Council hears police staffing, body camera and Digital Donation Program briefings; supports extending COVID emergency

Decisions at a glance

Agenda, item by item

1. Item 1 · Presentation

   Updates from the Administration

   Discussed

   The Mayor and staff gave COVID-19 and homelessness updates, including a resource fair at Liberty Park on Oct. 14. Police Chief Mike Brown reported an average of 310 calls for service per day from January to September, with 516 officers, 55 vacancies, 45 officers in training and 5 new lateral hires, and described a Police Civilian Response Team for low-priority calls. The Mayor said she would like vacant positions filled before new positions are added and was open to discussion. Council Member Amy Fowler asked for a small-group meeting on pretextual stops, which the chief agreed to attend.

2. Item 3 · Public safety

   Policing discussion: body-worn cameras

   Discussed

   Police reported 550 body-worn cameras in use since 2013, a recent Council-funded upgrade to the Axon Officer Safety Plan 7+ software with a goal of full operation by Jan. 1, 2022, and automatic activation devices installed in 100 vehicles and on new tasers. A June 2021 audit found officers activated cameras 92% of the time. The Matrix operational audit recommended continued supervisor audits, a policy requiring them, annual random audits and posting compliance data online. Council Member Fowler commended the effort and asked about activation percentages.

   • PurchaseAmount not given to Axon Officer Safety Plan 7+ software, next-generation body-worn cameras and tasers (funded earlier by the Council; amounts not stated in the minutes). Paid from City Council appropriations

3. Item 4 · Parks

   Naming the Mark Smith Memorial Arboretum at the City Cemetery

   Discussed · Salt Lake City Cemetery

   Public Lands staff presented naming a 50-tree arboretum in the Salt Lake City Cemetery for Mark Smith, who served as sexton for 17 years. An unveiling was planned for Nov. 6, 2021. Council members spoke in support, and Council staff said no vote would be needed.

4. Item 5 · Presentation

   Central Wasatch Commission update

   Discussed

   Executive Director Ralph Becker described the commission's work on transportation, visitor capacity and watershed protection in the Central Wasatch, including traffic demand management, year-round transit and long-term protection through federal legislation. Council Member Fowler asked how the Council could help promote the legislation.

5. Item 7 · Other

   Digital Donation Program

   Discussed

   Information Management Services proposed donating surplus City computers to nonprofits serving low-income residents through an open application process, starting with a pilot of 18 computers to the Sorensen Youth and Family Center. Fowler asked about eligibility criteria and support for recipients; staff pointed to the Digital Navigator Program and partners such as United Way. A straw poll showed unanimous support among members present; Council Member Chris Wharton was absent.

6. Item 8 · Other

   COVID-19 local emergency declaration extension

   Discussed

   The City Attorney explained the resolution extending the declaration and related orders, including the K-12 mask order. Council Members Dennis Faris and Darin Mano asked about the scientific standards for mask wearing, and the Mayor said more information would follow. In a straw poll, all members in attendance supported raising the item at the formal meeting with a proposed date of Dec. 20, 2021.

7. Item 11 · Other

   Closed session motion

   Approved · 5-0

   The Council voted 5-0 to enter closed session for advice of counsel and pending or imminent litigation. Council Member Chris Wharton was absent for the vote. A second motion to return to the work session passed 6-0.

   Moved by Council Member Darin Mano, seconded by Council Member Dennis Faris. Vote: 5-0; Council Member Chris Wharton absent for the vote

What residents said

Police staffingBody-worn camerasCOVID-19 emergency