JULY 2021
RIVERTON REVIEW Official Newsletter of the Riverton, Utah City Government
MAYOR’S MESSAGE
“All Men Are Created Equal” By Mayor Trent Staggs 245 years ago, the American spirit was born, memorialized in the unanimous Declaration that was signed by 56 representatives of not subjective colonies, but rather from united, “free and independent states.” The revolutionary beliefs stated in this magnificent document, declared that “…all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” These rights are given to us by nature of our birth and existence into this world, and not conditioned or bestowed upon us by government. Governments are instituted to protect these unalienable rights, with their just powers bestowed upon them with the consent from us, the governed.
Assuredly, one can look at our the flame of the American spirit. history and point to instances Rather, let us rally together, proud where we have struggled to of the fact that “…we are the heirs ensure the equal protection of of that first revolution…”, as JFK these unalienable rights. Slavery, said in his inaugural address. restricting the right to vote, Recognizing that we are all and other endowed by discriminatory our Creator practices with the same tied to one’s rights and gender, seeking out “Slavery, restricting the race, faith, or happiness right to vote, and other orientation that in this most would infringe blessed discriminatory practices on these Godcountry. There tied to one’s gender, race, given rights is far more that faith, or orientation that has no place in unites us than would infringe on these American life divides us. It or law. is not hard to God-given rights has no see the good place in American life We must in this country: or law.” be careful, we have however, not fought for the to focus on protection and each other’s maintenance immutable of freedom characteristics around and emphasize our differences. If the world, we remain the most we tear each other down based charitable country and there is on political beliefs, half-truths or no other nation on the planet that perceived slights, it can extinguish embraces diversity like we do.
RIVERTON REVIEW | JULY 2021
Notwithstanding this diversity of race, religion, or ideology, if we can all unify around one American culture or spirit espoused in our Declaration, that unity can give us unconquerable strength. We the people have come a long way to perpetuate the founding ideal that every individual is born with the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, which is often defined as the right to own and control property. I believe that more so than at any other time in our history, that happiness or American dream is attainable by anyone willing to work towards its pursuit and “catch up with it” as Benjamin Franklin once said. This 4th of July offers a new opportunity to remember our humble beginnings, unite and once again be proud to be an American. Let us all regrow a sense of patriotism, love and devotion towards this divine nation. No doubt, we will have additional challenges to face but together we can conquer them all.
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COUNCIL MESSAGE
Keeping Riverton Beautiful 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 dbrickey@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 Dispatch (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 What are the things that make Riverton a great place to live? Quality of life, I believe, would be right at the top. Feeling safe in our city would be another good aspect. These are things that I think we can all agree on. We all can do our part to take pride in our community and be either part of a problem or part of a solution. The number one complaint the city or Council members get from our residents is speeding in our neighborhoods. These are neighborhoods our kids and grandkids live in. We all get in a hurry from time to time while driving and are easily distracted by our phones, a conversation, or maybe kids trying to get our attention. We just need to slow down and think about the dangers of driving too fast. No one wants to have an accident or hurt someone. The chronic speeders could be our own neighbors or family members. City ordinances are made to keep our city safe, beautiful, and keep it a thriving community we can all enjoy. Everyone has a different priority or opinion on what makes them happy or is important for their happiness.
Quality of life is one of the top benefits of living in Riverton.
Some people enjoy keeping their yards up, and some not so much. If we can all do our part, we could be part of the solution. Some suggestions would be to keep weeds down on properties, keep vehicles that do not run in your driveways rather than on the road. Not park trailers in front of our houses that might create a dangerous situation for a neighbor backing out of their driveway. No one wants to approach a neighbor to resolve an issue they may be displeased about. No one wants the tension. Everyone wants to enjoy their homes and go about their daily lives. If we can all treat people with respect and think about the things, that we may be doing that infringes on others right to happiness we would all be better off. Let us all make a goal to do better and be
part of the solution to make or keep Riverton a place we all want to live. Maybe offering to help a neighbor that cannot physically take care of their property would help. Being kind to neighbors is easy. If we can all take a deep breath, slow down, and think about others in our community we could all be happier. Help us keep Riverton beautiful by reporting problems you notice while you’re out and about. You can report things like a streetlight out, a dangerous situation in your area, or just something that needs to be taken care of. Problems can be reported on the Riverton Connect app or on the city’s website. Let us make 2021 a great summer, enjoy the city activities in the parks, and be better neighbors.
Riverton City Election Notice
UPDATED
2021 ELECTION
INFORMATION
On December 15, 2020, the Riverton City Council voted to participate in the Municipal Alternate Voting Methods pilot project for the 2021 Municipal Elections. This voting method is better known as Ranked Choice Voting. It eliminates the need for a primary election and pushes back the filing period from June to August.
