Monday July 19, 2021 Update

Welcome to the New and Improved Daily Update!  We appreciate your feedback on the daily update, and after more than a year, it was time for a change.  Each day of the week will focus on a different theme.  Upcoming events, news you can use and social media will be constants each day; other topic areas will change to give it a bit more variety.  And - at least for the time being - no Covid-19 numbers.  

I hope you enjoy the new version of the Daily Update.  Keep us posted on how it is working for you.  

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

• 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 draw near. No audience is permitted to be in attendance due to the new 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.
• Two friends decided to visit every city in Utah. It took them 2 years to complete their journey.

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

HOT-BUTTON ITEMS IN PROVO

So, each week my plan is to highlight a current topic that the City administration or council is dealing with.  Part of the feedback we received on the update was a desire to have more substantive material to help employees understand these current issues. 

This week, we begin with my take on animal euthanasia at the South Utah Valley Animal Shelter that takes front and center at tomorrow's city council work meeting.

Tomorrow afternoon, the Municipal Council will be discussing the euthanasia practices for unadopted animals at the South Utah Valley Animal Shelter.  As you might have seen in the media (print or social), both the South Utah Valley Shelter and the North Utah Valley Shelter have used carbon monoxide gas as they means of euthanizing animals.  Currently, animal rights advocates are asking the shelters to consider using lethal injection as the method of euthanasia.  Recently, some of these advocates appeared before the Orem City Council with similar requests, and their appearance was preceded by protests along State Street near the Orem City Center.

Nationally, about 2/3 of the animals that are housed in a public animal shelter are not placed or adopted and are eventually euthanized.  That total constitutes about 3.7 million animals each year.  Sometimes animals are euthanized to prevent overcrowding, but sometimes the animals destroyed are sick, aggressive or injured.  

About 20 years ago, Utah County made the decision to consolidate animal shelters in the County into two locations - one in North County and one in South County.  Cities that had their own shelters (including Provo) closed them and consolidated with the County.  Two major reasons were cost-effectiveness and giving the shelters a dedicated revenue stream from the County and the member cities.  Each shelter is operated by an independent special service district board, with each city and the county appointing one board member. The building and land are owned by Utah County.  Revenues come from the cities and the county pro-rata based on number of animal that each entity brings annually to the shelter.

It will be very interesting to see how the discussion goes in tomorrow's work session.  This is one of those issues where there is an intersection of passion, policy and practice.  

FUN STUFF

These are the two memes I meant to include last week.  With today's rainstorms, we might be thinking differently about our weather - healthy rain would be good; flash flooding not so much.  

Hope you liked a little refresh on the update.  Watch tomorrow for a little different take.

Wayne

July 15, 2021 Update

I had a fun opportunity this morning to tour the airport passenger terminal under construction at the Provo Airport.  We had several officials from the Utah Transit Authority that we were hosting there, helping them get a picture of what will be there and what kind of traffic it might generate for the transit operation.  It is always fun to see something we are doing through someone else's eyes.  They will now head back to try to figure out a strategy for enhancing transit service at the airport as it opens next year and begins to see more passenger and employees there.  

CORONAVIRUS STATS

Nationally, the CDC reports 33,797,400 cases with 605,905 fatalities.

Utah:  421,950 cases (up 693 from yesterday); 17,947 hospitalizations; 2,410 deaths (up 4 from yesterday)

Utah County:  100,340 cases (up 207 from yesterday); 2,874 hospitalizations; 412 deaths (up 1 from yesterday)

NEWS YOU CAN USE

• Coca-Cola announced that they are giving Coke Zero a new makeover! Not only will the image get a new design, but they are making some recipe changes as well!
• Some abatement crews describe 2021 as the worst mosquito season ever in Utah as they struggled to push back the pests this summer. Crews said the high temperatures are causing mosquitoes to multiply. 
• Prices rose 5.4 percent in June over last year, which is the largest spike we've seen since 2008.
• Lumber prices are way down, but unfortunately that won't necessarily mean you'll see new houses costing any less.

PROVO SOCIAL MEDIA

THE MAYOR'S DAY

Today, Mayor Kaufusi:

• Participated in a meeting on projects in Provo
• Met on the new city center building
• Held a meeting with a Provo resident
• Participated in an Advisory board meeting

FUN STUFF

Weekly edition of my newest favorite Internet memes.

