Another Good Family Holiday Activity

As someone who is very fond of ice skating I was thrilled to hear that the Maverik Center would be hosting free family skating sessions for the rest of December. There are some good sponsors as well as a charitable component and it looks to be another quality event here in West Valley City. The details and official press release are below:


West Valley City – Maverik, Inc., the Maverik Center, and Tum-E Yummies are teaming up with Modern Display to host “Maverik Adventure Wonderland,” a FREE, Christmas-themed family iceskating activity at the Maverik Center in West Valley City. Maverik Adventure Wonderland will be held every Monday and Thursday evening from 4-9 p.m. starting December 13 and running throughout the month of December (Dec 13, 16, 20, 23, 27 and 30).
Modern Display will turn the Maverik Center ice into a Christmas Adventure Wonderland. Visitors will skate to traditional Christmas music around a large Christmas tree display at center ice. Santa Claus will visit with children nightly from 6-8 p.m. and the Utah Grizzlies mascot, Grizzbee, the Grizzlies Ice Girls and Grizzlies players will make special appearances.
“The Maverik Center is a fantastic venue that allows us to provide an exciting Christmas experience for everyone,” said Ernie Harker, Maverikʼs executive director of marketing. “It will be a great family activity or an inexpensive date. I hope this will be the first annual tradition of the Maverik Adventure Wonderland at the Maverik Center.”
Grizzbee will be handing out free Tum-E Yummies fruit-flavored drinks to kids (while supplies last).
Hot chocolate, coffee and other Christmas fare will be available for purchase as well.
Admission is free and skate rentals are $5. (A donation of $1 per skate rental will be given to teamgive, a Utah-based charity dedicated to raising awareness for children with neurological diseases.)

Representing WVC

Last week I was able to represent West Valley City at the National League of Cities Congress of Cities which was held this year in Denver Colorado. I was pleased at the progress and the input that I was able to provide with my first tier suburbs steering committee. We successfully focused on Economic Development and provided many important solutions and programs. I reported on the Congress in this weeks City Council in both an oral and written report. Below is a copy of the written report given to my colleagues on he City Council:

Councilmember Rushton
Council Report

December 7, 2010

Congress of Cities NLC Conference

Summary

From December 1-4 I attended and represented West Valley City at the National League of Cities Congress of Cities in Denver, Colorado. The conference offered sessions and workshops to learn and share innovative ideas and solutions for their city’s economic development, infrastructure, sustainability and public safety needs. The conference major speakers and presenters included a Senator Chuck Hagel, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and a Business executive focused on sustainable development. I attended the conference at the Convention Center beginning Wednesday and concluded Saturday. During that time I not only attended general sessions and workshops, but also participated in mobile tours of the Denver regions transit oriented developments. Additionally, the steering committee I was appointed to was able to meet twice to discuss issues and set priorities for next year. Finally it was a good opportunity to attend briefing lunches and associate with many companies and colleagues with West Valley City connections. I gathered materials on numerous best practice solutions and innovations in order to share them with executive staff for informational purposes.

some of the highlights with local interest:

1. Former Florida governor Jeb Bush and Harvard University political scientist Robert D. Putnam discussed steps that governments can take to form successful relationships between immigrants and their new communities.

2. Spoke with representatives from the Justice Department about participation in the COPS program. Met with Utah regional representative from Health & Human Services about the Get Moving program and WVC trail system.

3. Other delegates from Utah cities gathered for a caucus dinner with representatives from the Utah League of Cities and Towns.

Action Items:

A. Form a staff committee to explore the costs/benefits of launching a WVC app for smartphones. Should also address if solely informational or interactive.

B. Council to formally charge Councilmember Christensen to be liaison with NLC Municipal Action for Immigrant Integration

C. Coordinate formal introduction of WVC staff with Englewood Colorado staff to collaborate on City Center TOD.

Additionally the City released the followed communication to media outlets concerning the Congress:

West Valley City Council Members Attend National Conference

Focusing on New Ideas and Solutions for Cities
West Valley City – West Valley City Council Members Don Christensen and Corey Rushton
recently joined thousands of fellow leaders from across the country for the 2010 National
League of Cities’ (NLC) annual Congress of Cities and Exposition in Denver, Colorado. The conference offered sessions and workshops to learn and share innovative ideas and solutions
for their city’s economic development, infrastructure, sustainability and public safety needs.
More than 2,000 municipal officials heard from nationally-known experts such as L. Hunter Lovins, president and founder of Natural Capitalism. Lovins spoke with delegates about tools and strategies to create more sustainable local governments. Former Florida governor Jeb Bush and Harvard University political scientist Robert D. Putnam discussed steps that governments can take to form successful relationships between immigrants and their new communities.
Additionally, former US Senator Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.) offered his perspective on the current
political climate in Washington, DC, in the wake of the mid-term elections. Department of
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack discussed health and wellness and brought video greetings
from First Lady Michelle Obama.
"The Congress was a great opportunity to represent West Valley City on a national scale and observe innovations that will enhance our local community," says Council Member Corey
Rushton.
Each year at the Congress of Cities, local officials make connections and learn about
resources to help move their communities forward. Delegates meet with thousands of peers and colleagues from around the country to discover cost-saving programs, products and
services; replicate effective programs and create innovative solutions to their community’s
most pressing challenges.

