HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/07/2025 - Work Session - Meeting MaterialsSALT LAKE CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA
WORK SESSION
January 7, 2025 Tuesday 2:00 PM
Council meetings are held in a hybrid meeting format. Hybrid meetings allow people to join online or in
person at the City & County Building. Learn more at www.slc.gov/council/agendas.
Council Work Room
451 South State Street, Room 326
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
SLCCouncil.com
7:00 pm Formal Meeting
Room 315
(See separate agenda)
Welcome and public meeting rules
In accordance with State Statute and City Ordinance, the meeting may be held electronically. After 5:00 p.m., please enter the
City & County Building through the main east entrance.
The Work Session is a discussion among Council Members and select presenters. The public is welcome to listen. Items
scheduled on the Work Session or Formal Meeting may be moved and / or discussed during a different portion of the Meeting
based on circumstance or availability of speakers.
The Website addresses listed on the agenda may not be available after the Council votes on the item. Not all agenda items will
have a webpage for additional information read associated agenda paperwork.
Generated: 09:19:37
Note: Dates not identified in the project timeline are either not applicable or not yet determined. Item start
times and durations are approximate and are subject to change.
Work Session Items
1.Nomination of Council Chair and Vice Chair for Calendar
Year 2025 ~ 2:00 p.m.
15 min.
The Council will take a straw poll to nominate the Council Chair and Vice Chair for
calendar year 2025. The process includes expressions of interest from Council Members,
nominations for each position, and then voting each for the Chair and Vice Chair
positions.
FYI – Project Timeline: (subject to change per Chair direction or Council discussion)
Briefing - Tuesday, January 7, 2025
Set Public Hearing Date - n/a
Hold hearing to accept public comment - n/a
TENTATIVE Council Action - Tuesday, January 7, 2025
2.Informational: Updates from the Administration ~ 2:15 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.
FYI – Project Timeline: (subject to change per Chair direction or Council discussion)
Briefing - Recurring Briefing
Set Public Hearing Date - n/a
Hold hearing to accept public comment - n/a
TENTATIVE Council Action - n/a
3.Informational: National Legislative Briefing ~ 2:30 p.m.
30 min.
The Council will receive a briefing about the City’s National Legislative priorities with
Salt Lake City Advisor Jennifer Covino.
FYI – Project Timeline: (subject to change per Chair direction or Council discussion)
Briefing - Tuesday, January 7, 2025
Set Public Hearing Date - n/a
Hold hearing to accept public comment - n/a
TENTATIVE Council Action - n/a
4.Informational: State Legislative Briefing ~ 3:00 p.m.
30 min.
The Council will receive a briefing about issues affecting the City that may arise during
the 2025 Utah State Legislative Session.
FYI – Project Timeline: (subject to change per Chair direction or Council discussion)
Briefing - Tuesday, January 7, 2025
Set Public Hearing Date - n/a
Hold hearing to accept public comment - n/a
TENTATIVE Council Action - n/a
5.Informational: 2024 Comprehensive Water, Wastewater, and
Stormwater Rate Study ~ 3:30 p.m.
45 min.
The Council will receive a briefing from the Department of Public Utilities about the 2024
Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater Rate Study. Rate studies are conducted
approximately every five years to ensure utility pricing structures remain appropriate and
reflect changing conditions. The recommended rates and rate design will be important to
future City decisions for the Fiscal Year 2026 budget and the Consolidated Fee Schedule.
FYI – Project Timeline: (subject to change per Chair direction or Council discussion)
Briefing - Tuesday, January 7, 2025
Set Public Hearing Date - n/a
Hold hearing to accept public comment - n/a
TENTATIVE Council Action - n/a
6.Tentative Break ~ 4:15 p.m.
20 min.
FYI – Project Timeline: (subject to change per Chair direction or Council discussion)
Briefing -
Set Public Hearing Date -
Hold hearing to accept public comment -
TENTATIVE Council Action -
7.Ordinance: Alley Vacation at Approximately 373 West
American Avenue ~ 4:35 p.m.
15 min.
The Council will receive a briefing about a proposal that would vacate a City-owned alley
situated adjacent to properties located at approximately 373 West American Ave. The
proposal would close the alley to public use and allow the property owner of three of the
four adjacent properties to potentially redevelop this site (the other adjacent property
owner also supports the alley vacation.) The alley cannot be used as a mid-block
connection because the 900 South viaduct is directly to the south. Located within Council
District 5. Petitioner: Jarod Hall.
FYI – Project Timeline: (subject to change per Chair direction or Council discussion)
Briefing - Tuesday, January 7, 2025
Set Public Hearing Date - Tuesday, January 21, 2025
Hold hearing to accept public comment - Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at 7 p.m.
TENTATIVE Council Action - Tuesday, February 18, 2025
8.Informational: Public Art Program Maintenance and
Conservation Report for Fiscal Year 2024-25 ~ 4:50 p.m.
15 min.
The Council will receive a briefing about the Public Art Program Maintenance and
Conservation Report for Fiscal Year 2024-25 and the Maintenance and Conservation
Artwork Projections. The Public Art Program recommends to the Finance Department
that 20% of the Fiscal Year 2024-25 CIP Percent-for-Art funds ($40,000) be deposited to
the Maintenance Fund based on the information contained in the report.
FYI – Project Timeline: (subject to change per Chair direction or Council discussion)
Briefing - Tuesday, January 7, 2025
Set Public Hearing Date - n/a
Hold hearing to accept public comment - n/a
TENTATIVE Council Action - n/a
9.Utah Open Meetings Law Training and Government Records
Access and Management Act (GRAMA) Training ~ 5:05 p.m.