GENERAL ELECTION: Tuesday, November 2, 2021 CANDIDATE FILING PERIOD: August 10-17, 2021 OFFICES UP FOR ELECTION: Mayor, City Councilmembers in District 3 and District 4
rivertonutah.gov/government/elections
RIVERTON REVIEW | JULY 2021
PUBLIC SAFETY MESSAGE
Firework Safety & Restrictions By Chief Wade Watkins
Important Firework Usage Dates to Remember Vendors may sell Class C common state approved explosives as follows: • Beginning on June 24 and ending on July 25 • Beginning on December 29 and ending on December 31 • And two days before and on Chinese New Year’s Eve
This year will prove to be another challenging year for fireworks, especially with the current and anticipated weather behavior. Tools to support the safety of the community and minimize the risk of fire danger can be found on Unified Fire Authority’s website at unifiedfire.org.
Dates for Legal Discharge Discharge time for fireworks discharge changed: Two days before, day of, and one day after July 4 and 24. (Changed from 14-day window to eight days for discharge.) Times for Legal Discharge A person may discharge Class C common state approved explosives in the state as follows: • Between the hours of 11 a.m. and 11 p.m. beginning on July 2 and ending on July 5; and beginning on July 22 and ending on July 25 (Note: On July 4 and 24, the time of discharge is extended to 12 p.m. midnight.) • Beginning at 11 a.m. on December 31 and ending at 1 a.m. on the following day • Beginning at 11 a.m. the Chinese New Year’s Eve, ending at 1 a.m. on the following day
There you can find an interactive fireworks map that displays an updated view of Riverton City and other communities to ensure every citizen can have great situational awareness related to the appropriate areas to discharge legal fireworks. In Riverton, fireworks cannot be discharged anywhere east of 1300 W. They also cannot be discharged in canal or creek corridors, or at properties immediately adjacent to canal or creek corridors. We all need to use extreme caution when using fireworks during the season. If high winds, precipitation, or other adverse weather conditions prevail fireworks discharge should be postponed or discontinued until weather conditions improve.
inners Over 80 W ng. and Counti Next! e B d l u o C You
Please remember to visit unifiedfire. org/prevention/fireworks for clarification on any of this information and have a safe and fun summer!
Just 3 Simple Steps The firework restriction map designates no firework zone shown in red. A detailed map and up-to-date information can be found online at unifiedfire.org/prevention/fireworks.
2. Take a photo of your receipt
Riverton City Events
3. Submit your receipt at rivertonutah.gov/local
Visit rivertonutah.gov to find the most recent Riverton City event and meeting information.
UPCOMING CITY MEETINGS
CITY COUNCIL • Tuesday, July 20 at 7 p.m.
RIVERTON REVIEW | JULY 2021
1. Make a purchase at any Riverton business
Ten $100 winners will be selected each week through August 2021. One entry per person per week.
PLANNING COMMISSION • Thursday, July 8 at 6:30 p.m.
Visit rivertonutah.gov/local for contest rules and conditions.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
RIVERTON REVIEW
Friday Fun Nights in Riverton
Food Trucks • Entertainment • Summer Market • Movie in the Park • Games Come enjoy a casual night out at Friday Fun Night in Riverton every Friday night from July 16 to August 30 at Riverton City Park! 5 – 9 p.m. Movies begin at dusk. Bring your own blankets or lawn chairs.
Entertainment Schedule July 16 Riverton Jazz Band July 23 Relativity July 30 Goodnight Richard August 6 Waiting for James August 13 Sean’s Garage August 20 Bluegrass Thunder August 27 TBA
7-8:30 p.m. 6-8:30 p.m. 6-8:30 p.m. 5-6:30 p.m. 6:30-8:30 p.m. 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Trailblazing Women of Utah Exhibition
Concerts in the Park
July 20 - September 22 Old Dome Meeting Hall
Sundays | 6 p.m. | August 1 - 22 Riverton City Park Event Lawn
Come see powerful photos and read inspiring stories about trailblazing women from our city and state. Monday - Wednesday, Noon - 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday, by appointment only. Group and school tours are also welcome by appointment by calling 385-237-3421.
August 1 August 8 August 15 August 22
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Bluegrass Thunder Trenton McKean Relativity Mark Owens
Bring your own chairs or blankets to sit on.
Movie Schedule (Begins at dusk) July 16 Aladdin July 23 Raya & The Last Dragon July 30 Tom & Jerry August 6 The War with Grandpa August 13 Hook August 20 Onward August 27 The Addams Family
Riverton Public Safety Night
Wednesday, August 4 6-8 p.m. | Riverton City Park Bring the family and come learn more about the Riverton Police Department and Unified Fire Authority. There will be activities, demonstrations, and lots of fun! Free and open to all.
RIVERTON REVIEW | JULY 2021