In The Middle of Everything City Hall – 7505 South Holden Street • Midvale, UT 84047
SEPTEMBER 2026 CITY NEWSLETTER
Midvale Monthly with Mayor Gettel From the Ashes: How Midvale Came Together After the North Union Fire 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
On the morning of July 31, smoke rose above the North Union Apartments, and within hours a fire that would burn for more than a day had forced roughly 220 families from their homes. It is the kind of morning no community wants to live through. And yet, in the days since, I have watched Midvale answer tragedy with something remarkable: a community that refuses to let its neighbors face hardship alone. In the first five days after the fire, I made it a priority to be with our affected residents as much as I possibly could, not behind a podium, but in the parking lots, the recovery centers, and the hallways of Union Middle School, where so many first landed after losing everything. I listened to story after story: families who grabbed pets and photo albums on their way out the door, neighbors who helped fellow residents down smoke-filled stairwells, strangers who became lifelines to one another in a matter of minutes. One resident’s cat, Toast Malone, was rescued more than 72 hours after the initial flames and became an unlikely symbol of hope for the whole complex. Touring the wreckage afterward, what struck me most wasn’t the damage. It was what didn’t happen. Every single resident made it out safely. Every firefighter who battled the fire for more than 27 hours went home to their own families. In the face of a four-alarm blaze and a partial roof collapse, that is nothing short of remarkable, and I will always be grateful for it. That outcome was made possible by the extraordinary work of our first responders, city staff, emergency partners, and volunteers who worked around the clock to keep people safe and begin the long process of recovery. Canyons School District was among the first to step up, quickly establishing Hillcrest High School as an emergency evacuation center and opening its doors to residents who needed a safe place to go. As the response continued, the emergency evacuation center moved to Union Middle School, where residents could continue accessing support and resources. But the District’s support didn’t stop there. An es-
timated 15 to 20 students have lost their homes in the fire, and the District has worked tirelessly to ensure that when those students are at school, they have the stability, support, and services they need during this difficult time. The District is also providing clothing, school supplies, and hygiene products to students and teachers affected by the fire. Their response is a powerful reminder that our schools are more than places where students learn; they are anchors in our community when our neighbors need them most. The Hillcrest High football team also stepped up in a big way. When their coach asked for help setting up the field house for first responders assigned to the fire, half the team showed up and went to work. These students gave their time and energy to make sure the firefighters and other responders working long hours had a place to rest and recharge. Their willingness to serve is a wonderful example of the compassion and community spirit that emerged throughout Midvale during this difficult time. Animal Control worked tirelessly to reunite residents with pets separated in the chaos. 211 Utah and United Way stepped in almost immediately to connect families with emergency resources and temporary lodging. The American Red Cross opened its doors that first day, and more than two weeks later, they’re still showing up for our residents. Habitat for Humanity mobilized to help residents think beyond the shelter and toward rebuilding. And countless Midvale residents opened their wallets, their guest rooms, and their hearts to neighbors they’d never met. The recovery is not finished. Many families are still finding their footing. But I made a promise to the residents of North Union, and I intend to keep it: I will be with every single one of you, every day, for as long as it takes to help you find your new normal.
In The Middle of Everything MIDVALE YOUTH COUNCIL APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN Are you a Midvale student who wants to make a difference in your community? Applications are now being accepted for the Midvale Youth Council! The Youth Council gives local students an opportunity to get involved in their community, learn about local government, develop leadership skills, and help shape the future of Midvale. Members work together on community projects, participate in city events, and share the perspectives and ideas of young people with city leaders. If you are interested in leadership, community service, government, or simply want to make a difference, we encourage you to apply! Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, September 21, 2026. Ready to get involved? Apply today and make your voice heard! Midvale.Utah.gov/2026-youth-council Have questions about the Youth Council or the application process? Contact Vanessa Guevara at vguevara@midvaleut. gov for more information.