I hope you have a great weekend.  We will be excited next week to chat about some of the changes coming to the daily update based on your feedback.  We hope you find it a lot more engaging and interesting.  And we will be doing some more substantive topics as well - a little more serious on occasion mixed in with the fun - and a lot less Covid-19 focused!

Wayne

July 14, 2021 Update

Amber captured a couple of screenshots of the UVU Transportation Summit where I participated on a panel with the mayors of Orem, Vineyard and Lehi talking about our current and future transportation challenges.  UVU President Astrid Tuminez welcomed the crowed and former Governor Herbert introduced the panel (and said some very nice things about Provo).  It was fun to hear him reminisce about his time as a county commissioner and about how much the county has grown since then. Later this afternoon, Provo Airport Manager Steve Gleason was on a panel about the future of aviation in the valley.

For those who are interested, we will post a link once the summit video is up and available.  

CORONAVIRUS STATS

Nationally, the CDC reports 33,758,532 cases with 605,551 fatalities.

Utah:  421,257 cases (up 572 from yesterday); 17,904 hospitalizations; 2,406 deaths (up 4 from yesterday)

Utah County:  100,133 cases (up 127 from yesterday); 2,870 hospitalizations; 411 deaths (no change from yesterday)

NEWS YOU CAN USE

• Microsoft is urging Windows users to immediately install an update after security researchers found a serious vulnerability in the operating system.  Most of our city computers have been updated, and a recent email from our cybersecurity expert to all employees gave some instructions about how to figure out if your PC was updated or not, and how to update it if not.  
• A second grade boy, Asher Rees, from Utah's Grant Elementary has won the primary national award of merit winner in the PTA Reflections contest in the category of film. He shared some words of advice in the wake of his success.
• Stan Lockhart, former Utah GOP chair and one-time Provo City councilmember and his buddy Mike McKell, attorney and current Utah state senator from Spanish Fork, will begin a journey that will include 5 marathons all over the world in a few weeks and their journey has more than one purpose, including meeting with government officials in different areas.

PROVO SOCIAL MEDIA

THE MAYOR'S DAY

Today, Mayor Kaufusi:

• Met with the city ombudsman
• Participated in a meeting with a Provo resident
• Held a meeting with the Community and Neighborhood Services director
• Met with a city council candidate
• Held a meeting with the Development Services director
• Met on economic development
• Participated in a meeting with staff
• Held a meeting on upcoming events in Provo

best fries

The feedback is in.  If you are looking for great fries, here is the list of ideas submitted:

• Guru's Sweet Potato Fries
• Burgers Supreme in Provo
• Barry's in Spanish Fork
• Red Robin steak fries in Provo
• Bruges Waffles and Fries (amen to that one)
• K-Pop fries at Bumblebees
• Lola's in Midway (garlic Parmesan)
• Five Guys
• McDonalds (when they are hot and fresh) 

Thanks for your ideas - watch for more reader participation opportunities when Daily Update 2.0 arrives in email boxes next week (Teaser...).

FUN STUFF

It is about time for another Studio C sketch.  Even though I liked watching Who Wants to be a Millionaire, the idea of being on the show with such high stakes would have petrified me. 

I hope you have a great rest of your day.  

Wayne

July 13, 2021 Update

It has been a quiet day in many respects today.  I am speaking on a panel tomorrow at the UVU Transportation Summit on Provo's transportation strategies, needs and priorities, so I have been spending the last few days doing some research on anticipated growth in Utah County and how Provo fits into that.  I'll try to share some of that in a future edition.

I also took a little time this afternoon to walk up and down Center Street and meet some of the folks who are visiting Provo for Nu Skin's annual meetings.  I have met some people from Oklahoma, Tennessee and Michigan who are kind of overwhelmed with the mountains.  Many were looking for restaurant recommendations (always happy to suggest Provo eateries) and commenting about how nice it is to walk through historic downtown Provo.  I answered a few questions about the Provo City Center LDS Temple and even directed some folks to the Covey Center and to Pioneer Book for a break from the heat for an art gallery stroll or some bookstore browsing.  We sometimes take for granted our little corner of the world and it is kind of fun to see it through the eyes of our visitors.  

CORONAVIRUS STATS

Nationally, the CDC reports 33,726,363 cases with 605,140 fatalities.

