ON THE MOVE
South Salt Lake Newsletter
SSLC.GOV 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 sbynum@sslc.gov Portia Mila, District 4 801-792-0912 pmila@sslc.gov
SSL Listens to Residents’ Housing Needs and Priorities As your Mayor, I am dedicated to ensuring that our city is a productive, healthy, and vibrant community. Housing is one of the most critical issues facing our residents, and we know where you live is essential to many vital things such as childhood development, reducing intergenerational poverty, and promoting Mayor Cherie Wood good physical and mental health. That’s why our Community and Economic Development Team has been working hard to develop a Moderate Income Housing Plan that will better support our residents. Over the past several months our team has been out talking to residents, facilitating focus groups, and conducting a citywide survey to better understand the issues and needs around housing. So far, we have received responses from 500 people, and we are grateful for the valuable insights shared.
Vacancy, District 5 Natalie Pinkney, At-Large 385-775-4980 npinkney@sslc.gov Clarissa Williams, At-Large 505-879-2457 cwilliams@sslc.gov
With over 500 residents responding to the Housing Survey, one thing stands out, those in South Salt Lake love the diversity of our city and wish to preserve the integrity of their neighborhoods.
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 801-464-6757 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
NOVEMBER 2023
Overall, respondents are generally satisfied with their current living situation, especially with their access to transportation, the size of their homes, access to parks and open space, and the friendliness of their neighborhood. However, there is dissatisfaction with the cost of housing/rentals and the attractiveness of neighborhoods. The comments made range, from sharing what is working well in neighborhoods, to some with valid concerns. Here is a sampling of what we’re hearing: • “We live in a great neighborhood filled with great neighbors. We love the diversity.” • “I reside in a single-family home in a quiet neighborhood with good access to highways, parks shops and restaurants.” • “Most of the neighborhoods are filled with apartments or houses that are neglected with yards that are also neglected.” • “There is close access to stores and utilities work well. On the
flip side, there is a large population of unhomed individuals and I wish there was more infrastructure like green spaces that are geared toward community food support infrastructure and affordable housing instead of all the “luxury” apartments being built.” • “Like the house and location, very walkable, close to Trax, freeway, stores and small businesses. However, undeveloped tracts nearby have weeds, occasional homeless campers and lots of trash.” • “Not a lot of affordable options. My own apartment isn’t the best and is not very affordable either.” I am committed to addressing these concerns and working together to make quality and affordable housing available in our City. Our goal is to protect the integrity of our existing neighborhoods, increase access to green space, encourage the development of new affordable housing in areas with robust transportation networks, offer a variety of housing types, and provide programs to help residents overcome financial barriers. Together, we can build a thriving community where everyone can access safe, affordable, and attractive housing options. Thank you for participating in this important survey, and stay tuned for updates on our progress as my team and I work to find solutions to these challenges.
City News Public Meetings
For more info: www.sslc.gov
New High-comfort Bike Lanes
City Council
Election Information and Deadlines
Wed, Nov 15, 7 p.m.
Planning Commission Thu, Nov 2, 7 p.m. Thu, Nov 16, 7 p.m.
Civilian Review Board Mon, Nov 6, 6:30 p.m.
The holiday season is approaching and it’s time for SSL’s Merry & Bright yard awards. Nominate the best lit and donned homes in your neighborhood. Contact us at 801464-6757 or connect@sslc.gov.
South Salt Lake is proud to be a grant recipient of the RAISE grant initiative to improve active transportation in UTA’s service area. The grant funds will help construct a high-comfort bike lane (HCBL) in Downtown SSL. This project will create a safe walkable and bikeable route that connects to Parley’s Trail for residents and visitors to get around. The current plan is for the HCBL route to run south from 2100 S along Main St and West Temple to the Parley’s Trail. With an estimated cost of $2M, this project is a priority for the city and will be funded through a combination of the RAISE grant and local matching funds. We’re excited to move forward and will share updates as we make progress.
