www.sslc.com
CITY NEWSLETTER
December 2020 Cherie Wood, Mayor 801-464-6757 mayor@sslc.com
South Salt Lake City Council Members LeAnne Huff, District 1 801-440-8510 lhuff@sslc.com Corey Thomas, District 2 801-755-8015 cthomas@sslc.com Sharla Bynum, District 3 801-803-4127 sbeverly@sslc.com Portia Mila, District 4 801-792-0912 pmila@sslc.com L. Shane Siwik, District 5 801-548-7953 ssiwik@sslc.com Natalie Pinkney, At-Large 385-775-4980 npinkney@sslc.com Ray deWolfe, At-Large 801-347-6939 rdewolfe@sslc.com
City Offices
BY APPOINTMENT 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
The Next 20 Years
WHAT THE CITY’S 2021 GENERAL PLAN MEANS TO YOU The topic of civic engagement may seem to some as unapproachable. To others it may seem like only those who are elected officials, play a role in our government, or have hefty credentials that really get listened or paid attention to. To challenge those beliefs, I want to stress why it is critically important that Mayor Cherie Wood you take an active role in sharing your story with us. As a City leader, I am involved in many decisions that impact life close to home and this can’t be done without you. We call South Salt Lake “a small city with big opportunities.” Over the past 10 years, the City has created its own downtown, added parks, trails, the S-Line streetcar, and has attracted new businesses. Our City now consists of a new generation of residents, a large and diverse refugee population, along with a core group who are 2nd and 3rd generation residents. 2021 poses a rare opportunity for South Salt Lake, we are planning Our Next Move with the development of a new General Plan. For those who live and work here, this General Plan serves to better capture the dreams and future needs of all our people— the residents of South Salt Lake. The plan’s survey, mapping and your input will help to call out the problems facing us now, such as
affordable housing (or lack of), public transit access, clean water, street maintenance and traffic issues, economic development, safety, equity concerns, and technology access to list a few. It also challenges us to think differently, jump into debates and deepdive into the analysis, and try to think bigger than just ourselves. An updated and strongly represented General Plan will provide the map so we can match your values and bring what you wish to see to South Salt Lake. So I ask today for you to look back on the last 10 years— Do you like where the City is going? What are the hits? What are our misses? As the legendary ice hockey player Wayne Gretzky once said, “You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.” Let’s not throw away our big shot to go further. What will be our next move as a City? We need your help to set the targets for the next two decades. • Take the General Plan Survey at SSLOurNextMove.org • Send your feedback to SSLOurNextMove@gsbsconsulting. com or call 801-214-0791 • Attend/Comment at City Council Meetings • Join a City Sponsored Council or Board (Promise SSL, Equity Council, YCC, Citizen Review Board) • Stay Informed: Read the OTM/Mayor E-Newsletter, social media or visit SSLC.com
City News City Council Corner – Holiday Cheer
SSL City Council Meetings Meetings likely electronic only, visit sslc.com for info. Wednesday, December 2, 7 p.m. Wednesday, December 9, 7 p.m
SSL City Planning Commission Meetings Thursday, December 3, 7 p.m. NOTICE: All meetings are subject to postponement, cancellation or live stream only. Check sslc.com for updates.
Corey Thomas, City Council District 2 I know Christmas is going to be hard for a lot of people this year with COVID. Here are a few things you can do to make it feel like the holidays with your household. 1. Decorate your home with festive cheer. 2. Bake and decorate Christmas cookies or a gingerbread house. 3. Hop on a video call with Santa with www.santasclub.com 4. Mix some cozy hot drinks and watch Christmas movies. 5. Make a commemorative ornament. 6. Mail Christmas cards or gifts to family and friends.
Thursday, December 24 Friday, December 25 Wishing you a safe and happy holiday!
