May 27, 2021 Update

Well, for many of us on the 4/10 schedule, tomorrow is the start of one of those cherished 4 day weekends.  Memorial Day is a good time to remember not just our veterans, but others of our family and friends who have left mortality.  One of the most inspiring sites to me in Provo is our cemetery decorated with flowers on so many gravesites.  While it is super crowded over the weekend, it is worth a drive by or a walk through to experience what has come to be a bit of a sacred site for me.  And our cemetery crew, supported by others in Parks and Recreation, take enormous efforts at creating a beautiful place this day and every day for those who come there.

CORONAVIRUS STATS

Nationally, the CDC reports 33,018,965 cases with 589,547 fatalities.

Utah:  405,387 cases (up 309 from yesterday); 16,748 hospitalizations; 2,294 deaths (up 2 from yesterday)

Utah County:  96,787 cases (up 52 from yesterday); 2,687 hospitalizations; 393 deaths (no change from yesterday)

NEWS YOU CAN USE

• According to Governor Cox, the Utah drought is 'really bad' and could lead to restrictions and a fireworks ban. They have launched programs to help Utah be safe this wildfire season. There have been 227 wildfires so far.
• Eric Carle, author of 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar' and other classics, has passed away at age 91.
• The Jazz won their second game against Memphis as they start off the playoffs.
• The expanded child tax credit payments will be starting July 15, and as you can imagine, it is set to have a big impact on Utah.

PROVO SOCIAL MEDIA

THE MAYOR'S DAY

Today, Mayor Kaufusi:

• Met on housing in Provo
• Held a meeting with the CAO
• Met with the Fire Chief
• Participated in a groundbreaking at Mill Race at Provo Station
• Held a meeting with a local association
• Participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony
• Held a planning meeting
• Participated in a grand opening for the Unlimited Play Center
• Sat as a member of the Executive Council for MAG

FUN STUFF

So, we have been confronting some issues with posting photos and videos to our blog service provider, so I am reduced to some "groaners" today.  Enjoy....? 

 

Why did the bike fall over?

It was two tired.

Why did the golfer bring two pairs of pants?

In case he got a hole in one.

What do you call a pig that does karate?

A pork chop.

Why did the man get hit by a bike every day?

He was stuck in a vicious cycle.

What did the bartender say to the turkey sandwich when it tried to order a beer?

“Sorry, we don’t serve food here.”

Why do seagulls fly over the sea?

If they flew over the bay, they would be bagels.

What’s the difference between the bird flu and the swine flu?

One requires tweetment and the other an oinkment.

Why do people say “break a leg” when you go on stage?

Because every play has a cast.

What do you call an alligator detective?

An investi-gator.

Hope you have a great weekend!

Wayne

May 26 2021 Update

So I know I have been with the city for a long time now, but I am getting increasingly sad to see some of our employees that I have called friends for many years decide that it is time to retire and move on to new chapters in their lives.  The announcement of Chief Ferguson earlier this week was bad enough, but seeing Dan Dove retire seems like the end of an era to me.  While I totally wish them well after a long and storied career here, but I will miss my regular interactions with them.  And with others who are moving on as well.  

CORONAVIRUS STATS

Nationally, the CDC reports 32,994,369 cases with 588,421 fatalities.

Utah: 405,078 cases (up 268 from yesterday); 16,729 hospitalizations; 2,292 deaths (no change from yesterday)

Utah County:  96735 cases (up 48 from yesterday); 2685 hospitalizations; 393 deaths (no change from yesterday)

NEWS YOU CAN USE

• There were at least 12 mass shootings between Friday night and Sunday of last week, leaving 11 dead and 69 injured.
• It's is getting more expensive to eat out, as Utah restaurants are reporting continued increase in food prices and a potential raise in minimum wage. They say they will have to pass that increase on to the customers to stay afloat. 
• Researchers at the University of Utah are part of a national team working on an implant to control the body's circadian rhythm in order to prevent jet lag.

PROVO SOCIAL MEDIA

THE MAYOR'S DAY

Today, Mayor Kaufusi:

• Met with the Police Chief
• Participated in a podcast
• Met on housing in Provo
• Participated in an Economic Recovery Advisory meeting
• Held a meeting on finances
• Met with the Council Chair
• Held a meeting with a youth organization in Provo
• Participated in UMPA Board of Directors meeting

FUN STUFF

Sometimes it is kind of fun to check out the reviews of items on Amazon, just to see what other people have to say.  I can see how someone might be interested in a 12 foot beach ball, but I suspect this review left the seller with a warehouse full of them!  

