Jordan River 2013

There has been some exciting things happen along the Jordan River this past year.  Partnerships and reinvestment to the corridor has brought some change and improvement to the river and I am proud to play a small role in this as West Valley City's representative and Chair of the Jordan River Commission.  Below is a link to Comcast Newsmaker segment that was filmed earlier in the fall:

http://www.comcastnewsmakers.com/video/jordan-river-commission/


Also the Jordan River Commission recently honored groups and individuals instrumental in advancing the Jordan River with its annual awards gala.  The Best Practices Toolkit is being unveiled to cities along the river to help them plan and prepare for the future of the river. And finally several cleanup projects and restoration work was completed in 2013.  A published newspaper account of one the restoration projects can be found below:

http://www.westjordanjournal.com/pages/full_story/16414/Restoration-project-begins-along-Jordan-River/

Citywide Development

Below is a portion of a letter that I recently sent out highlighting some notable additions to West Valley City.

Greetings! As we all prepare for the holidays I want to send you and yours some well wishes and a sincere thank you for allowing me to serve you and the community that I love. I also wanted to make you aware of a variety of new retail establishments recently opened, under construction, or planned to open in West Valley City in the near future. Below is a highlighted list of these:

  

  

Highbury Centre (Target):

 

Kneaders (open)

Dunkin Donuts (open)

Firehouse Subs (open)

Noodles & Company (open soon)

Freebirds World Burrito (open soon)

Marshalls (under construction)

Maurices (under construction)

Cinemark Movie Theatres (under construction)

Zaxbys (planned)

 

*various other stores  are in final lease discussions including a restaurant, hospitality, clothing store, etc. 

 

Shoppes at Lake Park:

 

Ross (under construction)

Rue 21 (under construction)

Zupas (open)

 

Valley Fair Mall

 

* 5 stores in final lease discussions including a restaurant, jewelry store, mid-box variety store, etc.  However, until leases are final they do not want the actual names to be released.

 

Also, CVS Pharmacy is ready to build on 3500 South and CHOW TIME BUFFET on 5600 West is to be open soon.

Public Works/Snow Removal Trucks

In an ongoing effort to streamline City services and to keep City spending down, we are always looking for ways to be innovative and to save money.  Once such example of this is the recent refurbishment of work truck vehicles, like the ones you see plowing and salting the streets.  This will save more than $500,000 in the next two years by refurbishing rather than replacing aging heavy fleet vehicles. The two trucks pictured are identical and were both purchased a decade ago; one has been refurbished.

Xmission

Just wanted to take a moment and officially thank Xmission for being a great community partner and for donating time and space to make this website possible.

WVC form of Government

With current events and a municipal election on the horizon there has been much discussion regarding our West Valley City form of Government.  Last night at Council Meeting a very astute group of Boy Scouts asked several good question regarding how our City government operates and the roles of the City Council and City Manager and their respective legislative and executive duties.  Below is a list of FAQ on this topic:

Council / Manager Form of Government

What is the council-manager form, which is used in so many local governments?

The council-manager form is the system of local government that combines the strong political leadership of elected officials in the form of a council or other governing body, with the strong managerial experience of an appointed local government manager. The form establishes a representative system where all power is concentrated in the elected council and where the council hires a professionally trained manager to oversee the delivery of public services.

Is it a responsive form of government?

In council-manager government, council members are the leaders and policy makers elected to represent various segments of the community and to concentrate on policy issues that are responsive to citizens’ needs and wishes. The manager is appointed by council to carry out policy and ensure that the entire community is being served. If the manager is not responsive to the council’s wishes, the council has authority to terminate the manager at any time. In that sense, a manager’s responsiveness is tested daily.

What is the council’s function?

The council is the legislative body; its members are the community’s decision makers. Power is centralized in the elected council, which approves the budget and determines the tax rate, for example. The council also focuses on the community’s goals, major projects, and such long-term considerations as community growth, land use development, capital improvement plans, capital financing, and strategic planning. The council hires a professional manager to carry out the administrative responsibilities and supervises the manager’s performance.

What is the manager’s function?

The manager is hired to serve the council and the community and to bring to the local government the benefits of training and experience in administering local government projects and programs on behalf of the governing body. The manager prepares a budget for the council’s consideration; recruits, hires, and supervises the government’s staff; serves as the council’s chief adviser; and carries out the council’s policies. Council members and citizens count on the manager to provide complete and objective information, pros and cons of alternatives, and long-term consequences.

What is the cost to the local government of appointing a professional manager?