20 min.
The Council will receive a briefing from the City Attorney’s Office about the Utah Open
Meetings Law, and from the Recorder's Office about the Government Records Access and
Management Act (GRAMA). This briefing will serve as the annual trainings for both the
City Council and the Board of Directors of the Redevelopment Agency.
FYI – Project Timeline: (subject to change per Chair direction or Council discussion)
Briefing - Tuesday, January 7, 2025
Set Public Hearing Date - n/a
Hold hearing to accept public comment - n/a
TENTATIVE Council Action - n/a
10.Ordinance: Library Budget Amendment No.1 for Fiscal Year
2024-25 ~ 5:25 p.m.
15 min.
The Council will receive a briefing about an ordinance that would amend the budget for
the Library Fund for Fiscal Year 2024-25. 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 re-appropriating
$190,000 in the Library’s FY25 budget from unused employee benefits to help pay for
the Main Library roof renovation project.
FYI – Project Timeline: (subject to change per Chair direction or Council
discussion)
Briefing - Tuesday, January 7, 2025
Set Public Hearing Date - Tuesday, January 7, 2025
Hold hearing to accept public comment - Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 7 p.m.
TENTATIVE Council Action - Tuesday, February 4, 2025
11.Informational: Waste and Recycling Weekly Residential
Collection Route Changes ~ 5:40 p.m.
15 min.
The Council will receive a briefing from the Sustainability department about changes
to the residential waste and recycling collection routes, which will start on February 3,
2025. The route adjustments are intended to better align the daily workload with the
typical staffing levels of the collection crews. A citywide communication effort will
inform residents of the upcoming changes.
FYI – Project Timeline: (subject to change per Chair direction or Council discussion)
Briefing - Tuesday, January 7, 2025
Set Public Hearing Date - n/a
Hold hearing to accept public comment - n/a
TENTATIVE Council Action - n/a
12.Advice and Consent: Chief Human Resources Officer - David
Buchanan ~ 5:55 p.m.
10 min.
The Council will interview David Buchanan prior to considering appointment as the
Chief Human Resources Officer.
FYI – Project Timeline: (subject to change per Chair direction or Council discussion)
Briefing - Tuesday, January 7, 2025
Set Public Hearing Date - n/a
Hold hearing to accept public comment - n/a
TENTATIVE Council Action - Tuesday, January 7, 2025
13.Advice and Consent: Director of the Community and
Neighborhoods Department - Tammy Hunsaker ~ 6:05 p.m.
10 min.
The Council will interview Tammy Hunsaker prior to considering appointment as the
Director of the Community and Neighborhoods Department.
FYI – Project Timeline: (subject to change per Chair direction or Council discussion)
Briefing - Tuesday, January 7, 2025
Set Public Hearing Date - n/a
Hold hearing to accept public comment - n/a
TENTATIVE Council Action - Tuesday, January 7, 2025
14.Board Appointment: Accessibility and Disability Commission –
Nancy Strahan ~ 6:15 p.m.
5 min
The Council will interview Nancy Strahan prior to considering appointment to the
Accessibility and Disability Commission for a term ending December 28, 2026.
FYI – Project Timeline: (subject to change per Chair direction or Council discussion)
Briefing - Tuesday, January 7, 2025
Set Public Hearing Date - n/a
Hold hearing to accept public comment - n/a
TENTATIVE Council Action - Tuesday, January 7, 2025
Standing Items
15.Report of the Chair and Vice Chair -
-
Report of Chair and Vice Chair.
16.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:
•Newsletters for Public Utilities;
•Financial Disclosure;
•Legislative Action; and
•Scheduling Items.
17.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.
CERTIFICATE OF POSTING
On or before 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 2, 2025, the undersigned, duly appointed City
Recorder, does hereby certify that the above notice and agenda was (1) posted on the Utah Public
Notice Website created under Utah Code Section 63F-1-701, and (2) a copy of the foregoing provided
to The Salt Lake Tribune and/or the Deseret News and to a local media correspondent and any
others who have indicated interest.
CINDY LOU TRISHMAN
SALT LAKE CITY RECORDER
Final action may be taken in relation to any topic listed on the agenda, including but
not limited to adoption, rejection, amendment, addition of conditions and variations
of options discussed.
The City & County Building is an accessible facility. People with disabilities may make requests for
reasonable accommodation, which may include alternate formats, interpreters, and other auxiliary
aids and services. Please make requests at least two business days in advance. To make a request,
please contact the City Council Office at council.comments@slc.gov, 801-535-7600, or relay service
711.
CITY COUNCIL OF SALT LAKE CITY
451 SOUTH STATE STREET, ROOM 304
P.O. BOX 145476, SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH 84114-5476
SLCCOUNCIL.COM
TEL 801-535-7600 FAX 801-535-7651
COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
CITY COUNCIL of SALT LAKE CITY
TO:City Council Members
FROM: Austin Kimmel
Public Policy Analyst
DATE:January 7, 2024
RE: 2024 COMPREHENSIVE WATER, WASTEWATER, AND STORMWATER RATE STUDY
View the Administration’s proposal
ISSUE AT-A-GLANCE
The Salt Lake City Department of Public Utilities is recommending rate changes across its water, wastewater
(sewer), and stormwater utilities to meet rising operational costs and infrastructure needs. If approved in the
Fiscal Year 2026 budget, the recommended changes will result in changes to the water and sewer rate structures,
and various rate adjustments – both increases and decreases – depending on several factors, including customer
class, water usage, and wastewater characteristics. These recommendations stem from a comprehensive utility
rate study conducted by FCS Group, a consulting firm based in Washington that specializes in municipal utility
rate and fee setting and consulting. The study was initiated in March 2024 and covers Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26)
through Fiscal Year 2029 (FY29). The rate study methodology follows established and researched criteria for
rate setting in the public water sector.
