Thursday, March 10, 2022

March 10 2022 Update

I hope your week has gone well.  Mine has had some ups and downs for sure.  I got one of those crazy emails that business "owners" occasionally get offering to buy their business, but it was for us to consider selling our "business"- Provo City.  I had to think long and hard about asking them for an offer. 😏  Not really....

Today we had an opportunity to participate in a virtual meeting with the Orem and Provo City Councils - the first meeting since there was a significant change in the Orem council signaling a shift in direction for the city.  I really appreciate the regular opportunities for our elected officials to interact with their counterparts in our neighboring cities.  We have so many common interests, and Orem has historically been an important and valued partner. 

UPCOMING CITY EVENTS

James & the Giant Peach Jr. I March 9 - March 11
BYU Vocal Point I March 18 - March 19
Soundsation I March 15 7:00 pm
BYU Noteworthy I March 26 7:30 pm
Bee Gees Gold: The Tribute I April 1 7:30 pm
Steel Magnolias I May 5 - May 28

NEWS YOU CAN USE

  • Two of the most mythical whale species — the narwhal and beluga — have been hanging out together and may produce a fairy-tale-like hybrid species, the “narluga.”
  • For all the Mexican food lovers out there, we have a new place for you to go next time you're in L.A. A museum to Mexican Food is now open!
  • Utah is off to a dry start in 2022. A lack of snowfall has created more setbacks as the state continues to struggle with a “megadrought.”
  • Utah, along with 24 other Republican states, are pushing for ‘energy independence'.

PROVO SOCIAL MEDIA

YOUR VOICE

Have any exciting news? Birthdays, babies, weddings, fur-babies, graduations? Share about it in the section on the right --> and upload pics below!

UPLOAD PICTURES HERE!

MAYOR'S WEEKLY HIGHLIGHT

This week Mayor's highlight was meeting on the new airport terminal!  Plans are well underway for the open house and dedication of the terminal later this spring.  

FUN STUFF

This week's favorite memes!












Hope you have a great day and a weekend that brings a positive change of pace!  Take care and stay safe!

Wayne

By - No comments:

Wednesday, March 9, 2022

Wednesday March 9 2022 Update

This afternoon, we are hosting a training and education opportunity with our department directors and senior staff related to how best to serve our homeless residents in Provo.  We will have representatives from the Housing Authority, Wasatch Behavioral Health, the Food and Care Coalition, and the United Way Continuum of Care to discuss the services and programs they offer, along with Police and Fire leadership to talk about their approach to some of the challenges that occasionally occur with our homeless residents.  I'm excited for the opportunity to learn more and build some better relationships with our non-profit sector partners in the community.

UPCOMING CITY EVENTS

James & the Giant Peach Jr. I March 9 - March 11
BYU Vocal Point I March 18 - March 19
Soundsation I March 15 7:00 pm
BYU Noteworthy I March 26 7:30 pm
Bee Gees Gold: The Tribute I April 1 7:30 pm
Steel Magnolias I May 5 - May 28

NEWS YOU CAN USE

  • Today is National Get Over It Day! I don't know what "it" is for you, but let's all just get over it!
  • Efforts to eliminate the sales tax on food fell short this legislative session, but supporters say they will not give up.
  • Experts warn of increased avalanche danger due to new layer of wet, heavy snow.
  • The United States is banning the import of Russian crude oil, liquified natural gas, and coal.
  • Researchers develop DNA test capable of screening for markers for more than 50 genetic diseases in a single pass; approach significantly cuts down diagnosis and testing time for patients.
  • Radioactive substances could be released from Ukraine's Chernobyl nuclear power plant because it cannot cool spent nuclear fuel after its power connection was severed. Russia also cut access to cell networks, including their own.

PROVO SOCIAL MEDIA

YOUR VOICE

Are you wondering how to make everyone's day? The answer is elementary, my dear Watson. Share your highlights with us!

UPLOAD PICTURES HERE!

EMPLOYEE / DEPARTMENT HIGHLIGHT

Guess the Harry Potter Houses of the Mayor's Office:

FUN STUFF

I thought you might like this little video.  Several years ago, lots of public employee groups got involved in some lip sync challenges, with Bruno Mars' Uptown Funk as the music of choice.  This newer one from Instagram sets a whole new standard!  

I hope you have a great day.  We appreciate all you do to make Provo such a great place!  

