Riverton Review Print Newsletter - July 2023

Official Newsletter of the Riverton, Utah City Government

We Are Ever Bound in Community

By Mayor Trent Staggs

I am looking forward to the Town Days festivities we have planned for this year. We are fortunate to celebrate our city at the same time we honor our nation’s founders on Independence Day. This, combined with our state’s Pioneer Day later, makes July a wonderful time for remembering the sacrifice of those who have come before us.

During this month, I often think of Rev. Peter S. Raible’s poem regarding the gratitude we owe our ancestors and the obligation placed upon our shoulders to ensure we provide for the future.

We build on foundations we did not lay.

We warm ourselves at fires we did not light.

We sit in the shade of trees we did not plant.

We drink from wells we did not dig.

We profit from persons we did not know.

We are ever bound in community.

Our nation’s Founding Fathers risked everything by signing the Declaration of Independence. “All men are created equal,” they wrote.

And they laid the foundation of our great nation by proclaiming the “self-evident” truth that our liberties are given by our Creator, not the government.

Similarly, Utah’s early pioneers toiled to settle this valley and then welcomed all to join them despite previously being persecuted for their religious beliefs. Riverton City founders were among them plotting out Redwood Road and building bridges across the Jordan River. They tirelessly transformed the arid desert floor into a blossoming new home that we enjoy today.

This perspective guides much of my work as mayor. As our city grows, I want to safeguard Riverton’s way of life and ensure we are not burdened with needless debt and regulation. I am proud of our 20232024 city budget that once again, does not raise taxes. Our city’s future is bright and promising.

“With freedom comes great responsibility. This is the lesson of liberty we inherit from the heritage of our nation, state and our city.”

The last line of the poem gives meaning and purpose to the service and sacrifice of our ancestors. The truth is we really are bound as a community. The actions of one can affect all: either across generations or as neighbors across the street.

n rivertonutah.gov/alerts

Our freedom is inextricably tied to the sacrifices of those who came before us. I believe the best way to honor our ancestors is to emulate their example of carefully striving to preserve the blessings of liberty for our children.

With freedom comes great responsibility. This is the lesson of liberty we inherit from the heritage of our nation, state and our city. Each of us has awesome power to help those around us and those who come after us.

May our community forever be bound in unity as we sustain freedom for the next generation.

n @rivertonutahgov

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In 1910 this bridge was completed over the Jordan River connecting the Draper and Riverton areas. A replica of this bridge was completed on the same location as the original in 2000 in the riverbottoms near O. Roi Hardy Park just north of 12300 S in Riverton.

Trent Staggs - Mayor

Andy Pierucci - District 1

Troy McDougal - District

Tawnee McCay - District 3

Tish Buroker - District 4

Claude Wells - District 5

Economically Strong and Growing

By Councilmember Tish Buroker

The first half of the year is always a busy time for the City Council as we plan, prepare and finally pass the city fiscal budget in the month of June. It is one of the key functions for the Council and directs the activities of the city for an entire year. To arrive at a final budget the Council reviews the mayor’s recommendations, the City Manager’s recommendations and determines the final budget. Riverton is in the enviable position of having enough revenue to pay for the basic needs of the city, save for a rainy day, pay down debt, and still have money to improve and work on betterment projects.

Here are a few of these projects:

• Riverton City received a matching grant from Salt Lake County of 1.2 million dollars to fund improvements to the Sandra Lloyd auditorium. Riverton City will contribute 1.5 million. Currently improvements are

being made to the first floor, including creating an improved space for the historical displays, and creating improved space for rentals and employee meetings. Work is beginning this summer on the exterior creating an outdoor amphitheatre, plaza and restrooms.

• The police department requested and received approval for two motorcycles. Chief Barfuss commented that the police department was spending 90 percent of their time dealing with traffic accidents as the result of speed on Riverton roads. Motorcycles will increase surveillance and ticketing. Riverton is especially challenged because many cars drive through Riverton on their way to Herriman, Bluffdale, South Jordan and Draper. In addition, Riverton roads tend to be wide and straight which also encourages speed. Please be aware of speed limits and help contribute to the safety of Riverton.

• $80,000 has been budgeted for sidewalk repair, and an additional $550 to continue the project of adding sidewalks in deficient areas.

• Over $200,000 to continue to improve trails.

• Over 2 million to replace 50-yearold water pipes along 1830 West and along 118th South from 2700 W to 3600 W.

• Concerns regarding weeds, abandoned houses etc. have prompted the Council to provide direction and funding as needed to clean up derelict properties.

