Lehi Peck Quarry will conduct a blast on Aug. 6 between 3 and 5 p.m. This is a regular occurrence in Eagle Mountain. Please note that traffic on SR-73 may be stalled during detonations. Residents and commuters are advised to plan accordingly to avoid delays. Safety measures will be in place to ensure the well-being of the community. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

The sweltering summer months are here, and with temperatures rising above 100 degrees, many of our residents in Eagle Mountain have had frustrating experiences with air conditioning problems.

We hear a number of complaints and see social media posts about air conditioners not keeping up, or not working at all. Even units in new homes are not exempt from problems. If you are replacing or upgrading your HVAC system, verify that the service contractor has obtained a permit, so it can be inspected to verify that safe and proper installation.

Air conditioners are designed to cool indoor spaces to a comfortable temperature range, typically between 68 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on preference and conditions. Units are designed to cool a home by 15-20 degrees. When temperatures soar above 100 degrees, an air conditioner might only be able to cool a home to 80 degrees. Units can struggle to maintain lower temperatures indoors, and they may run longer or cycle more frequently to achieve the desired cooling. Too often we put too much of a load on the system, and the system cannot manage the strain.

The right size unit is important in the ability to cool your home. An oversized unit can lead to poor energy use and uneven cooling, while a unit that is too small will struggle to cool the space.

If you have a finished basement, take that into consideration. Many home builders only calculate the space finished when the home was complete, and not future space. In a typical home, the upstairs is usually about 10 degrees warmer than the basement due to the heat rising. If you are running your home on one unit, try closing your basement registers halfway or completely in some cases, to assist your unit.

Regular maintaining and troubleshooting for your air conditioner can help ensure it runs efficiently. Here are some DIY tips for maintenance and what to do if your coils freeze:

Maintenance Tips:

  1. Regular Cleaning:
    • Filters: Replace or clean air filters every 1-3 months, especially during heavy use periods. In Eagle Mountain, with our wind, dust, and new construction, changing the filter more often can be your easiest tool to help prevent future issues.
    • Coils: Clean evaporator and condenser coils annually to maintain airflow and efficiency.
  2. Clear Debris:
    • Ensure outdoor condenser unit is clear of debris, leaves, and dirt. Trim foliage around the unit to maintain proper airflow.
  3. Check Refrigerant Levels:
    • Low refrigerant levels can indicate a leak and should be checked and refilled by a professional.
  4. Inspect Ductwork:
    • Check ducts for leaks or blockages. Seal leaks with listed duct tape or mastic sealant.
  5. Thermostat Check:
    • Calibrate thermostat settings and consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat for better efficiency.

Troubleshooting Tips:

  1. Poor Cooling:
    • Check air filters and replace if dirty.
    • Ensure return vents and registers are open and unobstructed.
    • Verify thermostat settings are correct.
  2. No Air Flow:
    • Inspect and replace dirty air filters.
    • Check for blocked or closed vents.
  3. Strange Noises:
    • Rattling or squealing could indicate loose parts or belts. Tighten or replace as needed.
  4. Coils Freeze:
    • Symptoms: Reduced airflow, warm air from vents, ice buildup on coils.
    • Causes: Restricted airflow, dirty coils, low refrigerant levels.

What to Do if Your Coils Freeze:

  1. Turn Off the AC:
    • Immediately turn off the air conditioner to prevent further damage.
  2. Check Airflow:
    • Inspect air filters and vents for blockages. Replace dirty filters and clear any obstructions.
  3. Allow Thawing:
    • Let the coils thaw completely before attempting to restart the unit. This may take several hours.
  4. Inspect and Clean:
    • Once thawed, inspect the coils for dirt or debris. Clean them gently with a soft brush or cloth.
  5. Professional Inspection:
    • If the problem persists after cleaning and restarting, or if you suspect low refrigerant levels, contact a professional HVAC technician for inspection and repair.

