Familiar Faces, New Places

I am a true believer in coaching and mentoring, so I was delighted when two searches for city positions recently demonstrated the power of those paradigms. Our search for a new Chief Administrative Officer in Provo started at arm’s-length from me, with a nationwide search that involved interviewing top talent from around the country. It was a multi-step, rigorous process, with candidates vetted by panels outside of my purview. I couldn’t have been more pleased to see Scott Henderson, the former director of our award-winning Parks and Recreation Department, rise to the top of Provo’s CAO search.

When Scott was offered the position, he was given a letter of confidence signed by every department head in the city. “I will look at it every day,” says Scott of the letter which sits within view of his desk. For those who have followed Scott’s many achievements and who’ve been inspired by his constant drive for excellence, Scott’s consideration of this gift reflects his values. “Of all the things you collect in a career, respect may be the most important,” he says. I know that as CAO, Scott will do his utmost to earn the continued respect of his colleagues and the residents of Provo.

As Scott left his department, the exact same kind of search was carried out to fill his place. Again, from the casting of a nationwide net, the talent that rose to the top was one of Provo’s own, Doug Robins. Doug gives credit to Scott for a mindset he helped instill in Doug and other department members: every day is an interview. Doug recognizes that as nice as it may be to foster an award-winning department, there are challenges to living up to the awards. He celebrates being part of a department that brings the community together and that can positively impact current residents and future generations.

Doug is also quick to express his faith in Scott. “He’s been recognized regionally and nationally as a top leader in the field, and he is by far and away the best in the business.” Scott’s confidence in Doug and his new role comes from working side by side navigating sometimes very difficult situations. He knows that Doug’s approach is to work closely with others, to be engaged and involved in every important situation and strategy.

Although both candidates beat out applicants from around the country, they approach their new roles with understandable humility. Of his new role in Provo, Scott says, “managing success is harder than you’d think.” His vision to continue to find ways to improve, refuse to ignore imperfections, and set the highest standards for performance gives me confidence that in Provo, the best is yet to come. As I like to say, in Provo we swing for the fences.

Provo's Spring Cleaning Guide

Spring has officially sprung in Provo, and with it comes the eagerly awaited Provo Spring Cleaning! This annual program is all about giving residents the opportunity to freshen up their homes and yards by offering free-of-charge dumpsters strategically placed throughout the city. Whether it's old furniture, yard waste, or just general clutter that you're looking to get rid of, Provo City has got you covered. Dive into the details below to find out more about dumpster locations, transfer station coupons, compost yard hours, and everything else you need to know to make your spring cleaning a breeze.

Spring Cleanup Dumpsters

Dispose of trash, yard waste, and metals free of charge using dumpsters located throughout the city March 25 – May 4, Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 6:00 pm and Saturday 8:00 am – 3:00 pm.

Dumpsters at the Compost Yard are available during spring cleanup from Monday - Saturday, 7:00 am - 5:00 pm.

Please separate the yard waste and metals from the trash and put them in the appropriate dumpsters. The dumpsters will be closed nightly, and it is unlawful to leave items on the ground.

Dumpster Schedule

• March 25 - March 30 | Pole Yard, 2027 W 820 N

• April 1 - April 6 | Pole Yard, 2027 W 820 N

• April 8 - April 13 | Footprinters Park, 1150 S 1350 W

• April 15 - April 20 | Peaks Arena, 100 N Seven Peaks Blvd

• April 22 - April 27 | Peaks Arena, 100 N Seven Peaks Blvd

• April 29 - May 4 | Peaks Arena, 100 N Seven Peaks Blvd

• March 25 - May 4 | Provo Compost Yard, 1625 S Industrial Pkwy

Unacceptable Items

Items that may NOT be placed in the Clean-Up Dumpsters include:

• Concrete, Blocks, Bricks, Dirt, Rocks, and Sod

• Paints, Solvents, Household Chemicals, Pesticides, Used Oil, and Bulk Liquids

• Auto Parts, Tires, and Batteries

• Refrigerators, Freezers, AC Units, and items containing refrigerants

Please see attendant for disposal of TVs and Electronics. For information on how to dispose of these items and others, visit www.SUVSWD.org/what-to-do-with

Provo Compost Yard

The City Compost Yard is located at 1625 S Industrial Pkwy in Provo and is open Monday - Saturday 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM during Spring Cleanup. After the cleanup is over it will only be open Friday - Saturday, weather dependent.

Depending on availability, organic compost will be on hand for purchase to residents at $5 per yard, and to nonresidents at $10 per yard. With a limit of 35 total yards and 8 yards per week of compost, per household.