The rate stabilization fee that was implemented this year as a temporary measure is not proposed as part of the
FY26 water and sewer rate structures.
The proposed changes reflect the cost of service across different customer classes and ensures adequate revenue
for the department to maintain and improve critical infrastructure and comply with current and anticipated
future state and federal regulations. Key recommendations include changes to the utility rate structures and
design for specific customer classes.
The recommended changes will require amendments to Salt Lake City code and updates to the City's
Consolidated Fee Schedule as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 budget process. Since the rate changes impact
monthly bills for the utility customers, this briefing provides the Council with an overview before more public
engagement will occur, and then the Council will formally consider these modifications in a future deliberation
between April and June.
This study continues Public Utilities' practice of conducting rate evaluations every five to six years to ensure
pricing structures remain appropriate and reflect changing conditions. While the Department also manages the
City's Street Lighting Utility, this service was not included in the current study.
Item Schedule:
Briefing: January 7, 2024
Public Hearing: n/a
Potential Action: n/a
Page | 2
The KEY CHANGES BY UTILITY section below provides explanations of specific changes for each utility.
Goal of the briefing: Review the information about the process and recommendations of the 2024
Comprehensive Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater Rate Study and provide feedback or requests for
changes or more information. A formal request for approval is expected as part of the Mayor’s recommended
FY26 budget to amend the City’s Consolidated Fee Schedule (CFS) and sections of the City’s ordinances since
the Utilities’ budgets will be based on the revenue anticipated from these new rates and rate structures.
A public hearing is not required for this informational update, as the public comment opportunities will occur
as part of the Council’s FY26 budget deliberation process.
POLICY QUESTIONS
1. Given the impacts recommended utility rate designs will have on customers, what specific outreach and
communication strategies will the department use to help utility customers – throughout the service area - and
businesses understand their expected bills? The Council may also wish to ask about the Department’s planned
conversations with other City (general fund or other fund) customers.
2. The study indicates that high-volume residential water users will substantially increase their bills, potentially
15-30% higher (this estimate is compared to current year rates, which includes the stabilization fee). What
conservation programs or resources does the department have available to help these customers reduce their
water usage and manage their utility costs?
3. Council Members may wish to ask the department about strategies for maintaining revenue stability during
periods of reduced water consumption following the elimination of the rate stabilization fee. What safeguards
are in place to manage potential revenue shortfalls, and under what circumstances does the department need to
implement additional revenue measures, including whether the department foresees needing to reimplement a
rate stabilization fee?
4. The study notes that achieving all rate design objectives is often unattainable because goals like revenue
sufficiency often conflict with goals of customer affordability. Could the department explain how they prioritized
these competing objectives and what specific tradeoffs were made in developing the final rate
recommendations?
5. The Council may ask about the reliance on residential vs. non-residential accounts for revenue stability. For
example, in the water utility industry, it is noted that non-residential accounts may see a larger percentage
decrease than residential accounts. Will that cause the burden for revenue stability to fall more on residential
accounts? (Note: staff has asked for more information about anticipated revenue scenarios to understand this,
and the Council may request a follow-up if needed).
KEY CHANGES BY UTILITY
A. Water
FCS Group prepared long-range financial forecasts for each utility, which include a projection of annual
revenue requirements and user charge revenue requirements. The report concludes the water utility
requires annual revenue increases over multiple years, largely due to operations and maintenance costs
increasing by 5.6% annually, an $800 million capital improvement plan, and the elimination of the rate
stabilization fee (RSF). The revenue forecasts also anticipate continued reduced rates of water demand
as communities across Public Utility’s service area take steps for more efficient water use and water
conservation.
Proposed Rate Structure Changes
Page | 3
For residential customers, which include single-family homes, duplexes, and triplexes, the
recommended rate design maintains the fixed service charges and charges based on actual usage while
introducing three key changes:
1. The tiered structure will be applied year-round, eliminating the previous uniform wintertime
rate.
2. Each usage block volume allowance has been adjusted, reducing the number of CCFs covered
within each tier.
3. Overall reduction in the monthly service charges, due to increased fixed fees offset by the
elimination of the FY25 RSF.
Additionally, larger multi-family properties are classified as a new “Multi-Family” class due to their
usage patterns.
Expected Residential Customer Impacts
The impact of these proposed changes will vary depending on household water usage patterns.
Households using 10 CCF or less can expect to see between two and nine percent (2-9%) decreases in
their monthly water bills. For context, Public Utilities estimates nearly half of residential water bills are
for volumes of 5 CCF or less. Households with higher water consumption – particularly those using 11
CCF (hundred cubic feet) or more per month will likely see increases ranging from 15 to 30%. These
estimates are compared to FY25 bills, which included the rate stabilization fee (RSF).
Note: This chart references 5/8" meters, which differs from the City's actual 3/4" meter size standard.
Additional water rate bill impacts for duplex and triplex properties, and for different meter sizes can be found
in Attachment B.
Expected Non-Residential Customer Impacts
Non-residential customers include all commercial, industrial, and institutional users in the system. The
recommended non-residential water rates propose simplifying the current rate structure by eliminating
the current tiered structure which is based on average winter consumption. It proposes new uniform
Page | 4
seasonal rates (based on higher summertime usage and lower wintertime usage) providing better
predictability for non-residential customers.
