The city is moving forward with a series of staffing additions, infrastructure upgrades, and policy discussions that will shape services and neighborhoods over the coming years.

As part of efforts to strengthen public safety and city services, the city has hired two new police officers, two new street maintenance workers, one code enforcement officer, and one animal services officer. These hires are intended to improve response times, enforcement consistency, and overall quality of service for residents.

A major capital project is also underway at the Maverik Center, where the city plans to spend $850,389 to update and repair the facility’s elevators. The improvements are aimed at safety, accessibility, and long-term reliability for patrons and staff.

Financial priorities were a notable topic at recent meetings. A public meeting has been scheduled to discuss increasing compensation for the city’s executive officers, with an additional $300,000 in proposed funding  Application Z-9-2025. I chose to address this issue during public comment at the main meeting, 

On the sustainability front, the city is installing 29 new irrigation controllers equipped with smart technology and backflow devices. This project is designed to make city landscaping more water-wise and efficient, reducing waste while maintaining public spaces.

Sidewalk infrastructure is also receiving attention. Up to $285,000 will be spent repairing approximately 1,950 feet of sidewalk across 52 locations. The project will require the removal of 76 trees. While accessibility and safety improvements are necessary, there is hope that the city will replant trees elsewhere, as maintaining urban tree coverage is vital for clean air and neighborhood livability.

Construction activity continues to impact residents near the new University of Utah Eccles Health Campus. To address concerns related to dust and noise, the project has established a 

community complaint line at 385-509-5020. 

The campus is currently slated for completion in 2029.

Public transportation is also evolving, with UTA planning to purchase 10 new electric buses, signaling a continued shift toward cleaner and more sustainable transit options.

Housing and neighborhood preservation were raised during council discussions as well. Councilman Lars Nordfelt commented on the need for stronger enforcement related to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Short-Term Rentals (STRs). The council discussed potential ways to reduce the concentration of ADUs and STRs in West Valley neighborhoods.

 My public statements during the meeting will be addressed in a subsequent article, offering additional perspective on these decisions. 

Public Statement made during open comment at main meeting 

"I am here today to urge the council to begin the process of selling city-owned commercial properties back to the private sector. While the intent behind holding these properties may have been well-meaning, the reality is that the city is currently acting as a bottleneck to our local economy and a drain on taxes.

I am asking for this divestment for three reasons: restoring the tax base, efficiency and maintenance, and market growth. The city’s job is to govern, not to be a real estate mogul.

Let’s sell these properties to private companies who qualify to take over, but keep true to the master plan for West Valley City, get government out of the private sector, and put the capital back to work for the taxpayers.

 I would also like to speak to Application Z-9-2025. Passing this is losing possible future housing for single-family units. I would rather not lose agricultural rights to an area (5.7 acres) to 70% parking lots. This could fit 15 to 25 homes. I urge the council to not rezone this property to general commercial. Thank you for your time. "

This week’s City Council meeting offered more open discussion among council members than we’ve seen in the recent past, which is a welcome improvement. However, it remains concerning that the Council continues to group the entire consent agenda together and approve it in one motion. While this may save time, it does not allow for adequate review or discussion of individual items—especially when those items include actions such as the ratification of a new member to the Clean and Beautiful Committee. Efficiency matters, but it should not come at the expense of due process.

The City also approved the hiring of six new staff members:

2 Victim Advocates
1 Facilities Coordinator
3 Fleet and Streets personnel

 Fire Department Vehicle Proposal

The Fire Department is proposing to use ambulance fund reserves to purchase a lighter-duty response vehicle. This truck would be dispatched to low-level calls instead of sending heavy apparatus, reducing wear and mileage on frontline engines and extending their service life. This is a practical approach to long-term fleet management.

A request was made to rezone property from agricultural to residential to allow for the development of additional single-family homes. The proposal attempts to balance new development with the needs of a long-standing family wishing to keep their home and subdivide their land. Since the area is already surrounded by residential uses, the request is generally compatible with the neighborhood.

However, one concern stands out: Lot 5 in the proposed layout has little to no street frontage, which could create access and safety and parking issues. I recommend the developer revise the plan—potentially by removing one lot—to ensure proper frontage and avoid overcrowding. I fully support responsible single-family development, but not when lots are packed in without regard for livability.

The central discussion of the evening focused on GPZ-4-2025, a proposal to rezone a property from agricultural to light manufacturing to allow the owner to downsize his trucking business and operate from his home property. The surrounding area already contains a mix of uses, and the City previously purchased a portion of this land for a water district facility.

