Rumor Has It

Rumor: The City is updating the General Plan

The rumor is true

The City is working with a consultant, FFKR, to update the current General Plan. The consultant is working on a first draft of the general plan. As we work on updating our plan, listening to the community is a high priority. We encourage you to participate throughout the process and let us know your thoughts and ideas. Stay tuned as the City will publish links for interactive meetings for public input and education.

General Plan page

Updated December 2020

Rumor: The City and HPD are using drones

This rumor is true

All drone flights have a specific City or Police Department purpose. The City has purchased another drone with the intent to expand our use and take advantage of the technological advances that make our work more efficient at a lower cost.

The following are the ways in which the drones will be utilized:

Observe traffic patterns
Video areas for Planning and Development
Surface analysis and contours for Engineering, GIS, Parks, and Water
Search and rescue
Accident reconstruction
Aerial photogrammetry of developing areas
Analysis of drainages
Aerial photography for City marketing

Additionally, all of our pilots are properly licensed through the FAA which requires them to keep flight logs and submit flight plans to the FAA before they use the drones. These logs track when and where the drones fly, as well as the purpose of the flight.

No pilot will be allowed to use a drone for recreational or spying purposes. Any inappropriate use will result in the loss of drone flying privileges and further disciplinary action.

Below are other drone-related rumors:

Herriman City’s use of drones is expensive and will raise my taxes

This rumor is false

Taxes will not be raised to support the use of drones by the GIS or Herriman Police Departments. Herriman City believes in being fiscally responsible. The City portion of resident’s property taxes has not been raised since incorporation in 1999. This can be credited to the strategic planning implementation of tools, like drones, to reduce costs.

Here are two examples of how the drone program, which has been an $8,000 investment, will be financially beneficial.

In a search and rescue situation on our hillside, the cost for a helicopter to fly for one day is about $10,000 and about $900 – $1200 an hour. Instead of paying tens of thousands of dollars to search for someone, we will be able to fly drones for an extended period of time at nearly no cost
When a car crash occurs in our city, the police perform an accident reconstruction process where they scientifically solve the questions of how and why an accident occurred. With the assistance of a drone, the process will be sped up significantly, often times being accomplished in a half hour verse several hours. This will not only allow roadways to be open more quickly but will reduce the cost of man-hours

Herriman City and the Herriman Police Department have FAA approval to operate drones, including use at night and over crowds

This rumor is true

The GIS Department already has two drone pilots that operate under Part 107 of the FAA regulations for City mapping and engineering purposes. Four other individuals, from Herriman City and HPD, are currently working to obtain their Part 107 license.

Herriman City and HPD are working with a certified drone training organization and the FAA to ensure all regulations are being met. Additionally, we are working to obtain special waivers that will allow us to fly drones at night and over crowds in emergency situations.

City drones were purchased to fly around the city 24/7

This rumor is false

Our drones will not be flying at all hours of the day. Rather, receive FAA waivers that allow us to fly at any time of day or night when it relates to emergency purposes.

Rumor: The City Manager, Asst. City Managers and City Attorney are voting members of the City Council, setting the direction for the City

This rumor is false

The City Manager, Assistant City Managers, and City Attorney are all members of the Administrative Branch and are not voting members on the Council. The City Manager administers the daily operations of the City ensuring that the direction set by City Council is carried out.

The City Council is the Legislative Branch, made up of 4 council members and 1 mayor. The Legislative Branch makes the laws and policy decisions for the City Manager to carry out.

Herriman City is a Council/Manager form of Government. This form of government combines the strong political leadership of Elected Officials with the strong managerial experience of an appointed City Manager. The Council/Manager form of government was created to combat corruption and unethical behavior by fostering professionalism, transparency, responsiveness and accountability.

Roles of the City Council

Adopts and approves the City Budget
Adopts ordinances to govern the city
Adopts policies and procedures for City staff
Appoints Planning Commissioners
Appoints City Manager and all other appointed positions
Adopts a general plan for the City
Adopts zoning for areas throughout the city
Responsible for all legislative decisions and actions of the City
Sets a vision for the City
Adopts policies and standards for the development process
Establish policies for the effective and efficient delivery of municipal services for the health, safety and welfare of the community

Roles of the City Manager

Carries out the policies and programs as approved and directed by the City Council
Advise and inform the Council on City operations
Hire department directors
Exercise general supervision over all buildings, parks, and other public property under the control and jurisdiction of the City
Manage all administrative functions of the City

Rumor: City administration is responsible for bringing commercial businesses into the city

This rumor is false

Every piece of property within city limits has designated zoning conditions. Property owners may choose to develop their land, so long as that development complies with current approved zoning and city land development code. If a property owner wishes to develop in a way that doesn’t comply with the property’s current zone, the owner may petition the City Council for a re-zone. The City Council is responsible for ensuring that re-zone aligns with the City’s adopted General Plan.