Wayne

May 25, 2021 Update

One more landmark moment for the Daily Update.  Today is episode 200!  Hard to imagine that it has been more than a year since we began this shared experience.  Maybe next week we will send out a survey link to see how the daily update is working for you - and asking some questions about where we go from here.  

I participated with Isaac and several of our public works staff in a meeting this morning exploring various aspects of the Utah Lake Authority legislation and the impacts of governance changes on Utah Lake.  It was inspiring to see all the work that has been done in smaller subcommittee groups looking at all the key issues for the future of the lake.  

CORONAVIRUS STATS

Nationally, the CDC reports 32,969,905 cases with 587,830 fatalities.

Utah: 404,810 cases (up 185 from yesterday); 16,704 hospitalizations; 2,292 deaths (no change from yesterday)

Utah County:  96,687 cases (up 24 from yesterday); 2,679 hospitalizations; 393 deaths (no change from yesterday)

NEWS YOU CAN USE

• Zion's National Park has executed a campfire ban as of yesterday, along with the BLM issuing many other fire restrictions.
• Not sure why this is a problem, but the CDC is warning people against kissing and snuggling poultry, as they are spreading salmonella.
• Samoa has elected its first female Prime Minister, but she was locked out of Parliament and was sworn-in in a tent outside.

PROVO SOCIAL MEDIA

THE MAYOR'S DAY

Today, Mayor Kaufusi:

• Met with the City Attorney
• Met with Mayor's Office staff
• Met with the economic development director
• Attended the City Council budget work meeting

FUN STUFF

I have had fun watching people interact with those giant pianos in various locations.  This little video shows some very talented groups and teams that have mastered the art of giant piano playing and then some.  

I hope you have a great day, and are staying safe and well in everything you are doing! 

Wayne

May 24 Update

It has been a very busy day today, and starting a new week always brings new possibilities.  The one new possibility that I wasn't counting on today was the letter we received from Chief Rich Ferguson announcing his decision to retire from the Provo Police Department effective July 1, 2021.  It was a bit like getting the wind knocked out of me.  Chief Ferguson has been without question one of the very finest police chiefs with whom I have worked in my career.  I will personally miss him immensely, but wish him as Sally well in this new chapter in their life.

CORONAVIRUS STATS

Nationally, the CDC reports 32,947,548 cases with 587,342 fatalities.

Utah:  404,625 cases; 16,679 hospitalizations; 2,292 deaths

Utah County:  96,663 cases; 2,677 hospitalizations; 393 deaths

NEWS YOU CAN USE

• The Provo Airport had a successful topping off ceremony last week.
• The FBI is reporting that the Chinese Communist Party poses counterintelligence threats to Utah.
• Amazon has suspended construction on their new site in Connecticut after finding seven nooses at the site in the past month.

PROVO SOCIAL MEDIA

THE MAYOR'S DAY

Today, Mayor Kaufusi:

• Met with the Police Chief
• Held a meeting with the Fire Chief
• Participated in a meeting with the Facility Services Manager 
• Held a meeting with Mayor's office staff
• Participated in a communications strategy meeting
• Met with the Deputy Mayor
• Held a meeting with her executive team
• Met with the CAO
• Participated in a meeting on power
• Held a meeting on businesses in Provo

FUN STUFF

I don't know if you have seen the YouTube phenom Poppin' John, but this guy has talent!  It takes talent and discipline to do what he does and how he does it.

Hope you have a great rest of your day.  Stay well and stay safe!

Wayne

May 20 2021 Update

Today has been a very busy day around here.  We started with our council leadership meeting early, we enjoyed the topping off ceremony for the new Provo Airport passenger terminal, and then I have had back to back meetings or phone calls since then.

If you haven't been out to the airport lately, you are missing a great view of the new terminal building under construction.  Hats off to the Provo team led by Dave Decker, Brian Torgersen and Steve Gleason for all the hard work and coordination that has been necessary to get the project moving!

CORONAVIRUS STATS

Nationally, the CDC reports 32,855,010 cases with 584,975 fatalities.

