www.sslc.gov
CITY NEWSLETTER
May 2022 Cherie Wood, Mayor 801-464-6757 mayor@sslc.gov
South Salt Lake City Council Members LeAnne Huff, District 1 801-440-8510 lhuff@sslc.gov Corey Thomas, District 2 801-755-8015 cthomas@sslc.gov Sharla Bynum, District 3 801-803-4127 sbeverly@sslc.gov Portia Mila, District 4 801-792-0912 pmila@sslc.gov L. Shane Siwik, District 5 801-548-7953 ssiwik@sslc.gov Natalie Pinkney, At-Large 385-775-4980 npinkney@sslc.gov Clarissa Williams, At-Large 505-879-2457 cwilliams@sslc.gov
City Offices
8 am to 5 pm 801-483-6000 220 East Morris Ave SSL, UT 84115 Animal Service 801-483-6024 Building Permits 801-483-6005 Business Licensing 801-483-6063 Code Enforcement 801-464-6712 Fire Administration 801-483-6043 Justice Court 801-483-6072 Police Admin 801-412-3606 Promise 801-483-6057 Public Works 801-483-6045 Recreation 801-412-3217 Utility Billing 801-483-6074 Emergencies 911 Police/Fire Dispatch 801-840-4000
Strong Neighborhoods: From the Ground Up Dealing with our City’s aging infrastructure isn’t an easy job. As a responsible City, our goal is to preempt any failure in our existing systems, but we are of course, always responding to emergency breaks and deterioration, too. The age and older design of our systems need repair, Mayor Cherie Wood and sometimes full replacement. Combined with our City’s rapid development and new construction, this means problems are constantly coming to light. That is true for water, sewer and stormwater lines as they reach close to a century in age. Those are the “invisible problems,” that are often overlooked as we notice and ask for upgrades to streets, sidewalks, gutters and street lights. That’s a lot of infrastructure! We can’t solve a problem unless we talk about it. I’d
like to take a moment to explain more about the state of our infrastructure. And I want to share how it involves you and the actions you can take every day. Turning on the tap or flushing the toilet many times a day is something we take for granted, it’s not until something backs up, floods, or doesn’t flow that it really gets our attention. In the 1930s, our city was founded with the purpose of building a sewer and those original pipes were made of cast clad iron. Iron, while state of the art then, is known to deteriorate over time causing other issues, such as adding unwanted particulates in the water and frequent leaks and breaks. Sewer systems are also in need of modern pipes to facilitate smooth sailing. And our stormwater system is just a fraction of what it needs to be - it was never designed or built as a complete system because engineering standards varied for the already built areas the city annexed and grew over the years.
WHAT CAN YOU DO? Treat your underground pipes like you treat the visible parts of your kitchen and bathroom. Keep them clean by only putting essential items down the bathroom drain (the three Ps) and use a strainer in your kitchen to keep food waste out. It is better for your pipes, the water treatment process, and ultimately the earth. We are investing in infrastructure now more than ever, not just in newly built areas but in our historic neighborhoods, too. We are making upgrades to our sewer system to increase capacity as we grow, with funding from a new Public Improvement District (PID) formed by 11 developers in our downtown. And, our water department is gaining new tools to ramp up their repair and replacement projects. We appreciate South Salt Lake is becoming more sustainable and the input we have heard from concerned citizens environmentally focused. Infrastructure is part of the that these are priorities that simply can’t wait any problem and inevitably the solution. One project that I’m passionate about is protecting our open waters longer. We are up for the task! such as the Jordan River and Mill Creek. It is essential Strong neighborhoods are the building that we manage what goes in our stormwater drains blocks of a strong community, but they can’t be to protect what happens downstream. strong without resident involvement. I am thrilled to announce a great addition for the City to connect with you. We are rolling out a survey tool called FlashVote. It is a quick and easy way for you to weigh in on local topics that matter most and prioritize our competing needs. FlashVote will regularly call for opinions from a pool of residents to get statistically valid input on topics such as infrastructure, parks, conservation, public safety and more. Its success depends on participation from a wide variety of individuals representing the diversity of our city. I hope you’ll take the opportunity to participate—register at flashvote.com/sslc.
City News Public Meetings
CITY COUNCIL CORNER
For more info: www.sslc.gov
Good Data Can Bring Great Changes
City Council
Wed, May 11, 7 p.m. Wed, May 25, 7 p.m.
Planning Commission Thurs, May 5, 7 p.m. Thurs, May 19, 7 p.m.
Civilian Review Board
Mon, May 2, 6:30 p.m. CRB monthly meetings will be the 1st Monday, if it falls on a holiday it will push to the 2nd Monday.