10/28/20
Moved to Unfinished Business on November 4th Regular Meeting
Further discussion
Approved
No further action
Approved
No further action
11/4/20
Discussion of the Citizen Review Board Ordinance
Further discussion regarding the creation of a Citizen Review Board in South Salt Lake
Moved to Unfinished Business on a Future Meeting to be determined
Further discussion
11/4/20
Resolution adopting the Water Conservation Plan
A Resolution of the South Salt Lake City Council adopting the Water Conservation Plan Prepared in Summer 2020
This item was not ready to be presented and was moved to Unfinished Business on a meeting to be determined
Further Discussion
11/4/20
Got Walls? The South Salt Lake Arts Council is seeking walls located downtown for the 2021 Mural Fest. Find out more at: TheMuralFest.com Contact: Lesly Allen lallen@sslc.com
Next Step No further action
Resolution authorizing the A Resolution of the City of South Salt Lake City Council closure of the Columbus Authorizing and Approving Closure and Relocation of the Center Library Salt Lake County Library Facility currently operating out of the Columbus Center Public Hearing regarding An Ordinance of the South Salt Lake City Council Amending proposed amendment s to the 2020-2021 Fiscal Year Budget 2020/2021 Fund Budgets Resolution authorizing the A Resolution of the City of South Salt Lake City Council closure of the Columbus Authorizing and Approving Closure and Relocation of the Center Library Salt Lake County Library Facility currently operating out of the Columbus Center
10/28/20
Have your cans out on your typical pickup day by 7 a.m.
Note: Opinions expressed here may not be representative of all Members of the City Council.
Full agendas, minutes, handouts and video recorded meetings available at: sslc.com/city-government/council-meeting Date Agenda Item Subject Action 10/28/20 Resolution approving A Resolution of the City of South Salt Lake City Council The Council suspended the rules in order Amendment to Approving an Amendment to the Development Agreement to pass this Resolution. Approved. development agreement Entered into by the City of South Salt Lake and PG with PG Investments Investments 2, LC on November 6, 2019
South Salt Lake City Offices Will be closed for business:
Garbage service will remain on normal schedule for December.
Please remember those loved ones who might be celebrating alone and reach out to them, letting them know that they are on your mind. I hope everyone stays safe this holiday season and into the new year.
South Salt Lake City Council Action Report Summary
Holiday Closures
Garbage and Recycling Pickup
7. Host a virtual party through Zoom. 8. Cook a festive meal. 9. Make a holiday playlist. 10. Go sledding. 11. Go for a drive and look at Christmas lights.
Tips and Tricks for Winter Snow Removal
Winter is here, and that snow is on the way! While our Public Works Department is hard at work keeping the streets clear, here are a few things residents can do to help out. Remove snow from sidewalks and parking lots The owners of businesses and residences are responsible for removing snow and ice from the sidewalks in front of their building, as well as parking lots. Snow should be removed the same day it falls, or by 10 a.m. the next day if snow falls into the late evening. Keep snow out of the roads When shoveling your drive or walk, shovel the snow away from the road and onto your property. Clear the area by the road on the left side of your driveway, as this creates a good spot for plows to unload their snow. Be mindful when parking Parked vehicles impact snowplow operators. Avoid parking on any city street between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. Remember that it is illegal to park on a street or in an alley for more than 72 hours consecutively, and to leave unlicensed/ unregistered vehicles, or detached trailers on the street.
Priorities when plowing Public Works currently employs nine drivers who are assigned to seven designated snow plow routes. Plows are dispatched when there is at least one inch of accumulation on the roadways. Plowing will continue until the streets are safe to drive on. Priorities are as follows: • Major collector streets serving emergency facilities with heavy traffic • Subdivisions and streets serving schools, City offices, etc. • All other city roads, including dead-ends and culs-de-sac
For more info about CIty road maintenance topics, visit the website: sslc.com
Public Safety LET’S PLAY IT SAFE CRIME PREVENTION TIPS FOR THE HOLIDAYS While it is the season of giving, we also need to step it up and use our safety and crime-prevention smarts. It can be as simple as not hiding your spare house key in a predictable outdoor location, such as a mailbox, or under a doormat, or closing window shades to deter a possible theft. While these tips are applicable year-round, I’d like to share best practices as reminders for the Holiday Season. Around the House • Make sure all doors and windows have secondary locks (window pins, deadbolts, dowels, etc.) and use them! • Don’t hide spare keys in mailboxes or planters, or under doormats. • Add security lights to dark areas and entrances. • Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed so they do not conceal doors and windows or people. • Close windows and conceal the view of gifts from the outside. • Consider safe deposit boxes for coin and stamp collections, seldom-worn jewelry, stock bonds, etc. • Mail cards, checks, or gift certificates at the Post Office or at a blue USPS mailbox. • Lock your vehicle and remove all the valuables. Yes, even in your driveway!