Utah:  403,684 cases (up 266 from yesterday); 16,615 hospitalizations; 2,279 deaths (up 4 from yesterday)

Utah County:  96,507 cases (up 49 from yesterday); 2,665 hospitalizations; 390 deaths (no change from yesterday)

NEWS YOU CAN USE

• Utah lawmakers have decided what to do with $1.6 billion in federal Codid-19 relief funds
• The Utah Office of Outdoor Recreation has awarded a $500,000 grant to the Zion National Park Forever Project, to fund mountain biking trails outside of park.
• Microsoft is pulling the plug on Internet Explorer starting June 15th of next year.
• Five counties in Oregon have voted to secede from the state to become part of Idaho.

PROVO SOCIAL MEDIA

THE MAYOR'S DAY

Today, Mayor Kaufusi:

• Participated in Council Leadership meeting
• Met with representatives from BYU
• Held a meeting with the City PIO
• Participated in the topping-off ceremony for the new airport terminal
• Met on properties and developments in Provo
• Held a Mayors' huddle with her fellow Utah County mayors
• Met with office staff
• Participated in a meeting on Rock the Canyon
• Visited with a resident

FUN STUFF

For all of you who have to work tomorrow:

Fridays are awesome, regardless of which day of the week it actually is.  Whenever your weekend is, I hope it is great!

Wayne

May 19, 2021 Update

 

Happy Wednesday!  Today has been pretty busy with meetings and phone calls, which I guess is pretty normal.  It is also a special session of the Utah Legislature today, and there are several issues on the special session call that we are following that needed some fixing after the general session earlier this year.  Hopefully, good things will come out of the meetings today, and not just message bills on critical race theory and second amendment sanctuary state designation.   

CORONAVIRUS STATS

Nationally, the CDC reports 32,825,625 cases with 584,337 fatalities.

Utah:  403,418 cases (up 430 from yesterday); 16,597 hospitalizations;  2,275 deaths (up 4 from yesterday)

Utah County:  96,458 cases (up 90 from yesterday); 2,659 hospitalizations; 391 deaths (no change from yesterday)

NEWS YOU CAN USE

• Hugs matter.  A Rigby Elementary School teacher talks about the efforts to calm and engage with the 6th grade student who opened fire at the school two weeks ago.  
• For those of you who enjoy the Jordanelle Reservoir, it looks like the water's low level is ‘concerning’ but not ‘critical'. Let's hope it stays that way.
• Be on the lookout for bears — officials are saying they’re more likely to run into people during drought.

PROVO SOCIAL MEDIA

THE MAYOR'S DAY

Today, Mayor Kaufusi:

• Met with the City's property manager
• Met with the fire chief
• Met with parks and recreation director
• Discussed the American Rescue Plan funding requirements
• Met with a council member
• Discussed airport related issues
• Participated in the "Ride of Silence" as part of Provo Bike Month

FUN STUFF

Continuing with the "prom" theme, the tradition of having to come up with creative invites and responses for proms has maybe overstayed its welcome.

Thanks again for all you do - we appreciate your efforts and dedication to public service!  

Wayne

May 18 2021 Update

Today is City Council day, which always brings out the best in our staff members.  We appreciate all the work that goes on behind the scenes to make our council sessions work.  The Council is grappling with some interesting and important issues today including budget review, medical cannabis production, economic development and more.   

This is also National Public Works Week, and we really appreciate our public works team in Provo.  They do amazing work to keep our water clean, our streets operational, our airport running, our wastewater collected and treated, our vehicles operational and much, much more.  

CORONAVIRUS STATS

Nationally, the CDC reports 32,771,733 cases with 583,074 fatalities.

Utah:  402,988 cases (up 257 from yesterday); 16,564 hospitalizations; 2,271 deaths (up12 from yesterday)

Utah County:  96,336 cases (up 43 from yesterday); 2,656 hospitalizations; 390 deaths (up 1 from yesterday)

NEWS YOU CAN USE

• Today is International Museum Day. It is also National Visit Your Relatives Day. The month of May is also Mental Health Awareness month.
• For some Navy pilots, UFO's were commonly seen every day for years.
• The Utah Legislature might ban school mask requirements in an special session.
• Utah Farmer's Bureau is celebrating their one year anniversary by handing out free food as part of their "Farmers Feeding Utah" initiative.