Utah: 420,685 cases (up 471 from yesterday); 17,857 hospitalizations; 2,402 deaths (up 3 from yesterday)

Utah County:  100,006 cases (up 122 from yesterday); 2,864 hospitalizations; 411 deaths (no change from yesterday)

NEWS YOU CAN USE

• Today is National French Fry Day! Be sure to try at least one of these 15 French fry places in Utah County, and check out some discounted and cheap places today! In honor of National French Fry day answer the question below!  You can recommend a spot or an alternative to traditional fries (like sweet potato fries).  Results in tomorrow's update.  
• If you haven't noticed, the air quality in Utah has been pretty bad due to fires in surrounding states as well as the heat waves coming though, so officials are asking Utahns to limit their time outdoors.
• A statewide poll by Deseret News and the Hinckley Institute of Politics found that 85% of Utahns are very or somewhat concerned about inflation, with mixed thoughts on how long the high prices would linger.
• I-15 has reopened as the "Lime Fire" continues to grow to 3,000 acres on the Utah-Arizona border.

PROVO SOCIAL MEDIA

THE MAYOR'S DAY

Today, Mayor Kaufusi:

• Participated in the Wasatch Innovation Press Conference in Salt Lake City
• Met with a former congressman
• Participated in a meeting with the City Attorney
• Held a meeting on economic development
• Met on upcoming events in Provo
• Held a meeting with Miss Utah
• Participated in RDA Executive meeting
• Participated in the Night of Vision

FUN STUFF

So, I am a little old school (so... a LOT old school).  I'm not so sure about artificial intelligence.  But, even I have to admit that I enjoyed this entire chapter of "Harry Potter" written by AI predictive text.  By the way, JK Rowling has nothing to fear.  

Enjoy what is left of National French Fry Day.  I have to be honest - in honor of the day I enjoyed some Guru's sweet potato fries at lunch today!  

Wayne

July 12, 2021 Update

So, as you may be hearing related to the Covid-19 concerns, Utah is having a bit of a surge in cases, with the Delta Variant leading the way.  Still the vast majority of cases (well over 95%) are occurring in unvaccinated Utahns.  Also of note is that the State was a little premature in announcing that we hit the 70% of eligible adults receiving the vaccine.  We still have a long way to go to declare the disease successfully defeated.  Please continue to be careful, feel free to wear a mask if you are concerned, and give people who wear masks the benefit of the doubt.  We never know what may be prompting someone to wear a mask, and kindness and deference should always apply!  

CORONAVIRUS STATS

Nationally, the CDC reports 33,672,474 cases with 604,710 fatalities.

Utah:  420,214 cases; 17,820 hospitalizations; 2,399 deaths

Utah County: 99,884 cases; 2861 hospitalizations; 411 deaths

NEWS YOU CAN USE

• 71-year-old Richard Branson went to space, signifying the first space-tourism company to do so. He is now the first person to ride into suborbital space aboard a rocket he helped fund. He went with five members of his Virgin Galactic space-tourism company.
• The Utah-based company, Traeger Grills filed paperwork to take the steps toward a public stock offering. The stock event will mark the second time CEO Jeremy Andrus, a BYU and Harvard Business School grad, has helmed a Utah-based company into the public markets. (The other company is Skullcandy.)
• Barnes Bullets, LLC will expand its Utah headquarters, adding up to 116 new high-paying Utah jobs in the next eight years. Taxbit is planning to do the same, adding up to 1,700 new high-paying Utah jobs in the next 10 years. Also, health-tech company, Nusano, Inc. will open an office in Utah, adding up to 92 new high-paying Utah jobs in the next 15 years. 
• The Division of Water Resources reports that the state’s reservoir storage dropped from 61% last week to 59% this week. 26 of Utah’s largest 42 reservoirs are below 55% of available capacity and one major reservoir near Manti is now completely dry.

PROVO SOCIAL MEDIA

THE MAYOR'S DAY

Today, Mayor Kaufusi:

• Met with the Fire Chief
• Held a meeting with the Interim Police Chief
• Participated in a Communications Strategy meeting
• Held a Mayor's office staff meeting
• Met with the City PIO
• Held a meeting with the CAO
• Participated in a meeting with HR
• Met with a Provo resident
• Held a meeting with office staff
• Participated in a meeting on upcoming events in Provo

FUN STUFF

So, I think you know I have a little bit of an eclectic taste in music.  So when a friend sent me a link to this Peter Hollens video, it seemed so "me."  This is a favorite song from Disney's Aladdin performed in many, many different musical genres and with credits to pop, rap, classical, jazz and other artists whose names you would know.  It is only about 3 1/2 minutes, but I hope you find the joy and laughter in it that I did.  

