Riverton’s Commitment to Efficient Governance
By Mayor Trent Staggs
In Riverton City, we pride ourselves on being a community that values innovation, efficiency, and opportunity. One of the ways we demonstrate this commitment is through our ongoing effort to streamline local governance and reduce unnecessary bureaucratic costs. At our next city council meeting, I am proud to propose that the city eliminates approximately 85 fees from our municipal fee schedule.
“At our next city council meeting, I am proud to propose that the city eliminates approximately 85 fees from our municipal fee schedule.”
I commenced this initiative to regularly ask if government actually needs to charge for items. Too many times government levies fees simply because it can without asking if it is necessary. In 2018, I proposed, and the city council agreed to eliminate the business licensing fee requirements. Riverton City became the first to do so, fostering a friendly business environment that has seen great success. I am committed to ensuring Riverton city government continually asks itself if its fees are essential.
This year’s review isn’t trimming for the sake of numbers—it is about fostering an environment where residents and businesses can thrive without being weighed down by overly complex rules, fees, and taxes. Every regulatory rule or fee I am proposing we cut was carefully evaluated. My staff and I asked ourselves: Is this regulation still relevant? Does it contribute to public safety, economic growth, or quality of life? If not, I put it on the list for proposed elimination. The fees and regulations on the list to be removed span various sectors, from business licensing to residential zoning. For example, I am suggesting we get rid of some unnecessary filing fees for commercial and residential building site plans, as well as some retail licensing fees. By cutting red tape, Riverton is signaling to entrepreneurs that we are open for business and eager to support innovation and growth.
For our residents, these changes mean more than convenience. They represent a local government that listens, responds, and acts in their best interest. We’re focused on making life in Riverton easier, more affordable, and more accessible. Residents have told us they want fewer hoops to jump through when interacting with the city, and I am determined to deliver on my promise.
This process is not just a onetime effort. It’s a philosophy we’re embracing as we govern. I believe the role of government is to facilitate—not hinder—progress. By continuously reviewing and refining our city’s policies, we ensure that Riverton remains a place where individuals and businesses can succeed.
Cutting 85 regulations is a milestone, but it’s also a starting point. We will continue to assess our policies and remain vigilant against unnecessary bureaucracy. Our aim is clear: to create a more efficient, responsive, and forwardthinking Riverton City.
Together, we’re building a stronger Riverton—one that will continue to champion efficiency, growth, and the well-being of all. I look forward to 2025 and our continued progress. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a joyous new year.
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COUNCIL MESSAGE
Solutions from 2024 and future Collaboration in 2025
ELECTED OFFICIALS
Trent Staggs - Mayor
Andy Pierucci - District 1
Troy McDougal - District 2
Tawnee McCay - District 3
Tish Buroker - District 4
Spencer Haymond - District 5
UPCOMING
CITY MEETINGS
CITY COUNCIL
December 3, 7 p.m.
PLANNING COMMISSION
By Councilmember Andy Pierucci
Next year will bring about a lot of changes to Riverton City. Over the next few months, the city council will be updating the city’s General Plan and the Riverton Transportation Master Plan. We need your input as we undertake these planned updates. Your voice matters and as you engage in this process, you can literally help shape the future of our city.
nance of our transportation infrastructure. The plan includes current and future road rights-of-way and how they are classified according to size and traffic volume, where signalized intersections are located or will be located, where major bridges are in the city, and much more.
Over the next few months, the city council will be updating the city’s General Plan and the Riverton Transportation Master Plan
CONTACT US rivertonutah.gov 801-254-0704
Report a problem at rivertonutah.gov/report
December 12, 6:30 p.m. @rivertonutahgov
You may be asking yourself, why get involved in this process. Well, the General Plan is the foundation for key community decisions. It affects the future location and nature of housing, the development of businesses and industry within the city, and determine other land uses. The General Plan is a signal to you, the public, and to the business community, of what we want our city to look like and what can be expected as our city continues to develop. Sounds important, right? As for the Transportation Master Plan, it shapes the growth and mainte-
I invite you to reach out to your representative on the city council, attend public meetings to provide input on these two plan updates, and help shape our future as a city. Now, as we close out 2024 and prepare for what 2025 holds for us, I hope you and your family can experience the beauty of the holiday season. The Christmas spirit is alive and well in Riverton. It can be seen when we open our hearts to neighbors less fortunate. It is evident when local church congregations serve meals to the homeless and
when students in our schools donate toys and winter clothes for those in need. It is seen in the love neighbors show one another when they shovel the sidewalks and driveways of widows, the elderly, and the infirm.
As you and your family celebrate this holiday season, whether it be Christmas or Hanukkah, I hope you enjoy the peace, hope, and love that is felt and seen in abundance during this time of year. And I hope and pray that our community keeps that spirit of Christmas with us well beyond the holiday season and through 2025.
Winter Parking Policy & Snow Removal Protocol
The following snow removal protocol and winter parking policy is in effect in Riverton:
• Between November 1 and March 1, no vehicle may be parked on city streets during a snow storm OR where snow has accumulated on road shoulders.
• Major roadways, high-traffic areas and school zones are prioritized in snow removal efforts as a matter of public safety.
