City of Taylorsville Newsletter 2600 West Taylorsville Boulevard • 801-963-5400
MAYOR'S MESSAGE
www.taylorsvilleut.gov
September 2021
Take a Virtual Tour of the Taylorsville-Bennion Heritage Center
Dear Friends and Neighbors, I want to commend our community — each of you — for all you have been doing over the past year and half to look out for each other and one another’s health as we have been combatting an unprecedented, global pandemic. I know it hasn’t been easy, and hope that you’ll hold on a little longer. When the vaccine was made Mayor Kristie S. Overson available earlier this year, I was hopeful that we would be able to move past these trials and return to normal life. But unfortunately, the virus has continued to spread and the COVID-19 Delta variant is presenting new challenges. So we must remain vigilant. Fortunately, with our experience from this same time last year, we know what to do. Masking and social distancing work. I urged such with mayors from across the valley at Real Stadium last summer, and undeniably, mask use and distancing of 6 feet slowed this deadly virus. Masks work because the virus spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks. Wearing a mask over your mouth and nose can help contain those droplets. Likewise, distancing prevents the coronavirus from being inhaled between people in close proximity. This is why it is recommended that we still wear masks when we cannot move apart, particularly indoors and among large groups of people. We also now have a vaccine, a true godsend. I don’t mind sharing that I have been vaccinated and suffered no ill effects. With the vaccine, I feel more protected from the virus and that I am doing my part to ensure others are not inflicted. I am also mindful of our health care workers and stretched hospitals. I am beyond grateful for their efforts and want to ease their burden. Additionally, although the Delta variant is twice as infectious as the original strain, people who are fully vaccinated appear to be infected for a shorter period of time, and even if a vaccinated person experiences a breakthrough case, the associated symptoms and illnesses are highly reduced. The vast majority of all COVID-19 deaths, hospitalizations and cases in Utah are happening to people who are not vaccinated. If you still have concerns, please talk to your doctor. You can also find trusted information about the vaccine, as well as locations to get it, on the state’s website: coronavirus.utah.gov I know we can beat this. In fact, I’m confident we will emerge even stronger, primarily because we care. We care about one another. We are all friends and neighbors; we are a community. We are Taylorsville. –Mayor Kristie S. Overson
WHAT’S INSIDE – SEPTEMBER 2021 Frequently Called Numbers, Page 2 Council Corner, Page 3 Public Safety, Pages 4 and 5 Heritage Remembrances, Page 7 Environment, Page 8
You can now take a virtual tour of the Taylorsville-Bennion Heritage Center. The Taylorsville Historic Preservation Committee has put together 10 videos highlighting the museum. Learn more about the historic home, see the animals, or take a peek at the schoolhouse, blacksmith shop and more. You can even pay a virtual visit to the bathrooms! Watch one video, or all 10 at www.taylorsvilleut.gov/our-city/museum/virtual-tour, then visit the Heritage Center in person. It's located at 1488 W. 4800 South. “There are so many unique pieces in this historic home, that is now our Taylorsville-Bennion Heritage Center,” said Mayor Kristie Overson. “We are so lucky to have this treasure in our community and for the dedication and commitment of our Historic Preservation Committee to honor and preserve our past.” The Historic Preservation Committee is sending letters to Taylorsville teachers letting them know about the availability of the virtual tour so that they can view the videos of the museum with their students. The committee also has hosted in-person tours for school children for many years. The museum is open Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday evening from 6 to 9 p.m, and Saturdays, 2 to 6 p.m. This month is an especially good month to visit the museum, since Sept. 18 is national Museum Day. The annual celebration is sponsored by Smithsonian magazine in promotion of boundless curiosity and to raise public awareness of the role museums play in the development of society. You can also view a photo gallery highlighting the museum on Page 6 of this section.
