Congressional City Conference

Last week a small WVC delegation, including myself, attended meetings in Washington DC around the National League of Cities Conference. Below is a copy of the written report that I submitted to members of the City Council highlighting some of the information and successes that we had:


COUNCILMEMBER RUSHTON
COUNCIL REPORT
MARCH 20, 2012
NLC CONFERENCE & FEDERAL MEETINGS
SUMMARY
During March 10-13 I attended and represented West Valley City at the National League of Cities Conference and additional visits to member offices of the Utah Congressional delegation in Washington D.C. The conference major speakers and presenters included Energy Secretary Chu and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, among others. The conference at the Marriott Wardman began on Saturday and concluded Wednesday. Additionally, the steering committee I was appointed to was able to meet twice to discuss issues and set priorities for this year. The conference a variety of workshops and round tables discussions focused on community development, transportation infrastructure, policy and programs. The Congressional visits with both staff and members of Congress were well received as we reviewed West Valley City’s progress with the Fairbourne and City Center developments, Police, and Fire issues and grant applications. As a member of NLC leadership I was invited to a special Intergovernmental Affairs briefing at the White House to discuss economy recovery efforts, healthy communities, and small business initiatives from the administration.

SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS WITH LOCAL INTEREST:
1. Attended Conference sessions regarding ways to maintain public safety amid cutbacks and returned notes to staff for information purposes.
2. Spent time with Senator Lee in Senate Hideaway office during Senate session and better familiarized West Valley City objectives with the Senator and senior staff.
3. The Utah League of Cities and Towns arranged a dinner for Utah delegates and select Utah Congressional Staff. Additionally, a brunch was sponsored with area businesses to discuss local priorities.
4. White House officials announced the administrations proposed CDBG budget to be at the same level of funding as last year.
5. Round Table discussion with FEMA and Homeland Security emphasizing the need to coordinate business protection disaster plans.
6. Intergovernmental Affairs Director Agnew reported that local government voice in federal policy is at new lows.
7. Attended a strategy session meeting at The Ferguson Group offices to discuss layout and direction of federal priorities and representation.

New City Council Boundaries

Due to changes in population reported by the 2010 census results, West Valley City's has grown to more than 130,000 residents. As a result, the West Valley City Council has a responsibility evaluate and redraw the boundaries to allow for equal representation throughout the City. This affects the four City Council districts and it is good to even them out and have major roads, landmarks, and building zones placed in proportionate and common sense districts.

Look for a greenish voter registration card from the Salt Lake County Clerk in the mail. it has all information regarding Precincts and representation from Congressional down to school board.

Water Conservation Landscape Classes

Last Month I was appointed by the Governor to serve as a trustee of the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District. JVWCD is primarily a wholesaler of water, serving much of Salt Lake County and other areas. In the past few years the district has implemented several programs to help conserve water and as part of the education effort has offered a conservation garden, education center, and provided classes to help people understand effective and efficient irrigation and horticulture. There are a wide variety of demonstration classes offered throughout the spring and summer. Ask me any questions or for more information visit http://conservationgardenpark.org/

Here is the complete schedule and information:


JORDAN VALLEY WATER CONSERVANCY DISTRICT

2012 Class Schedule

March Classes
Tree & Shrub Pruning Workshop – Saturday, March 24 at 10 a.m.
(Kathryn Brown, Conservation Garden Park)

Waterwise Landscape Design – Thursday, March 29 at 6:30 p.m.
(Cathy Silcox, Designer’s Touch Landscape Design & Consultation)

Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop – Saturday, March 31 at 10 a.m.
(JayDee Gunnell, Salt Lake County Extension)


April Classes
Great Utah Native Plants for Your Landscape – Saturday, April 7 at 10 a.m.
(Faye Ruttishauser, New Horizons Nursery)

Vegetable Gardening – Saturday, April 12 at 6:30 p.m.
(David Rice, Weber Basin Water Conservancy District)

How to Grow Plants in Containers – Saturday, April 28 at 10 a.m.
(Cynthia Bee, Conservation Garden Park)


May Classes
Vegetable Gardening – Saturday, May 12 at 10:30 a.m.
(Britney Hunter, Davis County Horticulture Extension)

Drip Systems for Vegetable Gardens – Saturday, May 12 at 9 a.m.
(Kathlyn Collins, The Gardening Coach)

Easy Herbs – Thursday, May 17 at 6:30 p.m.
(Joy Bossi, Garden Consultant & Host of ”Joy in the Garden” )

Edible Landscapes – Saturday, May 19 at 9 a.m.
(Katie Wagner, Salt Lake County Extension)

Designing Successful Parkstrips – Thursday, May 19 at 10:30 a.m.
(Shaun Moser, Promontory Landscaping)

Waterwise Trees & Shrubs Tour – Thursday, May 24 at 6:30 p.m.
(Mike Lorenc, Conservation Garden Park)


June Classes
Sustainable Landscape Design – Saturday, June 9 at 10 a.m.
(Lori Simonich, Inspired by Nature)

The Best New Perennials – Saturday, June 9 at 11 a.m.
(Paul Klug, Perennial Favorites)

Lauren Springer Ogden: Design Inspiration for Waterwise Gardens – Saturday, June 9 at 1 p.m.
(Lauren Springer Odgen, nationally renowned author and lecturer - $20 admission)

Barney’s Perennial Picks – Saturday, June 16 at 9 a.m.
(Barney Barnett, Willard Bay Gardens)

Waterwise Perennials Tour – Saturday, June 16 at 10:30 a.m.
(Karen Eaton, Conservation Garden Park)


July Classes
Best Kept Secrets of Lawn Care – Thursday, July 12 at 6:30 p.m.
(JayDee Gunnell, Salt Lake County Extension)

How to Build a Complete Irrigation System (drip too!) – Saturday, July 14 at 10 a.m.
(Courtney Brown and Clifton Smith, Conservation Garden Park)


August Classes
Effective Methods for Controlling Weeds – Thursday, August 25 at 6:30 p.m.
(Clifton Smith, Conservation Garden Park)


September Classes
Build Your Own Terrarium ($10) – Saturday, September 1 at 10 a.m.
(Cynthia Bee, Conservation Garden Park)

Everything You Need to Know About Gardening – Thursday, September 6 at 6 p.m.
(Joy Bossi, Garden Consultant & host of ”Joy in the Garden” )

Turning Over the Garden: Fall Yard and Garden Care – Thursday, September 13 at 6:30 p.m.
(Katie Wagner, Salt Lake County Extension)



All classes are held in the Education Center at the Conservation Garden Park, located at 8215 South 1300 West in West Jordan. Except for the June 9 Ogden class and the September 1 class, all classes are free. Seating is limited. Register online at :
www.ConservationGardenPark.org/event or call 801-565-4300.