At Today’s Meetings

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE MEETINGS

• adopted an ordinance that would regulate the use of electric scooters and other dockless, shared mobility devices in the City.
• adopted ordinance changes to the Police Civilian Review Board (known as the PCRB or the CRB). The ordinance outlines independent civilian oversight of police conduct in specific cases.
• adopted a joint resolution with the Mayor that would establish goals to improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The focus of the resolution is the electrification of transportation modes that otherwise heavily rely on gasoline, diesel, or natural gas.

Redevelopment Agency (RDA) Meeting items

The Board received:

• a briefing about, and then adopted a resolution for, an updated RDA Art Policy. The RDA’s original policy, adopted in 1990, authorized 1% of certain Agency construction project budgets for public art. The Agency’s art policy change is to 1.5% and to include additional ongoing annual funding, RDA tools, and incentives to promote public art.
• a briefing and then voted to support the RDA Housing Allocation Funds Policy. Full ratification of this policy could happen in January. The Housing Allocation Funds Policy establishes guidelines for allocating funding and directing resources to develop and preserve housing in the City. A funding strategy, coordinated with other City sources is to be presented annually. A second, related policy -the draft Housing Development Loan Program Policy- is to be presented in January.
• a summary of work done throughout the 2020 calendar year and a 2021 preview. The briefing included a review of loan closings, COVID-19 assistance, public art projects, and draft policies and programs, among other highlights. An example: the Gallivan Center, now managed by the RDA, held more than 60 ‘safe’ online concerts with 3 million views. For 2021, more than 100 projects are in the works, including the likely opening of six affordable housing projects.
• a briefing and then a vote of support to use State Street Project Area “seed funds” to help complete the construction of a new TRAX station at approximately 650 South Main Street. It will be similar in scope and design to the 900 South Station. The new station will be funded in conjunction with private property owners in the area who are either under construction planning developments and previously appropriated RDA funding. The estimated construction cost is $2 million.
• information about, and then accepted the Fiscal Year 2019-20 RDA Audit, which shows the Agency’s financial conditions as of June 30, 2020.
• Note: RDA Staff honored Chair Amy Fowler for her work and leadership over the last two years.

Council Work Session items

The Council received:

• an informational update relating to the local emergencies such as COVID-19:
  • the Mayor says her Administration is lobbying for additional federal support for cities.
  • Mayor notes the first round of federal “CARES” money is being used in many ways to help the public and the City.
• an informational update on relieving the condition of people experiencing homelessness. The Administration reported:
  • the Community Commitment program continues outreach at larger encampments; some sites will be closed as more space becomes available at shelters.
  • the Resource Centers have been open to new intakes with available beds;
  • hotel vouchers also are still available for people experiencing homelessness.
  • an overflow shelter is located in Millcreek with 60 beds for men; a second overflow shelter has not been found.
• an informational update from the PD Chief who noted upcoming usage of less-lethal shotguns by the department, when needed. The Chief believes this tool will help with de-escalation versus more lethal or damaging tools. It shoots a “small sock” of lead pellets.
• an update on recent efforts on various projects related to racial equity and policing in the City. It included:
  • Council staff sharing information and upcoming Racial Equity in Policing Commission meetings and other updates. The Commission normally meets on Wednesday but adjustments are being made because of the holidays. Three Commission subcommittees also are Wednesday meetings and are open to the public. More info here.
  • A public listening session by the Commission is scheduled for Jan. 13.
• noted a City-sponsored winter clothing drive. The drive will be held Saturday, December 19th from 11a – 3p at the City and County Building Horseshoe. Individuals will need to be masked and stay in their cars. Volunteers in PPE will unload items from the trunks of cars and other volunteers will sort the donated items inside the building. The City is asking for coats/jackets/sweaters, hats, gloves, socks, undergarments, blankets, and sleeping bags. Adult items will go to the VOA.

Other Agenda items
The Council:

• was briefed about and discussed two clarifications to proposed changes to the Police Civilian Review Board (known as the PCRB or CRB). The ordinance outlines independent civilian oversight of police conduct in specific cases through the complaint review process. The Council increased the number of CRB members required for most CRB panels to five, and in cases of serious alleged police misconduct, to a majority of sitting members. The Council also received clarification on how to ensure that people with prior criminal records may serve on the Board under certain circumstances. The Council voted in favor of the ordinance at the Formal Meeting.
• received a follow-up briefing about a proposal to create a new land-use zone titled Form-Based Urban Neighborhood 3 and rezone the 10-acre City block known as the Fleet Block (located between 300 and 400 West and between 800 and 900 South). The area was previously used by the City for a fleet maintenance facility that has since been relocated. The Mayor joined the conversation, discussing the existing mural on the block, and inviting the public to continue with input on what happens on the block. The Council directed staff to work with the Administration on a proposal that would establish expectations and goals for a public process to help identify the future development of Fleet Block. More discussion is planned. Council action on this item has not been scheduled.

Formal Meeting

• The Council recognized Member Chris Wharton for his service to Salt Lake City as the 2020 Council Chair.
• The Council approved:
  • the ordinance regulating electric scooters and other dockless shared mobility devices;
  • changes to the Police Civilian Review Board;
  • created the Appeal Hearing Officer System and Employee Appeals Board;
  • Budget Amendment No. 5 for Fiscal Year 2020-21;
  • a joint City Council-Mayor Resolution Establishing Electrified Transportation Goals;
  • the 2020 Salt Lake City Water Conservation Plan;
  • and a street vacation near 800 N and Warm Springs Road.
• More info on these items here.

BOARD APPOINTMENTS

• Parks, Natural Lands, Urban Forestry, and Trails Advisory Board – Brianna Binnebose
• Housing Advisory and Appeals Board – Katie Sims (formerly Fredrickson), Carrie Eschler, Sara Hart

Note: 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.