Salt Lake City CRA and City Council Formal Meeting - 03/24/2026

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[8:52] And right now, item number A1 is the CRA opening ceremony, and I want to welcome everybody to today's meeting.
[9:01] We're happy to have you here, whether you are joining us in person, many of you are, or online.
[9:07] We hope you continue to participate in whichever manner you feel the most comfortable.
[9:12] If you would like to highlight that, I would like to highlight that in addition to our business tonight as the city council,
[9:19] So we also have this business as the CRA board.
[9:24] Let's do the Pledge of Allegiance right now.
[9:48] Yes.
[9:49] We
[9:54] are moving on to item number B on the agenda.
[9:58] B1 is resolution for the Sugarhouse Streetcar Extension
[10:04] interlocal agreement between the Utah Transit Authority
[10:07] and Salt Lake City.
[10:09] We're going to, I need a motion.
[10:12] motion. Mr. Chair, I move that the Board adopt a resolution to approve the Sugarhouse
[10:17] Streetcar S-Line extension in our local agreement between Salt Lake City, the Salt Lake City
[10:22] Community Reinvestment Agency and the Utah Transit Authority. Second. I have a motion
[10:29] by Board Member Young and a second by Board Member Carlson. All of those in favor say
[10:36] Any opposed? This motion carries unanimously. We're moving on to item number B2, which is
[10:43] a resolution for the Second Amendment to the Interlocal Agreement between Utah, Inland
[10:49] Port Authority, and Salt Lake City. I need a motion.
[10:55] You can do it.
[10:56] Mr. Chair, I move that the Board adopt a resolution approving the Second Amendment to the Interlocal
[11:01] agreement with the, wait, is that the right one?
[11:05] Yeah, okay, with the Utah Inland Port Authority.
[11:08] Second.
[11:08] Second.
[11:10] I have a motion by Board Member Wharton and a second by Board Member Petro.
[11:16] All of those in favor say aye.
[11:17] Aye.
[11:18] Any opposed?
[11:19] No.
[11:21] This motion passes 6 to 1.
[11:24] We are going to adjourn right now as the CRA.
[11:28] I need a motion.
[11:30] Mr. Chair, I move that we adjourn as the Board of the Community Reinvestment Agency and reconvene
[11:37] as the Salt Lake City Council for a formal meeting.
[11:41] Second.
[11:43] I have a motion by Board Member Wharton and a second by Board Member Dugan. All of those
[11:48] in favor say aye.
[11:49] Aye.
[11:50] Aye.
[11:50] Any opposed? This motion carries unanimously and we are now convened as the body of
[11:56] select city council. The opening ceremony for the council is thanking you for being here
[12:04] today. And as we move through the agenda, I want to quickly go through the registration
[12:10] information and share the reasoning about how and why we share these meetings and the
[12:17] way we do it. We welcome everybody regardless of your opinion or side on an issue because
[12:23] Because we will have people with varying opinions on important issues.
[12:29] The council's goal is to make these meetings a place where people feel safe and comfortable
[12:34] participating, including the temperature in the room, so we are working on that.
[12:40] This is the most local level of government and it is a key value of ours to ensure that
[12:47] we have created a respectful and safe environment so that no one is intimidated out of free
[12:53] participation. This also allows us to ensure that the meeting can continue and we can conduct
[13:00] a scheduled city business. We invite each of you to contribute to this space to speak
[13:06] your mind and to welcome others to do the same. In order to create this welcoming and
[13:12] safe space, we'll pass the meeting at any action that causes a disruption to our ability
[13:18] to conduct this meeting, or any safety concern involving threats or unprotected speech.
[13:26] If there are repeated actions or comments, it may result in removal from the meeting.
[13:32] We will not be giving you multiple warnings about the following rules.
[13:38] To avoid intimidating others, please avoid the use of threatening and discriminatory
[13:43] language.
[13:44] Do not insult others based on religion, ethnicity, race, color, gender, sexual orientation, or physical ability.
[13:53] Whether you agree or disagree with someone's comment, clapping, cheering, shouting, booing, snapping, gesturing, obstructing, or discouraging others from commenting is not allowed.
[14:05] As a reminder, as Council members, we refrain from reacting or responding to allow everyone
[14:12] to share their opinions freely.
[14:14] This is to keep our reactions from affecting your ability to share your opinion freely.
[14:19] If you would like to follow up with any of us, please see the Council staff or the
[14:24] Zoom chat if you are online for the contact information.
[14:28] When making your comments, please address the body and know any individual Electoral
[14:33] Official.
[14:33] If you have a handout for the Council, please raise your hand, and Council staff will assist you.
[14:40] Council staff are available during and after the meeting to help you with any questions and information sharing.
[14:50] The full meeting rules are listed at the door, and our staff will post the link in Zoom.
[14:55] As a reminder of a public comment registration process, individuals might register.
[15:00] To comment on scheduled public hearing items until the hearing is closed.
[15:05] For the general comment section, we will accept sign-ups until 7.30 p.m.
[15:10] The general comment section is limited to a maximum of one hour and will only include commenters who register before 7.30 p.m.
[15:19] If you're here to give general comment, please sign up and remember that it's possible not everyone who signed up may be able to speak.
[15:27] This brings us now, finally, after all of that talking, to item D2, which is approving the
[15:36] work session meeting minutes of October 21, 2025, November 18, 2025, December 9, 2025, as well as
[15:45] the formal meeting minutes of November 18, 2025 and December 2, 2025. I need a motion.
[15:53] for approval. Second. I have a motion by Council Member Wharton and a second by Council Member
[15:59] Dugan. All of those in favour say aye. Aye. Any opposed? This motion carries unanimously. We are
[16:07] moving on to agenda item number D3. The Council will consider adopting a joint ceremonial
[16:14] resolution with Mayor Mendenhall recognizing April 1st, 2026 as the start by believing
[16:20] Day in Salt Lake City. I will now turn the time over to Councilmember Carlson, who will read the resolution.
[16:27] Joint resolution recognizing April 1st, 2026 as Start By Believing Day in Salt Lake City.
[16:34] Whereas Salt Lake City shares a critical concern for victims of sexual violence and intimate partner violence
[16:41] and a desire to support their needs for justice and healing.
[16:44] and whereas sexual assault, rape, child sexual abuse and domestic violence are of epidemic proportions
[16:52] with one in three Utah women experiencing sexual assault and or domestic abuse in their lifetimes
[16:58] and one in seven Utah children experiencing child sexual abuse.
[17:03] And whereas research documents that victims are far more likely to disclose their sexual assault to a friend or family member
[17:11] And when these loved ones respond with doubt, shame, or blame, victims suffer additional
[17:17] negative effects in their physical and psychological well-being.
[17:22] And whereas the Start By Believing Public Awareness Campaign, a program of the End Violence Against
[17:28] Women International is designed to improve the responses of friends, family members,
[17:33] and community professionals to help victims access supportive resources and engage
[17:38] with the criminal justice system, and whereas the State of Utah has made historic strides
[17:43] in protecting survivors through the passage of HB 89 polygraph amendments, making Utah
[17:50] the 28th state to prohibit law enforcement, court officers, or prosecutors from requiring
[17:56] sexual assault victims to undergo polygraph examinations, thereby aligning state law
[18:02] with best practices and securing vital violence against women funding, and whereas the
[18:08] The Utah Coalition Against Sexual Assault, UCASA, has successfully secured $300,000 from
[18:15] the Utah Legislature in ongoing funding to fully staff the 24-7 statewide sexual assault
[18:22] helpline, ensuring that survivors have immediate round-the-clock access to support in both Spanish
[18:28] and English, and whereas a bolder way forward, a statewide initiative led by the Utah
[18:34] Women and Leadership Project at Utah State University continues to support the Start
[18:40] By Believing campaign to improve our collective response to survivors across Utah.
[18:45] Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Salt Lake City Council and Mayor of Salt Lake
[18:50] City officially designate April 1, 2026, along with the first Wednesday of April each
[18:57] year as a Start By Believing Day.
[19:00] Thank you, Council Member Carlson.
[19:01] I will look for a motion.
[19:03] Mr. Chair, I move that we approve the joint resolution recognizing April 1st,
[19:09] 2026 to start by believing day in Salt Lake City. Second. I have a motion by
[19:15] Council Member Young and a second by Council Member Dugan. Any thoughts
[19:22] about this? Okay. All of those in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? This motion
[19:28] carries unanimously. I would like to invite Representative Romero to send your
[19:35] designee to the podium. Yes, yes, yes.
[19:42] Welcome. Please say your name for the
[19:44] record. Hello, good evening. My name is Juliette Rosa. I'm here representing
[19:48] Jitsuiti government in support of the resolution. Sexual violence remains a
[19:53] serious and persistent issue in Utah, while other violent crimes such as
[19:57] homicide and robbery have decreased, sexual violence has not followed the same trend.
[20:03] According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Utah ranks 9th in the nation for sexual violent
[20:10] crimes.
[20:11] Data shows that 1 in every 3 women and 1 in 15 men in Utah will experience sexual
[20:17] violence in their lifetime.
[20:19] Children and teenagers are especially vulnerable, with thousands affected this year, often
[20:26] by someone they know and they trusted.
[20:29] In recent years, the number of reported sexual assault
[20:32] offenses has increased.
[20:33] However, this does not necessarily mean
[20:36] that more crimes are occurring.
[20:38] Instead, it may reflect that more survivors feel empowered
[20:41] to speak out and seek support because they feel relieved.
[20:45] Real change begins with shifting our culture
[20:49] by reducing the stigma surrounding sexual assault,
[20:52] about educating our communities and refusing to blame victims, we can begin to make a difference.
[20:59] Listening to and believing survival is essential.
[21:04] This is how we create safer communities for children, for women, for men and for everyone.
[21:10] We start by believing.
[21:14] Thank you so much.
[21:15] I would also like to welcome UCD government staff and students Liliana Olvera Arbonne,
[21:22] Casa Xavier Director, Dr. Julie Valentine, and representatives with the Boulder Way forward
[21:29] here with us today to receive the resolution. Let's take a photo.
[22:24] So, let's see if we can do...
[22:28] I think we can all fit actually.
[22:30] Liz, come on. Don't pretend like yourself.
[22:36] We're going to flex the quads.
[22:38] All right.
[22:56] Thank you so much.
[22:59] Thank you.
[23:00] Thank you.
[23:00] Thank you.
[23:02] Good job.
[23:04] Thank you.
[23:07] Good job.
[23:11] Is that yours?
[23:14] No, this is yours.
[23:16] We need the labels.
[23:18] Do they used to have labels?
[23:20] No, like we have in the other room.
[23:23] So ugly.
[23:33] No, not yet.
[23:36] Next item on the agenda
[23:38] item D4. The council will consider adopting a joint ceremonial resolution with Mayor Mendenhall
[23:46] recognizing March 29, 2026 as education and sharing day in Salt Lake City. I will not turn the
[23:53] time over to Council Member Young who will read the resolution. Thank you. So I'm pleased to
[23:58] present the joint resolution recognizing the March 29, 2026 as education and sharing day.
[24:04] Whereas Salt Lake City is committed to being a place where everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive, a place where education is valued not only as the pursuit of knowledge but as the foundation for strong, compassionate, and connected communities.
[24:21] and whereas education and sharing day is observed each year in recognition of these shared values
[24:28] and the enduring importance of education in shaping a more just and inclusive society,
[24:35] and whereas this observance is inspired by the life and teachings of Rabbi Menchman Mendel Schneersten,
[24:45] also known as Rebbe for those of the Jewish faith whose philosophy emphasized that education
[24:54] is a lifelong pursuit and that early investment in character development helps empower individuals
[25:00] and communities for generations and whereas the values reflected in education and sharing
[25:07] day including learning, generosity and care for one another are shared across cultures
[25:13] and traditions and continue to guide our community here in Salt Lake City and
[25:18] whereas this commitment is reflected in ongoing efforts across our city from
[25:24] classrooms to libraries and internship opportunities to after-school programs
[25:28] where educators families and partners work every day to support the growth
[25:33] well-being and potential of our youth and whereas through continued
[25:38] partnership and collaboration across sectors we can expand access to all
[25:43] opportunity, open doors for children and young people, and create the conditions they need
[25:48] to truly thrive.
[25:50] Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Salt Lake City Council and Mayor of Salt Lake
[25:55] City hereby proclaim March 29, 2026 as Education and Sharing Day in Salt Lake City and encourage
[26:03] all residents, educators, community organizations, and public servants to recognize the importance
[26:09] of education to support young people in their growth and development and to engage in acts of service and connection to create a better, brighter and more hopeful future for all.
[26:24] Thank you, Councilman Riyang. I will look for a motion.
[26:26] Mr. Chair, I move that the council adopt a joint ceremony resolution with Mayor Mendenhall recognizing March 29, 2026.
[26:33] It's Education and Sharing Day in Salt Lake City.
[26:36] Second.
[26:37] I have a motion by Council Member Dugan and a second by Council Member Wharton.
[26:40] motion. Is there any discussion? All of us in favor say aye.
[26:47] Aye. Any opposed? This motion carries unanimously. I would like to welcome Rabbi Avrami Sipol here
[26:56] with us today to receive the resolution. If you would like to say a few words, too.
[27:05] Thank you, Mr. Chair and members of the council. I want to thank Councilmember Young
[27:08] for her efforts on this and the rest of the city staff. It was my oversight that
[27:13] I brought it to her a little bit late in the process and she did some incredible work to
[27:16] get this done. Education and Sharing Day has been proclaimed on a national level, on a
[27:21] state level, on a city and county level since 1978. It was an initiative of President Carter
[27:25] and it's been celebrated nationally in a bipartisan fashion by both Houses of Congress, presidents
[27:31] from either party, governments at every level and it feels really, really meaningful
[27:34] as a lifelong citizen of this great city to have this proclamation recognized
[27:39] recognized and celebrated here in the capital city, a city that is really truly committed
[27:43] and devoted to so many of the ideals that Council Member Young read in the resolution
[27:47] to creating better opportunities for our youth, to creating a city, an environment, a community
[27:52] where the ideals of education and sharing with the ideals of allowing each and every
[27:57] one of us to get ahead, to succeed in life, to create a better future than the one we're
[28:01] living right now, our values that we are all committed to as a city. So very grateful
[28:04] for this recognition. Thank you very much.
[28:06] Thank you.
[28:07] You would like to take a photo with us?
[28:11] Yes, please come to the desk.
[29:02] Okay.
[29:03] We are adjusting some of the items on the agenda to be more efficient with everybody's time.
[29:08] We're going to move into item F1.
[29:11] This is potential action items.
[29:13] This is the ordinance disposition of alleys and street text amendment.
[29:19] I will look for a motion.
[29:22] F1.
[29:23] Mr. Chair, I move that council adopt the ordinance.
[29:25] Second.
[29:26] I have a motion by Council Member Dugan and a second by Council Member Young.
[29:31] All of those in favor say aye.
[29:32] Aye.
[29:33] Any opposed?
[29:36] This motion carries unanimously.
[29:38] Is Council Member Lopez Chavez online still?
[29:44] Yes, I am.
[29:44] Yes.
[29:45] Okay.
[29:46] Thank you.
[29:47] There is, we're moving on to item F2.
[29:51] This is an ordinance, fence and hedge, height, text amendments.
[29:55] I will look for a motion.
[29:57] Mr. Chair, I move that the council adopt-
[30:00] The ordinance is second. Councilmember Young for the motion and Councilmember Dugan for the second. All of those in favor say aye.
[30:09] Aye. Aye. Any opposed? This motion carries unanimously.
[30:16] We are excited about that one, some of us.
[30:20] Personal privilege real quick. Yes, I just want to personally thank the constituents who have been involved in this and then as well to
[30:28] councilmember Puy
[30:29] For really coming together and finding those shared voices so that we could be champions for these these cleanups that I know
[30:36] Take time, but just grateful for your partnership. Thank you
[30:41] Moving on to item F3. This is an ordinance for the Rio Grande
[30:45] And master plan and zoning amendment, I need a motion.
[30:49] I think that the council adopt the ordinance.
[30:52] Second.
[30:53] Council Member Pietro is presenting a motion and Council Member Duggan for the second.
[30:58] Any discussion?
[31:02] All of those in favor say aye.
[31:04] Aye.
[31:04] Aye.
[31:05] Aye.
[31:05] Aye.
[31:05] Aye.
[31:06] Any opposed? This motion carries unanimously. We are going now to item F4. This is an ordinance,
[31:14] master plan and zoning map amendment at approximately 527, 537 and 539 south 400 east. I need a motion.
[31:26] Move that the council adopt the ordinance. Second.
[31:30] The motion is by Council Member Petro and the second by Council Member Wharton.
[31:35] Any discussion?
[31:36] All of those in favor say aye.
[31:38] Aye.
[31:39] Aye.
[31:39] Aye.
[31:40] Aye.
[31:40] Aye.
[31:40] Aye.
[31:40] Aye.
[31:41] Aye.
[31:42] Many opposed. This motion carries unanimously. And I will take a moment of personal privilege
[31:49] right now because this agenda is moving quite fast and I want to acknowledge that many of
[31:54] these items we've been discussing for many, many weeks. The council meetings often start
[32:01] at 2 p.m. on the other side of the hall where we have many discussions with the administration
[32:06] with experts to fine tune many of these ordinances. And when they get to this stage on the agenda,
[32:15] we are finalizing the final approval. I just want to make sure that many of those that
[32:21] may be new here understand that the process was long and that we had plenty of opportunity
[32:26] for many members of the community to participate in shaping these ordinances. It may seem
[32:31] symbolic right now and fast, but the process wasn't along the way. So thank
[32:38] you for indulging me on that. Item F5 is an ordinance recurring nuisance
[32:43] properties. I will look for a motion. Mr. Chair, I move that the Council adopt the
[32:48] ordinance amending the text of Title 11 of the Salt Lake City Code pertaining to
[32:52] nuisance private property. Second. I have a motion by Council Member Carson and
[32:58] and a second by Council Member Pietro.
[33:00] Any discussion?
[33:02] Mr. Chair.
[33:03] Yes, go ahead, Council Member Lois Chavez.
[33:06] Thank you.
[33:06] Thank you.
[33:07] I just wanted to say thank you to your work,
[33:10] to Council Member Wharton's work,
[33:11] and then to Poverty Council Member Mano's work
[33:13] on researching, on making sure that we listen
[33:16] and deliberate to the communities that are affected by this.
[33:19] I think we've come up with a really good policy
[33:21] that closes some necessary group polls
[33:24] that we're creating unsafe habits
[33:26] through business licensing in other ways,
[33:29] but ultimately we managed to prevail
[33:32] in keeping and enhancing our entertainment
[33:34] and our small business owners that throw nightlife events.
[33:37] So I just wanted to say thank you again
[33:38] for all your hard work.
[33:41] Thank you.
[33:43] All of those in favor say aye.
[33:45] Aye.
[33:46] Aye.
[33:46] Any opposed?
[33:48] This motion carries unanimously.
[33:51] Moving on to item F6.
[33:54] This is an ordinance for the temporary street closure
[33:57] of Temple Square 2027 reopening. I will look for a motion.
[34:03] Mr. Chair, I move that Council adopt an ordinance temporarily closing all or portions of City
[34:09] Streets adjacent to the Salt Lake City Temple to mitigate unsafe conditions.
[34:15] Second.
[34:16] Council Member Young made the motion. Council Member Duggan made the second. Is there
[34:23] any discussion?
[34:24] Yes, please.
[34:25] Thank you, Mr. Chair. I want to thank everyone, particularly the District 3 residents who
[34:33] reached out about this. I've talked about this before. I know what a huge ask this is
[34:40] and how disruptive this potentially is. I know what it represents to me personally in
[34:47] family. I know what it means to my husband is not going to be very happy about this,
[34:56] but he recognizes the necessity of this because we've got a lot of people writing in and
[35:06] saying, you know, can this alternative happen? Can that alternative happen? And I want to
[35:13] say that this proposal that's before us isn't the first idea that came out of the gate in
[35:20] terms of addressing this level of crowds that are expected. And I have had to understand
[35:31] that this isn't just about ensuring that visitors that are coming to this event are
[35:37] safe and it's not just about making sure that there aren't any, you know, traffic accidents
[35:42] but also that because of the scale of this event that there is the potential for malice
[35:50] and for people to want to do harm, an event this size and that also goes into the public
[35:56] safety considerations for an event like this.
[35:59] So while I know that it's going to be extremely inconvenient for me, I know that there's
[36:06] going to be some, probably some marital strife associated with this. And I know that it's
[36:13] going to be really difficult for a lot of my neighbors. Remember, I live in Marmalade
[36:17] and work downtown. This is something that's going to impact me every single day. But I
[36:22] also think that I am grateful in a way that it is going to impact me on such a
[36:28] personal level because I'm going to be seeing and experiencing all of the same
[36:32] frustrations that my neighbors are in real time.
[36:36] Nevertheless, I hope people will reach out to me and to the, we're going to have more
[36:44] people that are kind of in charge of this, point people that are going to be the key
[36:48] source of information that will be announced going forward.
[36:53] We've got a year to prepare for this, but I hope people will keep reaching out and
[36:58] And I'm committed to doing my best to make sure that we minimize those inconveniences.
[37:05] And thank you so much for everybody that's, again, for commenting and understanding the
[37:11] opportunity that this represents at the same time.
[37:16] I would like to highlight the work that you did, Consumer Awarding.
[37:20] You had a long list of ideas many of your neighbors brought up, and you tried to get
[37:28] answers to every single one of those.
[37:29] So, thank you for channeling the thoughts of the community and trying to make good concessions
[37:37] with those that are sponsoring the Church of Jesus Christ Alerted Saints to ensure that
[37:43] all voices are heard about this, and so thank you for the work you've done on this.
[37:48] Thank you.
[37:49] So, I'll have a motion, the Council Member Young made, and Council Member Dugan seconded.
[37:54] All of those in favor say aye.
[37:56] Aye.
[37:56] Aye.
[37:58] Aye.
[37:59] So any oppose? So this motion carries unanimously. We are moving now to item section of the
[38:10] agenda G1 and this is a resolution for the Sugarhouse Streetcar Extension interlocal
[38:17] agreement between the Utah Transit Authority and Salt Lake City. I need a motion.
