FEBRUARY 2024
RIVERTON REVIEW Official Newsletter of the Riverton, Utah City Government MAYOR’S MESSAGE
Strategic Planning Enables our Success By Mayor Trent Staggs Thorough strategic planning is one of the secrets that makes Riverton City so successful. Our detailed planning has ensured economic vitality and robust growth under careful management. This past month, all city council members, city department heads, and I revisited our long-range plans for the city.
There are four main themes in Riverton’s Strategic Priorities that help guide elected officials in aligning city resources with our community’s needs.
The first is a “Sense of Community.” This priority has helped us ensure our community maintains an identity as the southwest part of the Salt Lake These yearly meetings help us Valley continues prioritize goals and projects identito grow rapidly. As fied by our residents from the citizen Riverton residents Riverton City’s elected officials and executive staff convened on Saturday, January 20, 2024, survey. We hear you, and we are find themselves in to deliberate on the city’s Strategic Plan and chart the course for its future direction. actively implementing your ideas the middle of all this this business center. We strive to erton City better than we found it for and suggestions into our plans. Our growth, it’s vitally important that the maintain our reputation as being the next generation. This involves government strives to be a governcity maintains strong communication one of the most business-friendly improving and expanding the city’s ment of, for, and by the people of channels with everyone. cities in the state of Utah. water resources and guaranteeing Riverton. The survey long-term stewardship of capital asThe second and is one tool that enWith growth comes a tremendous sets of the city. Financially, this prithird themes are sures the taxpayers’ responsibility to ensure our infraority mandates we save enough for “Connectivity & voices are heard in “These yearly structure is kept up. Residents corrainy days that will ensure our city Infrastructure” and this important planrectly identified traffic congestion as can weather future economic storms meetings help us “Economic Develning process. a challenge Riverton City needs to or other unforeseen challenges. prioritize goals and opment.” These confront. Our city staff and elected In this daylong meetare two distinct These fiscally responsible and projects identified responsibilities that officials are hard at work negotiating, we discussed ing remedies with state and local prudent strategic priorities have nearly every aspect also go hand in by our residents partners. The nature of our city’s served Riverton City well and are of city government. hand. The sucboundaries will require us to ensure keeping the city on the path of from the citizen Both our successcess of Mountain our road maintenance is carefully continued success. I am very proud es and setbacks View Village is the survey.” observed and maintained. of what our elected officials and city are contemplated envy of the valley staff have achieved. Our success and reviewed. The and will benefit The last theme of our Strategic proves that the Riverton model of lodestar of Riverton Riverton City for Priorities is “Sustainability.” This obliving within our means and planning City’s planning is our Strategic Prior- generations to come. Residents’ tax jective is focused exclusively on the for the future are principles that all ities, which every resident should burdens are reduced significantly responsibility we have to leave Rivshould follow. familiarize themselves with. due to the successful planning of
RIVERTON REVIEW | FEBRUARY 2024
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COUNCIL MESSAGE
Recapping Our Annual Strategic Meeting 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 February, 6 & 20, 7 p.m. PLANNING COMMISSION February, 8 & 22, 6:30 p.m.
CONTACT US rivertonutah.gov 801-254-0704
Report a problem at rivertonutah.gov/report
By Councilmember Tish Buroker Your opinion matters. In January, the mayor, city council, and Riverton City executive staff met to review the results of the most recent citizens survey and set course direction for the coming year. When asked what outdoor recreation amenities citizens would like to see prioritized in future funding, 72% stated more trails. I agree! And so do other elected city representatives, along with our county and state officials. In fact, the Utah Legislature has appropriated millions of dollars for a connecting trail network. To receive some of this funding, we must have a shovel-ready project. It would be great if we could demonstrate how Riverton trails would connect with South Jordan, Herriman, Bluffdale, and Draper trails, and to the greater trail network. After working on the Jordan River Commission and watching the completion of the Jordan River Trail which now connects from Utah Lake to the Great Salt Lake, I know how popular a connected trail
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The January strategic meeting was also a great opportunity to review some of the data Riverton City collects which is utilized as planning and operational decisions are made. I thought you might be interested in some of the fascinating facts about our city: • The median value of an owner-occupied housing unit is $478,000. The unemployment rate is 2.1%. • Riverton has 33 parks and playgrounds.
2,118 fire hydrants; and 6 well houses. • Riverton has 3,500 streetlights. 742 of them were converted to LED lights in 2023. This brings the total of light conversions to 70%. This has been a longstanding goal, and it is encouraging to know that we are closing in on the final 30%. This is a cost saver for the city. • Riverton has 1,981 manholes and 2,463 catch basins. As Riverton’s representative on the Mosquito Abatement District, I know that each one of those catch basins is treated each summer to prevent the growth and spread of mosquitoes. The city also has a program to clean and maintain both the manholes and the basins, which reduces the need for repairs.
