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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/03/2026 - Formal Meeting - MinutesThe City Council of Salt Lake City, Utah, met in Formal Session on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.  The following Council Members were present: Alejandro Puy, Chris Wharton, Daniel Dugan, Sarah Young, Victoria Petro, Eva Lopez Chavez, Erika Carlsen 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 Present City Staff: Mark Kittrell – City Attorney, Keith Reynolds – City Recorder, DeeDee Robinson – Minutes & Records Clerk, Brian Fullmer – Public Policy Analyst, Scott Corpany – Staff Assistant, Kate Werrett – Budget & Policy Analyst, Daffodil Buchert – Constituent Liaison  The meeting was called to order at 7:01 p.m. MINUTES OF THE SALT LAKE CITY COUNCIL Tuesday, February 3, 2026 1 A.OPENING CEREMONY: 1.Council Member Victoria Petro will conduct the formal meeting. 2.Pledge of Allegiance. 3.Welcome and Public Meeting Rules. 4.The Council will approve the work session meeting minutes of June 3, 2025, and July 1, 2025.  Motion: Moved by Council Member Puy, seconded by Council Member Dugan to approve the work session meeting minutes of June 3, 2025, and July 1, 2025. AYE: Alejandro Puy, Chris Wharton, Daniel Dugan, Sarah Young, Eva Lopez Chavez, Victoria Petro, Erika Carlsen Final Result: 7 – 0 Pass 5.The Council will consider adopting a joint ceremonial resolution with Mayor Mendenhall recognizing February as Black History Month in Salt Lake City. Summary: Council Member Young read the resolution. Jeanetta Williams (President, NAACP Salt Lake Branch) and James Yapius (Vice President, NAACP Salt Lake Branch) accepted the resolution and expressed appreciation for the recognition.  Council Remarks: Council Member Puy commended Jeanetta Williams for their commitment to the organization and the Salt Lake community and thanked them for their leadership.  Motion: Moved by Council Member Dugan, seconded by Council Member Wharton to adopt Joint Resolution 1 of 2026 with Mayor Mendenhall recognizing February as Black History Month in Salt Lake City. AYE: Alejandro Puy, Chris Wharton, Daniel Dugan, Sarah Young, Eva Lopez Chavez, Victoria Petro, Erika Carlsen Final Result: 7 – 0 Pass B.PUBLIC HEARINGS:   1. Ordinance: Zoning Map Amendment at Approximately 265 East 100 South The Council will accept public comment and consider adopting an ordinance that would amend the zoning for the property at approximately 265 East 100 South from MU- 8 (Mixed-Use 8) to D-1 (Central Business District). The proposal would enable redevelopment of the site with a mixed-use development including ground floor retail and MINUTES OF THE SALT LAKE CITY COUNCIL Tuesday, February 3, 2026 2 residential units on the upper floors. Consideration may be given to rezoning the property to another zoning district with similar characteristics. The project is within Council District 4. Petitioner: Dave Hunter of Silverado Development, LLC, representing the property owners, Raven One, LLC. Petition No.: PLNPCM2024-01377.    FYI – Project Timeline: (subject to change per Chair direction or Council discussion) Briefing - Tuesday, January 20, 2026 Set Public Hearing Date - Tuesday, January 20, 2026 Hold hearing to accept public comment - Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 7 p.m. TENTATIVE Council Action - Tuesday, February 17, 2026    Staff Recommendation - Refer to motion sheet(s).   Summary: Brian Fullmer provided a brief introduction. Public Comments: Elizabeth Hunter spoke to the various social services provided by St. Marks Cathedral and concerns regarding the proposed development adjacent to the church.  Kurt Cook spoke to concerns regarding seismic impacts, parking, underground spring water issues, and future ownership agreements in regard to the proposed development. Elisa Armand spoke to concerns regarding the proposed development impacting services to the homeless population and being incongruous to the surrounding neighborhood.  Annie Isaacson spoke to concerns regarding the D-1 zoning request being appropriate for the surrounding neighborhood. Travis Starley spoke to concerns regarding scale and precedent of the D-1 rezone request, potential damage to the adjacent St. Marks Cathedral, and asked the Council for proactive safeguards from the developer. Ron Barness spoke to the importance of the rooftop solar panels at St. Marks Cathedral. Cindy Cromer spoke in support of development to replace the current surface area parking lot but raised concerns of the proposal’s D-1 zoning designation and its negative precedent of project locations.   