12/06/2005 - Minutes PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2005
The City Council of Salt Lake City, Utah, met in Regular Session on Tuesday, December
6, 2005, at 7:00 p.m. in Room 315, City Council Chambers, City County Building, 451
South State.
The following Council Members were present:
Carlton Christensen Van Turner Nancy Saxton
Dale Lambert Eric Jergensen Dave Buhler
Jill Remington Love
Cindy Gust-Jenson, Executive Council Director; Lynn Pace, Deputy City Attorney; and
Scott Crandall, Deputy City Recorder; were present.
Councilmember Lambert presided at and conducted the meeting.
#1. The Council led the Pledge of Allegiance.
#2. The Council will approve the minutes of Council meetings held November 1,
15 and 17, 2005. Councilmember Lambert said there was a problem regarding the minutes.
He said they would be deferred to a later date. View Minutes
(M 05-3)
#2. The Board of Canvassers will approve minutes of the meetings held November 15,
2005 at 12:15 and 7:00 p.m. Ms. Gust-Jenson said these minutes also needed to be
deferred. View Minutes
(M 05-3)
PUBLIC HEARINGS
#1. RE: Accept public comment and consider adopting an ordinance amending
Section 18.20.090 of the Salt Lake City Code pertaining to penalties for starting work
without a permit, and amending Chapter 21A of the Salt Lake City Zoning Code pursuant
to Petition No. 400-05-25. View Attachment
The following spoke or submitted written comments in favor of the proposal: David
Richardson, Jim Jenkin, Marvin Mower, Margaret Miller, Cathey Dunn, Roger Julien,
Kimberly Pilger, Beth Bowman, Jill Van Langeveld, Ervin Horrocks, Kelly Stevens, Bob
Greely, Emily Plewe, Vicki Mickelsen, Kent Alderman, Lon Richardson, Peter Hansen, Bee
Lufkin, Cindy Cromer, Lester Aoki, Rex Sears, Earl Miller, Philip Blevins, Esther
Hunter, Penny Archibald-Stone, Shane Carlson, Dennis Guy-Sell, Dawn Levingston, Kirk
Huffaker, Katherine Kivett, Judi Short, Chris Johnson, Scott Williams, Tom Mutter,
Alex Steckel, Peter Bailey, Jeff Coursey, Jennifer Fortin, Matthew Knotts, Rob
Gilliland, Ian Willard, Loggins Merrill, Jennifer Horne, Karen McCreary, William
Petrick, Peter Hasby, Richard Stone, Liza Julien, Joan Andrews, Judy McCorvey, Leslie
Randolph, Katie Pappas, Janet Hough, Pam Woodmansee, Marian Florence and Maren Jeppsen.
Comments included simplifying the permitting process, building heights, funding
mechanisms, applicant costs, community damage, bring ordinance inline with community
standards, fair treatment, exemptions, neighborhood notification prior to approval and
construction, consistency, tax credits, neighborhood protection, teardowns, compatible
infill policies, preserve community character, immediate action, no sunset provision,
monster homes, resident needs, first line option, infill overlay, survey surrounding
properties, two-story structures, negative impacts, residential zoning, historic
districts and contributing structures.
Additional comments included non-conforming uses, vulnerable neighborhoods,
misrepresentation, privacy, blocked views, no sunlight, diminished property values,
05 - 165
PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2005
quality of life issues, remodels, footprint guideline, preservation, unscrupulous
builders, out-of-scale buildings, balance, acceptable resolution, City-wide adoption,
national register districts, policy issues, retain demolition requirements,
enforcement, over-the-counter permits, property owner recourse, three-tier approval
process, continue to improve ordinance, median height, establish uniform review
process, incompatible construction and addressing permit violations.
