Riverton Review Print Newsletter - April 2023

RIVERTON REVIEW

Official Newsletter of the Riverton, Utah City Government

Introducing Our New Police Chief

By Mayor Trent Staggs

After much consideration and many interviews, I presented Blair Barfuss to the Riverton City Council to be appointed as chief of police on Tuesday, February 21. I’m pleased to report that the council unanimously confirmed the appointment.

Chief Barfuss has brought with him a wealth of law enforcement experience. He comes to Riverton after serving as chief of police most recently at Utah State University and previously as chief of police and director of public safety at Utah Tech University. He spent the majority of his career in law enforcement with the West Valley Police Department where he held a variety of leadership roles, including training unit commander, patrol watch commander, detective sergeant, administrative sergeant, patrol sergeant and SWAT team leader. He is a graduate of the FBI National

WAYS TO CONNECT WITH RIVERTON

Academy and holds a master’s degree in human resources from Utah State University and a bachelor’s degree from Columbia College in criminal justice administration.

I am confident his servant leadership style and commitment to communityoriented policing will make him very effective as he leads the Riverton Police Department. His team consists of 36 sworn officers and four civilian staff.

Chief Barfuss stated the following about his appointment as chief, “It is an honor to be selected to lead the Riverton Police Department. I look forward to serving the residents of Riverton and ensuring the Riverton Police Department’s commitment to service and community continues.”

Residents continue to see savings and improved service since the city left the Salt Lake Valley Law Enforcement Service Area back in 2018 and left Unified Police Department to create the Riverton Police Department back in 2019. In fact, since forming our own taxing district to fund police services in Riverton, our residents have saved over $10 million in property tax that would have otherwise been paid to the county taxing district, with over $4 million in savings just last year.

Riverton City officials are committed to ensuring we have the very best law enforcement we can and are thrilled Chief Barfuss has joined our team. Please join me in welcoming him to Riverton!

n rivertonutah.gov/subscribe

Get the latest city updates, e-newsletters, event information and other news delivered right to your inbox.

TEXT MESSAGE ALERTS

n rivertonutah.gov/alerts

Get emergency alerts and notifications on important city updates on your cell phone 3-4 times per month.

NOTIFICATIONS RIVERTON CONNECT APP

n rivertonutah.gov/app

Report a problem, see the city calendar, get directions to parks and city facilities, and find city information right from your mobile device.

SOCIAL MEDIA

n @rivertonutahgov

Connect with Riverton City to get quick updates, essential information, event details and more on the platforms you use.

“Chief Barfuss is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and holds a master’s degree in human resources from Utah State University and a bachelor’s degree from Columbia College in criminal justice administration.”

Prioritizing Connectivity and Infrastructure

By Councilmember Andy Pierucci

ELECTED OFFICIALS

Trent Staggs - Mayor

Andy Pierucci - District 1

Troy McDougal - District 2

Tawnee McCay - District 3

Tish Buroker - District 4

Claude Wells - District 5

David R. Brickey

Our community has seen tremendous growth over the past decade. Growth, transportation and infrastructure impact us all, which is why these issues are a priority for me and the rest of the Riverton City Council. In fact, connectivity and infrastructure are one of the city’s four strategic themes, which are the city’s primary area of focus. We have been reviewing and updating the city’s five-year strategic plan during city council work sessions over the last few weeks and the issues surrounding growth, transportation and infrastructure have been the main topics of our discussions.

We are committed to finding ways to improve east-west connectivity

in our city. This is especially a concern for the residents in Council District 1, who live on the western side of Riverton. The city is also engaged with our neighboring cities because we know that people live, work and shop across political borders. Given how interconnected our communities are, it is essential that we work together to improve transportation and infrastructure throughout our corner of Salt Lake County.

The mayor and city council have advocated for increased transportation and infrastructure funding for our community at the state and county level, and we have been successful in those efforts. We are working closely with the state and county on multiple transportation and infrastructure. We are eager for the UDOT Bangerter Highway and 13400 S freeway-style interchange project to get underway.

In addition to several road

projects we are working on, we are committed to ensuring our residents can safely travel around our community by a variety of means, whether that is by car, bike, on foot or through public transit. We are developing a plan and identifying funding sources for a pedestrian bridge near the Welby Jacobs Canal to cross 13400 S to help improve the walkability of our city and increase the safety of our children as they go to and from school and then enjoy the amenities found at Mountain View Village.