MINUTES OF THE SALT LAKE CITY COUNCIL Tuesday, February 3, 2026 3 Christian Graf spoke in opposition to the proposed design and cited concerns with the width (300 feet) and height (225 feet) of the building, potentially creating an unsightly wall and being out of character for the neighborhood. Edwin Wilder said this proposal contained too few parking spaces, the church adjacent to the project would sustain seismic impacts, and more time was needed to consider the project. Ashley Kinser spoke on existing issues regarding clean-up of refuse and drug paraphernalia on the block surrounding the proposed project, noted concerns the project would be unfit for the neighborhood, and asked the Council to reconsider the rezoning of the property. Ben Haden, representing the developer, said progress was being made to address concerns of the surrounding neighborhood, and expressed commitment to continue working with interested parties to ensure a satisfactory outcome. Council Remarks: Council Member Lopez Chavez said comments heard today echo what was discussed earlier in the work session and described looking forward to seeing the developer come forward with new amendments. Council Member Puy described looking forward to further understanding of the impacts to St. Marks Cathedral, addressing the design elements of the proposed development, and noted the need for additional time for Council to consider the proposal.    Motion: Moved by Council Member Lopez Chavez, seconded by Council Member Puy to continue the public hearing to a future Council Meeting. AYE: Alejandro Puy, Chris Wharton, Daniel Dugan, Sarah Young, Eva Lopez Chavez, Victoria Petro, Erika Carlsen Final Result: 7 – 0 Pass 2. Ordinance: Zoning Administration Text Amendment The Council will accept public comment and consider adopting an ordinance that would amend multiple sections of Title 21A of the Salt Lake City Code to clarify and update provisions related to the administration of the zoning code. The proposal would primarily align the code with established processes, current practices, and recently adopted state laws. The proposal does not modify how the Planning Division administers the zoning code but is intended to strengthen the legal standing, support staff in code implementation, and enhance transparency. Petition No.: PLNPCM2025-00164.    FYI – Project Timeline: (subject to change per Chair direction or Council discussion) Briefing - Tuesday, January 20, 2026 Set Public Hearing Date - Tuesday, January 20, 2026 MINUTES OF THE SALT LAKE CITY COUNCIL Tuesday, February 3, 2026 4 Hold hearing to accept public comment - Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 7 p.m. TENTATIVE Council Action - Tuesday, February 17, 2026    Staff Recommendation - Refer to motion sheet(s).   Summary: Brian Fullmer provided a brief introduction.  There were no public comments.  Motion: Moved by Council Member Puy, seconded by Council Member Dugan to close the public hearing and adopt Ordinance 3 of 2026, Text Amendment – Zoning Administration. AYE: Alejandro Puy, Chris Wharton, Daniel Dugan, Sarah Young, Eva Lopez Chavez, Victoria Petro, Erika Carlsen Final Result: 7 – 0 Pass 3. Ordinance: Budget Amendment No.4 for Fiscal Year 2025-26 The Council will accept public comment and consider adopting an ordinance amending the final budget of Salt Lake City, including the employment staffing document for Fiscal Year 2025-26 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 the rescoping of Open Streets funds, a mobile command center purchase, Old Library (formerly known as the Leonardo) capital improvements, a pedestrian bridge, and Fleet purchases, among other items. For more information visit tinyurl.com/SLCFY26.    FYI – Project Timeline: (subject to change per Chair direction or Council discussion) Briefing - Tuesday, January 13, 2026, Tuesday, January 20, 2026, and Tuesday, February 3, 2026 Set Public Hearing Date - Tuesday, January 13, 2026 Hold hearing to accept public comment - Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 7 p.m. TENTATIVE Council Action - Tuesday, February 17, 2026    Staff Recommendation - Refer to motion sheet(s).   MINUTES OF THE SALT LAKE CITY COUNCIL Tuesday, February 3, 2026 5 Summary: Kate Werrett provided a brief introduction.  Public Comments: Janet Hemming spoke in favor of the proposed police mobile command center and that it would provide the police force with new tools to ensure a safer city. Erik Griffin questioned the necessity of the police mobile command center and urged the Council to reject the proposal until more information could be provided on the expenditure.  Sophia Ochoa requested clarity on safety/police related budget items and additional oversight regarding the City’s data privacy initiatives, and asked that Capital Improvement Funds (CIP) be used for sidewalks on the Westside. Dean Mellott spoke in favor of the police mobile police command center and the City signage upgrade budget amendment items, and recommended future funding for signage and refuse removal in Liberty Park. Margaret Holloway spoke in opposition to funding the City’s park ranger program, said the City’s micro-grant program was not being used as intended, and emphasized the importance of knowing Salt Lake County’s property tax increase details prior to voting in November 2026.  