WVC City Spotlight Employee Newsletter

August 2026

2026 Employee Summer Party (8.5 x 5.5 in) (1).png

Save the Date! The West Valley City Summer Employee Party is on Thursday, September 3rd!

The lunch and celebration will be from 12pm-2pm at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center. If you’re worried about the summer sun, we will be eating indoors but have games and food trucks located outside. The City will be closed during that time period to allow everyone a chance to attend lunch.

We will have a raffle for prizes as well. Everyone can have an opportunity to win, but there will be additional ways to win if you attend the party!

We’re excited to celebrate together this September!

Employee Pickleball Tournament

Think you’ve got the best pickleball game as a West Valley City employee? Time to prove it! West Valley City employees are invited to compete in the West Valley City Municipal Mash Pickleball Tournament on Friday, August 21st at the Centennial Outdoor Pickleball Courts!

Whether you're a seasoned pickleball pro or just learning what a "kitchen violation" is, this tournament is all about friendly competition, bragging rights, and a whole lot of fun. There will be a Beginner Division and an Intermediate Division with awards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place teams. And come dressed to impress; there is a prize for the Best Dressed Duo!

Important: Only one member of your team must be a West Valley City employee, so grab a spouse, friend, family member, coworker, or your favorite pickleball partner and get signed up!

Date: August 21, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM start time
Location: Centennial Outdoor Pickleball Courts
Entry Fee: $20 per team

Register online through the West Valley City Recreation Registration Portal. Find the tournament under the Special Events tab.

Spots will fill up fast, so don't miss your opportunity to showcase your skills, represent your department, and claim Municipal Mash glory!

Questions? Contact Rhett Gardiner at rhett.gardiner@wvc-ut.gov.

ICYMI: Smoothie Day

Thank you to the Wellness Committee for whipping up smoothies for employees in July! It helped on some very hot days. Is this a sign to start a smoothie bar??

Employee Spotlight: Shining a Light On Employees Who Go Above and Beyond

Tera Smith is the Executive Administrative Assistant and Deputy City Recorder who has been with West Valley City for 15 years. In 2011, she started with the Justice Court and moved to the City Manager’s Office in 2016.

“The fun part of my job is that there is always something new happening,” said Tera. “I love getting a behind-the-scenes look at how the city operates and seeing all the great work that happens every day.”

Tera is a big part of that great work taking place. Those she works with in Administration are singing her praises!

“Tera is the kind of teammate everyone hopes to have. She's always smiling, quick to lend a hand, and brings a positive attitude to everything she does,” said Angel Pezely, Assistant to the City Manager & Mayor. “Whether she’s helping a coworker, going the extra mile for our residents, or keeping the office running smoothly with her amazing organization, she does it all with kindness and care. Tera truly makes our workplace a better place, and we’re so grateful to have her on our team!”

Tera says she enjoys helping others and staying organized.

“I appreciate the opportunity to work with so many talented people throughout the city and learn from the different departments I interact with,” she said.

Outside of work, Tera enjoys spending time with family and friends, catching up on her favorite reality TV shows, and celebrating her favorite season—fall.

“I’m a big fan of everything pumpkin!”

ICYMI: Chat with the Chief - Community Oriented Police and Neighborhood Services

Hump Day Buffet

Don’t miss the Hump Day Buffet this summer! Grab dinner from the food trucks at Centennial Park every Wednesday this summer, starting at 5 PM.

And the best part: Cosmo the Camel makes an appearance on the 1st Wednesday of each month! You’ll see from the photos that he’s a popular guest.

Utah Retirement Systems - Tier 2 Information Seminars

As a Tier 2 employee, one of the most important financial decisions you'll make is understanding how your Utah Retirement Systems (URS) retirement plan works. Whether you're new to employment or have been with the City for several years, taking the time to learn about your retirement benefits now can help you make informed decisions that will impact your financial future.

To help you better understand your URS Tier 2 retirement options, we have invited a URS representative to provide informational seminars on Wednesday, August 5. The sessions will cover how the Tier 2 retirement plans work, retirement planning basics, and provide an opportunity to ask questions.

Essential Seminar Schedule:

Public Safety Employees: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Public Employees: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Whether you're just getting started with your career or planning for the future, we strongly encourage you to attend. Understanding your retirement benefits today can help you make the most of your options and avoid surprises later.

Please mark your calendar and plan to attend the session that applies to your employee group.

If you have any questions, please contact Human Resources.

Flu Shot Clinic

Get your flu shot this fall at City Hall!

October 8
1 - 4 PM
Multipurpose Room

Childcare Discount for City Employees

graphic of sunshine and butterflies, text says Click to learn more

We’re excited to share a new childcare discount option for all city employees! ABC Great Beginnings is offering a 10% discount! ABC Great Beginnings offers Day Camps, Night/Weekend Childcare, Before and After School Programs, Infant and Toddler Care, and more! This offer is valid at any of their 10+ locations!

Sunshine Academy Preschool and Daycare is also offering a 20% discount to city employees. In addition, first responders can access discounted hourly rates, subject to availability.

Click the links to learn more about either of these opportunities!