G O OD NE IG HBOR
NEWS
AUGUST 2021
Paid for by the City of West Jordan
M AYO R ’S M E S S AG E Congress passed The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which designated COVID recovery funds to communities throughout the nation. Although funds afforded to West Jordan are less than those of many other metropolitan areas, they are still substantial. The money provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to invest in our community and “get ahead.” Over the last couple months, I hosted a committee designed to help determine the most impactful ways to spend the City’s ARPA allocation. We focused our efforts on transformative projects, with broad-based benefit, that fit within federal guidelines. The City Council recently approved the allocation of project funds, as proposed, in their budget discussions. Just over 85% of the ARPA funds will be used to shore up infrastructure, including water storage and the expansion of wastewater capacity, to meet the demands of our growing community. This investment will accelerate our ability to respond to growth while easing the burden on residents. It will also provide a path for immediate economic development that couldn’t otherwise be accommodated. Economic development provides ongoing stable revenue to our city. About 15% will be spent on smaller projects designed to reach underserved populations within the community. I am pleased with the resilience our community has displayed throughout the pandemic. We’re on the road to recovery, but we’re not there quite yet. In West Jordan, vaccination rates are lower and COVID-19 cases are up. Let’s be part of the solution. To learn more about vaccinations or find a provider near you, call (385) 468-4100. Sincerely,
WJFD Restoring a piece of History The West Jordan Fire Department has been reunited with an engine that served the city back in the 1950’s. This was a genuine barn find with a bit of luck. The fire engine began its past life as part of the Salt Lake County Fire Department. During that time, local West Jordan citizens volunteered to run the fire engine and respond to calls. After serving the city of West Jordan for almost 20 years, the fire engine was sold and found its way to the hands of a local citizen who intended to keep the history of the engine alive. Fast-forward 50 years, the West Jordan Fire Department Union was able to purchase the historic piece of equipment with its own money. The fire department personnel have been volunteering their time and funds to start restoring the amazing timepiece in hopes this this history will not be forgotten. This project is and will be completely funded through Union monies or donations, as no city funds will be used.
City Shred Event West Jordan’s third shred event is August 7. Residents can bring up to two ‘Bankers Boxes’ of paper for shredding and residential electronic waste. Documents will be shredded onsite in the west parking lot behind City Hall, 8000 S. Redwood Road from 10 AM to 12 PM. Hard drives can also be shredded if they have been removed from the computer. Items need to be drop-off ready. Paper needs to be loose - no large binder clips, rubber bands, or binders. Any loose papers from plastic bags can be emptied into the containers provided, but the plastic bags will not be accepted in the containers. Unfortunately, televisions, CRT monitors, cracked LCDs, batteries, lightbulbs, and printers are not accepted. However, The Trans-Jordan Landfill or Salt Lake Valley Landfill may allow some of those items to be deposited by our residents. For more information contact Trans-Jordan Landfill: 801-569-8994. This is NOT a complete list, but some acceptable items include: • cell phones • computers and keyboards • hard drives • stereos • fax machines
Mayor Dirk Burton
• iPods • MP3 players • DVD players • laptops Bring proof of residency or city employment to participate. (Driver license, utility bill, or city ID badge.)
GOOD NEIGHBOR NEWS: WEST JORDAN NEWSLETTER
PAID FOR BY THE CITY OF WEST JORDAN
Art is Back in the Schorr Gallery You may only come to West Jordan City Hall to pay your water bill or catch a council meeting, but this public building is home to something else – a local art gallery. Located on the third floor, the Schorr Gallery can feature art pieces from paintings to pottery. Like many other things, the pandemic forced the doors of the gallery to close. After more than a year of its walls being empty, art has been posted again. Specifically, Robin O’Crowley’s work. O’Crowley is a watercolor artist who features paintings of flowers, and fungi to storefronts to sheep. “Painting has been part of my life on and off my whole life, but in the last three years watercolor has become my medium of choice and it is very challenging,” explained O’Crowley. “My love of flowers comes out by zeroing in on botanical art. There is such a beauty in nature. I paint more for fun, really.” You can visit the Schorr Gallery at City Hall (8000 S. Redwood Rd) 8 AM – 5 PM weekdays. If you’re interested in featuring your art in the gallery, contact keenan.price@westjordan.utah.gov or The Cultural Arts Society of West Jordan.
2021 Western Stampede – Sights & Sounds! The West Jordan Western Stampede was a huge success! Jam-packed with three nights of rodeos, carnival rides and good food. The event ended with a spectacular firework event! Thank you to all who joined us this year – we look forward to seeing you again in 2022!
GOOD NEIGHBOR NEWS: WEST JORDAN NEWSLETTER
PAID FOR BY THE CITY OF WEST JORDAN
West Jordan Municipal Primary Election West Jordan’s Municipal Primary Election is August 10, 2021. Primary Elections allow voters to choose candidates they want to run in the general election. Almost all registered voters will receive their ballots in the mail before Election Day.