Jeff Olson spoke to concerns regarding crime in the Fairpark neighborhood and stated support of the police mobile command center, citing its use could help protect the neighborhood in an expedited manner.   Motion: Moved by Council Member Puy, seconded by Council Member Dugan to close the public hearing and adopt Ordinance 4 of 2026, including the following items:•A-6: Pedestrian Bridge Over the Surplus Canal at Glendale Golf Course •A-10: Backhoe for Public Services Streets Division & Tractor for Public Lands Parks Division•A-14: Police Overtime Funding in FY2026 •A-17: Council support to proceed with the appointment process for a sixth Justice Court Judge•D-5: Streets GO Bonds Interest Reallocation for FY 2025-26 •Council-Added Item: One-time $50,000 to match what the Mayor’s office provides for legal support to our community from the General Fund And defer action on the remaining items. AYE: Alejandro Puy, Chris Wharton, Daniel Dugan, Sarah Young, Eva Lopez Chavez, Victoria Petro, Erika Carlsen MINUTES OF THE SALT LAKE CITY COUNCIL Tuesday, February 3, 2026 6 Final Result: 7 – 0 Pass C.POTENTIAL ACTION ITEMS: NONE.   D.COMMENTS: 1.Questions to the Mayor from the City Council. Summary: Council Member Petro asked if there was anything the Mayor would like to state for the public record that had not been previously mentioned.  Mayor Mendenhall said she utilized the State of the City event on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 to address many topics and encouraged its review on the City’s YouTube channel.  2.Comments to the City Council. (This is a one-hour time slot for the public to comment on any City business not scheduled for a public hearing. Each person will have two minutes to talk. General comment registration closes at 7:30 p.m.) Summary: Council Members Puy and Petro stated they would be addressing the action items prior to public comment. Council Member Petro reiterated the rules of decorum.  Public Comments: Nicole McLaughlan thanked the Council for addressing issues regarding a vehicle towing business operating illegally in their neighborhood, stated there were now additional issues with impounded vehicles at the same property, and requested further assistance from the Council to remedy the nuisance.  En Canada requested the Council reject working with immigration enforcement, reinstate unlimited public comment time during Formal Council Meetings, and pass a resolution to abolish the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Kaile Alcina spoke to their distrust of the Council and to the federal budget for immigration enforcement. Keiko Jones spoke to the importance of diversity on the Westside and thanked the Council and Mayor for their support in opposing an ICE detention center in the City. Marina Price requested ordinances to ban the use of City resources, including funds, facilities and data systems with an accountability mechanism to hold immigration MINUTES OF THE SALT LAKE CITY COUNCIL Tuesday, February 3, 2026 7 enforcement agents accountable if laws were broken. Fane Harris requested the Council restore unlimited public comment time during Council Formal Meetings, pass a resolution for the abolition of immigration enforcement, mandate transparency for all interactions with federal agencies, and ensure no City staff were used for civil immigration enforcement services. TJ Young thanked Council and Mayor for their efforts to oppose the proposed immigration enforcement detention center and urged Council to reconsider investment in surveillance technologies for the Salt Lake City Police Department, citing concerns regarding access to data.  Calvin Fors spoke regarding the Carpenters Union that represented a diverse population in the construction industry and stated opposition to any entity that would disrupt communities or remove persons from their employment, and thanked the Council for their support. Margaret Holloway spoke regarding the City’s libraries, noting the Day-Riverside Library branch required upgrades and expansion due to growing Westside neighborhoods. Rose spoke to the audience and said they were demanding the abolition of immigration enforcement. Haylee Monfredi requested the Council pass a resolution to abolish immigration enforcement and to defund the Police.  Cindy Cromer was called to speak but was not present.  Matilda Webb asked for the Council to speak out against immigration enforcement and pass a resolution to abolish immigration enforcement. Brad Asay (Executive Director, AFSCME Local 1004) thanked the Council for passing the Library Union resolution and for their support of union workers.  Jake spoke to the audience, criticized the Counci’s strategies on immigration enforcement, and stated opposition to the police mobile command center. Tim Funk spoke to concerns regarding a biotower being proposed at approximately Pierpont Avenue and 1000 West in the Poplar Grove neighborhood, citing odor and corrosion issues for the neighborhood.  