[38:21] Mr. Chair, I move that the council adopt a resolution to approve the Sugarhouse Streetcar
[38:26] S-Line extension inter-local agreement between Salt Lake City, the Salt Lake City Community
[38:31] Reinvestment Agency and the Utah Transit Authority.
[38:35] Second.
[38:37] I have any of those, is there any discussion?
[38:42] All of those in favor say aye.
[38:44] Aye.
[38:45] Aye.
[38:45] Aye.
[38:45] Aye.
[38:46] Aye.
[38:53] Aye.
[38:54] If some of you think that this is deja vu, earlier in the agenda when we were convening
[39:00] as the CRA, the Community Reinvestment Agency, we had to pass the same ordinance for that
[39:05] portion.
[39:06] Now we need to do it for the city side.
[39:08] So now item G2, very similar one, a resolution for the Second Amendment to the Interlocal
[39:13] Agreement between Utah, inland, poor authority, and Salt Lake City.
[39:17] I need a motion.
[39:18] Mr. Chair, I move that the Council adopt a resolution approving the Second Amendment
[39:22] to the interlocal agreement with the fine import authority.
[39:25] Second.
[39:26] I have a motion by Council Member Wharton
[39:28] and a second by Council Member Petro.
[39:30] Is there any discussion?
[39:32] All of those in favor say aye.
[39:34] Aye.
[39:36] Any oppose?
[39:38] No.
[39:39] This motion carries six to one.
[39:44] And we're moving on to item G3,
[39:47] an ordinance amendment for daily water use regulations.
[39:52] I will look for motion.
[39:53] I move that the council adopt an ordinance amending Title 17 pertaining to limits on daily water use for new commercial, industrial and institutional developments.
[40:03] Second.
[40:04] I have a motion by Council Member Pietro and a second by Council Member Wharton. Is there any discussion?
[40:11] All of those in favor say aye.
[40:13] Aye.
[40:14] Aye.
[40:15] Any opposed?
[40:16] This motion carries unanimously. Moving on to item G4. This is an ordinance enacting temporary
[40:24] zoning regulations pertaining to daily water use. I will look for a motion.
[40:30] Mr. Chair, I move that Council enact the temporary land use regulation pertaining to the daily water use
[40:35] limits on new commercial, industrial and institutional development.
[40:39] Second.
[40:39] I have a motion by Council Member Dugan and a second by Council Member Wharton. Is there
[40:48] any discussion? All of those in favor say aye.
[40:52] Aye.
[40:53] Any opposed? This motion carries unanimously. There is no unfinished business. There is
[41:01] some consent items. I need a motion.
[41:04] So, Chair, you move to approve the consent agenda.
[41:08] Second.
[41:08] motion by Council Member Wharton and a second by Council Member Duggan. All of
[41:14] those in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? His motion carries unanimously and to
[41:23] approve the consent agenda. Now this brings us to the public hearing section
[41:28] of the agenda. Our agenda I feel like many of you are here for some of that.
[41:33] These are specific proposals before the council that require a public
[41:37] hearing, your comments should pertain to the hearing item.
[41:42] If you go off topic, we will ask you to stop your comment.
[41:45] In order to create this welcoming and safe space, we will pause the meeting at any disruption
[41:50] to our ability to conduct the meeting, or any safety concern involving threats or
[41:56] unprotected speech.
[41:58] If there are repeated actions or comments, it may result in removal from the meeting.
[42:04] We will not be giving multiple warnings about following the rules.
[42:09] Also, as a reminder, please avoid comments that include profanity, personal attacks,
[42:15] or discriminatory language.
[42:16] Such comments can be intimidating for others,
[42:19] and there are no persuasive or compelling to the council.
[42:23] If you are on Zoom, please unmute your microphone when your name is called.
[42:28] Each person will have two minutes.
[42:31] minutes, if you reach the two minutes mark, the host will announce time. If your microphone
[42:38] and your microphone will be muted at that moment. We will be calling the names in the order
[42:44] they signed up. If you need staff assistance in the room, please raise your hand and someone
[42:51] will be with you. If you are having technical issues in Zoom and you need assistance,
[42:58] questions, message staff support, and Ashkrey from our staff can assist you. If you are unable
[43:07] to finish your comment in those two minutes, please share the rest via email, mail, or you
[43:13] can call our office. Contact information is listed at slc.gov. If you have a handout
[43:24] out for the council. Please notify council staff who will assist you.
[43:30] Public hearing E1 and E2 are grant applications and will be heard as one public hearing. Before
[43:40] we begin taking comments, I will turn the time over to Sylvia Richards, council policy
[43:45] analyst, to give a short introduction. Thank you, Sylvia.
[43:50] Thank you, Mr. Chair. Periodically, the city applies for and receives grants which fund
[43:56] some city programs and projects, and each grant receives a public hearing to allow the
[44:04] constituents, residents, and the council members to receive more information about them.
[44:12] There are two grants tonight. First is the 2026 Youth Growth and Renovation Grant,
[44:18] which would fund the design feasibility and planning phase of the Gallivan Center ice rink expansion.
[44:25] Second is the child and adult care food program which would fund snacks for you city participants during the 2025-26 school year.
[44:37] Again, these are grants for which the city has applied. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
[44:41] Thank you, Sylvia. Taylor, please start with our first public comment.
[44:44] Thank you, Mr. Chair. We do not have anyone registered to speak to these items.
[44:50] Okay. There's no one signed up to comment, to share thoughts on those two items. I will look for a motion then.
[44:57] Mr. Chair, I move that the council close the public hearing.
[45:00] Is your microphone on? Now it is. Okay. Mr. Chair, I move that the council close the public
[45:04] hearing and refer items E1 and E2 to a future consent agenda for action. Second. I have a
[45:10] motion by Council Member Duggan and a second by Council Member Young. Is there any discussion?
[45:15] All of those in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? This motion carries unanimously. I will
[45:25] move on to item E3. This is for the SLC Airport Noise Property Disposition Public Hearing.
[45:34] Before we begin taking comments, I will turn the time over to Nick Tarvett, who's coming
[45:39] from the other side of the room, Council Deputy Director, to give us a short introduction.
[45:46] All right. The Department of Airports proposes to sell the property at 840 South Gladiola
[45:51] Street, which was purchased in 1987 with FAA funds used for acquiring residential properties
[45:58] in high noise exposure areas.
[46:01] The property was purchased with the contingency that it would be leased back to the owner.
[46:07] That individual no longer lives there and the airport is ready to sell it.
[46:12] Percity code, at least one public hearing must be held.
[46:15] The airport board held that in February.
[46:17] The Council also has the right to request a second public hearing that is being held tonight.
[46:24] Taylor, can you begin with our commenters on this item?
[46:30] Thank you, Mr. Chair. We do not have anyone registered to speak to this item.
[46:34] No one is here to comment on this item. I will look for a motion then.
[46:39] Mr. Chair, I move that Council close the public hearing.
[46:41] Second.
[46:42] I have a motion by Council Member Duggan and a second by Council Member Young.
[46:45] any discussion?
[46:51] I'm running out of energy. Okay, no discussion. All of those in favor
[46:56] say aye. Aye. Aye. This motion carries unanimously. I'm moving on to item E4, which is an ordinance
[47:05] for an alley vacation east of 519 East Browning Avenue. Before we begin taking comments, we're
[47:15] turn the time to Kate Ward, Council Policy Analyst to give us a short introduction.
[47:21] Thank you.
[47:23] The Council will accept public comment and consider adopting an ordinance that will vacate a city-owned
[47:28] alley segment adjacent to properties located near 519 East Browning Avenue.
[47:36] This is located within Council District 5.
[47:39] The applicant has requested the vacation due to the existing detached garage built in or before 1958, which appears to be on the applicant's property, making the alley not passable from Browning Avenue to Sherman Avenue since that time.
[47:56] If approved, this section of the alley will be divided and allocated to the five adjacent property owners abiding this portion of the alley.
[48:04] The northern portion of the alley from Sherman Avenue to the middle of the block will not
[48:09] be affected by this vacation request and will remain open to all users.
[48:15] Thank you.
[48:16] Thank you, Kate.
[48:18] Taylor, please begin with the first public comment on this item.
[48:22] Thank you, Mr. Chair.
[48:23] We have one person registered to speak to this item.
[48:25] That will be Amy Beachham, who is here in Rickson.
[48:28] Thank you.
[48:30] It's your turn.
[48:31] I'll be fast.
[48:32] Next, when I discovered the discrepancy on our title, I was a little floored by it.
[48:37] A few people told me to just leave it alone and continue living in the alley as if I hadn't
[48:41] discovered it.
[48:43] But no matter the outcome of the council's decision, I'm glad I've worked towards making
[48:48] things right.
[48:50] I want to thank my neighbors first for working together to get this situation resolved.
[48:55] And I want to thank our senior planner, Ms. Diana Martinez, for being so thorough
[48:58] and careful with our petition. Her directness and clarity has made this process manageable.
[49:05] I want to thank Council Member Carlson for taking the time to walk with me through our
[49:09] neighbourhood and see the alley first hand. It meant a great deal to have Heranda divided
[49:15] attention on a matter that impacts us so directly. Lastly, I wanted to thank the
[49:20] Planning Commission for putting forward their recommendation and the Council for
[49:23] considering the petition. Thank you. Thank you for your comment.
[49:31] I will need a motion.
[49:36] Mr. Chair, I move that the council close the public hearing and adopt the ordinance.
[49:41] Second. I have a motion by Council Member Carlson and a second by Council Member Wharton.
[49:47] Is there any discussion? So I'm going to call the question. All of those in favor say aye.
[49:52] Hi.
[49:53] Hi.
[49:53] Hi.
[49:54] Hi.
[49:54] Hi.
[49:54] Hi.
[49:54] Any opposed?
[49:56] This sounds like it's a unanimous vote.
[50:00] Thank you.
[50:01] We're moving on to item E5.
[50:05] This is an ordinance, expiration of land use approvals, text amendment.
[50:10] Before we begin taking comments, I will turn the time over to Brian Fulmer, council
[50:15] policy analyst, to give us a short introduction.
[50:18] Thank you, Mr. Chair.
[50:19] This is a proposal from the administration to expand actions an applicant may take to
[50:25] prevent approved land use applications from expiring.
[50:29] State code allows land use applications to remain valid if the applicant works to implement
[50:34] the approval with reasonable diligence, but that reasonable diligence isn't defined
[50:40] in state code.
[50:41] The proposal helps clarify what that is.
[50:45] Thank you.
[50:47] Thank you, Brian. Taylor, can you please start with our first public comment, please?
[50:52] Thanks, Mr. Chair. There's two people registered to speak to this item. The first will be Cindy
[50:57] Cromer followed by Annie Ruth Isaacson. Cindy's here in person.
[51:01] My name is Cindy Cromer, and my comment on this petition, and I am in favor of reducing
[51:08] the number of extensions to one, I have to do with my owning property next to
[51:14] a vacant building for the past 21 years.
[51:18] And watching these extensions granted in the same neighborhoods,
[51:23] I wanted to put together a map showing you
[51:26] that this burden is occurring on the same neighborhoods
[51:29] over and over again with these black holes
[51:32] of nothing happening being a stressor.
[51:37] So I want to share a few stories about how
[51:40] these repeated extensions look.
[51:42] One is families told to leave their homes just west of I-15 in December.
[51:48] Houses demolished, repeated extensions.
[51:51] Last summer, after someone complained, I found two men clearing weeds taller than the men.
[51:58] Empty office buildings, the source of so many calls for service that the police just parked there to do their paperwork.
[52:06] And a developer sending a message to a city employee indicating that he wanted another extension,
[52:12] no basis, I just want it.
[52:15] So I believe that a list of reasonable diligence is possible.
[52:21] I could draft one.
[52:23] The attorneys could tell me what things state statute don't allow.
[52:28] But I could come up with some things based on those 21 years of experience.
[52:31] It is long past time to reduce the burden on the same neighborhoods, and one extension and you're done.
[52:40] Fish or cut bait. Thanks.
[52:44] No, no, that's not allowed. Thank you.
[52:49] And next is Annie Rose Isaacson, who is here in person.
[52:54] Thank you. I'm speaking on behalf of the Center of City Neighborhood Council.
[52:59] We submit the following comments regarding to this expiration of land use approval.
[53:03] We recognize this ordinance is to reduce the number of extensions from multiple possible to only one, and that we appreciate.
[53:15] While we agree with this, we would like some additional requirements for people to get an extension to be added to the text amendment.
[53:30] There's a practice we're seeing throughout the city where people get extensions and they're not maintaining the properties.
[53:38] There's the grasses overgrown, there's graffiti, broken windows, people move in.
[53:45] We've had a number of fires in the last three years, five or six just in center city,
[53:50] some which have totally destroyed a building, some only partially, but they render the buildings
[53:56] unoccupiable and then when the developer decides not to move forward, the building can't be
[54:01] occupied.
[54:02] So it has a really detrimental effect on the neighborhood long term.
[54:07] So what we would ask you to do is add to this text amendment.
[54:13] We recommend that any extension of approval be conditioned on documented compliance with
[54:19] city property maintenance and security ordinance before the extension is granted. Properties
[54:26] with unresolved maintenance security or nuisance issue should not be eligible for an extension
[54:32] until those issues are corrected. And that's my comment. I just want to also add that
[54:39] Ben was here to speak on that, but he didn't get listed for some reason.
[54:45] I felt like we can add Ben to the, go ahead.
[54:49] I think my comment card was misunderstood.
[54:51] That's okay.
[54:52] My name is Ben Engel.
[54:54] I live on 100 South between Second and Third East.
[55:00] I was thinking of challenging myself to just say fire and feces for two minutes,
[55:06] but instead I'd just like to say that we have a lot of fliers
[55:09] and we have a lot of feces that is not cleaned up.
[55:13] But on these properties that are often have a permit for construction and then they are
[55:20] extended their time over and over again and these properties are often neglected and you
[55:27] need not go more than a block from here to find one.
[55:32] I try to keep my neighborhood clean.
[55:34] I mean, I try to offer some civility and our city sets the message for all of these developers
[55:45] that we get continual variances even though we have a very clear picture of the planning
[55:52] for our city. And then we continue to encourage that old architecture that stuff that's
[56:00] on the historic registry gets neglected to the point
[56:03] to where we just tear it down.
[56:05] And it happens time and time and time again.
[56:10] We've got the Chateau Normandy that burned last year,
[56:13] I'm more in the year ago,
[56:15] and I can't find out anything about the investigation.
[56:18] It's still pending.
[56:19] So your grammar request can't go through
[56:22] because they're still investigating this mysterious fire.
[56:25] I've said the best way to get an insurance claim
[56:27] Let's put up a for sale sign.
[56:30] Now the developers that get the permits to build are not necessarily selling,
[56:34] but these blighted properties often go unattended.
[56:39] Time and time again, they end up being burnt.
[56:42] They end up creating health hazards in our neighborhood.
[56:46] So let's not encourage that kind of behavior. Thank you.
[56:49] Thank you. Anybody else is here to comment on this item?
[56:56] Okay, I then I'm gonna look for a motion.
[57:03] Mr. Chair, I move that the council close
[57:05] the public hearing and defer action to a future council meeting. Second. I have a
[57:09] motion by Council Member Dugan and a second by Council Member Petro. Is there
[57:14] any discussion? I am going to call the question. All those in favor say aye.
[57:19] Aye. Any opposed? This motion carries unanimously. Moving on to item E6. This is an ordinance for
[57:28] zoning map amendment at approximately 2260, 2270, 2290, east, 1300 south. We're welcoming
[57:37] Brian Fullmer to give us a Council Policy Analyst to give us a short introduction. Brian.
[57:42] Thank you. This is a proposal to amend the zoning map for the properties you mentioned
[57:47] from their current R17000 or single-family residential zoning to MU3 or mixed-use 3,
[57:54] to construct for-sale residential units consisting of townhomes and condominiums.
[58:01] These are proposed to be constructed on the subject properties and on MU3's owned property to the south, which is also owned by the applicants.
[58:10] Thank you, Brian.
[58:14] Taylor, can you please start with our first public comment?
[58:17] Thank you, Mr. Chair. We have four people registered to speak to this item. The first
[58:21] will be Kerry Dohan, followed by Megan Lee, and then John Lear. Kerry is here in person.
[58:29] Hi, my name is Kerry Dohan. I live four houses north of the proposed development on Learwood
[58:35] Way. First, I'd just like to know that I support mixed-use development zones in general,
[58:42] and that you may be surprised to hear that I'm not opposed to increased density in my neighborhood.
[58:48] However, the development is purely residential.
[58:50] Therefore, as a neighboring property owner, I do not get the benefit of any commercial development in this particular proposal.
[59:00] Additionally, depending on how important it is for the traffic analysis to be accurate for the decision to rezone,
[59:08] I find that the traffic analysis that was provided was inadequate in a number of ways.
[59:14] The traffic counts were taken in October of 2020 and we all know that traffic was not normal then.
[59:20] So I think that new traffic counts need to be provided.
[59:26] It also was based on an outdated site plan with inaccurate unit numbers
[59:31] and there was no estimates for turning movements on and off of Foothill Boulevard,
[59:36] which one of the entrances uses.
[59:40] The traffic analysis did not even mention my street at all.
[59:45] Laird Way is a cut-through street from the university or downtown to 13th South,
[59:50] and we are really worried that this development will increase that traffic significantly,
[59:54] and the traffic analysis does not at all address that.
[59:58] Right now there's a stop sign.
[1:00:00] A sign that says no left turn between the hours. I'll tell you that it does absolutely nothing to reduce cut-through traffic.
[1:00:07] Additionally, there's no mention of cycling in the traffic analysis, and this is a corridor where many cyclists use to get up to Wasatch Boulevard to access southern routes or immigration canyons, so I think that needs to be addressed.
[1:00:20] And finally this is going to increase pedestrian traffic regardless of whether there are families or other people using the development and we'd like additional crosswalks in greater pedestrian safety.
[1:00:36] And next will be Megan Lee followed by John Laird and then Jim Webster. Megan, is here in person.
[1:00:51] I apologize but I might be under the wrong agenda item so I'll defer so I'm not wasting time.
[1:00:57] Thank you.
[1:00:59] And next will be John Laird followed by Jim Webster. John is here in person.
[1:01:11] John, are you here?
[1:01:16] John.
[1:01:17] John.
[1:01:21] No?
[1:01:22] No.
[1:01:23] Okay.
[1:01:24] That will be all lost.
[1:01:26] Jim Webster.
[1:01:27] Jim Webster.
[1:01:28] Jim Webster.
[1:01:29] Webster.
[1:01:30] Yes.
[1:01:31] No, John.
[1:01:31] Jim.
[1:01:32] I get it now.
[1:01:42] I'm kind of filling in for John.
[1:01:43] He may still want to speak.
[1:01:44] I don't know where he went.
[1:01:46] We're supportive of the J-development project.
[1:01:50] I live in Yelpcrest.
[1:01:51] to John is, of course, living, lives on 1300 South. We're supportive of the project. There's
[1:01:59] a lot of unknowns with respect to access in and out of their parking and so forth and
[1:02:05] what the capacity is and so forth. And we're still working with the developer on that.
[1:02:09] We assume that those will be resolved in the development agreement. But I would also
[1:02:13] like to remind you that we have a CIP, Dan is aware of, for the California Trail Monumentation
[1:02:21] and that comes right down 1300 East. It's a unique and opportunity to recognize that
[1:02:28] and the developer has graciously agreed to a setback that would allow that to happen.
[1:02:34] So that's another component that I think needs to be recognized with respect to this
[1:02:39] project and we look forward to working with the City Council on that. We don't know exactly
[1:02:44] about funding yet, but we do want to, we have limited our proposal down to the area
[1:02:52] between Foothill and 2300 East Podesta California Trail project as well. And hopefully that
[1:02:58] will be also addressed in the development agreement. Thank you for your time.
[1:03:03] Thank you.
[1:03:04] Mr. Chair, that's John Lear.
[1:03:07] John Lear.
[1:03:08] It's your turn.
[1:03:13] Thank you.
[1:03:16] You're very quickly.
[1:03:18] I didn't hear what Jim said, but I'm representing sunny side east
[1:03:23] and the neighbors immediately adjacent to the development.
[1:03:26] If I repeat what Jim said, I apologize, but I will quickly say
[1:03:30] we are in support of this development.
[1:03:32] Our primary issue is that as it relates to the interface
[1:03:36] of the development with exits and entrances onto 1300 South.
[1:03:41] We're hoping that that will be resolved during the development
[1:03:44] or the development agreement process, and that we will have an opportunity
[1:03:48] to speak to that issue. We're very concerned about overloading 13 South,
[1:03:52] particularly at that point, with various vehicles going in and out,
[1:03:58] and we're waiting to get more information about the scale of the parking terrace
[1:04:04] and the exact number of vehicles that are going to be operating.
[1:04:07] Other than that, again, we are supportive of the developers they've been very good to
[1:04:11] work with and we encourage your positive consideration of the project, subject to figuring out 13th,
[1:04:18] south.
[1:04:19] Thank you.
[1:04:20] Thank you.
[1:04:22] I believe that was our last fully comment.
[1:04:26] I will need a motion.
[1:04:28] Mr. Chair, I move that the Council close the public hearing and defer the action
[1:04:31] to the future Council meeting.
[1:04:33] Second.
[1:04:35] I have a motion by Council Member Duggan and a second by Council Member Carlson.
[1:04:41] And is there any discussion? All of those in favor say aye.
[1:04:46] Aye.
[1:04:48] Any opposed? This motion carries unanimously.
[1:04:51] Mr. Chair.
[1:04:52] Yes, go ahead.
[1:04:54] I appreciate the conversations we've had with the neighborhoods and the developer on this project.
[1:04:59] And we still have some work to do on a development agreement.
[1:05:02] We still have some work to do on the traffic studies, as mentioned here also.
[1:05:06] So those are issues that we have ongoing and part of it working with the transportation
[1:05:12] and the developer and the neighborhood on that development agreement.
[1:05:16] So thank you very much.
[1:05:19] Thank you, Council Member Dugan.
[1:05:21] We're moving on to a non-controversial item, E7,
[1:05:27] an ordinance for the Sugar House Hotel Master Plan.
[1:05:30] and zoning map amendment approximately 21, 2111 south, 1300 east. Ryan Fulmer, Council
[1:05:41] Policy Analyst, is going to give us a short introduction.
