase our reserves, we happily grew reserves a bit more than our budget plan. Sales tax receipts continue to outpace expectations due to the strength of our local economy, and interest earnings on our reserves added a nice bump on the revenue side. Also, on the expense side, we underspent on administration and on some public improvements (despite a healthy spend on public improvements - we just didn’t quite get to all of what we budgeted).
What all of this means is that Holladay is well positioned to continue to invest in our city’s renewal. Although we are a young municipality (a mere 25 years), we have some old bones. As Mayor Dahle mentioned in last month’s Holladay Journal, Holladay …”has some exciting plans on the horizon, including a seismically sound remodel of City Hall” (really old bones) and preserving…”Spring Lane Elementary as a public open space..” (fairly old bones). Fortunately, our financial condition and fund balances reflect robust financial “health insurance” for covering the old bones renewal opportunities ahead.
—Council Member Paul Fotheringham, District 3
We want to take this opportunity to thank you, the Holladay community, for your generous support. We are so fortunate and blessed to live in such a caring and compassionate community. The contributions from our employees, residents, schools, and business community were crucial to the success of this Drive. Your contributions helped us supply the Huntsman Cancer Institute patients with 170 blankets, 40 pairs of cozy socks, 110 hats/beanies, 60 Sweatshirts/pants, 225 boxes of colored pencils/crayons/pens, 165 activity books and over 100 of an assortment of other supportive supplies.
On Thursday, December 12th, we delivered the donations to the Huntsman Cancer Institute, and they were extremely excited and very grateful. They emphasized the need for these donations and how many of their patients will benefit from them. We couldn’t have made this positive impact without you. Thank you for your generosity!
2024 BEST OF HOLLADAY & 25TH ANNIVERSARY LUNCHEON
The Holladay Business Advisory Board celebrated our 2024 Best of Holladay winners and our 25 Oldest Businesses on Friday, December 6th. Want to see who won 2024 Best of Holladay? The community chose their favorites. Please visit our website to see the winners of this year’s Best of Holladay in each of the 10 categories. The Holladay Business Advisory Board also celebrated during the luncheon our 25 oldest businesses in Holladay as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of Holladay’s incorporation as a city. We have amazing stories of some of these businesses available for viewing at City Hall in the downstairs hallway. Come read about their history and their enduring appeal. They also shared some advice for new business entrepreneurs. You can also visit our website for some information on each of these businesses. www.tinyurl.com/Holladay-BAB
Winter Weather & Waste Collection: How to Ensure Your Containers are Serviced
We face many challenges on Utah’s winter roads including snowy and icy conditions. Our waste and recycling drivers encounter these same obstacles, along with other difficulties that may not be immediately obvious to those unfamiliar with our equipment’s operation. When snow accumulates near the curb, it’s important to place your containers in front of the snowbanks to ensure they can be serviced. Our truck arms are unable to reach containers if they are placed on top of or behind snowbanks.
To ensure that your containers are emptied for the week, please place them in a clear, accessible location for our drivers. Your cooperation helps us maintain smooth and efficient services during winter weather.
Please ensure your recycling containers are not overloaded and properly sealed. This simple practice helps prevent snow and water from entering the recycling stream which can cause problems during processing
If your container has a broken lid, damaged body or wheels, please contact us at (385) 468-6325 or visit our website at website https://tinyurl.com/BinService to request a repair or replacement.
REMINDER: Christmas Tree Collections
We offer Christmas tree removal for your post-holiday convenience. During the month of January, we will begin picking up trees from residents who complete our request form on our website (www.wasatchfrontwaste.org) or call the WFWRD office at (385) 468-6325.
We ONLY accept REAL trees – no artificial trees. Trees must be free of decorations, ornaments, lights, and snow. Please place trees curbside, not in bins.
To have your Christmas tree picked up, please ensure you remove all decorations and place your tree at the curb. Trees will be collected the day after your regularly scheduled pickup day. Due to high demand, it may take more than one week to complete all requests.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
LIBRARY HAPPENINGS JANUARY
Stacks of Adventure: A Library of Roleplaying Games
Star Wars Edge of the Empire
Saturday, January 25 • 1:00pm - 5:00pm Six-week RPG campaigns for teens and adults of all skill levels.
Step into epic worlds of fantasy, sci-fi, and mystery! Each six-week mini-campaign will explore a different immersive role-playing experience for all skill levels—no experience needed. Join a welcoming community, make new friends, and jump into thrilling adventures together. Registration required. Today’s campaign: Star Wars Edge of the Empire!
