July 29, 2021 Update

The "opening monologue" for today's update is a bit more serious than usual.  It has been fascinating for me to watch the ongoing drama around Simone Biles and the Tokyo Olympics.   As you have certainly heard by now, Simone, who is arguably the greatest gymnast of all times, withdrew from competition, at least for a time, due to mental health concerns.  As is often the case with things like this, there are strong and polarizing opinions about her decision to pull back.  To her credit, she has been the biggest cheerleader for the remaining members of the US women's gymnastic team as they have moved through the competition - she has supported her team as best she could given the circumstances.  

But wherever you fall on the spectrum of opinion, there is a vital message in the experience.  When we feel the weight of the world on our shoulders, some time out and self-care might be in order.  I can remember times in my life when I struggled with self-worth or under enormous pressure, whether of my own causing or not.  It can really be debilitating if we aren't dealing with it in a healthy manner.  

I thought I would share some resources available from the City and in our community for dealing with mental health issues - from depression and anxiety to exhaustion and ideas of self-harm.  If you are feeling stressed or anxious beyond your personal ability to cope in a healthy way, check out some of these resources.  There is no shame in seeking help when you need it.

• Behavioral Health Care Options is the City's employee assistance program.  One call can get you started down a more positive path.
• Mental Health Matters is a great resource for evaluating your current mental or behavioral health issues and learning more.  
• Download the 211 Utah app on your Android or Apple device so get instant access to services in our community. 
• You can also just dial 211 from your phone to get connected to resources.
• If you or someone in your circle is feeling suicidal thoughts, call the Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or visit the Utah Suicide Prevention website.   

Your mental health is important to all of us.  And thanks for listening.  :)

UPCOMING CITY EVENTS

The Diaries of Adam and Eve I July 29 - August 21
Paint Night I August 3 7:00 pm
Recipe Swap: Breakfast I August 4 7:00 - 8:00 pm
Intro to Studio Production I August 4 7:00 - 8:00 pm

Cool Science: Ice Cream Demonstration I August 10 4:00 - 5:00 pm

Learn It: Canning 101 I August 10 7:00 - 8:30 pm

Crochet Club: Crochet Basics I August 12 6:30 - 7:00 pm

Crochet Club: Bags I August 12 7:00 - 8:00 pm

Rock The Canyon I August 28 4:00 pm - 8:00pm
Blue Skies Concert Series I Wednesdays through September 22

NEWS YOU CAN USE

• Today is National Intern Day! Thank you to all of our wonderful interns who help us run smoother and function better as a city. We couldn't do it without you! 
• Olympic Medal Count Update: US: 37, China: 29, ROC: 26, Japan: 25, Australia: 20.
• The dust storm that killed 8 people on I-15 recently is the second deadliest storm in Utah since 1950. The deadliest was a flash flood in 2015.
• Avelo airlines is coming to Provo in September! Their first flight is set to depart September 17th.
• A new heat wave is coming to Utah, and it's going to be a brutal one.
• The drought isn't only affecting us as humans, Antelope Island's herds are struggling as the Great Salt Lake shrinks to 170-year low this year.

YOUR VOICE

One of the ideas that came through the earlier survey was the desire to make the update more interactive.  So, today we are asking you to check out this section (on the right -->) where we will include polls and questions for you, as well as a form where you can highlight a coworker or tell us about what you do for the city! This can range from new babies or weddings to just wanting to give a shout-out to a fellow employee. Fill out the questions on the right, then upload pictures for us to share using the link below!  We will post your responses in upcoming editions of the update.  

UPLOAD PICTURES HERE!

PROVO SOCIAL MEDIA

MAYOR'S WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS

Mayors, county commissioners, Utah chambers, county councils, and other leaders of organizations all over Utah voted unanimously for Mayor Kaufusi to serve as the Chair of the Economic Recovery and Resilience Committee. This committee will decide how to best utilize several millions of dollars and is designed to address the economic impact of Covid-19 and help Utah to not only survive, but thrive economically as we continue to face the challenges that the future brings. This is a big honor and Mayor is excited to take on this new challenge. Rest assured, she is representing our city well!

FUN STUFF

This week's collection of favorite memes, for your weekend pondering pleasure.  

I hope you have a great weekend and that you can find time to decompress, maybe catch up on some sleep, or just get out (when it is cool) and enjoy some nature time.  

