DECEMBER 2021
RIVERTON REVIEW Official Newsletter of the Riverton, Utah City Government MAYOR’S MESSAGE
The Next Four Years By Mayor Trent Staggs
In November 2017, I was honored to be elected as mayor of Riverton City. I ran on a platform to lower taxes and fees, improve essential city services, drive economic development, fight for responsible growth, enhance community interactions and communications, and ultimately lead Riverton into the future. Immediately upon assuming office, I led our governing body in the creation and implementation of a new city mission and vision statement, as well as the drafting of eight strategic priorities. Together, these important documents would serve as our agenda over the next four years. The first four years are now concluding, and I have worked
tirelessly alongside our great city council and city employees to realize that vision laid out in our strategic plan. I’m happy to report we have accomplished virtually all of the initiatives and measures tied to all eight strategic priorities, producing some key results such as saving millions of dollars annually in property taxes, adding more officers with our own police department, lowered government costs through innovation with the lowest utility fees in the region, adding millions in sales tax revenues, securing new developments like Mountain View Village and Costco, and working regionally with our neighbors to plan for responsible growth and receive critical infrastructure funding. Undoubtedly, Riverton is in a much stronger position today not just financially, but also with respect to our delivery of city services and community engagement. I am humbled by your decision to re-elect me as your mayor. It is my plan to build on the success of the last four years and ensure
given rights of all those that call this we continue to innovate, work great city home. alongside community partners to provide better services and create a As we start 2022, our governing more prosperous Riverton. I would body will create a new four-year like to prioritize more economic strategic plan on development, January 22. Please innovation in city provide your input government to by reaching out continue driving “I’m happy to to me and your down taxes and report we have councilmembers fees, improve the with suggestions on historic downtown, accomplished how we can make enhance water virtually all of the Riverton an even availability better place to live, and quality initiatives and work or play. and improve measures tied to broadband want to thank the infrastructure. I’m all eight strategic IRiverton City staff, also a firm believer priorities..” councilmembers in free markets and you, our and limited amazing residents, government, for your continued which is why I support. I love this community and will continue to support our local feel blessed to call Riverton home. businesses and do my part to I’m excited to see what these next protect individual liberty for every four years will bring and hope we Riverton resident. As long as I am mayor, I promise to uphold my oath can continue to work together to support, obey and defend our to create the most flourishing Constitution and protect the Godcommunity in the entire state.
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 RIVERTON REVIEW | DECEMBER 2021
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COUNCIL MESSAGE
Inaugural Citizen’s Police Academy a Success MAYOR Trent Staggs tstaggs@rivertonutah.gov 801-208-3129
CITY COUNCIL Sheldon Stewart - District 1 sstewart@rivertonutah.gov 801-953-5672 Troy McDougal - District 2 tmcdougal@rivertonutah.gov 801-931-9933 Tawnee McCay - District 3 tmccay@rivertonutah.gov 801-634-7692 Tish Buroker - District 4 tburoker@rivertonutah.gov 801-673-6103 Claude Wells - District 5 cwells@rivertonutah.gov 801-875-0116
CITY MANAGER David R. Brickey citymanager@rivertonutah.gov 801-208-3129
CITY OFFICES City Hall.................................801-254-0704 Administration.......................801-208-3129 Animal Control......................801-208-3108 Cemetery...............................801-208-3128 Code Enforcement.................801-208-3108 Development Services...........801-208-3138 Fire (UFA)...............................801-743-7200 Justice Court..........................801-208-3131 Recreation & Events..............801-208-3101 Police.....................................385-281-2455 Public Works..........................801-208-3162 Recorder................................801-208-3128 Utility Billing..........................801-208-3133 Water.....................................801-208-3164
FIND US ONLINE! @rivertonutahgov www.rivertonutah.gov PAGE 2
By Councilmember Claude Wells Riverton City’s inaugural Citizen’s Police Academy has concluded for 2021. It was truly an honor to be part of the first Citizen’s Academy as a Riverton resident, and as a councilmember in District 5. The Citizen’s Academy was a 6-week crash course of hands-on demonstrations, training scenarios and educational workshops that ran once a week for 4 hours per night from October 14 through graduation on November 18. This first class had about twenty participants, including Councilmember Sheldon Stewart from District 1 and 18 Riverton residents. The class started with hearing from Chief Don Hutson and other officers on why they became a police officer and why they chose careers in law enforcement. It was interesting hearing their “why” and what motivates them to come to work and wear their badges protecting our community. We learned a great deal about what our police do every day from traffic enforcement, providing school resources, scenarios for felony stops, community policing, and local and state enforcement laws. Later in the class, we got outside
and did traffic stop scenarios, suspicious vehicle investigations, and disturbance call protocols, including the proper use of police equipment (radios, lights, vehicle positioning, etc.). Week 3 was going over SWAT situations and learning about protective equipment for officers and when to deploy certain firearms for gas and de-escalation techniques. We learned how to use flashbang tools and other methods to gain control over arrest and warrant situations. This included K-9 training and demonstrations.