While I sympathize with the property owner’s desire to continue operating his business, I do not support a full rezoning to light manufacturing, as it would negatively impact the livability of the nearby homes and shift from the city development plans long-term character of the area.

Instead, I believe the City should pursue a Conditional Land Use Agreement or Special Use Permit that allows the business to operate under clearly defined conditions. These conditions could include:

Bi-annual permit renewal

Non-transferable permissions

Clear performance standards and limits on expansion
 

This approach would protect the existing zoning, maintain neighborhood integrity, and still support small business activity that strengthens West Valley’s economy.

 Honoring Our Heroes 

American Preparatory Academy hosted a truly moving Veterans Day Luncheon this year,  A heartfelt tribute to the brave men and women who have served our nation. From the beautiful sounds of flute and violin to each grade singing patriotic songs, the students filled the room with pride and gratitude.

The veterans in attendance were clearly touched there were smiles, misty eyes, and moments of quiet reflection as these young students poured their hearts into every note and word. It was a powerful reminder that the spirit of respect and appreciation for our heroes is alive and well in the next generation.

I was kindly escorted by a young lady who proudly shared stories about her school and all the preparation that went into making this day so special. Her enthusiasm and pride reflected the dedication of every student and staff member who worked tirelessly to honor our veterans.

To all who served — thank you. Your courage, sacrifice, and legacy continue to inspire, and you will always have a place of honor in our hearts.

During this month’s City Council study session, the Council continued discussions regarding the acquisition of several LDS Church properties for use with the My Hometown Community Resource Center.

Community outreach programs like this play an important role in helping residents—especially youth and those facing personal challenges—find purpose, belonging, and pride through volunteer and educational opportunities. I’ve seen firsthand how community engagement can lift spirits and build connections through my own volunteer work at local hot air balloon events, which share the same goal: creating meaningful experiences that bring people together.

The proposed rent-to-own plan for the three LDS Church properties would be a significant financial undertaking for the city, but it also offers strong long-term value and equity potential. The LDS Church could sell these properties to private developers for far more than the city’s current proposal, making this a rare opportunity to invest in community infrastructure that serves our residents directly.

I encourage city leaders to develop a 10-year strategic plan to ensure the city can fully utilize the potential of these properties and make them accessible to multiple community groups, not just the My Hometown program. Long-term planning will help ensure these properties remain flexible, sustainable, and beneficial to the greatest number of residents.

The City Council also discussed tightening ordinances related to inoperable vehicles in residential areas. The goal is to improve neighborhood appearance and address nuisance concerns. However, enforcement can be costly and often places a financial burden on both the city and affected residents.

As an automotive repair specialist, I have some personal insight into this issue. For many families, a vehicle is one of the largest expenses in their household budget. When times get tough, auto maintenance and repairs are often the first things postponed. Unplanned breakdowns or accidents can be financially overwhelming, and adding fines on top of that only increases the hardship—especially with the rising cost of parts and services.

In today’s market, residents can be stuck waiting months for parts availability or repair‑shop scheduling, and I’ve personally seen brand-new vehicles—less than a year old—become inoperable for over a year due to manufacturer recalls and national parts backorders. New cars experience many of the same issues as older cars, from parts shortages to long repair timelines, meaning no vehicle owner is immune to these challenges. For example, the Cyber truck has experienced recalls related to accelerator pedal and drivetrain issues, showing that even the newest vehicles can face extended downtime. In these cases, it doesn’t make sense to penalize owners for circumstances entirely beyond their control.

While I support the city’s efforts to clean up yards and maintain neighborhood standards, I believe we must balance enforcement with compassion. Current ordinances require inoperable vehicles to be covered with a make- and model-specific car cover, but weather and wind make that difficult to maintain consistently.

It’s also worth noting that studies show driving an older vehicle and keeping it on the road for 200,000 miles or more can have a significantly smaller environmental impact than purchasing a new car every few years. The energy, materials, and emissions involved in manufacturing new vehicles far outweigh the ongoing impact of maintaining and operating an existing one.

Looking ahead, I’d like to see the state consider allowing tow companies, repair facilities, and parts suppliers to donate repairs to local residents in exchange for a state tax credit. Right now, the law doesn’t allow this type of outreach unless a company forms a nonprofit and navigates extensive red tape. Allowing such donations to offset state sales tax obligations could encourage businesses to help residents get their vehicles back on the road—offering a more proactive and compassionate alternative to costly enforcement.