Regular maintenance and prompt attention to issues like frozen coils can extend the life of your air conditioner and keep it running efficiently during hot weather. YouTube has some useful information to help walk you through and troubleshoot. Take some time to educate yourself a little preventative maintenance and it will pay off, ensuring that your home stays comfortable and cool all summer long.

Eagle Mountain City is set to welcome families to the Back-to-School Social on Aug. 3 at Cory Wride Memorial Park.

The event, which runs from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., promises an afternoon of entertainment and community engagement for elementary school students and their families.

“This event is a fantastic opportunity for families to enjoy live performances, savor great food, and engage with school staff,” says Events Aid Marie West. “It’s all about celebrating the start of the school year and building a stronger, more connected Eagle Mountain community.”

The social will feature live music performances by local bands Ripcord Revival and Sonic Duke.

In addition to the musical entertainment, the event will provide an opportunity for students and parents to interact with school officials. Principals and school crossing guards will be present for a meet-and-greet session.

Food trucks will be on-site, offering a variety of options for attendees. This gathering not only aims to celebrate the start of the school year but also seeks to strengthen the community bonds within Eagle Mountain.

“Our goal is to provide a joyful and informative experience where families can relax, learn more about the school year, and meet new people,” says West.  “It’s a special moment for newcomers to feel at home and for longtime residents to catch up and reconnect.”

Families can look forward to an afternoon of fun, food and music, while also gaining valuable information and making connections for the upcoming academic year.

The Back-to-School Social is an excellent occasion for new residents to get acquainted with their local school community and for returning families to reconnect after the summer break.

“We invite all families to come and enjoy a day filled with engaging activities and essential information,” says West.

The Back-to-School Social will provide entertainment and information to set a positive tone for the school year ahead.

Eagle Mountain City has once again rolled out the annual resident survey, an essential tool for gathering community feedback and shaping the future of the community.

This survey invites residents to share their perceptions of the City’s performance across various departments and evaluate the effectiveness of elected officials.

The survey aims to collect valuable insights into how residents feel about the services provided by the City, from public safety and utilities to parks and recreation. This feedback will play a role in identifying areas of success and opportunities for improvement, ensuring that the City’s efforts align with the community’s needs and expectations.

Residents can access the survey online via the City’s social media or accessing it here. The survey will be open until Aug. 4, and all responses are confidential. Eagle Mountain City encourages all residents to take a few minutes to participate and have their voices heard.

As summer reaches its peak, Eagle Mountain residents find themselves dealing with an unexpected pest problem: an explosion in the population of voles and mice.

These small rodents have a higher presence this year, and have made themselves known in lawns and gardens across the community.

According to Eagle Mountain City’s Wildlife Biologist Todd Black, the surge in rodent populations can be attributed to several factors.

“We are on the third or fourth generation of these pests for the season, which equates to thousands of little vermin running around in neighborhoods,” Black said. “Environmental conditions aligning perfectly can lead to such population explosions.”

The primary culprits in Eagle Mountain are the western deer mouse (Peromyscus sonoriensis) and the meadow vole or sagebrush vole (Microtus). While gophers are also present, they have not seen the same population boom this year.

Black explained that these rodents are R-selected species, characterized by rapid reproduction, short gestational periods, and minimal parental care.

The mice are relatively easy to catch using baited traps with a peanut butter-oatmeal mix, and both live traps and snap traps have proven effective. However, the biologist cautioned against relocating these pests due to legal restrictions and the potential for creating problems for others.

He also advised against using rodenticides because of their toxicity to other animals and concerns about bioaccumulation in raptors.

Voles, on the other hand, present a more challenging problem. These rodents create tunnels in lawns, particularly in Kentucky bluegrass, and are difficult to trap. Black recommended drowning them out or placing snap traps near their holes.

Additionally, natural repellents like castor oil, hot sauce, liquid garlic, or pepper can be used to encourage voles to vacate an area, though they may simply move to a different part of the yard or a neighbor’s property.

One innovative method is a pipe trap.

“Putting 10-inch PVC pieces of pipe, capped off at one end, in the paths of the vole. Once the voles get in, they can’t turn around and get out,” says Black.