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City of Taylorsville Newsletter Census Shows Taylorsville Population Up a Bit
Police Department
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Taylorsville Code Enforcement
EVENTS SEPTEMBER 2021 Sept. 6 – all day
New Census numbers indicate a slight increase in population for the City of Taylorsville. The city’s population in 2010 was 58,652 while 2020’s numbered 60,448 people. Taylorsville’s population for 2024 is estimated to approach 63,000. Overall population has not increased dramatically in the past, but with the increasing number of multi-family units being built in the city, population continues on the upswing. “Each new development will impact the population density of Taylorsville,” said Mayor Kristie Overson. “Since our community is landlocked and almost entirely built out, this type of growth will likely be the avenue for the greatest future increase in Taylorsville's population. Regardless of the type of housing, we recognize that each resident enhances the need for city services.” Also of note, ethnic minorities make up about 37% of the population, or nearly 23,000 people in Taylorsville. The Census Bureau released 2020 data this past month to help states create new political districts as required by the Constitution. Overall, Utah leads the nation as the fastest growing state, with an 18.4% in population from 2010 to 2020. Utah now has 3,271,616 million residents, as reported by The Salt Lake Tribune. Salt Lake County’s population rose by 155,583 people to 1,185,238, a 15.1% jump. Utah County, the state’s second most populous county, added 142,835 residents, growing to 659,399, representing a 27.7% increase in 10 years. The U.S. population now stands at 331,449,281, up 7.4% from 2010 — its second lowest rise in 10 years since the 1930s.
MOVIES IN THE PARK
Labor Day. City Offices are closed in observance.
Sept. 1 & 15 – 6:30 p.m. City Council Meeting @ City Hall and online. Watch a live-stream of the meeting on the city’s website, www.taylorsvilleut.gov
Sept. 11 – all day 9/11 20th Anniversary. Please consider extending an act of service or kindness to others in remembrance of those we lost.
1th
Sept. 1
Don't miss our final movie night this summer!
Sept. 11 – 8 p.m. Movies in the Park @ City Hall, west lawn. Showing is ‘Trolls World Tour.’ Popcorn, cotton candy (or ‘troll hair’) and games at 8 p.m. Movie starts at dusk. See adjacent ad.
Sept. 14 – 7 p.m. & Sept. 28 – 6 p.m. Planning Commission Meeting @ City Hall.
Sept. 29 – 6 p.m.
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Wor 'Trolls
Movie starts at dusk
@ City Hall West Lawn
Let’s Talk Taylorsville @ City Hall. Find our calendar of events every month on the city’s website, where you can also submit your own events for possible publication. Go to www.taylorsvilleut.gov
Sponsored by the Parks & Rec Committee
2600 West Taylorsville Boulevard • 801-963-5400 |
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COUNCIL CORNER Summer was Filled with Fun as Taylorsville Marked its 25th Birthday By Council Member Meredith Harker Summer 2021 has come and gone, and I think it was the fastest summer ever. As a school teacher, I look forward to summer every year as a chance to rejuvenate, relax, rest and be with my family. The problem is, it's just too short! There were so many fun things happening in Taylorsville these last few months, and you know what they say, “Time flies when you are having fun.” Of course, the biggest Taylorsville event this summer was Taylorsville Dayzz. This year was extra special because we were celebrating 25 years as a city. There were concerts, rides, booths, food, a parade and the most amazing fireworks show in the state to celebrate this silver anniversary. The 5K and Kids Fun Run, held in conjunction with Taylorsville Dayzz, also drew more than 200 participants. As part of the festivities, we even passed out 1,000 Nothing Bundt Cakes after thousands of people sang Happy Birthday. It was a celebration not to be missed, and I don’t think many people did. It was the most well attended Taylorsville Dayzz in history. Movies at City Hall was another fun-filled family event that brought out a lot of Taylorsville citizens to
enjoy a night outside. We had four movies (one each month of summer). The events included music, prizes, snow cones, popcorn, games and a great show. This is a tradition that the Parks and Recreation Committee is hoping to make even bigger and better next year with the opening of Centennial Plaza right in front of City Hall. Work progressed this summer on our “Loving Labrum Park” project where the Parks and Recreation Committee is helping to turn water-wasting grass into a waterwise educational landscape. Residents will be able to learn about ways they can improve their own yards. This project has been a labor of love from volunteers around the city who want to improve the park. The Green Committee also hosted the city’s annual clean-up event, with hundreds of residents disposing of unwanted and dangerous materials. It took many volunteers to make the Collection Day happen and once again, Taylorsville was able to get it done! Literally tons of items were collected for recycling and disposal. In addition, the Ar ts Council put on their production of Peter Pan Jr. this past month, their first performance in the new Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center. The council also held an Arts Show over the summer that asked artists to submit art reflective of Taylorsville, in commemorating our anniversary. It was
LEFT TO RIGHT: Dan Armstrong (District 5), Curt Cochran, Chair (District 2), Meredith Harker (District 4), Anna Barbieri, Vice Chair (District 3), and Ernest Burgess (District 1)
fun to see paintings of the Taylorsville Dayzz fireworks, the beautiful landscape in our city, drawings of City Hall and more. All summer, I saw lots of people biking, running, walking and playing in Taylorsville. The pool was full every day with people trying to beat the heat. There is always something fun to do in the city. I hope you take some time to get out and enjoy all Taylorsville has to offer, no matter the season.