Under this recommended structure, commercial class customers could expect a 14-50% reduction in
their water utility bill depending on water usage. It also reflects the removal of the RSF, resulting in a
lower fixed fee than FY25 rates. Industrial class customers could expect an 11-48% reduction, and
Institutional class customers could expect a 13-50% reduction. It should be noted that there is
significant variability in water demand characteristics in the commercial, industrial, and institutional
classes, including customers with larger than 1” meters and larger volumes of water use during different
times of the year than presented in the example charts below.
Page | 5
B. Wastewater (Sewer)
FCS Group’s report projects increased wastewater revenue requirements over several years. Those
increases are driven by a $1 billion capital improvement plan, increases in annual debt service, increases
in operations and maintenance by about 5.5% annually, and additional operations and maintenance
costs to operate the new water reclamation facility.
Proposed Rate Structure Changes
Page | 6
The recommended structure is two-part: a single monthly service charge for all customers (currently,
different charges exist for seven customer classifications) plus a class-specific volumetric charge based
on customer class (residential, non-residential, or multi-family). The rate stabilization fee (RSF) will
also be removed from sewer utility accounts, and a monthly service charge will be applied.
a) Single monthly service charge
The monthly service charge for residential properties is $3.70 per unit, reducing the current charge
for properties with single-family homes will be reduced from $17.66. A triplex property, for
example, would pay a monthly service charge of $11.10 ($3.70 x 3 units).
b) Volumetric charge
The study recommends measuring billed sewer flows differently from class to class. Average winter
consumption (AWC) is the standard way to measure sewer flow, using six months out of the year to
determine average winter water usage. However, FCS Group proposes using only the months of
December to February (three months, instead of the typical six months) to determine AWC.
The study also proposes a separate Multi-Family class for properties with over three dwelling units.
These properties have similar wastewater strength characteristics to residential properties but
different average winter consumption (AWC). The study recommends measuring multi-family sewer
flows as 70% of the winter usage, matching the percentage used for non-residential classes.
Customers who discharge higher concentrations of waste into the wastewater system already pay high-
strength surcharges. The new rates introduce charges for ammonia (NH3) and phosphorus (TP)
discharges, alongside existing charges for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and total suspended solids
(TSS). These new surcharges were added to comply with recent regulatory requirements. The
surcharges, with the single monthly service charge, allow the department to maintain fairness and
equity by identifying and monitoring select customers who cause a higher burden on the wastewater
conveyance and treatment systems.
Expected Residential Customer Impacts
Single-family residential properties could expect a 5-51% decrease in their sewer bill, and duplex and
triplex owners could expect between a 17% decrease to a 9% increase.
Page | 7
Additional sewer rate bill impacts can be found in Attachment B.
Expected Non-Residential Customer Impacts
Non-Residential properties (Commercial, Industrial, Institutional) could expect a 47% decrease to a
43% increase in its sewer bill. The new Multi-Family class of properties could expect between a 21%
decrease to a 49% increase in its sewer bill.
A. Stormwater
The report concludes that the overall cost requirements for stormwater are much lower than those
required for water and wastewater. However, the total costs of stormwater service are expected to
increase by 57% from 2024 to 2029, driven by increases in operations and maintenance and capital
funding needs.
Proposed Rate Structure Changes
The proposed stormwater rates recommend maintaining much of the current rate structure, with annual
increases to monthly rates. It is also proposed that the department reduce the amount of stormwater
credits customers may receive for on-site stormwater mitigation improvements over three years. The
study concludes that phasing down credits maintains affordable rates for non-credited customers.
a) Stormwater Credits
The City offers stormwater credits for non-residential customers who install on-site improvements
ranging from zero to 75 percent of the applicable rate. Public Utilities reports that over half of the
non-residential impervious area (the appropriate measure of a property’s contribution of runoff) in
the City receives this credit, at varying levels. However, the rate study’s cost of service analysis
determined the maximum benefit to the stormwater system for onsite improvements justifies a
maximum 25% credit for onsite improvements. Phasing down the existing credits will create more
affordable rates for non-credited customers, including all residential properties.
The proposed rates reduce the maximum credit to 25% to align with the cost-of-service analysis,
which will be phased in over three years. For example, if a parcel currently receives a 55 percent
credit, it will receive a 45 percent credit in FY26, a 35 percent credit in FY27, and a 25 percent credit
in FY28.
The airport and customers with a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit
may receive an additional 10 percent credit.
Page | 9
Expected Customer Impacts
Based on the recommended changes to the stormwater rate structure, all non-credited properties (which
include all residential properties) will expect to see a 5% increase in their stormwater utility bill. Those
properties who currently receive a stormwater credit of 70% can expect to see a 58% increase in their
stormwater bill.
Page | 10
ADDITIONAL & BACKGROUND INFORMATION
A. Rate Study Framework & Rate Design Objectives
The rate study, initiated in March 2024, addresses three primary components for each water-related
utility, which are copied below from the FCS Group report for convenience:
1) Determination of revenue requirements. This is the total amount of money each utility
needs to cover operating costs, maintenance expenses, and investments in infrastructure.
2) Allocation of costs to customer classes. This is the amount needed to cover the cost of
service among different customer groups, such as residential, commercial, and industrial customers
based on how much each group uses each of the utility’s services.
3) Rate design. This is the rate setting process that allows each utility to recover its costs from each
customer class. Rate design can take various forms such as fixed/flat fees, tiered rates, or demand-
based rates. The rate design objective is to reach the practical financial requirements for the rates
while achieving as many community preferences as possible.
