Council hears briefings on Free Fare February, library facilities plan, HOME-ARP funds and a food equity resolution
February 8, 2022, 3:30 p.m.
The Council held a work session of briefings with no votes. Topics included a $1.3 million Free Fare February transit initiative, the draft Library Master Facilities Plan, the sixth budget amendment of fiscal year 2021-22 and a joint resolution on food justice. The minutes are marked pending and not yet approved, and several passages are incomplete.
From the draft minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
| Item | Result |
|---|---|
| Budget Amendment No. 6, fiscal year 2021-22 | Discussed |
| Joint resolution on food justice and equity | Discussed |
Agenda, item by item
Item 1 · Presentation
Updates from the Administration
Discussed
Chief of Staff Rachel Otto gave a COVID-19 update, including a reported 32 deaths that day, the highest daily count to that point, and noted citywide vaccination of about 68%. Homelessness policy director Andrew Johnston reported on shelter capacity, scheduled camp cleanups, vehicle-camping enforcement, a Feb. 11 resource fair and the point-in-time count. Police Chief Mike Brown reported 38 sworn vacancies, 47 recruits in training and improved response times. Council Member Amy Fowler asked about notice given before cleanups; Johnston said 24-hour notice was typically given.
Item 2 · Presentation
Equity update: Racial Equity in Policing and Human Rights commissions, Citywide Equity Plan
Discussed
Chief Equity Officer Kaletta Lynch updated the Council on the Racial Equity in Policing Commission. Two Human Rights Commission members described the commission's work on refugees and homelessness and its vacancies. A consultant from Keen Independent Research presented outreach and research for the Citywide Equity Plan and recommended further outreach on the west side and a workforce disparity study. Council Members Darin Mano, Chris Wharton, Dan Dugan, Victoria Petro-Eschler and Alejandro Puy voiced support.
Item 3 · Presentation
Free Fare February transit initiative
Discussed
Staff briefed the Council on the initiative, which made UTA buses and trains free during February. The cost was given as $1.3 million. Staff said a funding request could come to the Council in a future budget action, and the city's financial officer and a staff member described donations and a memorandum of understanding with UTA that caps the city's contribution.
- Payment$1.30 million to Utah Transit Authority
Item 4 · Presentation
Redistricting update
Discussed
Staff said 46 people applied for the resident Redistricting Advisory Commission and reviewed draft guiding principles for the commission. Council members discussed using geographic boundaries to separate districts and the possible effects.
Item 5 · Presentation
Draft Library Master Facilities Plan
Discussed
Acting Library Director Debbie Ehrman and staff presented a 10-year plan covering the system's facilities. Recommendations included remodeling or rebuilding the Day-Riverside branch, rebuilding the Anderson-Foothill branch, a plan for Main Library and Library Square, and testing pop-up or leased services in the Ballpark area. A 2018 assessment found about $10 million of deferred maintenance over 10 years. The Library Board is to review the plan Feb. 28. Council Members Petro-Eschler, Mano and Fowler voiced support for projects in their districts, and Dugan asked for small-group briefings.
- Budget$10.0 million
Item 6 · Budget
Budget Amendment No. 6, fiscal year 2021-22
Discussed
Staff gave a follow-up briefing on the amendment. Items covered included $200,000 in HUD HOME grant funds for administration and planning, a $1.3 million state Bonneville Shoreline Trail grant, and $90,000 from fund balance for Planning Division mailings about citywide code changes. Housing staff described $3.5 million in HOME-ARP funds for non-congregate shelter, affordable housing and services, with an assessment and allocation plan due to the Council in April-May 2022. Council Members Petro-Eschler and Fowler asked about homelessness prevention. A follow-up briefing was set for Feb. 15.
- Grant$3.50 million
- Grant$1.30 million to Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
- Budget$90,000
Item 8 · Other
Joint resolution on food justice and equity
Discussed
Staff and presenters described the Resident Food Equity Advisors program piloted in 2020 and its recommendations, including a food equity resolution and assessment and a healthy corner market or fresh food cart initiative. The Food Policy Council and Human Rights Commission have endorsed the resolution. Council Members Valdemoros and Petro-Eschler offered comments, and Fowler asked for it to return on a future agenda and for small-group meetings.
Item 9 · Presentation
State legislative briefing
Discussed
Contract lobbyist Kate Bradshaw reviewed bills moving in the 2022 session, including SB 140 on government attorney fees, HB 115 on retail incentives, HB 36 on a housing affordability commission and a station area plans bill.