[1:05:45] Thank you. This proposal is to amend the future land use and zoning maps for the
[1:05:50] property you mentioned in Council District 7 from its current MU3 or mixed use 3 zoning
[1:05:56] to MU 8 or mixed use 8, the proposal calls for and I will remind the council that you
[1:06:04] are voting only on the rezone tonight. You are not voting on a hotel. That will go before
[1:06:11] the planning commission. So the applicant stated intent is to construct a hotel on
[1:06:16] the property. And the property is adjacent to Sugarhouse Park and is the site of a former
[1:06:23] Sissler restaurant. Thank you.
[1:06:27] I don't think anybody's here to comment on this
[1:06:29] item.
[1:06:32] Before we begin taking public comments, I will invite Taylor to tell
[1:06:38] us who is our first public comment. Thank you, Mr. Chair. We have about 33 people
[1:06:44] registered to speak to this item. The first will be Lynn Schwartz followed by
[1:06:48] Becky Davis and then Judy Schwartz. Lynn is here in person.
[1:07:03] Schwartz? In the
[1:07:05] recently enacted mixed use zoning consolidation, the planning department had no problem up
[1:07:10] zoning and increasing the density potential of the Sugarhouse Business District. So it
[1:07:16] is important that they felt that the proper zone for this parcel is MU3. The Sugarhouse
[1:07:21] Master Plan does not in any way contemplate expansion of the business district east of
[1:07:27] 1300 east. In fact, it very clearly excludes the area east of 1300 east from the business
[1:07:34] district. The Sugarhouse Master Plan states that the town center scale should be centered
[1:07:39] around Monument Plaza and ends on the west side of 1300 east. Monument Plaza is designated
[1:07:46] the gateway to Sugarhouse. Definitely not this parcel. And under no circumstances should
[1:07:53] a huge Sugarhouse sign be allowed on any building on the parcel. Contrary to the
[1:07:59] assertions in the Planning Department staff report. This reason does not preserve open
[1:08:05] space and critical environmental areas. It does not accommodate and promote an increase
[1:08:11] in Salt Lake City's population. It does not identify, preserve and enhance view corridors
[1:08:17] and vistas, including views of natural lands around and within the city. This reason
[1:08:23] does not support and encourage architecture development and infrastructure that is people
[1:08:29] focused and responsive to its surrounding context to enhance the public realm. The General
[1:08:36] Plan Amendment and Zoning Map Amendment should both be denied as inappropriate for the parcel
[1:08:42] and MU3 should continue to be the proper zone, not generated by AI.
[1:08:51] Next will be Becky Davis, followed by Judy Short and then Brian Clement. Becky's here
[1:08:55] in person.
[1:08:59] I'm Becky Davis and I'm a trustee on the Sugarhouse Community Council. I am
[1:09:03] opposed to the request made by the entity that is interested in building a hotel on
[1:09:08] the southeast corner of the intersection at 1300 East, 2100 South in Salt Lake City for
[1:09:14] a rezone from MU3 to MU8. The residents of homes in the neighborhoods near the property
[1:09:20] will be impacted by people parking on the neighborhood streets rather than paying for parking when
[1:09:25] using the hotel restaurant and coffee shop. At the August 18, 2025 land use and zoning
[1:09:31] meeting for Sugar House. A member of the Sugar House Park Authority mentioned that parking
[1:09:36] in the park is an ongoing current problem, especially on days when events are happening
[1:09:41] in the park. If hotel employees, coffee shop and restaurant patrons, and patrons of businesses
[1:09:47] located in the hotel building park their vehicles in the park, instead of using the
[1:09:52] hotel parking lot, the issue will become more significant negatively affecting visitors
[1:09:57] to the park. Traffic is also a concern at this corner. This intersection is one of the
[1:10:03] busiest intersections in the city and is considered a failing intersection. When patrons' driving
[1:10:10] cars to attend events being held at the hotel are arriving and departing, traffic will
[1:10:16] increase on two already busy streets. The staff report states that the city transportation
[1:10:21] staff recommend that vehicles exiting from the hotel during the busy afternoon drive
[1:10:27] time exit onto 2100 South. This will create more of a traffic bottleneck on 2100 South
[1:10:34] because drivers exiting at this point who actually want to drive west on 2100 South or
[1:10:41] south on 1300 East will make U-turns at View Street or 1400 East onto 2100 South to be
[1:10:50] able to drive west on 2100 South until they reach 13th East. Please deny the reason
[1:10:56] request.
[1:11:00] And next will be Judy Short followed by Brian Clement and then Thea
[1:11:03] Brannon. Judy is here. I'm Judy Short. I'm the land use chair for Sugarhouse
[1:11:08] Community Council. My first meeting about this project was November 2024 at
[1:11:14] FFKR. The Sugarhouse Community Council had a presentation by John Potter, the
[1:11:20] developer, at the March 25 meeting. We received the recognized organization
[1:11:26] input notification, which was asking for a master plan, zoning text and zoning map amendments
[1:11:32] on July 11th, 2025. The ROC letter and plans were posted on our website, and we've been
[1:11:39] updating our website regularly to keep the community informed of the progress. We had
[1:11:44] another presentation at Highland High in August and invited the community. We had
[1:11:49] 85 people sign the roster, although we know many more were there who didn't sign in.
[1:11:54] After this meeting, we began to get comments.
[1:11:57] We've had well over 150 comments, and the vast majority were against the project.
[1:12:03] We discussed this proposal in our newsletter, which goes to more than 4,000 individuals who live and work in Sugarhouse.
[1:12:10] Some of us have been around long enough to remember all the work the community did to put in the 2005 Sugarhouse Master Plan when it was written.
[1:12:21] Four or five meetings a month, four or five committees met once or twice a month for about
[1:12:28] three years, and the Sugarhouse has developed.
[1:12:31] We've been careful to stay within the confines of the plan.
[1:12:35] One thing that's very clear, Sugarhouse Business District is a specific place and
[1:12:40] does not extend east past 13th east.
[1:12:43] The west side of 13th east was the eastern boundary.
[1:12:46] any statements to the contrary in the staff report are inaccurate. When the
[1:12:52] City Council rezoned many parcels in the city to an MU designation, we were amazed
[1:12:57] this parcel was included. It really should be park space or something that
[1:13:01] enhances the park, not a 90-foot building. This is a community park, we'd like to
[1:13:06] think of it. Hi,
[1:13:12] next is Bram Clement followed by Thea Brannon and then
[1:13:20] This is Brianna and I live in District 7.
[1:13:23] I come to you tonight in opposition of the proposed zoning change for the property adjacent
[1:13:26] to Sugarhouse Park.
[1:13:28] I believe the zoning change would have a negative impact on my community and my small business.
[1:13:33] I was fortunate to receive an email from the Sugarhouse Community Council about this
[1:13:37] issue and this meeting.
[1:13:39] I want to thank them, especially Judy Short for keeping our community informed.
[1:13:43] But even with those efforts, most people have no idea this is happening.
[1:13:46] So this weekend I went to the park myself to help inform my community.
[1:13:50] I ended out nearly 300 flyers and spoke with at least 500 people.
[1:13:55] Only six people had even heard about the hotel.
[1:13:58] No one knew it involved zoning changes, and no one knew it was on tonight's agenda.
[1:14:02] I went into these conversations open, ready to hear different perspectives, but I never
[1:14:07] did because not a single person I spoke to supported it, not one.
[1:14:12] I met people from all walks of life, people from diverse backgrounds, vocal residents
[1:14:17] and visitors, many of them working class.
[1:14:19] They were grateful to be included to be informed and to be heard.
[1:14:22] The park was packed this weekend and finding parking was a huge challenge.
[1:14:25] People were concerned that the hotel was not offering enough parking spaces and no one
[1:14:29] wanted to pay for parking.
[1:14:31] Traffic at an already busy intersection was also a concern.
[1:14:34] I just saw an Instagram post from CityCast.
[1:14:36] They are celebrating the madness of March with a vote on the madness of Salt Lake
[1:14:40] City intersections.
[1:14:42] The corner of 2100 South and 1300 East is in the final two.
[1:14:46] People felt the building was too tall and questioned whether an upscale hotel that most could not afford would benefit the community.
[1:14:54] There were many other concerns expressed that I don't have time to go into today.
[1:14:58] People love Sugarhouse Park.
[1:15:00] It's not just a park, it's a gathering place, a shared space, something people feel proud of.
[1:15:04] I know not everyone who cares about this could be here tonight.
[1:15:07] Life is busy and the process isn't always clear.
[1:15:10] I hope the voices of the people I met are heard in this room
[1:15:13] and that the council votes no on this proposal. Thanks so much.
[1:15:18] Next will be Thea Brannon followed by Sarah Woolsey and then Michael Rubin.
[1:15:23] Thea's here in person.
[1:15:31] Council members, I'm addressing the design elements of this request.
[1:15:36] The key words I would encourage you to keep top of mind are mass, scale,
[1:15:44] scale, character
[1:15:46] and context.
[1:15:47] All concepts enshrined in both city and sugar house master plans.
[1:15:52] You are being asked to extend the sugar house business district to an isolated site across
[1:15:58] a very busy state arterial street.
[1:16:02] This would create a precedent of urban encroachment completely outside the actual central business area.
[1:16:09] Thus, the design standards for that district are extremely poor fit for this site.
[1:16:15] So, with this free zone to go through, building right up to the sidewalk to encourage pedestrian engagement is not desirable
[1:16:23] for that incredibly congested intersection, even with a 10-foot sidewalk.
[1:16:28] As the only building there, it would not be a real pedestrian street.
[1:16:33] Secondly, varied materials on the exterior of urban buildings can result in a hodgepodge effect,
[1:16:39] as seen in this proposed project, using four colors and six types of materials
[1:16:44] on a structure crammed into a .82 acre lot.
[1:16:49] While trendy in modern urban design, it does nothing to retain the established character
[1:16:54] character of this very particular neighborhood. And it does little to mitigate the look of
[1:16:59] an unrelenting block-like mess utterly out of scale with the adjoining neighborhood to
[1:17:04] say nothing of the park itself. We benefit today from the leaders who created our iconic
[1:17:11] park. A rezone is not harmonious or complementary to it. It does not match the context of
[1:17:18] the park open space. Finally, the paramount design flaw here is the very request itself.
[1:17:25] Once you rezone, there is no going back. I believe you have a duty to protect Sherman
[1:17:31] House Park by rejecting this reason. Next
[1:17:37] is Sarah Woolsey, followed by Michael Rubin
[1:17:40] and then Richard Layman. Sarah is here in person.
[1:17:43] Thank you all for the opportunity. My name is Sarah Woolsey. I'm a resident of District
[1:17:48] I'm a friend of Fairmont Park, a little bit west of Sugarhouse Park, but I'm speaking
[1:17:52] as a park lover who lives a bit west of the Sugarhouse Park. As you've already heard,
[1:17:57] this park is beloved. I was surprised when I saw that the city was giving notice around
[1:18:03] the proposed development or MU 3 to 8 change, only notifying people who lived around
[1:18:09] the park because Sugarhouse Park is all of our park. It's not just the neighborhood's
[1:18:15] Park. It's a regional park and it belongs to all of us. We walk, we bike, we come to
[1:18:20] see it regularly. This corner is particularly special. It's a gateway to nature, nature
[1:18:25] from the city. You all know the view. It's been developed with the beauty of the landmark
[1:18:30] draw by Patricia Johansson. The draw is a unique homage to the Echo Canyon and should
[1:18:36] not be shadowed by, excessively shadowed by a building. As we access the park from
[1:18:42] all size, by foot, stroller, bicycle, the views and the air are as valuable to all of
[1:18:47] us as is the green grass itself. MU3 is sufficient. Anytime you put up a building, you're taking
[1:18:53] some of the air and light from somebody. And my concern, MU8 on this corner will not
[1:18:57] just do that, but also proliferate more MU8 around the edges of the park. And we'll
[1:19:03] see it walled in as we see hidden hollow walled in, Fairmont Park being walled
[1:19:07] in. I would invite us to have caution. We've accepted lots of development in
[1:19:11] Sugarhouse but just not here. Please caution as the speaker before me said
[1:19:15] it's hard to take back a building once it's built. Thank you. And next is Michael
[1:19:21] Rubin followed by Richard Lehman and then Robert Peacock. Michael is here in
[1:19:26] person. All right, good evening. The pond in Sugarhouse Park is a popular
[1:19:32] recreational feature but in the event of a flood it's a major retention basin
[1:19:36] in Salt Lake City's flood plan. The state flood zone map indicates that all
[1:19:40] of the park properties in the Parley's Creek flood zone area. The map does not designate
[1:19:45] the private land being proposed for rezoning, but major flood events have never made allowances
[1:19:50] for private property. Floods have always threatened Sugar House. In 2005, water flows through
[1:19:56] Sugar House Park reached 200 cubic feet per second. Major flooding occurred here in 1922,
[1:20:04] 1952, 1956, 1983 and 2017. When sewer and water lines reached capacity, excess water
[1:20:11] was diverted to nearby streets or properties using sandbag. Debris swept up by floodwater
[1:20:16] blocked segments of the creek, forcing the water to flow onto private property. Despite
[1:20:21] the diligent efforts of city and county engineers and public officials, no one can foresee events
[1:20:25] like cloudbursts and flash floods. Despite the optimism of the developers, it's foolish
[1:20:30] to deny that Sugarhouse Park is, first and foremost, a flood detention basin.
[1:20:35] Despite the petitioner's hopeful assertions that their lowest level would remain above the
[1:20:39] water level, the entire park is part of the Parlies Creek floodplain. If water overflows the
[1:20:43] central pond, floodwater will inundate any buildings on that property, as has happened
[1:20:48] every 20 or 30 years over the past century. And if debris is washed downstream along with the
[1:20:53] floodwater, wherever it collects, it creates a dam of its own that will cause water to
[1:20:57] spread out from that point.
[1:20:59] Any rezone that would allow and encourage a private owner to dig deep into the northwest
[1:21:03] corner of the park comes with risk both to the property and the earthen dam forming the
[1:21:07] flood detention basin of the park.
[1:21:09] That risk should be thoroughly understood before any rezoning action is taken that
[1:21:13] would allow a project to potentially disrupt this important corner of the park.
[1:21:17] Thank you and I want to thank Lynn Olson for providing most of this information.
[1:21:23] Next is Richard Layman followed by Robert Peacock and then Alan Sanderson.
[1:21:27] and Richard is here in person.
[1:21:30] Hello, I'm on the park board,
[1:21:33] but we don't have a consensus,
[1:21:35] so I'm speaking for myself.
[1:21:37] I'm gonna stick out of the points because two minutes.
[1:21:41] The single private property on the block
[1:21:43] is an anomaly left over from the state prison,
[1:21:47] selling the state, selling it off in 42.
[1:21:50] The property owner is unwilling to entertain
[1:21:53] a reasonable proposal from the city to buy the property.
[1:21:56] an up-zone financially rewards or in transagents.
[1:22:01] The up-zone is beyond that dictated by the city-wide rezoning process,
[1:22:06] doesn't add to the housing stock, doesn't support transit-oriented development.
[1:22:11] It's compatible, incompatible with the site's land-use context.
[1:22:17] The hotel appears to be in the park.
[1:22:19] Park. A yes vote extends the mixed use density of the town center. People talked about it.
[1:22:27] The community benefits are minimal. The hotel will block the Wasatch Mountain View Shed from
[1:22:33] the north. The hotel will create a permanent scar on the perimeter of the park. The hotel
[1:22:40] will forever reshape the viewshed within the park. It will dominate the interior. Signature
[1:22:49] urban parks both in the city and across the country don't have tall buildings within their
[1:22:54] perimeter and grounds. The renderings presented by the developers show the building's impact
[1:23:00] is smaller than it will be in actuality. I know you guys have this presentation
[1:23:05] which shows that.
[1:23:09] The developer and the planning department claim MU80 is much bigger than
[1:23:14] MU3. It's double the size. This is the most important decision concerning the park since
[1:23:22] the park was created in 1955.
[1:23:28] Construction concessions the hotel are asking for, we
[1:23:55] Hi, my name is Robert Peacock and I live on the east edge of Sugarhouse Park.
[1:24:01] I work for a geotechnical engineering firm that works all over the country and high-rise
[1:24:08] building.
[1:24:10] Foundation analysis.
[1:24:12] I have a question about the geotechnical investigation being performed and the collected
[1:24:17] subsoils analyzed for construction of the specific structure planned for that property.
[1:24:26] If it hasn't been done, the Council should consider potential consequences of rezoning
[1:24:32] a property to allow a specific size structure proposed by a private owner prior to approving
[1:24:41] a zoning change.
[1:24:43] Sugarhouse Park is open space. Established in 1955, there's a 99-year term on that establishment.
[1:24:54] Expires in 2055. That would be the appropriate time to consider potential zoning changes
[1:25:00] consistent with those of the park, not now for the financial benefit of an owner.
[1:25:08] The council should not approve the Sugar House master plan and zoning map amendment at approximately 2011 south, 1300 east.
[1:25:24] Alan Sanderson followed by Brim Oliver and then Cindy Comer. Alan is here in person.
[1:25:31] Good evening. The rezoning application for the Sugar House hotel must be denied. The council recently updated and quickly zoned this property,
[1:25:38] pretty MU3 as it's outside Sugarhouse Business District and it's next to a regional park.
[1:25:43] To prove the zoning change, the burden is on the applicant to demonstrate that there
[1:25:48] is an unmet need. There are no unmet needs. Within Sugarhouse, there are hotels, there
[1:25:54] are coffee shops, there are restaurants, retail, public meeting spaces. As such, the application
[1:25:59] fails to meet the burden. The application contains many issues. Here's but one.
[1:26:05] The project calls for small retail spaces in a coffee shop along with public meeting spaces.
[1:26:10] But where is the parking? It's all underground, all 180 spaces.
[1:26:16] Given the very small lot size, the underground parking will be three stories deep
[1:26:21] and will have a reduced level of service.
[1:26:25] Someone going to a coffee shop or a small retail space does not want to park underground.
[1:26:29] They want quick, easy parking.
[1:26:30] The hotel will have 145 rooms with 180 spaces.
[1:26:35] The hotel is fully occupied that leaves 35 spaces.
[1:26:39] Most will be needed by employees as there's no additional parking in the area.
[1:26:43] As such, there'll be little to no parking during evenings for non-guests.
[1:26:48] For instance, the Sugarhouse Community Council, which is averages over 50 people in their meetings,
[1:26:53] could not hold their meetings there because of the lack of parking.
[1:26:56] or if they did, they would take all the available evening parking much to dismay of the hotel guests.
[1:27:03] The property should be redeveloped. The first developer at 21st and 21st asked for a similar zoning variance.
[1:27:12] That did not happen. A different second developer came in with the vision to build within the current zoning.
[1:27:19] That same vision is needed for this property, a developer with the right vision. Thank you.
[1:27:28] Next is Brim Oliver, followed by Cindy Gomer and then Shirley Belville.
[1:27:32] Brim is here in person.
[1:27:38] I'm speaking this evening to urge you to deny the requested rezone.
[1:27:42] The planning staff report on which the Planning Commission's favorable recommendation was based
[1:27:47] contends incorrectly that the site naturally belongs in the Sugarhouse Business District
[1:27:53] district and that an MU-8 designation is justified. It is not. The report makes a number of false
[1:27:59] assertions in support of this contention that the site is, quote, adjacent to and, quote,
[1:28:04] on the periphery of the business district. It is not. It is actually adjacent to and
[1:28:10] on the periphery of Sugarhouse Park. Functionally, it belongs to the park, not the business
[1:28:15] district. That the site is, quote, located at the eastern edge of the Sugarhouse
[1:28:20] business district. It is not. It is clearly separated from the district by 1300 East,
[1:28:26] a major arterial which itself establishes an eastern boundary, an eastern edge for
[1:28:31] the district. That the Sugarhouse Master Plan supports expanding the district to incorporate
[1:28:37] the site. It does not. The Sugarhouse Master Plan does support expansion of the business
[1:28:42] district quote to 1300 East to the East. This language is clearly unequivocal and
[1:28:49] intentional. The plan proposes expansion of the district to not across 1300 East and
[1:28:56] the plan includes a map that explicitly excludes the site from the proposed expansion. As opposed
[1:29:02] to the current MU3 designation, MU8 applies to business districts and, quote, is specifically
[1:29:08] intended for denser, more commercial locations. The site is clearly not such a location.
[1:29:14] It is defined by the open space of the park which it adjoins.
[1:29:19] Therefore, rezoning to MU-8 would result in a use that is clearly incompatible with the site's location and the intent of the Sugarhouse Master Plan.
[1:29:28] Thank you.
[1:29:30] Next will be Cindy Cromer followed by Sherry Belmille and then Heidi Schubert.
[1:29:35] Cindy is here in person.
[1:29:37] My name is still Cindy Cromer and as you know, I don't reside in proximity to the Sugarhouse
[1:29:43] Park, but I am very familiar with it because of the Garden Center.
[1:29:49] And I have spoken to you before about the germiandering of the concept of community benefit.
[1:29:55] The community benefit proposed here is complete.
[1:30:00] Inadequate. When this concept was introduced, the word commensurate was used. It is not something
[1:30:07] I can find in the ordinance anymore. I'm not surprised that the attorneys took it out, but
[1:30:13] this is not commensurate with the benefit to the developer. I'm going to take you on
[1:30:20] a virtual tour, moving eastward from 1300 east along 2100 south. There is a great deal
[1:30:28] of open space. There are a great deal of single-family residences. There are some mixed use, no more
[1:30:35] than three stories. You can't find a four-story building until you get to the State Highway
[1:30:41] at Foothill Boulevard, and it is buried into the slope. That's the reality of what's there.
[1:30:47] It's open space and very low-intensity buildings all the way to Foothill.
[1:30:56] It's
[1:30:57] me to the core even miles away because I have property right next to an MU3. And I'm
[1:31:04] quaking that you might consider jumping from an MU3 to an MU8. And I want to also mention
[1:31:13] that I'm seeing the intensification of use next to publicly owned land in the East
[1:31:19] Downtown, in Euclid, in Ball Park, and now Sugar House, where developers are shrewdly
[1:31:25] appropriating public open space that is heavily used to protect their views and
[1:31:31] to provide dog potty areas for their tenants. Thanks. Next will be Shirley
[1:31:37] Bellowsville followed by Heidi Sugar and then Jim Jenkins. Shirley is here in
[1:31:42] person.