Wayne

By - No comments:

Tuesday, March 8, 2022

March 8 2022 Update

Well, sounds like we will be dealing with a snowy commute this evening and tomorrow morning.  For so many of our employees, an evening at home in a warm house or apartment isn't possible with snowy and icy weather.  Please stay safe as you are patrolling streets, responding to vehicle accidents and plowing snow and sanding streets.  The work of the city goes on, regardless of what Mother Nature throws at us!

Today we have been spending a lot of time on airport issues - from reviewing budget needs now and in the future to planning the events associated with the opening of the new terminal.  We are so excited about all the positive changes happening at the airport and recognize our airport team for all they do to work in a challenging environment with many growth pressures.  Stay tuned for more announcements about the future of the airport and the opening of the new terminal!

UPCOMING CITY EVENTS

James & the Giant Peach Jr. I March 9 - March 11
BYU Vocal Point I March 18 - March 19
Soundsation I March 15 7:00 pm
BYU Noteworthy I March 26 7:30 pm
Bee Gees Gold: The Tribute I April 1 7:30 pm
Steel Magnolias I May 5 - May 28

NEWS YOU CAN USE

PROVO SOCIAL MEDIA

YOUR VOICE

Have any exciting news? Birthdays, babies, weddings, fur-babies, graduations? Share about it in the section on the right --> and upload pics below!

UPLOAD PICTURES HERE!


TUESDAY TIP

Why people thrive when they feel community 

Good workplaces are also communities that support every individual, with Homeboy Industries serving as an example for decades by giving employment and life alternatives to former gang members, John Baldoni writes. "It is only belonging, and not mere inclusion, that fully arouses bravery in others," Baldoni writes, quoting from the latest book by Homeboy Industries founder the Rev. Greg Boyle.


Hope you have a great day.  Take care and stay safe!  

Wayne

By - No comments:

Monday, March 7, 2022

March 7 2022 Update

Happy Monday!  I hope you had a great weekend.  Ours was relatively calm, which was a good thing after a few very hectic weeks.  This week at work will be pretty busy as we are in the throes of budget review and preparation.  Lots of meetings working through key budget priorities are on tap.  Later this week, we will be holding a training meeting for our department directors on homelessness and resources available in Provo to meet the needs of our homeless residents.  

I suspect we are all following the events happening in Russia and Ukraine, and we are feeling some of the impacts of that at the gas pump and with inflation in general.  It is heartbreaking to see what is happening there, and how good people on both sides of the conflict feel victimized.  But the good news is that the humanitarian organizations are stepping up with the crisis and we have the opportunity to help with that as we can.  

UPCOMING CITY EVENTS

YOUR VOICE

We are going to make you an offer you can't refuse... upload your highlights and we will share them on Wednesdays in our Employee Highlights!

UPLOAD PICTURES HERE!

NEWS YOU CAN USE

  • A limited cease-fire in Ukraine meant to evacuate residents from the port city of Mariupol collapsed twice over the weekend, officials said, as Russian shelling continued to intensify across the country. As of this morning, a 40-mile-long Russian convoy remained stalled outside the capital of Kyiv. Officials say Russia is preparing to bomb the Black Sea port city of Odesa, Ukraine's third-largest city and home to more than 1 million residents. Separately, Russia took control of the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant, the largest nuclear plant in Europe.
  • Some researchers believe that the tyrannosaurus rex may actually be three separate species.
  • At least seven people were killed, including two children, and a number of others injured after tornadoes ripped through central Iowa Saturday.
  • Campaign filing ended Friday at 5 pm. All but 8 state legislators in Utah have filed to return. In Congress, all 4 Reps have intraparty challengers. Chris Herrod is challenging John Curtis again, Vineyard Mayor Julie Fullmer is one of 4 Republicans challenging Blake Moore for the first district, even though she lives in the third, Erin Rider is challenging Chris Stewart and Jake Hunsaker is challenging Burgess Owens. There are 11 challenging Senator Mike Lee, including 6 Republicans and unaffiliated Evan McMullin. Sherrie Swenson did NOT file to run as the Salt Lake County Clerk, Utah County Commissioner Amelia Powers Gardner has 3 GOP opponents, while Commissioner Bill Lee has two, including former Commissioner Greg Graves. 