Per Utah bill HB 2001, Elections Amendment, the 2023 Municipal General Election has been moved to November 21 to accommodate a special election in the 2nd Congressional District. SSL is participating in Ranked Choice Voting for the City Council elections. You can find all of the SSL municipal candidate filings at www.sslc.gov >Government >Elections. For a list of all deadlines, ballot drop-off sites, and early voting and election day voting locations, visit www.slco.org/clerk. • Voter registration must be received by the county clerk before 5 p.m. on November 13 for the General Election. However, voters may register to vote at an early voting location or at a polling location on Election Day, November 21. Take at least two forms of identification to the polling location. • County clerks will start mailing out ballots beginning October 31. The last day to request a mail ballot is 5 p.m. November 14. • Early voting takes place November 14-17 from 3-7 p.m.
South Salt Lake City Council Action Report Summary
Full agendas, minutes, handouts, and video recorded meetings available at: www.sslc.gov/160/City-Council Date
Agenda Item
Subject
Action
Next Step
Regular Meeting 10/11 A Resolution
A Resolution of the SSL City Council Renaming the City Owned Park Located at 3116 S 500 E from the Mill Creek Trailhead Park to Kaleidoscope Park.
Approved
No further action needed
10/11 An Ordinance
An Ordinance of the SSL City Council Amending Chapter 17.06 of the SSL City Municipal Code to Correct Technical Errors and Amend Certain General Landscaping Design Standards.
Approved
No further action needed
Public Safety Kem and Carolyn Gardener Mental Health Crisis Care Center OPENING IN FEBRUARY 2025 If you’ve driven past lately, you’ve possibly wondered what is under construction along 3300 South and 1000 West. To assist, we reached out to Kevin Curtis, Crisis Services Director of the Huntsman Mental Health Institute to learn more about this new building’s purpose and how it will serve our community. When the Kem and Carolyn Gardner Crisis Care Center (CCC) opens its doors in 2025, it will be a welcoming haven for
adults experiencing a mental health crisis. The center aims to help individuals de-escalate, stabilize, and connect with community resources tailored to their specific mental health needs. By bringing together critical crisis services and various community resources in one accessible location, the center will serve as a stepping stone toward mental wellness. Patients and their families will feel safe, respected, and welcomed throughout every step of their care, thanks to the building’s design and operations. Kevin Curtis says, “When we open our doors, citizens of SSL no longer need to go to an emergency room, or leave their city to seek out mental health crisis support; they can walk in through the front doors to a best-in-class facility 24 hours a day; locate right in their backyard.” In addition, the CCC’s back door programs have been designed in close collaboration with SSL Police and the Salt Lake County Jail, providing new tools to increase safety near this site.” This facility will employ more than 200 people, providing potential opportunities for employment for SSL citizens interested in mental health care, but also bringing in new people to frequent SSL businesses and restaurants. The Huntsman Mental Health Institute is open to feedback about how they can better serve the needs of the community. To connect, visit healthcare.utah.edu/hmhi/programs/crisis-diversion
How We Serve: SSLPD Homeless Resource Officers
Message from SSLPD Chief Jack Carruth
I want to take a moment to introduce to you our Homeless Resource Officer (HRO) team who are specialized and focused on assisting community members experiencing homelessness within our city. SSL HROs are working diligently to fill the gap in services and provide assistance to those in need. SSL Police is allotted ten homeless resource officers supervised by one sergeant. These dedicated officers have attended enhanced crisis intervention training to better serve individuals experiencing crisis more effectively. These officers work closely with the Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI), particularly with the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT), local homeless centers operated by The Road Home, and the SSL Justice Court to provide care to those requiring additional support. Our HROs recently took part in visiting the new receiving center at the HMHI to better understand what is available to those in crisis. As we move forward, we will continue to prioritize initiatives that make a real difference in the everyday lives of our community members.
Coffee with a Cop Nov 1, 9-10 a.m. In-Person Délice Bakery & Café 2747 S State Street
Business Watch Nov 2, 5 p.m. Les Olson 3244 S 300 West
Neighborhood Watch Nov 2, 7 p.m.
