Meeting
The City Council of Salt Lake City, Utah, met in Work Session on Tuesday, December 3, 2024. 

The following Council Members were present:
Victoria Petro, Daniel Dugan, Chris Wharton, Alejandro Puy, Darin Mano, Sarah Young

The following Council Members were absent:
Eva Lopez Chavez

Present Legislative leadership:
 Jennifer Bruno – Executive Director, Lehua Weaver – Deputy Director, Nick Tarbet – Deputy Director

Present Administrative leadership:
Mayor Erin Mendenhall, Rachel Otto – Chief of Staff, Jill Love – Chief Administrative Officer  

Present City Staff:
Katherine Lewis – City Attorney, Cindy Lou Trishman – City Recorder, Stephanie Elliott – Minutes & Records Clerk, Taylor Hill – Constituent Liaison/Policy Analyst, Scott Corpany – Staff Assistant, Ben Luedtke – Senior Public Policy Analyst, Mary Beth Thompson – Chief Financial Officer, Andrew Johnston – Director of Homelessness Policy and Outreach, Weston Clark – Mayor's Senior Advisor, Vili Lolohea – District Liaison / Policy Specialist, Ashley Lichtle – Community Liaison, Cindy Gust-Jenson – City Council Former Executive Director/Staff Analyst, Allison Parks – Senior City Attorney , Troy Anderson – Building Official, Antonio Padilla – Building Service Manager, Greg Cleary – City Budget Director 

The meeting was called to order at 2:02 pm
 
 
Work Session Items
1.
Informational: Updates from the Administration ~ 2:00 p.m.
  15 min.
The Council will receive information from the Administration on major items or projects in progress. Topics may relate to major events or emergencies (if needed), services and resources related to people experiencing homelessness, active public engagement efforts, and projects or staffing updates from City Departments, or other items as appropriate.

 


 
Weston Clark presented the community engagement updates.

Andrew Johnston presented the homelessness update. 

 
2.
Ordinance: Title 18 Text Amendments Follow-up ~ 2:15 p.m.
  20 min.
The Council will receive a follow-up briefing about a proposal that would amend the text of Titles 2, 5, 18 and 21A of the Salt Lake City Code to update references to state adopted code, modify building code enforcement appeal process, add and increase building enforcement fines and penalties to match zoning enforcement and cost of operations. The changes are necessary to bring the City's building regulations into compliance with state law. 

 


 
Nick Tarbet, Troy Anderson, and Antonio Padilla presented follow-up information to the Council. 

Council Request
Council Member Mano requested a review of the current demolishing requests of boarded buildings and an adjustment of the fees for boarded buildings. 
3.
Resolution: Americans with Disabilities Act Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan ~ 2:35 p.m.
  20 min.
The Council will receive a briefing about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan. The proposal assesses the City’s compliance with the ADA and identifies steps to eliminate accessibility barriers in City programs, facilities, and public spaces.

 


 
Ashley Lichtle and Vili Lolohea presented the plan to the Council. 

Council Requests
Council Member Young Requested:
  • Call out budget items and the aspects to help address ADA compliance issues
  • Include the total cost for coaching, support reviewing, and adding ADA compliance to the project for applicants who apply to the Capital Improvement Program (CIP)
Council Member Puy suggested cross-referencing CIP and ADA compliance applications to start completing applications for the City. 

 
4.
Ordinance: Jordan River Fairpark District Zoning Map & Text Amendment Follow-up ~ 2:55 p.m.
  25 min.
The Council will receive a follow-up briefing about a proposal that would amend the City's zoning ordinance by creating a new zoning district known as the Jordan River Fairpark (JRF) District at approximately 1500 West North Temple and bounded by the Jordan River, Redwood Road, North Temple, and Interstate 15. The proposal would rezone approximately 93 acres across 32 parcels into a single zone to support the area's redevelopment. The project is located within Council District 2. Petitioner: Snell & Wilmer, representing Larry H. Miller Development.
  1. Zoning Map & Text Amendment: The JRF district would allow buildings up to 400 feet tall. No minimum lot size,  setbacks, or open space requirements are proposed, and developments would be exempt from meeting the City's general plans.
  2. Development Agreement: The proposed Development Agreement addresses access to the Jordan River,  open space, roads, and infrastructure improvements and establishes review processes for development applications. Under new state law, an agreement must be reached by December 31, 2024, for expedited land use reviews related to a qualified stadium and related uses. If no agreement is made, the JRF District will not be subject to the City's zoning regulations. 

