Council hears Homeless Resource Center overlay proposal, federal grant requests exceeding funds by 21%, and compensation committee's 5% raise recommendation
March 21, 2023, 2:00 p.m.
The Council heard a staff proposal for a Homeless Resource Center overlay zone, learned that applicants requested $10.8 million against $8.9 million in federal housing grants, and received a recommendation from the Citizens' Compensation Advisory Committee for a 5% citywide pay increase. Members also reviewed ADU owner-occupancy options and a state legislative recap.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Item 1 · Presentation
Updates from the Administration
Discussed
Staff gave engagement updates on planning items, the Love Your Block grants ($16,500 to 10 projects) and Earth Day cleanup, and a homelessness update including 33 tracked camps, the March 24 Operation Homeless Connect, winter overflow ramp-down by April 30 and the renovation of the Ramada Inn with a public mental health clinic.
Item 2 · City code
Homeless Resource Center text amendment
Discussed
Planning staff proposed a Homeless Resource Center overlay zone: future centers would need a zoning map amendment and then be a permitted use, with standards for emergency medical space, a firearms ban with secure storage, and crime-prevention design review. The notice radius would grow from 300 to 450 feet. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval, asked the Council to decide within 90 days and recommended allowing centers of 40 beds or fewer in residential districts by conditional use. Temporary centers would be allowed when permanent ones are full and temperatures fall below 32 degrees or the heat index tops 95, at least one mile from other centers, and no more than once every four years on a site. Staff said most zoning districts fall within a mile of an existing center, raising concentration risk. Members asked about state law (HB 440 and HB 499), the 40-bed threshold, impact reviews and the Council's role in exceptions, and one suggested removing the 40-bed conditional use recommendation.
- Petition No.: PLNPCM2022-01068
- Initiated by the City Council through Ordinance 15B of 2022
- Planning Commission: unanimous positive recommendation
Item 3 · Budget
Funding allocations for the one-year action plan (CDBG and other federal grants), fiscal 2023-24
Discussed
The Mayor and staff presented recommended awards from Community Development Block Grant, HOME, Emergency Solutions Grant and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS funds. Requests totaled $10,830,805, or 121% of the $8,937,395 available; HOPWA had more funding than requests. Members asked for an overview of recent housing funding, details on recaptured funds, how many requests went unfilled and clarification on Community Land Trust operations before an expected April 18 vote.
- Grant$8.94 million
Item 4 · Budget
Citizens' Compensation Advisory Committee 2023 annual report
Discussed
The committee chair and a Human Resources manager presented market comparisons of city salaries and recommendations, including a 5% citywide increase. Members asked whether that was the first priority, how to address positions lagging the market and the goal of staying within 2% of the market rate.
Item 6 · Presentation
State legislative briefing
Discussed
The city's government affairs director summarized the 2023 Utah legislative session, including the $29.4 billion state budget, housing bills, HB 499 on homeless services, Great Salt Lake and water measures, transportation funding, tax cuts and airport and land use bills. Members asked about infrastructure districts, short-term rental pilots, SB 199 and its effect on city land use rules.
Item 7 · Other
Legislative intent administration responses
Discussed
Staff reviewed responses to fiscal 2023 legislative intents and asked members which to close or update before budget season; members said they would continue reviewing at the next work session.
Item 8 · Roads and utilities
Utah Community Renewable Energy Program update
Discussed
Sustainability staff updated the Council on a draft utility agreement with Rocky Mountain Power needed for the 18-community program that aims to match participants' electricity use with renewable energy by 2030. Staff estimated the program could cost the typical residential customer $2 to $7 a month and, for eligible low-income customers, offer a bill credit of up to $7 a month. Council Member Dugan reviewed why the plan was needed.
Item 9 · Budget
Budget Amendment No. 5 follow-up
Discussed
Council Member Puy proposed $1 million in a holding account for bollards and security measures to protect the City and County Building and its grounds from unauthorized vehicles. Members asked about bollard costs, whether it was the best security use and letting the Administration decide. Staff also noted the council technology upgrade item (I-2) rose to $55,000 from enterprise funds.
- Budget$1.00 million
Item 10 · City code
Accessory dwelling unit (ADU) text amendment follow-up
Discussed
Staff outlined two owner-occupancy options: keep the requirement only in the FR, R-1 and SR-1/SR-1A zones and remove it in other zones where ADUs are allowed, or keep it citywide with a legislative intent to revisit in three years while collecting data. The Council's requested legislative intents on $1 million in ADU financing and two civil enforcement employees were included. Members discussed historic areas, transit station area zones, data collection, renter protection and attorney's fees language for short-term rental complaints.
Item 11-14 · Appointment
Board appointment interviews
Discussed
The Council interviewed Jason Wessel (Racial Equity in Policing Commission, term ending Dec. 29, 2025), Teresa Gregori and Miranda Cask (CDCIP Advisory Board, terms ending June 1, 2026) and Dave John (Parks, Natural Lands, Urban Forestry and Trails Advisory Board, term ending March 21, 2026); all were on the consent agenda.
Item 17 · Other
Closed session
Approved · 7-0
The Council voted to enter closed session for the purposes listed in the motion, including litigation, property and attorney-client matters, then to exit and adjourn; Council Member Mano was absent for the exit vote.
What residents said
Homeless resource center sitingCity pay and retentionADU owner occupancy