Riverton Insider Newsletter - February 2026 by Riverton, Utah - City Government

Official Newsletter of the Riverton City Government

BY RIVERTON MAYOR TISH BUROKER

A Mayor’s First 30 Days: Leadership, Service, and What Happens Behind the Scenes

Key Takeaways

• The mayor’s role involves constant meetings, preparation, and active leadership in city decision-making.

• Riverton is led by the Mayor and City Council, with daily operations managed by the city manager

• Serving as mayor requires diverse skills, flexible hours, and a strong commitment to community service.

Hello Riverton Residents, friends, and neighbors. I have been asked what it is like to be mayor and what a typical day is like. In response to this question, I ask for your indulgence as I personally reflect on the past 30 days.

First, every single day is very different. Most days are full of meetings: meetings with the city manager, department heads, different cities, different government entities, different boards, and most importantly city council members. I enjoy meetings and know that they matter and can make a difference. It is important to be actively engaged in the decision-making process, be prepared, and speak up to

ensure that Riverton is well represented.

done by our very capable city manager.

FEBRUARY 1, 2026

IN THIS ISSUE

Everything Flows DownhillOur Sewer Systems

Free CPR Courses Offered by UFA

Looking for Miss Riverton Contestants

Help Us Conserve Water

UPCOMING EVENTS

See Back Page for Details

• Riverton Half Marathon, 10K & 5K Races

• Miss Rvierton Competition

• Jitterbug Jive Dance

• Not Your Parents Art Show

• HOPE Walk

“...the Mayor and City Council you have voted for in office lead Riverton.”

I have heard debates in the past regarding who is in charge, or who is running Riverton. I assure you that the Mayor and City Council you have voted for in office lead Riverton. This does not mean that we can circumvent ordinances or laws except by due process. I know this can be frustrating when you reach out with a concern that you want fixed immediately. Due process must be followed. It also does not mean that my responsibility is day-to-day directing employees. I don’t have time! (see paragraph two). The day-to-day leadership of city employees is

Second, the duties require a wide set of skills, from being comfortable reviewing a financial spreadsheet to speaking with elementary children, to arbitrating a challenging issue. It is fun to be challenged!

Third, the job does require many hours and many of them are off site (see paragraph two again). But the hours are flexible, and as with all the mayors I interact with, there is a strong sense of service to our respective communities.

I appreciate the opportunity to represent Riverton and will continue to work on your behalf. Please explore the remainder of the newsletter’s information and great events planned for Riverton.q

UPCOMING

CITY MEETINGS

CITY COUNCIL

February 3 & 17, 7 p.m.

PLANNING COMMISSION February 12 & 26, 6:30 p.m.

REPORT A PROBLEM

Report a problem at rivertonutah.gov/report

A behind-the-scenes look at mayoral leadership, teamwork, service, and dedication to representing Riverton every day.

ELECTED OFFICIALS

MAYOR

Tish Buroker tburoker@rivertonutah.gov

COUNCIL DISTRICT 1

Andy Pierucci apierucci@rivertonutah.gov

COUNCIL DISTRICT 2

Troy McDougal tmcdougal@rivertonutah.gov

COUNCIL DISTRICT 3

Alexander Johnson ajohnson@rivertonutah.gov

COUNCIL DISTRICT 4

Shannon Smith ssmith@rivertonutah.gov

COUNCIL DISTRICT 5

Spencer Haymond shaymond@rivertonutah.gov

BY COUNCIL MEMBER SPENCER HAYMOND

Everything Flows Downhill — As Long As We Maintain It

Behind the cones, sewer upgrades keep wastewater flowing, protect homes, and support our growing community.

Key Takeaways

• Sewer construction supports growing communities increasing wastewater system capacity.

• JBID quietly manages a massive, complex system essential to public health and daily life.

• Proper household habits and water conservation help keep wastewater flowing safely downhill.

If you live in the southwest part of the valley, you already know the look: orange barrels, cones, and the occasional open trench daring you to choose a different route home. It’s easy to see road construction as an inconvenience, but in reality, those barrels are a sign that something important is happening beneath our feet—something that keeps modern life running smoothly and, quite literally, flowing downhill.

We’ve all grown accustomed to modern amenities: electricity, high-speed internet, clean water, and a reliable place for that water to go after we use it. Most of us don’t think twice about any of it—until it stops working. A power outage is annoying. Slow internet is frustrating. But when the toilet won’t flush, suddenly everything else drops down the priority list.

Quietly operating in the background of daily life is the Jordan Basin Improvement District (JBID), our local wastewater collection and treatment provider. JBID takes care of everything we send down our drains and ensures it is safely transported, treated, and returned to the environment. It’s a service most of us never

notice—unless, in rare cases, water stops going down the drain or (even worse) starts coming back up.

Recently, JBID partnered with Newman Construction to upgrade a major section of the sewer collection system along 13400 South. Continued growth on the west side of the valley meant the existing 10-inch pipe was nearing capacity. Newman Construction replaced 9,900 feet of that pipe with an 18inch line, tripling the system’s capacity. The result? More room for growth, fewer backups, and a lot less stress for homeowners who would prefer to keep wastewater moving in the correct direction.

JBID operates one of the largest sewer collection systems in the state. While there are larger treatment plants elsewhere, JBID still treats an impressive 12 to 15 million gallons of wastewater every single day. The system covers 110 square miles, includes more than 1,100 miles of pipe, and relies on 27,000 manholes to serve Bluffdale, Draper, Herriman, Riverton, South Jordan, and parts of Sandy. It’s a vast, complex system—and it only works if it’s properly maintained.