Winter Weather

Over the weekend we were hit with a slow moving wet snowstorm that covered West Valley City. Damage from fallen trees and broken tree limbs caused power outages sporadically around the City. In the eastern end of West Valley crews worked into Monday to restore power to some 128. To help with the continued clean up West Valley City will provide dumpsters for tree debris. The official release provides the following information:

West Valley City – West Valley City will provide two dumpsters for residents to dispose of fallen tree limbs caused by overnight storms. Starting this afternoon, a dumpster will be placed at City Park (4500 W. 3500 S.) and another dumpster will be placed at West View Park (6100 W. 4100 S.). The dumpsters will be provided through Friday, November 26, 2010. Residents are welcome to bring fallen tree limbs to place in the dumpsters, but no other trash is allowed in the dumpsters.
Residents can also use the City’s Bulky Waste removal service. More information on how to prepare waste to use this service can be found on the West Valley City’s Sanitation Division website located at www.wvc-ut.gov/sanitation.
City crews will assist in clearing sidewalks, streets and other public right-of-ways, but they cannot help clear debris on private property. Also, City crews cannot remove fallen utility poles or street lights. Residents are advised to contact the proper utility company to assist in removing fallen poles and street lights.
If residents wish to request a dumpster, they may contact Ace Disposal at 801-363-9995. To report a storm debris problem to West Valley City, please call 801-955-3720 during regular business hours (Monday-Thursday 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.) and 801-986-0280 after hours.

Additionally City Hall will be closed today at 3:00 in anticipation of the imminent snow storm. City Council meetings scheduled for this evening have also been cancelled. We also encourage everyone to avoid travel if possible:

West Valley City – The West Valley City Council Study and Regular meetings scheduled for today, at 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., respectively, have been canceled due to the impending winter storm expected later today. Scheduled agenda items will be rescheduled at a later date. The City Manager decided that it would be better to cancel the meetings rather than encourage residents to venture out during the storm to attend the Council meetings. All residents are encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel during the storm.
City Hall will also close at 3 p.m. today to allow employees to travel home before the worst of the storm is expected to affect the area. Emergency services and snowplow crews are prepared and ready to fulfill their responsibilities.
The emergency operations center for the City has been setup and is ready to be activated in worse case scenarios.

Holidays at the Harman Home

Last night after City Council meeting I was approached by a resident who asked me if there was any programs or activities for seniors during the holiday season. My response to him was that there are always a wide variety of activities and events year round (one of the many advantages to living in Utah's second most populous city). I briefly told him about a few Citywide highlights, but his attention quickly turned to my mention of the Harman Senior Center. I rounded up the calander for him and thought it would be worth mentioning here. The center is a great place to visit year-round. Below is some of the programs and events scheduled for the rest of November:

November
17 New Balance Class #4, 9:30 a.m.
18 Ice Cream (by Beehive Homes),10:30 a.m.
18 Granger High Bingo, 11 a.m.
19 Thanksgiving Dinner,(prior registration required)
22 Zumba Gold, 10:45 a.m.
24 New Balance Class #5
25 CLOSED THANKSGIVING DAY
26 CLOSED THANKSGIVING
HOLIDAY
29 Zumba Gold, 10:45 a.m.
30 Skip Bo Tournament, 11 a.m.


Scrapbooking Class – Mondays, 1 p.m.
Chess Club – Wednesdays, 12:30 p.m.
Line Dancing – Mondays, 12:30 p.m.
Ceramics – Thursdays, 10 a.m.
Railroad Club – Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10 a.m.
Tai Chi – Tuesdays, 1:30 p.m., FREE
Bingo – Fridays, 10:15 a.m.
Choir – Tuesdays and Wednesdays,10 a.m.
Drama Class – Wednesdays, 1 p.m.
Billiards and Cards – Daily

UCCC Kicks Off Holidays

The popular Trees of Diversity exhibit will back at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center.  There will be an opening reception on Thursday, November 18, 2010 from 6-8 pm.  The exhibition of over 25 holiday trees and scenes that are created by various community members and ethnic groups.  There will also be over 100 Dolls from Around the World on display as well.  The exhibition runs through the Holidays until December 30th.  The opening reception will feature live music, artists, and food.