Go to sslc.gov for the virtual link
Volunteer at the Pamela Atkinson Resource Center Want to get involved, donate, or find out more? Let’s point you toward TheRoadHome.org to volunteer!
Meet SSL’s New Emergency Management Coordinator South Salt Lake is excited to welcome Emergency Management Coordinator, Yasmin Abbyad, to our team. With a background in epidemiology and disaster preparedness, Yasmin brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our community. Growing up in New Orleans, LA which historically has faced several natural disasters, early on Yasmin’s father instilled in her the importance of preparedness and helping others in times of need. In August of 2005, Hurricane Katrina served as a wake-up call for many, including Yasmin, leading her to pursue a career in public health and community service. Yasmin is passionate about being an active member of the community and making a difference. She is dedicated to providing resources and empowering community members in times of crisis. With her expertise in disaster preparedness and public health, Yasmin is well-equipped to serve South Salt Lake and keep our community safe and prepared for any situation. To stay in the know, create an account at sslc.gov and opt in for city notifications, news, and emergency alerts.
South Salt Lake has an open board member position for the Civilian Review Board. This is an advisory board of individuals with some experience in law enforcement who encourage greater communication and accountability between the SSL Police Department and the community. This is a paid position and requires certain qualifications. Visit sslc.gov > Employment page for details.
SSL Community Centers
2530 S 500 East 801-412-3217
Preventing Diabetes Health Problems With November being National Diabetes Awareness Month, we wanted to remind our community that The Wellness Bus is at Central Park Community Center every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. People with or without insurance can receive free services and health screenings. When was the last time you checked your blood sugar levels? We hope you will visit The Wellness Bus soon!
SL County Senior Center EVENTS FOR NOVEMBER 2023 Special Meal: Birthday Special – Tuesday, Nov 7 Thanksgiving Special – Friday, Nov 17 (reservation required)
2797 S 200 East 801-386-4949
Live Entertainment at 10:30 am Belly Dance – Friday, Nov 3 Rich Dixon – Weds, Nov 8 BD Howes – Friday, Nov 17 Utah Old Time Fiddler – Weds, Nov 29 Stretching Yoga on Weds at 2:30 pm Chair Yoga on Fridays at 1:00 pm Choir Practice on Mondays at 12:30 pm Monthly Blood Pressure Checks with the Fire Department Every second Wednesday of the month. Weds, Nov 8 at 9:15 am Vital Aging: Monthly group Wellness Discussions with a licensed therapist Weds, Nov 1 at 10:30 am Call 801-539-7069 to make a one-on-one appointment. U of U Exercise Class (Strength Training) Tues and Thurs at 10:30 am
3280 S 540 East 801-803-3632
Teens attend the first ever TEEN TECH GAME NIGHT in October.
SSL Community Center – 2531 S 400 East 385-468-3340 Hours: 8:30 am – 4 pm
Your Medicaid review letter is coming. Don’t miss it! Do you or a family member currently have health insurance through Utah Medicaid? If so, here’s what you need to know. Be on the lookout for a review letter in the mail from the Department of Workforce Services (DWS). To ensure you receive this critical piece of mail: make sure your address, email and phone number are up to date by calling 1-866-608-9422. This review letter will tell you one of three things: • Utah is renewing your Medicaid coverage, or • Utah is ending your Medicaid coverage, or • DWS needs more information to determine if you or your family member still qualify for Medicaid. If so, a review form will be included. Remember: Update your address. We don’t want you to miss this important piece of mail.
2023 SEASON of SHARING
Each holiday season Promise South Salt Lake, South Salt Lake Youth City Council, and South Salt Lake Police Athletics and Activities League team up for our Season of Sharing. It’s a time for our community to come together and support families with the highest needs through the holiday season. We work with our local schools, afterschool programs, and City staff to get referrals of families in need. Together through the years, we have provided much-needed basic needs items and holiday wish list items for local kids and families. We are asking for your help in spreading holiday cheer. This is a great opportunity to get in the holiday spirit and get your family, friends, neighbors, clubs, church, businesses, and any others to come together to provide a special and memorable holiday season for yourselves and our neighbors. Contact Edward at elopez@sslc.gov or 801-455-1729 with any questions, request a family’s wish list, or schedule a donation drop-off. Contact Alli at alli@sslpal.org with any questions about monetary donations.