When someone comes to the door • Use caution anytime there is a stranger at your door. • Be suspicious of unexpected sales calls or deliveries. Ask for identification. • Investigate charities before making donations. Ask how funds will be used. While You’re Away • Ask a trusted friend, neighbor, or Neighborhood Watch member to watch your home. • Stop mail and newspapers. • Install lights or radios on time-set devices.
Preparedness Tip #12: Locate Utility Shut-Off Valves Police Chief Jack Carruth
And if you become a victim of a theft For a potential missing delivery, verify first with your delivery service that your package was delivered. If you notice a suspect, note the description of their vehicle and license plate number, physical description, gender, hair color, height/weight, and clothes. For any emergency call 911, or connect with SSLPD dispatch at 801-412-3600. If you have a security camera, give a copy of the video to the police. The South Salt Lake Police Department wishes you a safe and enjoyable Holiday Season!
HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS With the Holiday Season fast approaching, the South Salt Lake Fire Department would like to remind you about fire safety. The celebration of the season brings with it an increased usage of electric lights, candles, space heaters, fireplaces and Christmas trees. Our main goal is to eliminate all emergencies due to holiday fires. We can all do our part in keeping our community safe by following these important points in order to have a firesafe holiday season.
HELPFUL TIPS Holiday Lights • Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets. • Do not overload electrical outlets. • Do not leave holiday lights on unattended. • If you display lights outside, make sure they are rated for outdoor use. Christmas Trees • The key to a safe tree starts at the sales lot. Once you find the tree you like, make sure you do the “Tap Test,” lift the tree up and tap it on the ground. If any needles fall off, this tree is already too dry. Look for another tree. • Make sure you keep your tree watered. Without daily watering, your tree could become highly flammable. • Never use outside lights on your Christmas tree. These lights can produce heat to dry out your tree. • Always turn your decorative lights off when leaving your home and before going to bed.
Candles • Keep candles at least 12 inches away from walls, curtains, trees, decorations or other materials. • Extinguish all candles when you leave the room or go to sleep. • Never leave a child or a pet alone with a burning candle in the room. • Make sure when you burn candles you Fire Chief do so in a stable, non-combustible holder. Terry Addison Fireplaces • Have your chimney inspected at least once a year and cleaned and repaired as often as necessary. • Always use a fireplace screen to prevent sparks from flying into the room. • Allow ashes to cool completely before disposing of them. • Store ashes in tightly covered metal containers, never in boxes or bags. Portable Space Heaters • Keep space heaters at least three feet away from walls, curtains, bedding or other materials. • Turn off space heaters when you leave the room. Never leave them on when you go to bed. • Plug cords only into outlets with sufficient capacity and never into an extension cord. The South Salt Lake Fire Department wishes you and your family a wonderful Holiday Season and a Happy New Year!
Some emergencies may require you to turn off your utilities. To prepare for this event, you need to be able to locate and effectively turn off the gas, electricity and water being supplied to your house. Keep necessary tools near gas and water shut-off valves. All adult members of the family should know how to turn off the utilities. However, if utilities are shut off to the house, a professional must turn it back on. Do not attempt to do this yourself.
Join us for a Citywide Neighborhood Watch Zoom Meeting December 3, 2020 7:00 p.m. Visit sslc.com for link
Join us for a Mens’ Homeless Resource Center Neighborhood Meeting Via Zoom December 16, 2020 3:30 p.m. Visit sslc.com for link
The South Salt Lake Police Athletic and Activities League (PAL) in partnership with Salt Lake Institute of Culinary Education (SLICE), donates several meals a week to families in need. If you are interested in nominating a family to receive one of these professionally prepared meals, call Officer Chase Hermansen at 801-412-3642.