Wayne

July 28, 2021 Update

It has been nice to have a day when I could get caught up on some important work that I often have a hard time squeezing in among meetings.  Today we have been talking about neighborhood revitalization, improving access to transit, and how to deal with special events who want the City to be a sponsor, among other things.  And I also had the opportunity to meet with two of our directors who are doing amazing things in their operations.  I feel very fortunate to work with such a great group of people in the office and in the city.  

UPCOMING CITY EVENTS

Book Trivia Night I July 28 7:00 pm

Teen Film Contest Screening and Awards Ceremony I July 29 7:00pm
Movie in the Courtyard: Wonder Woman 1984 I July 30 9:30 pm
The Diaries of Adam and Eve I July 29 - August 21
Paint Night I August 3 7:00 pm
Recipe Swap: Breakfast I August 4 7:00 - 8:00 pm
Intro to Studio Production I August 4 7:00 - 8:00 pm

Cool Science: Ice Cream Demonstration I August 10 4:00 - 5:00 pm

Learn It: Canning 101 I August 10 7:00 - 8:30 pm

Crochet Club: Crochet Basics I August 12 6:30 - 7:00 pm

Crochet Club: Bags I August 12 7:00 - 8:00 pm

Rock The Canyon I August 28 4:00 pm - 8:00pm
Blue Skies Concert Series I Wednesdays through September 22

YOUR VOICE

Here's a little reminder to check out this section (on the right -->) where we will include polls and questions for you, as well as a form where you can highlight a coworker or tell us about what you do for the city! This can range from new babies or weddings to just wanting to give a shout-out to a fellow employee. Fill out the questions on the right, then upload pictures for us to share using the link below!  We will post your responses in upcoming editions of the update.

UPLOAD PICTURES HERE!

NEWS YOU CAN USE

• Today is National Milk Chocolate Day. Also known as one of the best days ever! Take the opportunity to indulge in some yummy chocolate today!
• A lake-wide toxic algae warning advisory has been issued for Utah Lake. If you're planning on spending a day at the lake, read up on the most recent warnings before you decide to take a dip.
• Politicians and lobbyists from across the country are meeting up in downtown Salt Lake City for the next three days. The annual meeting of the American Legislative Exchange Council runs Wednesday through Friday at the Grand America Hotel.
• The CDC is once again recommending masks indoors under certain situations because of breakthrough infections and the new delta variant.

PROVO SOCIAL MEDIA

EMPLOYEE / DEPARTMENT HIGHLIGHT

I meant to attach this photo yesterday and got busy and forgot.  But these are the new employees we highlighted yesterday (along with Dixon and me), so if you see any of them around, make sure and say hi.  

FUN STUFF

Julie and I have been watching Olympic coverage this week, and when I saw this little parody, I just had to share it.  There are actually several years of these event videos.  I can relate to some of these kinds of athletic events.

Happy Olympic watching! 

Wayne

Tuesday July 27, 2021 Update

Another busy day today.  My off-council Tuesdays are usually full of meetings with the directors and others who are my direct reports, as well as catching up from our normal full Mondays of Mayor's Office coordination meetings.  I really like these days as it gives me a chance top talk about some of the larger and longer-term issues we are working on, as opposed to reviewing contracts, large purchases and upcoming council agenda items and generally "putting out fires."  There are lots of issues that we are working behind the scenes on that will have positive, long-lasting impacts in the community, and this has been one of those kinds of Tuesdays for me.

I also enjoyed meeting nine of our city employees today, including one who was with us for quite a while, left, and is now back in a new (for him) role.  Welcome to our new employees.  

• Brent Garlick, Development Services
• Erik Jensen, Police
• Tucker Lougee, Parks and Recreation
• Kale Cozzens, Public Works
• Kylie Williamson, Golf Course
• Margaret Olsen, Golf Course
• Taylor Floyd, Legal
• Tyler Kirkham, Energy
• Wyatt Case, Public Works

UPCOMING CITY EVENTS

Learn It: Activism for Busy People I July 27 7:00 pm

Book Trivia Night I July 28 7:00 pm

Teen Film Contest Screening and Awards Ceremony I July 29 7:00pm
Movie in the Courtyard: Wonder Woman 1984 I July 30 9:30 pm
The Diaries of Adam and Eve I July 29 - August 21
Paint Night I August 3 7:00 pm
Recipe Swap: Breakfast I August 4 7:00 - 8:00 pm
Intro to Studio Production I August 4 7:00 - 8:00 pm