The General Plan is a long-term vision for the city. The Plan is developed, decided upon, and adopted by the elected City Council (legislative body of the city). They are elected for four-year terms by city residents.

How businesses establish a presence:

Property owner is willing to have a commercially zoned area developed
Property owner connects with potential business owner
Business owner becomes interested in the land
Business may commence building process if it meets the requirements of zoning and City Land Development Code

It’s ultimately up to the property owner to connect with potential businesses to fill commercial zones, as the City cannot force a landowner to develop their property. The City has an economic development team on staff who encourage businesses and property owners to collaborate on potential commercial projects (basically, the economic development team are matchmakers).

Rumor: City administration is failing to be proactive in developing commercial area around the City Hall

This rumor is false

While the City owns the property of the City Hall and J. Lynn Crane Park, it does not own the commercial area surrounding the City Hall and park. Those areas are owned by a private property owner. Because the land is not owned by the City, the timeline in which the commercial area is developed is primarily in the hands of the property owner.

However, the City’s economic development staff is proactively communicating with the owner and potential business partners in hopes to see development in the area as soon as possible.

For more information on the commercial development process, see the previous section.

Rumor: There is a TRAX line planned in Herriman

This rumor is true

The Wasatch Front Regional Council has developed and adopted a long-range (RTP) and short-range (TIP) transportation improvement program. The RTP is updated every four years and the TIP is updated annually.

Using the RTP map, 2015-2040, the current proposed TRAX line would come along the east side of Herriman City Hall, cuts over east into Riverton along 13200 S, and then north back to 12600 S, before heading back into the east part of the Salt Lake Valley. These long-range plans are continually analyzed and can change over time.

Rumor: An auto mall is planned in Herriman

This rumor is true

Car dealerships are lacking in the southwest portion of the Salt Lake Valley. This is a niche Herriman City is pursuing with the Herriman Auto Mall, which will eventually encompass approximately 80 acres. The City Council voted to approve a rezone of 53 acres from “medium density residential” to “auto mall special district” on Wednesday, December 12, 2018. The expected traffic volume along Mountain View Corridor makes the future auto mall site extremely attractive to dealerships. This will help to generate sales tax dollars that are crucial to maintaining a high level of service to Herriman residents.

Rumor: Herriman continues to haphazardly place schools all around the City without regard to planning, traffic, or its citizens’ needs

This rumor is false

To understand the building process for schools, from site selection all the way through to the first day of classes, you must first understand who actually determines the location for each new school to be built on. While the Jordan School District and Herriman City have a great working relationship, the City does not have any type of final say in where schools will be placed, as a school district or charter school is a permitted use in every zone, based on requirements in the state statute.

However, this in no way means that schools aren’t carefully planned and strategically placed or that the district does whatever it wants without regard for other parties input. On the contrary, during the site selection process Jordan School District works closely with landowners, Davis Demographics, and the City of Herriman to determine the needs of the area according to population growth and projections in prospective locations.

The next step in the process is the consideration of aspects such the cost of land, budget limits, main areas of large population growth, available locations, and the best way to ease burdens on existing schools. After this is complete, JSD then weighs the best overall options and vigilantly continues forward in planning the appropriate number of schools, infrastructure, and other needs in the most effective areas while taking into account the City’s General Plan.

After the site has been selected, Jordan School District holds a public board meeting about the property and the proposed new school site. You can find the agendas for JSD meetings at on their website.

Once the land is secured and the go-ahead is given, the plans for the school itself begin. Throughout this whole process, the decisions lie with the district, not with the City. That being said, Jordan School District continues to work closely with Herriman regarding traffic studies, potential community impacts, and other planning items such as the look and feel of the building and surrounding school grounds even though they are in no way required to do so. Both parties make a great effort to make sure that the concerns of the surrounding communities and their residents are always kept in focus and have their long-term best interests in mind.

Building schools is important to our community and our children’s future. Rather than playing catch up, Jordan School District is attempting to be proactive and have the proper facilities ready and available beforehand as our corner of the valley continues to blossom at an astounding rate.

Rumor: Is High Country being annexed by the City?

High Country is not currently being annexed. We do show it on our General Plan to convey our intent for that area if it ever did annex in to the City. The plan is not binding on property outside of the City limits.

The City does not seek to annex property. The property owner(s) has to submit a petition to the City to go through the annexation process. If the residents of High Country ever wanted to annex, then all of the property owners would be a part of the process and would be notified.