Business & Development SHOP LOCAL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON ORSON GYGI
Orson Gygi has evolved from a restaurant wholesale kitchen supply store, to a shopping experience for anyone searching for anything kitchen related. They have everything you’ll need to equip your kitchen with quirky gadgets, boutique décor, and of course, all the essentials. Orson Gygi, 3500 S. 300 West, gygi.com
SOUND AND VISION VINYL
Sound and Vision Vinyl is a modern record store with an old school atmosphere. They specialize in the sale of vinyl records, compact discs, rock ‘n’ roll collectables and more. If they don’t have what you’re looking for in stock, they can order it! Sound and Vision Vinyl, 3444 S. Main Street, soundandvisionvinyl.com
CREATIVE OCTOPUS CREATIVE REUSE CENTER MEGALOPOLIS: CITY OF COLLECTIBLES
Megalopolis: City of Collectibles “the” online retailer for premium action figures and pop-culture fandom, with original toys and streaming content on mobile and web platforms. Megalopolis, 3753 S. State Street, megalopolis.toys
Clever Octopus Creative Reuse Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering creativity through art, science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The store is filled with reclaimed materials donated from businesses and individuals in and around the Wasatch Front. The store specializes in craft materials for any artist, crafter, student or parent. Clever Octopus Creative Reuse Center, 2250 S. West Temple, cleveroctopus.org
Community Happenings FOR THE NATURE LOVER/ADVENTURER: You don’t have to go far to enjoy the outdoors and recreate. Bundle up and take it outside. Here are a few suggestions: Jordan River Trail—Visit Tracy Aviary’s Nature Center at 3300 S. 1100 West S-Line & Parley’s Trail—Take a health break or simply take a selfie with the SSL sign at 500 East Mill Creek Trail at Fitts Park—Stroll the new trail west to 300 East through the nature area, if you’re up for it do some reps at the Fitness Course Volunteer with Tree Utah (TreeUtah.org, 801-3642122) to plant trees in SSL and neighboring areas Central Park—Shoot some hoops or meet a friend for a volley at the Pickleball Courts FOR THE ANIMAL LOVER: Want to help animals in need? Best Friends Animal Society’s kitten nursery is right here in SSL and accepts volunteers and loving donations— utah.bestfriends.org In the words of Margarita Satini, who tragically lost her life due to COVID-19 in late October and was passionate about activism, “The world you want requires you to be civically engaged.” Satini became a force for great good for those in our community and the Pacific Islander Community. Her legacy will be remembered by recognizing the power of taking public action and supporting the causes that one feels strongly about. 2021 brings us all a reset and new opportunities for personal growth and community unity. At the end of a pandemic, arctic storm, and 5.7 Richter scale year, we can look forward to a fresh start in 2021. Please join in and speak up—plug into your community, take that shot by getting involved, and make a difference in our future.
Donate pet food to the South Salt Lake Animal Shelter— sslc.com Fido needs to get out and socialize—the dog run at Lions Park (311 E. Robert Ave) is an excellent choice
Utah Community Action—utahca.org Odyssey House—odysseyhouse.org Volunteers of America—voa.org The Road Home—theroadhome.org NAMI Utah—namiut.org FOR THOSE WHO ARE IN NEED: United Way 2-1-1: By simply dialing 2-1-1, callers are connected to community resources such as assistance with paying rent and utilities, food, or mental health and medical services. Rent Relief: Utah Community Action: Applicants can call 801-359-2444 to find out if they’re eligible. Peer-to-Peer Support Groups through NAMI Utah: There is no need to register for support groups, for more information call 801-323-9900 or visit namiut.org FOR THE ARTIST: Support the arts and art education programs in SSL, sslarts.org Walk, bike or drive the SSL Arts Mural Tour, themuralfest.com Clever Octopus, 2250 S W Temple, 801-441-0866, cleveroctopus.org Signed & Numbered, 2320 S W Temple, 801-596-2093 SugarPost Metal, 80 Truman Ave., 801-832-9235, sugarpost.com
SSL’S GIVING GUIDE 2020 Show your Thanks & Community Spirit
You made it to December 2020, congrats! And perhaps you’re feeling a little less than festive for the upcoming holidays? Here’s a switch. For your consideration, we’ve created a “very good list” of simple ways to give back and boost the spirits of our community in ways no air fryer or novelty coffee mug ever could.