A few helpful reminders for everyone at home:

• “Flushable” wipes are not flushable. Ever.

• Only flush the three Ps: poop, pee, and toilet paper.

• Eggshells, food scraps, toys, car keys, and cell phones do not belong in the sewer (you’d be surprised).

• The sewer lateral from your home to the main line is the homeowner’s responsibility; the main line in the street belongs to the district.

• After treatment, the water released into the Jordan River is remarkably clean—often remaining crystal clear for several hundred feet before fully mixing.

As our community continues to grow, taking care of this system matters more than ever.

A simple way to help? Be mindful of water use. Conserving water reduces strain on the system, saves water for future use, and helps ensure everything keeps flowing the way it should—downhill and away from your house.q

Free CPR Courses Offered by Unified Fire Authority

Knowing CPR saves lives—free training through Unified Fire Authority empowers residents to act when seconds matter.

Key Takeaways

• Quick CPR by bystanders has already saved lives in the Riverton community.

• Cardiac emergencies are rare but unpredictable, making CPR knowledge critically important.

• Unified Fire Authority offers free CPR training for both residents and professionals.

Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time. When it does, immediate action is critical. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is one of the most effective lifesaving skills a person can have. While situations requiring CPR are rare, there have been recent instances in our community where it has made the difference between life and death.

In July 2022, two bystanders quickly stepped in at the Walmart Neighborhood Market on 12600 South and performed CPR on a man who had collapsed. He was experiencing ventricular tachycardia, a serious heart rhythm disorder, and his heart had stopped. Without their quick action, he would not have survived.

“Thanks to the fast response of city employees, a Riverton police officer was able to begin CPR until paramedics arrived.”

In January 2023, a couple came to City Hall to pay a utility bill. After returning to their car, the husband found his wife unconscious in the passenger seat. Thanks to the fast response of city employees, a Riverton police officer was able to begin CPR until paramedics arrived. Three months later, the couple returned during a City Council meeting to personally thank the individuals from Riverton City, 911 Dispatch, Unified Fire Authority, and the Riverton Police Department who played a role in saving her life.

Although these types of emergencies don’t happen often, they do happen—and when they do, knowing CPR can save a life. Many people are familiar with CPR, but few know how to properly perform it.

February is American Heart Month, and the city is using this opportunity to highlight resources available to help educate residents on lifesaving CPR techniques.

Unified Fire Authority offers two free CPR courses:

• Push to Survive: Hands-Only CPR, designed for the general public

• Basic Life Support for the Health Care Provider, a more comprehensive course for healthcare professionals and first responders

By offering accessible training for residents and advanced certification for professionals, Unified Fire Authority helps ensure lifesaving care can begin immediately—whether provided by a neighbor, coworker, or trained responder. q

Water Conservation is Essential for Riverton

Over the past few years, Riverton residents’ collective water usage has outpaced our city’s year-over-year growth by over six-fold. This is not sustainable. We all need to do our part in conserving water to help keep Riverton water rates low. To find rebates and incentives for water conservation, visit slowtheflow.org

Connect with Riverton City

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Get important traffic alerts, emergency updates, and city info with Riverton’s all new text alerts. Text JOIN (and your email) to 530-456-9523

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Be part of a Riverton tradition and come participate in one of the valley’s best races. Medals and prizes will be awarded for participants and winners. General registration continues through February 28 for all three races which take place on Saturday, March 21, 2026. Races begin at 9 a.m. at Riverton City Park. Register at: rivertonutah.gov/half

Miss Riverton Contestants Needed

This is a great pagent opportunity for girls with little or no pagent experience.

The Miss Riverton Scholarship Competition is open to young women age 18-28 (as of June 2027) who work or live in Riverton. Learn valuable life skills such as public speaking, vocabulary, poise, strength, knowledge and voice in political and current events, and helps each candidate discover her core values. Visit rivertonutah.gov/missriverton to learn more.

• No cost or obligation orientation Wednesday, February 28 at 6 p.m.

• The Miss Riverton Competition is Saturday, March 28

Jitterbug Jive Adult Swing Dance

Join us for an event with a night of Charleston, swing, and Lindy Hop! Enjoy live music by the Riverton Jazz Band, only $5. Visit rivertonutah.gov/jitterbug-jive

• February 7, 2026, at the Sandra N. Lloyd Community Center

Town Days Parade Entry Open

Enter your orginization in the Riverton Town Days Parade. It’s one of the largest and best local parades in Utah, drawing many thousand spectators each year!

• Parade Friday, July 3, 2026

• Visit rivertonutah.gov/towndays

HOPE Walk

Join us at Riverton’s annual HOPE Walk for suicide prevention and awareness. Together, we walk to show those who are struggling that they are not alone and that our community stands with them. This walk is about fostering hope and offering support. Everyone is welcome— young and old, residents and neighbors alike. Let’s walk for HOPE!

• Saturday, February 28 at 9 a.m.

• Begin at Riverton High and walk to 12600 S & Redwood Road

Not Your Parents Art Show Children’s Art Show

Come see original art pieces created by dozens of young local artists, all age 18 and younger, at the Not Your Parent’s Art Show at the Old Dome Meeting Hall.

• Exhibit Dates February 9 - March 18, 2026

Mark You Calendar: Utah Artists Exhibition Opens

Explore the amazing art created by local artists at Riverton’s Utah Artists Exhibit. Their different styles and creative expressions add color and life to our community. Highlighting local talent.

• March 23 - April 8, 2026