Riverton Review Print Newsletter - February 2023

Official Newsletter of the Riverton, Utah City Government

City Council Change in District 1

By Mayor Trent Staggs

On November 8, Councilman Sheldon Stewart was elected to serve as a member of the Salt Lake County Council representing District 5, which includes all of Riverton and Bluffdale, and large portions of Draper, Herriman, South Jordan and West Jordan. He was sworn into his new county council position on January 3. Accordingly, he needed to resign from his city council seat, which he held for nearly three terms, and did so on December 14.

Sheldon represented District 1 on the council for 11 years. He has had a tremendous impact on our city. He was a tireless advocate for his district, which encompasses the far west side of Riverton. He was a champion for economic growth, improved infrastructure, greater broadband access and efficient, transparent government. Many fantastic projects we’ve seen come to fruition recently in our city were made possible with Sheldon’s support, including Mountain View Village, Costco and Google Fiber. I’ve really enjoyed working with Sheldon and wish him the very best of luck in his new role, where I know he will continue to be a strong advocate for southwest Salt Lake County.

In compliance with state code, we opened applications for individuals interested in serving on the Riverton City Council in District 1 in December. We had a great response and ended up interviewing 12 excellent candidates who wanted to serve on the council. Andy Pierucci was selected by the council during our January 3 meeting to fill the remainder of Sheldon’s term, which runs through the end of 2023.

Andy is a fantastic addition to the council, and I wanted to introduce him here to the community. He has a wealth of experience and knowledge that will no doubt help keep Riverton a great place to live, work and raise a family. He and his family have lived in Riverton for nearly eight years. He has previously served as a member and chair of the Riverton City Historic Preservation Commission and member of the Riverton City Economic Development Committee.

In his professional life, Andy works in the aerospace and defense industry full-time and works parttime as an adjunct professor at the Utah Valley University Center for National Security Studies. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in political science from Utah State University and a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Utah. He serves on the Utah Advisory Committee for the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition and as a founding board member for the Utah Aerospace and Defense Association.

Andy has stated that his priorities for office include consistent engagement with the community, transparent government, fiscal responsibility and being responsive to the community’s needs.

I hope you will join me in wishing Councilman Pierucci the very best of luck as he begins his service on the Riverton City Council.

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.

• Snow removal problem reports or complaints may be directed to the Riverton City Public Works Department at 801-208-3162

For enforcement requests of the winter parking ordinance, please call RPD Non-Emergency Dispatch at 801-840-4000.

For additional details, visit rivertonutah.gov/snow

Mayor Trent Staggs (left) and former Riverton City Councilman Sheldon Stewart (right) congratulate Andy Pierucci (center) on his appointment to the Riverton City Council.

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

CITY MANAGER

David R. Brickey

UPCOMING CITY MEETINGS

CITY COUNCIL

February 7 and 21, 7 p.m.

PLANNING COMMISSION

February 9 and 23, 6:30 p.m.

Riverton’s Improving Financial Condition

By Councilmember Tawnee McCay

As a city, it is important to celebrate when goals are reached. I’m excited to announce that our city just paid off two major bonds at the end of calendar year 2022 as shown in the chart. This leaves our city with four outstanding bonds.

As a member of the Riverton City Audit Committee, and with a background in finance, I find it fascinating to look at Riverton’s Annual Financial Report (rivertonutah.gov/finance/reports. php) and see what trends are taking place. For example, as of June 30, 2022, our debt per resident is at $803. It has not been this low since 2002. We are on target next year to be in the high $700s. This is great news!

This chart shows the original amount of debt Riverton City currently has, compared to the amounts of the original bonds. Note that two bonds were fully paid off in 2022.

for the first three months of the current fiscal year, averaging 16% over the previous year. This will allow us to pay off the $853,000 bond that was used for the Riverton City Hall renovation (see chart).

CONTACT US

rivertonutah.gov

801-254-0704

Report a problem at rivertonutah.gov/report

FIND US ONLINE!

@rivertonutahgov

At our last strategic planning meeting, I advocated for and we approved a new strategic priority to, “Budget 50% of all unprojected net revenue in the General Fund toward lowering callable debt.” This authorizes our treasurer to take half of sales tax revenue above our expected amount and apply it toward city bonds, reducing our debt load and saving money in interest (pg. 13). Last year, our city brought in $1.9 million over what was projected in sales tax revenue

Riverton City increased the emergency contingency fund to 35% of the city’s budget. This allows us to plan for unexpected expenses and save for larger infrastructure projects. It is also interesting to note our online sales tax revenue is now 26% of our total (pg. 116).