[1:31:48] I actually did not sign up to speak but I'm just going to state that
[1:31:52] I am very much in agreement with everything that everybody has
[1:31:56] said here. I've been a Sugarhouse resident for over 40 years, and this is not a place
[1:32:04] for this hotel, especially going from MU3 to MU8. Thank you.
[1:32:11] Is Heidi Schubert followed by Jim Jenkins and then Gary Forbush? Heidi is here in person.
[1:32:17] Hello. I'm Heidi Schubert. I'm a trustee of the Sugarhouse Community Council.
[1:32:23] Through
[1:32:24] to agree that the business district always starts at a nice high point and then we step
[1:32:31] down in zoning as we reach the outer limits. The freeway is one limit but we have smaller
[1:32:36] houses and we don't build big things next to small houses. We step down in size. And
[1:32:42] the same thing has to be true of the business district as it reaches the park. The park
[1:32:47] is our community. It is our single story. It is our zero story neighbor and we cannot
[1:32:52] build an MU-8 next to our single-story neighbor. We need to stop on the other side of the street,
[1:32:57] even in New York City and in Central Park. They stop on the other side of the street.
[1:33:01] Please give us that street and distance. Thank you.
[1:33:05] Next is Jim Jenkins, followed by Gary Forbush and then Elmira Sterling. Jim is here in person.
[1:33:13] Good evening. I'm Jim Jenkins in District 3. This council has wisely in the past required
[1:33:19] that a reason produce a public benefit.
[1:33:23] This requirement has unfortunately often been trivialized or watered down.
[1:33:29] In the case of this development,
[1:33:32] I believe the developer has offered discounted meeting rooms
[1:33:36] and retail rentals to local interests.
[1:33:40] This is a two-edged sword at best as it could draw neighborhood businesses
[1:33:43] out of their neighborhoods in search of tourist dollars.
[1:33:47] In return for this minimal benefit, we are asked to damage the public interest by the
[1:33:53] disruption of the existing development pattern, the overshadowing of the park by whatever high
[1:33:58] rise might eventually be built, by providing a private entrance to public space for luxury
[1:34:04] hotel patrons, and by requiring park users to enjoy the park under the eyes of said
[1:34:09] patrons.
[1:34:11] I respectfully ask that this Council act to enforce the requirements for a net
[1:34:15] public benefit, as well as to prevent damage to what is a unique green space that helps
[1:34:21] to find our city character by denying this request. As a former community council chair
[1:34:27] and transportation advisory board member, I am deeply concerned about the precedent this
[1:34:32] would set for other green spaces in our city. Thank you.
[1:34:38] Next is Gary Forbush, Paul Bay, Almira Spearling, and then Peter Francis. Gary is
[1:34:44] here in person.
[1:34:48] there. My name is Keri Forbush.
[1:34:50] You know, over 20 years ago, I worked with a community group
[1:34:54] with a challenged, a large McHugh's development
[1:34:57] in a 128-cook gravel pit in Sandy.
[1:35:00] We wanted it to become a regional park,
[1:35:02] and I can tell you truthfully that from my point of view,
[1:35:05] my motivation was I wanted a park in Sandy
[1:35:08] like you have in Sugarhouse.
[1:35:10] I had grandparents who lived here.
[1:35:13] I spent lots of time in Sugarhouse Park.
[1:35:15] so I really thought it was a value to have a regional park in Sandy right now
[1:35:22] we have a missing corner and sugarhouse park the lot size is 0.8 of an
[1:35:26] acre that corner could be transformed by clearing what's there planting grass and
[1:35:31] making the park feel whole a hotel here will mean more traffic more
[1:35:36] pollution and more danger for walkers joggers cyclists pets and wildlife I
[1:35:43] know how many of you have tried to cross the street on that corner, but it's very dicey.
[1:35:49] Guests and event visitors will choose free parking in the park over paid garage stalls,
[1:35:54] turning the park into an overflow parking for private business.
[1:35:58] They will also use the park road as a shortcut, changing it from a peaceful nature area
[1:36:02] into a busy street. Calling this project an activity center or a gateway is just branding.
[1:36:08] It's still a 90-foot corporate hotel looming over treasured parkland, not a beautiful humanity
[1:36:14] benefit.
[1:36:16] It will have an unparalleled view of the east of the park open space and a wasatch range
[1:36:22] because it's a park.
[1:36:24] This location is not the right one.
[1:36:26] There are other commercial sites in Sugart House that could welcome a hotel without
[1:36:31] taking away from our most important public space.
[1:36:34] developers say rejecting this hotel will leave the site empty for 16 years. That is a scare tactic.
[1:36:41] If the only projects we are returning away are those that take from our park, then we should turn them away.
[1:36:47] Instead, we should welcome a project that restores the corner in a way that is truly community-minded.
[1:36:53] Thank
[1:36:57] you.
[1:36:59] Next is.
[1:37:00] I want to take this quick moment right now just to check with all of you if we are okay
[1:37:09] powering through.
[1:37:10] There's about 20, 21 names left, about 40 minutes left on this item.
[1:37:16] If anybody needs a break, we can bathroom break worker powering through.
[1:37:21] Okay.
[1:37:21] Let's do it.
[1:37:25] Okay.
[1:37:26] Next is Elmira Spirling followed by Peter Francis and then Janice Mourney.
[1:37:30] Elmira is here in person.
[1:37:31] Hello.
[1:37:36] My name is Elmira Sperling and I respectfully oppose the proposed hotel rezoning. I understand
[1:37:41] that this is to focus on rezoning, but it goes hand in hand with the hotel. There is
[1:37:46] an objective data showing a shortage of hotel rooms in this area. To challenge the developers
[1:37:51] claim that there's a genuine gap in the hotel market in this area, Rocky Mountain Lodging
[1:37:56] reported in 2025 that hotels were merely 70% full in 2025. So it's pointing to little
[1:38:03] need for such a structure. The developer is local, and that's a significant poll.
[1:38:09] In today's market, having a local developer sometimes seen as refreshing, with everyone
[1:38:14] around the 50 states wanting a piece of Salt Lake. But just because he's local doesn't
[1:38:18] mean he has any more poll in this market in the council than the ones who have grown
[1:38:22] up right beside him. Just because he's local doesn't mean he gets a blank check
[1:38:26] for spot zoning. Just because he's local doesn't mean his development priorities
[1:38:31] align with broader neighborhood planning goals, no matter what story he sells about wanting
[1:38:36] to recreate a fond memory of staying in a sugar house hotel decades ago. When did fond
[1:38:42] warm memories include a rooftop bar?
[1:38:45] Lastly, didn't you just rezone the area to mixed use three less than a year ago in
[1:38:50] the hopes that it would limit scale and preserve neighborhood character, but now you're shooting
[1:38:54] to MU-8? The city's zoning code language for MU-3 clearly states its purpose, to
[1:39:00] provide moderately-scaled mixed-use development adjacent to low-density residential neighborhoods
[1:39:05] and encourage pedestrian-oriented uses. But now in less than a year, you're wanting to
[1:39:10] go straight to 90 feet. Your precedent seems off. Plus, this last year, you've approved
[1:39:16] many more zoning changes than declined. So can't you just give Salt Lakers a rooftop
[1:39:21] barless family park? For those reasons, I encourage you to heavily consider this
[1:39:26] rezoning request from all angles. Thank you.
[1:39:33] Next is Peter Francis followed by Janice Murray and then Yvonne Martinez. Peter's here in
[1:39:38] person.
[1:39:48] First of all, I'd like to thank the council for being here and listening to all of this.
[1:39:52] It's a long evening for you guys, so thanks for being here. I'd like to thank everybody
[1:39:55] for being here and for showing up tonight. I'm here to speak on behalf of the people
[1:40:01] that share the views of Sugarhouse Park, not just the view from inside the park of
[1:40:06] our majestic sunsets, but also our views from 13th east, looking through the park at our
[1:40:14] mountains. Those of us that frequent the intersection of 13th and 21st know the gridlock of traveling
[1:40:20] southbound on 13th in the late afternoon. The one bright spot is when you finally break
[1:40:27] through 21st south and take in your first glance of the Wasatch Mountains. It is
[1:40:33] very liberating, both taking in the view and also knowing you're finally going to get moving again.
[1:40:41] Another view we all share is from within the park. The sunset views from all over the park are spectacular.
[1:40:48] In the summer months, the sunset view most affected by the proposed zoning change would be the area near the pond.
[1:40:55] If you've ever had the pleasure of taking your children to visit the ducks and geese or just taking a walk around the pond,
[1:41:01] you know how special this place is.
[1:41:04] Now imagine our panoramic view from the pond being interrupted by the shadow of a hotel
[1:41:11] 200 yards away.
[1:41:13] In the winter months, with the sun lower in the southern sky, the shadow of the hotel
[1:41:18] moves north of 21st.
[1:41:20] Imagine a ten-story oversized sundial casting its shadow across the hundreds of homes
[1:41:27] and businesses.
[1:41:27] is. A shadow that spreads over the people that live and work here at a time of year,
[1:41:37] we are all craving light and warmth. The bottom line is we must protect our neighborhood from
[1:41:42] any further spread of the tall buildings, allowed west of 13th East. We must protect
[1:41:48] Sugar House and its namesake park. Again, thank you all for being here and going
[1:41:54] through a long meeting.
[1:41:54] Next
[1:41:58] will be Janice Murray, followed by Yvonne Martinez, and then Jane Daly.
[1:42:04] Janice is here first.
[1:42:06] Thank you.
[1:42:08] I've lived just two streets north of the park for most of my life, and I want to second
[1:42:16] and third what everyone has been saying.
[1:42:20] I ask you to reconsider approving this and it will not benefit the neighborhood, it only
[1:42:28] benefits the developers, so please leave the zoning where it is, and I thank you.
[1:42:36] Next is Yvonne Martinez, followed by Jean Daly and then Mary Maiden.
[1:42:41] Yvonne was here.
[1:42:42] Hello,
[1:42:47] my name is Yvonne Martinez, and I live maybe about 100 yards, maybe a little
[1:42:51] over from that site where this hotel is being proposed.
[1:42:56] I don't support this proposal as it stands today, neither the density of it, the height
[1:43:02] of it.
[1:43:03] I have concerns about this zoning change on two fronts.
[1:43:07] First, the MU3 zoning fits the neighborhood scale near the park.
[1:43:12] The site has real constraints, location, traffic, and most significantly land cost
[1:43:17] that will drive outcomes regardless of what that zoning says.
[1:43:20] Because at this corner, we're not dealing with a quiet neighborhood site, but it is
[1:43:27] a public park, so we have to take that into consideration.
[1:43:31] But right there is one of the busiest corridors in the city and a lease structure on that
[1:43:37] property that requires high revenue.
[1:43:40] That means whatever ends up there would probably need to be high volume, destination
[1:43:45] oriented and car dependent, unfortunately.
[1:43:47] but the economics seem to determine the outcome.
[1:43:52] And the zoning label makes that even more impactful.
[1:43:57] So the question isn't just about the zoning categories,
[1:44:00] but what about, sorry, it's about what kind of outcome
[1:44:03] the city is willing to allow and under what conditions.
[1:44:07] If additional height or intensity is being considered,
[1:44:10] I strongly encourage the council to attach conditions
[1:44:13] to the property before granting that change.
[1:44:15] conditions that might define the height and massing that respect the park and the
[1:44:22] neighborhood, avoids late night or high impact conflicts, strong pedestrian
[1:44:27] design with park-facing engagement, not just a swimming pool and a circle where
[1:44:33] people can park and check in. Without those guardrails, a rezoned grant, a
[1:44:39] rezoned grant's maximum buildout with no guarantee the finished project
[1:44:42] reflects what the communities was being shown already.
[1:44:47] Zoning sets the ceiling.
[1:44:50] And
[1:44:53] next will be Jean Daly, followed by Mary Maybin,
[1:44:57] and then Milton Baselton, Jean is here in person.
[1:45:00] Hi, my name is Jean Daly, and I'm asking that you deny this MU8 preposition. I'm speaking to the benefits provided by the commercial space for local business.
[1:45:14] The project proposes providing 25% below market rent for 3,500 square feet to divide into two spaces as well as an interest-free loan for build-out.
[1:45:26] Free space for community use without free or reserved parking.
[1:45:32] A green bike station on Sugarhouse Park property.
[1:45:36] Public use of underground parking, which will not be free or reserved.
[1:45:42] 50 proposed FTE jobs.
[1:45:46] This is misleading as most will be part-time and no benefits, which is customary in the industry.
[1:45:52] Except for the space for local businesses, none of these should be considered as meeting
[1:45:58] community benefit B. It is also a problematic prohibitive conclusion that local eateries
[1:46:07] will welcome more competition from the hotel facilities. As far as Benefit F expanding
[1:46:14] public infrastructure that expands capacity for future development, the project proposes
[1:46:22] the hotel will provide 24-hour security for Sugarhouse Park.
[1:46:28] Too bad Sugarhouse Park is not a 24-hour destination.
[1:46:32] And trying to make it one or an adjacent to the property is contrary to the use and
[1:46:38] purpose of the park.
[1:46:39] Also, it proposes the public will have use of the garage.
[1:46:46] If proposed, the cost of the garage is the future expansion of public infrastructure.
[1:46:52] It touts integrated park improvements, which are clearly not future infrastructure expansions.
[1:47:00] None of these can realistic.
[1:47:07] Next is Mary Maven followed by Milton Brousselton and then John Pearson.
[1:47:12] Mary is here in person.
[1:47:16] think it's me. I'm Mary, maybe. I don't know what I wrote.
[1:47:21] I'm terrified to be here. Actually, I've never done this.
[1:47:24] I come from the neighborhood just east of the park, but I have grown up
[1:47:27] and have lived around the park my entire life, even though I look 40 and I'm 68, 7.
[1:47:33] I've run that part, played that part, walked there all the time and it belongs to the community.
[1:47:38] Please do not, that zoning, nothing as has been stated, down zones, it just doesn't
[1:47:46] ever happen.
[1:47:47] Big buildings don't come down to little buildings.
[1:47:49] It's a precious place, a valued ball asset to all of us and I plead with you to please
[1:47:54] not.
[1:47:54] I cannot add any more or better information that has been said, but I will say I got
[1:48:00] the SOS because I didn't know about this meeting at 5 o'clock and my neighborhood of 66 people
[1:48:08] send it on our community thing, thread that said get down there, get down to the meeting.
[1:48:12] So here I am, no notes. But please do not change that zoning. It is a Pandora's box
[1:48:18] and everybody should be nervous about being upzoned if they choose to do it to our beloved
[1:48:24] That's your house park. Thank you.
[1:48:27] Next is Milton Baselton, followed by John Pearson,
[1:48:31] and then Punita Kutsuban. Milton is here in person.
[1:48:36] After hearing all this testimony from my neighbors, my friends, my fellow community council members,
[1:48:43] in the interest of time, I'm going to stand down and not offer any comment.
[1:48:53] Next will be John Pearson, followed by Punita Kutsuban, and then Andrew Katzohirakis,
[1:48:59] John is here in BIRDSafe.
[1:49:05] Thank you for hearing my comment.
[1:49:07] My name is John Pearson, and I represent BIRDSafe by Design.
[1:49:10] It's part of Great Salt Lake Audubon.
[1:49:12] Our focus is on working directly with institutions and developers
[1:49:15] to design BIRDSafe buildings from the start.
[1:49:18] We've done this locally with the Huntsman Cancer Institute's Vineyard Campus,
[1:49:22] evaluating site conditions, identifying high-risk areas,
[1:49:26] and demonstrating how strategies like solar shading,
[1:49:28] threaded glass, and BIRDSafe glass,
[1:49:30] such as OrnaWax, can be incorporated efficiently.
[1:49:32] Importantly, these measures are far more cost effective when included at the design stage.
[1:49:37] We bring best practices from across North America, including policies like New York City's local law 15,
[1:49:43] which require bird safe design and new construction, which is similar to what's being proposed here.
[1:49:47] Locally, we've partnered with Rocky Mountain Power, the City of South Jordan, the UTA, and University of Utah on plan developments.
[1:49:54] Our approach is collaborative. We work with existing frameworks like USGBC,
[1:49:58] see aligning bird safety with energy performance, shading and overall building efficiency.
[1:50:03] We focus on large buildings near critical habitats because that's where collision risk
[1:50:08] is highest. This project fits that profile. It's proximity to Sugarhouse Park and a critical
[1:50:13] water source for wildlife creates elevated risk for bird collisions. That makes early
[1:50:18] mitigation essential. For the Council, I would encourage you to consider bird safe
[1:50:23] design guidelines for new developments and specifically for this amendment or eventual
[1:50:27] ordinance, and particularly those adjacent to parks and habitat. And we're here ready
[1:50:32] to help, but with the Council and directly with the developer, to ensure this project
[1:50:37] or any future project proposals on this parcel move forward in a way that's both economically
[1:50:41] and environmentally responsible. As proposed, I'm opposed to the change, but I'm willing
[1:50:46] to work with the developer who moves forward in the Council. Thank you.
[1:50:52] And next is Punita Kutuban, followed by Andrew Katzohirokas and then Sorai Snips. Punita
[1:50:59] is here in person.
[1:51:03] Hello and thank you for the opportunity to speak. My name is
[1:51:08] Puneeta Coustobon and I'm chair of BirdSafe Utah which is a committee of Great
[1:51:12] Salt Lake Audubon. My comment is addressing the design element of this
[1:51:17] proposal which will be very dangerous to birds and should be denied. So as an
[1:51:24] organization we do three things. First we document bird collisions across
[1:51:30] Salt Lake County and contribute that data to public scientific databases.
[1:51:36] Second, we help homeowners and small businesses mitigate collisions at their properties.
[1:51:45] And third, we partner with institutions like the University of Utah Huntsman Cancer Center
[1:51:52] and other buildings on the University of Utah campus to design bird safe buildings
[1:51:58] findings from the start. So, I'm going to focus on my survey work. For years, our volunteers
[1:52:05] have conducted early morning surveys across downtown, Sugar House, and the University
[1:52:11] of Utah campus, and we collect birds killed by window strikes. These birds are then sent
[1:52:20] to Tracy Avery to identify, and then they're cataloged by the Natural History Museum
[1:52:26] of Utah. To date, we've documented thousands of bird depths. And these collusions happen
[1:52:33] because birds do not perceive glass. They just see these glass reflections and think
[1:52:39] it's more sky and more trees. And pretty much this building will reflect the park.
[1:52:48] So the key point is this. Prevention is straightforward if done during the design phase, but much
[1:52:55] more costly after construction. Retrofits cost almost twice as much.
[1:53:03] So we prioritized building.
[1:53:05] Hi. Next
[1:53:12] will be Andrew Katzohirakis followed by Soraya Snipes and then Jacob Larson. Andrew,
[1:53:18] you may now unmute.
[1:53:22] Am I hearing?
[1:53:24] Yes, we can.
[1:53:26] Perfect. Hi. My name is Andrew Katzohirakis. I think I'm going to be a bit of an anomaly
[1:53:31] here and that I think that I'm going to be the first and, man, maybe only person this entire meeting
[1:53:35] so far that is going to come out in support of this project. I want to remind my fellow
[1:53:41] neighbors and solid citizens that before this time, this spot has been a sizzler for an extremely
[1:53:48] long time, a huge waste of space, parking lot, not a community asset at all. And after the
[1:53:54] sizzler was knocked down, we were this close, this close to this spot being another gas
[1:53:59] And we averted that by the skin of our teeth, that was an economic factor that was involved there that stopped that.
[1:54:07] So we're lucky that we have the opportunity for this corner to become a community asset now.
[1:54:11] For people that talk about how it's a corner of the park that should be restored to green space,
[1:54:14] who is going to hang out right next to one of the busiest intersections in the city
[1:54:20] and have a picnic, throw a ball, play with your dogs when you're next to 1300 East 21st South?
[1:54:27] These are busy streets that is not going to be a good place for this
[1:54:31] I'm excited that this is going to be a new development that will provide community assets community spaces below market retail
[1:54:38] I'm really excited about the green bike station
[1:54:40] And I really hope that the city as the people who are in charge of green bike technically
[1:54:45] Stick to their guns and don't allow the developers to go with a crappy private bike rental service and stick with green bike for the network effects
[1:54:51] I think that if the city also commits
[1:54:55] the developers to connecting the property more efficiently to probably
[1:54:59] trail. That's going to be a pedestrian connection between this hotel and the
[1:55:03] downtown business district. You're not going to have pedestrians crossing at
[1:55:05] the lights. And for people who are concerned about parking and people using
[1:55:08] free parking in Sugarhouse Park, people who drive are by and far lazy. If
[1:55:13] they're going to the hotel to go to the restaurants or whatever, they're
[1:55:15] going to park there. They're not going to park in Sugarhouse Park and then
[1:55:18] walk uphill. I'm not concerned about this.
[1:55:20] Please approve the park and keep green bike. Thank you.
[1:55:24] Next will be Soraya Snipes, followed by Jacob Larson and then Janet Hemming, Soraya's here in person.
[1:55:32] Hello, my name is Soraya Snipes and I am the Director of Hotels and HR with Magnus Hotel Management.
[1:55:40] I do work closely with the development team and I am in support of the rezoning.
[1:55:45] Currently, just so that there's a little bit of background, Magnus Hotel Management operates art managers.
[1:55:50] as we have seven hotels and we have roughly 230 employees within the Salt Lake Valley.
[1:55:57] We don't just have employees that are here for a year and leave. We have employees that
[1:56:03] have stayed with us for six, seven, eight years. They've been promoted. This hotel
[1:56:08] will bring 50 full-time equivalent jobs and these positions, they're going to offer
[1:56:15] about $25 an hour, and these are jobs.
[1:56:23] Not only within the hotel, but the reshelf shops
[1:56:27] will also provide jobs, and I just think that we should rezone it, because it's going to
[1:56:32] bring some much needed economic growth into that area.
[1:56:38] Thanks.
[1:56:40] Next is Jacob Larson, followed by Janet Heming, and then Jackson Ferguson. Jacob
[1:56:45] Jacob is here in person.
