Council backs $24.66 million first parks bond issuance and shifts grant funds in straw polls
April 11, 2023, 4:00 p.m.
In a work session with no formal votes on policy, Council Members unanimously supported in a straw poll the proposed first $24.66 million issuance of the $85 million parks, trails and open space bond. They also supported a straw poll moving small amounts of federal grant money to two public service programs and agreed on changes to the early notification ordinance. The Council also heard briefings on a county tourism assessment area and oversight audits, then held a closed session.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Item 1 · Other
Administration updates: runoff flooding, potholes and community engagement
Discussed
Staff reported on spring runoff flood control, a one-week pothole repair push with a 6,000-pothole goal (17,900 potholes filled in 2022 and 18,760 so far in 2023), engagement on the FY24 budget, Glendale Regional Park construction planning and the Housing SLC public comment period ending April 16. Council Members discussed sandbag locations and whether concrete or asphalt is more durable for major streets; staff would return with Streets Department information.
Item 2 · Zoning
Extending temporary zoning for the Volunteers of America youth resource center
Discussed
The Council was briefed on an ordinance extending a temporary zoning regulation that lets the Volunteers of America Youth Resource Center raise its overnight capacity to up to 50, within building and fire code limits, until May 1, 2023. The prior end date was April 15. Council Members encouraged the organization to amend its conditional use permit so it does not need a yearly extension.
Item 3 · Budget
FY2023-24 Community Development Block Grant and federal grant allocations (follow-up)
Discussed
Staff answered Council questions about shifting $406,253 proposed for the Community Land Trust/Shared Equity Program, recaptured funds and overlap among three NeighborWorks applications. Members discussed leaving the land trust funding in place with a legislative intent to review it, using dormant HUD funds, and the importance of mental health and refugee services. In a straw poll all Council Members present supported taking $5,308 from The Inn Between and $5,308 from the dental program to fund Public Services requests #7 (Odyssey House adult mental health) and #8 (Salt Lake American Survival Services for Refugees) at $30,000 each.
- Grant$30,000 to Odyssey House
- Grant$30,000 to Salt Lake American Survival Services for Refugees
- Grant$406,253 to Community Land Trust/Shared Equity Program
Item 4 · Parks
First issuance of general obligation bond for parks, trails and open space
Discussed
Voters authorized an $85 million bond in November 2022. Staff proposed a first issuance of $24.66 million, 29% of the total, with the rest in two or three later issuances repaid over 20 years from a dedicated property tax that ends when the debt is paid. The first tranche funds $19.6 million of projects plus $5.06 million in contingency, art, and three full-time positions. All Council Members present supported the proposal in a straw poll and gave staff authority to move forward.
- Bond$24.7 million
- Budget$9.00 million
- Budget$5.00 million
- Budget$2.00 million
- Other projects: Allen Park $850,000; Fleet Block public space $600,000; Fairmont Park $500,000; Jordan River corridor $600,000; reimagined neighborhood parks, trails or open space $1,050,000
- Contingency $3,332,000; art $294,000; staff $1,434,000
Item 5 · Taxes and fees
Resolution consenting to Salt Lake County Convention and Tourism Assessment Area
Discussed
Staff described a resolution consenting to a county assessment area that would impose a 2% surcharge on hotel room revenue for stays of 29 days or less at lodging establishments in the area, with proceeds going to the county for a third-party administrator to market the city to visitors. Staff said it would not affect city tax dollars. Visit Salt Lake and hotel representatives described how the funds would be used. Council Members asked about collection, board diversity, future boundary changes and benefits to smaller hotels.
- FeeAmount not given to Salt Lake County / third-party administrator
Item 6 · Other
Options for the Council's routine oversight audits (follow-up)
Discussed
Staff presented the option of making the Division of Housing Stability the next oversight audit. Members said an audit would show where housing programs stand, discussed audit timing and capacity, and agreed staff would draft a scope.
Item 7 · City code
Early notification text amendment (follow-up)
Discussed
Planning staff described the proposal: early engagement for design review and new construction in historic districts, a mailing to owners and residents within 300 feet and a posted sign, outreach events that could be online, a 14-day window for community organizations to respond, and a public hearing allowed during the 45-day period but no decision. The Council agreed to drop an option asking all city departments to adopt an early notification policy within a year, and to add an exemption where federal or state law sets a conflicting deadline.
Other
Closed session
Approved · 6-0
The Council voted to enter a closed session to discuss deployment of security personnel, devices or systems and attorney-client matters, from 6:54 to 7:25 p.m. Council Member Ana Valdemoros was recorded absent for the closed session votes. No minutes or recording were kept.
What residents said
Spring runoff floodingPothole repairParks bond project order