Council sends 1583 East Stratford rezone back to Planning Commission by straw poll; Pioneer Park plan draws historic-character concerns
February 15, 2022, 2:00 p.m.
In a work session the Council took several straw polls: it unanimously supported returning the 1583 East Stratford Avenue rezone to the Planning Commission, approved its Redistricting Advisory Commission picks, and voted 4-3 against a proposal to remove July fireworks funding from a budget amendment. It also heard a $20 million conceptual design for Pioneer Park. The minutes are marked pending and 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
Chief of Staff Rachel Otto gave a COVID-19 update and a list of open community surveys. Andrew Johnston reported on shelter occupancy and said the Weigand Center overflow shelter would close Feb. 16 because of staffing, with added beds at the former Ramada Inn. Council Member Ana Valdemoros asked about mental health services and tracking people who decline shelter.
Item 3 · Zoning
Rezone and master plan amendment at 1583 East Stratford Avenue
Discussed
Planners described a request to rezone the parcel from RMF-35 to CN (Neighborhood Commercial) and amend the Sugar House master plan map from medium-density residential to neighborhood business. The Planning Commission had recommended against the original proposal because it removed six residential units; the revised plan keeps the six condominium units and adds a rear office building, and staff said it meets standards. A development agreement would keep the units. The developer's representative said the owner wants to expand a business across the street. Council Member Puy said he was concerned the plan did not meet the master plan's intent. Council Member Mano recused himself from the discussion, citing a conflict of interest. Council Member Wharton called a straw poll to return the application to the Planning Commission for further review and public comment, which was unanimously supported by those present.
- Current zone → proposed: RMF-35 → CN
- Planning Commission: negative recommendation on original proposal
- Developer representative: Stratford Investment Properties
Item 4 · Parks
Pioneer Park improvements: 'Your Downtown Park' conceptual design
Discussed
Public Lands staff and consultant Design Workshop presented the conceptual design, preliminarily estimated at $20 million, based on public surveys and a park audit. Council Member Petro-Eschler said the design would harm the park's historic character and questioned removing trees for sight lines; staff said the plan would go to the Historic Landmark Commission and that open sight lines and activity support safety. Council Member Mano asked whether the plan was a master plan and whether the funds might go to other park space; staff said it is a site plan and construction depends on funding. Valdemoros called it compelling, Puy asked for a citywide view of park investment, and Dugan and Fowler asked about funding sources and maintenance. State funding was not approved.
- ContractAmount not given to Design Workshop
- Budget$20.0 million
Item 5 · Budget
Budget Amendment No. 4, fiscal year 2021-22 (follow-up)
Discussed
Staff said the Council had voted on most items in November and December and that the remaining item was emergency winter overflow shelter support. The shelter's funding gap through April 15 was $602,912, and staff recommended splitting it between the state and city using federal American Rescue Plan Act money. Council Member Mano asked about police overtime. Council Member Petro-Eschler said funds should have been allocated earlier and that the city should not be the only funder.
- Budget$602,912
Item 7 · Budget
Budget Amendment No. 6, fiscal year 2021-22 (follow-up)
Discussed
The Council reviewed requests and took straw polls. It unanimously supported funding the Suazo Business Center for the rest of the year and adding it to the general budget. A straw poll to not fund the July fireworks show failed 4-3. It unanimously supported restricting a Bonneville Shoreline Trail grant from new trail construction if it must be accepted immediately. Police Chief Brown described a COPS Hiring grant of $1.25 million for a 10-officer Violent Criminal Apprehension Team, with a city match of about $1.18 million from fund balance; Council Members Mano, Petro-Eschler and Puy asked about hiring and cost. Staff also presented park ranger, community health access and mobile crisis programs.
- Grant$1.25 million to U.S. DOJ COPS Office
- Budget$1.18 million
Item 8 · Other
Redistricting update
Discussed
Staff presented nine recommended members of the Redistricting Advisory Commission, one per district plus two at large. A unanimous straw poll supported approving the members selected by the Council subcommittee.
Item 10 · Appointment
Public Utilities Advisory Committee appointment: Alexander Lovell
Discussed
The Council interviewed the nominee for a term ending Jan. 19, 2026. Chair Dugan said the name was on the consent agenda.
Item 11 · Appointment
Public Utilities Advisory Committee appointment: Kathryn Floor
Discussed
The Council interviewed the nominee for a term ending Jan. 19, 2026. Chair Dugan said the name was on the consent agenda.
Item 14 · Other
Closed session
Approved · 7-0
The Council voted to enter closed session for permitted purposes under state law and later exited.
What residents said
Historic character of Pioneer ParkLoss of residential units at 1583 East Stratford AvenueFunding for overflow shelter