HOW TO VOTE “It’s as easy as ever to participate in the voting process,” said Tangee Sloan, West Jordan City Recorder. “You have the option to vote by mail or in person.” If you are voting by mail, your ballot must be postmarked the day before Election Day. You can also drop it off at a Salt Lake County ballot drop box until 8 PM on election day. “West Jordan has a drop box placed just outside of City Hall,” said Sloan. “It is available for drop off up until election day and they are under surveillance 24/7. Voters should feel confident about using it.” The ballot box is located at 8000 South Redwood Road on the west side of City Hall.
WHERE TO VOTE If you would rather vote in person, voters can visit a polling location. Voters may drop off their vote-by-mail ballot at a Vote Center during polling hours. A local in-person voting location is being held at the West Jordan Library:
COUNCIL CORNER Generally, August is the hottest month of the year. With water becoming scarce, the City Council appreciates all the efforts residents have taken to conserve. The Council supports the Mayor’s efforts to reduce the City’s watering in parks and encouraging businesses to reduce their watering. The City Council recently adopted a water efficient landscape ordinance for all new construction and existing residents may choose to adjust their own landscaping to follow suggested changes. Key changes include: • No grass in park strips • Drip irrigation or bubblers used in areas other than lawn/grass • Each irrigation valve irrigates similar sites, slopes, soil conditions, and plant material with similar watering needs • Landscape areas using smart irrigation controllers which can adjust based on weather conditions • Recommendation for when the landscaping is at maturity, have plants (trees, perennials, and shrubs) cover 50% of the landscape
The City has seen a decrease of 2.7% water consumption City wide. This is a great accomplishment and the Council wishes to thank people who are making conservation measures. “Thank you to everyone doing their part by reducing their watering times and reducing areas that need large amounts of water. I would continue our businesses to follow suit by flipping their strips and reducing large grass areas that are not being used if they have not considered it. Every little bit makes a difference”, stated Council Member Melissa Worthen. Council Member David Pack said, “It is important for us to continue to conserve water, and the City is doing its part to save. Our current city-wide conservation of 2.7% is a big deal.” Please look forward to participating in landscape workshops with ideas on Localscapes at several places in West Jordan in early September. Localscapes are a landscaping approach that simplifies your landscaping in five easy steps to create beautiful waterefficient landscaping that works for you and thrives in Utah!
Viridian Event Center/Library 8030 South 1825 West West Jordan, UT 84088
HOW DO I KNOW WHO IS RUNNING? The city’s website has all the information about the candidates up for election. Visit westjordan.utah. gov/2021election for a full list, biographies, and candidate websites. You can also visit the election page for important dates and information for the general election in November. For more in-depth information about voting visit: https://slco.org/clerk/elections/
University Federal Credit Union Moving Headquarters to West Jordan Caught on camera – a groundbreaking event for University Federal Credit Union. The company is moving its headquarters to West Jordan, near Jordan Landing. West Jordan prides itself on attracting new businesses to grow within the city. It not only helps those businesses, but the residents as well.
GOOD NEIGHBOR NEWS: WEST JORDAN NEWSLETTER
PAID FOR BY THE CITY OF WEST JORDAN
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
AU G U S T
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PLANNING COMMISSION West Jordan City Hall & online: bit.ly/WestJordan 6 p.m.
AU G U S T
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CITY SHRED EVENT
FOOD TRUCK ROUNDUP
West Jordan City Hall 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Ron Wood Park 5 p.m – 8 p.m.
AU G U S T
AU G U S T
AU G U S T
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
FARMERS MARKET
FOOD TRUCK ROUNDUP
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West Jordan City Hall & online: bit.ly/WestJordan 7 p.m.
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Jordan Landing 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Ron Wood Park 5 p.m – 8 p.m.
AU G U S T
AU G U S T
AU G U S T
FARMERS MARKET
FOOD TRUCK ROUNDUP
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Ron Wood Park 5 p.m – 8 p.m.
West Jordan City Hall & online: bit.ly/WestJordan 7 p.m.
AU G U S T
AU G U S T
AU G U S T
DEMOLITION DERBY
FOOD TRUCK ROUNDUP
FOOD TRUCK ROUNDUP
West Jordan Rodeo Arena 7 p.m.
Ron Wood Park 5 p.m – 8 p.m.
Ron Wood Park 5 p.m – 8 p.m.
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Jordan Landing 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
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The City of West Jordan 8000 S. Redwood Rd., West Jordan, UT 84088 Join the conversation! (801) 569-5100 West Jordan – City Hall www.wjordan.com
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West Jordan Police Dept. 8040 S. Redwood Rd. West Jordan, Utah 84088 801-256-2000 801-840-4000 Dispatch
This is Your Shot! Free COVID-19 Vaccines in SLCo The Salt Lake County Health Department is offering free COVID-19 vaccines at several locations throughout the valley. To find out where you can get your free vaccine in Salt Lake County, visit SaltLakeHealth.org. Anyone can receive a vaccine – regardless of immigration status and you don’t need insurance. Utahns 12 and up are eligible and no appointment is required. If you prefer to make an appointment, call (385) 468-SHOT (7468) or visit SaltLakeHealth.org. If you need a free ride to get your vaccine, call 211.