Citizen’s Academy participants learned about law enforcement in classroom and mock scenario settings.
In continued training, we learned about how police handle sex crimes and about the prosecution and judicial process. We were able to do simulation training with VIRTRA firearms and learn about identifying street drugs. Lastly, we learned about hostage negotiation with the crisis response unit, detective/crime scene investigations, and when to properly deploy use of force and tasers.
training. This academy was eye opening to say the least.
We learned a great deal that cannot be covered in this message; however, it gave us a birds-eye view of what officers can encounter on a daily basis and why split-second decisions have to be made relying on their experience and continuous
There are so many community resources available through the schools and the police department. Please contact the Riverton Police Department at 385-281-2455 or visit rivertonpd.org to learn about the resources available to our community.
We are in good hands with our RPD team. As a Riverton City Council member, this experience was invaluable when making budget decisions when supporting our men and women in public safety to make sure they have the training and the tools they need to keep the officers and community safe.
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 Pkwy
Riverton Rodeo Arena 12800 S 1300 W
RIVERTON REVIEW | DECEMBER 2021
PUBLIC SAFETY MESSAGE
Beware of Holiday Thieves By Chief Don Hutson Unfortunately, we in the business of policing find ourselves working extra hard during the holiday season due to an increase of thefts which typically occur at this time of year. First, we must acknowledge the sad fact there are individuals living among us who are exerting an unbelievable amount of energy, every day, to formulate a plan to steal property and otherwise victimize the law-abiding citizens in our community, even during the holidays. Prime targets for these thieves are packages left on porches, checks received in the mail, and gifts purchased and left in vehicles. The following actions can make a difference and will minimize the possibility you will be victimized. Make arrangements for someone to remove packages from your porch as soon as they are delivered and do the same with your mail. Many of our home burglaries and thefts happen in the middle of the day, when the perpetrators assume no one is home. You should lock your doors and windows, even when you
are at home. If you have security cameras, make sure they are working. If you don’t have security cameras, there are other options to help secure your property, including security systems, signs, interaction with neighbors, etc. Keep items out of plain view. If you leave items of value in your vehicle, lock the car, but hide the valuables too. If the items aren’t visible, it means the suspects have to work to find the items and, in many instances, they are looking for the quick and easy score. Also know, if it is a larger venue you are attending (church meetings, funerals, concerts, etc.), there is a chance the bad guys/girls are watching. After you enter the venue, they may walk the parking lot looking for the easy score. If they see you take your purse and put it in the trunk, all they need to do is find the trunk button inside your car and they will take your purse. Finally, never leave your car running and unattended, even for a few seconds. As the weather turns cold, it is tempting to leave your car running and unattended to allow it to warm up. This is an invitation to a criminal opportunist to take it for a spin. Thank you for watching out for one another and keeping your fellow
Make arrangements for someone to remove packages from your porch as soon as they are delivered and do the same with your mail.
citizens safe by taking steps to protect yourself and your property and reporting suspicious circumstances when you see them. Have a safe and happy holiday season!
The Riverton Half Marathon and 4Life 5K is Back! ®
Come participate in one of the valley’s best half marathon and 5K races. The race is designed for all ages and abilities. Come to win or come for fun, either way it’s a great way to get out and get healthy! Registration is open at rivertonutah.gov/half. Race: Saturday, March 26, 2022 Time: 9 a.m. (Half Marathon) and 9:15 a.m. (4Life® 5K) Location: Riverton City Park, 1452 W 12600 S, Riverton Utah Register: rivertonutah.gov/half
RIVERTON REVIEW | DECEMBER 2021
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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 Friday, December 10 at Riverton City Hall. Donated items must be new and unwrapped.
Start Smart
Basketball
RIVERTON REVIEW
'Twas The Lights Before Christmas
November 30 - December 31, 6 - 9 p.m. Bring the family and come walk around Riverton City Park to read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas and see the fun lights!
This is a free event for all and no ticket is required. Riverton City Park, 1452 W 12600 S, Riverton, Utah
Start Smart Basketball is designed to help children and parents develop the skills necessary to have a positive start with organized sports. Parents will work one-on-one with their children during four 1-hour classes. Program begins Tuesday, January 11, 2022.
Register at rivertonutah.gov/start-smart
December 17 – Saturday, December 25
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 5 - March 2, 2022 | $30 per person Registration Deadline: Tuesday, January 4, 2022 Learn more at rivertonutah.gov/slimpossible
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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 17 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 Sunday, December 12. 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
RIVERTON REVIEW | DECEMBER 2021