Council briefed on stealth cell tower text change, Western Gardens rezone and federal grant recommendations
March 22, 2022, 2:00 p.m.
With Council Member Amy Fowler absent, the Council heard briefings on a Verizon-backed stealth tower text amendment that the Planning Commission and staff opposed, a rezone of the Western Gardens site at 550 South 600 East, and the mayor's federal grant recommendations. It also received compensation reports and discussed support for Chernivtsi, Ukraine, the city's sister city. The only vote was to enter and exit a closed session.
From the approved 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 introduced a new mayoral staff member and reviewed COVID-19 statistics. Andrew Johnston reported on shelter capacity and planned camp cleanups along the Jordan River and Victory Road. Police Chief Mike Brown reviewed community outreach and the revised crime control plan. Staff described fundraising for Ukraine, and a video from Chernivtsi's mayor was played. Council Member Alejandro Puy said ties with the sister city were deep after 33 years. Item 10 on Ukraine was covered here.
Item 2 · Presentation
Equity update
Discussed
Chief Equity Officer Kaletta Lynch reviewed Racial Equity in Policing Commission activities. Staff described refugee programs and language services.
Item 3 · City code
Homeless resource center and homeless shelter text amendments (follow-up)
Discussed
Nick Tarbet presented two ordinance options: Ordinance 15A would pause the use by removing it from land use tables until a new regulatory scheme is adopted, and 15B would repeal the removal. Council members discussed legislative funding, a possible commission, the need for other jurisdictions to share the work, and a more thorough plan. Tarbet said Ordinance 15A would take effect April 1, 2022.
Item 4 · City code
Stealth wireless towers text amendment
Discussed
The proposal would allow stealth wireless facilities from 35 to 75 feet tall in the Public Lands zone by conditional use, tied to a Verizon proposal for a tower at the Pioneer Police Precinct at 1040 West 700 South but applying citywide. The Planning Commission forwarded a negative recommendation on Dec. 8, 2021, and planning staff also recommended denial, citing unpredictable outcomes, scale, and confusing, non-comprehensive language. Council members said faux-tree towers were undesirable and discussed which tower types they might approve. A Verizon consultant said the tower was needed to strengthen signal.
- Petition: PLNPCM2020-00284
- Applicant: Verizon (consultant Pete Simmons)
Item 5 · Zoning
Zoning map amendment at Western Gardens, 550 South 600 East
Discussed
The proposal would rezone the Western Gardens commercial center from CN to FB-UN2 (Form Based Urban Neighborhood) to allow multifamily redevelopment, with no master plan amendment needed. The Planning Commission forwarded a positive recommendation; new construction would need Historic Landmark Commission review. Council Member Ana Valdemoros asked why the Historic Landmark Commission gave no recommendation, relayed neighbors' concerns and asked whether affordable housing was considered; staff said it had not been discussed and would report back. The Council discussed height, parking and density. The applicant's representative said the development should respect the neighborhood.
- Current zone → proposed: CN → FB-UN2
- Petition: PLNPCM2021-00420
- Applicant: the applicant
Item 6 · Budget
One-year Action Plan for CDBG and other federal grants, fiscal year 2022-23
Discussed
Ben Luedtke presented the plan, and the Council reviewed seven requests not recommended for funding, including housing counseling, end-of-life care and medical respite at The Inn Between, The Road Home's Gail Miller Resource Center, a YWCA program, the Weigand Center and a diversion program. Staff said some were not recommended to open funding to others and described safeguards against duplicate funding. The Council also reviewed Westside Node improvements, the Ballpark redevelopment funding sources, and whether Community Development Block Grant money could match the Fix the Bricks program. Members said domestic violence programs merit more funding.
Item 8 · Presentation
Citizens' Compensation Advisory Committee 2022 annual report
Discussed
Committee member Ray Schelble presented the report and recommended the Council consider it in budget review. The Council discussed lagging salaries, public safety pay and seasonal pay. In answer to a question, the committee said the 4% average and 5% median figures were overall and that lagging positions would need additional money to reach market rates.
Item 9 · Presentation
Non-represented employees salary survey
Discussed
Human Resources Director Debra Alexander and a consultant presented a benchmarking report of cash compensation for non-represented employees, about one-third of city employees, and the funding it recommends. The consultant said benefits were not included in the figures.
Item 11 · Budget
Budget Amendment No. 6, fiscal year 2021-22 (written briefing)
Discussed
Written briefing only; no discussion was held.
Item 12-15 · Appointment
Board appointment interviews
Discussed
The Council interviewed nominees Rich Tuttle (Planning Commission, term ending March 22, 2026), Catherine Tucker (City and County Building Conservation and Use Committee), Sarah Johnson (Bicycle Advisory Committee) and Tyler Schmidt (Transportation Advisory Board). Chair Dan Dugan said each name was on the consent agenda.
Item 18 · Other
Closed session on security and attorney-client matters
Approved · 6-0
The Council met in closed session from 6:53 to 7:05 p.m. on deployment of security personnel, devices or systems and privileged attorney-client matters.
What residents said
Cell tower height and appearanceAffordable housing at Western GardensEmployee pay