Reflecting on the situation, Black says the current vole problem might not have existed 30 years ago. The changes in agricultural practices and urban development have contributed to the increase in rodent populations.

“This is not just a city problem; it’s a city-wide problem,” he emphasized. “If you plant Kentucky bluegrass and water it excessively, you’re unintentionally contributing to the problem.”

Residents are advised to reduce trash and debris, which can attract rodents, and to be mindful of their lawn care practices. The city is aware of its role in the problem and is working to implement mitigation measures to help reduce the rodent population.

The current situation in Eagle Mountain mirrors issues faced by neighboring areas. Significant increases in vole populations in nearby Saratoga Springs and Draper.

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources suggested that the vole population boom could be due to favorable environmental conditions, ongoing construction and natural population cycles that peak every three to six years.

As Eagle Mountain grapples with the vole and mouse invasion, residents and city officials alike are working to find effective solutions to mitigate the problem and protect their properties from further damage.

As Utah prepares to celebrate Pioneer Day on Wednesday, July 24, residents of Eagle Mountain should be aware of several important updates and guidelines in place for the holiday.

City Hall Closure

In observance of Pioneer Day, Eagle Mountain City Hall will be closed on July 24. Regular business hours will resume on Thursday, July 25. This closure allows City employees and residents to honor the pioneers who played a crucial role in Utah’s history.

Fireworks Restrictions

With the holiday celebrations often featuring fireworks, it’s vital for residents to be informed about the City’s safety measures. The Eagle Mountain City Council has approved a Fireworks Restrictions Map for 2024, designed to enhance public safety and prevent wildfires. This map, provided by the Unified Fire Authority, highlights areas where fireworks are prohibited. Residents can check if their address falls within these restricted zones by using the online map tool.

Maintaining wildfire prevention and safety efforts is critical, especially during the dry summer months. Eagle Mountain has specific measures in place to mitigate fire risks in high-risk areas. Residents with questions about local restrictions are encouraged to contact the Unified Fire Authority for clarification. To report non-emergency illegal fireworks use, residents should call the Utah County Sheriff’s Office Eagle Mountain division.

Smith Ranch Park

Smith Ranch Park will not allow fireworks on July 24th. The park’s playground features a poured-in-place area that is not fire-safe and is capable of burning. As a precaution, the parking lot will be blocked off, and signs will be posted to remind residents of the fireworks prohibition.

Residents are reminded to clean up any fireworks debris at other park locations to maintain safety and cleanliness for all park visitors.

Pioneer Day Celebrations

Here’s where Eagle Mountain residents can explore Pioneer Day celebrations on Wednesday, July 24.

Ogden: Celebrate the state’s early settlers at Ogden’s annual Pioneer Days rodeo. The event at Ogden Pioneer Stadium opens its gates at 5:30 p.m. and concludes with a drone show. If you can’t make it on Pioneer Day, don’t worry—there’s a rodeo and drone show every night from July 19-24.

Orem: Fireworks are returning to University Place Mall. Attendees can start reserving their spots with chairs and blankets at 4 p.m., with live entertainment kicking off at 5 p.m. The fireworks show will begin at 9:30 p.m.

Provo: Provo is celebrating Pioneer Day with an Olympics announcement celebration at Peaks Ice Arena. Enjoy free ice skating starting at 6 p.m., a DJ, various activities, and a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.

Salt Lake City: Salt Lake City pulls out all the stops for Pioneer Day. The Days of ’47 Parade begins at 9 a.m., followed by day-long activities at Liberty Park. The festivities will conclude with a drone show at the park at 10 p.m.

Spanish Fork: Fireworks will be launched from the sports park at approximately 10 p.m., with synchronized music playing at Field Eight.

After more than a year of anticipation and construction, Smith Ranch Park has fully opened its gates to the public. On Thursday, July 25, residents and visitors gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the latest addition to Eagle Mountain’s community parks.

The event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony, food trucks, a children’s entrepreneur market and the opportunity to explore every detail of the newly renovated park.