Local governments have found that overall costs actually have been reduced with competent management. Savings come in the form of reduced operating costs, increased efficiency and productivity, improved revenue collection, or effective use of technology.

Does the manager participate in policy determination?

The manager makes policy recommendations to the council, but the council may or may not adopt them and may modify the recommendations. The manager is bound by whatever action the council takes.

Where does the mayor fit in?

The mayor presides at council meetings and serves as a ceremonial head for the city. In addition, the mayor serves as a key representative in intergovernmental relations. The mayor is regular voting member of the city council which directs the city manager in policy-development and city management.

Are all council-manager governments structured the same way?

No. One of its most attractive features is that the council-manager form is adaptable to local conditions and preferences. For example, some communities have councils that are elected at large while other councils are elected by district. Some local governments have mayors who are elected by the voters at large; others are elected by their colleagues on the council.

Is this form of government used only in certain kinds of cities?

No. In fact, it is not restricted to cities. It is used by counties too. Currently, 3,625 cities operate under this form. Additionally, 529 counties indicate that they operate under the county administrator form. They vary greatly in size and characteristics, including independent cities, center cities, suburbs, and counties.

How many Americans live in communities that operate under council-manager government?

More than 75.5 million.

Is the form popular in large communities?

Yes. Out of 199 cities with greater than 100,000 citizens, 112 use this form of government. Some examples are Phoenix; San Diego; Dallas; Cincinnati; San Antonio; Kansas City, Missouri; and Mecklenburg County, North Carolina.

How much citizen participation is possible under council-manager government?

Successful examples of citizen participation in the local government service delivery decision-making process are widespread among professionally managed U.S. communities. Because professional local government management offers government of the people, by the people, and for the people, it sets the stage for citizen activism by encouraging open communication between citizens and their government. Examples range from visioning, in which citizens play a major role in determining the future of their community, to neighborhood service delivery, which involves residents through the development of citizen/government partnerships, to community-oriented local government services. Because political power is concentrated in the entire governing body rather than one elected official, more citizens have an opportunity to be elected to a position in which they have significant influence over the future of their community.

What is the history of the council-manager form?

Born out of the turn-of-the-century progressive reform movement, the council-manager system of local government is one of the few original American contributions to political theory. In 1908, Staunton, Virginia, instituted the first position legally defining, by ordinance, the broad authority and responsibility associated with today’s professional local government manager. Sumter, South Carolina, was the first city to adopt a charter incorporating the basic principles of council-manager government in 1912. Westmount, Quebec, introduced the form to Canada in 1913. The first large city to adopt the plan was Dayton, Ohio, in 1914. The first counties to adopt it in the l930s were Arlington County, Virginia, and Durham County and Robeson County, North Carolina. Since its establishment, the council-manager form has become the most popular form of government in the United States in communities with populations of 5,000 or greater. The form also is popular in Canada, Australia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Honduras, Chile, and Brazil. For more than 85 years, council-manager government has responded to the changing needs of citizens and their communities.

What salary does the manager receive?

Earnings of the city manager depend on their educational background and experience, the size and complexity of the local governments employing them, and the economic conditions of the regions where communities are located. The council sets the manager’s salary.

Can the manager be fired?

Managers serve at the pleasure of the  city council. They can be fired by a majority of the council, consistent with local laws, ordinances, or employment agreements they may have with the council. Control is always in the hands of the elected representatives of the people.

 

    

        

 

Highbury Center Expansion

While representing you and the thousands of other West Valley City Residents over
the years I have founds that some people love the hustle and bustle and excitement
of change, while others approach change with caution.  Wherever you fall on this
spectrum I know that people like you enjoy knowing what types of businesses and
developments are coming to their city. We often talk about the Valley Fair area,
but today I wanted to give you the quick rundown on Highbury Centre on 5600 West.


West Valley City's largest retail development since Valley Fair Mall is under way
on 5600 West around the new Target. There will be official ground breakings for
individual businesses as they come. When completed Highbury Centre will be home
to 350,000 square feet of new retail that will produce an anticipated $100,000,000
million in new annual retail sales to West Valley. This development not only provides
shopping, dining, and jobs, but helps to broaden our tax base that will enable us
to hold tax rates down. Build out of all phases will take place over the next several
years.

There is a site map that is coming together and I am starting to get a real sense
of excitement with some of the fantastic stores that will be locating here this
year. Some of those retailers include -

·        Cinemark - 10 screen theater

·        Kneaders

·        Dunkin' Donuts

·        Noodles & Co.

