In The Middle of Everything City Hall – 7505 South Holden Street • Midvale, UT 84047
JULY 2026 CITY NEWSLETTER
Midvale Monthly with Mayor Gettel Power to Choose: Midvale Joins Community Push for Clean Energy MIDVALE CITY DIRECTORY City Hall ...................................................801-567-7200 Finance/Utilities ...................................801-567-7200 Court ........................................................801-567-7265 City Attorney’s Office .........................801-567-7250 City Recorder/Human Resources ...801-567-7228 Community Development ...............801-567-7211 Public Works ..........................................801-567-7235 Ace Disposal/Recycling .....................801-363-9995 Midvale Historical Museum .............801-567-7285 Midvale Senior Center .......................385-468-3350 SL County Animal Services ..............385-468-7387 Communications .................................801-567-7230
MIDVALE CITY ELECTED OFFICIALS Mayor - Dustin Gettel Email: Dgettel@midvaleut.gov CITY COUNCIL District 1 - Bonnie Billings Email: Bbillings@midvaleut.gov District 2 - Paul Glover Email: Pglover@midvaleut.gov District 3 - Heidi Robinson Email: Hrobinson@midvaleut.gov District 4 - Bryant Brown Email: Bbrown@midvaleut.gov District 5 - Denece Mikolash Email: Dmikolash@midvaleut.gov
WHO TO CALL FOR… Water Bills ...............................................801-567-7200 Ordering A New Trash Can ...............801-567-7202 Permits ....................................................801-567-7214 Court ........................................................801-567-7265 Paying For Traffic School ...................801-567-7202 Business Licensing ............................. 801-567-7213 Cemetery ................................................801-567-7235 Planning and Zoning .........................801-567-7238 Code Enforcement ..............................801-567-7208 Building Inspections...........................801-567-7214 Graffiti .....................................................385-468-9769
PUBLIC SAFETY & EMERGENCY CONTACTS EMERGENCY .............................................................. 911 Police Dispatch .....................................801-840-4000 Fire Dispatch .........................................801-940-4000 Unified Police Department > Midvale Precinct .............................385-468-9350 Public Works ..........................................801-567-7235 Rocky Mountain Power .....................877-508-5088
Midvale City became the 16th community statewide to formally adopt the Community Clean Energy Program on June 2, 2026, when our city council voted unanimously to join the Utah Renewable Communities (URC) initiative. The program is designed to bring net-100% clean, renewable electricity to the grid by giving Rocky Mountain Power (RMP) customers in participating communities the option to fund new, large-scale clean energy projects directly through their monthly utility bill. It’s the only program in Utah that offers residents real, tangible clean energy choices while channeling their contributions into actual new renewable infrastructure, rather than simply offsetting existing power sources on paper. Once the program is launched, residential customers in Midvale will see a flat $4 monthly surcharge added to their Rocky Mountain Power bill. Customers won’t need to take any action to enroll, since the program works on an opt-out basis. Anyone who decides participation isn’t right for them will have a six-month, fee-free window to opt out after receiving notice. After the window closes, residents who later choose to leave the program will be charged a one-time $30 termination fee. The opt-out process itself is designed to be simple, and customers can expect notices and instructions to begin going out starting in November 2026. Income-eligible residents won’t pay anything extra at all. Those enrolled in Rocky Mountain Power’s Home Electric Lifeline Program (HELP) will have the entire $4 monthly cost covered, ensuring the shift to cleaner energy doesn’t create a financial burden for households already managing tight budgets.
Midvale joins a diverse list of 16 member communities spanning cities and counties across Utah, from Salt Lake City, Park City, and Ogden to smaller towns like Springdale, Oakley, and Castle Valley, along with several unincorporated counties. Together, these communities represent a broad cross-section of the state, united by a shared commitment to expanding clean energy access. Perhaps the most promising part of the program is its long-term trajectory. As new solar, wind, and other clean energy projects come online and begin contributing meaningful kilowatt-hours to the local grid, the $4 surcharge has real potential to decrease over time, possibly down to $0, as the program’s costs are increasingly offset by the value of the energy it generates. Rocky Mountain Power will be sharing more details about the program over the next few months as the rollout continues. In the meantime, residents with questions are encouraged to reach out to me or their city council member.
In The Middle of Everything Midvale Harvest Days 2026: Step Into the Story Streets fill with floats, music, and cheering crowds as the community celebrates side by side.