Cool Science: Ice Cream Demonstration I August 10 4:00 - 5:00 pm

Learn It: Canning 101 I August 10 7:00 - 8:30 pm

Crochet Club: Crochet Basics I August 12 6:30 - 7:00 pm

Crochet Club: Bags I August 12 7:00 - 8:00 pm

Rock The Canyon I August 28 4:00 pm - 8:00pm
Blue Skies Concert Series I Wednesdays through September 22

YOUR VOICE

Don't forget to check out this section (on the right -->) where we will include polls and questions for you, as well as a form where you can highlight a coworker or tell us about what you do for the city! This can range from new babies or weddings to just wanting to give a shout-out to a fellow employee. Fill out the questions on the right, then upload pictures for us to share using the link below!  We will post your responses in upcoming editions of the update. 

UPLOAD PICTURES HERE!

NEWS YOU CAN USE

• The Cedar City Mayor has declared a state of emergency due to the excess flooding they experienced recently.
• For fans of the Olympics, here are our current medal count: US: 23, China, 21, Japan, 17, Russian Olympic Committee: 17, Britain: 12. Simone Biles, the U.S.'s top of gymnastics withdrew, but the U.S. team still pulled off second place, and MyKayla Skinner was interviewed by Kathy Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb about her best performance yet.
• UVU's new physician's assistant program successfully received accreditation recently.

PROVO SOCIAL MEDIA

TUESDAY TIP

Have an upcoming presentation? Check out how to calm your nerves during your next presentation:

• PUBLIC SPEAKING FOR INTROVERTS (AND THOSE WHO FORGET HOW TO BE AROUND PEOPLE)

A new study suggests that well-being might be less about wellness and more about rest. Read more here:

• When Recovery Requires Rest

FUN STUFF

So, if you have a garden, you might understand the need for this video.  Right now, we seem to have way more summer squash and zucchini than we can eat (and our neighbors and family are kind of sick of us trying to secretly leave some on their porches).  So I am always on the lookout for new yummy ways to use up my squash.  This fun video shares a couple of newer recipes for that excess zucchini.  You can thank me later.

I hope your day is great!  Thanks for all you do.  

Wayne

Monday July 26, 2021 Update

Happy Monday morning.  Well, Pioneer Day came and went in an amazing way in Provo.  We had great crowds at our event in Kiwanis Park on Saturday, and at events at the Pioneer Village in North Park.  And we had lots of fireworks over the weekend, especially Saturday night, and lots of our residents using our city parks for neighborhood fireworks experiences.  Kudos to the Provo team for all their hard work at making it a fun and safe weekend for all of Provo!

UPCOMING CITY EVENTS

Learn It: Activism for Busy People I July 27 7:00 pm

Book Trivia Night I July 28 7:00 pm
Movie in the Courtyard: Wonder Woman 1984 I July 30 9:30 pm
The Diaries of Adam and Eve I July 29 - August 21
Paint Night I August 3 7:00 pm
Recipe Swap: Breakfast I August 4 7:00 - 8:00 pm
Intro to Studio Production I August 4 7:00 - 8:00 pm

Cool Science: Ice Cream Demonstration I August 10 4:00 - 5:00 pm

Learn It: Canning 101 I August 10 7:00 - 8:30 pm

Crochet Club: Crochet Basics I August 12 6:30 - 7:00 pm

Crochet Club: Bags I August 12 7:00 - 8:00 pm
Rock The Canyon I August 28 4:00 pm - 8:00pm
Blue Skies Concert Series I Wednesdays through September 22
Teen Film Contest Screening and Awards Ceremony I July 29 7:00pm

NEWS YOU CAN USE

• The unrest in South Africa has made global news as South Africans attempt to rally and protect property as violence rages. The damages look devastating.
• Tokyo has entered a new state of emergency as the Olympics continue. No audience is permitted to be in attendance due to the state of emergency.
• Love tacos? Want to get paid to eat, talk about, and post about tacos? McCormick might have a job for you! They are hiring a "Director of Taco Relations". Yes, really.
• A fire over the weekend in a Spanish Fork barn is under investigation.
• Two friends decided to visit every city in Utah. It took them 2 years to complete their journey.

YOUR VOICE

Results from last week's commuting poll.  No big surprises here, but thought it might be interesting for you to see.