Summit Vista Continues to Expand with New Services, Facility The Summit Vista retirement community in Taylorsville has added a key component to its services. It has opened a beautiful new assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and rehabilitative care facility called Meadow Peak. The new center is 150,000 square feet and located at 3390 W. Signal Peak Drive. The skilled nursing section of the facility opened in April, and the memory care and assisted living sections open Sept. 16. “Meadow Peak is the crowning achievement at Summit Vista because it allows residents to receive all the healthcare services they need without having to leave their home,” said Marc Erickson, Summit Vista CEO and executive director. Mayor Kristie Overson thanked Summit Vista for all their contributions to the community. “This is a wonderful addition,” she said when the skilled nursing section was opened in the spring. “The architecture is beautiful and the attention to detail remarkable. We also know that the level of care will be outstanding.” The addition built by Gardner Company, has 54 assisted living apartments with 22 studios, which includes 20 one-bedrooms
and 12 two-bedrooms; 20 memory care suites; 63 skilled nursing with 75 beds; 51 private skilled nursing suites; and 12 semiprivate skilled nursing suites. Pricing, which varies depending on the suite, starts at $3,600 per month. All supportive personal- and health-related services are available 24 hours a day, with each service designed to assist residents with the various activities of daily living, while helping them maintain their personal lifestyle. “We’ve found a key to quality care is to provide each resident with an individualized care plan, which includes everything from nutritious eating to socializing and transportation activities,” Erickson said. Mission Health Services and CNS will provide higher levels of care and additional health services. Summit Vista is a 105-acre gated campus that provides an active senior living community and offers residents worry-free living, exceptional amenities, and an onsite continuum of care that includes independent living, assisted living, home care, nursing care, memory care and rehabilitation services. For more information, visit SummitVista.com online.
Letterto the Editor
I have been a para-educator at Murray School District for 10 years. On July 1, I was eating dinner at the Texas Roadhouse Restaurant in Taylorsville. While eating, a large piece of prime rib was stuck in my throat, and I could not cough or breath. Restaurant employees called 911, and firefighters and paramedics immediately responded to this emergency call. They saved my life, and I can’t thank them enough for this and all the other emergencies they respond to. I was very impressed and thank all first responders and paramedics for their dedication and service. —Dennis Kaplanis
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City of Taylorsville Newsletter
| www.taylorsvilleut.gov
An Officer’s Perspective: Police Work is All About Service By TVPD Det. Daniel Christensen Chief Brady Cottam recently presented a message to Taylorsville Police personnel. He thought about sharing all the statistics, training hours, successes and details about work that still needs to be done as we continue forward with our own Taylorsville City Police Department. However, he stopped and instead emphasized what has been the overarching message most important to him and all our city leaders. That message provides the very foundation of TVPD’s values of transparency, respect, innovation, connection and collaboration (as outlined by Mayor Kristie Overson in last month’s Taylorsville Newsletter). It is a message, Chief Cottam said, that all boils down to serve “the people.” Police work can be very busy with mounds of paperwork, training and statistics gathering. While those all play a role, they don’t begin to scratch the surface of the true purpose of a police officer. The message of serving “the people” is refreshing as it is the reason why officers enter this profession in the first place. What statistics cannot gather and what often goes unnoticed, even at times by officers themselves, is the
connection between an officer and the people they serve. It is difficult to measure the positive impact an officer can have on an individual. Often happening but seldom told are those experiences where an officer has positively impacted or even changed a person’s life, an individual, for the better. An individual changed for the better can have an immeasurable rippling effect through the community.