Protect Yourself from West Nile Virus Mosquito activity is higher this year, with 86 mosquito samples testing positive for West Nile Virus (WNV) in Salt Lake County as of July 30. Statewide, 296 samples have tested positive, compared with 39 at this time last year and 18 in 2024. Because mosquitoes can travel several miles, everyone should take precautions to reduce their risk of mosquito bites. Mosquito season will continue until the first hard freeze. Protect Yourself and Your Family • Use an EPA-registered mosquito repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus; follow package directions about application. • Wear long sleeves and pants, especially after dusk. • Remove standing water from items such as buckets, toys, pet dishes, tires, and plant trays. • Keep gutters clear of debris. • Keep weeds and tall grass trimmed. • Make sure doors and windows have screens that are in good condition. • Maintain garden ponds and consider mosquito-eating fish or mosquito ducks. West Nile virus can cause symptoms such as fever, headache, and body aches. In rare cases, it can cause serious neurological illness. Adults over age 50 and people with weakened immune systems are at greater risk for severe illness, although anyone can become infected. If you develop symptoms after being exposed to mosquitoes and are concerned about WNV, contact your health care provider. There is no specific treatment for WNV, but symptoms can be treated. The best protection is prevention. Take a few minutes to eliminate standing water around your home and protect yourself from mosquito bites.
MIDVALE . UTAH . GOV
SEPTEMBER 2026 CITY NEWSLETTER
MIDVALE . UTAH . GOV Fall Bulky Waste Pickup Coming This October It’s time to clear out those larger household items! Midvale City’s Curbside Bulky Waste Program will return this fall, giving eligible residents an opportunity to dispose of bulky items that are too large for their regular trash container. The program is available only to Midvale residents who receive trash service directly through Midvale City. When will my bulky waste be picked up? Your bulky waste pickup date is based on your regular weekly trash pickup day: Regular Trash Day Fall Bulky Waste Pickup Monday Monday, October 19, 2026 Tuesday Wednesday, October 21, 2026 Wednesday Monday, October 26, 2026 Thursday Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Follow the Guidelines Before placing items at the curb, be sure to review the Curbside Bulky Waste Program Guidelines. Items that do not meet the program requirements will not be collected. Residents should also place their eligible bulky waste at the curb according to the program’s instructions and schedule. Homeowners Association (HOA) residents do not qualify for the program if their HOA contracts separately for trash service rather than receiving trash service through Midvale City. For complete information, including eligible and prohibited items and placement requirements, visit Midvale.Utah.gov/BulkyWaste and review the Curbside Bulky Waste Program Guidelines.
Is Your Pet Emergency Ready? Emergencies can happen with little warning. Recent fires in our community are an important reminder that having a plan for your pets before an emergency happens can make all the difference. Whether it’s a wildfire, house fire, severe weather, or another unexpected situation, taking a few minutes now to prepare can help you stay calm and make sure your pets are ready to go. Make a Plan Know where you can safely go with your pets if you need to evacuate. Identify friends, family, hotels, or other locations that can accommodate your pets. Never leave your pets behind during an evacuation. If it isn’t safe for you, it isn’t safe for them. Pack a Pet Emergency Kit Keep essential supplies together and easy to grab, including: • Food and water • Medications • Bowls • Leash, harness, or carrier • Waste bags or litter • Basic first-aid supplies • A familiar blanket or toy Check Identification Make sure your pet’s collar and ID tags have current information, and check that their microchip registration is up to date. Salt Lake County Animal Services offers free microchips for pets living in Salt Lake County with a valid pet license. Keep Important Information Handy Keep a recent photo of your pet along with vaccination records, medical information, medications, and your veterinarian’s contact information. A current photo can be especially helpful if you become separated. Be Ready Before You Need to Be You can’t always predict when an emergency will happen, but you can prepare for one. Take a few minutes this month to gather your supplies, update your pet’s identification, and make an emergency plan. A little preparation now can help keep your pets safe when it matters most. For more pet resources, licensing information, upcoming events, and more, visit AdoptUtahPets.org.