G O OD NE IG HBOR
NEWS
SEPTEMBER 2020
Paid for by the City of West Jordan
M AYO R ’S M E S S AG E What a year we have experienced. It has been a roller-coaster ride and we didn’t even have to buy tickets. While we’ve been met with many challenges, we’ve also been given opportunities to grow. As we have made changes, due to things outside our control, we can look for the positive in the areas we do have control. For me, I have been touring neighborhoods throughout the city; walking or riding my Segway or bike, which has given me the ability to meet and talk with many residents. It’s hard to believe that the summer is nearly coming to an end. I plan to be out in neighborhoods, meeting with you for as long as the weather permits. As we welcome the Fall season with the Labor Day holiday, let’s turn our attention to another occurrence that begins in September. September 15th through October 15th is National Hispanic Heritage Month. The City of West Jordan is home to people who come from many different cultures and who have many different backgrounds. In 2017, The Census Bureau estimated that almost 20 percent of West Jordan’s residents are Hispanic or Latino. With the 2020 Census happening this year, that number is expected to grow. This summer, the West Jordan City Council passed a resolution that helps to get the ball rolling for a commission on diversity within the city. The commission will include input and recommendations from a variety of communities, to the City Council. If you’d like to be a part of this commission, contact us for an application: 801-596-5100. Councilmember Zach Jacob sponsored the resolution saying it will further peace, tolerance, and justice within our city. After reading through the resolution, and seeing how well it represents West Jordan, I was excited to join in and sign on. As the fourth largest city in the State of Utah, and still rapidly growing, West Jordan is proud to represent all our residents and their diverse backgrounds. It’s just another way that you help make West Jordan a great place to live. Sincerely,
Mayor Dirk Burton City of West Jordan
WestJordanJournal .com
West Jordan Police Presents Use of Force Transparency Report The West Jordan Police Department says it prides itself on transparency. During a City Council meeting, Police Chief Ken Wallentine and Deputy Chief Jeremy Robertson presented data from a use of force report. The data comes from arrests and instances that happened between June 2019 and July of 2020. “The police department recognizes that use of force is an area of public concern and we want to be able to be as transparent as possible,” said Deputy Chief Robertson. Chief Robertson displayed pie charts and bar graphs showing how the West Jordan Police Department compares to other departments across the United States when it comes to use of force. Compared to the national average, the department is well under the national average when it comes to any force used during an arrest or face-to-face contact. Use of force is defined by the use of a tool (such as mace, a taser, or a body wrap), a strike or forcible take down, complaint of an injury, or any force used outside of policy. During the presentation, the department also compared its numbers to data from five years ago. In 2015, the department reported 85 incidents where use of force was used, compared
to present-day where the department reports 35 incidents of uses of force. “I believe this was accomplished by some very specific steps that the department has taken,” said Chief Robertson. In those five years, the department implemented de-escalation and crisis intervention training and added a consistent use of force process, which requires supervisors to look at each force incident and to give feedback to their subordinates. “This has created a culture where use of force is not glorified, where officers know they will be held accountable for force that will be used,” said Chief Robertson. “In 2015, about 60% of our uses of force were being committed by 5% of our officers. The culture we’ve created has caused those officers to no longer work here for one reason or another.” To conclude the presentation, Chief Wallentine said his officers are not going to hang their heads in his department over its use of force. “We’re going to market what we do because we do it well. We do it right and we do it as reasonably necessary. Sometimes we must use force in policing, but when we do, we will account for it.” To watch the council meeting visit the City’s YouTube page: https://bit.ly/WestJordan
Call for Volunteers The City of West Jordan is looking for individuals interested in serving on its General Plan Committee. The General Plan Committee assists the Planning Commission and City Council in the preparation and adoption of a comprehensive, long-range general plan for land use and growth and development. Appointments are for two-year terms and may be extended. Up to 15 citizens will be appointed to this committee. Visit this link for more information: www.westjordan.utah.gov/committees