[1:56:50] Hello.
[1:56:50] My name is Jacob Larson, as they said.
[1:56:53] I work on the development team, so joining that group who is in support of this rezone.
[1:57:02] I just want to point out, being really, really close to the developer and the owner on this,
[1:57:09] this development has been through excruciating levels of design and public consideration
[1:57:16] for exactly what should go in here and when we consider all of the options and we have
[1:57:22] considered a lot of options that could go here considering traffic, parking, security, design,
[1:57:32] integration into the park, this hotel really touches base on all of those things and we
[1:57:38] feel it really does offer a public benefit. I speak to that being a user of the park,
[1:57:43] park, my wife, my kids, living near the area for several years and frequenting this park.
[1:57:50] I want to visit this hotel. I'm a part of this development because I believe I would
[1:57:55] want to visit this hotel as a member of the community.
[1:58:03] As a developer, as an operator of this hotel, our interests in the hotel and what we operate
[1:58:09] are in line with the city and the residents. We want a safe location. We want a quiet location.
[1:58:17] We don't like traffic, and we can handle all of the parking and more in our development.
[1:58:25] These are all things we've considered when putting this together. There's no secrets here,
[1:58:30] and we've addressed these concerns in the development and project.
[1:58:35] The proposed development really does benefit the city and the community and the park. I am very
[1:58:44] passionate about that along with John Potter and the whole team. We live here and we are local and that
[1:58:51] means something that we are local and we'll be here for a long time being local.
[1:58:58] Next is Janet Heming followed by Jackson Ferguson and then Chris Eisenberg.
[1:59:05] Good evening. From a traffic standpoint, a hotel on the corner of 13th East and 2100
[1:59:12] South makes no logical sense. The traffic load is already beyond a breaking point. Let
[1:59:19] me explain. Yesterday I spent 30 minutes on the phone with the UDOT traffic engineer
[1:59:25] examining 1300 East and 2100 South at border of the hotel property. This traffic engineer
[1:59:32] confirmed what UDOT statistics showed on what is called an AADT map or annual average daily
[1:59:40] trip. The 13 east roadway from I-80 to 2100 south, which passes directly in front of
[1:59:48] the hotel property, is the most heavily traveled roadway in Salt Lake City with an average
[1:59:56] of 60,000 daily cars.
[1:59:59] At first, I thought
[2:00:00] This must be a mistake. We have so many heavily traveled streets in Salt Lake, Foothill Boulevard,
[2:00:06] 4th and 5th South, all of the east-west corridors, whether it's 9th, 13th, 17th, 21th South,
[2:00:14] or the northwest, north-south corridors like 7th East, State Street, and 3rd West.
[2:00:20] None of them, not one of them, comes even close to the traffic volume on that small strip of roadway
[2:00:28] in front of this proposed hotel, 60,000 cars a day.
[2:00:33] And remember, that's just the average,
[2:00:35] so actual car counts can be higher.
[2:00:38] Also, there's similar volumes when you add up the car counts
[2:00:42] on 21 South and north of 13th East.
[2:00:45] Why would you, as an elected city official,
[2:00:48] want to add a business operation
[2:00:50] that's going to be open 24 seven
[2:00:52] and serve as a magnet for people
[2:00:54] the Dine, Park, Shop and Stay 24-7. This will only make a bad traffic situation worse. Please
[2:01:03] vote against this hotel.
[2:01:08] Next is Jackson Ferguson followed by Chris Eisenberg and then Chris
[2:01:12] Nelson. Jackson is here in person.
[2:01:17] Greetings. My name is Jackson Ferguson. I am the architect
[2:01:20] connect on the project. I also own a business here in Salt Lake City and we are local working
[2:01:29] on the project. We're excited to be part of this and to grow Salt Lake to help Salt Lake
[2:01:34] and especially Sugarhouse. Sugarhouse is amazing. Sugarhouse Park is a gem and we really want
[2:01:39] to enhance that with what the project is doing. It's seven stories. It can't go any
[2:01:46] taller. We don't want to be any taller. But that is similar to what's across the street.
[2:01:51] And what's allowed across the street is not 90 feet, but almost 150 feet when you take
[2:01:56] the MU11 plus the extra 10% that can be added in sugarhouse. So it's much taller across
[2:02:04] the street is allowed than what's allowed here at the hotel. Also across the street,
[2:02:09] kitty corner at the CVS, it is already MU6. So it's already six stories tall allowed
[2:02:14] out there. Further up 13th East, on both sides of 13th East, MU6 is allowed. So six stories
[2:02:22] tall on both sides, east and west of 13th East, is already allowed. And so we're not
[2:02:28] looking to be different. We're looking to integrate Wood Sugar House with the business
[2:02:33] but also with the park. We're looking to be transparent on the, especially on the
[2:02:38] main floor. We're especially in the evenings as light pours out of the building. This
[2:02:42] activity inside will also be able to keep eyes on the park, to keep the eyes help with
[2:02:47] safety, help watch everyone that's in the park.
[2:02:52] There was also a quick thought on the geotech report. Geotech has been completed and no
[2:02:59] water was found until 42 feet below grade. Our lowest level is 27. As to views that
[2:03:05] could be blocked, an MU3 at 35 feet tall will block more than anything else that's
[2:03:11] already down 13th east. So as you come down 13th east, the user that already are blocked
[2:03:16] will still be blocked, whether we're 35 feet or taller.
[2:03:26] This will be Chris Eisenberg followed by Chris Nelson and then Steve Lovell. Chris Eisenberg
[2:03:32] is here on person.
[2:03:35] Hi, good evening. My name is Chris Eisenberg and my family and I live in the nearby
[2:03:40] neighborhood. I should also add that I work at the university, but I'm here tonight
[2:03:45] in my private capacity as a resident who lives in a neighborhood near the proposed project.
[2:03:50] I would like to share my support for the proposed rezone.
[2:03:54] While we know there are many important details to still work out,
[2:03:58] I think this is a project that promises to bring a number of benefits,
[2:04:02] including space for local retail and restaurants, new employment opportunities,
[2:04:07] amenities for park users like myself and my family and more.
[2:04:13] Importantly, it also offers a lodging option for guests visiting those who live in smaller
[2:04:18] historic homes nearby, and an option that is rooted and reflects our local community.
[2:04:24] I know there are a diversity of opinions on this issue, and I just want to close by saying
[2:04:30] thanks to everyone who has shared their thoughts, as well as to the staff and to all of you
[2:04:35] who work so hard to make hearings like these possible.
[2:04:37] Thank you for the care and dedication you all have for our community.
[2:04:45] Next is Chris Nelson, followed by Steve Lovel and then Soren Simonsen. Chris is here.
[2:04:52] I just want to thank the council. It was a thankless job. You're here tonight, as you said, powering through it.
[2:04:56] So thank you. Thanks for going through elections and all that. And everybody here with differing opinions.
[2:05:01] Really, out of boys, out of girls, to everybody who's here, staff. I really appreciated the report that was put out by the city.
[2:05:08] as an unbiased report. I want you to know that I read that. I read all the comments.
[2:05:12] I've gone through it. A little history. I've been around the park 60 years. I'm 60 years
[2:05:15] old today and I've lived within a couple blocks of that park and still do today. I started
[2:05:21] out playing for the Boston Red Sox just up on the east side when I was eight years
[2:05:25] old for the little league team there and then played for the Rams, the little league
[2:05:29] team down in the park. And I've had a lot of time and enjoyment. My family continues
[2:05:33] to enjoy it. I got a text on the way down here from my daughter who was at
[2:05:35] the park and I'm actually here to speak in in in behalf and and hope that you
[2:05:41] would amend the zoning to allow this because I don't see another option there
[2:05:44] I'm I'm every time I drive to my office I own a office in a company here in
[2:05:50] Salt Lake City so I'm appreciate you the city big time I've stayed right here
[2:05:55] local and I drive past this site and on my way to work and on the way back
[2:05:59] from work and it's going to be I don't enjoy what I see there now and I
[2:06:04] I don't see that it's a, I don't see us putting,
[2:06:07] see you as a city putting a hotel right next to homes.
[2:06:10] I see this as a joining across the street
[2:06:13] and taking this very odd corner
[2:06:15] that you're either gonna have to issue a bond
[2:06:17] to do open space or spend a lot of money on the east side
[2:06:21] and I'm a resident there.
[2:06:22] I wouldn't be very happy if I was on the other side.
[2:06:25] Looking at that, you're in a tough position here
[2:06:27] but we do work in Park City
[2:06:29] and they issue bonds for open space.
[2:06:30] I don't think anyone wants to do that in the case.
[2:06:32] You have a developer who's got a great for architectural firm. It's not like he's low-balling it on the architectural firm
[2:06:37] I think it'll be very compatible
[2:06:38] I look forward to looking at that when I drive to and from work rather than an empty space and a place for
[2:06:44] Shenanigans, I like the 24-hour security as well. I like that presence in the park. Thank you
[2:06:53] Is Steve Lovell followed by Soren Simonson and then Scott Evans Steve is here in first
[2:07:01] Good evening. I'd like to speak in favor of this project as member of the development team
[2:07:05] The concept or the reoccurring theme that has been shared in my note-taking the most
[2:07:13] is the traffic.
[2:07:15] 21st and 13th is just too much traffic already and it can't support any new development.
[2:07:23] I'm glad that is brought up because this is the opportunity to secure a use that's
[2:07:35] Other similar developments that are currently allowed in the current zone would be 52% more
[2:07:45] trips per day.
[2:07:46] A hotel, because of its nature, is used the way that patrons come and go.
[2:07:52] They don't use the road systems during peak hours.
[2:07:56] They come early, they come late, they avoid the high traffic hours.
[2:08:00] So this is, even if we're rezoning to a higher use, locking it in with the hotel use is about the best solution than even leaving it right now and having someone be able to come in and present an opportunity, a land use application for use that's currently approved that the council couldn't reject.
[2:08:24] As to parking, the parking is, I think there's just some lack of understanding of how hotels
[2:08:34] work and how much parking this hotel actually has.
[2:08:37] At peak full sellout times, the hotel only has to have 153 stalls.
[2:08:43] For the zoning, it only has to have 74 stalls.
[2:08:47] They're putting in 180 stalls.
[2:08:50] Someone mentioned the staff. Where are you going to put the staff?
[2:08:53] Staff don't come in the mornings or at the night.
[2:08:57] They come during the day when all the guests are gone.
[2:08:59] So there's no overlapping of stacking all these patrons, all these guests.
[2:09:06] Next
[2:09:10] is Soren Simonson followed by Scott Evans and then Susan Petiam.
[2:09:15] Soren's here in person.
[2:09:17] Good evening friends. Change can be hard.
[2:09:21] It raises fears and anxieties.
[2:09:22] Just up 2100 south, right next to where I live, the recently completed 21st and 21st
[2:09:29] redevelopment generated very similar kinds of opposition.
[2:09:34] Now that that project is completed, the concerns about traffic, shadows, views, and neighborhood
[2:09:38] impacts have not come to fruition.
[2:09:42] I see many positives to this hotel proposal.
[2:09:45] It will provide incredible views of Sugar House, our beloved park, a unique perspective
[2:09:51] perspective on the stunning Patricia Johansson artwork from above, how it was intended to
[2:09:57] be viewed, and beautiful views of the Wasatch and Ochre Mountains. Being a few stories up,
[2:10:02] we'll provide visitors and residents a great perspective on this beautiful place that we
[2:10:07] love. It will greatly improve the walkability of our community. It will provide many community
[2:10:12] amenities, including a fabulous large event space. It's a market-driven proposal based
[2:10:18] on demand for transient rooms, and will take demand off short-term rentals in our neighborhoods.
[2:10:25] This will not block views other than from a gas station and a fast food restaurant,
[2:10:30] and I hope we'll set a new precedent for a more welcoming gateway to Sugarhouse business
[2:10:35] areas and replace the current blight of this property as it is today.
[2:10:41] This doesn't meet every objective of the Sugarhouse Master Plan, but it embodies many
[2:10:45] of them.
[2:10:45] If there is one drawback to me, it's this.
[2:10:48] It would be ideal if the increased density of this property was accomplished by a tool-like
[2:10:53] transfer of development rights, which we've talked about many times,
[2:10:57] and transfer the increased density here by preserving historic resources in sensitive lands
[2:11:03] in sugar house and other areas.
[2:11:05] It would be wonderful to see this property acquired and expand the park.
[2:11:09] If that's not possible, please do the next best thing in advance
[2:11:12] as reasonable, responsible development and investment in our community. Thank you.
[2:11:19] Next is Scott Evans, followed by Susan Petherham, and then Shane Snoop. Scott is here.
[2:11:27] Hello,
[2:11:31] everyone. Thanks for listening to everybody. I appreciate it. My perspective is
[2:11:35] from a resident business owner and the food and beverage partner for this space. So what
[2:11:42] What we're hoping to do, well, first to kind of tell you who I am, I own a Pago restaurant
[2:11:46] group on Pago on 9th to 9th, think on 15th to 15th, Kassat on 15th to 15th, and then Sugar
[2:11:52] House Station right in Sugar House, the core.
[2:11:55] So what we're excited about is developers engaged, me, they wanted to find a local
[2:12:00] partner to tie in to the community and to really build a program that represents
[2:12:05] the food from our region, elevating opportunities for my team to grow in their roles and
[2:12:10] And really just elevate that entire neighborhood from what I'm seeing from owning Sugarhouse
[2:12:17] Station for the last couple years is that there is a need for more lodging, just more
[2:12:24] resources for that team.
[2:12:25] The density has been really positive for us in that core.
[2:12:28] We're actually building a little city now that I fell into that I didn't quite see
[2:12:32] us at 9th to 9th to 15th, and I think this hotel really does add a lot to it.
[2:12:37] But, and I believe that the intention behind the development to ease parking, to ease any
[2:12:45] visual issues I think it's been really well handled so far in my, I went with a lot of
[2:12:51] developers.
[2:12:51] I've been a part of a lot of projects and a lot of public hearings and I know it's
[2:12:55] really hard to go through more construction in that area and I know that it's at least
[2:13:01] no little bubble.
[2:13:01] It won't affect as many people as the last five years has for that downtown core.
[2:13:06] but we are thriving in that neighborhood and I think this is going to add one more
[2:13:09] Giant bonus to that business community down there and just draw more traffic and more resources and my family doesn't have to stay at
[2:13:16] My house next time you come visit me
[2:13:17] So thank you
[2:13:21] Next is Susan Susan Peter on followed by sheen smooth and then John Potter Susan is here in person
[2:13:30] Good evening as a planner with the locally-based design team for the pros proposed hotel
[2:13:35] I've had the opportunity to evaluate the project both objectively
[2:13:39] as a professional planner and with the perspective of a longtime resident of Sugar House. In the
[2:13:45] 20-plus years, my family has lived in Sugar House. We've seen a lot of changes and we
[2:13:49] know that more are coming. We've benefited from many of the investments in the community,
[2:13:53] including new restaurants, the S line, and the reason to redesign of 2100 South. The
[2:13:59] Sugar House Master Plan provides a framework for these changes in the ongoing evolution
[2:14:03] of the community, including the Sugar House Business District. A key vision for that
[2:14:08] business district is to keep it vibrant and a unique place that supports a diverse mix
[2:14:12] of uses and helps local businesses thrive. What's needed for success today is different
[2:14:18] than what was needed when the Sosular was built. It's different than what was needed
[2:14:23] 20 plus years ago when the master plan was written. Whether it's part of the business
[2:14:27] district or not, this rezone and general plan amendment are consistent with other
[2:14:33] decisions that have been made with the MU-6 to the north and Kitty Corner from the project,
[2:14:40] the MU-11 across the street and the MU-8 to the west of 900 east. The Sugarhouse Master
[2:14:47] Plan uses the word approximately when defining the boundaries of the business district.
[2:14:52] We feel this is a yes and, guess it's adjacent to the park, guess it's adjacent
[2:14:56] to you and part of the expanding business district.
[2:15:00] We look forward to having this be a successful part of the gateway into sugar
[2:15:06] house at this intersection and look forward to seeing how this area can change
[2:15:11] and support local businesses moving forward. My family has looks forward to
[2:15:17] continuing to to bike through Hidden Hollow under the tunnel into the park
[2:15:22] where we can see the mountain views and perhaps take advantage of the future
[2:15:26] rooftop restaurant for those views of the sunset to the west. Thank you.
[2:15:32] Next is Shane Smith, followed by John Potter. Shane is here in person.
[2:15:37] Thank you. Appreciate the opportunity to speak. Although I am part of the
[2:15:44] development team, I also had started my business 25 years ago and
[2:15:52] and office out of the Parkview Plaza. That's the blue glass building straight right there
[2:15:57] on 13th East. So I know the area very well. I know how much it has grown and how much has
[2:16:03] been added. And I just, as I've watched this over the years, I've come to ask the question,
[2:16:13] and what better use is there than a hotel for this area?
[2:16:19] A hotel is a quasi-public use.
[2:16:22] The public can come, they can stay,
[2:16:25] they can go to the restaurant, they
[2:16:27] can take advantage of the services,
[2:16:29] there's reception facilities, there are meeting spaces.
[2:16:34] If the M3 and the MU3 makes it impossible
[2:16:40] to develop a hotel there, what would end up happening
[2:16:43] is you'd end up with probably a 40-foot high building that's a residential use or an office
[2:16:51] use that does not really extend a lot of the benefits that would come with a hotel that
[2:16:58] is open and welcomes the public. There are many, many venues across the country where
[2:17:03] parks are enhanced because of really nice hospitality properties. And let me just
[2:17:11] First, with the time remaining, let me just say, on the water, the flooding, the concerns
[2:17:16] about groundwater we've consulted with Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County flood, as well
[2:17:23] as the Utah State Department of Natural Resources.
[2:17:27] Given the plans, they reviewed them and they have no concerns with the proposed development.
[2:17:37] Next will be John Potter, who is here in Bursa.
[2:17:47] Good evening, City Council and neighbors.
[2:17:49] My name is John Potter with Magnus Hotel Management.
[2:17:52] I'm a local operator and developer invested in the fabric of Salt Lake City.
[2:17:57] My goal here is to hopefully build a landmark that Sugar House neighborhood can be proud of,
[2:18:03] one that respects the history of this neighborhood while looking towards its future.
[2:18:07] We are proposing a 145-room hotel under the Hilton Tapestry family.
[2:18:11] This is not a cookie cutter chain.
[2:18:13] It is a high-design boutique experience tailored specifically for this location adjacent to Sugar House Park.
[2:18:18] park with a signature restaurant in partnership with Scott Evans who spoke earlier, this project
[2:18:24] is designed to be an amenity for the people that live here, not just those visiting.
[2:18:28] The site is special and it requires a special project.
[2:18:32] The Sugarhouse neighborhood and park area deserves a premier gateway at its entrance.
[2:18:36] Our amenities, the cafe, equipment rentals and mountain view dining are designed for
[2:18:40] those who live in and frequent the area, highlighting the unique role of this hotel,
[2:18:45] a private business that serves the public daily.
[2:18:50] Our rezone is so appropriate because it concentrates activity
[2:18:53] where it belongs near transit and public spaces
[2:18:55] without encroaching on residential quiet spaces.
[2:18:59] This rezone allows us to trade less dense zoning
[2:19:01] for an unattractive lot with a project
[2:19:05] that delivers specific community benefits
[2:19:07] including free community meeting space,
[2:19:09] public biking stations,
[2:19:10] and an estimated potential $500,000 in assistance
[2:19:13] for local retail tenants.
[2:19:16] Beyond those requirements, we're providing a number of amenities
[2:19:19] the community asked for, coffee shop, neighborhood,
[2:19:22] that can function like a neighborhood living room,
[2:19:24] rooftop bar, rooftop terrace with amazing views,
[2:19:26] and an equipment shop with great park games and other park uses.
[2:19:30] Ultimately, this project brings jobs,
[2:19:32] significant tax revenue, community benefits,
[2:19:35] and adds a sophisticated community hub to our city
[2:19:37] and near the park.
[2:19:38] It honors the park, supports local businesses,
[2:19:40] and elevates an already great sugar house neighborhood experience.
[2:19:44] We ask for your support in making this vision a reality.
[2:19:48] Thank you.
[2:19:51] That was the final registered commenter for this item.
[2:19:54] Okay.
[2:19:55] We did this.
[2:19:58] So thank you everyone for who made the comment.
[2:20:02] And I think we are ready for a motion.
[2:20:05] Can I just comment really quickly?
[2:20:09] Okay.
[2:20:09] Thank you.
[2:20:10] I appreciate it.
[2:20:10] I just want to also express my gratitude for everybody who came out tonight.
[2:20:16] It has definitely been really not enlightening, but reassuring how many people care about
[2:20:24] Sugar House Park.
[2:20:26] And for me, that is one of the most heartening things that we can see is the fact that we
[2:20:32] have so many individuals, regardless of perspective, but who care about our open lands here in
[2:20:38] Salt Lake City.
[2:20:39] And one of the things that I'm proud of this council for consistently supporting a couple of things
[2:20:46] I just want to note I'm first and foremost the council will be considering tentative action on this which is
[2:20:52] Scheduled again tentatively for Tuesday April 7th
[2:20:56] So we did hear from members of the community who were like I wasn't aware that I have this opportunity to give input
[2:21:02] Although your input tonight has been noted other individuals who weren't able to attend
[2:21:08] you still have an opportunity to reach out to council and make your comments heard.
[2:21:13] So if you have neighbors who didn't have that opportunity to be here tonight,
[2:21:17] which is a reality for many people due to other obligations,
[2:21:21] please let them know that they still have that opportunity to reach out.
[2:21:25] Second of all, I really do want to thank Judy Short, who is the land use chair for
[2:21:31] Sugarhouse Community Council. As Judy noted in her public comment,
[2:21:35] she has been hosting this conversation for almost two years.
[2:21:40] So, Judy, we so appreciate you and creating the space
[2:21:44] for folks to come and to share a diversity of opinions
[2:21:47] when it comes to our future.
[2:21:49] We're very grateful to have you,
[2:21:50] and I'm certainly grateful to have you
[2:21:52] as my expert in sugarhouse.
