Council briefed on four rezones, an alley vacation, urban forest plan and $23.6 million street bond
September 7, 2021, 2:00 p.m. · Electronic meeting
In a work session led by Council Member James Rogers, the Council received briefings on rezones at 300 East, 400 East and 2100 South, an alley vacation off Elm Avenue, the Urban Forest Action Plan, a general obligation street reconstruction bond and the 2021 resident survey. Chair Amy Fowler was absent.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Item 1 · Presentation
Updates from the Administration
Discussed
Mayor Mendenhall reported 4,657 statewide COVID-19 cases and a high transmission level, 1,151 school-age cases, and a citywide full vaccination rate of 61.19%. Andrew Johnston covered shelter capacity, the Sept. 10 point-in-time count and winter overflow planning. Police Chief Mike Brown said calls for service were up 19%; Council Member Mano asked for a small group meeting on call data, and Council Member Valdemoros asked about policing near Pioneer Park, where Brown said overtime funding was set aside for camp abatements. Rachel Otto said the Supreme Court had ended the federal eviction moratorium and urged renters to seek assistance.
Item 2 · Presentation
Racial equity and policing
Discussed
Allison Rowland said an ordinance making the Racial Equity in Policing Commission permanent was before the Council that evening, and that advice and consent for current commissioners would be on Sept. 21.
Item 3 · Zoning
Rezone and master plan amendment at 554 and 560 South 300 East
Discussed
The request would change the zoning from RO (Residential/Office) to R-MU (Residential/Mixed Use) and amend the Central Community Master Plan to a High Mixed Use designation. Staff reviewed height limits in the East Downtown plan, surrounding building heights and parking, and noted the Planning Commission's positive recommendation. The applicant said there were no specific development plans. A hearing was set for Oct. 5.
- Applicant: the applicant
- Current zone → proposed: RO → R-MU
- Planning Commission: positive recommendation
Item 4 · General plan
Urban Forest Action Plan and zoning amendment
Discussed
Planning staff presented the plan to treat the urban forest as public infrastructure, with findings that wealthier neighborhoods have more tree canopy than low-income areas and warmer surface temperatures in formerly redlined districts. Council Member Dugan raised the added cost of suspended pavement technology for developers; staff said incentives and optional use were planned. Council Member Wharton asked for more on trees and crime reduction, and Council Member Rogers asked why it was an action plan rather than a master plan. Executive Director Cindy Gust-Jenson suggested standardizing plan names.
Item 5 · Zoning
Rezone and master plan amendment at 461 South 400 East
Discussed
The proposal would rezone the site in the Central City Local Historic District from R-MU-45 to TSA-UN-C (Transit Station Area Urban Neighborhood Core) and change the land use map to High Density Transit Oriented Development, to allow residential, retail and live/work units and remove the parking structures facing 500 South and Denver Street. The Planning Commission forwarded a positive recommendation. A hearing was set for Oct. 5.
- Current zone → proposed: R-MU-45 → TSA-UN-C
Item 6 · Zoning
Rezone and master plan amendment at 203 East 2100 South, 221 East 2100 South and 1991 South 200 East
Discussed
The request would move three parcels from RMF-45 to FB-UN2 (Form Based Urban Neighborhood) to allow a mixed-use project with multi-family housing, which RMF-45 does not permit. No site plan has been submitted. Staff noted nearby low-density districts, high-frequency transit and the Planning Commission's positive recommendation. A hearing was set for Oct. 5.
- Current zone → proposed: RMF-45 → FB-UN2
Item 7 · Development
Elm Avenue alley vacation
Discussed
The applicants cite public safety and lack of use for vacating part of a City-owned alley near Elm Avenue and 1000 East. Planning staff had recommended a negative recommendation, but the Planning Commission forwarded a positive one, citing lack of use. Staff said structures were built in the alley without approval and that the ordinance would not authorize them; owners would need lot line adjustments, and an access easement would be needed for Rocky Mountain Power lines. An applicant described the history and said neighbors and the Police Department supported it. A hearing was set for Oct. 5.
Item 9 · Budget
General Obligation Bonds, Series 2021 (street reconstruction)
Discussed
Staff briefed the Council on a resolution authorizing up to $23.6 million in voter-approved general obligation bonds from the 2018 Funding Our Future initiative: $20 million for major streets and $3 million for local streets. This is the third issuance of the 2018 authorization; the sale was planned for Nov. 3 if the Council acts Sept. 21, with bond funds provided through 2026.
- Bond$23.6 million
Item 10 · Presentation
2021 Resident Survey results
Discussed
Y2 Analytics reported on a survey of 1,214 randomly sampled residents. Quality of life was stable, government COVID-19 response was rated high, satisfaction with police and homeless services dropped since the last survey, affordable housing remained the top priority, and there was large support for community policing and non-punitive responses.
Item 11-16 · Appointment
Board appointments
Discussed
The Council interviewed Mike Christensen (Planning Commission, through Sept. 7, 2025), Alejandro Moya and Colour Maisch (Art Design Board, through Sept. 7, 2024), Josanne Glass and Sarah Longoria (Arts Council Board, through Sept. 7, 2024) and Carlton Getz (Historic Landmark Commission, through Sept. 7, 2025). All were placed on the consent agenda.
Item 18 · Other
Executive Director report
Discussed
Staff noted a Nov. 1 Wasatch Front Regional Council workshop on the regional transportation plan and asked Council Members to review staff recommendations on closing previous years' legislative intents by Sept. 10. There was no response from Council Members.
What residents said
Eviction moratoriumCalls for serviceTree canopy equity