B. Rate Design Philosophy and Objectives
The purpose of the rate design is to convey findings from the cost-of-service study to help determine the
total revenue the utility should recover from each customer class. A key objective in this process is
achieving interclass equity, where each customer class pays its share of costs without subsidizing other
classes. Rate designs can also help achieve several other objectives, including those listed below. The
challenge lies in balancing competing objectives to serve the utility’s operational needs and the
community’s interests.
Page | 10
C. Rate Advisory Committee
To gather community input, Public Utilities assembled an ad-hoc 30-plus-member Rate Advisory
Committee (RAC) comprised of residents, environmental groups, industry representatives, and
institutional stakeholders like the University of Utah and the Salt Lake City School District. The
Committee held seven meetings between May and September, during which it provided feedback on the
separate utility rates among various customer classes.
The RAC had two primary purposes within the study:
1. To provide input and recommendations regarding the rate structure to the Public Utilities
Advisory Committee, Salt Lake City Mayor, and Council
2. To represent and communicate the views of the community
Below is a list of individual RAC members and their affiliated organization(s):
D. Water Service Area and Outside-City Customer Rates
The Salt Lake City Department of Public Utilities’ Water Utility serves a broad customer base extending
beyond municipal boundaries. In addition to the over 200,000 Salt Lake City residents, Public Utilities
also serves water to approximately 365,000 residents across Salt Lake County. As defined by City code,
Page | 11
Public Utilities’ water service area includes portions of Millcreek, Holladay, Cottonwood Heights,
Murray, Midvale, and South Salt Lake.
Water customers outside Salt Lake City pay rates approximately 35% higher than city residents, a
differential that FCS Group's analysis confirmed as justified. This higher rate partly compensates for the
property tax assessment city residents pay to the Metropolitan District of Salt Lake City and Sandy (the
District). The District provides additional water management and treatment options from sources
within and beyond the Salt Lake Valley, a service from which outside-city customers also benefit.
Additionally, outside-city customers do not share the same inherent risks that Salt Lake City residents
bear as owners and operators of the water system.
ATTACHMENTS
A.Administrative Transmittal
B.Estimated Utility Bill Impacts
CITY COUNCIL OF SALT LAKE CITY
451 SOUTH STATE STREET, ROOM 304
P.O. BOX 145476, SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH 84114-5476
SLCCOUNCIL.COM
TEL 801-535-7600 FAX 801-535-7651
COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
CITY COUNCIL of SALT LAKE CITY
TO:City Council Members
FROM: Brian Fullmer
Policy Analyst
DATE:January 7, 2025
RE: Alley Vacation at Approximately 373 West American Avenue
PLNPCM2023-00636
ISSUE AT-A-GLANCE
The Council will be briefed about a proposal to vacate an approximately 135 foot by 11.5 foot north/south
alley running between 373 West American Avenue to a former east/west alley that was vacated in 1965 and
incorporated into the applicant’s property. The Interstate-15 900 South viaduct abuts the southern
property line which renders the alley unusable as a mid-block connection within the neighborhood.
The applicant proposes redeveloping their parcels into a multi-family development, though no formal
proposal has been submitted to date. To support the Ballpark Station Area Plan’s goal of improving
pedestrian connectivity, the applicant proposes providing a 10-foot-wide easement on the eastern edge of
their property at 337 West American Avenue as shown in the image below. This would run along existing
railroad tracks and the potential TRAX Orange Line light rail route.
The applicant owns four of the five parcels abutting the alley and the other property owner is supportive of
the proposed alley vacation. If approved by the Council the vacated alley property would be sold to the
abutting property owners at market value.
The Planning Commission reviewed this petition during its September 11, 2024 meeting and held a public
hearing at which no one offered comments.
The Commission followed Planning staff’s recommendation and voted 7-0 in support of the
proposed alley vacation, with the following conditions:
Item Schedule:
Briefing: January 7, 2025
Set Date: January 21, 2025
Public Hearing: February 4, 2025
Potential Action: February 18, 2025
Page | 2
1. The applicant shall establish a utility easement in place of the existing public alley right-of-way
following the approval of the request or coordinate relocation of existing power lines with Rocky
Mountain Power.
2. The applicant shall establish a 10-foot-wide public access easement along the eastern boundary of
337 West American Avenue.
3. The applicant shall not purport to convey the property encompassing any portion of the alley until
at least 60 days after a final decision by the City Council on the petition. (Staff note: this is a
recommendation from the City Attorney’s Office to allow time to finalize the ordinance and
complete a transaction for the alley property and proposed easement.)
4. The applicant must consolidate the parcels through a lot consolidation.
Goal of the briefing: To review the proposed alley closure, address questions Council Members may
have and prepare for a public hearing.
POLICY QUESTIONS
1. Does the Council support the Planning Commission’s recommendation to close this alley?
2. Is the Council supportive of the proposed conditions of approval?
South facing aerial view of the subject alley and proposed easement highlighted in blue.
Image courtesy of Salt Lake City Planning Division
ADDITONAL INFORMATION
In 2022 a previous owner attempted to vacate the subject alley through a quiet title action. (A quiet title
action is lawsuit in civil court to establish or settle title to property. They often involve cases in which
there is disagreement on who holds the title, and the lawsuit is intended to remove or “quiet” claims to a
title, resulting in a clear title.)
In this case, the court incorrectly granted title (or ownership) to the alley property to the previous owner
who brought the quiet title action, but the City was not notified. The alley is included in the subdivision plat
and has not previously been vacated. Public rights-of-way cannot be vacated through quiet title actions. A
notice of public alley is being held in escrow by the City Attorney’s Office and clarifies the alley remains
City property unless and until the City Council approves the alley vacation.