[2:21:55] Last but not least, although we're still going
[2:21:58] to be considering all the comments that come in,
[2:22:01] I think that the thing that is also clear to me tonight,
[2:22:03] Aside from the passion that folks have for Sugar House Park and all of our public lands is that Sugar House is the place to be
[2:22:12] So I'm just gonna end my comments with that
[2:22:14] But thank you guys so much again for being out here and for my fellow council members being willing to take the time to listen to the
[2:22:21] Community feedback about this proposal and I look forward to additional dialogue
[2:22:27] Thank you
[2:22:31] Someone make an emotion
[2:22:32] motion.
[2:22:35] Mr. Chair, I move that the council close the public hearing and defer action to
[2:22:38] a future Council meeting. Second.
[2:22:41] So I have a motion by Council Member Dugan and a second by Council Member Young. Is there
[2:22:48] any discussion? All of those in favour say aye.
[2:22:52] Aye. Any opposed? This motion carries unanimously. Is Council Member Evalupe Chavez?
[2:23:00] Yes, I'm online. Okay, thank you.
[2:23:03] Moving on to the so for this for to keep our to help us keep this meeting moving fast
[2:23:09] if you are exiting this room try to do it as fast and quietly as possible maybe a
[2:23:16] five-minute break for us so we can keep on going we have a lot of items to go
[2:23:22] through thank you
[2:31:34] There's plenty of us to start the meeting. So moving on to item number E8, this is the fiscal
[2:31:43] year 2026, 2027, funding allocations for federal housing and community development grants, and
[2:31:50] city funding or funding our future housing programs. We're going to turn the time to
[2:31:58] Alison Roland, our council policy analyst, to give us a short introduction. Alison.
[2:32:02] Thank you Mr. Chair. Each year the Council allocates millions of dollars and
[2:32:07] pass through grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
[2:32:10] Development, HUD, to organizations that serve Salt Lake City residents. These
[2:32:14] community providers, which are mostly local nonprofits, compete for HUD grants
[2:32:19] to help fund their services. Many of them support the Council's most
[2:32:23] economically vulnerable residents. Beginning this year, the City's
[2:32:27] annual Funding Our Future Housing allocations also form part of this
[2:32:31] process. Both the Resident Advisory Board of the City's Community Development and Capital
[2:32:37] Improvement Program, or CDCIP, and the Mayor, have reviewed and ranked each of the applications
[2:32:43] to assist in the Council's decisions. Over the next few weeks, the Council will review
[2:32:47] these recommendations and make the final funding decisions for HUD and funding our
[2:32:52] future allocations. The second briefing on this item, the first one was today.
[2:32:57] The second will be on April 7th, and if needed, there will be a third briefing on April 14th
[2:33:02] with council action planned for April 21st.
[2:33:06] Thank you, Alison.
[2:33:07] Now we are going to, Taylor, can you help us find our first commenter?
[2:33:13] Thank you, Mr. Chair.
[2:33:14] We have about 28 people registered to speak to this item.
[2:33:17] The first will be Anthony Paco-Burnola, followed by Sasha Harvey and then Carla
[2:33:22] Freen.
[2:33:23] Anthony, you may now unmute.
[2:33:24] Good evening, council members. My name is Anthony Paco-Bernaola, and I am the program coordinator
[2:33:32] for the Human Trafficking Support Program at the Asian Association of Utah. Thank you
[2:33:38] for the opportunity to be here, and today I am for your continued commitment to supporting
[2:33:43] our community. I'm here to speak about the Tenant-Based Assistance Project that
[2:33:48] we submitted under Funding Our Future program. This project is designed to provide
[2:33:52] direct housing assistance for survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence or living
[2:33:57] in Salt Lake City and are at risk of homelessness. Specifically, the funding will allow us to
[2:34:03] support about 35 individuals with rental assistance, security deposit utilities, and other housing
[2:34:09] related costs, alongside ongoing case management. For many of the people we serve, housing
[2:34:16] is not just about having a place to live. It's about safety. It is about having a
[2:34:21] place where they are no longer being exploited, where they can begin healing and where they
[2:34:27] can start over.
[2:34:28] Survivors often exit trafficings with little to no income, limited housing options, and
[2:34:34] significant trauma.
[2:34:35] Without immediate support, many are at risk of returning to unsafe situations or experience
[2:34:40] homelessness.
[2:34:41] This project allows us to step in that critical moment, providing financial assistance,
[2:34:48] systems, but also trauma-informed support systems and connecting survivors with essential services.
[2:34:55] I also want to share briefly that this work is personal to me as a survivor of labour
[2:35:01] trafficking myself. I understand how critical it is to have someone step up in the right
[2:35:06] moment to provide support for both practical and compassionate. That perspective gives
[2:35:13] me the work that we do every day. Thank you so much for the time and for reviewing
[2:35:17] in our proposal for the commitment of the Hasn't established in Salt Lake City. Thank you so
[2:35:24] much.
[2:35:26] Next is Sasha Harvey, followed by Karla Freen, and then Megan Fry. Sasha, you may now unmute.
[2:35:34] Good evening everybody, and thank you so much for having me. It has been such a long day,
[2:35:40] so I appreciate all the time and commitment of the council members and the staff of
[2:35:45] Salt Lake City that are supporting all these programs and initiatives in the
[2:35:49] city. I represent Salt Lake donated dental services and we are respectfully
[2:35:54] requesting $60,000 to support our outreach and provide donated and
[2:36:03] discounted dental services for the community that is experiencing
[2:36:07] homelessness. We have been around for about 36 years and have been partnering
[2:36:11] with Salt Lake City Corporation for the past 14 years and providing the crucial services to
[2:36:17] support the overall health and overall health of our most underserved community members.
[2:36:24] Our work is essential, especially at the time when the capacity of so many nonprofits that
[2:36:32] do provide or used to provide dental services is limited and so many people don't have access
[2:36:39] to dental care because they don't have insurance, they don't have transportation,
[2:36:43] they don't have interpretation services and so many other auxiliary things that
[2:36:47] play into their access to care. We're incredibly grateful for the passport and the current
[2:36:54] considerations. Thank you so much for your time.
[2:36:59] And next is Carla Freen, followed by Megan Fry
[2:37:03] and then Russell Goodman. Carla is here in person.
[2:37:10] Hello. My name is Carla Freen and I'm
[2:37:13] here representing big brothers, big sisters of Utah.
[2:37:16] On behalf of our agency, we want to thank you
[2:37:19] for the opportunity to be considered to receive funding
[2:37:23] through the Community Development Block Grant.
[2:37:25] Our mission is to support and create one-to-one mentoring
[2:37:28] relationships that ignite the potential of youth
[2:37:31] at a moment where youth need to be seen, need to be heard,
[2:37:34] and they are going through loneliness and absenteeism
[2:37:37] for school.
[2:37:38] Our programs for youth that are ages six to 18
[2:37:41] critical to creating intentional relationships for them.
[2:37:45] Today, one in three are growing without a positive figure in their lives,
[2:37:49] either because they are growing in a one-parent household,
[2:37:53] they are having incarcerated parents, or they just don't have that positive figure.
[2:37:58] Our mentoring program is focused on floor development outcomes,
[2:38:02] educational achievement, ensuring they have pathways for career development,
[2:38:06] Also, well-being, mental health, life skills, and positive choices.
[2:38:13] We know that quality mentoring relationships strengthen communities and drive economic mobility.
[2:38:20] So we want to thank you for the opportunity and for supporting and believing mentorship.
[2:38:26] Thank you.
[2:38:28] Next is Megan Fry, followed by Russell Goodman and then John Troll.
[2:38:33] Megan is here in person.
[2:38:37] Good evening.
[2:38:38] morning. My name is Megan Frye, I'm the Behavioral Health Director at 4th Street Clinic. It's
[2:38:42] way past my bedtime, so I'll be brief. I'm here to request support for our health and
[2:38:48] housing transition team, a collaboration with the Road Home and Huntsman Mental Health
[2:38:53] Institute. This program is an integrated behavioral health model embedded within permanent
[2:38:59] supportive housing at the Magnolia Apartments, bringing care directly to residents and
[2:39:04] and removing barriers to engagement.
[2:39:06] We are requesting just over $207,000 to support two full-time case managers and one behavioral
[2:39:14] health clinician.
[2:39:15] This funding will sustain services at Magnolia and allow us to expand to Palmer Court, doubling
[2:39:22] access to on-site care.
[2:39:24] We appreciate the Mayor's and Community Development and Capital Improvement Advisory
[2:39:28] Board's recommendation and ask for your support of our full request to fully implement
[2:39:33] this model at both sites. The program provides coordinated multi-disciplinary care including
[2:39:39] case management, behavioral health, peer support and psychiatric consultation within the housing
[2:39:45] community.
[2:39:47] Since launching in 2024, residents accessing behavioral health services have increased
[2:39:55] from 9 to 46, and patient encounters have grown from 186 to 573. That's just two years.
[2:40:05] We've also seen reductions in emergency service use and on-site incidents, while most residents
[2:40:10] have maintained housing stability. This tells us that on-site relationship-based care works.
[2:40:16] It leads to fewer evictions, fewer returns to homelessness, and stronger long-term outcomes.
[2:40:22] systems. This investment strengthens housing stability, reduces strain on crisis systems,
[2:40:29] and ensures our most vulnerable residents receive consistent care right where they live. Thank
[2:40:34] you for your consideration and your continued partnership.
[2:40:39] Next will be Russell Goodman followed by John Troll and then Peter Shipman. Russell is
[2:40:44] here in person.
[2:40:50] Good evening. Thank you guys so much. My name is Russell Goodman. I am with the
[2:40:53] Community Development Corporation of Utah. We are a small nonprofit located on 17 South
[2:40:59] and 50s and we provide affordable housing for low-income residents of the state.
[2:41:04] For 36 years, CDCU has partnered with Salt Lake City to help residents achieve financial
[2:41:09] security, housing stability and access to affordable homes. We do this by providing
[2:41:14] financial education and coaching, offering accessible home-related financial assistance
[2:41:18] and loan products, and developing and preserving affordable housing for both renters and
[2:41:23] and homeowners.
[2:41:24] Thanks to the city's investment and the vision
[2:41:26] behind the Thriving in Place plan,
[2:41:28] 2025 was the most impactful year
[2:41:31] in our organization's history.
[2:41:33] Together, we expanded our community navigation services
[2:41:35] through the Tenant Resource Center,
[2:41:37] strengthened our financial fitness programs,
[2:41:39] and broadened our work to include both rental
[2:41:41] and homeownership stability.
[2:41:43] The new programs before you tonight
[2:41:45] build on that momentum.
[2:41:46] With the proposed funding,
[2:41:47] we will reimagine the impact of down payment assistance
[2:41:50] through a match savings program
[2:41:51] that pairs directly with our home buyer education and financial coaching.
[2:41:56] This approach helps residents not only qualify for a home,
[2:41:59] but develop the long-term financial habits needed to sustain home ownership.
[2:42:04] This funding will also accelerate the creation of new affordable housing.
[2:42:08] These recommendations include an affordable apartment development in the North Temple Corridor,
[2:42:12] designed for families with more than half the units planned as two and three bedrooms.
[2:42:16] This funding also supports a new home ownership structure that will provide eight single-family
[2:42:22] homes as part of a community land trust, ensuring lasting affordability for future
[2:42:26] generations without the need for additional subsidy.
[2:42:30] With your support of all the projects recommended, we will be ready to begin construction and
[2:42:34] continue services for the clients that we have relationships with.
[2:42:39] Salt Lake City has been a leader in an innovative housing solutions, and with your continued
[2:42:43] investment we can ensure that people who work in the city, serve the city and raise families
[2:42:47] in the city, can also afford to live in the city. Thank you.
[2:42:52] Next will be John Troll followed by Peter Shipman and then Todd Reader. John is here
[2:42:57] in person.
[2:42:58] Hi. I'm here to request funding support for Fit to Recover. I'm a person in recovery
[2:43:04] from substance abuse who experienced homelessness for half a decade. And I believe Fit to
[2:43:11] FIT to Recover offers, it fills a gap in resources available, giving people a community for healthy
[2:43:19] outlets and accepting people to build relationships and build upon that.
[2:43:24] They're a huge part of why I'm here today, so thank you.
[2:43:32] Next will be Peter Shipman, followed by Todd Reader and then Shannon Jones, Peter's here
[2:43:36] in person.
[2:43:42] Hi, thanks for your time.
[2:43:43] My name is Peter Shipman.
[2:43:44] I'm also here requesting funding support for Fit to Recover.
[2:43:49] We're a nonprofit community center that supports primarily people in recovery from substance misuse
[2:43:54] and alcoholism, but we've since our move to the Ball Park District in 2023
[2:44:00] and our new access to new resources and facilities demand for our services has spiked,
[2:44:05] particularly among low income and unsheltered populations.
[2:44:10] And I'd like to suggest that mental health addiction and chronic homelessness cannot
[2:44:15] be addressed in silos.
[2:44:17] Obviously, housing and basic needs are the important first step.
[2:44:21] But safe community spaces are a really important essential piece of the continuum of care and
[2:44:27] services that we offer.
[2:44:29] And it seems that funding trends continue to emphasize crisis care over long-term
[2:44:34] sustainable community resources.
[2:44:39] FTR is an affordable and accessible option for many people that otherwise wouldn't be
[2:44:45] able to receive the care that they need once they receive subsidized housing.
[2:44:52] We're preventative rather than a reactive approach to the homeless problem and while
[2:44:56] we don't we don't directly provide housing or
[2:45:00] Our basic needs services to the level that shelters or subsidized housing units might offer.
[2:45:07] We do a lot of work in the shelters, both youth and adult and in the jails, to introduce individuals
[2:45:13] to our programs so that they have a bridge and a community once they transition into
[2:45:17] more stable housing. And yeah, how much time do I have?
[2:45:26] Yeah, I would just like to
[2:45:27] say, yeah, the demand for our services among the low-income populations continues to spike
[2:45:32] and our fee-for-service model supports people that already have the financial means to go
[2:45:37] to treatment, but we're kind of eating the cost in scholarships for people that don't
[2:45:41] have that access and funds from this grant would help us continue to meet that demand.
[2:45:46] Thank you.
[2:45:49] Next, we'll be Todd Reader followed by Marissa Beckstrom and then Amanda Christensen.
[2:45:55] Todd is here in person.
[2:46:07] We're not seeing him in person.
[2:46:09] Can we check to see if he's online?
[2:46:15] I'm not seeing Todd online either.
[2:46:18] Okay, I think we can go to the next thing.
[2:46:20] Next commenter.
[2:46:22] Next is Marissa Beckstrom followed by Amanda Christensen and then Katie Dwyer.
[2:46:26] Marissa is here in person.
[2:46:28] Hello, everyone.
[2:46:29] First of all, I would like to thank the council for sitting through all of these proposals
[2:46:33] and for all of the partners that have proposed great projects.
[2:46:36] We really appreciate your time and consideration with these awards.
[2:46:38] My name is Marissa. I am here on behalf of the Road Home.
[2:46:42] So the Road Home currently operates and is requesting the continuation of six federal and funding our futures programs
[2:46:48] that provide both housing and shelter interventions across multiple populations experiencing homelessness.
[2:46:54] Across all of our housing programs, which in the last year served 159 people,
[2:47:00] 94% of those households either maintained housing or exited to permanent housing directly following support.
[2:47:06] This demonstrates that when people are given targeted support, they succeed.
[2:47:10] These programs are intentionally designed to meet different needs.
[2:47:14] We provide short-term housing options,
[2:47:15] a landlord assurance program that removes barriers to accessing housing,
[2:47:19] and House 20, which combines long-term housing support
[2:47:21] with intensive case management for individuals with the highest service needs.
[2:47:25] Programs like shared housing, House 20,
[2:47:27] and landlord assurance are not redundant.
[2:47:29] They are vital.
[2:47:30] Without them, many individuals would have no viable pathway out of homelessness.
[2:47:34] We also operate the Gail Miller Resource Center, which we are requesting CDBG support for.
[2:47:40] It is a high-volume facility that serves over 1,000 individuals each year.
[2:47:44] This program is a critical bridge to offer support to get into housing, including crisis services,
[2:47:50] case management, a bed, three daily meals, showers, blankets, clothing, laundry,
[2:47:55] and much more, and most importantly, a connection to community resources to find a permanent, stable home.
[2:48:00] The need for these programs is growing as we all know. In 2025, Salt Lake County saw 8,520 individuals experiencing homelessness, 57 of which were experiencing it for the first time.
[2:48:12] With continued support of these programs, these individuals will be able to step back into our communities. Thank you so much for your consideration.
[2:48:20] Next is Amanda Christensen followed by Katie Dwyer and then Bryce Garner. Amanda's here in person.
[2:48:29] Hello. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to speak today. My name is Amanda Krushensen
[2:48:34] and I'm here with Volunteers of America Utah. We're a local non-profit that focuses on mental
[2:48:39] health, substance use, and homelessness. I'm here to request your support in the Funday
[2:48:45] Recommendation for Volunteers of America's ESG projects at both the Youth Resource Center
[2:48:49] and the Geraldine E. King, allowing us to continue to support operations at both
[2:48:54] of those sites. Additionally, I'm here to ask for your recommendation in supporting our
[2:49:01] home TBRF funds that are based out of our Youth Resource Center, helping to promote
[2:49:04] housing stability and rental supports for youth ages 18 to 24.
[2:49:12] Additionally, we appreciate
[2:49:13] the recommendation for our Funding Our Futures House 20 project and would ask for
[2:49:19] your consideration to increase this funding to fully support the Funding Our Futures
[2:49:23] project that we operate. A program that in its first year of operation has already exceeded
[2:49:28] its outcomes by serving over double the number of clients expected and housing are finding
[2:49:33] higher level of care placements for half of the 42 clients served this fiscal year so
[2:49:38] far. This project is working with individuals with very complex needs. Similar to Salt Lake
[2:49:44] CDPD's Connect project in its focus with high service utilizers. We're providing
[2:49:51] a sort of engagement efforts and interventions to work towards resolving chronic homelessness
[2:49:56] and meeting their needs.
[2:49:57] We ask that you consider fully funding this project and ensure that we can not only sustain
[2:50:02] it and stabilize the project beyond its initial year, but also grow their reach, serve more
[2:50:06] individuals and deepen its impact.
[2:50:08] Thank you.
[2:50:11] Next is Katie Dwyer, followed by Bryce Garner and then Jonathan Stores.
[2:50:16] Katie is here in person.
[2:50:21] Thank you, council, for the opportunity to speak.
[2:50:23] Let me get this little down a little bit.
[2:50:26] I'm Kitty Dwyer, I'm the Executive Director at Wasatch Community Gardens.
[2:50:30] Our non-profit serves roughly 15,000 people annually across Salt Lake County with the mission
[2:50:35] to empower people to grow and eat healthy, organic local food.
[2:50:39] We are requesting $50,000 in CDBG funding to support the Green Team Job Training Program
[2:50:44] serving women facing or experiencing homelessness.
[2:50:47] This is not just another program, it is part of the city's core food infrastructure.
[2:50:51] and it fills a critical gap in Salt Lake City's food system at a time when food prices are rising and food bank resources are strained.
[2:51:00] Roughly 12% of Salt Lake County residents are food insecure.
[2:51:04] The Green Team grows and donates over two tons or $60,000 worth of fresh organic produce each year,
[2:51:10] reaching more than 1,000 Salt Lake City residents through trusted community partners,
[2:51:13] including VOA's U3 Source Center, Neighborhood House, and The Point.
[2:51:17] In other words, every single pound of food grown at our city farm, a 1.4 acre farm situated
[2:51:23] on Salt Lake City Land is donated back into the community.
[2:51:27] The team also grows 50,000 food-growing plants that support more than 3,000 Salt Lake households
[2:51:33] through our annual spring plant sale.
[2:51:35] That's 3,000 households growing and keeping food right here in Salt Lake Valley.
[2:51:40] At the same time, our green team program provides paid on-farm job training and
[2:51:45] case management for 16 women facing homelessness each year. As they build employment skills
[2:51:51] and work toward housing stability, these women are also providing a vital service to the
[2:51:55] broader community. This program works with the city's broader social service network
[2:51:59] through partnerships with shelters and community organizations from the road home to YWCA
[2:52:04] Utah and more. We recognize that CDBG funding is highly competitive and an investment
[2:52:10] and WCG's job training program sustains a critical food source and creates a pathway
[2:52:14] to secure housing lives. I place a handout at your seats for more information and thank
[2:52:20] you so much for your time.
[2:52:24] Next is Bryce Garner followed by Jonathan Stores and then
[2:52:27] Darren Mono. Bryce is here. Good evening council members. I'm Bryce Garner with
[2:52:33] NeighborWork Salt Lake. Thank you for the opportunity to speak tonight and thank you
[2:52:39] for the hard work of the CDC IP Board and the Mayor have put into this year's funding
[2:52:44] recommendations. I'm here to express our profound gratitude for the 402,000 recommended for
[2:52:49] our CDBG request and the 183,000 recommended for our home funding. We deeply appreciate
[2:52:55] the continued trust in our organization from the city. With the CDBG funding, we will
[2:52:59] support essential home repairs for Salt Lake City households, providing them with grants
[2:53:04] grants and loans of up to $25,000. This program addresses critical issues that would otherwise
[2:53:10] be unaffordable for these families, preventing safety hazards, severe property deterioration,
[2:53:16] and even foreclosure. By stabilizing these households, you are helping us preserve affordable
[2:53:21] housing and safeguard the financial security that home ownership provides.
[2:53:26] Regarding our home funding, the funding will allow us to help low and moderate income
[2:53:30] families achieve the dream of home ownership. We do this through comprehensive pre- and
[2:53:35] post-purchase financial education paired with down payment assistance structured as five-year
[2:53:40] zero-interest forgivable loans to ensure long-term community investment.
[2:53:45] Neighborwork Salt Lake remains fiercely committed to strengthening our neighborhoods, and we
[2:53:50] couldn't do it without this partnership and funding. Thank you for your time, your
[2:53:53] service, and your continued support.
[2:53:55] Next is Jonathan Storz followed by Darren Mono and then Kristen Lindsey. Jonathan's here in person.
[2:54:04] Hello. It's nice to be here. I am the case manager at Home in Rio Grande. We have a 50-room facility on 3rd South.
[2:54:14] We specialize in providing transitional housing for two years for people who have experienced homelessness or incarceration.