PROVO SOCIAL MEDIA

THE MAYOR'S DAY

Today, Mayor Kaufusi:

• Participated in a meeting with the Police Chief
• Met with the City Attorney
• Held a meeting with the City PIO
• Met with a city employee
• Held a meeting with the Deputy Mayor
• Participated in a meeting with Provo residents
• Met with local business owners
• Participated in a council work meeting
• Participated in City Council meeting

FUN STUFF

Our hometown university BYU has been having quite a bit of success of late.  National Championship Lacrosse team, women's volleyball making the national tournament, and a number 2 NFL draft pick.  But also recently, the BYU Cougarette dance squad won the national championship in Hip Hop cheer and dance competition.  They recently posted the winning routine, which is worth the watch.  The athleticism, artistry and precision of the group is amazing.

Hope you have a great rest of your day!  

Wayne

May 17 2021 Update

Nice to be back at work after a long weekend with our family in the Uintah Basin.  We spent some time at Flaming Gorge getting back in touch with nature - always a refreshing thing to do when your personal batteries need recharging.  And we got to spend time celebrating a granddaughter's birthday and watching kindergarten-level soccer games!  

CORONAVIRUS STATS

Nationally, the CDC reports 32,753,426 cases with 582,769 fatalities.

Utah:  402,731 cases; 16,532 hospitalizations; 2,259 deaths

Utah County:  96,323 cases; 2,654 hospitalizations; 387 deaths

NEWS YOU CAN USE

• The Utah Jazz finished the season with the best record in the NBA, winning the top spot in the Western Conference.
• Gas prices are still going up, and there are several reasons why.
• Utah law now requires police to have autism awareness training.

PROVO SOCIAL MEDIA

THE MAYOR'S DAY

Today, Mayor Kaufusi:

• Participated in a Mayor's office staff meeting
• Held a communications strategy meeting
• Participated in a ULCT Board meeting
• Met with the City PIO
• Participated in a Covid-19 coordinating phone call
• Met with office staff
• Held a meeting with her executive team
• Met with the Deputy Mayor
• Participated in a meeting on Rock the Canyon
• Held a meeting with the Assistant CAO

FUN STUFF

I love our Channel 17 video crew because they have the perfect blend of creativity, art and technology to help bring important information to our residents.  But even folks who do this all day every day can have glitches.  I loved this significant glitch in front of a green screen at Channel 9 news in Minneapolis last week as was covered Friday on the Today Show.  You gotta love how the on-screen talent reacted to the issue and "leaned in" to a tough situation.  And even Al Roker gets into the act.  

Hope that added a bright spot to your day!  And thanks again to Brett Borget in the team for always making the City look so good without the unexplained "Matrix" moments.

Wayne

May 12, 2021 Update

Today has been a busy day - lots of meetings and working to get things ready for next week.  I will be out tomorrow - taking a vacation day to head to Vernal for a birthday party for my 3 year old granddaughter.  This is little Parker Rose - after frosting cookies with her grandma!  This little three day trip is just what the doctor ordered after a challenging couple of weeks for the Parkers dealing with elder care issues for aging parents.

CORONAVIRUS STATS

Nationally, the CDC reports 32,608,287 cases with 580,073 fatalities.

Utah:  401,251 cases (up 468 from yesterday); 16,435 hospitalizations; 2,249 deaths (up 13 from yesterday)

Utah County:  96,028 cases (up 88 from yesterday); 2,640 hospitalizations; 384 deaths (up 2 from yesterday)

NEWS YOU CAN USE

• The events and Q&A for candidates running for County Clerk is coming up later this month.
• Credit Card debt is falling at a rate greater than it has in years which is good for everyone but credit card companies.
• There are currently eight individuals running to be Utah's next state treasurer.
• Have you wondered why lumber is so expensive? So have a lot of people, and it looks like it's not going to end soon.

PROVO SOCIAL MEDIA

THE MAYOR'S DAY

Today, Mayor Kaufusi:

• Participated in a discussion on refugees
• Met on Utah Lake
• Participated in the Police Awards Ceremony
• Held a meeting on the Provo airport
• Participated in RDA Executive meeting
• Met with office staff
• Held a meeting with the City PIO
• Met on Rock the Canyon city party
• Held a meeting with the CAO

FUN STUFF

So - time for a little Billy Joel cover - it has been way too long.  This group of musicians comes from the Barbra Barth Feldman Performing Arts Center, and I loved the performance - and it is one of my favorite Billy Joel pieces.

I hope Thursday goes well for everyone, and that you have a great weekend.  We will connect again next week!  

Wayne

May 11, 2021 Update

Today, the City Council begins in earnest to consider the Mayor's recommended FY 2022 budget.  This is the first of several budget retreats, with public hearings on June 1 and 15.  It is always an exciting time to brief the Council on the City's most important priorities and concerns and to listen to council members and the public as to their view of the City's most important issues.  We appreciate their careful and thorough review efforts!