6200 South at Bangerter Highway is Closed for Safety Crews have closed east-west access at 6200 South across Bangerter Highway due to a high number of accidents at the intersection. The closure will remain in place through mid-November. Utah Department of Transportation officials gave details about the closure at a press conference on Aug. 19 near the intersection. "We are seeing drivers run red lights to get through the intersection," said UDOT Public Information Officer John Gleason. "It is causing a significant number of crashes and an extremely dangerous situation." In fact, the intersection had been averaging a crash every other day. In all, there were 25 crashes since July 3, and 18 of them — or 72 percent — were caused by drivers running a red light. Four were rear-end crashes and one involved a DUI, Gleason said. As a result, UDOT officials decided the best course of action was to close the 6200 South intersection across Bangerter Highway.
Drivers, residents and businesses can expect: • East-west travel at 6200 South across Bangerter is closed • North-south travel on mainline Bangerter remains open; drivers will have free-flow travel with the permanent removal of the traffic signal • Right-hand turns on/off Bangerter at 6200 South are open Joining Gleason at the press conference was Taylorsville City Police Chief Brady Cottam. "We support the decision and trust UDOT's expertise," he said. Chief Cottam echoed the concern, noting that most of the accidents have resulted in significant property damage and some injuries. He also pointed out that clearing a crash and processing the scene takes time, which results in additional delays to traffic at the intersection. Gleason noted that the construction zone was designed to all safety standards and that the problems have stemmed from the way drivers are actually navigating the intersection. "We realize it’s hard to be patient when you’re stuck at a red light, sometimes for several cycles," he said. "But with a crash every other day, these are the very real consequences we are seeing." Construction of the freeway-style interchange began in spring 2020 and it is expected to be complete this fall.
Some of those immeasurable aspects of a police officer’s job include taking extra time to counsel with a troubled couple, helping a struggling parent with wayward child, removing an addict from temptation, helping a victim who cannot get away from a perpetrator, being a mediator in a very personal dispute, serving as a role model to someone who may not have one, or preventing a perpetrator from victimizing community members. Each of these require officers to listen, understand and present solutions to solve the situation at hand. Often the officer hopes but does not know they made a difference, and only sometimes are lucky enough to find out they did. Chief Cottam’s goal when it came to hiring officers to serve the Taylorsville community was simply to hire a diverse group of good people. When we were sworn in as officers with the Taylorsville City Police Department, we swore an oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of Utah. We swore an oath to “the people” and it’s “the people” whom we will continue to serve as we move forward as our own Taylorsville Police Department!
2600 West Taylorsville Boulevard • 801-963-5400 |
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Parade Honors Taylorsville Teen’s Life More than 300 cars from various car clubs around the state traveled to Taylorsville in late June in support of 19-year-old Gabriel “Gabe” Groves and his journey fighting a rare brain tumor. A parade in his honor was held just a few weeks before his death. Taylorsville firefighters — who formed a long relationship with Gabe beginning more than 12 years ago — helped organize the parade, along with Miracle Mascots and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. An avid car enthusiast, Gabe made quite an impression within his community, said Capt. Richard Rich of the Unified Fire Authority and fire liaison to Taylorsville. “Gabriel’s Final Wish Parade” on June 28 started at Fire Station #118 and ended in front of his home in Taylorsville. “Everything from jalopies to high-end super cars” were part of the parade, which extended more than an hour and a half as cars circled the parking lot at City Hall to queue, Capt. Rich said. “It was a touching event.” Friends, family and many others within the community spent the afternoon together watching vintage cars go by and celebrating Gabe’s final days in style. Gabe passed away on July 20. His obituary describes him as “a perpetual, pure child at heart throughout his life.” He most enjoyed car washes, Christmas, mascots and movie villains, and calling people on the phone. “Gabe loved anyone and everyone, and had a unique gift of bringing people together to share in the things he loved,” his obituary states. “Gabe made everyone feel welcome, and showed his excitement and love for each person each time he would see them.” "We were so sorry to hear about Gabe's passing,” said Capt. Rich. “He was an amazing young man, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. We are glad that we were able to participate in the parade that he wanted and share in his special day. We will forever cherish those memories."