Construction on Smith Ranch Park began in May 2023, following the approval of an $8.1 million bid by the Eagle Mountain City Council. Public Works Director Brad Hickman expressed his enthusiasm for the project.

“This park will be another staple for residents and visitors,” says Hickman. “We want to showcase that this area protects its natural beauty while also providing amenities.”

Smith Ranch Park offers a variety of amenities catering to different interests and age groups.

Among its highlights are two multipurpose fields, pavilions for community gatherings, and a small amphitheater designed to host nature learning events. These features are intended to foster a sense of community and provide versatile spaces for recreation and education.

A distinctive aspect of the park’s design is its emphasis on accessibility and inclusivity.

“We are always thinking about how to include residents of all abilities and how we can best incorporate that into our final designs,” Hickman added.

The park includes amenities specifically tailored to accommodate adaptive needs, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the space.

In line with its commitment to conservation, Eagle Mountain City has partnered with the Eagle Mountain Wildlife Alliance to enhance the park’s educational value. Interpretive signage will be installed throughout the park, providing visitors with insights into the region’s rich wildlife and vegetation. This collaboration underscores the City’s dedication to preserving the natural beauty of the area while educating the public about its ecological significance.

The integration of native plants and a dedicated walking path along the Tickville Wash further highlights the City’s conservation efforts. These elements not only enhance the park’s aesthetic appeal but also contribute to the preservation of local flora and fauna.

“We want to partner with nature advocates because we want this park to last in its thoughtfulness and remain well-maintained over the years,” Hickman said.

Smith Ranch Park represents a significant investment in the community, providing a space where residents and visitors can connect with nature, engage in recreational activities, and learn about the local environment.

Hadco will undertake essential irrigation line repairs on Pony Express Parkway and Wildcat Peak in Overland from Thursday, July 18, 2024, to Friday, July 26, 2024.

The repair work will commence daily at 8 a.m. and conclude at 4:30 p.m., with all lanes reopening after 4:30 p.m.

During this period, the left turn lane onto Wildcat Peak will remain closed to facilitate the repairs. Commuters are advised to plan their routes accordingly and expect minor delays. The project aims to enhance the irrigation system’s efficiency, ensuring better water management for the area. Eagle Mountain City appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation as these necessary improvements are carried out.

The Eagle Mountain Public Library is rolling out a program that’s all about keeping our homes safe from radon.

The Radon Monitor Lending Program is here to help interested homeowners understand more about radon and make sure testing is taking place in homes regularly.

The aim of this program is to educate the community about the risks of radon while getting more people to test their homes for it.

Radon is a sneaky, radioactive gas that can come up from the ground into our homes and is a known cause of lung cancer. By lending out radon monitors, the library hopes to spread the word and keep the community healthy.

Testing for radon isn’t as simple as it might seem. Radon levels can change due to various factors like the weather, how well radon mitigation systems are working, barometric pressure, or even after home renovations. Traditional radon testing methods, such as charcoal kits or alpha tracks, only provide an average reading over a certain period. This can be misleading because radon levels can fluctuate a lot, being higher at night and lower during the day, or varying between seasons.

Continuous Radon Monitoring

That’s where continuous radon monitoring comes in handy. The library’s new program offers EcosenseⓇ radon monitors that collect data and give accurate, long-term radon results based on hourly readings. This way, users get a clear and ongoing picture of radon levels in their homes.

How to Borrow a Radon Monitor

The Eagle Mountain Public Library has 12 radon monitor kits ready for you to borrow. You can check them out for seven days with your library card. If all the monitors are checked out, don’t worry—you can place a hold on one, and the library will let you know when it’s your turn.

Why This Matters

This new program is set to make a big difference in Eagle Mountain by giving residents the tools and know-how to test their homes for radon accurately. More frequent and precise testing means we can better protect our homes and families from the dangers of radon.

For more details about the Radon Monitor Lending Program or to check out a device, visit the Eagle Mountain Public Library or check out their website.