The following spoke or submitted written comments in opposition of the proposal:
Raider Huck, Brian Jessop, Mark Cook, David Rose, Robert Hansen, Tai Biesinger, Andrew
Scrivner, Ian Carpenter, Clint Johnson, Phillip Winston, Kathryn Lichfield, Bob Plumb,
Janice Tolhurst, Alec McGinn, Kristin McGinn, Don Edwards, Julie Mathews, Jeff Walker,
Michael Bradley, Tracey Wake, Allison Leishman, Greg Ross and Russell Banz. Comments
included objective standards, inability to upgrade, protecting property rights,
residents moving away from the City, numerous restrictions, inability to improve
home/property, height restrictions, open space requirements, special exceptions, broad
application, address individual community needs, high density housing, setbacks, large
development restrictions, purchase with intent to expand, blocked views, commercial
projects, extreme nature of proposal, height surveys, limiting buildable area of lot,
applying standards City-wide, additional permit costs, costs for additional review
processes, real estate investments, compatible homes, proposal does not solve problem,
economic growth, and diminished property values.
Councilmember Buhler moved and Councilmember Saxton seconded to close the public
hearing and refer the issue to December 13, 2005.
Councilmember Buhler said this was a difficult issue and the Council appreciated
the public's input. He said there were strong feelings regarding all aspects of this
issue and he hoped the Council could find a solution. He said he did not want to
postpone the issue indefinitely but thought the Council needed another week before
making a formal decision. He said the issue was scheduled for further discussion on
Thursday, December 8, 2005.
Councilmember Saxton said she thought some requirements or restrictions were
appropriate for certain communities and not others. She said she wanted the public to
contact her with recommendations for areas in the City which needed to be included or
excluded. She said she thought the core issue was how holistically the City wanted
every community or was there opportunity for variation in height.
Councilmember Lambert called for the question, which motion carried, all members voted
aye.
(0 05-16)
#2. RE: Accept public comment and consider adopting an ordinance amending
the Salt Lake City Code to create Transit Oriented Zoning Districts, rezoning property
along the east-west light rail corridor, and amend the Central Community Master Plan
pursuant to Petition Nos. 400-01-48 and 400-01-12. (Transit Oriented Development)
(TOD) View Attachment
The following spoke or submitted written comments regarding the proposal: Ron
Love, Judi Short, Dennis Guy-Sell, Dawn Levingston, Cindy Cromer, Esther Hunter, Soren
Simonsen, Chris Johnson, Ian Willard, Loggins Merrill and Jim Jenkin. Comments included
utilizing public transit, community master plans, height restrictions, Central Business
District, mixed use development, residential relocation option, impact on residential
properties, protect existing structures, lack of notice, proposed changes east of 700
East, private property interests, developer incentives, loopholes, business corridor,
eroding residential properties, public input, exclude single-family residential areas
05 - 166
PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2005
along corridor, inappropriate suburban shopping centers, setback requirements, parking
locations, pedestrian environment and 25% parking reduction.
Councilmember Saxton moved and Councilmember Jergensen seconded to close the
public hearing, which motion carried, all members voted aye.
Councilmember Saxton asked about the housing component associated with the TC-
75 zone. Cheri Coffey, Planning Administration Deputy Director, said the proposed
ordinance required one level of residential housing for every level of non-residential
development. She said housing could be located in the same building or transferred
somewhere within the corridor.
Councilmember Saxton moved and Councilmember Christensen seconded to adopt Ordinance
76 of 2005 rezoning properties along 400 South from 200 East to approximately 925 East
excluding properties on the north and south sides of 400 South from 700 East to 900
East, and further moved that the Council refer action regarding rezoning properties on
the north and south sides of 400 South, from 700 to 900 East to a future Council
meeting.
Councilmember Saxton said this was a difficult issue for adjacent neighborhoods. She
said development would eventually spread unless densities were increased. She said
higher densities would allow properties to be utilized for future development. She
said the Council was aware of viable housing located on the north and south sides of
400 South and wanted to preserve them. She said she had questions concerning widths
and setbacks for sidewalks. She said she wanted to receive more public input regarding
the corridor between 700 and 900 East.
Councilmember Love said she would support the motion even though she originally wanted
to stop at 700 East. She said she was persuaded there might be opportunities to allow
more height at some of the key corners located on 700 East. She said she thought the
City could work with the neighborhood to address issues and explore opportunities. She
said she did not want the public to be concerned that historic sites were in jeopardy.
She said the Council was sensitive to those issues but felt there were opportunities
which needed to be explored.