[2:54:25] So our application for reentry is 75,000.
[2:54:31] This is the first time we have asked for funding.
[2:54:34] We have been doing this for the past 20 years.
[2:54:38] Right now I'm volunteering my time, I believe, with a CDBG grant.
[2:54:44] We can help more.
[2:54:46] As others have spoken, case management is badly needed.
[2:54:50] The average client is five years incarcerated or two years on the streets.
[2:54:57] They're not prepared to go find a job or get permanent housing.
[2:55:03] They need stability.
[2:55:05] And my average assessment for a biopsychosocial, which is evidence-based,
[2:55:09] takes about three hours.
[2:55:11] And then we can link them to VOA or First Step House
[2:55:16] or any of the other great city providers.
[2:55:20] I mean, there are so many wonderful ones.
[2:55:22] As I looked at the recommendations,
[2:55:24] I thought, well, which one could I pick apart and say,
[2:55:27] hey, give them less?
[2:55:28] They're all great.
[2:55:29] So I know it's hard.
[2:55:30] And 20 years ago, I sat on the CDBG board,
[2:55:33] and it was equally hard.
[2:55:36] I'm hoping that you would consider or reconsider
[2:55:39] the grant amount for us.
[2:55:42] I believe that this aligns with Salt Lake City's consolidated plan greatly.
[2:55:49] One of the classes I just started is smartphone tutorial.
[2:55:55] Again, for us, it's natural.
[2:55:57] It's normal.
[2:55:58] For someone coming out of prison 20 years, and I have three clients now, 20 years,
[2:56:03] that's an obstacle.
[2:56:05] So we reduce obstacles.
[2:56:06] We connect.
[2:56:07] I can do that as a Medicaid provider, an enrolled provider,
[2:56:11] right there at home in.
[2:56:13] Thank you.
[2:56:15] Next will be Darren Mono,
[2:56:17] followed by Kristen Lindsey,
[2:56:19] and then up here is Zeke Ibrahim.
[2:56:21] Darren's here in person.
[2:56:22] Oh, how I've missed these long nights.
[2:56:25] Good evening, council members.
[2:56:27] You knew the day would come when I'd be standing here
[2:56:29] asking you to do something, and it's today.
[2:56:32] And I'm here to speak
[2:56:33] in support of HAPWA Application Number 2
[2:56:35] for Housing Connect Us.
[2:56:37] Some of you know, I recently started
[2:56:39] as the Director of Community Outreach and Development for Housing Connect.
[2:56:43] And as the Housing Authority for the County of Salt Lake, we provide permanent and transitional
[2:56:48] housing solutions for many of our community's most vulnerable residents.
[2:56:52] The Hapua program was created in 1990 at the height of the AIDS epidemic.
[2:56:57] And while HIV is no longer the same death sentence that it was in the 90s, we still
[2:57:01] know that individuals living with HIV are far more likely to experience housing instability.
[2:57:06] We also know that stable housing leads to better health outcomes, including higher rates of treatment adherence and viral suppression.
[2:57:15] So thank you to the CDCIP board and Mayor Mendenhall's office for recommending full funding of our application.
[2:57:21] I urge you council members to support that funding.
[2:57:24] Thank you for your stewardship of these funds every year.
[2:57:27] My colleague Kristin Lindsay is here and she's far more experienced and knowledgeable about the programs and able to speak to how this is actually going to affect our residents and our neighbors here.
[2:57:38] So thank you so much for your time tonight.
[2:57:44] Kristen Lindsay followed by Abderzik Ibrahim and then Shawn MacMillan.
[2:57:48] Kristen is here in person. Good morning. Good evening. My name is Kristen and I'm
[2:57:53] here as a representative of Housing Connect and I appreciate the opportunity
[2:57:56] to express our thanks for your continued support and recommendation to fund
[2:58:01] our HAPWA program which provides tenant-based rental assistance in Salt Lake
[2:58:06] County and barrier removal. Through HAPWA Housing Connect is able to
[2:58:11] support approximately 37 households.
[2:58:15] As we know, people in this population that we serve,
[2:58:20] this assistance is often the difference between homelessness and stable housing. The impact
[2:58:25] is immediate and measurable. Stable housing helps people stay engaged in medical care
[2:58:29] and proving both individual and community health outcomes. In Salt Lake County where
[2:58:33] the majority of Utahns live with HIV and AIDS reside, this type of targeted, flexible
[2:58:39] housing is essential. We know that rising rental costs have created a burden in our
[2:58:45] community and this funding will allow us to respond to that reality while also being able
[2:58:51] to assist additional households. Housing Connect is well positioned to deliver this assistance
[2:58:56] efficiently and we already have the systems landlord relationships and infrastructure
[2:59:01] in place to put these funds to work immediately. We're committed to strong stewardship of
[2:59:06] these resources into delivering meaning from the durable impact for our neighbors.
[2:59:11] Thank you again for your support and consideration.
[2:59:17] Next is Abdu'l-Zach, Abraham, followed by Sean McMillan and then Christina Pulsifer.
[2:59:22] Abdu'l-Zach is here in person.
[2:59:24] Good evening, City Council.
[2:59:27] Thank you for your patience.
[2:59:29] It's been long.
[2:59:30] It's been a text for almost like close to like 10 o'clock.
[2:59:34] And thank you for the community.
[2:59:38] I live on the west side of Salt Lake City, the work we do on the west side which we call
[2:59:44] like survival ESL glass and then also in I do really, our organizations, they work
[2:59:51] like 24 hours, seven days a week.
[2:59:53] Even if somebody call us middle of the night, we are available.
[2:59:56] Even they do have our own cell phone number.
[3:00:00] That's the things that we do on the west side. Also, we do our organization, it does like
[3:00:06] food bank also. Last month, we did like close to like 8,000 individuals. Before that, January,
[3:00:11] we did like close to like 7,000 something. But what I came here to stand in another organization
[3:00:17] we have, you know, we just need like funding. The funding we need, without funding, we cannot
[3:00:23] even run the organization. Even our community right now, they're just using our space,
[3:00:28] at the community, our organization. So they leave like middle of the night, like 1 a.m.
[3:00:33] in the morning. Sometimes they leave like 3 in the morning, a.m. So the work I do, I
[3:00:40] love it because I really remember when I came like 1998, when I called my case worker
[3:00:44] during daytime, they don't answer the phone. They're going to answer the next day. Our
[3:00:49] organization, we don't do that. We just want to work 24 hours with our community.
[3:00:56] We just want to make sure I know they should answer our, I should answer the phone.
[3:01:01] Sometimes if I don't, if they don't see me, they're coming to my house or margalli.
[3:01:06] When I go to my house, they will say some of my comments saying that, what have you
[3:01:09] been at this time?
[3:01:10] We've been looking tracking for you, which I love it because this is how I grow, this
[3:01:15] is how they helping me, and this is how they taught me.
[3:01:18] So I always listen to the community to make sure nobody left behind.
[3:01:21] Thank you.
[3:01:24] Next is Shawn McMillan followed by Christina Pulsifer and then Vicki Shaw.
[3:01:30] Shawn is here in person.
[3:01:32] Good evening, council members.
[3:01:34] Thank you, chair, for giving us all time to say a few words.
[3:01:40] My name is Shawn McMillan. I'm the executive director of First Up House.
[3:01:43] Thank you for the time and care you put into this year's funding recommendations.
[3:01:47] We're sincerely grateful for the city's continued partnership,
[3:01:50] partnership, including recommending support for building improvements for several of our
[3:01:54] facilities, home TBRA, and the Resource Center program. I'm here tonight to speak specifically
[3:02:01] about funding our futures and why it's been so important, so critical to our ability to
[3:02:07] meet the needs of the citizens of Salt Lake City. Since funding our futures was established,
[3:02:12] it has been the backbone of our case management program, allowing us to hire and retain
[3:02:16] case managers who help people move from treatment into recovery housing and ultimately into
[3:02:22] stable housing in the community. Since 2020, more than 1,000 Salt Lake City residents have
[3:02:28] been served by funding our future case managers, supported case managers, nearly all entered
[3:02:35] extremely low income, most entered literally homeless, and because of this work, the
[3:02:40] vast majority increased their incomes and avoided a return to homelessness. The stable
[3:02:46] No base of case management funding also allows us to braid and operate other housing and
[3:02:51] rental assistance program grants that don't fund staff.
[3:02:55] Without case managers, those resources simply can't be used effectively.
[3:03:01] That's why we were dismayed to learn that this year's recommendations included no funding
[3:03:06] or futures support for First Step House.
[3:03:09] If the funding proceeds is currently recommended, we will be forced to lay off at least
[3:03:13] five case managers.
[3:03:14] The loss would slow exits from treatment, reduce access to housing, and leave more people homeless or sitting in jail because there's no place to go.
[3:03:24] Our request is straightforward. For FY2027, we're seeking to retain five case managers.
[3:03:29] We're flexible in structure, whether through funding our futures or a combination with CDBG or adjustments.
[3:03:41] Next will be Christina Pulsifer, followed by Vicky Shaw, and then Larissa Trout. Christina is here in person.
[3:03:46] Hi, council members. Thank you for allowing me to speak today. My name is Christina Pulsifer.
[3:03:52] I'm one of the co-executive directors of Ruff Haven Crisis Shelterine. I want to start
[3:03:57] by acknowledging what we know that this is an extremely competitive funding year and
[3:04:01] there's very limited ESG funding resources. I'm here to ask you to take a second look
[3:04:07] at our request because of the very specific gap our program fills and the impact we've
[3:04:12] already demonstrated. Last year, ASG funding allowed us to become an HMIS provider. That
[3:04:18] changed everything for us. For the first time, we were able to collect accurate coordinated
[3:04:23] data on pet ownership within the homeless response system. Because of that access, we
[3:04:28] successfully worked to add a pet ownership question into HMIS, making Utah one of only
[3:04:34] two states in the country tracking this barrier in a meaningful way. We were able to accomplish
[3:04:39] this work without yet receiving the funding from HUD by relying on volunteers and reallocating
[3:04:44] current staff responsibilities. With actual funding in place, we can significantly expand
[3:04:50] that impact and ensure this work is consistent and sustainable as a scrappy nonprofit. Over
[3:04:56] the past years, we've also seen a significant increase in demand for our services. Pet ownership
[3:05:00] is not a small issue. Between 10 to 15 percent of people experiencing homelessness have
[3:05:05] have an animal, and the majority will not access shelter if it means losing them.
[3:05:10] We see this play out every day. Recently we worked with a young adult experiencing homelessness
[3:05:15] for the first time. He had a dog nowhere to go. Within two hours we vaccinated his
[3:05:20] dog so he could meet shelter requirements and access the VOA Youth Center that same
[3:05:24] day instead of staying on the street. Our program directly supports the priorities
[3:05:28] outlined in the 2006 to 2027 annual action plan. We expand mobile outreach to unsheltered
[3:05:36] individuals. We provide wraparound services that connect people to medical care, housing
[3:05:41] resources, and case management. We are often the first point of entry and 78% of clients
[3:05:46] who come to us are not working with another service.
[3:05:52] Next is Vicki Shaw followed by Larissa Trout and then Andy Torgensen. Vicki is here
[3:05:59] in person.
[3:05:59] Thank you. I'm the executive director with Fit to Recover and I have to say I'm really
[3:06:04] surprised I'm alert at this time. So thank you for your time. But FTR, Fit to Recover
[3:06:09] moved into the ballpark area about three years ago and we did that on purpose. We saw
[3:06:14] an opportunity to bring hope and healing and community to this area. And also it put
[3:06:21] us in a central location that we could really partner with so many amazing programs like
[3:06:25] the Gail Miller Resource Center at the youth VOA and the rescue mission where we've been
[3:06:30] able to offer really a lot of free services and food and clothing and hygiene, but more
[3:06:35] importantly a place for them to come in and build community and normalcy even if it's
[3:06:40] an hour at a time.
[3:06:41] What Fit to Recovery does really well is we help people heal long term.
[3:06:46] Without recovery community centers and programs like Fit to Recovery and Healing
[3:06:50] is very difficult.
[3:06:52] And we help people recover long-term and we do it well.
[3:06:57] We help people close that revolving door out of treatment and out of incarceration and out of homelessness because we help them build community.
[3:07:05] Community is key.
[3:07:07] Of our members that have been with us for five years or longer, 63% of them are still sober and healthy today,
[3:07:13] which in comparison to treatment alone, that's 13% stay sober and healthy.
[3:07:18] So, when people heal long-term, it heals not only individuals, families, and communities.
[3:07:23] So this funding is really imperative for us to continue to serve so many people.
[3:07:28] We see about 1,500 people in our doors a week, and several of those are on full scholarship.
[3:07:33] So consideration would be very much appreciated.
[3:07:36] Thank you.
[3:07:40] Next will be Larissa Trout, followed by Andy Torgensen, and then Lauren Crow.
[3:07:46] Larissa's here in person.
[3:07:48] Hello.
[3:07:48] Hello, I'm Larissa Trout and I'm the Executive Director of SpyHOP.
[3:07:53] I am here to request funding for our Phase II Productions Advanced Apprenticeship Program.
[3:07:58] SpyHOP is a non-profit here in Salt Lake City and we mentor young people ages 8 to 25 bringing
[3:08:06] together arts education, workforce development and positive youth development.
[3:08:10] Phase II Productions, our Advanced Apprenticeship, takes SpyHOP's mission directly into the
[3:08:16] workforce by providing a film and media production career on ramp, where alumni and emerging
[3:08:22] creatives who are 19 to 25 work on real client projects in paid positions. Participants receive
[3:08:30] 60 to 80 hours of hands-on training in industry production standards, building hands or
[3:08:36] heart skills and camera, lighting and sound, along with mentorship in soft skills and
[3:08:41] career readiness so they are prepared to contribute meaningfully to their communities.
[3:08:45] They earn income that supports their path towards self-sufficiency and complete the program with a certification endorsed by the Utah Film Commission.
[3:08:54] In just two years, we have trained and certified 18 young media professionals.
[3:08:59] In this coming year, we are prepared to scale to 30.
[3:09:02] Our recent alumni study shows how powerful this pathway is.
[3:09:06] alumni consistently describe spy hop as the first place they've experienced
[3:09:11] themselves incapable as capable contributors and professionals 80
[3:09:16] percent of our alumni respondents are currently employed and 15 percent of
[3:09:20] those are in creative professions with the complex challenges facing our youth
[3:09:25] it is important to note that nearly half of our alumni reported mental
[3:09:35] health challenges during adolescence and those patterns that mirror national trends
[3:09:39] and underscores BiHOP's role in nurturing protective factors that help young people
[3:09:44] successfully transition into adulthood and careers. I'll stop there. Thank you for consideration.
[3:09:52] Next is Andy Torgerson followed by Corinne Crowe and then Melanie Farr. Andy is here in person.
[3:10:01] Hello, I'm Andy and I'm just extremely grateful to be here and speak on
[3:10:05] behalf of Fit to Recover. I'm a longtime member. I've been going there for five and a half years
[3:10:11] and I am in recovery and sober for the last five and a half years and a big contribution
[3:10:18] to that is Fit to Recover. I first went there in 2020 shortly out of rehab. I had a really
[3:10:25] unsteady housing situation. I had a really unsteady life.
[3:10:31] I was able to come as I was
[3:10:33] as I just left there now. As you can see, I'm underdressed. But I
[3:10:40] left that hour with
[3:10:43] connection, with love, but most importantly with hope and with a why. You can bear almost
[3:10:50] anyhow if you have a strong enough why. And just in that hour, and what I've built at
[3:10:55] FTR is just furthering that why. And I wanted to make improvements on my life because
[3:11:01] is what I was feeling there at FTR.
[3:11:03] It wasn't just about that hour class.
[3:11:06] It wasn't just about the hour class the next day.
[3:11:08] It was what I was filled with during those times,
[3:11:12] that connection I was filled with,
[3:11:13] the love I was filled with,
[3:11:15] the hope that I was filled with,
[3:11:16] that I left wanting to be a better human
[3:11:19] and wanting to live the best life I could.
[3:11:22] I work in recovery now.
[3:11:25] And every day I meet people and yes,
[3:11:27] they need the physical external things they do.
[3:11:30] But they're also looking for that why, they're looking for that connection, they're looking
[3:11:35] for that love, they're looking for those relationships.
[3:11:39] And FTR can give that to people every single day and every moment.
[3:11:44] You will feel it when you are in there and you will want to be a better human.
[3:11:50] The money that FTR can have, it will help so much more to be better humans and be
[3:11:57] in recovery.
[3:11:58] Thank you so much.
[3:12:01] Next is Corinne Crowe, followed by Melanie Farr and then Brian Diggs.
[3:12:07] Corinne is here in person.
[3:12:10] Good evening, Council Members.
[3:12:12] My name is Corinne Crowe and I'm the CEO of Habitat for Humanity Greater Salt Lake Area.
[3:12:18] And I just want to start with a sincere thank you, first of all, that you are still here, just like the rest of us.
[3:12:26] But beyond that, your recommendation to support Habitat for Humanity's critical home repair
[3:12:31] program through the CDBG funding truly means so much to us and even more importantly to
[3:12:38] the families that we serve.
[3:12:40] Your commitment to keep people safely housed in Salt Lake City is real and we're incredibly
[3:12:45] grateful to be in this work with you.
[3:12:49] Because of this possible funding, we're able to step in when homeowners are facing issues
[3:12:55] they simply can't afford to fix on their own.
[3:12:59] Things like failing roofs, unsafe electrical, or accessibility challenges.
[3:13:05] These aren't cosmetic repairs.
[3:13:07] They're the difference between staying in a home or losing it.
[3:13:12] In the last year and a half, we served over 450 individuals across the valley and almost
[3:13:20] 1,300 people since the program began.
[3:13:24] That includes seniors who can now safely age in place, families who no longer have to
[3:13:30] worry about hazardous living conditions, and individuals with disabilities who can
[3:13:35] move freely and independently in their homes.
[3:13:37] We have invested $6.5 million over the course of this program.
[3:13:46] That's what this work does.
[3:13:49] Carlos is one of the veterans who's living on a fixed income,
[3:13:53] and he's trying to support a multi-generational family of nine under one roof.
[3:14:00] This is one of the families that we assisted.
[3:14:02] Carlos and his family would have lost their home,
[3:14:05] but because of this program, they didn't.
[3:14:07] They're still there today, and they are safe in a stable home.
[3:14:11] So truly, thank you.
[3:14:13] Next
[3:14:20] will be Melanie Farve, followed by Brian Diggs, and then Vance Woodward.
[3:14:24] Melanie, you may now unmute.
[3:14:27] Thank you.
[3:14:28] Good evening.
[3:14:28] I'm Melanie Farve from Upwards.
[3:14:30] Thank you for the opportunity to share how our Boost program can support Salt Lake
[3:14:34] City's childcare providers and working families.
[3:14:37] Boost is a year-long one-on-one mentorship program, empowering little moderate-income
[3:14:41] family child care providers with personalized coaching, business training, and digital tools.
[3:14:47] How it works is each provider partners with a care specialist, so they're essentially a
[3:14:50] dedicated businessman for with 15 years experience in early childhood education,
[3:14:55] including with the experience of running their own daycare, and they work with the providers to
[3:14:59] build a customer service.
[3:15:00] Spice business action plan that covers enrollment, finances, staffing and more.
[3:15:05] The providers also receive free access to our proprietary child care management system, which
[3:15:09] streamlines all the administrative side of running an in-home daycare, including again,
[3:15:14] helping with enrollment, automatic payments, attendance and curriculum planning. It's important
[3:15:19] to note that the boost graduates retain free access beyond the program year, ensuring long-term
[3:15:24] stability.
[3:15:26] The support is critical. Home-based providers in Salt Lake City are in less than $14 an
[3:15:31] hour, while nearly 70 percent of children under 6 lack access to licensed care, which
[3:15:36] leaves thousands of families struggling to find care and participate fully in the workforce.
[3:15:40] With Boost, every Salt Lake City family also gets dedicated specialists to help locate
[3:15:44] care, including emergency backup care. While we haven't launched in Salt Lake City,
[3:15:48] we have launched in 30 cities and counties nationwide, including West Jordan, where
[3:15:52] where we're supporting seven providers.
[3:15:54] We've already created three new teaching assistant jobs
[3:15:56] and expanded access to care for over 100 families,
[3:15:59] exceeding all projected outcomes,
[3:16:01] which led to boosting renew to second year.
[3:16:04] So I'll close with one Westwarden providers testimonial.
[3:16:07] Jessica Sheffield of Bright Start Preschool
[3:16:09] says, as a busy mom and childcare business owner,
[3:16:12] having upwards has made a huge impact on my life.
[3:16:15] Upwards has saved me time so I can focus more
[3:16:17] on what I love but still make it possible
[3:16:19] to provide that service to families.
[3:16:21] But by investing in boosts, you ensure small businesses thrive, parents can work, and children
[3:16:25] can access quality care.
[3:16:27] Thank you so much again for the opportunity.
[3:16:33] Next will be Brian Diggs, followed by Vance Woodward, and then Jason Wheeler.
[3:16:38] Brian is here in person.
[3:16:40] Thank you so much, counsel, for having us here.
[3:16:42] And, Alihandro, I don't know if you remember we had coffee a few years ago, but I'm
[3:16:47] here on behalf of Family Promise Salt Lake.
[3:16:49] I'm the executive director, actually it's my second stint, and Family Promise has been
[3:16:54] in the valley here now for 30 years.
[3:16:56] One of the things that we say at Family Promise is that we are a program that offers shelter
[3:17:00] to families experiencing homelessness.
[3:17:03] Why do I say that?
[3:17:04] It's because we really require our families to follow our program.
[3:17:08] We have three distinct programs that work together.
[3:17:10] The first one is our emergency shelter program.
[3:17:13] We've secured churches of volunteer space to house our families, and then other
[3:17:18] Other members of other churches around the Valley bring in food.
[3:17:21] We're a non-proslutizing organization.
[3:17:23] We call them community volunteers.
[3:17:25] While they're in that emergency shelter, they are required to come and to experience our
[3:17:31] case management program.
[3:17:32] They have weekly meetings with touch points during the week.
[3:17:34] They're required to save 75% of their income.
[3:17:38] We offer parenting classes, education, childcare, or at least resources for childcare.