• Minor roads and cul-de-sacs are cleared if 4 inches of snow or more has accumulated once main roadways are clear. For additional details, visit rivertonutah.gov/snow
Holiday Fire Safety Tips
By Chief Wade Watkins
The Holiday Season is upon us, please see the below information to encourage safety during your seasonal activities’
Cooking
Cooking is the leading cause of residential fires, according to Consumer Product Safety Commission’s report on residential fire and loss estimates. Of the 352,400 home fires every year, cooking fires accounts for nearly 45% of these. Thanksgiving Day is the peak day for cooking fires, with an average of 1,400 cooking fires occurring on this day – more than three times the daily average of cooking fires. To reduce these a risk of fire this Thanksgiving, be sure to never leave cooking food unattended on the stove or in the oven, and only fry a turkey outside and away from your home or other flammable materials. Never use turkey fryers in an enclosed area like the garage or on the porch.
Holiday Decorations
On average, there are around 160 Christmas decorating-related injuries each day during the holiday season, with nearly half of
the incidents involving falls. In the 2023 holiday season (Nov. 1, 2022 - Jan.31, 2023), roughly 14,900 people were treated in hospital emergency departments due to holiday decorating-related injuries. You can keep this number from rising by: 1) Making sure your live Christmas tree has plenty of water and looking for the “fire resistant” label when buying an artificial tree. 2) Never leaving candles unattended--placing burning candles in sight, away from flammable items, and blowing them out before leaving the room. You may also consider transitioning to flameless candles. 3) Never stringing together more than three sets of incandescent lights or overloading electrical outlets.
Calling 911 Additionally, if you need emergency services to respond to an emergency. The 911 dispatcher and responders will need the best and most correct information possible.
Another important safety tip is to provide the best and more correct information possible to the 911 dispatcher in the event you need emergency services. This includes but is not limited to: The location of the emergency, including the street address; the phone number you are calling from; the nature of the emergency; and details about the emergency, such as a physical
Wreaths Across America
Cooking is the leading cause of residential fires
description of any fire that may be burning, or a description of injuries or symptoms being experienced by a person having a medical emergency.
Remember, the call-taker’s questions are important to get the right kind of help to you quickly. Be prepared to follow any instructions the call-taker gives you. 911 can tell you exactly what to do until help arrives, such as providing step-by-step instructions to aid someone who is choking or needs first aid or CPR. Do not hang up until the call-taker instructs you to do so.
Let’s stay committed to staying safe this holiday season Riverton and be ready to bring in 2025!
Christmas Tree Recycling
Properly dispose of live Christmas trees at one of three free drop-off locations through the end of January.
Centennial Park 13000 S 2700 W
Monarch Meadows Park 13675 S Monarch Meadows Parkway
Riverton Rodeo Arena 12800 S 1300 W
Saturday, December 14, 10 a.m.
Riverton City Cemetery, 1500 W 13200 S
A Riverton Holiday Tradition!
Come enjoy this free family event featuring wonderful holiday music with a 100+ member choir and full orchestra.
Riverton High School 12476 2700 W Join us to remember veterans buried at Riverton City Cemetery and help place wreaths on their graves.
Monday, December 9 at 7 p.m.
UPCOMING EVENTS RIVERTON
For a list of items to donate, visit: rivertonutah.gov/holiday-donations
Riverton City is collecting holiday donations for The Christmas Box House – an organization dedicated to providing emergency shelter to children in need. Donations will be accepted until Monday, December 9 at Riverton City Hall. Donated items must be new and unwrapped.
Couch to 5K Training Program
Have you ever wanted to start running, but just aren’t sure how? Join us for a Couch to 5K program to gradually build up your running ability in just eight weeks. This program is for people looking for a structured introduction to running with support along the way. Cost is $30.
Free entry ($30 value) in the Riverton 5K on March 22, 2025, with a race t-shirt training support.
Register at: rivertonutah.gov/couch-to-5k
Join us in the new year for the Mission Slim Possible Weight Loss Challenge, an individual 8-week mission to lose weight and feel great! Mission Slim Possible is a weight loss challenge, not a weight loss program. It is up to you to lose the weight. Cash prizes will be given out for the highest percentage of body fat lost, most pounds lost, and male and female division winners.
January 8 - March 5, 2025 | $30 per person
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, January 7, 2025
Register at rivertonutah.gov/slimpossible
December 13 to Sunday, December 25
Drive by homes decked out in lights and decorations for the holidays during the Riverton Tour of Lights! A map will be made available to the public at the website URL listed below on December 13 to help you identify locations to drive by on this self-guided tour.
ENTRY DETAILS
Riverton residents who put up awesome holiday light displays are encouraged to enter their home in the Riverton Tour of Lights! The entry deadline is Wednesday, December 11. Entry is free. Participants will have their name and address included on a map and will receive a sign to place in their yard during the tour.
To see the tour map or enter your home, visit: rivertonutah.gov/tour-of-lights
Half Marathon 10K & 5K
Be part of a Riverton tradition and come participate in one of the valley’s best races. The race is designed for all ages and abilities with medals and prizes awarded for participants and winners.
General registration opens January 1 for the Riverton ½ Marathon, 10K & 5K
Race Day is Saturday, March 22, 2025 9 a.m. Half, 9:15 a.m. 10K, 9:30 5K, Riverton City Park
Register at: rivertonutah.gov/half