How the U.S. Constitution Shapes City Government
By Mayor Trent Staggs
Riverton residents are united in celebrating the honored principles of self-government, the rule of law, and federalism upheld by the U.S. Constitution. Each year Riverton City commemorates the courage and ingenuity of the Framers who crafted and signed the U.S. Constitution. Ours is the oldest written constitution still in use, and it continues to be the world’s best beacon of freedom to protect individual rights.
As we celebrate Constitution Day this month on September 17, I encourage everyone to read it and learn more about how its structure safeguards individual liberty. During this occasion, may we recommit ourselves - like our forefathers - to making the United States a more perfect union.
I thought it fitting to point out how the U.S. Constitution shapes city government and continues to influence municipalities throughout the country.
a similar structure for city governments. Our Riverton city councilmembers exercise legislative power by deliberating and agreeing on which laws we need. The office of mayor is the executive and is empowered to carry out the plans and enforce the laws the city council enacted.
“Ours is the oldest written constitution still in use, and it continues to be the world’s best beacon of freedom to protect individual rights.”
1. The Constitution divides power among legislative and executive offices to incentivize cooperation. The State of Utah has adopted
2. Riverton City police officers take an oath to protect the U.S. Constitution. Law enforcement is often considered to be the most visible protectors of Americans’ Godgiven rights. The U.S. Constitution plays a crucial role in ensuring police officers enforce the laws fairly, impartially, and with respect to the rights of all individuals.
3. Property rights of individuals and the laws protecting them originate
in the U.S. Constitution. Riverton City crafts its land-use regulations with respect for people’s right to their own property. The principle of federalism in the Constitution encourages local government to manage their own affairs. Each community is empowered to follow their own vision for the future.
4. Most importantly, the U.S. Constitution begins with the immortal words of “We the People.” The American people are the sovereigns of this country. The U.S. Constitution sets up the government to be of, for, and by the people. Likewise, the Riverton City government is set up to serve you, the people.
These are just a few of the ways the U.S Constitution shapes the day-today work of city government. I urge everyone to celebrate this great governing document that has been the catalyst to unleash the genius of our country.
ELECTED OFFICIALS
Trent Staggs - Mayor
Andy Pierucci - District 1
Troy McDougal - District 2
Tawnee McCay - District 3
Tish Buroker - District 4
Riverton Recycling, Let’s Keep Improving!
By Councilmember Tawnee McCay
Utah. Below are some fun facts about recycling:
UPCOMING
CITY MEETINGS
CITY COUNCIL
September 3 & 17, 7 p.m.
PLANNING COMMISSION
September 12 & 26, 6:30 p.m.
Spencer Haymond - District 5 CONTACT US rivertonutah.gov
801-254-0704
Report a problem at rivertonutah.gov/report
A vast majority of Riverton residents support and appreciate curbside recycling. We need to educate our community about what can be recycled to help improve our contamination rate (how much is put in the recycling bin that cannot be recycled). We currently have a contamination rate of 25.8%. Our goal is to get down to 15% potentially saving hundreds of thousands of dollars a year. Some customers of Waste Management (WM) have been able to reach 13.4%! With the landfill increasing their fees for trash, it is even more important that we do a good job sorting our recycling.
Does our recycled material actually get recycled? Yes! Aluminum cans are turned into new cans, bicycle parts, and airplane parts, sometimes in as little as 30 days. Recycled glass is processed in Salt Lake City. Steel cans become industrial steel products at Nucor, here in
WM collects recyclables from 10,950 homes and 24 businesses in Riverton. In July, WM recycled 156 tons of cans, paper, cardboard, and bottles! Let’s increase these numbers.
Riverton’s recycling efforts saved the following resources this month:
● 2,551 Mature Trees (43,363,300 sheets of copy paper!)
● 364 Cubic Yards of Landfill Space (annual waste for 465 people!)
● 622,414 Gallons of Water (enough to meet the daily needs of 8,298 people!)
● 489,312 KwH of Electricity (enough to power 46 homes for a year!)
● Avoided 506 Metric Tons of Greenhouse Gas Emissions (annual emissions from over 109 vehicles!)
