Council briefed on library budget, Glendale park plans and $360 million utility bond; redistricting map backed in straw poll
May 3, 2022, 2:00 p.m.
The work session covered Budget Amendment No. 7 follow-up, the library budget, the Glendale Regional Park master plan, the $360 million Public Utilities bond and the take-home vehicle policy. In a straw poll all seven members supported tentatively adopting a redistricting map, with a vote set for May 10. Program-based budgeting, the executive director report and chair reports were not held.
From the draft minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Item 1 · Presentation
Administration update: COVID-19, engagement projects, homelessness
Discussed
Chief of Staff Rachel Otto, Eva Lopez and Mayor Mendenhall briefed the council on COVID-19 statistics and wastewater surveillance. They also covered engagement on the Transportation Master Plan, the Virginia Street reconstruction, a State Street waterline, the water reclamation facility and proposed utility rate increases, plus shelter occupancy, abatements and upcoming outreach events.
Item 2 · Budget
Budget Amendment No. 7 for FY 2021-22 follow-up
Discussed
Staff followed up on the amendment, reviewing two items and two council-added items: $482,000 for Community Connection Center supplies and tenant improvements and $383,000 for police mobile surveillance trailer cameras (both from Police Department vacancy savings, budget neutral), a $1.24 million increase in the city's match for a federal RAISE grant, and a one-time $10 million transfer from fund balance to a capital holding account. Council Member Dugan wanted answers to policy questions on the Community Connection Center item. Council Members Valdemoros, Mano and Petro-Eschler discussed the cameras: they cited effectiveness in deterring crime and placing them at hot spots with flexibility, and stressed residents' privacy, placement criteria, removal and who monitors the data. Council Member Petro-Eschler asked whether the 20% grant match was competitive; Mayor Mendenhall said the city was offering a 21.5% match, its largest for a transportation grant.
- Budget$482,000
- Budget$383,000
- Grant$1.24 million to U.S. Department of Transportation (RAISE grant)
- Budget$10.0 million
Item 3 · Budget
Fiscal Year 2022-23 proposed budget: Salt Lake City Public Library
Discussed
Interim Library Executive Director Debbie Ehrman, Board President Adam Weinacker and Finance Manager Jace Bunting presented the library budget, which includes a proposed property tax increase and 18 new full-time employees. Priorities were retaining cost-of-living, longevity and compensation funding, adding safety, licensed social worker and custodial positions, and creating a temporary library presence in the Ballpark neighborhood. They also noted main library roof repair slated for summer 2022 to fall 2023 and a search for a new executive director.
Item 4 · Parks
Glendale Regional Park master plan update
Discussed
Public Lands staff gave a mid-project update on the master plan for the former Glendale Water Park (formerly Raging Waters) site, closed since 2018 with demolition underway. Funding includes $225,000 for the master plan and $3.2 million for current implementation. Two site plans, 'The Great Outdoors' and 'The Glendale Green', were shown for public feedback, with phase 1 including play features, a gathering space, parking, paths, lighting and river access. Adoption is anticipated in fall 2022.
- Budget$225,000
- Budget$3.20 million
Item 5 · Taxes and fees
Public Utilities revenue bonds, Series 2022: parameters resolution
Discussed
Public Utilities Director Laura Briefer said favorable markets moved the bond from FY23 to FY22 and that much of it would fund continuing construction of the new Water Reclamation Facility plus aging infrastructure and regulatory needs. The bonds would total no more than $360 million for water, sewer and storm water improvements. A hearing was set for May 17.
- Bond$360.0 million
Item 7 · Other
Redistricting of City Council district boundaries follow-up
Discussed
Staff presented council members' map preferences gathered as of April 28 from among six maps recommended by the resident Redistricting Advisory Commission. Discussion covered voting precincts and Census blocks, whether maps follow boundaries like I-15, equal district populations and coordination with the County Recorder on split precincts. In a straw poll, all council members supported tentatively adopting the map shown on screen with recent adjustments, with a vote scheduled for May 10.
Item 9 · City code
Use of city-owned motor vehicles follow-up
Discussed
Administration staff and Police Chief Mike Brown said the current policy requires residence within 35 miles of the city limits and that the proposed 60-mile limit would cover all current officers' residences, with no change to existing fees. They cited recruitment, retention and operational readiness, compared other agencies' policies and discussed insurance and cost. Council Member Puy asked for details on the fees and whether they could be waived to aid recruitment. Council Member Fowler said she supported the ordinance as a good incentive and asked about the status of police vehicles.
Item 10 · Appointment
Advice and consent: Jorge Chamorro, Public Services Department director
Discussed
The council interviewed Jorge Chamorro about his work history; members congratulated him on the appointment, which was on the formal agenda that evening.
Item 11 · Appointment
Board appointment interviews: Business Advisory Board, Cultural Core Finance Committee, PNUT board
Discussed
The council interviewed Pook Carson (Business Advisory Board), Shaleane Gee (Cultural Core Finance Committee) and Frances Ngo (PNUT board); their names were on the consent agenda. The interview of Wisam Khudhair for the PNUT board was not held.
Item 17 · Other
Closed session on collective bargaining and advice of counsel
Approved · 7-0
After recessing from 6:51 to 8:45 p.m. for dinner and the formal meeting, the council voted to enter closed session from 8:46 to 9:10 p.m. to discuss collective bargaining and receive legal advice.
What residents said
Police surveillance cameras and privacyTake-home police vehiclesUtility rate increases