PROVO SOCIAL MEDIA

HOT-BUTTON ITEMS IN PROVO

I suspect many of us are looking for opportunities to support those who are victims of the violence in Ukraine.  But it can be hard to know how best to help.  It has been interesting to watch the world respond.  One of my favorite stories was from Poland where families were dropping off strollers at train stations for refugee families to use when they get off the train from Ukraine.  It is projects like that that help me feel some hope when so much seems to cry out for hope.

Many of us worry about how to donate in ways that are not "scammable" to help with the Ukraine relief effort.  Here are a few ways to help that are associated with credible organizations.


FUN STUFF

If you haven't seen this music video, you need to stop right now and watch it.  Utah musician Jenny Oaks Baker teamed up with former Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice to perform a medley of spirituals called Free at Last.  It brings a depth of feeling that we all need at a time when freedom is challenged in so many ways across the world.  Take a listen.



Thanks for all you do!  We appreciate what you contribute to our community and our organization!

Wayne

By - No comments:

Thursday, March 3, 2022

March 3 2022 Update

It has been a really busy day.  It always seems that way as the Legislature is rushing forward to the conclusion tomorrow night and things move so quickly that it can be hard to keep up.  

This morning we put some Ukrainian flags out in front of City Hall and illuminated the front of our building with the colors of the flag.  We hope this represents our community's feeling about the people of Ukraine and their fight for their nation in the wake of the Russian invasion.  

As you may know, the Mayor has been out of town this week in Washington D.C. meeting with our congressional delegation along with representatives from other public power cities.  While we miss her when she is out of town, she stays in touch and informed about everything that is going on.  We look forward to having her back in the office next week.

Finally, the Mayor's Office is hosting Provo Women's Day on Saturday.  It is always a great event with amazing speakers and related events.  


UPCOMING CITY EVENTS

Teen Writer's Group I December 9 7:00 pm
Emergency Home Power Presentation I December 11 8:30 am
Holiday Recipe Swap I December 11 1:00 pm
Conversaciones/Conversations I December 14 7:00 pm
Holiday Paint Night I December 15 7:00 pm
Teen Dungeons & Dragons Club I December 16 6:30 pm
A Christmas Carol I December 20 7:00 pm
Teens Talk: Share Your Hobby I December 30 7:00 pm
Countdown 2022 Party Animals I December 31 7:00 pm
Teen Volunteer Board I January 6 6:30 pm
The Alibis I February 7:30 pm 

NEWS YOU CAN USE

PROVO SOCIAL MEDIA

YOUR VOICE

You had us at hello, keep the highlights coming!

UPLOAD PICTURES HERE!

MAYOR'S WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS

 


This week Mayor's highlight was spending the week at APPA in Washington DC!

FUN STUFF

This week's favorite memes.  














Hope you have a great weekend.  

Wayne

By - No comments:

Wednesday, March 2, 2022

March 2, 2022

You may have seen a press announcement that Brixton - the owners of the Towne Centre Mall - have purchased the land and building owned by Dillard's once they close their store.  This is really good news.  This makes Brixton the only owner of the land and buildings that comprise the mall and the parking, and removes impediments to their overall plans for redeveloping the mall and its surrounding properties.  

We had our regular monthly meeting this morning with BYU leadership, and among many topics discussed was an upcoming extramural national championship tournament featuring their reigning national championship Lacrosse team.  This will bring 12 teams and their fans and coaches to Provo later this year, and an opportunity to get some of the best Lacrosse players in the nation to our community.  We will give you more details as things develop, but it would be a great opportunity to welcome many visitors to Provo once again!  

Finally, we have heard from some of our residents and employees that they would like us to do something to show Provo's solidarity with Ukraine given the invasion of that country by the Russian military.  We have purchased a few Ukrainian flags to display as our city facilities.  So watch for those to go up in the next few days.  