Michael Huang requested the restoration of unlimited public comment time during Council Formal Meetings, a resolution to abolish immigration enforcement, and free or contingency legal services to protect residents’ constitutional rights.  Bill Bitter spoke to concerns regarding their Westside community and requested the Council pass a resolution to abolish immigration enforcement, fund community advisory MINUTES OF THE SALT LAKE CITY COUNCIL Tuesday, February 3, 2026 8 bodies that monitor human rights, and mandate reporting on interactions with federal agencies. Olive Peterson Jacoby requested the Council pass a resolution to abolish immigration enforcement and invest in the community by ensuring all residents have access to food, water, housing, and healthcare. Alek Konkol spoke to concerns regarding a proposed bill by the Utah State Legislature regarding bike lanes, noting the need for the City to invest in clean, safe, equitable infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians. Ashley Kinser was called to speak but was not present.  Camie Oka requested the restoration of unlimited public comment time during Council Formal Meetings, a resolution to abolish immigration enforcement, free or contingency legal services to protect residents’ constitutional rights, and assurance that no City staff were used for civil immigration enforcement beyond what federal law required. Anthony stated they were representing students in the Salt Lake areas, noted an upcoming school walk out, and voiced several demands related to immigration enforcement and student/teacher protections.   E.NEW BUSINESS:   1. Advice and Consent: Salt Lake City Chief Information Officer – Zach Posner The Council will consider approving the appointment of Zach Posner as the Salt Lake City Chief Information Officer (Director of Information Management Services or IMS).    FYI – Project Timeline: (subject to change per Chair direction or Council discussion) Briefing - Tuesday, February 3, 2026 Set Public Hearing Date - n/a Hold hearing to accept public comment - n/a TENTATIVE Council Action - Tuesday, February 3, 2026    Staff Recommendation - Refer to motion sheet(s).   Motion: Moved by Council Member Lopez Chavez, seconded by Council Member Wharton to approve the appointment of Zach Posner as the Salt Lake City Chief Information Officer (Director of Information Management Services or IMS). MINUTES OF THE SALT LAKE CITY COUNCIL Tuesday, February 3, 2026 9 AYE: Alejandro Puy, Chris Wharton, Daniel Dugan, Sarah Young, Eva Lopez Chavez, Victoria Petro, Erika Carlsen Final Result: 7 – 0 Pass   F.UNFINISHED BUSINESS:   1. Resolution: Collective Bargaining for the Salt Lake City Public Library The Council will consider approving the collective bargaining agreement between the Salt Lake City Public Library and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local No.1004, which represents eligible Library employees. The Library Board of Directors approved the agreement on December 15, 2025. The Library now seeks the Council's review and approval.    FYI – Project Timeline: (subject to change per Chair direction or Council discussion) Briefing - Tuesday, January 20, 2026 Set Public Hearing Date - n/a Hold hearing to accept public comment - n/a TENTATIVE Council Action - Tuesday, February 3, 2026    Staff Recommendation - Refer to motion sheet(s).   Council Remarks: Council Members Lopez Chavez, Young, Puy, Warton, and Petro expressed appreciation for ASFCME’s support of Library employees, congratulated those who would benefit from the union, and conveyed gratitude for the work undertaken to initiate the unionization petition, noting it was a historic day for the City that would benefit future generations.   Motion: Moved by Council Member Wharton, seconded by Council Member Lopez Chavez to adopt Resolution 3 of 2026, approving the proposed Memorandum of Understanding between the Salt Lake City Library Board and The American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Local 1004, representing eligible Library employees. AYE: Alejandro Puy, Chris Wharton, Daniel Dugan, Sarah Young, Eva Lopez Chavez, Victoria Petro, Erika Carlsen Final Result: 7 – 0 Pass MINUTES OF THE SALT LAKE CITY COUNCIL Tuesday, February 3, 2026 10   G.CONSENT: 1. Ordinance: Disposition of Alleys and Street Text Amendment The Council will set the date of Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 7 p.m. to accept public comment and consider adopting an ordinance that would amend sections 14.52 and 20.16.050 of the Salt Lake City Code to establish a consistent process for requests to close or vacate City-owned public streets or alleys. The proposal would also make the disposition process consistent in the context of a subdivision application and update the polices and standards that must be adhered to. Petition No.:PLNPCM2025-00423.    