Councilmember Christensen said he originally supported the 300 South TRAX alignment
because he felt it was more accessible to neighborhoods. He said there were challenges
on 400 South but in order for it to be a true transit oriented corridor there needed
to be some densities. He said even though final changes to the proposal were completed
last week, a lot of time, review and input had gone into the recommendation. He said
he was comfortable adopting the proposal because he saw how successful TOD was in other
cities. He said he felt in the next ten years there would be limited opportunities
due to the number of retail stores recently built along the corridor. He said he hoped
the City would be able to take advantage of the assets the University brought to the
community through its link to downtown. He said property along the corridor was
valuable because he did not see development encroaching further into adjacent
neighborhoods. He said he hoped the proposal would be successful and provide both
residential and office uses along the corridor.
Councilmember Lambert said the Council originally discussed moving from 50-feet to 75-
feet. He said discussion was now being held which would allow 125-feet. He said he
felt taller buildings needed to be concentrated in the Central Business District and
asked about the change. Councilmember Christensen said 125-foot structures had to go
through a conditional use process which had always been required. He said City
consultants recommended that building heights needed to be focused toward
intersections, particularly where transit stops were located. He said he thought more
05 - 167
PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2005
height would make sense at intersections but not at mid-block locations.
Ms. Coffey said a lot of east downtown neighborhoods were zoned RMU which contained
the 75-foot height requirement with a conditional use process up to 125-feet. She
said when the ordinance was originally drafted the planning staff did not think the
transit corridor zone should have a lower height requirement than properties located
just to the north.
Councilmember Lambert called for the question, which motion carried, all members voted
aye.
(P 02-14)
#3. RE: Accept public comment and consider adopting an ordinance amending the
Gateway Master Plan and declaring property purchased for transportation purposes no
longer needed for that purpose pursuant to Petition No. 400-05-21. View Attachment
Jake Boyer, Boyer Company, said based on the compromise reached between the Boyer
Company, Utah Power, Transportation and others, he wanted the Council to make a motion
to uphold the masterplan and recommend that the property be sold. He said the Boyer
Company would work with the Administration on remaining issues.
Councilmember Jergensen moved and Councilmember Turner seconded to close the
public hearing, which motion carried, all members voted aye.
Councilmember Turner moved and Councilmember Jergensen seconded to approve the
compromise on this property and uphold the existing masterplan and sell the property
to the Boyer Company.
Councilmember Turner said the property was originally in his district and he felt a
grocery store was needed in that area. He said density was an issue in the past but
with new housing and other development the situation had changed. He said the store
would be located on a transit corridor and would be a good fit. He said he thought the
neighborhood would benefit from the development and supported the proposal.
Councilmember Christensen said he wanted to make a friendly amendment to the motion.
He said he felt an agreement was needed between the City and Utah Power and Light which
gave the City the ability to purchase property owned by Utah Power and Light. He said
a large part of the compromise on this proposal involved a portion of their property.
He said he felt the parties involved would act in good faith but current Council
Members might not be around when the deal came to fruition.
Councilmember Saxton said she was in favor of upholding the masterplan but wanted to
caution that even though there were rumors about a grocery store, the City did not
have a formal proposal from the Boyer Company. She said a grocery store was needed in
that area but she did not think this location was equitable. She said she did not
want to sell property to developers which could be used for at-grade parking. She
said she felt the City had moved past at-grade parking in this part of the City and
would vote against the motion.
Councilmember Buhler said he understood this had to go back to the Planning Commission
as a Planned Unit Development and they would have an opportunity to address the issues
raised by Councilmember Saxton.
Councilmember Lambert called for the question, which motion carried, all members voted
aye, except Councilmember Saxton, who voted nay.
(P 05-22)
05 - 168
PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2005
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
#1. RE: Adopting an ordinance enacting Section 12.56.205, Salt Lake City Code,
pertaining to free metered parking for alternative fuel, fuel efficient and low
polluting vehicles. View Attachment
Councilmember Jergensen moved and Councilmember Turner seconded to adopt Ordinance 82
of 2005.