[3:17:44] All of these things, though, are aimed at sustainable housing for our families.
[3:17:47] That program is three months long.
[3:17:49] Once they graduate from that program,
[3:17:51] but they're not quite ready to move into their own place,
[3:17:53] we have five transitional housing units
[3:17:55] that we can move these families in,
[3:17:57] and that allows them to have even more time
[3:17:59] to save more money.
[3:18:00] And they continue to reunite with our case management,
[3:18:04] again, setting these short and long-term goals,
[3:18:06] all aimed at finding housing.
[3:18:09] So case management is key to those two programs,
[3:18:11] and in fact, it's key to our last program,
[3:18:13] which is called Graduate Services.
[3:18:14] Once our families find sustainable and affordable housing, we continue to reach out to them
[3:18:19] for two years via email making sure that they remain housed offering them additional resources.
[3:18:26] So here at Family Promise we're thankful that you guys have suggested this money for us.
[3:18:30] We hope we get it and we believe that case management is really key to what we do.
[3:18:34] Thank you so much.
[3:18:37] Next will be Vance Woodward followed by Jason Wheeler and then Ahmed Ashmo.
[3:18:43] Vance is here in person.
[3:18:45] Thanks everyone. My name is Vance Woodward. Thanks for the opportunity to speak briefly
[3:18:49] about the important work that Utah Community Action is doing in hopes to continue with
[3:18:54] the support of the funding that we've applied for. Utah Community Action has submitted applications
[3:18:58] for homelessness prevention, funding through Salt Lake City Home TBRA, ESG, HOPWA, and
[3:19:04] the Children's Services CDBG grants. Through our Head Start program, we serve more than
[3:19:09] 2,500 children every year. Head Start is a federal initiative that promotes school
[3:19:13] readiness for low-income children from birth to age five by providing comprehensive early
[3:19:19] education, health, and family support services.
[3:19:22] With the proposed Early Childhood Services Funding, UCA plans to pilot a new program
[3:19:27] expanding access to childcare for children ages zero to three.
[3:19:32] This pilot will support working families who are struggling to secure affordable childcare
[3:19:36] by offering a sliding scale fee model, ensuring that cost is never a barrier to early
[3:19:42] learning and healthy development. For our homelessness prevention programs last year
[3:19:47] through our case management programs, WESIS is more than 7,600 individuals in over 2,600
[3:19:53] households. Our case managers work closely with families to build individualized case
[3:19:58] management plans that focus on strengths, stability, and employment. These plans help
[3:20:03] families navigate moments of their crisis, remain housed, and increase their earning
[3:20:07] potential so that they can avoid future instability.
[3:20:11] Utah Community Action is committed to strengthening families, stabilizing housing, and expanding
[3:20:17] opportunities.
[3:20:19] We are grateful for the ongoing collaboration with Salt Lake City and deeply appreciate your
[3:20:24] consideration for all funding requests to allow us to can do with the work that we
[3:20:28] do with our clients.
[3:20:32] Next is Jason Wheeler, followed by Ahmed Ashvendoshu.
[3:20:37] Jason is here in person.
[3:20:41] Dear Council Members, thank you for your
[3:20:43] dedicated service to members of our community. I'm Jason Wheeler, Director of
[3:20:47] Assist Community Design Center and I'm a resident of Salt Lake. I live in a home
[3:20:52] that's built in 1929 and in the last five months I have had the joy of
[3:20:56] dealing with a flooded basement, failing roof soffits, peeling paint, and a
[3:21:01] broken fence thanks to my dumb and overly loyal dog. And when I get
[3:21:06] those phone calls from opportunistic investors looking for me to sell my house. I'm pretty
[3:21:12] tempted by the offer until I realize that I would have nowhere to go, which reminds
[3:21:16] me of the lack of affordable housing in our city. Since 1970, our organization has been
[3:21:22] helping preserve naturally occurring affordable housing throughout Salt Lake County. We achieve
[3:21:27] this as we help low-income individuals and families stay in their neighborhoods by
[3:21:31] repairing the most critical components of their homes. Additionally, we leverage
[3:21:35] our experience in architecture and design to implement accessibility modifications to
[3:21:41] help those that are aging or with disabilities to continue to stay in their neighborhoods
[3:21:45] with independence and with dignity. These strategic interventions are performed free
[3:21:50] of charge for income qualifying households thanks to the generous financial support
[3:21:55] of Salt Lake City. We also leveraged these funds to provide full architectural services
[3:21:59] for other nonprofit agencies serving Salt Lake residents like the Utah AIDS Foundation,
[3:22:03] Salt Lake Acting Company and Switchpoint Community Resource Center.
[3:22:07] Over the last 27 years, our organization has helped over 5,000 unique households
[3:22:12] throughout our community performing an average of 350 home repairs per year.
[3:22:18] Most of the people that we serve are averaging about 30% of the area median income
[3:22:22] and are average age of 62.
[3:22:24] We're grateful for the recommendation for funding from Salt Lake City.
[3:22:30] And next is Ahmed Osmondoshu, who is here in person.
[3:22:34] Are
[3:22:46] you here?
[3:22:50] Oh, okay.
[3:22:52] So that concludes this portion of the agenda.
[3:22:59] Sure.
[3:23:02] Would you state your name for the record?
[3:23:04] Yes.
[3:23:05] Sorry.
[3:23:06] My name is Peter Frost.
[3:23:07] I'm with Asian Association of Utah.
[3:23:09] I thought I had signed up digitally online.
[3:23:12] I apologize, especially at the end of a long council meeting.
[3:23:14] I appreciate your time.
[3:23:16] My colleague Anthony spoke to the unique needs of the human trafficking support team
[3:23:21] Asian Association for Housing. I want to speak to the needs for general housing
[3:23:27] support of services. We have applied for some funding through CDBG, ESG, and Funding Our
[3:23:33] Future to provide a direct tenant-based rental assistance. The vast majority of our application
[3:23:39] is going straight towards the tenant themselves and supporting them staying in their housing,
[3:23:46] so preventing homelessness. The real focus for us is that prevention of homelessness and
[3:23:51] then building with the client and journeying with them to help them move forward to a place
[3:23:56] of self-sufficiency and being able to make sure that they have the tools and know how
[3:24:03] to navigate systems. We, as Asian Association, we have a long track record here in Salt
[3:24:10] Lake City from 1977 being able to serve community members in unique situations from unique backgrounds
[3:24:17] with unique needs.
[3:24:19] And we want to just let the council know and the community know that we are dedicated
[3:24:24] to these clients and providing them good services and again with the vast majority
[3:24:31] of that funding going directly to support the clients and then a little bit of funding
[3:24:36] there to support case managers in the follow-up of these clients during the service time and
[3:24:42] then six months and 12 months after that. We appreciate the support of the council and
[3:24:49] the city and all the work that we do. Thank you.
[3:24:52] Thank you everyone to share their comment today.
[3:24:57] It's always incredible to hear the
[3:25:00] the work that all of these organizations do. As we all know, it's a very competitive funding.
[3:25:07] We wish we could really truly fund all of the worthy efforts out there. You know, you really
[3:25:14] keep our communities together. Unfortunately, we don't have all the resources and we are
[3:25:20] put in a very tough situation where we have to pick some of these between some programs.
[3:25:26] And I, unless anybody has any other discussion, we'll look for a motion.
[3:25:34] Can I move that we close the public hearing and defer action to a future council meeting?
[3:25:39] Second.
[3:25:41] I have a motion by Council Member Wharton and a second by Council Member Carlston.
[3:25:47] Any, all of those in favor say aye.
[3:25:49] Aye.
[3:25:49] Aye.
[3:25:51] Any opposed?
[3:25:53] That carries unanimously.
[3:25:55] Thank you, all of you.
[3:25:56] We're going to continue with the agenda, so please exit the room as silent as possible
[3:26:02] to make us keep efficient.
[3:26:04] We have a long agenda item still ahead.
[3:26:10] The comments section, this is the J1, questions to the Mayor from the City Council.
[3:26:16] Council members, thank you, Mayor Representative, for being here.
[3:26:21] Any questions to the Mayor or Mayor?
[3:26:25] No, no, no, no, no, no, this meeting.
[3:26:28] No, no, you know.
[3:26:31] And moving on, J2 comments to the city, the city council.
[3:26:36] This is a one-hour time slot for the public to comment on city business,
[3:26:42] not scheduled for public hearing.
[3:26:44] Each person will have two minutes to talk.
[3:26:46] General comment registration closed at 7.30 p.m. earlier today.
[3:26:50] Okay. The rules of engagement are as they bend all along. Be respectful and keep this space
[3:26:59] safe for everyone. Taylor, can you begin with our first general comment, please?
[3:27:05] Thank you, Mr. Chair. We have about 17 people registered to speak. The first will be Luz
[3:27:10] Escamilla, followed by Eileen Ramos and then Andy Wing. Luz, you may now unmute.
[3:27:16] Thank you very much, council members. It's always a pleasure to come back and visit all
[3:27:21] of you. And thank you for the opportunity. I know there's been so many topics that you've
[3:27:26] been discussing this evening, and you're so thorough to listen to everyone. I appreciate
[3:27:32] this opportunity. As you know, you know, there's been a lot of information coming forward
[3:27:38] that are very serious with the rest of the matter of a individual that we have
[3:27:44] a street name after taking that into account and making, obviously, difficult decisions.
[3:27:51] And I know all of you guys stand in making sure that as we all agree there's no excuse
[3:27:57] for abuse that I also think is important that we are very thoughtful about what we do next.
[3:28:03] This space was never just about one person. It was meant to honor a movement, a history
[3:28:08] in a community that is currently under attack, we're living in a moment where the immigrant
[3:28:14] communities, ethnic minority communities specifically the Hispanic Latino community are feeling their
[3:28:22] contributions question in this country and completely and feeling sometimes being erased.
[3:28:28] There's a very clear path forward I think in this situation and looking forward to
[3:28:33] working with you as our city leaders and moving forward in the next steps, which hopefully
[3:28:39] will be to honor Dolores Huerta, which also was a co-founder of the movement and spent
[3:28:44] her entire life, has spent her entire life fighting for workers, families, and immigrants
[3:28:49] with dignity. She represents the many values that this space was meant to reflect, naming
[3:28:54] this space after her, I think will allow us to do both things at once, take accountability
[3:28:59] for harm and continue to uplift the history and contributions of a movement and the Hispanic community.
[3:29:05] With that, I want to thank you for your time and looking forward to continue working with all of you.
[3:29:09] Thank you.
[3:29:11] Next will be Aileen Robles followed by Andy Wing and then Annalise Allen.
[3:29:17] Aileen you may now unmute.
[3:29:21] Good evening or should I say good night council.
[3:29:24] My name is Aileen Robles and I'm a resident of Rose Park.
[3:29:27] I'm speaking here today because I strongly believe that the current Cesar Chavez Boulevard,
[3:29:32] aka 500 South, should be renamed after one of the most influential labor activists in
[3:29:38] U.S. history, Dolores Huerta.
[3:29:40] Following the disgrace of Cesar Chavez, it is pertinent that the hard work of Dolores
[3:29:44] Huerta is not forgotten or erased.
[3:29:47] Salt Lake City must continue to make an effort to pay homage to the many strong activists
[3:29:52] which fought for Americans to exercise their liberties.
[3:29:56] Werta and the other men, women and children who fought for labor.
[3:30:00] Right, should not be erased because of the abuses committed by Cesar Chavez, whose coalition
[3:30:04] was far larger than just him.
[3:30:06] Huerta fought so hard for working Americans in Utahns, and her legacy should be remembered
[3:30:11] on the street in Salt Lake City. Thank you.
[3:30:17] And next will be Andy Wing, followed by Annalise Allen and then Tina Shea. Andy is here in
[3:30:24] person.
[3:30:28] District 3. And I'm here concerning the detention center that is proposed to be
[3:30:35] built or converted here in Salt Lake.
[3:30:41] We went to them. Utahns went to Polynesia,
[3:30:45] Latin America, South America. We promised that we were building Zion. We called them
[3:30:52] brother and sister. They fed us papuces and tamales. We fed them casserole and
[3:30:59] jello. And now there's a warehouse where we're going to lock them up. The
[3:31:05] The fact that we're even discussing this is a mark on our city, on our state, on our
[3:31:09] nation, and I would discourage any participation with ICE.
[3:31:13] Thank you.
[3:31:19] Next will be Annalise Allen, followed by Tina Shea, and then Stephen Otterstrom.
[3:31:24] Annalise, you may now unmute.
[3:31:29] I'm also here to speak against the ICE detention facility that's just been purchased.
[3:31:38] I remember seeing the mayors, I'm all out of words and I haven't even been doing all the work you guys have been sitting, being there, making a statement on zoning and things related to the facility.
[3:32:01] I just want to, from meetings I've been to before, I feel you guys are on our side, on
[3:32:08] the side.
[3:32:10] I'm on against expansion of ICE, against immigrants being mistreated and taken out of the tree.
[3:32:24] I guess I just want to encourage and plead with you guys to do everything you called me
[3:32:35] in Salt Lake City.
[3:32:40] And from the standards,
[3:32:44] I think that we really believe in a lot of liberal standards have
[3:32:53] kind of move to the bar as as extreme things
[3:33:01] have been happening we've been
[3:33:02] asking less and less just want to encourage you to please not do that like
[3:33:07] stick with none of the this is
[3:33:17] we can't trust any room to have
[3:33:29] any technical
[3:33:31] connection with the last portion of that comment.
[3:33:38] Are you still there?
[3:33:41] I am. Sometimes my internet's bad. I was just asking as much as we can, sticking, I think
[3:33:49] you guys are on our side, but sticking to not making supposedly nice in every way, not
[3:33:58] Thank you.
[3:34:02] Thank you.
[3:34:04] Next will be Tina Shea followed by Steven Otterstrom and then John Stromquist.
[3:34:10] Tina is here in person.
[3:34:16] Tina, are you here?
[3:34:19] Okay.
[3:34:19] Next comment.
[3:34:21] Steven.
[3:34:23] Yes.
[3:34:25] I like several.
[3:34:27] I'm here to speak in regard to the proposed ICE detention facility,
[3:34:33] which I believe nobody in this room is for, and I do appreciate the actions that were taken
[3:34:38] just this evening that should act as a little bit of a speed bump in what the federal government
[3:34:49] seems set on doing.
[3:34:51] I understand this detention facility was not the fault of anybody in here in this
[3:34:57] room nor does anybody in this room support this, but I want us to remember that Trump
[3:35:03] does not work on the same set of rules that the rest of us do.
[3:35:09] And I want us to remember that this is no longer a hypothetical situation, that we
[3:35:14] are now in the situation where ICE is at the doorstep, where they are bringing a detention
[3:35:21] facility here.
[3:35:23] And while I appreciate what was done tonight, that can't be the only block that we put up.
[3:35:30] That can't be the only thing that we do.
[3:35:33] And so it's, again, like so many others, just pleading with you to continue to fight with these.
[3:35:39] In Kansas, they were able to shut off the water.
[3:35:45] There have been those.
[3:35:46] Actually, I think it was Kansas that did the two-year moratorium on special use permits
[3:35:50] that has helped to hold back similar facilities.
[3:35:56] You know, Utah is no stranger to racially motivated
[3:36:00] or being motivated by national origin in detention.
[3:36:06] We did it with Germans during World War I.
[3:36:09] We did it with the Japanese during World War II.
[3:36:13] We did it with Native Americans in boarding schools in the 50s through the early 80s.
[3:36:19] We have to close that chapter in our history book.
[3:36:26] And next will be Don Strongquist, followed by Regina Rossenthal and then Ben Engel.
[3:36:33] Don is here in person.
[3:36:36] Council members and staff, even police, thanks for sticking around.
[3:36:40] It's worth the wait for me to be able to say something.
[3:36:44] And also super inspiring all the community agencies.
[3:36:48] Oh, my gosh.
[3:36:50] I'm thinking of the ICE warehouse as an outpost of network of concentration camps.
[3:36:57] I define concentration camps as places where you're imprisoned because of who or what you
[3:37:03] are, not because of what you did.
[3:37:07] That's an evil thing, obviously.
[3:37:11] I thank you for your efforts thus far.
[3:37:14] I think this just needs to be opposed in every way possible with every legal lever that you have to hand, even if there may not be ideal.
[3:37:25] So thank you for your support. Thanks for sticking around to the better end.
[3:37:32] Next will be Regina Rosenthal followed by Ben Engel and then Olive Peterson Jacobi. Regina is here in person.
[3:37:39] Thank you to the council for asking for comments on the ice detention warehouse.
[3:37:50] My name is Regina Rosenfell.
[3:37:52] I'm a physician.
[3:37:53] I've practiced in Salt Lake since 1991.
[3:37:57] The mass detention centers are wrong for so many reasons.
[3:38:02] I'm a physician, so I'll speak mostly against the health and medical risks.
[3:38:09] We think of the Fraze Detention Center as something implying an orderly process following
[3:38:14] rules and laws, but that's not what is being proposed here.
[3:38:19] These are black boxes where bad things happen.
[3:38:23] Medical neglect, abuse, and worse, there's no oversight by Congress or public health
[3:38:29] officials on sanitary and crowded or squalid conditions, lack of toilets, showers, multiple
[3:38:35] of very contagious diseases.
[3:38:38] Measles, influenza, COVID, TB, hepatitis,
[3:38:42] and those communicable diseases
[3:38:44] don't stay inside the facility.
[3:38:46] The guards, the maintenance workers,
[3:38:49] the kitchen staff all go home
[3:38:50] to their own families and our community.
[3:38:52] Those kids will go to school
[3:38:54] and the whole community is affected.
[3:38:56] There have been deaths reported
[3:38:58] in these detention camps.
[3:39:01] It will affect our local EMS,
[3:39:04] EMS, fire departments, and our emergency rooms. Customs immigration enforcement stopped payments
[3:39:11] to outside medical providers as of October 2025. And some providers won't accept patients.
[3:39:20] So a 7,500-bed facility will affect and be a burden on our community and to our emergency
[3:39:28] rooms. It will affect those of us that go for urgent matters ourselves, and
[3:39:34] suddenly, we're time is of the essence for evaluating potential strokes or
[3:39:40] heart attacks. It will be a problem for all of us. Next will
[3:39:50] be Ben Ingo, followed
[3:39:51] by all of Peter Sinjakobi, and then Jennifer Madrigal. Ben is here in person.
[3:39:56] Are
[3:40:01] you here? Okay, next comment is Barbara.
[3:40:08] Next will be Olive Peterson, Jacobi, followed
[3:40:11] by Jennifer Madrigal and then Justin Alpando. All of you may now unmute.
[3:40:20] Hi, my name is Olive Peterson, Jacobi. I live in district 5. I'm here to speak about the
[3:40:27] detention facility as well. We can't allow our city to become any part of this administration's
[3:40:34] hub and spoke model for human trafficking. The mayor has already cited undue strain on
[3:40:40] city infrastructure and first responders, zoning issues and a loss of potential income,
[3:40:45] as for reasons why the facility should not be opened, and the ordinance passed today
[3:40:50] limiting water use is encouraging, but it is not enough. No one empowered by this
[3:40:57] administration can be trusted to honestly report the needs and resource consumption
[3:41:02] of a facility like this. We need a plan to enforce these new guidelines and I think just
[3:41:12] here now the city should take immediate action. We should follow the steps of social circle Georgia,
[3:41:18] the federal government purchased a warehouse with the intention to build a detention facility
[3:41:24] and they ignored social circle when they raised similar concerns and questions,
[3:41:29] similar to what we have in response to social circle cut off the property's access to water
[3:41:36] and sewage. I could opine about human rights violations being carried out by ICE agents
[3:41:42] in existing detention facilities that this council is supposedly aware, alarmed and invested
[3:41:49] in protecting marginalized communities. As we go on in action or in unwillingness
[3:41:56] to take politically risky action will put blood on your hands, as well as those of
[3:42:02] anyone who, in response to inadequate wages and a resin cost of living in Salt Lake City,
[3:42:08] might feel compelled to ignore their conscience and apply when ice starts recruiting to staff
[3:42:13] in this concentration camp. And finally, if you give less money to the cops,
[3:42:17] you could give more money to community groups.
[3:42:21] Next will be Jennifer Madrigal, followed by Justin Villapando and then Megan Lee.
[3:42:28] Jennifer, you may now unmute.
[3:42:32] Hi. My name is Jennifer Madrigal. I'm the new Glendale Neighborhood Council chair.
[3:42:38] And I really appreciate your willingness to take general public comments so late.
[3:42:43] I have a duty to advocate for my neighbors, especially when they're hurting.
[3:42:47] and as you probably know just over two weeks ago a young boy was hit and
[3:42:52] hospitalized in a double threat accident on 1700 South across from the new
[3:42:58] Glendale Regional Park. We had our monthly Glendale Neighborhood Council
[3:43:02] public meeting last week. I encourage you to go to our website, watch the
[3:43:07] meeting on YouTube and the report from the father. The community is very
[3:43:12] activated. So we will be gathering on Saturday, March 28th. And it's just an informal discussion
[3:43:20] of the residents who are affected. We want to simply gather concerns and discuss ideas
[3:43:26] with the aim of presenting feedback to the city so that we can advocate better for safety
[3:43:32] in the area. We brought this up tonight at the Westside Coalition monthly board meeting.
[3:43:37] And they are also in favor. They voted to delegate me for like a transportation safety task force.
[3:43:46] So I'm really looking forward to working with the city council. I am, you know, it's going to be an issue.
[3:43:57] I know SB 242 is passed and it's a whole thing. So I just wanted to let you all know that that is what is going on.
[3:44:06] and I'm going to be trying to reach out to other city employees just to let them know
[3:44:12] and invite them. You are all invited. Thanks.
[3:44:18] Next will be Justin Villalpando followed by
[3:44:21] Megan Lee. Justin is here in person.
[3:44:28] Justin, are you here?
[3:44:31] Next, commenter. Next is Megan Lee,
[3:44:35] who is here in person.
[3:44:39] Megan, you're not here in person. Okay. Sorry,
[3:44:49] I do want to interrupt you.
[3:44:51] The final registered commenter. Is anybody else? Okay, that's actually not allowed. So
[3:45:00] Thank you, everyone, for your comments. This concludes our city council meeting for today.
[3:45:08] The council meeting stands adjourned now.