November 2023
RIVERTON REVIEW Official Newsletter of the Riverton, Utah City Government MAYOR’S MESSAGE
The Gratitude We Owe Each Other By Mayor Trent Staggs November is often referred to as the month of gratitude and reflection. Veterans Day, Election Day, and Thanksgiving Day cause me to think of the duty we owe each other.
wreath on each of their graves this holiday season. You can learn more at rivertonutah. gov/wreaths.
Secondly, Election Day this month reminds us of our civic duty to vote. Self-governance requires citizens to participate in the sovereign Soldiers are primarily husbands, I encourage all Riverton residents to remember those who have decisions of our wives, brothers, and sisters before served in uniform on Veterans Day. community. Free they take up arms. They willingly and fair elections lay aside their life ambitions and a role. No sacrifice is too small in are a privilege and a blessing. dreams to confront the forces that bolstering this fundamental unit of I urge each eligible resident of threaten our country. “Greater love Riverton to evaluate the candidates society. hath no man than this, that a man and cast a vote for their choice. lay down his life for his friends,” This month I am grateful to the scripture reads. sacrifice and service of Riverton Election Day is As they emulated soldiers, voters, and families. We November 21 the greatest love live in a great city because of them, this year. Mail-in known to mankind because of you. Thank you for all “The vitality ballots will arrive in by fulfilling their mailboxes roughly two you do! and prospects obligation to our weeks in advance. country, we owe of Riverton are If you have any them our greatest largely based on questions, please call respect and the success and Riverton City Hall. gratitude. I encourage you to well-being of our Lastly, Thanksgiving remember those families.” each year reminds who have served in us of our duty to uniform on Veterans family. The vitality and Day. Riverton City prospects of Riverton Cemetery is the are largely based on the success final resting place for nearly 350 and well-being of our families. servicemembers, some of whom We know a happy family does gave their last full measure of not happen by coincidence; it is a devotion to defending our freedom. We must never forget their sacrifice. choice. The sacrifices of fathers, mothers and children each play Join me in donating to place a Election Day is November 21, 2023
RIVERTON REVIEW | NOVEMBER 2023
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COUNCIL MESSAGE
Working Hard for Riverton By Councilmember Tawney McCay
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
UPCOMING CITY MEETINGS CITY COUNCIL November 14, 7 p.m. PLANNING COMMISSION November 9, 6:30 p.m.
CONTACT US rivertonutah.gov 801-254-0704
Report a problem at rivertonutah.gov/report
FIND US ONLINE! @rivertonutahgov PAGE 2
I love serving on the Riverton City Council. I get to know and work with great city employees that labor hard every day to make Riverton a great place to live and raise our family. Our finance department knew we needed to update our utility billing system. They reCouncilmembers stopped by City Hall to say thanks to the Riverton City utility billing staff searched and found the best system for their decicated work. (Left to Right) Councilmember Tish Buroker, Jiny Proctor, Jennifer Cannon, Councilmember Tawnee McCay, Kenzie McDonald, and Melissa Green. for our city and knew it would be a huge undertaking. Over the roads, updating our past 3-4 weeks, water infrastructure, they have helped and taking care of our “The next time you around 3,600 parks. Our city is growvisit City Hall, see residents set up ing, and our employees our white city trucks their new utility are working hard to around town or see billing accounts accomplish all we ask one of our great by going above them to do. and beyond and police or firefighters, spending hours on please take a moment The next time you visit the phone helping City Hall, see our white to tell them thanks.” residents. We city trucks around town, thank our Riveror see one of our great ton families for police or firefighters, your patience and please take a moment understanding during this transition. to tell them thanks. Feeling appreciChange is always hard, but we ated goes a long way. know the updated statements and increased functionally will be Also, I would like to remind you that worth it. municipal elections will take place this fall. You should receive your Our public works department is also ballot in the mail, and voting will working hard on many projects. close on November 21. Thank you Public Works employee Curtis Gardner out They are doing maintenance on our for letting your voice be heard. working on a projct to make Riverton better.
Veterans Day Program Join us in honoring all who serve and have served in our nation’s military at Riverton City’s annual Veterans Day Program which includes a flag ceremony by the American Legion - Post 140.
Thursday, November 9, 2023, 7 p.m. Old Dome Meeting Hall Rotunda 1452 W 12600 S, Riverton, Utah 84065 RIVERTON REVIEW | NOVEMBER 2023
PUBLIC SAFETY MESSAGE
Animal Control and Code Enforcement By Chief Blair Barfuss In July, the police department integrated with animal services and code enforcement to streamline benefits for our residents. We are excited to have Oscar Juarez and Trish Watson as the newest members of our department. Oscar Juarez Oscar has been with Riverton City for two years as Riverton’s only code enforcement officer. In recent months, Oscar has successfully helped three residents comply with health and safety codes educating with professional compassion. Oscar has responded to over 200 calls for service; many of these calls remain open as residents take steps to comply.
Paris in Rain by Emily Thomas
Oscar Juarez serves as the Riverton City code enforcement officer and as back up to our animal control officer.