Page | 3
Alley vacation requests receive three phases of review, as outlined in section 14.52.030 Salt Lake City Code
(see pages 5-7 below). Those phases include an administrative determination of completeness; a public
hearing, including a recommendation from the Planning Commission; and a public hearing before the City
Council.
Planning staff identified four key considerations connected to this alley vacation. A short description of
each issue is provided below for reference. Please see pages 4-8 of the Planning Commission staff report for
full analysis of these issues.
Consideration 1: Analysis of Alley Vacation Factors
Section 14.52.030.B Salt Lake City Code directs the Planning Division to analyze factors in the following
table. Planning staff found the proposed alley factors clearly meet seven of the eight factors. The factor in
blue text received additional consideration, which is discussed below.
The Ballpark Station Area Plan (2022) discusses potential removal of the 900 South Interstate-15 viaduct
and replacing it with community amenities. UDOT owns the viaduct and indicated it has no plans to
change the current configuration. Vacating the alley would remove it from public access should the viaduct
ever be eliminated or reconfigured. However, it is Planning staff’s opinion that the applicant’s proposed
easement adjacent to the potential TRAX Orange Line will widen an existing connection through the block
and not result in a use that is contrary to the Ballpark Plan.
Factor Planning Staff Finding
The City Police Department, Fire
Department, Transportation Division,
and all other relevant City Departments
and Divisions have no objection to the
proposed disposition of the property.
Complies
The petition meets at least one of the
policy considerations stated above.
Complies with Policy
Consideration A – Lack of Use.
The petition must not deny sole access or
required off-street parking to any
adjacent property.
Complies
The petition will not result in any
property being landlocked.
Complies
The disposition of the alley property will
not result in a use which is otherwise
contrary to the policies of the City,
including applicable master plans and
other adopted statements of policy which
address, but which are not limited to,
mid-block walkways, pedestrian paths,
trails, and alternative transportation
uses.
Complies
No opposing abutting property owner
intends to build a garage requiring access
from the property, or has made
application for a building permit, or if
such a permit has been issued,
construction has been completed within
12 months of issuance of the building
permit.
Complies
Page | 4
The petition furthers the City preference
for disposing of an entire alley, rather
than a small segment of it; and
Complies
The alley is not necessary for actual or
potential rear access to residences or for
accessory uses.
Complies
Consideration 2: Policy Considerations
Alley vacation requests must satisfy at least one of the following four policy considerations: A-Lack of Use,
B-Public Safety, C-Urban Design, D-Community Purpose.
Planning staff found the alley vacation satisfies the Lack of Use consideration. As noted above, the alley
terminates near the Interstate-15 900 South viaduct and cannot currently be used as a public right-of-way.
Consideration 3: 2022 Quiet Title Claim
As discussed above, a quiet title action in 2022 incorrectly granted title to a previous owner. A notice of
public alley is being held in escrow by the City Attorney’s Office pending a decision by the City Council.
Consideration 4: General Plan Considerations
The subject alley is identified in the Central Community Master Plan, Ballpark Station Area Plan, and
Downtown Plan. Given the alley’s termination point at the Interstate-15 900 South viaduct, it is highly
unlikely it will be usable as a public right-of-way in the future.
City Department Review
During City review of the petition, the Engineering Division noted the need to maintain access for Rocky
Mountain Power to service its lines. This is addressed in the Planning Commission’s recommendation to
establish a utility easement or coordinate with Rocky Mountain Power to relocate the lines. No other
responding departments or divisions expressed concerns with the proposal but stated additional review
and permits would be required if the property is developed.
ANALYSIS OF STANDARDS
Attachment D (pages 46-48 of the Planning Commission staff report) is an analysis of factors City Code
requires the Planning Commission to consider for alley vacations (Sections 14.52.020/.030.B Salt Lake
City Code).
14.52.020 - The City will not consider disposing of its interest in an alley, in whole or in part, unless it
receives a petition in writing which demonstrates that the disposition satisfies at least one of the following
policy considerations:
A - Lack of Use- The City’s legal interest in the property appears of record or is reflected on an applicable
plat; however, it is evident from an on-site inspection that the alley does not physically exist or has been
materially blocked in a way that renders it unusable as a public right-of-way.
B - Public Safety- The existence of the alley is substantially contributing to crime, unlawful activity or
unsafe conditions, public health problems, or blight in the surrounding area.
C - Urban Design- The continuation of the alley does not serve as a positive urban design element.
D - Community Purpose- The petitioners are proposing to restrict the general public from use of the alley
in favor of a community use, such as a neighborhood play area or garden.
Planning staff found the requested alley vacation complies with policy consideration A-Lack of Use.
Page | 5
PUBLIC PROCESS
September 14, 2023 –
o The Ballpark Community Council was sent a 45-day required notice for recognized
community organizations. The council did not provide comments.
o Neighbors within 300 feet of the site were provided early notification of the proposal. No
comments were received.
August 29, 2024 –
o Public hearing notice mailed, posted on City and State websites, and posted on Planning
Division listserv.
o Public hearing notice sign posted on the property.
September 11, 2024 – Planning Commission review and public hearing. The Commission voted
unanimously to forward a positive recommendation to the City Council.
October 16, 2024 – Draft ordinance sent to the Attorney’s Office.
October 30, 2024 – Signed ordinance sent to Planning Division from Attorney’s Office.
November 27, 2024 – Transmittal received in City Council Office
The process for closing or vacating a City-owned alley is outlined in Section 14.52 Salt Lake City Code.
14.52.010: DISPOSITION OF CITY'S PROPERTY INTEREST IN ALLEYS:
The city supports the legal disposition of Salt Lake City's real property interests, in whole or in part,
with regard to city owned alleys, subject to the substantive and procedural requirements set forth
herein.