Safe Passage on Our Sidewalks Let’s keep sidewalks and bike lanes clear for pedestrians and cyclists. This includes tree branches, shrubs, garbage cans, and any piles created for the bulk waste cleanup. It is particularly important at intersections that the “clear view” is kept open—this is an area 30’ back from the corner where any obstruction above knee height, including a parked car, makes it difficult for drivers to see someone walking or biking. Safe streets start at home!
Citywide Curbside Cleanup Program
Portia Milia, District 4 We know that there are many obstacles that can prevent you from sharing your thoughts with elected officials. I appreciate those who attend and regularly voice their opinions at City Council meetings or reach out to us personally. However, in a city with more than 26,000 residents, we are often surprised how few people reach out, even on hot topics that we know mean a lot to you. I think most would agree that a loud minority and a silent majority doesn’t equal the best representation of our diverse community. I do believe that many more of you actually would like to share more, but because of your busy lives and schedules or wishing to remain anonymous, remain silent. For the past year the Council, along with our Mayor and staff members, has been expanding and providing a more equitable means of gathering information from a larger pool of our constituents. Our community outreach staff and different city departments provided advice and helped us think through what we were missing. We are pleased to launch —FlashVote.
FlashVote is a simple and quick survey tool to find out what residents want, and help us make the best decisions based on statistically valid input. The surveys are five questions or less and take no more than one to two minutes to complete. They will cover a wide range of topics such as budget items, or evaluating new amenities, and platforms. The surveys are given to a pool of residents who reflect the diversity of the city - age, ethnicity, gender, location of residence, and so on. Results will also be quickly shared with the survey participant, city and our council to get an accurate representation of opinions. When residents sign up, they then can determine how surveys are received—whether by email, text, or phone call. Notifications will be received whenever there is a new survey, and you will have 48 hours before voting closes. I am personally very excited to take this step and even more excited to see the results. I hope you join me! Sign Up Today at: FlashVote.com/sslc Note: Opinions expressed here may not be representative of all Members of the City Council.
Love that Garden! Gardening is one of the best ways to gain a greener heart (and a green thumb). The benefits of being outdoors, digging in the dirt, and eating the fruits of your labor are both personal and community-wide. Here are a few quick tips from Giles Larsen, the program manager for the community garden going in at Fitts Park this Spring. To apply for a garden plot, visit wasatchgardens.org. 1. Don’t dig when wet. Hold off on tilling or digging your yard or garden plot until the soil is relatively dry. Healthy and porous soil aggregates are destroyed when excessively wet soil is compacted or broken up, and this can reduce its productivity for years to come. You can test this by rolling some soil in a ball and pressing it with your thumb. If the soil loosely crumbles, it’s ready to work. If it does not, it is too wet, so hold off a bit longer.
2. Know your soil needs. The first step is to get a soil test; most Utah soils have high levels of phosphorus and potassium. Use fertilizers that mostly provide nitrogen. If your soil contains less than 5% organic matter, compost is a great option. Compost does more than just fertilize, it changes your soil texture to hold more water and air. 3. Mulch it up! Conserve water during the summer and suppress weeds by adding a layer of top mulch (at least 2”) around your plants. Straw, leaves, compost, or wood chips all work well, but straw often contains seeds that will sprout. Areas around trees love to be mulched too!
South Salt Lake City Council Action Report Summary Full agendas, minutes, handouts and video recorded meetings are available at: sslc.com/city-government/council-meeting
Curbside collection of bulky waste items will take place May 2-12, 2022. Pickup will be provided for approved items that are boxed, bundled or bagged. Your pick-up schedule will be sent in advance. Properly prepared items must be placed curbside by 6:30 a.m. on the scheduled collection day.