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City of Taylorsville Newsletter
Rediscover the Heritage Museum and its Treasure Trove of History The Taylorsville-Bennion Heritage Center’s mission is to tell the story of the first 100 years of the Taylorsville and Bennion communities. It aims to help the Taylorsville community keep a sense of identity, an affirmation of individuality and evidence of continuity. Did you know, for instance, that the museum was a home built in 1906 by the Frame brothers? Or that David and Clara Jones raised nine children there and operated a dairy farm next door? Originally, the home sat on 17 acres. In the kitchen, you can see all the steps it once took to make bread and in the parlor, you can hear the beautiful music of the historic pump organ and restored square, grand piano. Listen to the antique Sonora Victrola; see the original claw foot bathtub and pull-chain water closet. Take a peek at the old coal stove from the "Good Old Days" era, and listen to the docent tell of the Taylorsville-Bennion history since 1848. It’s all at the museum, located at 1488 W. 4800 South, or take the virtual tour online at www.taylorsvilleut. gov/our-city/museum/virtual-tour. You’ll be amazed at all that you will learn!
2600 West Taylorsville Boulevard • 801-963-5400 |
Taylorsville Bennion Heritage REMEMBRANCES
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TAYLORSVILLE SENIOR CENTER 4743 S. Plymouth View Drive
Grab Lunch, Visit with Friends at the Senior Center The Taylorsville Senior Center, 4743 S. Plymouth View Drive, offers lunch daily from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Just get a ticket at the front desk, and view the menu, as well as a program schedule, online at www.slco.org/ taylorsville-senior-center Remember becoming a member is free and it allows you access to the Taylorsville Senior Center and all the other county Senior Centers. Come in and see Daisy to fill out an intake form to get an access card.
This month’s article features artifacts from the museum, rather than people. Pictured is a McCormick International Harvester Model 201 Windrower that was donated by the Samuel Swartz Smith estate. Housed under the old barn north of the Taylorsville-Bennion Heritage Center, the swather was donated and driven to the museum by Hyrum Smith in 2014 and is available for the public to view. So what is a swather? It is a farm implement that cuts hay or small grain crops and forms them into a windrow, a long line laid out for drying. Swathing, or windrowing, is more common in the northern United States and Canada because the curing time for grain crops is reduced by cutting the plant stems. Combines are used in regions where grain crops are usually left standing in regions where there are longer growing seasons. Samuel Schwartz Smith, who lived at 2481 W. 5400 South and farmed in the Taylorsville-Bennion area, bought this swather as a used machine around 1970. The swather, with its 12-foot cutting blade, was like a dream come true for him. It would do three operations in one: first the cutting, then the raking, and finally the crimping of the hay. Years before, a team of horses pulled a 5-foot blade hay mower. Then one of the Smith boys would rake the hay with a dump rake and, with the use of hand pitchforks, put it in piles for loading on the horsedrawn wagons. Two of Smith’s sons used this swather from his death in 1983 until 2005 to cut their own hay. It was then stored in a shed for nine years until 2014. In the pictures, you can see Hyrum Smith driving the swather to the museum. It was donated on July 8, 2014. “As the last of the Taylorsville area farmland is being developed, we as his family believe Samuel would be very happy to donate this swather to the Taylorsville-Bennion Heritage Center’s collection of artifacts,” his family said upon donating the equipment. “This machine will help tell the history of farming in the Taylorsville-Bennion area to those who visit the Center.”
