MAY 2020
RIVERTON REVIEW Official Newsletter of the Riverton, Utah City Government MAYOR’S MESSAGE
Reflecting on Sacrifice; Remembering Our Heroes By Mayor Trent Staggs Americans do not live in fear – it is not in our DNA. From the days of Independence, to conquering the frontier, defeating Nazism and Imperialism and to winning the Cold War, Americans don’t cower to challenges but find a way to protect and advance liberty throughout the globe. Although we believe that all men are endowed by their Creator with the rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, these rights I ask that we all honor their sacrificnonetheless require political protec- es by doing our part to remember tion. This month we have the oppor- that service, understand what that tunity to humbly service has proremember and revided for us, and flect on the heroes find opportunities who have selflessly to serve others “No matter the left the comfort of here at home. struggles we currently This can be done their homes, professions and famface, there is light at by making donailies to serve and to commuthe end of the tunnel. tions protect the freenity groups that Struggles make us doms we hold so provide for veterdear. Their patrians and seniors. stronger.” otism and service We can visit with towards their felour veterans, lislow man and their tening to their stocountry will forever ries, sharing their live on through all of us, but only if stories, ensuring that they live on. we take the time to reflect on that We can participate in Memorial Day service and the resulting liberty we services and visit the gravesites, with have so generously received. reverenced appreciation of those
RIVERTON REVIEW
| MAY 2020
We Are Doing Great - Just a Few More to Go! The 2020 U.S. Census is in full swing. Riverton is doing well at a nearly 70% completion rate but we still have a ways to go. Encourage your neighbors and friends to take the census because we all count! who gave that last full measure of devotion. And, we can continue to support and pray for the men and women currently risking their lives to protect our freedoms. This nation was created by dreamers. We dream of shelter and safety for our loved ones, financial success, opportunity, and the ability to live happy lives. More than ever before I believe we are destined to prosper. No matter the struggles we currently face, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Struggles make us stronger; they allow us to grow and appreciate the simple things in life. I ask that we all take stock of the good in our lives, as there is much to be thankful for. Remember our fallen heroes, be thankful and stay strong!
The Census is critical to: • Measure Riverton’s growth • Determine political representation • Plan for the city’s future • Ensure federal and state resources are appropriately allocated If you have not received, or misplaced your census mailer visit: rivertonutah.gov/census
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PUBLIC SAFETY MESSAGE
Next Generation: Serving the Community as a First Responder
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 Interim City Manager Ryan Carter rcarter@rivertonutah.gov 801-208-3171
CITY OFFICES
City Hall............................... Cemetery............................ Animal Control.................... Building............................... Code Enforcement.............. Fire Dispatch (UFA)............. Justice Court....................... Parks & Recreation............. Planning & Zoning.............. Police.................................. Public Works....................... Recorder.............................. Utility Billing........................ Water...................................
801-254-0704 801-208-3128 801-208-3108 801-208-3127 801-208-3174 801-743-7200 801-208-3131 801-208-3101 801-208-3138 385-281-2455 801-208-3162 801-208-3128 801-208-3133 801-208-3164
FIND US ONLINE! @rivertonutahgov www.rivertonutah.gov PAGE 2
By Battalion Chief Wade Watkins Why do some people want to serve the community as a first responder? Presently the reality consists of challenging circumstances to say the least. The challenges professionally include pandemic, earthquake, fire and limitless hazards. The impacts on someone’s personal reality include sleep deprivation, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and lengthy time away from loved ones with minimal monetary gain. Nevertheless, we consistently have incredible people with the drive to pursue this endeavor. I am impressed with the intensity and desire of the next generation of first responders. The story below is the personal journey of one of Riverton’s own, Josh Gehrke. Raised by a firefighter, he has gained perspective on service, community and hard work. “Ever since I was a child, I looked up to my dad and the honorable work that he did as a firefighter. I cherished being able to visit him at the fire station; these visits sparked the desire for me to become a firefighter. These experiences inspired me to carry on the family legacy by be-
coming a third-generation firefighter. A specific experience I had when I was sixteen made this desire even stronger. I went on a youth trek with the members of my church and local community. During the trek, we had heavy rainfall that we were not prepared for. As a result, many of the youth were panicking and becoming restless. The decision was made that everyone should be evacuated to a nearby farm to take shelter. Because of what I was taught growing up, I was able to assist with the evacuation and organization of the youth. I also tried to help keep people calm and in good spirits. Afterwards, the leaders thanked me for my efforts, and that made me more motivated to follow my dad’s example. Growing up on the shoulders of heroes instilled in me a service-oriented mindset and a motivation to improve my community. I have always wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself and make the world around me a better place. Being in a position to save lives and help people in crisis would be the ideal career for me. Going forward in my life, I want to be involved in work that I am proud of and that allows me to protect those I love as well as the people I serve. Being a firefighter or first responder would give me the skillset to assist with emergencies in which I would otherwise be helpless. Other benefits would be the ability to make a difference in life and death situations, career growth, and the
Riverton’s own Josh Gehrke, a part-time emergency responder with Unified Fire Authority
means to support my family and myself. With all the panic and fear in the world, especially right now, I want to know that my family will be taken care of, and that I will be someone capable of keeping them as safe as I can.” I find Josh’s personal journey motivating and refreshing. On a professional and personal level, I am so incredibly happy for the next generation of first responders and the community we serve. Having extraordinary people step up during these challenging times is awe-inspiring. We can all make a difference and remember staying prepared to keep your family and community safe and healthy is everyone’s responsibility.