For more information visit https://tinyurl.com/JRFDistrict.

 


 
Nick Tarbet introduced the item.

Katie Lewis presented the following information regarding the development agreement:
  • The agreement deadline to be executed was December 31, 2024
  • Development Agreement requires three things
    • property owner to vest in 
    • expedited process
    • prohibits the city from stadium use 
  • Public benefits commitment from both Salt Lake City and the Larry H. Miller Development
    • Inclusivity and nondiscrimination
    • Workforce and family-sized housing
  • Suggestion to team commitment on home game convenience and period of contract

 
5.
Municipal Services Interlocal Agreement between Salt Lake City and the Utah Fairpark Area Investment and Restoration District ~ 3:20 p.m.
  20 min.
The Council will receive a briefing on an interlocal agreement between Salt Lake City and the Utah Fairpark Area Investment and Restoration District to provide municipal services, such as water, sewer, police, fire, and homelessness assistance to the Fairpark District boundary.
 
In 2024, the Utah State legislature passed House Bill 562, the Utah Fairpark Area Investment and Restoration District (the Act), which created the Fairpark District and, among other things, requires the City and the District enter into an agreement by December 31, 2024. This interlocal agreement provides that the District reimburse the City for the cost of municipal services. This reimbursement would be in addition to the City receiving the base taxable value and 25% of the enhanced property tax from the Fairpark District Boundary. The Council may consider approving the interlocal agreement at the December 10, 2024 Council meeting.

 


 
Nick Tarbet introduced the item. 

Katie Lewis stated that it was important for the Council to think of the future budget needed to support the growing population and the creation of a new district. 

Allison Parks presented the following information:
  • Clarified that the agreement was separate from the previously discussed development agreements with Larry H Miller
  • Agreement between Salt Lake City and the UFAIR District
  • Proposal for SLC to retain an additional percentage of tax collected on top of the current agreement of the City retaining the base property tax value plus 25% 


 
6.
Ordinance: Northpoint Light Industrial Zoning Text Amendment Follow-up ~ 3:40 p.m.
  20 min.
The Council will receive a follow-up briefing about a proposal that would amend various sections of Title 21A of the Salt Lake City Code creating a new section 21A.28.040 Northpoint Light Industrial (M-1A) Zoning District that aligns with the goals, policies and future land use recommendations established in the Northpoint Small Area Plan. The proposal would include providing an environment for light industrial, office, and research uses, while reducing the impact on adjacent agricultural and residential properties and native habitats. This is a City Council-initiated petition. Other sections of Title 21A – Zoning may also be amended as part of this petition. This project is within Council District 1.

 


 
Item not held, postponed to a future meeting. 

 
7.
Tentative Break ~ 4:00 p.m.
  20 min.

 


 
8.
Ordinance: Sugar House Master Plan, Zoning Map, and Text Amendment at Approximately 1095 East 2100 South (Formerly Wells Fargo Bank) ~ 4:20 p.m.
  30 min.
The Council will receive a briefing about a proposal that would amend the City's zoning ordinance by creating a new zoning district known as MU-15 (Form Based Mixed-Use 15 Subdistrict) that would apply to the property at approximately 1095 East 2100 South. The proposal would also amend the Sugar House Master Plan to support the proposed rezone. The proposal intends to redevelop the current two-story building (formerly a Wells Fargo bank branch) on the 1.22-acre property into a mixed-use residential project. The Planning Commission forwarded a negative recommendation, therefore the ordinances have not been drafted. If the Council decides to approve the amendments, the ordinances would be drafted and considered for approval. The project is located within Council District 7. Petitioner: Snell & Wilmer, representing the property owner Harbor Bay Ventures. 

 


 
Item not held, postponed to a future meeting. 