• 9,488 miles of road was plowed from 2022-2023. With the most recent snowstorm, another 1,240 miles of roadway was plowed while putting down 160 tons of salt.
• The entire city was swept four times for a total of 1,176 miles, removing 402 tons of debris. This is a critical activity of the city that prevents large amounts of debris from entering the water drainage system that eventually flows into the Jordan River and the Great Salt Lake.
• Riverton maintains 199 miles of culinary pipe; 5,003 valves; 7 pressure zones; 3 water tanks;
If you are interested in learning more about Riverton, visit rivertonutah.gov.
Winter Parking • Between November 1 and March 1, no vehicle may be parked on city Policy & Snow streets during a snow storm OR where snow has accumulated on Removal Protocol road shoulders. The following snow removal protocol and winter parking policy is in effect in Riverton:
• 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.
FIND US ONLINE! @rivertonutahgov
is. The county is currently working on plans to identify possible trail connections from the Oquirrh Mountains to the Jordan River Trail. Additionally, The Point project, located at the old prison site, plans to create a trail connecting the Jordan River Trail to the Bonneville Trail. These projects take years to complete, but wow, what great amenities.
• Snow removal problem reports or complaints may be directed to the Riverton City Public Works Department at 801-208-3162
rivertonutah.gov/snow
For enforcement requests of the winter parking ordinance, please call RPD Non-Emergency Dispatch at 801-840-4000.
RIVERTON REVIEW | FEBRUARY 2024
PUBLIC SAFETY MESSAGE
Protecting Your Property By Interim Chief Shane Taylor Here in Riverton City, ensuring the safety of our residents is a collective responsibility. The Riverton Police Department has seen an uptick in recent incidents related to stolen vehicles, vehicle break-ins, and package thefts. In this month’s Public Safety Message, we aim to raise awareness and provide practical tips residents can use to protect themselves and their neighbors from these potential threats.
Stolen Vehicles Riverton City, while generally safe, is not immune to opportunistic thieves. These thefts are particularly common in the winter months when car owners start their cars to get the heaters running. Riverton deputy police chief Shane Taylor explained, “Unfortunately, when you start your vehicle and re-enter your home, we have individuals focusing on neighborhoods and stealing vehicles while they are running.” To minimize this risk, avoid leaving your car if it is running. A few extra minutes inside a cold car beats having a stolen vehicle.
Unlocked Vehicle Break-Ins The Riverton Police Department was notified last month of individuals who were making the rounds in Riverton neighborhoods in the early morning hours that were going house-to-house searching for unlocked cars that were parked outside. Ring doorbell footage showed these individuals approaching cars, peering inside the windows, and attempting to open doors. To reduce the risk of a break-in, we recommend trying to park in well-lit areas and avoid leaving valuables in plain sight, as this can attract unwanted attention.
Package Thefts With the rise of online shopping, package thefts have become more prevalent. Be proactive by following
the tracking information and arranging for them to be delivered when you are home. If you see a package is out for delivery while you are away, a quick text to a family member or neighbor to retrieve the package from your doorstep can keep your package out of the hands of thieves. Consider installing security cameras or using smart doorbell systems to monitor your front door. Some services, such as Amazon, allow you to request packages to be delivered at different areas of your home—even inside your garage. By becoming aware of our surroundings and adopting preventative measures, we can mitigate the risks of theft in our neighborhoods. Let’s work together to ensure that Riverton remains a secure and welcoming place for all its residents.
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n rivertonutah.gov/subscribe To minimize the risk of your vehicle being stolen, avoid leaving your car if it is running. A few extra minutes inside a cold car beats having it stolen.
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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.
RIVERTON REVIEW | FEBRUARY 2024
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UPCOMING EVENTS
RIVERTON REVIEW
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. Early registration continues through February 29 for the Riverton Half Marathon & 4Life 5K on Saturday, March 23, 2024. Races begin at 9 a.m. at Riverton City Park. Register at: rivertonutah.gov/half Not Your Parent’s Art Show
QPR Suicide Prevention Training
Trans-Jordan Landfill Disposal Vouchers
Become a Riverton Town Days Sponsor
Come see original art pieces created by young local artists displayed at the Old Dome Meeting Hall. Find details at rivertonutah.gov/ exhibits.
Attend a free suicide prevention training to learn how to respond to someone in crisis. Classes normally occur monthly. Register at rivertonutah.gov/qpr.
Pick up a free voucher to the Trans-Jordan Landfill at the Utility Billing Office at Riverton City Hall when you begin your spring cleaning.
Riverton City is seeking business sponsorships to help us put on great Riverton Town Days and Rodeo events this year!
• Visit Through February 28, Monday - Friday, Noon - 5 p.m.
• Thursday, February 15, 7 p.m. Riverton City Hall
• Limit of two vouchers per household per year.
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Visit rivertonutah.gov/sponsors to see what opportunities are available or to submit a sponsor application.
RIVERTON REVIEW | FEBRUARY 2024