Just a reminder to share info that you would like us to highlight.  Go to the "Your Voice" section in the area to the right of the post, and enter your ideas.  Then upload some photos with this link.  Babies, weddings, and other fun stuff are welcome!

UPLOAD PICTURES HERE!

PROVO SOCIAL MEDIA

HOT-BUTTON ITEMS IN PROVO

Provo River and Utah Lake Levees

Last week, our public works team made a presentation to the Municipal Council on an issue that ahs largely been beneath the public’s radar for several years but which is rapidly becoming a looming issue in Provo.  I wanted to give a little background and offer a few thoughts about it.

In aftermath of the devastating floods which occurred in Utah back in 1983, the US Army Corps of Engineers came to Provo (and other Utah cities) and built levees along the Provo River west of I-15 and along the edge of Utah Lake to protect from future serious flooding.  These levees after construction became the property and responsibility of Provo City to maintain.  For nearly 40 years now, the City has maintained the levees and the river channel to protect the work done by the Corps.  

Additional improvements were made upstream along the Provo River including the construction of Deer Creek and Jordanelle Reservoirs which allowed much greater management of flows in the river channel.  The City has also required all new construction west of I-15 to be built at a level above the floodplain level to protect that new construction from serious flood damage.  For the most part, these requirements, levees, and reservoirs have made  a substantial difference in the level of flood risk in this part of Provo.

Several years ago, in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and other events which led to significant flooding in the eastern part of the United States, the Federal Emergency Management Agency developed new and more stringent standards for the construction of federally funded levees.  FEMA has now applied those standards to existing levees across the county and determined that levees not meeting those standards cannot be defined as levees, regardless of how well they function and have functioned.

FEMA is currently in the process of adjusting the maps that determine properties which are subject to flooding and that need to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program.  Because Provo’s river and lake levees were not constructed to the new standards, FEMA has determined that the levees cannot be used as flood protection, and preliminary data has led to a pending requirement that the vast majority of properties in the southwest part of the city will be subject to the national flood insurance program.

Since these preliminary findings were shared with the City, we began working on a variety of potential solutions that might mitigate these requirements.  We, along with other cities with similar concerns, worked with Congress over the years to provide some exemption from these requirements in cases like ours where flood protection had been maintained long term.  We asked FEMA and the State of Utah to study the impact of the reservoirs and on Utah Lake on flooding in order to get credit for the work that had been done.  Due to technicalities, neither of these approaches seemed to make a difference.

After all of that effort, we commissioned an independent study to assess the levees to determine what other options the City has.  These options – including continuing to stay the course of protecting against flooding and having the feds require many of our residents purchase flood insurance – to modifying the levees or to building a new levee system – were presented to the Council last week.  We have more work to do on design and cost estimates, but the impacts are staggering in terms of cost and the need to acquire property.

We will continue to work on alternatives and present more detailed plans to the Council and the community, and I’m sure you will be hearing lots more about this over the next few months.

FUN STUFF

Last week came and went without the Thursday edition of favorite memes.  So, they are a little late, but here are my favorites from last week.

Hope your day is awesome!

Wayne

Wednesday July 21, 2021 Update

Happy Wednesday - short week for many city employees as we recognize Pioneer Day this weekend.  I hope you can enjoy some time with family and friends this weekend.  But in whatever you decide to do, we all have to be extra careful in our very dry conditions.  Provo Fire and Rescue has issued some additional guidelines for this weekend in some of our restricted areas.  Those are highlighted below in our social media posts.  

I also had the opportunity this morning to meet with representatives from the owners of the Provo Towne Centre Mall.  As you may know, they are working on getting a rezone for a portion of the mall parking lot to create the first of several planned residential developments.  During one of our upcoming weekly "hot button issues" discussions, I will try to talk about the issues we confront with the mall moving forward.  