 
9.
Ordinance: Budget Amendment No.2 for Fiscal Year 2024-25 Follow-up ~ 4:50 p.m.
  30 min.
The Council will receive a follow-up briefing about Budget Amendment No. 2 for the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget. Budget amendments happen several times each year to reflect adjustments to the City’s budgets, including proposed project additions and modifications. The proposed amendment includes creating a new fund dedicated to the Capital City Downtown Revitalization Zone sales tax, 12 new police officers partially funded by a Community Oriented Policing Services or COPS program grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, a donation from the University of Utah related to the construction of a baseball stadium at Sunnyside Park, and funding for the City’s vehicle fleet among other projects. The Council will also receive a presentation about the State Transit Transportation Investment Fund or TTIF and four capital projects receiving TTIF grants, including a multiuse trail on 400 South to better connect Poplar Grove and Downtown, among other projects.

For more information visit tinyurl.com/SLCFY25.

 


 
Ben Luedtke presented the follow-up to the Council. 

The Council and, Mary Beth Thompson, Greg Cleary and Ben Luedtke discussed:
  • Full time employee (FTE) requests and workload ability
  • Seasonal vacancies and FTEs needed
  • General Fund Balance requested from Justice Court 
  • Revenue sources
  • Downtown Capitol Revitalization Zone Sales Tax Increase 
  • New Vehicle Funding 
Council Request:
Council Members Mano and Puy requested feedback on 911 operators and workload for budgetary needs. Mary Beth Thompson agreed to return the information and provide it to the Council. 
10.
Informational: Council/Board Leadership Structural Changes ~ 5:20 p.m.
  20 min.
The Council will have an internal discussion about a proposal to adjust Council/Board leadership positions.

 


 
Jennifer Bruno presented the following:
  • Resolution for the structural changes due to both positions being outlined in policy 
  • Leadership stipends ordinance prepared and were ready for vote or update
Council Members and Jennifer Bruno discussed the following:
  • The proposal combines the Council Chair and the Redevelopment Agency (RDA) Chair positions
  • Adjusting leadership positions and reallocating duties
  • Access to leadership would be more streamlined by combining roles and leadership
  • The authority to make decisions would be more straightforward 
  • The workload of RDA Chair and Council Chair and their ability to take on more or at capacity
  • Communication between chairs was essential to making progress
  • Importance to maintain the quality and quantity of work if leadership was combined
Mayor Mendenhall (speaking as the Executive Director of the RDA) stated combining the chair roles would add more workload to the current overloaded duties of the Chair, ultimately creating a full-time position. She said it was necessary not to lose sight of the RDA goals while streamlining the process and that the City would not benefit from combining the roles. 

Council Request
Council Member Young requested a follow-up from RDA staff on the pros and cons of the combination of leadership. 

 
11.
Resolution: Ranked Choice Voting for 2025 Municipal Election ~ 5:40 p.m.
  15 min.
The Council will have an internal discussion about an option for the 2025 municipal election to participate in the State-authorized Municipal Alternative Voting Method Pilot Program project, otherwise known as ranked choice voting or instant runoff voting. Under ranked choice voting, voters rank the candidates in order of preference. Election equipment counts the preference numbers for each ballot. If none of the candidates receive more than 50% of the overall vote after the first round, the candidate with the least number of votes is eliminated. The voters who had selected the eliminated candidate as their first choice would then have their votes counted for their second-choice candidate. This process of elimination continues until a candidate crosses the 50% threshold and is declared the winner.

For more information on this item visit https://tinyurl.com/RankedChoiceSLC.
 

 


 
Ben Luedtke introduced the item. 

Cindy Lou Trishman discussed the following:
  • Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) statistics from the 2021 and 2023 elections 
  • Cost estimates for ballots and needed updates/staffing hours
  • Resolution needed to be passed to approve RCV for the 2025 election
  • Primary Election requested by Mayor
  • Cost estimate from County on price of holding a primary election
Council Request
Council member Puy requested:
  • Spanish language and translation to be included in the education materials for elections and voting
  • Public materials on how to request a translated ballot
  • Increase funding for outreach and voter education on election 
Cindy Lou Trishman stated she would follow up with the Council for the cost estimate received from the County and have an educational follow-up small group briefing on RCV and primary elections. 

 
12.
Informational: Council Policy Manual - Travel Section Update ~ 5:55 p.m.
  20 min.
The Council will have a discussion about possible amendments to their internal Council Policy regarding Travel, Training, and Capacity Building. 