Date 3/23/22
Agenda Item Stormwater Maintenance Fee
3/23/22
Purchase of Real Property
3/23/22
Purchase of Real Property
3/23/22
Strategic Mobility Plan Presentation Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an Interlocal Agreement and Governing Document for PID
4/13/22
Subject An Ordinance Amending Section 3.11.100 of the Municipal Code to Create a Stormwater Maintenance Fee A Resolution Approving the Purchase Property at 20 East Southgate Avenue A Resolution Approving the Purchase Property Located at 2761 South Main Street Presentation of the South Salt Lake Strategic Mobility Plan An Interlocal Agreement and Governing Document, by and between the Downtown East Streetcar Sewer Public Infrastructure District (PID), which are required conditions to the creation of the Downtown East Streetcar Sewer Public Infrastructure District
Action Approved Approved Approved Moved to Unfinished Business for April 13, 2022 Approved
Next Step No further action No further action No further action Further discussion No further discussion
Public Safety Civilian Review Board Established Message from SSLPD Chief Jack Carruth The civilian review board has oversight that is tasked with reviewing and providing recommendations for improving processes. This concept is to help build community trust, foster communication, and build rapport. For further details refer to City Ordinance 2022-02. South Salt Lake City leaders delivered on a commitment to add transparency and accountability of the South Salt Lake Police Department with the adoption of advice and consent for members of a new independent Civilian Review Board (CRB). The CRB is made up of seven Members, two Alternate Members, and one nonvoting Advisory Member. The SSLC Civilian Review Board (CRB) has been established and has conducted a few meetings. You can review the minutes by going to SSLC.gov. The CRB meets the first Monday of every month at 6:30 p.m. The meetings are held at the City Council Chambers at City Hall 220 East Morris Ave. I appreciate the selection committee taking the time to select the following board members.
Coffee with a Cop May 4, 9-10 a.m. In-Person Délice Bakery & Café
Civilian Review Board Members Left to Right: Richard Lane (Alternate), Zac Barnes, Joy Glad, Conrad Campos, Kevin Miller, Cassius Willis, Christina Nee - Chair, Jason Keffer - Vice-Chair.
2747 S State Street
Original Hose Cart Gets a Facelift Message from SSLFD Chief Terry Addison
In the 1800s when pressurized water systems began to make their mark in communities, hose carts became the frontline firefighting tool. When a fire alarm came in 5 to 10 volunteer firefighters would gather at the fire station and pull the cart by hand to the fire. The firefighters would deploy the hose to a fire hydrant and then stretch a hose to the fire for extinguishment. The hose cart has been on display at station 41 for more than thirty years. During that time the weather had definitely left its mark and the cart needed a facelift. The idea to refurbish this treasure was brought to Chief Addison for discussion. The decision was made to move forward with this project. The person we leaned on the most during this refurbishment was Joaquin Garcia. He took this project and made all the decisions, scheduled work, and repaired many sections on his own. On April 7, 2022, Station 41 received its refurbished hose cart. It is currently on display at 2600 South Main Street, Station 41. The SSLFD will hold a re-dedication of the hose cart on May 27, 2022, at 12 p.m., all are welcome.
Business Watch
Businesses are encouraged to participate.
May 5, 4 p.m. In-Person IndieGo Coffee 3310 S 500 East
Men’s Resource Center Neighborhood Meeting In-person & virtual link on sslc.gov City Council Room, SSL City Hall 220 E. Morris Ave, 2nd Floor
May 18, 4 p.m. Conversation about homelessness in our community.
Residents & businesses encouraged to participate. Find the virtual meeting link at: sslc.gov
May 5, 7 p.m.
Best of SSL 2022 STATE OF THE CITY AWARDS
Now we get to our favorite part of State of the City – recognizing the incredible people who make SSL truly a community. This isn’t even the beginning of all of those who were recognized at this year’s State of the City. To find the complete list of those honored, visit sslc.gov.
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR —Doug Moffat
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR —Rick Birrell
This Citizen of the Year is passionate about his family - he is a husband, father, and grandfather first. Doug and his wife Diane have been residents on Wandamere Ave for nearly 41 years. He served on the City Council from 1992 to 2004, where he was known for an even temperament and ability to look at issues from all sides. Doug has a great love for music and and has played lead guitar in the band ‘Crash Pontiac & The Hubcaps’, featuring cover music from the 50-60s. For more than three decades, every holiday season, he pours his heart into a merry and bright train display—making it a point to invite others to enjoy and celebrate this tradition.
South Salt Lake Fire’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) was developed out of the need for a well-trained civilian emergency workforce. These multifunctional response teams act as an adjunct to the city’s emergency services during major disasters. Resident Rick Birrell provides a wealth of knowledge as a longtime CERT member. He is also a member of the South Salt Lake Amateur Radio Team (SSLART), which supports the city by providing communications during emergencies and public service events.
MAYOR’S SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY Christie Patton COMMUNITY BUILDER Tom and Marsha Lowe Family Central Park Community Center Resource Pantry
Our Finance Department is known for customer service, and with almost 23 years of service to the City and its residents, Christie Patton is known for her caring demeanor. Many residents know her by name. Beyond that, she has two great passions: Robert Redford and Road Trips!
