At today’s Council Meetings:
Highlights from the Work Session & Formal Meetings 

• City Council Members have elected a new leadership team for 2021. At tonight’s meeting, Members chose Amy Fowler, who represents District 7, as the Chair. James Rogers, who represents District 1, was chosen as the Vice Chair.  More
• Council received an informational update on the “2021 Crime Control Plan” announced today by the Mayor and Police department.  More

   Council Work Session items
    The Council received:

• an informational update on a crime reduction initiative announced today by the Mayor and Police Department (PD). Jail issues and a 2020 increase (by thousands of calls) from the year before to the police prompted this safety plan. The plan includes partners, federal and state officials, as they focus on violent crime and repeat offenders. The City also plans to review nuisance laws to assist with the process.
• an informational update from the PD Chief who noted additional inclusive training for public safety employees, particularly to help better understand autism, PTSD, and other conditions.
• an informational update relating to the local emergencies such as COVID-19: 
  • the Mayor reported two City employees have died from the Covid virus. A moment of silence was held during the meeting.
  • the Mayor noted the federal “CARES” money is being used in many ways to help the public and the City. “Care” cards are being distributed with an aim to help more than 1,600 City residents. 
  • the Mayor noted emergency responder Covid vaccinations are being done now, (40% vaccinated so far; 80% have opted in) and the City is working with the county on other employee vaccinations.
• an informational update on relieving the condition of people experiencing homelessness. The Administration reported: 
  • the Community Commitment program continues to outreach people experiencing homelessness with the support of 15 various organizations.
  • the second overflow shelter at the Airport Inn had a soft opening this week and took in 40 people on three floors, one floor for couples.
• 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 next meeting is Wednesday, Jan. 6 and a public listening session by the Commission is scheduled for Jan. 13. More

Other Agenda items
The Council received:

• an informational update on the Utah Transit Authority’s (UTA) planned bus rapid-transit connector between South Davis County and downtown Salt Lake City.  Aimed at reducing I-15 traffic, it will use branded vehicles and in some places use dedicated lanes. The UTA will return to Council with next step plans, possibly this fall.
• a presentation on the 2020 Utah Homeless Services Assessment from the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute. The Institute’s Natalie Gochnour noted the assessment proposes a new governance structure and funding model for services and includes six recommendations to improve the homeless services system in the state. They range from creating a Utah Homeless Council to creating a Homeless Services Officer at the state level. The SLC Mayor could play a major role in the process. This report was sponsored by the Legislature. There was Council discussion on statewide input, overall funding participation, and representation on the new governance structure presented in the plan.
• briefing about an ordinance that would amend the current budget of Salt Lake City, including the employment staffing document, for Fiscal Year 2020-21. The Council discussed, due to time constraints, only three urgent items that were dealt with: Airport financing, transfers among the housing programs to assist the public, and using federal dollars for the temporary shelter housing. A followup briefing will be scheduled.

Formal Meeting
 The Council:

• held a public hearing and took comment on this Ordinance: Budget Amendment No. 6 for Fiscal Year 2020-21. The next hearing is Tuesday, January 19 at 7 p.m.
• approved:
  • the election of Chair and Vice-Chair of the Salt Lake City Council for calendar year 2021.
  • a Resolution: Funding Our Future: Transit Master Plan Implementation Interlocal Agreement with the Utah Transit Authority.
• More info on these items here.

BOARD APPOINTMENTS
Approved:

• Police Civilian Review Board – Jessica Andrew (REAPPOINTMENT)

 
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.