I hope you have a great evening, and I really hope that we get out of the smoke event from West Coast fires that we are experiencing.  A little wind would be much appreciated (that's for you Mother Nature). 

Wayne

July 8 2021 Update

Tonight the NBA Finals continue.  Wish I was rooting for the Jazz (grrr), but I love watching good basketball, and this series seems to be that.

I also was on a Zoom call today with the student body president at Colorado State University and the student body president at BYU to talk about what Provo and Fort Collins have been doing to create a student-friendly community.  It was a delight to talk with Paul Victor who has some great ideas.  We have some work to do to make it better, but Paul I think reflected the views of many students that with services like the UVX line, we have been making great strides.  Now, if we could only solve towing and booting, students would really love living in Provo!

CORONAVIRUS STATS

Nationally, the CDC reports 33,604,986 cases with 603,958 fatalities.

Utah:  418,321 cases (up 668 from yesterday); 17,727 hospitalizations; 2,389 deaths (up 2 from yesterday)

Utah County:  99,456 cases (up 134 from yesterday); 2,841 hospitalizations; 408 deaths (no change from yesterday)

NEWS YOU CAN USE

• Today is National Freezer Pop Day, so break out those Otter Pops!
• A new article has come out stating that fish are becoming addicted to methamphetamines that are seeping into rivers, particularly in the Czech Republic, but anywhere that humans are using methamphetamines. 
• Tropical storm Elsa is leaving Cuba trailing heavy rains and is on its way to Florida.
• The heat is breaking records yet again this year in Utah, after coming through the hottest June on record.
• Utah software innovator Entrata was able to snare a record $507 million venture deal announced Wednesday. Jazz owner, Ryan Smith is among those leaders.

PROVO SOCIAL MEDIA

THE MAYOR'S DAY

Today, Mayor Kaufusi:

• Is out of the office

FUN STUFF

Today's installment of my favorite memes for the week.

I hope we all feel a little like Steve Jobs, because we are doing something wonderful today for our community.  Hope you have a great weekend!  

Wayne

July 7, 2021 Update

We really appreciate your feedback from last week on our survey about the daily update.  About 160 of you responded and that was amazing.  So we are working on some changes and upgrades to the daily update format and content and hope to launch those in the next couple of weeks.  We hope to bring more varied content (including employee spotlights, upcoming community events, resources to help you with work challenges and work-life balance, more coverage on "hot button" topics, and milestones in employees' lives).  We will do less with the Covid-19 numbers (unless we see unexpected spikes) and with some other things you didn't totally love.  And we will keep the "fun stuff," news you can use, and my introductory comments which seemed to be pretty popular.  And, for the time being, we will keep it coming four times a week.  That may need to slide a bit in the future if we can't find enough quality content to keep it relevant for you.  

It will take a little bit to change up the format and build a content stream, so hang on.  But it will be great.  😉

Here is a little snippet of the survey results.

CORONAVIRUS STATS

Nationally, the CDC reports 33,582,352 cases with 603,656 fatalities.

Utah: 417,653 cases (up 394 from yesterday); 17,690 hospitalizations; 2,387 deaths (up 2 from yesterday)

Utah County: 99,322 cases (up 86 from yesterday); 2,836 hospitalizations; 408 deaths (no change from yesterday)

NEWS YOU CAN USE

• A 90-year-old grandma, Oneita Burnside Sumsion, finally received her journalism degree from BYU.
• The Great Salt Lake is nearing record low water levels. It is expected to hit record lows in the next few days.
• Utah County's own duo, Jen Smart and Susan Earls, are advancing on Fox's show 'LEGO Masters'.
• BYU athletic department announced new policies regarding name, image and likeness (NIL) after the NCAA adopted its interim NIL policies.

PROVO SOCIAL MEDIA

THE MAYOR'S DAY

Today, Mayor Kaufusi:

• Is out of the office

FUN STUFF

OK - second and last installment of recipes from my grandson's kindergarten cookbook.  BTW, my grandson is Cole and you will be able to tell that his dad is an elk hunter.  And I'm not too sure I want to try the Ramen Noodle Hot Dogs.  

OK - so maybe I will also pass on the cupcakes.  😵

Thanks for all you do and for your hard work on behalf of our residents!

Wayne