Green waste drop-off is available for residents free of charge during Spring Cleanup, and for a $5 fee per pickup truck or trailer up to 16' for each drop-off after Spring Cleanup dates.

No lumber, building material, rocks, dirt, sod, stumps, treated wood, logs over 10" in diameter or trash is accepted at the compost yard. Logs over 4" in diameter need to be cut to 8' lengths or shorter. No loads from commercial haulers or landscapers will be accepted.

Transfer Station

Provo residents may take trash directly to the South Utah Valley Solid Waste District transfer station (2450 W 400 South, Springville) free of charge using the coupon found in the city newsletter, March 25 – May 4, during normal business hours, Monday – Saturday, 7:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Your “Solid Waste Transfer Coupon” is good for one pickup truck or single-axle trailer load. You must show Provo ID (driver's license or utility bill).

All loads MUST be covered and secured (tarp, tie downs) or a $10.00 fee will be applied per 8-foot length. Multiple dump passes cannot be combined to pay for larger loads. No commercial loads, residents only.

Visit https://www.suvswd.org/ for more information.

Yard Waste Recycling

Turn your organic yard waste into plant nourishing compost. Sign up for Green Can Yard Waste Collection by calling (801) 852-6000. Green cans are picked up once a week from March 4 – December 5. Your green yard waste cans will be emptied the same day as your regular garbage pickup. Please have your cans on the side of the road by 6:00 am.

Make sure that you are only putting yard waste in your green cans. We are unable to pick up green cans with unacceptable materials in them.

No rocks, dirt, sod, paper, building materials, stumps, roots or animal waste.

The lid should be able to close – brush/limbs no longer than 3’ or hanging over can.

Unwanted Bicycles

Unwanted bicycles can be donated to Provo Bicycle Collective, a local nonprofit. This organization of bicycle enthusiasts refurbished nearly 500 bicycles last year and sent them back out into the local community. Depending on the quality and condition of your bike, it may be fixed by volunteers and given away to individuals in need, refurbished by professional mechanics and sold to fund the shop, or stripped for parts and recycled.

You can be assured that no bike donation goes to waste here and each bike is fully repaired and safety-inspected before leaving the shop for its new owner. Please see their website for shop location and hours. Tax-deductible receipts will be provided for your donation upon request.

Happy International Women's Day!

As Provo's 45th and first female mayor, I am thrilled to extend an invitation to celebrate and empower the remarkable women in our community. It's an honor to stand at the forefront of Provo Women's Day—a beacon of inspiration and solidarity among women since its inception in 2015. This initiative was born out of a desire to elevate the presence and contributions of women, foster leadership opportunities, and cultivate a supportive network where women uplift one another.

With each passing year, our commitment to this cause deepens, as evidenced by the overwhelming response to our events, including this year's luncheon, which sold out in just two weeks. For those unable to secure a ticket, we're excited to offer a livestream of the luncheon on Provo City’s Facebook page, ensuring everyone can join in the celebration.

This year, we rally under the theme "I Am Enough," a powerful reminder to step away from the unyielding pressures of society and acknowledge our intrinsic worth. It's a call to recognize our strengths, accept our vulnerabilities, and appreciate that these aspects together forge our unique selves. We are sufficient in our efforts, resilient in our struggles, and extraordinary in our everyday lives. And together, we are not just enough; we are more than enough to inspire change, to foster understanding, and to build a community where every woman knows her worth.

The luncheon will feature an inspiring lineup of guest speakers: Madilyn Paige, a talented singer-songwriter known for her appearance on Season 6 of The Voice; Sarah Tyau, a visionary refashion designer and influencer with a following that exceeds a million; and McKensie Bauer, the innovative co-founder of Thread Wallets.

In honor of the 19th Amendment's centennial in 2020, we introduced the Trailblazer Award, celebrating women who have paved the way for future generations. This year, we are delighted to recognize Janice Kapp Perry for her 40-year contribution to gospel music as the recipient of the Trailblazer Award. She joins the esteemed ranks of past honorees, including Lillian Hayes, an unwavering environmentalist and water protector; Genelle Pugmire, a dedicated reporter covering Utah County for four decades; Kay Lindsay, a former juvenile court judge with over 20 years of service in the Fourth District; and Dr. Melissa Ann Kendall, the trailblazing first female pediatrician in Utah County.

And don't forget, we have a diverse array of events designed to inspire, educate, and entertain on Saturday, March 9th. I encourage everyone to explore the full schedule at provowomensday.com and register for the activities that resonate most. The celebration will culminate with our Barbie Bash—an evening of fun, music, and creativity. Don your best Barbie-inspired attire, enjoy live music, partake in light refreshments, and immerse yourself in the joy of community and celebration.