• Over a half million dollars has been budgeted to continue to fund improvements to the secondary water system.

Riverton has become economically stronger due to conservative financial practices, and the robust sales tax growth we have experienced mainly due to Mountain View Village.

We know that as costs continue to rise it is vital that we continue to maintain and care for our city infrastructure and amenities just as you maintain your home.

Continue to shop locally, take pride in where you live, and enjoy all that Riverton has to offer.

Protect Our Waterways: Cleanup Firework Debris

Did you know that firework debris can be a major pollutant for our streams and rivers?

As you celebrate Independence Day and Pioneer Day in July, remember to sweep firework debris from roads, gutters, sidewalks, and driveways. We recommend placing debris from fireworks in a bucket of water before disposal.

Public Safety Message: VECC Emergency Alerts

The distribution of timely information can be critical in the event of an emergency or disaster. While social media, the nightly news and other traditional forms of mass communication have their place, when it comes to emergency preparedness, there are better alternatives that we should all be aware of.

The Salt Lake Valley Emergency Communications Center (VECC) is the emergency communications organization that receives 911 calls and dispatches police, fire and medical personnel for all communities in Salt Lake County, with the exception of Salt Lake City and Sandy. Once an emergency phone call is received, it is VECC who gathers all the critical information, assesses the situation and determines which units need to respond.

In addition to receiving 911 calls, VECC has instituted is an Emergency Notification System (ENS) used to alert residents and businesses that are impacted by, or in danger of being impacted by, emergency or disaster. This service is often referred to as a reverse 911, because the communication is being sent from local authorities as opposed to being sent to local authorities.

These alerts come by a phone call, text message and/or email notification and deliver critical information and instructions immediately, such as shelter locations or specific actions one may need take.

However, because the system uses the region’s 911 database, only land-line numbers are automatically added into the system. If you have

a cellphone, and would like to be notified via that provider, you must register those telephone numbers. Similarly, if you would like to receive an email notification, you must register the email addresses at which you wish to receive the notification.

Please note that this system only serves addresses that fall within the boundaries of Salt Lake County. We encourage all residents to register for this free service at slvecc.com/registration/#phone or scan the QR Code below.

Weekly Lawn Watering Guide

The Utah Division of Water Resources publishes a weekly guide for how often lawn should be watered, based on weather conditions that week. Riverton residents are encouraged to follow the lawn watering guide on a weekly basis.

conservewater.utah.gov/ weekly-lawn-watering-guide

Since mobile phone numbers are not automatically added to the “reverse 911” register you must add your phone number by visiting the website listed to the left.

Riverton Public Safety Night

Wednesday, August 2, 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.

TRUCKS

VENDORS • MOVIES

EVERYFRIDAYNIGHTINAUGUST

Friday Fun Nights in Riverton are a blast! With several events all happening at beautiful Riverton City Park, bring the family for a casual night out. Food trucks, summer market and vendors from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Entertainment begins at 6 p.m. and the outdoor movie begins at dusk. There are also three playgrounds and a splash pad at the park.

MOVIE IN THE PARK LINE UP • EVERY

2023 LIVE ENTERTAINMENT LINE UP

August 4th

• 6 p.m. Sam and Josh Duke

• 7 p.m. Goodnight Richard

August 11

• 6 p.m. Copper Kettle Band

• 7 p.m. The Truman Brothers

August 18

• 5:30 p.m. Voices Elevated feat. Alex Elggren

• 7 p.m. Yesterday’s Heroes

August 25

• 5:30 p.m. Bluegrass Thunder

• 7 p.m. Steven Bosco

Public Safety Night Register: Flag Football

Registration for Flag Football ends on August 1. Children in 1st-6th Grade are eligible to participate. Register online rivertonutah.gov/recreation

League Begins Tuesday, September 6

The Riverton Police Department and Unified Fire Authority have a great family night with food, games and fun planned at Public Safety Night!

City Park

2022-2023 Utah PTA Reflections Exhibit

Come see original winning art pieces created by dozens of young Utah artists, all age 18 and younger, that were submitted at this years art competition.

Riverton Quilt Exhibition Register: Fall Classic Pickleball Tournament

Calling all quilters! Consider entering your work in the Riverton Quilt Exhibition, a non-judged event. Find entry details rivertonutah.gov/exhibits.

The Fall Classic Pickleball Tournament features a pool bracket, various divisions and players from all over Utah. Register at rivertonutah.gov/pickleball

FRIDAY ~9PM

August 11

Puss in Boots

August 4

A League of Their Own

August 18 Lightyear

August 25 The Super Mario Bros.