Tom and Marsha Lowe and their family recently exceeded the giving model in a big way. Mark Lowe, a prior Promise SSL employee, was quick to note the need in our community when his family was looking for ways to give back. He pitched the idea of a food pantry at the Central Park Community Center. We now have the Community Resource Pantry model at Central Park, where not only food fills the shelves but also basic needs and household items. The Lowe family continues to make monthly donations to keep the pantry stocked, while other partners and community members have contributed too!
YOUTH NEIGHBORHOOD AMBASSADOR Sydney Thornton
LEGACY FAMILY OF THE YEAR —The Farnsworth Family If you’ve lived in SSL for any length of time, you’ve heard of the Farnsworths. These Haven Avenue residents have long been known for their commitment to service. Bonnie served on the City Council from 1978 to 1992 as the first-female City Councilwoman. In addition, she has worked for a local legacy business, American Funds and Trusts. Eldon Farnsworth, Sr. served the City for eight years, from 1986 to 1994. First as City Recorder and then as Mayor from 1992 to 1994. Their son Eldon Farnsworth, Jr., worked for the SSL Fire Department, retiring as a Fire Battalion Chief after 36 years of service. Because of their devoted service to our community, the Farnsworth Family has been chosen as this year’s Legacy Family!
“Dear Mayor, We need some improvement in our neighborhood,” was the opening sentence of a recent correspondence from a nine-year-old resident, Sydney Thornton. In the letter, she reported that the lack of street lighting, stop signs, and other issues on her street contribute to ongoing safety concerns, including theft and speeding. From this single letter came collaborative responses, which will lead to real and meaningful change in her neighborhood. Thank you to this young resident for reminding us how to engage civically and seek solutions.
Community Happenings MURAL FEST 2022 10 new murals will be added to South Salt Lake’s Creative Industries Zone, so make sure you save the date and join the biggest outdoor mural festival in Utah. themuralfest.com Instagram: @themuralfest Facebook: themuralfest
TAKERONE
@takeronegraffiti | Budapest, Hungary TakerOne got his start in 2001, after a few years of classical graffiti and tagging, TakerOne shifted his focus to painting legally—and without any formal art degree, is completely self-taught. From the beginning, his hope was to surpass the idea of simply seeing a mural as decor but to have a much bigger “WOW!” impact on his audience. Taking a glance at his mural portfolio, you’ll most likely agree. Anyone who makes a cement mixer look like a pinecone is a hit (even better when driving in the woods!). Be it a squirrel, otter, elephant, or fox, the world is a bit happier and more beautiful because of these.
THOMAS TURNER
@thomasturner_tt | Atlanta, GA Thomas currently lives in Atlanta, GA working as a gallery artist and freelance designer. His art stems from a root system that intertwines nature, animals, humans, and in particular cases, the inanimate. When the source of nectar for a hummingbird is directly charged by the moon, the concept behind his 185 ft mural, “Naturally Charged.” Are those horns on that magnificent buffalo? Oh, wait, those are tree branches! And, what lies on the other side of the moon of “THE ANEMOI“ mural in Chicago is a group of ominous mythical creatures and a fierce blue-eyed lion that we can hope not to bump into any time soon.
WES ABARCA “WES77” @wes7svn | Vernal, UT
Originally from Southern CA, Wes Abarca began as a freelance artist in 1996 and began his own mural business in 2020, Genesis Mural Co. Wes creates vibrant and colorful murals, pieced together much like mosaic tiles or stained glass. Wildlife is definitely his theme of choice as his work includes various mosaic-style animal art, like the ram, wild horse or elk featured together in a mural at an infinite loop skate park in Nevada. His move to Vernal, UT may explain the Stegarsaurus mural found on a local Airbnb shed. To add, birds are in essence modern-day dinosaurs, Wes’ extensive mural portfolio includes quite a menagerie—including a soaring eagle, a quail, and a colorful peacock.
Gerry Swanson
@SilentSwanArt | West Jordan, UT Who better to oppose in a kangaroo boxing ring? An octopus obviously— boxing gloves included. As a local freelance artist, with several outdoor and indoor murals around Salt Lake (Purgatory, Higher Ground Coffee, Lake Effect, Garage on Beck…), chances are you’ve seen at least a few from Gerry Swanson. He started back in 2006 after graduating with a B.A. in Fine Arts from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, OR. In his words, “I pride myself on my ability to communicate clearly and my adaptability to my client’s critique, while at the same time, honoring my artistic style.” We suppose that may be the case that while the mural of Sasquatch on Big O Tires at 3300 South, went with a darker theme, the lighter side also shines through, as it is a bit reminiscent of Harry, from the 80’s classic, “Harry and the Hendersons”.