Don’t Miss These Library Events The Taylorsville Library has planned several programs during the month of September. You’ll want to mark your calendar for these events: Virtual Adult Lecture: Making Reading Fun Again Monday, Sept. 13, 7 p.m. How can we convince children that reading actually matters? Dr. Paul H. Ricks will answer this and other questions and discuss what makes and breaks the reading experiences of young learners. Register for this event at https://tinyurl.com/5zpc5za3 Virtual Adult Lecture: How Star Trek Changed the World and Why It Still Matters Tuesday, Sept. 28, 7 p.m. Learn how Star Trek has remained relevant for more than 55 years. Dr. Amy H. Sturgis will discuss the ways Star Trek has changed science fiction and popular culture, and created global fan participation. Register for this event at https://tinyurl.com/ypv5m8k9 Digital Activities Do online activities at any time. Challenge yourself with digital escape rooms, STEM activities and arts and crafts tutorials for kids, teens and adults. Click on the kids tab at http:// thecountylibrary.org/events/digital-activities to see the library’s new animal activities: I Spy Animals and Tails and Tales. Spotify The County Library has Spotify. Follow their page for fun playlists: https://tinyurl.com/3j8vvcpk Goodreads Participate in the library’s monthly challenges on their Goodreads page. Visit this link to get to find the group page: https://tinyurl.com/bhaw7s74 And visit this link to go right to the Reading Challenges: https://tinyurl.com/5h9wx8yn
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ANNUAL COLLECTION DAY PAGE 8
City of Taylorsville Newsletter
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SEPTEMBER UPDATES MATTRESS RECYCLING Spring Back Mattress, at 1929 S. 4130 West, will take your used mattresses, and will recycle 100% of its materials. The recycling fee for mattresses or box springs is $20 per piece. They will also come pick up your mattress for an additional $40. This is a much better option than sending it to the landfill for $15 per piece. For more information, please call them at 801-906-8146 or visit online at www.springbackutah.com.
Check out Localscapes and Consider Replacing Your Lawn After a long hot summer, you may ask: Is all that lawn really worth it? Consider the frustration of irrigation systems not working, weeds that grow no matter how hot it is, and weekends sacrificed to maintain an unappreciative lawn. There is a better way to have a beautiful yard while saving time and water! Localscapes to the rescue. The professional team of horticulturists, landscape designers, maintenance pros and irrigation experts are here to help. It is a free resource promoting a moderate approach to waterwise landscaping that is appropriate for Utah’s climate. Visit Localscapes.com for more information.
RECYCLING EDUCATION IN THE CLASSROOM Are you a teacher looking for a fun, interactive presentation for your students this fall? Or do you know someone who is? You’re in luck. The WFWRD Sustainability Team offers free recycling, composting and sustainability presentations for elementary school students, grades first through sixth. Presentation dates and times are catered to what best works for you and your classroom. The district even does assemblies and multiple classes at once. The presentations typically last 20 to 30 minutes and include a short video, a handful of educational slides and an interactive game at the end. If you are interested in setting up a class visit or would like more information, please contact WFWRD’s sustainability coordinator at emorris@wasatchfrontwaste.org or 385-468-6337. (It is not known yet if class visits will be in-person or virtual at this time.)
QUESTIONS? Please contact Taylorsville-Bennion Improvement District by calling 801-968-9081 or visiting www.tbid.org. You can also follow the district on Facebook and Twitter.
TRUCK SAFETY Many schools are gearing up for the new school year. Whenever your routine is altered, it is sometimes difficult to realign your schedule and remember everything that you need to accomplish. WFWRD drivers are aware of the influx of school children going to and coming from school and are always looking out for their safety. Families are encouraged to talk about safety practices with their kids around large vehicles, including garbage trucks and school buses. Big trucks are fun to watch, but it is important to remember to keep your distance to stay safe.
Special Pricing for Taylorsville Residents
TAYLORSVILLE CITY CEMETERY PLOTS AVAILABLE PLEASE CONTACT LEE BENNION — 801.834.4325