FOR ANYONE: There are those of us less fortunate who deserve all the love a community can offer. Organizations like these listed are in need of our help. 12% of Utahns don’t know where their next meal will come from. Next time you shop at WinCo Foods, fight hunger by purchasing and donating non-perishable food items to the Utah Food Bank, utahfoodbank.org.
FOR THE FOODIE: Buy gift cards for local restaurants, bakeries, distillers, breweries, and coffee shops. Purchase a delicious meal from Spice Kitchen Incubator (spicekitchenincubator.org), the International Rescue Committee (IRC) program supports refugee entrepreneurs. Take a class from SLICE (Salt Lake Institute of Culinary Education), sliceutah.com FOR THE CITY ACTIVIST: Keep up with the City, Mayor and City Council on social media, newsletters or attend city council meetings. COVID-19 has made it easier than ever to tune in via Zoom. We want to hear from you about your thoughts and feelings on community issues. Volunteer with Promise SSL, sign up for the digital newsletter, and see ways to keep in touch at sslc.com.
Community Happenings 1-11
DECEMBER
Virus Rec-ed Holiday
Join us during the first 2 weeks of December to find ornaments hidden throughout the City.
Preregister to participate
email Myrna mclark@sslc.com Registration closes Nov. 27
We are currently assessing gym space and the ability to safely run a basketball program this winter. Check back in January for more information. Format will most likely include small skills clinics, with the possibility of games.
It appears the virus Rec-ed Breakfast with Santa. In this pandemic year 2020, we have been cooped up and feeling crummy. Our endearing Recreation crew has decided to bring some cheer to you!
So all ye merry citizen, lace up your boots and listen ~ Rudolph, Santa, Frosty and clan have some fun activities and tasks at hand.
New Park Opens on 500 East – Bickley Park Kids all around South Salt Lake are celebrating! After much anticipation a new park and playground opened adjacent to the Columbus Center and is unlike anything they have seen before. The park has a very special purpose – to truly welcome everyone. It is designed for kids of all ages, all abilities, and all backgrounds. It is next door to the Columbus Center, a former school with a special place in Utah’s history where young people of all abilities could receive an education that served their unique needs. Naturally, when community members asked for an allabilities park, we knew it had to be here. From a distance, the playground looks a little bit like aliens landed and set up camp. The “Hedra” playground is a bunch of 3D hexagons connected by ropes, rubberized ramps, ladders, and of course a slide. It has dozens of different faces and nooks to explore, and ways to get around, no matter your ability or challenge level. The playground also has a large spinning globe to climb, a double “friendship” swing, a 4-person teeter totter and musical instruments. Everything was chosen to let kids discover new challenges and make new friends in the process. The playground hits a sweet spot for kids who like to swing, climb, rock, slide, jump, play music, or simply chat. If you like games, there is a ping pong, cornhole, and a pickleball court that can be converted to a soccer or hockey court. It is a great place for grandparents and grandkids to play together. The Columbus Senior Center is certain to enjoy the park, too. In this spirit of welcoming and including everyone, the park was named in honor of two remarkable city residents, Ida and Laurie Bickley. This dynamic duo volunteered at the Columbus Library, three days a week, for over 14 years, until the library recently closed. Ida has become known for her rousing speeches and rallying for neighborhood causes at City Council meetings, in her 90s! Laurie is something special, too. Always at her mother’s side she shares her unforgettable spark and smile with our community and library patrons. This is a rare opportunity to honor hometown heroes, and help write new chapters in our city’s history. Congratulations and thank you to Ida and Laurie!