Su carta de revisión de Medicaid está llegando. ¡No te lo pierdas! ¿Tiene usted o un miembro de su familia actualmente un seguro de salud a través de Utah Medicaid? Si es así, esto es lo que necesita saber. Esté atento a una carta de revisión por correo del Departamento de Workforce Services (DWS). Para asegurarse de recibir este correo crítico: asegúrese de que su dirección, correo electrónico y número de teléfono estén actualizados llamando 1-866-608-9422. Esta carta de revisión le dirá una de tres cosas: • Utah está renovando su cobertura de Medicaid, o • Utah está finalizando su cobertura de Medicaid, o • DWS necesita más información para determinar si usted o su familiar aún califican para Medicaid. Si es así, se incluirá un formulario de revisión. Recuerde: Actualice su dirección. No queremos que se pierda este importante correo.
Together with help from Promise SSL and the SSL PAL, each year we provide basic need items and food for several local youth and their families.
Community Happenings Cheers to Craftoberfest 2023
To learn more and register for Community Art Classes visit SSLArts.org Wanna keep up with all events and classes tied with the South Salt Lake Arts Council? Create an account at sslc.gov and opt-in to receive our monthly SSL Arts Council E-Newsletter!!
ART55+ Creative Arts for Seniors
Instructor Laura Sharp Wilson Every Wednesday 10:00-11:30 AM SSL Community Center 2531 S 400 East FREE!
Craftoberfest 2023 People’s Choice Award
Congrats to our Craftoberfest 2023 People’s Choice Award; Elizabeth Walsh @elizabeth_walsh_art.
The SSL Arts Council would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the organizers, volunteers, and attendees who made this year’s event in October such a huge success. From the live music to the delicious food and drinks, there was something for everyone, including art activities for both kids and adults. With over 70 vendors and six custom barrels and kegs hand-painted by local artists, this year’s Craftoberfest was truly a celebration of SSL’s creative community.
Community Happenings 85 Year Celebration—Thank you, South Salt Lake! 85 years strong and South Salt Lake knows how to celebrate in style. From the little ones bouncing with joy to the silent disco, South Salt Lake’s 85th Celebration was a blast from start to finish. But the most unforgettable part had to be the drone light show. In the words of Mayor Cherie Wood, “As South Salt Lake turns 85, we celebrate the incredible progress we’ve made together. Let’s continue to build a future where we care for each other, embrace our diversity and inclusivity, and turn our plans into reality. Let’s continue to stand together as a unique and caring community.” We wish to also thank SSL’s Recreation Team and City Staff for making this magical evening happen. Thanks for celebrating South Salt Lake together! To learn more about SSL’s history, visit: sslc.gov
A New Indigenous Garden at Fitts Park
In honoring Indigenous People’s Day, on Monday, October 9, 2023, Mayor Cherie Wood acknowledged that the land we know and live on was originally home to the Yuta-Shoshone, Newe (Shoshone and Goshute), Núuchiu (Ute), Nuwuvi (Paiute), and Diné (Navajo) peoples for generations. This year, the city partnered with members of the Goshute tribe to plant the area west of Mill Creek at Fitts Park with edible and traditional native plants and trees, such as Globe Mallow, Pinyon Pine, and Mountain Mahogany. We hope this planting becomes a tradition between us and a way to honor the land.
New Bridges Mark the Completion of the Parley’s Trail Project
South Salt Lake is thrilled to announce the completion of the Parley’s Trail project—20 years in the making! This new connecting trail allows you to bike or walk from Millcreek, through Salt Lake City, South Salt Lake, and onto West Valley City, with easy access to the Jordan River Parkway. With two beautiful new bridges (going over 900 West and Jordan River) and pathways, enjoy a picturesque ride or stroll, and discover this natural waterway and hidden gem of our region! Learn more at: www.parleystrail.org