14.52.020: POLICY CONSIDERATIONS FOR CLOSURE, VACATION OR
ABANDONMENT OF CITY OWNED ALLEYS:
The city will not consider disposing of its interest in an alley, in whole or in part, unless it receives a
petition in writing which demonstrates that the disposition satisfies at least one of the following
policy considerations:
A. Lack Of Use: The city's legal interest in the property appears of record or is reflected on an
applicable plat; however, it is evident from an onsite inspection that the alley does not
physically exist or has been materially blocked in a way that renders it unusable as a public
right of way;
B. Public Safety: The existence of the alley is substantially contributing to crime, unlawful
activity, unsafe conditions, public health problems, or blight in the surrounding area;
C. Urban Design: The continuation of the alley does not serve as a positive urban design element;
or
D. Community Purpose: The petitioners are proposing to restrict the general public from use of
the alley in favor of a community use, such as a neighborhood play area or garden. (Ord. 24-02
§ 1, 2002)
14.52.030: PROCESSING PETITIONS:
There will be three (3) phases for processing petitions to dispose of city owned alleys under this
Page | 6
section. Those phases include an administrative determination of completeness; a public hearing,
including a recommendation from the Planning Commission; and a public hearing before the City
Council.
A. Administrative Determination Of Completeness: The city administration will determine whether
or not the petition is complete according to the following requirements:
1. The petition must bear the signatures of no less than seventy-five percent (75%) of the
neighbors owning property which abuts the subject alley property;
2. The petition must identify which policy considerations discussed above support the petition;
3. The petition must affirm that written notice has been given to all owners of property located in
the block or blocks within which the subject alley property is located;
4. A signed statement that the applicant has met with and explained the proposal to the
appropriate community organization entitled to receive notice pursuant to title 2, chapter 2.60
of this code; and
5. The appropriate city processing fee shown on the Salt Lake City consolidated fee schedule has
been paid.
B. Public Hearing and Recommendation From The Planning Commission: Upon receipt of a
complete petition, a public hearing shall be scheduled before the Planning Commission to
consider the proposed disposition of the City owned alley property. Following the conclusion of
the public hearing, the Planning Commission shall make a report and recommendation to the
City Council on the proposed disposition of the subject alley property. A positive
recommendation should include an analysis of the following factors:
1. The City Police Department, Fire Department, Transportation Division, and all other relevant
City departments and divisions have no reasonable objection to the proposed disposition of
the property;
2. The petition meets at least one of the policy considerations stated above;
3. Granting the petition will not deny sole access or required off street parking to any property
adjacent to the alley;
4. Granting the petition will not result in any property being landlocked;
5. Granting the petition will not result in a use of the alley property which is otherwise contrary
to the policies of the City, including applicable master plans and other adopted statements of
policy which address, but which are not limited to, mid-block walkways, pedestrian paths,
trails, and alternative transportation uses;
6. No opposing abutting property owner intends to build a garage requiring access from the
property, or has made application for a building permit, or if such a permit has been issued,
construction has been completed within twelve (12) months of issuance of the building permit;
7. The petition furthers the City preference for disposing of an entire alley, rather than a small
segment of it; and
8. The alley property is not necessary for actual or potential rear access to residences or for
accessory uses.
Page | 7
C. Public Hearing Before The City Council: Upon receipt of the report and recommendation from
the Planning Commission, the City Council will consider the proposed petition for disposition
of the subject alley property. After a public hearing to consider the matter, the City Council will
make a decision on the proposed petition based upon the factors identified above. (Ord. 58-13,
2013: Ord. 24-11, 2011)
14.52.040: METHOD OF DISPOSITION:
If the City Council grants the petition, the City owned alley property will be disposed of as follows:
A. Low Density Residential Areas: If the alley property abuts properties which are zoned for low
density residential use, the alley will merely be vacated. For the purposes of this section, "low
density residential use" shall mean properties which are zoned for single-family, duplex or twin
home residential uses.
B. High Density Residential Properties And Other Nonresidential Properties: If the alley abuts
properties which are zoned for high density residential use or other nonresidential uses, the
alley will be closed and abandoned, subject to payment to the city of the fair market value of
that alley property, based upon the value added to the abutting properties.
C. Mixed Zoning: If an alley abuts both low density residential properties and either high density
residential properties or nonresidential properties, those portions which abut the low density
residential properties shall be vacated, and the remainder shall be closed, abandoned and sold
for fair market value. (Ord. 24-02 § 1, 2002)
14.52.050: PETITION FOR REVIEW:
Any party aggrieved by the decision of the City Council as to the disposition of City owned alley
property may file a petition for review of that decision within thirty (30) days after the City
Council's decision becomes final, in the 3rd District Court.
STAFF REPORT
CITY COUNCIL of SALT LAKE CITY
TO:City Council Members
FROM: Sylvia Richards, Policy Analyst
DATE:January 7, 2025
RE: Required Public Art Program Maintenance and Conservation Report for FY24/25
Maintenance and Conservation Artwork Projections
ISSUE AT-A-GLANCE
Each year, as required by ordinance, the Department of Economic Development’s Arts Council Division provides
the City Council with a report estimating the maintenance and conservation costs for the City’s public art
collection, including recommendations for the deaccession (removal) of certain art pieces. As in prior years, the
Arts Council requests the transfer to the CIP Percent-for-Art Maintenance Fund 20% of the FY24-25 CIP
Percent-for-Art funds which is $40,000. Currently, there are a total of 150 pieces of city-owned artwork in
various spaces throughout the city, including parks, streets, plazas, and buildings, as well as 92 art pieces
located at the City & County Building.