UPCOMING CITY EVENTS

AuthorLink with Katherine Cowley I July 21 7:00 pm

Food Truck Roundup I July 22 5:00 - 8:00 pm
Pioneer Day Extravaganza I July 24 10:00am - 2:00pm

Learn It: Activism for Busy People I July 27 7:00 pm

Book Trivia Night I July 28 7:00 pm
Movie in the Courtyard: Wonder Woman 1984 I July 30 9:30 pm
The Diaries of Adam and Eve I July 29 - August 21
Paint Night I August 3 7:00 pm
Recipe Swap: Breakfast I August 4 7:00 - 8:00 pm
Intro to Studio Production I August 4 7:00 - 8:00 pm
Rock The Canyon I August 28 4:00 pm - 8:00pm
Blue Skies Concert Series I Wednesdays through September 22
Teen Film Contest Screening and Awards Ceremony I July 29 7:00pm

nEWS YOU CAN USE

• Wondering why the flu seems to have disappeared? Here's a thought as to why.
• NASA has released footage from the Perseverance rover, which has landed on Mars and will now hunt for signs of ancient life and cache samples for future return to Earth.
• A Singaporean bakery in New York invented a pie for every American state. The time it would take to invent all 50 is impressive, check out the list! 
• An article came out highlighting a study conducted in Iceland about its journey to a 4 day work week.

PROVO SOCIAL MEDIA

YOUR VOICE

Don't forget to add your fun news / highlights / info about you in the poll on the right sidebar. -->

Today we are also asking a question about how you commute to work:

EMPLOYEE / department highlight

Did you know that we have over 440 employees in the Parks and Recreation Department?  Watch this space every Wednesday for more spotlighting of our departments, divisions and employees.  If you have spotlight ideas, let us know in the "Your Voice" section to the right of each update post.

Fun stuff

One more dog video.  Last one this week - I promise.

Have a great weekend!

Wayne

Tuesday July 20, 2021 Update

Welcome to the Tuesday edition of Daily Update 2.0.  Tuesdays will focus on a tip, interesting article, training opportunity, or the like.  We hope you will enjoy these little leadership or success resources that may help you with your job and/or your personal life. 

Today is a big day in American History.  On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong took the first steps on the moon.  Most of you were not even born, or weren't old enough to remember, but I remember vividly as a young teenager watching the event on live, (gasp) black-and-white television.  

After a couple of requests, I am including the video from last week's UVU Transportation Summit.  It is 8 hours in length, so you surely wouldn't want to watch it in one sitting.  The panel I was on starts at about the 45 minute mark and goes until about the 3 hour mark.  

UPCOMING CITY EVENTS

AuthorLink with Katherine Cowley I July 21 7:00 pm

Food Truck Roundup I July 22 5:00 - 8:00 pm
Pioneer Day Extravaganza I July 24 10:00am - 2:00pm

Learn It: Activism for Busy People I July 27 7:00 pm

Book Trivia Night I July 28 7:00 pm
Movie in the Courtyard: Wonder Woman 1984 I July 30 9:30 pm
The Diaries of Adam and Eve I July 29 - August 21
Paint Night I August 3 7:00 pm
Recipe Swap: Breakfast I August 4 7:00 - 8:00 pm
Intro to Studio Production I August 4 7:00 - 8:00 pm
Rock The Canyon I August 28 4:00 pm - 8:00pm
Blue Skies Concert Series I Wednesdays through September 22
Teen Film Contest Screening and Awards Ceremony I July 29 7:00pm

NEWS YOU CAN USE

• As far as international news is concerned, dozens are reported dead after record-breaking rain in Germany and Belgium.
• Utah County Commissioner Amelia Powers Gardner abstained from voting on a commission staff proposal on Wednesday over concern that it had not been properly vetted.
• A new macaroni and cheese flavored ice cream was invented for national ice cream day over the weekend. Amazingly, they sold out in a few hours, but are working on making more!
• A Utah company that specializes in customizations to firearms is no longer selling what it called a childhood dream coming to life: a handgun covered in blue and red LEGO blocks.

PROVO SOCIAL MEDIA

YOUR VOICE

One of the ideas that came through the earlier survey was the desire to make the update more interactive. So, today we are asking you to check out this section (on the right -->) where we will include polls and questions for you, as well as a form where you can highlight a coworker or tell us about what you do for the city! This can range from new babies or weddings to just wanting to give a shout-out to a fellow employee. Fill out the questions on the right, then upload pictures for us to share using the link below!  We will post your responses in upcoming editions of the update.

UPLOAD PICTURES HERE!

TUESDAY TIP

Having trouble with motivation? Check out this free resource that covers a couple potential causes and how to address them:

• "8 Things That Cause Your Lack of Motivation (And How to Fix Them)"

FUN STUFF

I don't know if you have a dog or not (you already know I do), and I know that they can be strong-willed and determined.  I won't let my dog watch this little video!  

Wayne