CORONAVIRUS STATS

Nationally, the CDC reports 32,543,257 cases with 578,945 fatalities.

Utah: 400,783 cases (up 224 from yesterday); 16,417 hospitalizations; 2,236 deaths (up 11 from yesterday)

Utah County:  95,940 cases (up 43 from yesterday); 2,641 hospitalizations; 382 deaths (up 1 from yesterday)

NEWS YOU CAN USE

• Today is National Eat What You Want Day and National Twilight Zone Day. I am imagining a delicious movie night tonight!
• Governor Cox is set to meet with President Biden on our success with vaccines in Utah. We just hit a milestone, and have over a million vaccines.
• Tensions are escalating in the Middle East, as strikes and clashes are exchanged.
• There will be a special election held for a new Utah County Clerk to replace Amelia Powers as the new County Commissioner.

PROVO SOCIAL MEDIA

THE MAYOR'S DAY

Today, Mayor Kaufusi:

• Met with the Police Chief
• Held a meeting with the Assistant CAO
• Met with the City Attorney
• Held a meeting with staff members
• Participated in a meeting with local religious leaders
• Met with the City PIO
• Held a meeting with the Fire Chief
• Participated in City Council's Budget Retreat from 2pm to 6pm

FUN STUFF

Several of our departments are in the "sign business" and we always want to find appropriate ways to get residents, motorists, or others to pay attention to our efforts to inform and educate.  I don't want to suggest these as answers, but maybe they will inspire some new ideas.

Hope your day is going well.  Thanks again for being such a great team and making Provo such an amazing place to work!

Wayne

May 10, 2021 Update

Happy Monday!  I hope you enjoyed the weekend, and were able to have some family time for Mother's Day.  Our Sunday started early with making a Mother's Day feast for Julie's mom and attending her church service with her in person for the first time in almost a year and half.  We also took calls from our kids and grandkids for Julie, visited my mom and sisters, and then returned home for a barbeque with just the two of us for Mother's Day.  We collapsed into bed about 11:00 p.m. after a long day filled with family and fun memories.

It is also national police week this week, which started off with a touching opening ceremony and memorial service this morning.  And the fire department team served breakfast to all the participants.  We appreciate the good work and dedication of our police department employees - civilian and sworn - who help keep our community safe. 

CORONAVIRUS STATS

Nationally, the CDC reports 32,481,455 cases with 578,520 fatalities.

Utah:  400,559 cases; 16,381 hospitalizations; 2,225 deaths

Utah County:  95,897 cases; 2,636 hospitalizations; 381 deaths

A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM MAYOR KAUFUSI

On April 20th Jim Byrd, one of the City Maintenance Technicians, was working on the roof of the Recreation Center with a co-worker when the co-worker mentioned to Jim that he was having chest pain and did not feel well.   A couple of years ago Jim had quintuple bypass surgery and sensed his co-worker was having a heart attack.  Jim assisted his co-worker down off the roof and then his co-worker said that he was feeling better and would like to go home.  Jim insisted that he could have experienced a heart attack and insisted that he receive emergency care.  Jim’s co-worker had experienced a heart attack and had quadruple bypass open heart surgery the following morning.  I wanted to give Jim a special thanks for his saving the life of his fellow co-worker.

Mayor Kaufusi

Thanks for Jim for being such a good example of what it means to be part of the City team!  

NEWS YOU CAN USE

• Former Governor Gary Herbert has been named as the new Executive Chair of the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce.
• Two students and one adult were injured in a shooting in southern Idaho.  Fortunately, everyone shot at Rigby Middle School is expected to survive.
• Construction at the Provo Municipal Airport is progressing at an exciting pace.

PROVO SOCIAL MEDIA

THE MAYOR'S DAY

Today, Mayor Kaufusi:

• Participated and spoke at Police Week Opening Ceremony
• Held a staff meeting
• Met with Police officers and family members of Police
• Held a meeting with the Deputy Mayor
• Participated in a meeting with Council staff
• Held a meeting with her executive team
• Met with the legal department
• Took a tour of the Provo Airport

FUN STUFF

OK - so sometimes the social media memes just speak to me.  One of my old high school buddies shared these with me this week.  Memes are even better when they are true.

Have a great rest of your day!  

Wayne