During FY24-25, the Arts Council will focus on maintaining 13 art pieces for an estimated cost of $73,529,
$33,069 from the CIP Percent-for-Art Maintenance Fund, and $40,460 from the CIP General Fund Public
Lands Maintenance Fund, plus $15,000 of Arts Council funds for unexpected repairs (see attachments
indicating *UR).
KEY CONSIDERATIONS
The Administration has noted that while most of the plans for maintenance and conservation this year are
focused on the Assessment Report recommendations from FY20, the condition of some art pieces have
worsened over time, requiring an immediate plan to preserve them.
Additionally, some of the Fine Art pieces located within the City & County Building, primarily two-dimensional
artworks, are in need of maintenance, however, they are not being considered because funding regulations
prohibit the use of CIP funds on non-capitalized objects.
One artwork, located on the 500 West Park Blocks, is being considered for deaccession because of complexity
(various locations and mediums). See Item 1 of Attachment B. Further, some pieces were funded by the RDA,
but when the RDA passed the 1.5% for Art Ordinance increase, no funding was set aside to maintain the RDA
artwork.
2
Lastly, some additional objects in the City collection are in need of maintenance and are not being considered
because repairs far exceed available funds (see Outstanding Repairs report).
POLICY QUESTIONS
1. The Council may wish to ask if the Administration has considered other sources to supplement the
funding of the public art maintenance costs.
2. The Council may also wish to ask if the Administration has considered requesting additional
maintenance funding during the annual budget process.
BACKGROUND
During FY23-24, the Public Art Program focused on the maintenance of 26 public art pieces in the City’s
collection for a total cost of $142,340, of which $63,890 was paid from the CIP Percent-for-Art Maintenance
Fund while $19,450 was from CIP General Fund from Public Lands, and $59,000 was from the Mayor’s Office
(allocated in FY23-23). Through the annual CIP Percent-for-Art funding approved in FY22-23, the Public Art
Program allocated $31,221 towards the maintenance fund.
Additionally, four artworks were deaccessioned as recommended by the Art Design Board and approved by
Mayor Mendenhall.
a) The 200 West Cycle Track Planters were partially deaccessioned due to structural concerns
b) The Vines and Leaves piece was partially deaccessioned due to structural concerns and natural fading of
the artwork
c)Peace Cradle was stolen from the International Peace Gardens
d)Untitled (4th Avenue Stairwell Pavers) near Memory Grove were deaccessioned due to natural fading of
the artwork
Maintenance costs for two artworks exceeded the original bids (Flight of Fancy and Signal Site) and were
postponed for completion. Two works were substituted in their place. Additionally, the following pieces were
restored and reinstalled at Jordan Park’s International Peace Gardens: Irish Cross, Little Mermaid, the Olmec
Head and the Greek Goddess statue of Hebe. The Arts Council oversaw the managed the restoration work using
the Public Lands CIP Maintenance funds.
For reference, the following ordinance allows the transfer of funds and requests an annual report:
ORDINANCE CONSIDERATIONS: 2.30.060: FUNDS FOR WORKS OF ART; REQUESTS FOR
APPROPRIATIONS: A. When so designated by the City Council, in its appropriation for capital improvements,
all City departments shall expend, as a nondeductible item out of any monies appropriated for the planning,
design and construction of construction projects, an amount equal to one and one-half percent (1.5%) of such
appropriations for the acquisition and installation of works of art and ornamentation, ten to twenty percent (10-
20%) of which will be deposited in the public art maintenance fund and used to provide maintenance for existing
works of art. The Mayor shall provide a report to the City Council of works of art that require maintenance and
the estimated cost of such maintenance prior to the funds being deposited in the public art maintenance fund.
Attachments:
Attachment A: FY23-24 Completed and In Progress Artworks Addressed for Maintenance and Conservation
Attachment B: FY24-25 Maintenance and Conservation Artwork Projections
Attachment C: Future Artworks for Maintenance & Conservation Artwork Projections – Outstanding projects
with no budget
City Council Announcements
January 7, 2025
Information Needed by Council Staff
A. Council District Newsletters for Public Utilities Mailing
At the beginning of each calendar year, the Public Utilities Department identifies certain
months for Council Members to include Council District newsletters as an insert in
residents’ monthly utility bills. Each Council Member may opt to use the Public
Utility billing for outreach purposes once per calendar year.
The advantage of sharing in the Public Utilities mailings is Council Members only pay for
printing expenses out of their communication budget, saving on postage costs.
Due to limitations with mail sorting machines, only three Council District newsletters can be
accommodated each month.
The following months have been identified for the Council to include a newsletter
insert. Please let staff know which month you would like to include a newsletter as
part of the Public Utilities billing:
o April
o August
o December
B. Legislative Action: Height Restrictions and Gates
The Council will consider adopting a legislative action that would initiate a zoning petition for
City staff to research and draft an ordinance that would update the Salt Lake City Code to
increase the maximum hedge height to 6 feet (currently 4 feet) in the front and side yards in
front of the primary façade.
The request arises from residents' concerns about the current code, which may
unintentionally limit safety, privacy, and functionality for properties incorporating ADUs or
pursuing higher-density living solutions. In addition, the maximum height of a fence, wall, or
hedge located behind the primary façade would be increased to 7 feet (currently 6 feet).
If the Council supports this action, it may consider formally adopting the legislative action in
the January 7 formal meeting.
C. Financial Disclosure (attached)
During January of each year, Council Members are given an annual reminder to submit a
financial disclosure form statement, which is now required to be completed by the end of
January, regardless if there is a change or not.
Please complete the attached form and give to the City Recorder.