For more than 80 years, Midvale Harvest Days has been the heartbeat of summer in our community, a week where tradition meets imagination, neighbors become friends, and every corner of the city feels a little more alive. In 2026, the Harvest Days Committee invites everyone into something even more magical: Wild imagination. Step into the story! From July 27 through August 1, Midvale transforms into a living storybook, where every event is a chapter, every street a setting, and every resident part of the narrative. Neighborhood Block Parties (Monday and Tuesday, July 27 & 28) The week opens with one of the most beloved traditions, neighborhood block parties. Streets turn into gathering places filled with laughter, shared meals, and new introductions. These evenings are simple in the best way: chairs pulled into driveways, kids riding bikes until sunset, and neighbors turning into friends. It’s where the story of Harvest Days begins, right where you live. Hall of Honors & Art Show (Wednesday, July 29) Midweek, we celebrate the people who help shape Midvale’s story through the Hall of Honors, presented by the Midvale Arts Council. This recognition honors individuals whose contributions have brought distinction to our community. The evening also features the Art Show, where creativity becomes community as local artists fill the space with color, texture, and imagination. Tyler Library Night (Thursday, July 30) At Tyler Library, the story takes a playful turn. Lawn games, board games, and hands-on activities turn the library into an interactive playground of imagination. It’s a night where curiosity leads the way and every visitor gets to create their own adventure. Concert in the Park (Friday, July 31) As the week builds toward the festival, music takes center stage. The Midvale Arts Council Concert in the Park, featuring Exit Strategy, brings the community together under the open sky for an evening of live music, blankets on the grass, and summer air. The Grand Finale: Harvest Days Festival (Saturday, August 1, 2026) Then comes Saturday, the day when the story fully comes alive. Midvale City Park opens at 3:00 p.m., but the day begins much earlier with the Fun Run and pancake breakfast at 7:00 a.m., followed by the parade at 9:00 a.m.
At the park, the festival unfolds into a full world of experiences: • Bingo, bounce houses, and carnival games • Food trucks and a vendor marketplace • Live music throughout the evening • Scales & Tails Shows • Kids Entrepreneur Market showcasing young innovators • Battle Zone • Activities with Unified Fire Authority and Unified Police Department This year’s festival adds even more excitement with the high-flying energy of the Flippenout Trampoline Show, bringing unexpected moments of wonder to every corner of the park. As the sun sets, the story reaches its final chapter with live concerts from Coherent State and James Romero y Los Amigos Three Generations, filling the night with music, dance, and celebration. And at 10:00 p.m., the sky itself joins the story. Fireworks close the week with a brilliant finale, color, sound, and light marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of the next. Step Into the Story Midvale Harvest Days is more than an event! It’s an experience built by the people who call this city home. It’s where imagination meets tradition, where every activity adds a new page, and where the community comes together to celebrate who we are.
MIDVALE . UTAH . GOV
JULY 2026 CITY NEWSLETTER MIDVALE . UTAH . GOV
Beyond the Weeds: Midvale’s Code Enforcement Explained Code Enforcement sounds like a uniform showing up with a tape measure telling you that your weeds are too tall. What Code Enforcement really is, is keeping your favorite restaurant clean, preventing your neighborhood from becoming a junkheap, and shutting down shady business operations. In short, Code Enforcement is health, safety, and quality of life. Lora Allgier is Midvale’s Code Compliance Officer. She is a Police Officer through Unified Police Department but works out of Midvale City Hall. “I care about Midvale and the people who call it home,” Allgier said. “I want them to feel safe and comfortable.” What is Code Compliance? City codes are local rules adopted by the City Council that help protect the community. They address issues that can impact neighborhoods, such as: • Overgrown weeds and vegetation • Accumulated junk or debris • Inoperable vehicles • Unsafe or deteriorating buildings • Illegal signs • Property maintenance concerns These standards help preserve property values, reduce health and safety hazards, and ensure neighborhoods remain enjoyable places to live. What else does a Code Enforcement Officer do? Business Safety & Licensing • Ensures businesses meet legal and safety requirements • Verifies licenses and permits • Enforces regulations for home-based businesses • Addresses illegal or unapproved signage Neighborhood Safety • Enforces property maintenance standards • Addresses unsafe or hazardous structures • Corrects unauthorized land use • Requires property owners to resolve violations What Happens if a Violation Isn’t Corrected? Once a code has been broken, Allgier will send a notice letter, with a deadline. If that deadline isn’t met, then anoth-
er notice is sent with a second deadline. “It takes time,” Allgier said. “People have time after a letter, then time after a follow-up. The process can take three to four months to bring people into compliance.” Of course, that depends on what the violation is. If it’s a dangerous business operation, then a stop-work order is issued. If it’s a weed or yard violation, the consequences may be different. If a violation continues after multiple notices and opportunities to correct it, the City may take additional enforcement steps as allowed by Midvale City Code and Utah law. These steps are designed to encourage compliance while ensuring that ongoing violations don’t negatively impact surrounding properties. In some situations, the City may perform the necessary work to correct the violation. If that happens, the costs incurred by the City may become the responsibility of the property owner. Those costs may be recorded as a lien against the property. A lien is not intended to be punitive. It is simply a legal mechanism that allows the City to recover the costs of work performed on behalf of a property owner. Fortunately, reaching that point is uncommon because most code compliance cases are resolved long before additional enforcement is necessary. Sometimes, what may seem like a violation may not be. For example, this year, a brown lawn. “If your yard looks beautiful and your neighbors doesn’t,” Allgier said, “it may simply reflect different watering habits. With the drought and people trying to conserve water, some residents are choosing to water less than they normally would.” We’re Here to Help Code Enforcement is a neighborhood and community support system, meant to help the community thrive and stay safe. “I would love for our community to think of us as a resource,” Midvale Precinct Police Chief April Morse said. “Things can snowball and get out of hand. Code Enforcement can be the communication to help you know how to help.” Code Enforcement is more than a notice on your door. It keeps your community safe, beautiful and a place to call home.