Mindfulness Explorations
Every 3rd Saturday Saturday, January 18 • 10:15am - 11:15am
Learn about and practice different methods of meditation and being mindful.
JANUARY
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:
Winter Parking on the Public Streets
by Chief Justin Hoyal, Unified Police District - Holladay
During the winter months, we continually encourage motorists to slow down and drive carefully in the snowy conditions while watching out for emergency vehicles and snowplows. During these months we generally see an increase in the number of traffic accidents, and that is the reason for these continued reminders. However, one thing that often gets overlooked is parking on the streets when the snow is falling.
The City of Holladay has an ordinance that says “It is unlawful for any person who owns or has possession, custody or control of any vehicle to park or knowingly allow to be parked any vehicle on any street when it is snowing or snow is accumulating on the street during November, December, January, February, March, and April…” This means that if it is snowing or snow is coming down on our city roads, you cannot park your car on the street. This is important because it gives the snowplows space to navigate through our streets and allows them to push the snow off the travel lanes and out of the roadway.
We have had a slow start to our winter this year with only a few storms and minimal snow accumulation. With that slow start to the winter, people forget about this parking ordinance/ law. During future snowstorms, our officers will be out and will have to issue citations to the cars parked on the streets. We want to help our snowplow drivers do their jobs so that the snow can be cleared, which makes the roads safer for everyone.
If you want to make a parking or traffic enforcement request you can send a request online at https://tinyurl.com/HolladayTraffic. If there is a situation or need for an officer to respond, and it is non-emergency, you can call our non-emergency dispatch center at 801-840-4000. In any situation, if there is an emergency, call 911.
We are asking for your help. When a storm is forecasted, please move your car off the street. Working together we will be able to get the streets clear of snow and make it safer for everyone to travel through our great city.
Salt Lake County Animal Services: A Year of Impact and Inspiration in 2024
As the largest no-kill municipal animal shelter in Utah, Salt Lake County Animal Services has had an extraordinary year, serving as a lively and compassionate hub for animals of all kinds. Every day brings something amazing from the familiar faces of dogs, cats, guinea pigs, and rabbits to the more unconventional residents like goats, pigs, snakes, lizards, turtles, and even pet spiders.
Here’s a glimpse of the incredible milestones we’ve achieved from January 1 to December 1, 2024:
• 2,800 pets found their forever homes! Through adoptions and rescue placements, these wonderful animals have embarked on new journeys with loving families.
• Over 4,200 pets were sterilized in our in-house clinic, ensuring a positive impact on pet overpopulation and promoting responsible ownership.
• Our incredible volunteers gave over 7,500 hours of their time, providing care, enrichment, and love to our shelter pets.
• A thriving Foster Program! More than 2,700 pets received the nurturing support of foster homes, preparing them for their next chapter.
None of this would be possible without the support of our community and the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and foster families.
Want to get involved? Explore opportunities to volunteer, adopt, foster, license your pet, microchip, or donate by visiting AdoptUtahPets.org. With your support, we’re transforming lives and creating brighter futures for pets and their people!”
Happy New Year from all of us at Salt Lake County Animal Services!
What is your role in a disaster?
by Allison Jester, Emergency Management Coordinator
During a disaster, our first responders and government officials will endeavor to save lives, protect property and the environment, and assist citizens during the process of recovery. However, effective response and recovery from disaster requires preparedness from the whole community. Each individual and family should be prepared to take protective actions in order to decrease the chance of injury, illness, and financial loss. To be prepared, individuals and families need to: have a plan, be prepared with supplies, stay informed, and be ready and willing to help neighbors and community. While this may feel overwhelming at times, preparedness begins with simple steps that add up over time.
The first step is to “Make a Plan.” This tagline is broad, but it can be broken down into some simple steps.
1. Discuss with household members how you will prepare for and respond to disasters that are most likely to happen near you.
2. Determine alternate meeting places inside and outside of your neighborhood where you can reunite with family if your home is not an option
3. Identify responsibilities for each member of your household so that you can work together as a team; consider everyone’s unique abilities and needs.
4. Identify and plan with family, friends, neighbors, and caregivers to build a network of people who may be able to assist you or that you have the ability to assist in a disaster.
If you follow these steps you will be more able to take care of your immediate needs, reconnect with your family, assist your neighbors, and help in your community in the wake of a disaster.