 

Title:
Trees of Diversity Exhibit

Start Date:
November 18, 2010

End Date:
December 30, 2010

Address:
1355 West 3100 South
West Valley City, UT 84119

Hours:
Gallery Hours Mon-Thurs 9 am - 6 pm and by arrangement

Contact:
801-965-5100

Cost:
Free

Community Garden Training

 

Last year at the annual City Council strategic plan meeting members of the City Council discussed possibilities of introducing Community Garden plots on vacant city owned plots.  We have identified a few areas and the limited role that the City would play in fostering such programs.  The pivotal piece in bringing community gardens to West Valley is identifying and training interested participants.  Wasatch Community Gardens has successfully introduced several community gardens across the valley.  They will be holding a training course that any interested groups or individuals should attend.  Below is a portion of the invitation:

 

Who : Community gardeners AND people who want to become community gardeners.
What : A workshop on community organizing techniques. All participants will also leave with free access to a community organizing guidebook designed specifically for community gardeners.
When : Saturday, 20 November, 1:30 - 3:30pm
Where : Day-Riverside Library, 1575 West 1000 North, Salt Lake City, Utah
Why: Because it takes more than a green thumb to create and sustain a successful community garden. Everyone can be a community organizer! Come find out how.
Cost: Free!
How to Register: For this workshop, Pre-registration is required by Thursday, November 11! Please visit www.wasatchgardens.orgto register online, or call Susan at 801-359-2658 x16.
About Wasatch Community Gardens: Wasatch Community Gardens (WCG) is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit that has served the Salt Lake County community for 20 years. Since our founding in 1989, we have provided opportunities for individuals to grow their own food in urban gardens. Our mission is to empower people of all ages and incomes to grow and eat healthy, organic, local food. To this end, we offer several highly successful programs and services, including community gardening space, our youth gardening program, and educational workshops and community events.

Providing UTA feedback.

 

With all of the new transit options coming to West Valley City, the Utah Transit Authority is starting to think about service options and changes.  I myself have wondered which routes and methods would be the quickest and easiest routes in getting around the valley.  There will be a number of open-house style meetings where public input is welcomed.  This is an important step because sometimes regular people get lost in the computer generated mathematical routes and schedules that are produced.  Below is the UTA press release including dates and times:

 

UTA Seeks Public Input on Transit System Changes in Salt Lake County

11/15/2010

The Utah Transit Authority invites the public to provide input to help develop changes to the transit system in Salt Lake County that will occur next summer. UTA has planned a series of public open houses for this purpose, and input may also be provided though an online survey and feedback form available at www.rideuta.com.

UTA will open the West Valley and Mid-Jordan TRAX light rail lines on Aug. 7, 2011. These lines represent a notable increase to transit service in Salt Lake County, and will expand frequent, high speed, reliable passenger rail service to communities on the west side of Salt Lake County. Opening the Mid-Jordan and West Valley TRAX lines will also bring significant changes to the existing bus and rail system. UTA is starting the process now and requests public input on creating an integrated and efficient system.

"Our goal is to create the best transit system we can within our established budget," said Michael Allegra, UTA general manager. "That is why we are asking the public to help us as we prepare to make changes next year."

Through early December, UTA is conducting a process known as 'scoping' - gathering information through focus groups, online and phone surveys, the UTA website, social media, and a series of public open houses. Through this effort, the agency seeks to better understand public preferences related to frequency, coverage, peak travel, weekend and evening service, fares, customer amenities and supporting services.

"This information will provide critical guidance as we develop planning scenarios," Allegra said. "No decisions have been made at this point. We want hear from the public on what their priorities are before we start putting lines on a map."

After the scoping phase, UTA will develop proposed service plan scenarios based on the public input as well as additional data and analysis. UTA will then go back to the public for additional input, presenting the proposed service plans for comment and refinement.

"We want to involve the public through the entire process-from scoping to scenario selection-to ensure the final decisions are the right decisions," Allegra said.

The following public open houses have been scheduled to provide an opportunity for the public to participate in the scoping process:

Nov. 16 - Daybreak
Daybreak Community Center, Room A
4544 Harvest Moon Dr.
6 - 8 p.m.

Nov. 17 - Riverton City
Riverton City Hall, Music Room
12830 South Redwood Rd.
6 - 8 p.m.

Nov. 18 - West Valley City
West Valley Library
2880 West 3650
6 - 8 p.m.

Nov. 30 - University of Utah
Marriott Library, Gould Auditorium
295 South 1500 East
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Nov. 30 - West Jordan City
Bingham Creek Library
4834 West 9000 South
6 - 8 p.m.

Dec. 1 - South Jordan City
South Jordan City Hall, Main Lobby
1600 West Towne Center Dr.
6 - 8 p.m.

Dec. 2 - Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City Main Library, Conference Room B
210 East 400 South
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Dec. 2 - Murray City
Heritage Center
10 East 6150 South
6 - 8 p.m.