Riverton is an awesome place to live. I know we can recycle right and save money!
PUBLIC SAFETY MESSAGE
Golf Carts, Traffic Safety, and Parking Questions
By Chief Shane Taylor
Over the past few months, many traffic questions have been raised about golf carts, traffic safety, and parking. Riverton residents have expressed concerns about seeing golf carts on public streets.
Let me be perfectly clear: it is not lawful to operate a golf cart on a public street in Riverton City.
Here is where the misunderstanding around this issue lies: It is true that state statute (see: Utah Code Section 41-6a-1510) authorizes cities to adopt an ordinance which permits the operation of golf carts on city streets. However, Riverton City has not opted to adopt an ordinance to permit golf carts to operate on streets within its jurisdiction. No city in the county has adopted an ordinance that would allow golf carts to be driven on public streets.
It is understandable that some residents may think operating a golf cart on a Riverton City street is acceptable, if they see this sort of activity in their neighborhood. However, the pervasiveness of this problem does not negate from the fact that it is prohibited. In truth, most cities are experiencing the same problem with the arrival of golf carts on their streets even though they haven’t adopted an ordinance to permit this activity.
It is not lawful to operate a golf cart on a public street in Riverton City.
this with the help of our community partners.
Parking and Traffic Concerns
Some other questions we get regularly are about parking laws. Let’s review the law regarding parking.
“Riverton residents have expressed concerns about seeing golf carts on public streets.”
Parking in front of private/public driveways and within 20’ of a crosswalk is not just discouraged, it’s prohibited. Parking on sidewalks and within 15’ of a fire hydrant is not permitted, and parking 30’ upon approach to any flashing signal, stop sign, yield sign, or traffic control signal located at the side of the roadway is prohibited. Parking by no-parking signs is not discouraged; it’s a violation.
intersections. To safeguard children, stop at red flashing lights on school buses and obey the 20-mph speed limit within school zones.
Trailer and Boat Parking on Public Streets
Occasionally, trailers and boats are found parked at the curb of a public street for extended periods of time. City code prohibits parking on public streets of any boat, trailer, motor home, or tractor for 48 or more consecutive hours, and which has not been moved a minimum of 400 feet prior to returning to the same location.
Unlicensed vehicles are also prohibited from being parked on a public road. Additionally, living in a motor home that is parked on a public street is also prohibited.
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The Riverton Police Department is unwavering in our commitment to safety. We are here to ensure your safety, and we can only accomplish
Other questions brought up to officers regularly are about traffic regulations. Follow the posted speed limits to ensure a safe environment and stop entirely at signs and traffic lights before proceeding through
At the Riverton Police Department, we are committed to enhancing the quality of life. We do this by providing excellent law enforcement services and informative data that ensure the safety and security of the Riverton community.
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Utah VW Classic Car Show
Come enjoy Utah’s largest classic VW and early Porsche car show at Riverton City Park! Featuring classic Volkswagens from all years and models. This free event is Saturday, September 21 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Riverton City Park at 1452 W 12600 S in Riverton, Utah.
Sign Up: Christmas Choir
Join the community choir to sing at this year’s Christmas Night of Music Concert on Monday, December 9, 2024. Practices held weekly in November. Sign up online: rivertonutah.gov/ night-of-music
I Teach Art Exhibit
Step into the world of creativity and education with ‘I Teach Art’ -- an extraordinary exhibit celebrating the talent and passion of our community’s art educators. View artwork created by our local teachers. Sept. 9-25, 2024 at The Old Dome Meeting Hall. Visit rivertonutah.gov/exhibits.
Volunteers Needed
Fall Classic Tournament
Pickleball players love Riverton’s Fall Classic Pickleball Tournament! The tournament features a pool bracket with various divisions. Join us on September 20-21 at Riverton City Park. Register online at rivertonutah.gov/pickleball.
Wreaths Across America
Be a part of a Riverton tradition and sponsor a $17 wreath to be placed at a veteran’s grave at Riverton City Cemetery this December. It is our goal to have a wreath for EVERY veteran. Learn more at: rivertonutah.gov/wreaths