Council briefed on police staffing, capital projects funding, mosquito tax request and downtown improvement district
July 13, 2021, 2:00 p.m. · Electronic meeting
In a work session, the Council heard administration updates on COVID-19, homelessness and police staffing, a second briefing on Capital Improvement Program funding, and briefings on the Mosquito Abatement District's proposed tax increase and the downtown business improvement area. A straw poll showed support for Budget Amendment No. 1 and for an emergency management grant.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Item 2 · Presentation
Updates from the Administration
Discussed
Chief of Staff Rachel Otto gave a COVID-19 update, including vaccination rates by zip code and plans for federal American Rescue Plan Act dollars. Andrew Johnston reported on shelter capacity, the Airport Inn renovation (134 beds) and a planned Jordan River Kayak Court event. Police Chief Mike Brown said 20 new officers had been welcomed, 23% of staffing was unavailable for response, and entry-level pay had been raised 30% on June 25; 8 lateral and 53 entry-level applicants applied in the first 12 days of July.
Item 3 · Development
Goshen Street alley vacation briefing
Discussed
Staff briefed the Council on a request to close and vacate a City-owned alley between Goshen Street and about 1075 West. The applicant owns the adjacent lot to the north and wants to combine the alley with it. Council Members asked about ownership of the alley and surrounding property. A hearing was set for Aug. 17.
Item 4 · Budget
Capital Improvement Program: second briefing
Discussed
Ben Luedtke said the mayor's recommended budget put capital improvements at 6% of funding and Council additions ($1.1 million general fund, $1.8 million Funding Our Future bond, $208,000 gas tax) raised it to 7%. Council Members asked about Odyssey House (a $500,000 request, $300,000 recommended, possibly eligible for American Rescue Plan Act money), Allen Park, Poplar Grove tennis courts, a Regional Athletic Complex playground, the Kensington Byway, cemetery work, traffic calming and other line items. More discussion was set for the next meeting.
- Grant$500,000 to Odyssey House
Item 5 · Presentation
Federal funding briefing from Simon and Company
Discussed
City federal lobbyist Jennifer Covino reviewed pandemic relief the city received, including $7.1 million from HUD, $2.4 million from the FAA, $112 million in transit operations aid and $85.4 million from the American Rescue Plan Act. She said earmarks had returned after a 10-year pause and that some 2020 dollars might be repurposed for infrastructure.
Item 7 · Taxes and fees
Mosquito Abatement District property tax increase
Discussed
Dr. Neil Vickers of the Mosquito Abatement District said the requested increase would cover personnel growth, environmental accountability and research, precision aerial control and inflation. Council Members discussed the Council's limited role, negative feedback and the amount requested. A hearing was set for July 20.
Item 8 · Budget
Refunding of city and Local Building Authority bonds
Discussed
The Council received a written briefing only on refinancing bonds issued for the North Temple Viaduct/Boulevard (2012), the Sugar House Streetcar (2013) and the Glendale and Marmalade libraries, to lower annual debt service. Action was tentatively set for Aug. 17.
- BondAmount not given
Item 9 · City code
Prohibiting dogs at Allen Park
Discussed
Jan Aramaki presented a request from Public Services to add Allen Park to the list of open-space areas closed to dogs, citing public safety and habitat and wildlife protection. Council Members asked who has authority to allow or ban dogs in parks.
Item 10 · Taxes and fees
Central Business Improvement Area 2022
Discussed
Ben Kolendar described the long-standing special assessment on downtown commercial property, managed by the Downtown Alliance under a contract expiring April 2022, that pays for marketing, The Blocks, the Farmers Market and holiday lighting. The resolution would renew it for three years on the 2019 boundaries and add a separate holiday lighting area. Lisa Shaffer said the assessment does not pay for city services, which come from the general fund.
Item 11 · Budget
Budget Amendment No. 1, fiscal year 2021-22
Discussed
John Vuyk said police salary increases were now eligible for American Rescue Plan Act funds, shifting that cost out of the general fund. The savings would allow raising pay for sergeants, lieutenants and captains and a 4.5% increase for represented employees. In a straw poll, all Council Members present supported moving forward unless public comment raised a major issue.
- BudgetAmount not given
Item 12-13 · Appointment
Bicycle Advisory Committee appointments
Discussed
The Council interviewed Patrick Casey and Samantha Janse for terms ending July 13, 2024. Both names were placed on the consent agenda for formal action.
Item 15 · Other
Executive Director report: ranked choice voting reporting and emergency grant
Discussed
Staff asked whether the Council wanted a draft ordinance updating campaign finance reporting for the 2021 ranked choice voting election, with a report due Sept. 9. Council Members Fowler and Wharton discussed making the change and keeping it tied to the pilot program. In a straw poll, Council Members Wharton, Fowler, Mano, Faris, Valdemoros and Dugan supported moving forward on a $30,000 Emergency Management Performance Grant from the Utah Division of Emergency Management (a $15,000 match from an existing salary); Council Member Rogers was absent for that vote.
- Grant$30,000 to Utah Division of Emergency Management/FEMA
What residents said
Police staffingCapital project fundingMosquito Abatement tax increase