What allowed Riverton to pay off debt and improve our services?

Residents shopping locally makes

all the difference! Please make a conscious effort to do your shopping in Riverton. Head to Mountain View Village and our local grocery stores for your family’s needs. Even if the new Costco is a little farther away, please make the drive. It helps Riverton keep our fees low and improve road maintenance. It also helps fund our awesome community events and improve parks and add amenities like pickleball courts.

We thank Kevin Hicks, Jiny Proctor, Meghin Costa and our administrative team that prepare our financial statements and do a great job for our city!

Interested in Adopting a Pet?

Animals that are impounded by Riverton City Animal Control officers are held at Stone Ridge Veterinary Clinic for five days so owners have time to find their pets. At the end of the five days, animals in good health will be put up for adoption. Because it can feel risky to adopt a pet without ever meeting them in person, we invite you to schedule a meet and greet!

Animal visitations are held by appointment Tuesday-Thursday between 1 and 3 p.m. You can schedule an appointment to meet your furry friend by dialing 801-208-3168. Learn more at rivertonutah.gov/adopt-a-pet.

New Beginnings

By Chief Don Hutson

I am filled with optimism as we begin 2023 and look forward to the upcoming year. The Riverton Police Department was established in July, 2019, and we are fast approaching our fourth anniversary. We have spent these first few years establishing a culture of caring and making every effort to establish ourselves as integral members of our community. In 1829, Sir Robert Peel established the London Metropolitan Police Force. He became known as the “Father of Modern Policing,” and his commissioners established a list of policing principles that, amazingly, are as relevant today as ever in our history. Principle 7 of Peel’s list states the following: “Police, at all times, should maintain a relationship with the public that gives reality to the historic tradition that the police are the public and the public are the police.” This principle captures what I believe is

the concept of community-oriented policing.

We can only be effective as a police department when we are recognized as being one with the community and when we display our common values. Every day, the officers of the Riverton Police Department endeavor to continue to develop our relationships with the citizens we serve by providing professional police services with an eye toward compassionate customer service. We embrace the opportunity to serve, and we appreciate how receptive our community is to our efforts and the trust we have developed with our citizenry. Riverton is a great community because of its great people, and I am thankful every day for the support we receive, which motivates us to try to get better each day.

“Riverton is a great community because of its great people, and I am thankful every day for the support we receive, which motivates us to try to get better each day.”

That said, our strength as a community and the quality of life we enjoy can only be preserved if we all remain focused on caring for each other and doing our part to be responsible members of society. We, as members of the Riverton Police Department, are committed to continuing to seek out opportunities to enhance our

Sir Robert Peel, known as the “Father of Modern Policing” established the London Metropolitan Police Force. He stated, “Police, at all times, should maintain a relationship with the public that gives reality to the historic tradition that the police are the public and the public are the police.”

relationships with all those we interact with to ensure we maintain our sense of community.

It is my hope, as we embark in this new year, that we can all remain vigilant and make a concerted effort to do better, work harder and serve those around us whenever we have the opportunity. This focus on service and betterment will ensure the core principles and values of our community will be preserved and we look forward to joining you in these efforts to enhance our way of life.

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Be part of a Riverton tradition and come participate in one of the valley’s best races. Medals and prizes will be awarded for participants and winners.

General registration continues until February 28 for the Riverton Half Marathon & 4Life 5K on Saturday, March 25, 2023. Races begin at 9 a.m. at Riverton City Park. Register at: rivertonutah.gov/half

Not Your Parent’s Art Show

Disposal Vouchers

Come see original art pieces created by young local artists displayed at the Old Dome Meeting Hall. Find details at rivertonutah.gov/ exhibits.

• Visit February 14 to March 8, Monday - Friday, Noon - 5 p.m.

Attend a free suicide prevention training to learn how to respond to someone in crisis. Classes normally occur monthly. Register at rivertonutah.gov/qpr.

• Thursday, February 16, 7 p.m. Riverton City Hall

Pick up a free voucher to the

at the

Billing Office at Riverton City Hall when you begin your spring cleaning.

• Limit of two vouchers per household per year.

Riverton City is seeking business sponsorships to help us put on great Riverton Town Days and Rodeo events this year!

Visit rivertonutah.gov/sponsors to see what opportunities are available or to submit a sponsor application.

Trans-Jordan Landfill

Utility

Trans-Jordan Landfill

QPR Suicide Prevention Training

Become a Riverton Town Days Sponsor