UPCOMING CITY EVENTS

BYU Vocal Point I March 18 - March 19
Soundsation I March 15 7:00 pm
Steel Magnolias I May 5 - May 28

NEWS YOU CAN USE

  • There was a bit of drama yesterday during a committee hearing on vaccine passports when three people were removed for refusing to comply with decorum rules during the hearing. The bill passed.
  • People who are involuntarily placed in a mental health facility because of an emergency could be held there for up to three days under a bill moving through the Utah Legislature. Right now, it's capped at 24 hours.
  • Unprecedented international economic sanctions targeting Russia following the country’s invasion of Ukraine have triggered a record devaluation of the ruble and have global impacts, including further cost increases on some goods in a U.S. economy already experiencing record, inflation-driven price escalations.
  • The battle for Ukraine continues, with reports of "vacuum bombs" and "cluster bombs" being used by Russia. For those who need more of an explanation: Cluster munitions are called that because a single explosive then separates into many smaller munitions that are designed to kill people and destroy vehicles when they explode on impact. They are used to take out wide swaths of personnel but can also land unexploded, posing great danger to people on the ground who could come in contact with them. They are banned under the Geneva Convention. Vacuum bombs use oxygen from the air to generate high-temperature explosions. When it hits its target, the first of two explosive charges scatters a fuel mixture as a cloud, which can penetrate any building not completely sealed. The second charge then detonates the fuel-filled cloud, sucking up all surrounding oxygen, resulting in a huge fireball and a massive wave blast. Russia has used them before, in Chechnya in 1999 and is accused of using them in Ukraine to target a preschool and an Army base. If they are used to target civilian populations, it can be considered a war crime. Amnesty International confirmed that a cluster bomb was dropped on a preschool/kindergarten that was being used as a shelter and munitions experts say cluster bombs were used to strike Kharkiv on Monday.  

PROVO SOCIAL MEDIA

YOUR VOICE

It makes our day when we hear from you! So go ahead, make our day.

UPLOAD PICTURES HERE!

EMPLOYEE / DEPARTMENT HIGHLIGHT

Our wonderful Media Services department was recognized yesterday by Chief Ross at our directors meeting. They do a phenomenal job and we are so grateful for their hard work and tireless efforts!

FUN STUFF

This seems like a good day for a little Bruno Mars and Silk Sonic with Love's Train.  Hope you enjoy a little slower pace funk from Silk Sonic for today's listening pleasure.



I hope you have a great rest of your day.  I'll be back tomorrow for the end of the week update and my favorite Internet memes!  Take care.

Wayne

By - No comments:

Tuesday, March 1, 2022

March 1 2022 Update

It is a city council Tuesday, and the council is really starting to focus on preparing for the FY 23 budget.  Today they are hearing from administrative services, police and fire about their current and future budget needs and trends.  They are also considering the process of replacing the Council Executive Director position, and a couple of redevelopment issues relating to parking for a new development on 100 East in downtown and to our city center redevelopment project.

I haven't said much about my friend Cliff Strachan moving from Provo's city council office to become the new chief administrative officer for Sandy City.  I am so pleased for Cliff, and look forward to working with him on issues that Provo and Sandy share in common.  But for us, I feel a little sad about  losing a very capable and committed leader with whom I have worked so closely.  I know the Council and its leadership will find an excellent new director, and I look forward to working with the council staff members during the transition.  I wish Cliff the best in this new chapter in his career.

Finally, as my wife has been recovering from a pretty invasive surgery, she has taken on a new crochet project making a stuffed puppy for our granddaughter's 4th birthday.  One of the many things I love about her is having such an accomplished artist in my home.




UPCOMING CITY EVENTS

No Pressure Book Club I March 1 7:00 pm
BYU Vocal Point I March 18 - March 19
Soundsation I March 15 7:00 pm
Steel Magnolias I May 5 - May 28

NEWS YOU CAN USE

PROVO SOCIAL MEDIA


YOUR VOICE

Have any exciting news? Birthdays, babies, weddings, fur-babies, graduations? Share about it in the section on the right --> and upload pics below!

UPLOAD PICTURES HERE!

TUESDAY TIP


Effective organizational communication starts with being transparent with employees, anticipating their concerns and aligning them on strategy, writes Kate Huskin of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. "It isn't always about what the message should be (which is important), it is more often about how that message makes an impact and what questions it triggers," Huskin writes.

FUN STUFF

I don't know how you feel about Wordle; I have had kind of a tortured experience with it.  But several of my friends are a bit addicted and totally bummed that the New York Times acquired it.   This little video represents some of my feelings about Wordle.  If you have a Wordle story to tell, drop a comment with the link below and we'll publish your story! 



Hope you have a great day.  Thanks for taking care and being safe - we need you!  

Wayne

By - No comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)

Recent Posts

Wednesday May 11 2022 Update

Julie and I had an interesting experience last evening.  We were invited to attend a dinner to thank the many people and...