Hot Topic: Traffic Signal at 6400 W Herriman Main Street

Background:

The right of way for signal improvements was secured in September of 2020. Staff met and felt the best way forward would be to combine the Zone 3 North water line project and the traffic signal to be constructed in tandem. Both projects impact the intersection and it made more sense to do them at the same time rather than two different projects.

Staff went out to bid in February of 2021 in anticipation of a late spring project due to temperature requirements. The contractor was awarded the contract in the same month. A previously scheduled pre-construction meeting was held on March 11, 2021 with the contractor to kick off the project. During that meeting it was asked if it would be possible to expedite the project. Both Salt Lake County (who also partners on the project) and the contractor agreed to overlap their schedules as much as possible to minimize any delay.

Timeline moving forward:

The Zone 3 North Water project will start in the next week on the north end, proceeding to the intersection. Substantial completion of the water line and the intersection infrastructure improvements is anticipated for May 21. The installation of the signal will follow shortly thereafter and is scheduled to be completed by the end of June.

Hot Topic: Kennecott Copper Mine’s effect on our drinking water

The City owns and operates five wells and one spring which supply approximately 50% of the City’s drinking water. The remaining 50% is supplied by Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District.

Over the many years that the copper mine has been operating, contamination of a portion of the groundwater aquifer in the southwest corner of the Salt Lake Valley has occurred due to their operations. City owned water resources are quite a distance from the contaminated water source and are routinely monitored for contamination constituents.

In the late 1990’s, Kennecott, along with the Utah Division of Environmental Quality and the United States Environmental Protection Agency, have been working together to determine a strategy to clean up the contaminated aquifer. The effort is the Southwest Groundwater Remediation Plan. The communities mostly effected by the contamination are, West Jordan, South Jordan, Herriman and Riverton. These communities are impacted with the inability to produce groundwater for their communities in the area of the contaminated plume, as groundwater wells cannot be placed in the contaminated area.

The aquifer contamination plume consists of an acidic core with low pH water and elevated metal concentrations surrounded by a partially to fully neutralized zone of elevated sulfate concentrations.

Compliance and Extraction Well Monitoring Parameters

pH
Arsenic (D)
Barium (D)
Cadmium (D)
Copper (D)
Fluoride
Lead (D)
Nickel (D)
Selenium (D)
Sulfate
*(D) dissolved

The main goal of the remediation effort, is to contain the contaminated aquifer and in the end, reduce the size of the contaminated area. This effort is being accomplished by pumping water at controlled rates through a series of underground wells in the area of the contamination. The water is mainly used in mining operations, but a portion of the water is extracted and treated using Reverse Osmosis and distributed to communities through an agreement with Joran Valley Water Conservancy District. The water that is treated is pumped from areas in the aquifer that have lower levels of contamination.

So far, the remediation efforts seem to be working. The plume does look to be shrinking and the contamination levels are reducing as well. The Southwest Groundwater Remediation Plan will be in place for 40 years, at which time studies will be completed to determine if remediation has been effective and goals have been met, or if operations need to be modified and continue the effort.

While Herriman does in fact receive water that has gone through a filtration process by Kennecott, it has also gone through the distribution process of the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District. A link to the latest Annual Water Report is below.

Kennecott Environmental Information

Herriman City’s Annual Consumer Confidence Report

Rumor: I don't need a permit to burn on my own property

Backyard fire pits and barbecues require a building permit if they are gas fed and a new gas line is being installed (see Electrical/Mechanical/Plumbing information).

Wood/other fire pits do not require a permit. However, please see the UFA handout on burning for clearances.

Residential open burning is not allowed in Herriman. Agricultural open burning is allowed only in Agricultural zones (contact the Planning/Zoning Department to determine your zone at 801-446-5323 or planning@herriman.org. The UFA handout also addresses open burning requirements.

Rumor: Herriman City is raising fire department taxes

This rumor is false

Fire and emergency medical services in Herriman are funded through a taxing district that directs a portion of your property taxes towards fire and emergency services.

In August of 2020, the City opted to leave UFSA, a taxing district that was funding several municipalities’ fire and emergency services, including Herriman’s. Instead, those taxes will go to the Herriman City Safety Enforcement Area (HCSEA), a Herriman-based taxing entity, to maximize local taxpayer funds in Herriman.

The City intends to maintain the same rate that UFSA has collected from Herriman residents.

Why is this beneficial?

This will allow all fire service funds to remain within our community, rather than losing any surplus to other municipalities. The HCSEA will now collect fire service funds and pay the Unified Fire Authority directly for services.

To learn more, view this flier or this video.

Hot Topic: Why does the City allow two HOA fees for one development? What do they do with the money? What services are provided? Especially when I have no yard maintenance and there are no parks in my development?

The City does not regulate Homeowners Association fees. It is up to the homeowners in the HOA to determine what the fees are used for. Specific questions regarding your HOA, including what the fees cover, should be directed to your HOA representative.