 

 

 
Cindy Gust-Jenson presented the policy to the Council.

 
Standing Items
 
13.
Report of the Chair and Vice Chair -
  -
Report of Chair and Vice Chair.

 

There was no report. 

 
 
14.
Report and Announcements from the Executive Director -
  -
Report of the Executive Director, including a review of Council information items and announcements. The Council may give feedback or staff direction on any item related to City Council business, including but not limited to:
  • Housing Programs and Loan Deferment; and
  • Scheduling Items.

 

Jennifer Bruno stated that loan payments for two homeowners had been flagged for deferment due to economic hardship. The payments were deferred for six months, allowing the Council time to reevaluate the process. The Council reviewed and approved these terms.

 


 
15.
Tentative Closed Session -
  -
The Council will consider a motion to enter into Closed Session. A closed meeting described under Section 52-4-205 may be held for specific purposes including, but not limited to:
a.     discussion of the character, professional competence, or physical or mental health of an individual;
b.     strategy sessions to discuss collective bargaining;
c.    strategy sessions to discuss pending or reasonably imminent litigation;
d.    strategy sessions to discuss the purchase, exchange, or lease of real property, including any form of a water right or water shares, if public discussion of the transaction would:
(i)    disclose the appraisal or estimated value of the property under consideration; or
(ii)     prevent the public body from completing the transaction on the best possible terms;
e.    strategy sessions to discuss the sale of real property, including any form of a water right or water shares, if:
(i) public discussion of the transaction would:
(A) disclose the appraisal or estimated value of the property under consideration; or
(B) prevent the public body from completing the transaction on the best possible terms;
(ii)     the public body previously gave public notice that the property would be offered for sale; and
(iii)     the terms of the sale are publicly disclosed before the public body approves the sale;
f.    discussion regarding deployment of security personnel, devices, or systems; and
g.     investigative proceedings regarding allegations of criminal misconduct.
A closed meeting may also be held for attorney-client matters that are privileged pursuant to Utah Code § 78B-1-137, and for other lawful purposes that satisfy the pertinent requirements of the Utah Open and Public Meetings Act.

 

Closed Session Started at 2:05 pm

Held in the Work Session Room (location) 

Council Members in Attendance:  Council Members Petro, Wharton, Puy, Young, Mano, and Dugan (Council Member Lopez Chavez absent)

City Staff in Attendance:  Katherine Lewis, Allison Parks, Mark Kittrell, Rachel Otto, Jill Love, Jennifer Bruno, Lehua Weaver, Angela Price, Tammy Hunsaker, Lindsey Nikola, Megan Yuill, Nick Norris, Kelsey Lindquist, Amanda Roman, Laura Briefer, Mary Beth Thompson, Jason Draper, Nick Tarbet, Matthew Brown, and Cindy Lou Trishman. 

Closed Session ended at 2:55 pm


 Motion:
Moved by Council Member Wharton, seconded by Council Member Dugan to enter into Closed Session for the purposes of attorney-client matters.  
AYE: Victoria Petro, Daniel Dugan, Chris Wharton, Alejandro Puy, Darin Mano, Sarah Young
ABSENT: Eva Lopez Chavez
Final Result: 6 – 0 Pass
Motion:
Moved by Council Member Wharton, seconded by Council Member Dugan to exit Closed Session. 
AYE: Victoria Petro, Daniel Dugan, Chris Wharton, Alejandro Puy, Darin Mano, Sarah Young
ABSENT: Eva Lopez Chavez
Final Result: 6 – 0 Pass
 
 
 
Meeting adjourned at 6:09 pm

Minutes Approved: January 21, 2025



_______________________________ 
City Council Chair Chris Wharton


_______________________________ 
City Recorder


Please refer to Meeting Materials (available at https://data.slc.gov by selecting City Council Meeting Information) for supportive content including electronic recordings and comments submitted prior to or during the meeting. Websites listed within the body of the Minutes may not remain active indefinitely. 
 
This document along with the digital recording constitutes the official minutes of the City Council Work Session meeting held Tuesday, December 3, 2024 and is not intended to serve as a full transcript. Please refer to the electronic recording for entire content pursuant to Utah Code §52-4-203.