Community Happenings
Lunch on the Move Traditions Mobile Cafe Wed, May 18 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. SSL City Hall 220 East Morris Ave, North Side Discover a new food truck each month!
Top Dog! In April, Mayor Cherie Wood visited the SSL Animal Services building to honor and recognize the high degree of professionalism of our caregivers. To her left is Animal Shelter Technician, McKenna Osmond, and to her right, is the SSL Animal Services Supervisor, Jenica Laws. For her outstanding service, Jenica has received two awards as an SSL Rockstar employee in 2021, and most recently ‘Employee of the Year’ at the 2022 State of the City. It’s great to know that our local furry, pawed, or feathered friends are in their most loving and competent hands!
America Across Generations
Adult Co-Ed Softball
Monday, July 4th
5x5x5 Format
Fun Run at 8 a.m Flag Ceremony at 9:30 a.m. Parade 10 a.m.
Men & Women 18 years and older
Festivities at Fitts Park from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Monday or Wednesday Evenings 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Parade Entry Form: sslc.gov Come join the fun!!
Central Park Ball Field 2787 S 200 East
Mondays with the Mayor for May is on Bike!
Register Deadline: May 27 801-412-3217 sslc.gov
Xeriscape vs Zeroscape - What’s the difference?
Tune up your bike, and pump up those tires. Meeting up at City Hall, we’ll be taking on Downtown SSL and hitting several of the new MURAL FEST murals by bike. Whether you want to connect with your neighbors, learn more about City Services, or share an idea that will benefit your community, this is a great way to connect and have a fun evening together. Monday, May 16, 2022 | 6-8 p.m. SSL City Hall | 220 Morris Ave. North Parking Lot
South Salt Lake City requires a minimum of 50% live plant material in your front yard. People often mispronounce the term “xeriscape,” and they often misunderstand what it really means. Xeri means dry, it doesn’t mean zero or no live plants or grasses. Living in a high desert ecosystem, drought-resistant plants thrive here. Our native landscape is both beautiful and abundantly filled with plants! The city enforces landscape ordinances that require plants and prohibit weeds. There is no “zero care” option. But there are a lot of more fun, sometimes free options if you are resourceful with plant swapping and dividing, composting and finding free bark chips. For tips on how to xeriscape and fight weeds, the Conservation Garden Park is a great resource. Check it out at conservationgardenpark.org. For more answers about landscaping in South Salt Lake, contact our Neighborhoods Ambassador at 801-464-6757 or connect@sslc.gov.
Zeroscape Landscapes that are largely rock don’t have those benefits or the beauty we are trying to cultivate in our neighborhoods. They also often turn into weed patches as the rocks catch flying dirt and dust as well as seeds. Xeriscape is a great way to reduce your water bill, but it isn’t a void. It includes a healthy dose of plants. Plants keep the ground cool, the natural insects and soil microbes alive, and absorb the rain runoff when it does fall.
Promise
Are you a Utah resident who is unemployed, underemployed, or working in a vulnerable position? If you are looking for an opportunity to enhance your career or start a new one, funding through Learn & Work and SLCC is now available to cover costs for free short-term training courses and certificate programs designed to put you on the path to success at no cost. To get started, visit slcc.edu/allin to learn more about programs, courses, and training available in your area of interest.
FREE PRESCHOOL FOR CHILDREN 0-5
GRAMMY Camp —Weekend ®
SALT LAKE CITY GRAMMY Camp®—Weekend is a daylong workshop where you’ll gain skills in audio, visual, and music creation, better understand the business side of music, and learn more about how to create your own path to success.
MAY
14 & 21 2022
Promise South Salt Lake Best Buy Teen Tech Center 2531 S. 400 E. South Salt Lake, UT 84115
10 A.M– 6 P.M.
Free to attend RSVP to jmutnansky@grammymuseum.org
Head Start is an early education program that helps prepare children for kindergarten and future school success. Our program has been named the Best Public Preschool in Utah. High-quality, research-based program Over 40 locations in Salt Lake and Tooele Counties Healthy fresh meals, health screenings, and services for the whole family provided Support for dual language learners and children with disabilities Children do not need to be potty trained Residency or citizenship status not required Program Options: 3.5 hours | M-Th, Sept - May 6 hours | M-Th, Sept - July 8.5 hours| (M-Th, Sept – July* *Limited availability
APPLY ONLINE www.utahca.org (801) 359-2444 • ERSEAteam@utahca.org Utah Community Action does not deny placement on the basis of a disability or its severity to any child. We do not provide transportation for students; however, assistance with carpooling or bus/TRAX vouchers available. Head Start is an equal opportunity program and does not discriminate based on race, religion or sex.