FYI – Project Timeline: (subject to change per Chair direction or Council discussion) Briefing - Tuesday, February 3, 2026 Set Public Hearing Date - Tuesday, February 3, 2026 Hold hearing to accept public comment - Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 7 p.m. TENTATIVE Council Action - Tuesday, March 10, 2026    Staff Recommendation - Set date.   2. Resolution: Northwest Pipeline Building and New Construction Public Benefits Analysis The Council will set the date of Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 7 p.m. to accept public comment and consider approving a resolution that would authorize the sales price and term sheet for The Grove Project at 321 East 200 South. The proposed development, which would include the historic Northwest Pipeline building as well as new construction, would provide 196 affordable housing units, plus commercial space, a parking structure, a public plaza, and more. The City would sell the 2.42-acre property at a below-market sales price of $1 million, paid over a 55-year period. The public benefit analysis finds that this development project would promote City goals of increasing affordable housing, elimination of a development impediment, and preservation of historic structures and property, among others.    FYI – Project Timeline: (subject to change per Chair direction or Council discussion) Briefing - Tuesday, February 3, 2026 Set Public Hearing Date - Tuesday, February 3, 2026 Hold hearing to accept public comment - Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 7 p.m. TENTATIVE Council Action - Tuesday, February 17, 2026    Staff Recommendation - Set date. MINUTES OF THE SALT LAKE CITY COUNCIL Tuesday, February 3, 2026 11   3. Ordinance: Temporary Street Closure for Temple Square 2027 Reopening The Council will set the date of Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 7 p.m. to accept public comment and consider adopting an ordinance that would temporarily close all or portions of City streets adjacent to the Salt Lake City Temple. The proposal would mitigate unsafe conditions, and facilitate public safety and crowd management during the Temple Reopening Celebration. The temporary street closures would occur between March 2027 and October 2027.     FYI – Project Timeline: (subject to change per Chair direction or Council discussion) Briefing - Tuesday, February 10, 2026 Set Public Hearing Date - Tuesday, February 3, 2026 Hold hearing to accept public comment - Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 7 p.m. TENTATIVE Council Action - Tuesday, March 24, 2026    Staff Recommendation - Set date.   4. Board Appointment: Historic Landmark Commission – Steven Cornell The Council will consider approving the appointment of Steven Cornell, resident of District 7, to the Historic Landmark Commission for a term ending February 3, 2030.    FYI – Project Timeline: (subject to change per Chair direction or Council discussion) Briefing - Tuesday, February 3, 2026 Set Public Hearing Date - n/a Hold hearing to accept public comment - n/a TENTATIVE Council Action - Tuesday, February 3, 2026    Staff Recommendation - Approve. MINUTES OF THE SALT LAKE CITY COUNCIL Tuesday, February 3, 2026 12   Motion: Moved by Council Member Puy, seconded by Council Member Dugan to approve the Consent Agenda. AYE: Alejandro Puy, Chris Wharton, Daniel Dugan, Sarah Young, Eva Lopez Chavez, Victoria Petro, Erika Carlsen Final Result: 7 – 0 Pass H.ADJOURNMENT:       MINUTES OF THE SALT LAKE CITY COUNCIL Tuesday, February 3, 2026 13 Meeting adjourned at 8:51 p.m.  Minutes Approved: May 5, 2026 _______________________________  City Council Chair – Alejandro Puy _______________________________  City Recorder – Keith Reynolds 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 Formal meeting held Tuesday, February 3, 2026 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.   MINUTES OF THE SALT LAKE CITY COUNCIL Tuesday, February 3, 2026 14 Alejandro Puy (May 16, 2026 08:52:18 MDT) *Approved May 5, 2026* - February 3, 2026 Formal Meeting Minutes Final Audit Report 2026-05-18 Created:2026-05-06 By:DeeDee Robinson (deedee.robinson@slc.gov) Status:Signed Transaction ID:CBJCHBCAABAAfuJFH-DYgMeN9WRAmUwUoceH-16xrIvk "*Approved May 5, 2026* - February 3, 2026 Formal Meeting Mi nutes" History Document created by DeeDee Robinson (deedee.robinson@slc.gov) 2026-05-06 - 10:28:49 PM GMT Document emailed to alejandro.puy@slc.gov for signature 2026-05-06 - 10:31:18 PM GMT Email viewed by alejandro.puy@slc.gov 2026-05-07 - 5:11:55 AM GMT Email viewed by alejandro.puy@slc.gov 2026-05-16 - 2:43:31 PM GMT Signer alejandro.puy@slc.gov entered name at signing as Alejandro Puy 2026-05-16 - 2:52:16 PM GMT Document e-signed by Alejandro Puy (alejandro.puy@slc.gov) Signature Date: 2026-05-16 - 2:52:18 PM GMT - Time Source: server - Signature Appearance Selected: MOBILE_DRAW Document emailed to Keith Reynolds (Keith.Reynolds@slc.gov) for signature 2026-05-16 - 2:52:20 PM GMT Email viewed by Keith Reynolds (Keith.Reynolds@slc.gov) 2026-05-18 - 2:25:23 PM GMT Document e-signed by Keith Reynolds (Keith.Reynolds@slc.gov) Signature Date: 2026-05-18 - 2:25:39 PM GMT - Time Source: server - Signature Appearance Selected: IMAGE Agreement completed. 2026-05-18 - 2:25:39 PM GMT