HOA requirements should have been recorded against your property, and your agent or title company should disclose your HOA bylaws at or before closing. In several projects in Herriman, homes are subject to multiple HOAs. In the event that you have two HOAs, that is usually in part because there is a smaller HOA development that is located within a larger HOA development and they both have fees, with one fee generally more than the other based on what it covers. They may also serve as an HOA fee and a maintenance fee, where one covers lifestyle offered in the community and the other covers maintenance. It is best to check with you HOA representative or your real estate agent to obtain a clear definition of what these fees cover.

This website may be useful in finding your HOA’s representative.

Rumor: Herriman City charges a $200.00 security deposit for new water accounts

This rumor is true

Why is Herriman City charging a $200.00 security deposit?

The deposit serves as a security for payment of service. Deposits reduce the amount of bad debt expense and establishes a good credit standing with the City, which in turn, saves customers money by helping to keep utility rates down.

How long will the deposit be held?

The deposit will be held for two years if the resident can demonstrate no more than two past due balances in that time frame. If the account is closed before the two-year period, the deposit will be applied to the termination billing and any remaining balance will be refunded in a check to the resident.

How will I receive my refund?

Once the resident has demonstrated the two-year period with no more than two past due balances, a check will be mailed to the resident.

Can I be exempt from the deposit?

Yes, a resident can be exempt from the $200.00 security deposit if you provide verification of no more than two past due balances in two years from the most recent previous water account holder. It can be a simple email, letter or statements reflecting your payment history.

How can I submit my previous water account history?

You can send it via email to water@herriman.org or you are welcome to bring it in to City Hall.

What if I already have history with Herriman City?

Please let us know of your previous water account with us so we can verify your history before we charge the $200.00 security deposit.

How soon do I have to turn in my previous water account history?

To avoid the $200.00 security deposit from showing up on your bill we suffuse that you turn in your water account history within two weeks after we have received your water application. The due date that is reflecting on your first bill will be the very last day we will accept your previous water account history to waive the $200.00 deposit. We will not accept any account history after the due date on your first bill.

Is there any other payment history that would qualify for the exemption of the $200.00 security deposit?

We will accept a payment history from other cities/water companies, HOAs or landlords.

Do I have to pay the $200.00 security deposit up front?

No, if we do not receive verification of your history with a previous water account holder, we will attach the $200.00 security deposit to your first bill. If the $200.00 security deposit is not paid by the due date stated on the bill you may be subject to having your water shut off.

Herriman City keeps increasing its property tax and pocketing the revenue for its own use

This rumor is false

We hear this one a lot, and admittedly property taxes may seem a little confusing. However, this “rumor” couldn’t be further from the truth and that’s why we’re here to break it down for you (see graphic below).

You can see that the majority of property tax goes towards services within your area including Jordan School District, Unified Fire Authority, Herriman Police, and Salt Lake County. As the City and County grow and more services are required, these stakeholders have to adjust accordingly. However, Herriman City itself has opted to try and keep our portion of your property tax consistent to avoid further burden on our residents.

A relatively tiny portion of the City’s yearly revenue comes from our residents’ property tax.

As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact the City Hall or your elected officials and they will happily find the answers for you.

Rumor Has it

Rumor Has It and Hot Topics

City Business

Rumor: The City is updating the General Plan

Rumor: The City and HPD are using drones

Rumor: The City Manager, Asst. City Managers and City Attorney are voting members of the City Council, setting the direction for the City

Development

Rumor: City administration is responsible for bringing commercial businesses into the city

Rumor: City administration is failing to be proactive in developing commercial area around the City Hall

Rumor: There is a TRAX line planned in Herriman

Rumor: An auto mall is planned in Herriman

Rumor: Herriman continues to haphazardly place schools all around the City without regard to planning, traffic, or its citizens’ needs

Rumor: Is High Country being annexed by the City?

Parks and Recreation

Rumor: The Ice Ribbon at J. Lynn Crane Park can only be skated on during hours of operation

Rumor: Strollers are allowed on the Ice Ribbon at J. Lynn Crane Park

Health and Safety

Hot Topic: Traffic Signal at 6400 W Herriman Main Street

Hot Topic: Kennecott Copper Mine’s effect on our drinking water

Rumor: I don't need a permit to burn on my own property

Fees and Money

Rumor: Herriman City is raising fire department taxes

Hot Topic: Why does the City allow two HOA fees for one development? What do they do with the money? What services are provided? Especially when I have no yard maintenance and there are no parks in my development?

Rumor: Herriman City charges a $200.00 security deposit for new water accounts

Herriman City keeps increasing its property tax and pocketing the revenue for its own use

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