·        Zupas

·        Marshalls

·        Shoe Carnival

·        Others TBA

The City & development partner is also working with a well known Steakhouse and
several other great retailers. This development will be a dramatic addition to West
Valley City!  Thanks for you support of West Valley City's economic development
efforts.

Neighborhood City Meet Ups

West Valley Councilmembers to meet with neighbors at Neighborhood Meetups

 

I had a very enjoyable Saturday morning visiting with residents at Hillsdale park.  This was the first of four scheduled meetings where residents can come in a relaxed atmosphere and converse with their elected representatives about what's going on in their neighborhood.  It is good to gain a solid perspective from many residents as we continue to take strides in economic and neighborhood development as well as work to bring about changes and improvements within our police department.  In the photo I am seen discussing the effectiveness and yet limitations of the graffiti wipes.

 Everyone is invited to attend and visit with City Council Members and City Staff.

In an effort to stay connected with residents and to share information about various City services, the West Valley City Council and the West Valley City Public Relations & Neighborhood Services Office will be hitting the road and setting up shop in four community parks this summer. The first stop was at Hillsdale Park in City Council District 1.

From 9:00 – 11:00 a.m., residents can meet with City staff, chat with elected officials and enjoy light refreshments and kids activities. Additionally, information about more than 20 City programs and services will be available for residents, and those interested in participating on City boards and committees can learn more and pick up application forms.

Neighborhood Meetups will take place each month through August as the staff visits each of the four City Council Districts:

• District 2: June 8, Fairbourne Station Promenade, 2905 W. Lehman Ave. (3590 S.)
• District 3: July 13, Centennial Park (near the west pavilion), 5415 W. 3100 S.
• District 4: August 10, West View Park, 4100 S. 6000 W.

 

The West Valley Journal did a feature story on the meetups here:

http://www.mywestvalleyjournal.com/pages/full_story/14531/City-leaders-to-meet-residents-where-they-live/

WVC Police & Public Safety Task Force

As part of the process of retooling our West Valley City Police department and to help restore the public trust in the public safety, the City Council unanimously approved my proposal to direct our City Manager to create a Police & Public Safety Task force. This group will be an important resource as we work to solve problems and seek best practices.

The duties of this task force will be to:

1. Explore Attributes & Qualifications of new Chief of Police.      

2. Examine Partnerships & Collaborations with other law enforcement agencies.                                                           

3. Seek best practices involving chains of command and evidence handling.                                

4. Brainstorm methods to foster safe neighborhoods by fighting drugs and crime.

The Salt Lake Tribune posted a some articles regarding the City Council's work with the police including:


http://m.sltrib.com/sltrib/mobile/56180086-78/cases-valley-west-review.html.csp

March Update Message

This month I was fortunate to author the City Council message found within the pages of the West Valley Journal.  Below is a copy of that message:

Take a Closer Look

A message from Councilmember Corey Rushton

            Plentiful impressions can be made from a distance, but authenticity can only be experienced up close. This was the lesson I learned as a young man from my great-grandfather who often beckoned me to venture further out into his garden and take a closer look at the beds that he had been tending to. The beauty of Grandpa’s garden, like our City is found in the creative and authentic works performed closest to the home. 

           

            From a distance, citywide conditions generally look good as we are quietly raising the standard of expectations in West Valley City. There are many obvious noteworthy things in our community that are being put into place, but ultimately it is up to each resident to take a closer look in order to authentically convert those assets into the City that they love to live in. The ways in which you could focus to make our City great are too diverse to mention. But, if you don’t know what your role is in an evolving and authentic West Valley City then please evaluate yourself, your property, and your neighborhood and I am confident that you will find new ways to offer your time and talents. Additionally, the City’s website and WVC-TV offers many ideas, programs, and civic committees that could benefit from your participation.

 

            There has never been a better time to become more involved in shaping the future of your City. Therefore, I challenge everyone to love their neighborhood, to reinvest in their homes, and to find new ways to be initiators and shapers of the community.  Biographer, poet, and local elementary school namesake Carl Sandberg noted that, “Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you.”  A safe, comfortable, and authentic West Valley City depends on everyone taking a closer look and converting old impressions into satisfying and sustaining realities for years and generations to come.

