Council briefed on 1945 South 1300 East rezone, $10 million social investment proposal and temporary overflow shelter ordinance
October 19, 2021, 2:00 p.m. · Electronic meeting (remote)
Staff briefed the Council on a rezone for a multifamily development at 1945 South 1300 East, a proposed $150,000 plus $10 million American Rescue Plan Act social investment package, and a temporary zoning ordinance for an overnight overflow homeless shelter at about 235 South Rio Grande. Council Member Dennis Faris recused himself from the shelter discussion because of his employment with Volunteers of America, the applicant. Presentations also covered mosquito control alternatives and a COVID-19 update. The minutes are marked pending, not yet approved.
From the draft minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Item 1 · Presentation
Updates from the Administration
Discussed
The Chief of Staff reported 1,343 statewide COVID-19 cases and a 63.73% citywide full vaccination rate. Staff updated the Council on homelessness outreach, planned cleanups at Liberty Park and Elizabeth Sherman, and an RV camping pilot to gather data on people living in vehicles. Police Chief Mike Brown gave an update on an officer-involved critical incident on Oct. 16, noting 35% more calls for service that day and ongoing vacancies. Council Members Darin Mano and Ana Valdemoros expressed appreciation for the department.
Item 3 · Zoning
Rezone at 1945 South 1300 East
Discussed
A proposal to rezone the property from RMF-35 to RMF-45 for a new multifamily development, within the Sugar House Master Plan area. The Planning Commission forwarded a positive recommendation. Council Member Mano asked about public feedback at the Planning Commission and the zoning history. The applicant said units would be no larger than two bedrooms, similar to the existing use. A hearing was planned for Nov. 16 and tentative action for Dec. 7.
- Current zone to proposed: RMF-35 to RMF-45
- Planning Commission: positive recommendation
- Applicant: the applicant
Item 4 · Other
Mosquito management discussion
Discussed
A community group, Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment, presented alternatives to pesticide spraying, with speakers from New York University and the City of Boulder, Colorado, who described health concerns about pesticides and Boulder's monitoring-based approach. The City Attorney clarified that the Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement District is not controlled or regulated by the City; the Council appoints board members. Council Members Dugan, Valdemoros and Wharton asked whether reduced spraying lowers mosquito numbers and whether state law would need to change.
Item 6 · Budget
Sorenson Impact Center social investment study and recommendations
Discussed
The Sorenson Impact Center presented Phase I findings on using social investment to disrupt generational poverty, focused on workforce development and early childhood care and education. The request is $150,000 for Phase II and $10 million in American Rescue Plan Act money held in a restricted account until Phase II is delivered and release is approved, to be brought in Budget Amendment No. 4. Council Member Valdemoros asked how programs work on the ground; Council Member Amy Fowler asked the group to return Nov. 9.
- Contract$150,000 to Sorenson Impact Center
- Budget$10.0 million
Item 7 · Presentation
Salt Lake County Health Department COVID-19 update
Discussed
The county health director reported Utah at a high transmission level, 13% positivity, county ICUs at capacity mainly because of staffing, 4,539 school-associated cases since the school year began, rising case rates among ages 5 to 11 and 29 deaths in the prior week. Council members and the director discussed the mask mandate and other prevention.
Item 8 · Appointment
Parks, Natural Lands, Urban Forestry and Trails Advisory Board appointment interview
No action
The scheduled interview of Nathan Manuel did not take place because he was not present; Council Member Fowler said it would be rescheduled.
Item 9 · Zoning
Temporary zoning regulations for an overflow homeless shelter at about 235 South Rio Grande
Discussed
Council Member Dennis Faris recused himself from the discussion because of his employment with Volunteers of America, the applicant. The City Attorney's office explained that a temporary land use ordinance can override existing zoning for up to six months and would speed the conditional use process; the draft includes a safety and security plan with on-site security. Council Member Valdemoros noted the nearby Weigand Center is a daytime shelter and asked how loitering would be addressed. Staff added that other shelters in the area also received temporary zoning for overflow.
- Applicant: Volunteers of America
- Duration: temporary period of six months
What residents said
Homeless overflow shelterMosquito sprayingCOVID-19