Promise Physically Distanced, Socially Connected Events play an important role in building a sense of community and providing resources—both of which are especially needed right now. The shift to virtual events forced staff to think creatively, but with its challenges reminded us that there just really is nothing like an inperson gathering. Promise South Salt Lake along with other community partners worked hard to come up with opportunities for in-person events when permitted and witnessed great turnouts. Youth from Historic Scott School’s elementary afterschool program put together their very own recipes for healthy Halloween treat alternatives, while Commonwealth’s teen program wrote, filmed, and edited their own thriller, “The Challenger”. For each, their families had the opportunity to take home copies of these projects along with some other great goodies. Our youth participated in a live-action version of “Among Us” and a mummy challenge. Central Park Community Center hosted an event in partnership with Community Nursing Services, The Wellness Bus, OCA Asian Pacific American Advocates, Clean Energy Utah, and the Natural History Museum of Utah. This event provided flu shots, groceries, energyefficient light bulbs, curiosity kits inspired by museum collections, and information about helpful local resources. The chilly weather did not stop the community from showing up and taking full advantage of everything that was offered. Seeing the community come out and get together in a safe way put a smile on all of our masked faces. Thank you to everyone that came, volunteered, and helped us to stay safe!
Child Development Tip South Salt Lake Early Learning Network
Why?
As you clean up with your child ask them questions. “Where do you think the pot should go? Should we put it with these bowls or with these pots?” When they answer, ask them “Why?” or respond with “Interesting” to encourage their thinking about how things work.
What they’re learning Children learn best through asking questions, exploring, and experimenting just like scientists. When you ask them questions that help them think about where things go, their critical thinking skills are being developed.
Want more Vroom Tips? Text BABY to 48258 or Download the free Vroom App Check out our Parenting Group on Facebook! Scan the QR code to join
3 New Awards for Promise SSL Recently three staff members from Promise SSL were presented awards. We honor their contributions and hard work in serving our youth and community. To find out more, Kelli Meranda, Director of Promise SSL shares her thoughts about each of them. Lauren Levorsen UAN Afterschool Program Site Coordinator of the Year A hallmark quote of Lauren Levorsen is, “I’m not going to ask my staff to do anything that I wouldn’t step in to do myself.” She possesses many skills and strengths, all of which lead to a high-quality program at Moss Elementary that helps youth, families and the community at large. Strong bonds are important to Lauren, and she has been able to create partnerships to expand services to refugee youth, founded citywide councils to meet the community’s needs, and share resources. Above all, Lauren deeply loves the youth and works hard to create a positive and supportive program for them. With COVID-19 closures, Lauren adapted to continue to provide connections and learning. We wish to praise and express gratitude for Lauren and her many years of service. From organizing an event which showcased multicultural groups with the theme of faith and unity, to building bridges with parents and guardians, to parenting her own and finding a way to juggle it all. Yuri Perez—UAN Afterschool Teacher of the Year There’s really no way to capture what Mr. Perez does in a single statement. He is a beloved teacher at Cottonwood High and instructs the majority of the math sections to the English Language Learners (ELL). Yuri is also the advisor of the afterschool Robotics Team, who in their first year landed at a national competition in Texas. He works year-round, during the school year, afterschool five days a week and even during the summer, offering homework help to all students. Teaching about 70% of the youth in the ELL program, he is able to help them succeed in all subjects, and math in particular. He supports the afterschool staff in complex math homework so that they can also tutor students. He advises on how to support their mental, emotional and academic well-being. In summer, Yuri leads a 6-week long Jumpstart program to aid refugee and ELL students in graduation. It’s difficult to sum up all that Mr. Perez gives to his students, but it isn’t hard to understand why he is exponentially loved by them! Edward Lopez—2020 Heroes for Utah Philanthropy Day Edward is a force to be reckoned with. He works tirelessly for the SSL Community, making sure residents have their basic needs met and a voice in municipal government. As the pandemic hit, Edward was quick to get communication channels with residents. He was connecting individuals to weekly grocery deliveries, setting up meal programs for youth and seniors, and following up with families to ensure they had what they needed. Edward worked with a health partner to get COVID-19 testing site in SSL, focusing on reaching underserved communities. He has also been looking for resources to aid residents with utility payments, rental support, and job acquisition. Besides connecting families to basic needs, Edward was cognizant of the community’s mental health. While Edward has provided incredible resources during the COVID-19 Pandemic, he is always an advocate and resource for our South Salt Lake community. In his time with SSL, he has built long term relationships of trust with residents.