NLC Council Report

Below is a copy of the written report that I submitted to the City Council this week regarding the recent National League of Cities Conference and visits to out Utah Congressional delegation:

Councilmember Rushton
Council Report

March 19, 2013

NLC CONFERENCE & federal meetings

Summary

During March 9-13 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 several high ranking administration officials including Housing and Urban Development, Homeland Security, Health & Human Services, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. Vice President Biden was a late addition to the conference and his remarks were missed due to previously arranged meetings with our WVC schedule. The conference at the Marriott Wardman began on Saturday and concluded Wednesday. 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 and requests for assistance. Additionally, the steering committee I was appointed to was able to meet twice to discuss issues and set priorities for this year.  NLC committee work was extremely productive as we set priorities for the upcoming year.  I’ve also included some press that the First Tier Suburbs work received during the conference.

some of the highlights with local interest:

1.     Attended Conference session regarding immigration policy and have included NLC information sheet.

2.     Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano released demographic statistic regarding immigration trends.  51% of immigrants now prefer suburbs to 33% in metro cities.

3.     Positive reception and constructive dialogue resulting from Congressional visits regarding Zip Code, CDBG funding, and preserving Municipal Bonds.

4.      The Utah League of Cities and Towns arranged a dinner for Utah delegates. Additionally, a brunch was sponsored with area businesses to discuss local priorities.

5.     Invited along with a select few committee chairs to participate in a Round Table discussion with new NLC Executive Director Clarence Anthony and NLC President Marie Rogers regarding ways to make NLC more beneficial to member cities in regarding training, networking, and advocacy.

6.     Attended a strategy session lunch meeting with The Ferguson Group & Ron Hamm to discuss layout and direction of federal priorities and representation.

More Recycling options

As I evaluate and compare West Valley City services with other communities nearby and across the nation, I am often impressed with the high level of services that we offer at often a lower overall price.  One such example that I can confidently share are the services provided by the West Valley City sanitation department along with our partners at Waste Management.  The recent change to bring these fees into one consolidated WVC utility bill, free and separate from your Rocky Mountain Power Bill, continues the trend of providing quality and efficient services.  With our current dumpster program, bulky waste collection, and current recycling system in place and successful we have been looking to find more ways to save money, protect our environment, and provide quality services to residents. 

One item that was noticeably absent from this portfolio of sanitation services was the inability to recycle glass products.  However, beginning next week West Valley City will offer an around the clock glass recycling drop off location.  The official release from the City is below:

West Valley City – Beginning March 1, 2013, West Valley City will partner with Waste

Management of Utah and Momentum Recycling to provide a glass recycling drop-off location. The

drop-off bin will be located at the West Valley City Public Works building at 2805 South 3600

West. The bin will be accessible seven days a week.

Waste Management will deliver the donated glass to Momentum Recycling, a local glass recycler.

Momentum Recycling will turn the recycled glass into high-quality raw materials for making a wide

range of products including fiberglass, containers, water filters and more.

General Rules for the Glass Recycling Drop-Off:

Glass bottles and jars only.

All colored glass is acceptable, including broken bottles and jars.

Do NOT place items outside of the bin.

Unaccepted Items:

Ceramics

Windshields
Pyrex
Light bulbs
Windows
Fish tanks
Mirrors
Dishes, plates, glasses, coffee pots
Bags, boxes, cardboard

For additional information, contact West Valley City Sanitation at 801-955-3720. 

Holiday Highlighting Unity Pride & Progress

West Valley City Hall is largely empty today in observance of the Martin Luther King Holiday.  America-The Diversity Place has chosen to highlight the dedication of Rosa Parks Drive in West Valley as the feature story commemorating the holiday.  The road leading to the Utah Cultural Celebration Center has received widespread attention for this action, an action that highlights the spirit of Unity, Pride, and Progress of Utah's second most populous city. 

The UCCC is a very fluent and important area of West Valley City and the greater Salt Lake Valley and it is important to be continually adding to that campus.  Adding not only in programs and events, not only adding in monuments and exhibits, but most importantly adding to that place in a deeper meaning and spirit.  In honoring the legacy of Rosa Parks we add important meaning and spirit to our community.  That meaning and spirit will be different things to different people, but the underlying Unity-Pride-and Progress of honoring those that have sought to make our country great, will hopefully be a reminder and an inspiration to those that travel it to find new ways of bringing families, neighborhoods, and nations together.

To get a look at today's America Diversity Place story you can go to:

http://americadiversityplace.com/Utah/TheDiversityPlace.aspx

Granite School District--New Grading System

This is not a an item from West Valley City Hall, but an important community item that I thought that I'd pass along.

Granite School District will soon be implementing a new grading system that was developed by the state of Utah. 

To find out what this means and how it will affect students the district is sponsoring three open house meetings to discuss the changes.  They will be held as follows:

Hunter High -January 17, 2013 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Taylorsville High- January 23, 2013 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Skyline High- January 24, 2013 7:00-8:00 p.m.