September 2020 | Page 17
GOOD NEIGHBOR NEWS: WEST JORDAN NEWSLETTER
PAID FOR BY THE CITY OF WEST JORDAN
Salt Lake County releases “Property Watch” A NEW PROGRAM TO KEEP HOMEOWNERS SAFE AND INFORMED Title fraud is a billion-dollar problem in the United States, but a new program launched this year by the Salt Lake County Recorder’s office, plans to help Utah homeowners combat the problem for free. Salt Lake County Recorder, Rashelle Hobbs, spoke virtually during a West Jordan City Council meeting, explaining how the new program could benefit residents. “In recent months, our homes have taken on the added role of an office, classrooms, and a refuge from this virus. But, one thing remains the same and that is the American dream of homeownership,” said Hobbs. “To protect your property, we have launched a new and free service called Property Watch. This service notifies Salt Lake County property owners when something is recorded on their property. This is a great resource that will help prevent title fraud, while also protecting your property, offering a peace of mind; which I believe is something we all could use a little more of right now.” Signing up for the free service takes less than 30 seconds. Residents just visit the recorder’s website, click ‘Property Watch’ and input information such as their; home address, name, and email address. In seconds that resident will get an email notifying them that they are officially enrolled in the program. “We’ve had over 7,500 subscribers with West Jordan making up 558 so far,” said Hobbs. “People have told us that this allows them to watch the property status of elderly family members and adds added protection to their own property.” To sign up visit: https://slco.org/data-services/PropertyWatch/PropertyWatch.aspx If you have any questions you can email propertywatch@slco.org or call 385-468-8176 for live support.
Substitute Crossing Guard Needed The City of West Jordan is now accepting applications for the substitute crossing guard position. For more information about the job posting, visit: WestJordan.Utah.Gov
Rush Funplex Coming to West Jordan Wondering what is being built in Jordan Landing next to the movie theater? The Rush Funplex will feature bowling alleys, an arcade, rock climbing, a foam pit, go-karts, bumper cars, mini-golf, laser tag, full cafe, and party rooms. Visit rushfunplex.com for more information.
Page 18 | September 2020
West Jordan City Journal
GOOD NEIGHBOR NEWS: WEST JORDAN NEWSLETTER
PAID FOR BY THE CITY OF WEST JORDAN
Sharing the Love WEST JORDAN RESIDENTS SHARE PHOTOS OF THEIR RESCUED PETS.
COUNCIL CORNER The West Jordan City Council has created several sub-committees to further the work of the council. These committees are made up of no more than three council members and committees include the following: • Utility Rates and Enterprise Funds
“Our sweet Holly. We got her off Craigslist in Texas. We were her fifth and final home. She’s been with us since she was two and she just turned 11. We couldn’t love her more than we do.” – Rebecca Norgard
• Land Use • General Plan • Mayoral Appointments • Council Rules • Budget and Audit
“Nacho the beardi.” – Caitlyn Michale Rawski “This is Rayn! I adopted her from the humane society in Febrauary. I’m not sure how anybody could’ve gave her up. She is such a sweetheart.” – Ashlee Anderton Shosted
Councilmember Zach Jacob (and chair of the Land Use Committee) stated, “The land-use committee has started meeting to discuss issues related to zoning and development issues coming to the city.” Councilmember Melissa Worthen (and chair of the Budget and Audit Committee) said, “Our committee will work along-side the finance dept and the independent auditors to further to work of transparency, accountability and financial sustainability.” “The West Jordan City Council is also launching a social media presence and has started with a Twitter feed. We invite interested individuals to follow us on Twitter so residents and interested members of the public can follow the activities of the City Council.”
The Twitter handle is @WJCityCouncil. If you are on Twitter, please follow the council. As a reminder, you can reach the council by either sending an email to councilcomments@westjordan.utah.gov, or calling the 24-hour comment line at 801-569-5052. Agendas for council meetings can be found at https://westjordan.utah.gov/agendas. Each agenda lists the Meeting ID and password and phone numbers you can use to participate in the council meetings. It also lists the topics the council will discuss. Next council meetings will be September 9th and September 30th Please share your thoughts, ideas and suggestions with us to make West Jordan an exceptional place to be.