Our code enforcement is responsible for ensuring Riverton City regulations are followed by property and business owners. They inspect properties, respond to complaints, and enforce zoning codes, building standards, and other ordinances. Their duties include issuing warnings, citations, and fines to ensure the community adheres to safety and aesthetic standards, helping maintain the quality of life in Riverton. Additionally, Oscar serves as back up to our animal control officer. Trish Watson Since 2018, Trish has served as Riverton’s animal control officer. She collaborates closely with Stone Ridge Veterinary Clinic to ensure safe return of lost pets and careful placement of found or injured animals. Since July, Trish has reunited 16 animals to their owners and seen six additional animals find new homes. This is quite an accomplish as our only animal control officer. Watch carefully for pet announcements and adoption opportunities on our city Facebook page. Animal control officers work to protect and improve the lives of animals and promote responsible pet care within Riverton. Their duties include responding to calls about stray, injured or neglected animals, as well as investigating cases of animal cruelty. They rescue and provide care for animals in distress, enforce animal control laws, and educate the public about responsible pet ownership. Working with Trish and Oscar
Trish Watson has served as the Riverton City animal control officer since 2018.
strengthens the police department and highlights our core values of P.R.I.D.E. (Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Dedication and Excellence). We are proud to enhance public safety, foster a more orderly community, and promote responsible pet ownership. We are confident we are making our neighborhoods an even better place to live. During the third quarter of 2023, police officers responded to over 3,000 calls. There were 218 traffic-related accidents during this time and resulted in:
WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA
Wreaths Across America coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery and more than 1,600 locations nationwide, including Riverton City Cemetery. We invite you to sponsor a $17 wreath to be placed at a veteran’s grave at Riverton City Cemetery in December.
Special Offer Through November 28, 2023 Buy 2, Get 1 Free! Learn more or purchase your wreaths by visiting rivertonutah.gov/wreaths
• 777 traffic citations • 35 arrests All police department employees endeavor to enhance the quality of life for everyone in our community, and we take pride in serving you. Together, we can build a stronger, more vibrant community for all.
Utah Water Color Society Exhibit Each year the Utah Watercolor Society sponsors two exhibitions juried by nationally recognized watercolorists. This exhibition represents the best of Utah watercolor art and runs November 6 through Dec 12, 2023 at the Old Dome Meeting Hall at 1452 W 12600 S in Riverton. Visit rivertonutah.gov/exhibits for more details
RIVERTON REVIEW | NOVEMBER 2023
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UPCOMING EVENTS
RIVERTON REVIEW
Santa’s Arrival
Holiday Donation Drive
Christmas Card Contest
Bring the kids to see Santa Claus arrive in Riverton! Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive at the park on a bright red fire engine. Children can greet Santa to make their Christmas requests and also write their letter to Santa that evening. There will be free scones, hot chocolate, marshmallow roasting, cookie decorating, crafts, and entertainment.
Riverton City is collecting holiday donations for The Christmas Box House – an organization dedicated to providing emergency shelter to children in need. Donations will be accepted from November 13 to December 11 at City Hall. Donated items must be new and unwrapped.
Riverton City is again holding a design contest to select the city’s official Christmas card! Children enrolled in an elementary school in Riverton OR who are of elementary school age who live in Riverton are invited to submit a card design in the contest. The creator of the winning Christmas card will receive a $100 Walmart gift card.
Monday, November 27, 6:30 p.m. Riverton City Park For more information visit: rivertonutah.gov/santa
Christmas Night of Music Concert
What to Donate: • Children’s Clothes • Children’s Sneakers • Educational Toys • Hair Brushes
For a list of more items to donate, visit: rivertonutah.gov/holiday-donations
Register: Mission Slim Possible
Join the community choir to sing at this year’s Christmas Night of Music Concert on Monday, December 11, 2023. Practices held weekly in November.
Join Riverton City’s Mission Slim Possible weight loss challenge to lose weight and start next year off right. Begins Wednesday January 3, 2023.
• Sign up online today at: rivertonutah.gov/night-of-music
• Register online at rivertonutah.gov/possible
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• Body Lotion • Teen Clothing • Teen Shoes • Healthy Snacks
Entry Deadline: Wednesday, November 15 For more information visit: rivertonutah.gov/christmascard
Riverton Tour of Lights
QPR Suicide Prevention Training
Couch to 5K Training Program
Show off your awesome Christmas light display by entering your home in the Riverton Tour of Lights. Your home will be placed on a tour map. Free to enter.
Attend a free QPR suicide prevention class to learn how to respond to someone in crises. Classes occur monthly, excluding July and December. Registration required.
Come participate in the Couch to 5K program to gradually build up your running ability from January 31 to March 23 in a positive, stress-free environment.
• Enter online at rivertonutah.gov/tour-of-lights
• Thursday, November 16, 7 p.m., rivertonutah.gov/qpr
• Register online at rivertonutah.gov/couch-to-5k
RIVERTON REVIEW | NOVEMBER 2023