Responsible growth, diverse and updated transportation networks and modern infrastructure have direct benefits to the lives of people, businesses and the overall economy and impact our quality of life. As a member of the Riverton City Council, I am committed to increasing the total amount of infrastructure investment in our community, while delivering better transportation outcomes for all of us.

PUBLIC SAFETY MESSAGE

Earthquakes in real life are not always what they are depicted as in movies. A 5.7 magnitude earthquake shook the Salt Lake Valley in March of 2020 and caused hundreds of aftershocks in the following weeks and months. For the most part, minimal damage was done. Although this earthquake was relatively mild, it is projected that the Wasatch Fault, which extends 240 miles from southern Idaho to central Utah, has a 43% chance of experiencing a 6.75 or greater magnitude earthquake by 2070.

Given those odds, it is a good idea to conduct drills to ensure people know what to do in the event of a

big earthquake. The Great Utah ShakeOut is a great way to discover what things you may or may not know when it comes to staying safe during an earthquake.

The Great Utah ShakeOut is a statewide earthquake drill that is held annually. This year’s drill will take place on Thursday, April 20, at 10:15 a.m. Everyone is encouraged to participate in the drill regardless of where you are.

You may only have a few seconds to protect yourself in an earthquake before strong shaking knocks you down or drops something on you. If you are inside a building, look for

the nearest desk or table, drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy desk or table and hold on until the shaking stops. If you are not by a table or desk, crawl next to an interior wall and hold your head and neck with both arms. If you are outdoors when the shaking starts, find an empty area away from buildings, trees and powerlines and remain there until the shaking stops.

For the drill on April 20, The Great Utah ShakeOut has prepared a list of ways you can plan your own drill and share it with friends and neighbors. You can find this list and other information about the event at shakeout.com/utah.

Secondary Irrigation Water Notice

Secondary irrigation water is scheduled to be available for use by May 1.

Maintenance on Riverton City’s irrigation system has begun, so please ensure your ball valve is closed to prevent flooding at your home.

REVIEW

Spring Clean Up Days

Youth Council Applications Arbor Day Tree Planting Workshop

Riverton City is accepting applications from youth age 14-18 years old or in grades 9-12 to serve on the Riverton Youth Council and in executive board positions.

• To learn more, or apply, visit rivertonutah.gov/youthcouncil.

FREE Community dumpsters for trash, cardboard and tree branches will be available for two Saturday’s in April. Dumpster use is for residential use only.

For details on what can and can’t be dropped off, please visit rivertonutah.gov/beautiful.

Saturday, April 15 and 22 | 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Two Locations: Riverton City Park, 1452 W 12600 S, Riverton Western Springs Park, 4570 S Goshute Drive, Riverton

Register: Start Smart Sports Register: Tennis League Become a Town Days Sponsor

Come learn the ins and outs of proper tree planting from an expert at Riverton City’s annual Arbor Day Tree Planting Workshop. Free and open to all at West Field Downs Park

• Saturday, April 29, 9 a.m.

Register: Town Days Country Races

Town Days Parade Entry Applications

Register kids ages 3-5 in spring baseball, soccer and multi-sport Start Smart Sports programs to help them learn the basics. Register at rivertonutah.gov/startsmart

• Registration Opens March 6, Programs Begin May 2

• Register at rivertonutah.gov/tennis

Monthly, May-August

Become

Late registration for the Town Days Country 10K, 5K and 1-Mile Races begins June 1. Register at rivertonutah.gov/towndays and come run!

Get your business or organization signed up for an entry in the Riverton Town Days Parade. Apply online at rivertonutah.gov/parade

• Find details, or submit an application, at rivertonutah.gov/ sponsors

• Tuesday, July 4, 7 a.m. (10K), 7:15 a.m. (5K), 8:30 a.m. (1-Mile)

• Application Deadline: Monday, June 12, Parade: Monday, July 3

Riverton City’s flexible tennis league is for all abilities, with one match played per week on your own schedule.

a sponsor for Riverton Town Days to show your support for the community and gain exposure for your business.