New Pickleball Courts Open at Constitution Park “This is Burly… named after Burl Ives.” – Kasey Dahl
“This is Pepper, she came from West Jordan Animal Shelter 5 years ago next month.” – Councilmember Melissa Worthen
“This is our boy, Ollie. He’s been part of our family for 6 years! He’s a good boy and we love our ‘little cowboy so much!” – Marisa Rochelle Mandia WestJordanJournal .com
Constitution Park is home to the newest pickleball courts in the City of West Jordan. The city held a private ribbon cutting event, where city leaders cut the ribbon and unlocked the gate, officially opening the courts to the public. Mayor Dirk Burton was joined by former Mayor Jim Riding, who worked on getting the courts transitioned from tennis courts to pickleball courts while in office. “We knew we could build them here and I just said we want pickleball courts at Constitution Park – let’s figure out a way to do that,” Mayor Riding said. “This is my neighborhood; this is why I was kind of anxious to have them here. I have a lot of neighbors that want to come over here and play. Thank you Mayor, thank you Parks, and thank you City Council for making this happen.” After cutting the ribbon, some cheers and applause, Mayor Burton welcomed the public inside saying: “Let’s play ball!” You can find the eight new courts at 3200 West and 7000 South – stop by and play today.
September 2020 | Page 19
GOOD NEIGHBOR NEWS: WEST JORDAN NEWSLETTER
PAID FOR BY THE CITY OF WEST JORDAN
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
SEPTEMBER
1
SEPTEMBER
7
PLANNING COMMISSION
LABOR DAY CITY OFFICES CLOSED
Join virtually on YouTube 6 p.m.
8
5 PM - 8 PM
AU G U S T
FOOD TRUCKS
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
12
Takeout Tuesday every Tuesday night Ron Wood Park 5-8 p.m.
SEPTEMBER
SEPTEMBER
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
PATRIOT DAY
PLANNING COMMISSION
11
15
Join virtually on YouTube 6 p.m.
Join virtually on YouTube 5:30 p.m.
SEPTEMBER
SEPTEMBER
SEPTEMBER
NATIONAL VOTER REGISTRATION DAY
NATIONAL GOOD NEIGHBOR DAY
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
22
28
30
Join virtually on YouTube 5:30 p.m.
Page 20 | S
• consumer.ftc.gov • identitytheft.gov
Join virtually on YouTube 5:30 p.m.
SEPTEMBER
9
Someone is reaching out to West Jordan residents CLAIMING to work with our Public Utilities Department and asking for money over Google Pay. DO NOT give your payment information to them. The city will not ask for a payment through Google Pay or gift cards. If you feel like the situation seems fishy - go with your gut! Hang up - and report the call to any of the following links:
LAST FOOD TRUCK EVENT AT RON WOOD PARK
AU G U S T
11
Don’t Fall for This!
SEPTEMBER
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 eptember
2020
West Jordan Police Dept. 8040 S. Redwood Rd. West Jordan, Utah 84088 801-256-2000 801-840-4000 Dispatch
• usa.gov/stop-scams-frauds
West Jordan Communications If you’re reading the West Jordan Good Neighbor News, you’re likely involved and interested in what goes on at the City of West Jordan. As West Jordan’s Community Engagement Department, our goal is to provide accurate, timely and important information about government meetings, messages from city departments and City events. For your convenience, we use several communication channels to spread the word including: • Social Media including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube • Email • The Good Neighbor News inside the West Jordan Journal • WestJordan.Utah.Gov • Banners placed throughout the City and display boards and marquees at City Hall
HOW TO COMMUNICATE WITH US There are several ways to be heard at the City of West Jordan. While this is not a comprehensive list, we hope to highlight the best ways to get in touch with the city.
COMPLAINTS & REQUESTS Most of the complaints we receive are accompanied with a request for an action to be made by the city. Many of these complaints can be resolved by involving code enforcement or by submitting work orders to the West Jordan Public Works Department directly. Our GIS team created a tool where residents can submit these work orders directly called the City Service Request. Visit WestJordan.Utah.Gov/service-request to see it in action. Common issues like potholes, unplowed streets or cleanup of city property can be done using this tool. If you have a legal complaint outside of code enforcement, please contact the West Jordan Police Department on their non-emergency line at 801-840-4000.
QUESTIONS Many residents ask questions on Facebook Messenger, post comments and use other social media messaging. All are welcomed and typically receive fast responses. You’re also invited to call the main City Hall line at 801-569-5000 during business hours to get help finding the right department your question. West for Jordan City Journal