Draper City Talk

Cameron Diehl, Executive Director of the Utah League of Cities and Towns (ULCT) discusses the 2024 Utah State Legislative Session, the role of ULCT during the session with respect to advocating for local government, and how some bills impact communities

Significant progress was made in 2023 with The Point development at the former state prison site, including the demolition of the prison, approval of funding from the state legislature, long-range transportation plans, and a signed agreement with development partners for phase one. The Point Executive Director Alan Matheson again joins Mayor Walker to provide an update about this historic development that will change the landscape of Draper and Utah.

Maintaining adequate water supply and service in Utah will require smart planning, the investment of billions of dollars in infrastructure, and the cooperation of all residents to conserve this vital resource. Maura Carabello of the Exoro Group and Tage Flint of Utah Water Ways join Mayor Walker to discuss their participation in a recent water conference where projections were presented about the future of water in Utah.

Parks & Recreation Director Rhett Ogden shares details about recent storm impacts on parks and trails and upcoming projects including a conservation garden, more pickleball courts, trail improvements and connections. Did someone say disc golf?

Although record snow has greatly improved drought conditions in Utah this year, Utah will always need to be concerned about drought. Draper City recently took an additional step in long-term planning for water conservation as the city council adopted changes to our landscaping requirements to make them more water-wise, including the adoption of Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District’s (JVWCD) standards for water efficiency. The City’s application of these new requirements and standards will be mainly focused on new development but with these changes come additional benefits for current residents and businesses who want to make the change to more water-efficient landscaping. Cynthia Bee, Public Information Officer for Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District, and Jennifer Jastremsky, Community Development Director for Draper City join Mayor Walker to discuss these changes and benefits.

Representatives for Draper in the Utah State Legislature, Senator Kirk Cullimore and Representative Jeff Stenquist recap items of interest to Draper residents from the 2023 legislative session, share requests or feedback they've received from constituents, and discuss long-term goals they feel are important for the state to address.

With snow totals reaching levels not seen for 20 or more years, we look forward to the warmer temperatures of spring. But, all that snow melting too quickly can bring other concerns – particularly the potential for flooding. Draper City Public Works Director/City Engineer Scott Cooley and Assistant City Manager Bret Millburn discuss the groundwater flooding that some residents experienced this winter, runoff flooding mitigation plans for spring, and tips to help prevent flooding at your property.

Community involvement and belonging have great benefits for our health and wellbeing. Draper City offers a wonderful variety of recurring community events - from the Easter Egg Hunt to the Haunted Trail, fun times are just around the corner. Community Events Manager David Wilks and Chief of Staff Kellie Challburg give a preview of events for 2023 and discuss how residents can get involved behind-the-scenes. Other volunteer opportunities are available on one of the City's commissions or committees.  

Collaboration between city officials, community volunteers, and partnerships with Salt Lake County and other entities led to Draper City preserving 6,495 acres of public open space, including 147 miles of trails and 45 parks. The City's Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee is comprised of volunteers who work with City staff to recommend and monitor the establishment of facilities, programs and policies to meet the recreational and aesthetic goals of the residents of Draper.  Resident Jamie Pogue, chair of the Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee and longtime City employee Brad Jensen, Parks Projects Manager, join Mayor Walker to discuss the history and future of recreational open space in Draper City.  Learn more about Draper City Trails and Open Space Learn more about The Point Learn more about the Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee Learn more about Corner Canyon Trails Foundation

Draper Police Detective Adam Neff discusses his current role as a D.A.R.E. instructor and school police officer, including the program's evolution since its inception in 1983, how parents and community members can provide support, and the biggest concerns kids are dealing with now.  Dare Website Draper Police Department

Draper City Fire Marshal Don Buckley discusses fireworks restrictions for 2022, high fire danger due to extreme drought statewide, tips for home fire safety, and the Home Entry Lockbox Loaner Program (HELLP) which assists residents who may not be able to get to the door when first responders arrive in a medical emergency.  Visit our website to view the interactive fireworks restriction map. 

Steve Cunningham, Assistant General Manager, WaterPro, Alan Packard, Assistant General Manger and Chief Engineer, Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District, and Brien Maxfield, Senior Engineering Manager, Draper City Public Works, return to the podcast to discuss the continuing severe drought in Utah, current water supply and management, long-term planning to ensure adequate water supply, conservation efforts and tips, and the results of WaterPro's flouride survey. 

Jay Francis, South Valley Chamber President & CEO, discusses his longtime career with the Utah Jazz and the Larry H. Miller Group and how that prepared him for his post-retirement role with the chamber, how the chamber supports local businesses and provides connections and training for business owners to grow and improve their business, and the chamber's partnership with Draper City.

Draper City Code Enforcement Officer Dave Bernal discusses common code violations, processes for requesting a response on a problem, and how he works with property owners and businesses to resolve issues. 

Parks and Recreation Director Rhett Ogden previews projects and events for 2022, including the new boat launch at Rotary Park, a trail connection with Lehi, all-abilities playground, conservation garden at the Parks & Rec building, improvements to Ballard Arena, amphitheater shows, new community events and more. 

In summer of 2022 inmates of the Utah State Prison will be transferred to the new prison facility. This is a significant step in plans to develop the site, consisting of 600 acres of state-owned land, into Utah’s Innovation Community. Known as The Point, the new community will foster technological advancement, provide parks and open space, and support economic growth. Located in Draper, The Point will be a great addition to the Draper Community. Executive Director of The Point, Alan Matheson, discusses development plans, construction timeline, and economic benefits.

Planning Manager Jennifer Jastremsky discusses misperceptions about what the City can and cannot do with respect to approvals or denials of development applications, different categories of zoning and what types of building is allowed in each, how state legislative decisions impact city code and enforcement – including recent changes related to Accessory Dwelling Units, and how the Draper City Historic Preservation Commission seeks to keep the community’s history alive.

Deputy Director of Public Works Robert Markle and Solid Waste Manager Hazel Dunsmore discuss garbage and recycling management in Draper City, fluctuations in the recycling market, where to dispose of items not accepted in curbside bins, probable changes to collection routes, landfill processes, and what garbage truck drivers want everyone to know. 

City Manager David Dobbins and Assistant City Manager Bret Millburn discuss their roles and responsibilities, keeping property tax low through strategic economic development, the pursuit of additional communications infrastructure, accommodating growth, adjustments to City operations to ensure essential services continue during a pandemic, and recent changes to special event permitting on City trails. 

Draper City Police Chief John Eining discusses Draper Police Department's approach to law enforcement, nationwide tensions following the George Floyd case, training, and responsibilities of police officers.