Support Riverton Restaurants Riverton City encourages residents to support local restaurants. Many are struggling and need our support to remain in business. Order today and order often! Find a full list of local restaurants on our web site at
rivertonutah.gov/eatlocal RIVERTON REVIEW
| MAY 2020
COUNCIL MESSAGE
Let’s Support Each Other During COVID-19 and Beyond By Councilman Sheldon Stewart As I write, we are in week 3 of work from home activities, and remote learning due to COVID-19 (Coronavirus). This has caused me to reflect on significant events that have occurred throughout my life and how we as a nation have come back from these events. As the Mayor and City Council have worked through this, I believe we all recognize the potential outcomes and the current impacts to our community. Our focus has been how we can best support our Riverton family. We recognize and understand the fear that arises and have acknowledge in ourselves these same fears. As a city we have been smart in our management of money and resources and have an amazing city with dedicated members of this family, we as residents, our police, fire, and all of our other city staff are being innovative in the way we support this community family. We will prevail and before long, this disease will be in the rear view mirror.
As a young child growing up in Riverton, I know one thing we are a tough community that works hard and strives for the betterment of our community. This is still true today! We are a city rooted deep in our values and believe the mission statement developed by the Mayor Staggs and the City Council sum these up well: Riverton City provides essential services that enhance the quality of life and sense of community for all citizens. We foster kind, open and responsive interactions, generating positive citizen involvement and innovative solutions. During this unique time, I want to focus on the final two points of this statement “positive citizen involvement” and “innovative solutions.” I call upon each of you to look at these statements and see what you can do to help our community. If you have an idea on: 1. How to better support one another 2. Assist the city or Riverton businesses
SECONDARY WATER
Share your ideas in the manner you are most comfortable or even take action right away. As you do tag Riverton in your posts or tweets and encourage others. I want to emphasize this is a request of all there is no age requirement or skill set, each resident has a unique set of talents that can help. We know it works, as seen with Mayor Staggs’ resident committees. These committees strengthen our community through low to no cost alternatives that have enhanced the services many of our residents are seeing throughout our city. One final request along these lines for all that can use a phone, reach out and call, not text, one member of your family and one member of your neighborhood or community: 1. Find out how they are doing and offer support to them through your words. 2. Encourage them to do the same call a family member and member of their neighborhood or community. Be Safe!
RIVERTONUTAH.GOV/WATER/SECONDARY
Secondary Water Is Flowing We encourage all Riverton residents to be responsible and water only when needed. Utah Water Resources has created a watering lawn guide that is updated weekly to show how many irrigations are needed each week. Use 20 minutes with pop-up spray heads and 40 minutes with impact/ rotor sprinklers per irrigation cycle. Utah could save more than 20 billion gallons of water every summer if everyone were to water according to the guide!
RIVERTON REVIEW
| MAY 2020
MAY 2020
RECYCLE
• Shredding • Cardboard • Glass • Electronics * * Visit rivertonutah.gov/beautiful for details on electronics recycling
• Riverton residents only - must provide proof of residency • No businesses • No tires (We did that in March)
Tuesday, May 19 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Located at northwest parking lot at Riverton City Hall. Enter from Park Avenue. We ask that healthy attendees practice responsible social distancing at this outdoor event.
conservewater. utah.gov/guide.html
For more information, visit: rivertonutah.gov/beautiful
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COVID-19 VISIT RIVERTONUTAH.GOV/COVID19 • COVID-19 Hotline & Symptoms Information • Vulnerable Populations & Service Opportunities • Price Gouging Reporting • City Issued Updates • Community Facility / Business Closures • Community Event & Meeting Updates
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We Are at City Hall Working For You In order to accommodate “social distancing” we strongly encourage citizens to conduct all city hall business by phone or online.
Main Reception 801-254-0704 Attorney’s Office Animal Control Building Code Enforcement Finance/Accounting Human Resources
801-208-3140 801-208-3108 801-208-3127 801-208-3174 801-208-3107 801-208-3135
Connect with Riverton City to get quick updates, essential information, event details and more on the platforms you use.
@rivertonutahgov
Justice Court Parks & Recreation Planning
801-208-3131 801-208-3145 801-208-3138
Purchasing Recorder/Cemetery Utility Billing
801-208-3175 801-208-3128 801-208-3133
conduct business online at rivertonutah.gov
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rivertonutah.gov/app
UPCOMING RIVERTON CITY EVENTS With the rapidly changing events due to the COVID-19 virus, we recommend you regularly visit rivertonutah.gov to find the most recent event and meeting information. PAGE 4
RIVERTON REVIEW
| MAY 2020