Keep Pets Safe During Utah’s Fireworks Season As Utah celebrates Independence Day on July 4 and Pioneer Day on July 24, Salt Lake County Animal Services is reminding pet owners to take extra precautions to keep their pets safe. Fireworks can be frightening for animals, and every year shelters see an increase in lost pets during fireworks season. Loud noises can cause even the calmest pets to panic and attempt to escape from homes, yards, or vehicles. Here are a few simple ways to help keep your pets safe: Make sure identification is current. Ensure your pet is wearing a collar with an ID tag and that their microchip information is up to date. Accurate contact information can make all the difference if your pet becomes lost. Keep pets indoors. Before fireworks begin, bring pets inside and make sure doors, windows, and gates are secure. Frightened pets have been known to break through screens, jump fences, and dig under gates while trying to escape loud noises. Create a safe space. Provide a quiet room where your pet can retreat. Close curtains or blinds, turn on a television or calming music, and offer favorite toys, treats, or food puzzles to help reduce stress. Exercise early. Take dogs for walks and outdoor activities earlier in the day before fireworks start. A well-exercised pet is often more relaxed during the evening. Leave pets at home. Fireworks displays and holiday gatherings can be overwhelming and stressful for animals. Pets are safest in a familiar indoor environment. Plan ahead for anxious pets. If your pet struggles with noise anxiety, speak with your veterinarian before the holiday to discuss options that may help keep them comfortable. If your pet becomes lost, contact your local animal control agency and area shelters as soon as possible. Community members who find stray pets can help by posting photos and location information on local lost-and-found pet resources and community groups. A little preparation can go a long way toward keeping pets safe and helping families enjoy both of Utah’s summer celebrations. For assistance with a lost pet, contact Animal Control Dispatch at 801-840-4000. Salt Lake County Animal Services is located at 511 W 3900 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84123. Questions? Call 385-468-7387 or email animal@saltlakecounty.gov.
Enhancing Public Safety Through Mental Health Support Not every 911 call is for a crime. Sometimes people are facing a mental health struggle, or need help with a family member in danger. Officers arrive to make sure everyone is safe. Elizabeth Garrity, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, stays to connect them with programs and services so it doesn’t have to happen to them again. “My commitment is providing more than just the immediate response,” Garrity said. “The whole idea is to provide those follow-up services, to connect community members with the resources they need to have long-term stability, long-term health.” “We bridge that gap and bring the empathetic and advocacy lens.” Garrity started in April this year and works at the Midvale Police Station. She responds with officers when she is in the office, or follows up with the person if she isn’t available when something happens.
She will get in touch with them in any way they need; face to face, over email, phone calls or texts. She’ll ask them questions like “Do you have insurance? Do you need a Medicaid application? If you are a parent, what support do you need? Do you need respite child care? A food bank?” Just like calling for the police, her help is free. “She’s incredible, we’re lucky to have her,” Midvale precinct chief April Morse said. “A social worker might reach them where officers can’t.” She bridges the gap between officers and the community. With her help, the officers are now receiving more mental health training to help them make decisions during crisis calls. These classes are on topics like intellectual disability, autism, substance use, and other mental health-related issues. Her presence in the police station also provides officers with
extra support. They can check with her about behavioral health questions before and after calls. “We want to expand our officers’ awareness,” Garrity said. “They’re never going to be clinicians, but they create safety for the person in the moment until I can respond with them.” Not every problem is best solved with a police officer. Many problems can be resolved with the right support, and Garrity is the first in Midvale to help residents find it. If you find yourself or your neighbor or family member in need, even before a crisis, reach out to the Midvale precinct and ask for Garrity. You don’t have to figure it out alone.