Councilmember Christensen asked if this was limited to cars or could commercial vehicles
also qualify. Dan Bergenthal, Transportation Engineer, said commercial vehicles were
included. He said commercial vehicles were large contributors to air pollution in
downtown and he felt it made sense to include them in the proposal.
Councilmember Christensen said even though the City wanted to encourage fleets to shift
to fuel efficient vehicles, he felt many of them would change because it was
economically viable. He said he was concerned these entities would receive free
parking over other businesses which were licensed by the City. He said he had some
fundamental issues with the proposal and would vote against the motion.
Councilmember Saxton said she felt the City was doing the right thing by encouraging
and rewarding people who drove vehicles which improved the environment. She said she
had some apprehension that the proposal was exclusive to a certain stratum which could
afford those vehicles but felt the City needed to do whatever it could to encourage
change. She said awareness of fuel efficiency and environmental concerns needed to be
paramount to everyone. She said as policy makers she felt the City was moving in the
right direction and would vote in favor of the motion.
Councilmember Love asked Councilmember Turner for an explanation of his concerns
regarding the proposal. Councilmember Turner said he was concerned business owners
could use their cars or trucks as commercial vehicles to make free deliveries throughout
downtown. He said the ordinance would allow business owners to conduct business in the
downtown area indefinitely using free unlimited parking. He said he envisioned meters
being used to encourage retail by being available to the public and not for commercial
use.
Councilmember Jergensen said he did not think the purpose of the ordinance was to
provide incentives for business activity. He said he felt the purpose of the proposal
was to say the City felt it was important to reduce emissions and encourage the purchase
of fuel efficient vehicles. He said the incentive was to allow private or commercial
vehicle owners to park free in downtown. He said he felt the ordinance supported the
City's policy to reduce emissions and he urged the Council to support the proposal.
Councilmember Christensen asked if the ordinance contained a sunset provision. Ms.
Gust-Jenson said no. Councilmember Christensen said he did not think the proposal was
overbearing or that a lot of people would rush to buy hybrid cars but at some point it
would be difficult for a future Council to repeal the ordinance.
Councilmember Lambert called for the question, which motion carried, all members voted
aye, except Council Members Turner and Christensen, who voted nay.
(0 05-31)
#2. RE: Adopting a resolution relating to Open Space Funding. View Attachment
Councilmember Love moved and Councilmember Jergensen seconded to adopt Resolution 65
05 - 169
PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2005
of 2005, which motion carried, all members voted aye, except Councilmember Turner, who
voted nay.
(0 05-22)
CONSENT AGENDA
#1. RE: Requesting that the Administration not hold a hearing at 5:00 p.m.
on December 13, 2005 regarding an exchange of an Indenture Easement for fee title to
locations of Public Utilities equipment at 3931 East Big Cottonwood Road. This will
be a value-for-value exchange. View Attachment
(W 05-4)
#2. RE: Requesting that the Administration not hold a hearing at 5:00 p.m. on
December 13, 2005 regarding an even exchange of power easements to accommodate the
reconstruction of the Liberty Park Concession building. View Attachment
(W 05-4)
#3. RE: Confirming the date of December 13, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. to accept public
comment and consider adopting an ordinance rezoning property generally located at 1435
South 1100 East from Single Family Residential (R-1-5000) to Residential Business (RB)
pursuant to Petition No. 400-05-36. (Requested by Chabad Lubavitch)
(P 05-23)
#4. RE: Approving the appointment of Candice Colby to the Arts Council for a term
extending through July 1, 2008.
(I 05-21)
#5. RE: Approving the appointment of Michael Mack to the Arts Council for a term
extending through July 1, 2008.
(I 05-21)
#6. RE: Approving the appointment of Raymond Gunn to the Human Rights Commission.
As outlined in the ordinance, term ending dates will be drawn by lot to expire on a
staggered basis of two, three or four years each.
(I 05-28)
#7. RE: Correcting the expiration date for the appointment of Robert Earl Forbis,
Jr. to the Planning Commission for a term extending through July 1, 2006.
(I 05-20)
Councilmember Jergensen moved and Councilmember Buhler seconded to approve the
Consent Agenda, which motion carried, all members voted aye.
The meeting adjourned at 9:54 p.m.
sc
05 - 170