At Today’s Council Work Session:

The Council received:

* an informational update relating to the Local Emergencies for COVID-19, the March earthquake, and the September windstorm:

• The Mayor’s administration announced the Governor has changed the State’s color-coded pandemic risk categories to a new system titled the Transmission Index. The City later learned today it is at the State’s new high level. Masks are required, and all persons living in High Transmission Areas are to limit casual social gatherings to 10 individuals or fewer, for a period of two weeks — beginning Thursday, Oct. 15. More: https://coronavirus.utah.gov/utah-health-guidance-levels/
  
  
• The National Guard is still assisting with various cleanup areas in the City from the wind damage. Sidewalk and other concrete damage are being repaired. Preliminary estimates from the windstorm are at $6 million to City property. It could be high as $11 million. The City was greatly helped by other neighboring cities that jumped in to help the clean-up efforts.

* an update pertaining to relieving the condition of people experiencing homelessness in neighborhoods throughout Salt Lake City:

• The Mayor’s staff reports Phase 2 of the Community Commitment program concentrates on specific encampments, connecting individuals with immediate social services. In week two, 88 people have been helped as part of the outreach.
  
  
• Also: St Vincent DePaul is to open this week for overflow needs.

* an update on various projects City staff are working on related to racial equity and policing in the City. During a discussion on Budget Amendment #3 later in the meeting, budgeting, honorariums, and expenses were discussed for the newly created Commission on Racial Equity in Policing. The Commission meetings are ongoing.

Other Agenda items
The Council:

• discussed options for a new ordinance for the Police Department’s use of body-worn cameras incorporating existing PD policies for body-worn camera use and executive orders relating to footage release. This is part of a multifaceted approach the City is taking to examine internal systems and identify paths toward better accountability and equity. The proposal includes such items as when the camera is turned on, the video retention policy, the release timeline for videos to the Council, and what incidents will be part of the ordinance, such as K9 bites. Council action on this proposal is possible in the month ahead.

• received a briefing about an ordinance that would amend the current budget of Salt Lake City. The proposed amendment includes funding for Airport projects, Racial Equity in Policing Commission operating costs and windstorm expenses, among other items. As part of the budget discussion, the Mayor’s office reports a $2.5 million deficit in revenues more than expected, much of it from less parking fees and fines. Although the budget anticipated revenue decreases, the ongoing nature of the pandemic and other local emergencies continue to affect revenues. The Council will hold a hearing to accept public comment on Tuesday, October 20 at 7 p.m. before tentative Council action the same night.

• received a briefing about updating the City’s 2020-24 Consolidated Plan as required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The City expects to receive approx. $7.1 million in HUD CARES Act funding for pandemic-related issues. The City must amend the Consolidated Plan and associated 2020-21 Annual Action Plan to utilize those funds. The Consolidated Plan details the City’s goals and objectives to build healthy and sustainable communities. Further discussion and Council action are expected in the coming weeks.

• received a follow-up briefing about electric scooters and other dockless, shared mobility devices in the City. The Council and Administration discussed City fees related to the licensing costs for operating the devices within the City. The Administration also confirmed that they will move ahead with a Request for Proposals (RFP) potentially limiting the number of vendors and enhancing compliance with the City’s requirements. Future action will occur with a budget amendment and adjustment to the City fee schedule.
  
  
• received a written briefing about the final status of Sustainability Projects approved in the Fiscal Year 2020 budget. The Mayor’s staff noted that changes to the Call to Haul program are being considered and may come before Council in the coming months.

Other Items

• Council staff noted that changes to the order of public hearings and comment portion of Council Formal meetings are being considered and will be presented at an upcoming meeting.

All agenda-related comments received through any source are shared with the Council and added to the Council public meeting record.

Visit the Council’s agenda page for meeting documents and video or view an archive of prior meeting recaps.