Council hears Emerald Ribbon, Glendale Park, Great Salt Lake and East-West divide updates; asks for sign limits in monument sign proposal
September 17, 2024, 2:00 p.m. · Sorenson Unity Center
The work session covered a YESCO-requested monument sign amendment for manufacturing zones, the Emerald Ribbon plan for 10 miles of the Jordan River, Glendale Park progress, Great Salt Lake conditions and the federally funded Reconnecting Communities study. No votes were taken other than entering and leaving a closed session, 7-0.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
| Item | Result |
|---|---|
| Monument signs in manufacturing districts text amendment | Discussed |
| Emerald Ribbon Action Plan update | Discussed |
| Glendale Park progress update | Discussed |
| Great Salt Lake restoration | Discussed |
| Reconnecting Communities Grant | Discussed |
| Closed session | Approved · 7-0 |
Agenda, item by item
Item 1 · Presentation
Updates from the Administration
Discussed
Staff gave engagement and homelessness updates. Andrew Johnston said 50 MicroShelter units would reopen with most prior residents returning and a few units filled through a review overseen by the Homeless Resource Services Provider, and that winter beds open in October. Council Member Puy asked for the final MicroShelter impact report, which staff said would be shared.
Item 2 · City code
Monument signs in manufacturing districts text amendment
Discussed
Petitioner YESCO Sign Company asked to allow one monument sign for the first 100 feet of street frontage and one more for each additional 250 feet, spaced at least 150 feet apart, in the M-1 zone. The company's representative said current rules exclude several businesses and signs would help truck drivers and tenants and improve traffic flow in the Inland Port. Staff said cost would limit the number of signs and large sign requests are rare. Council Member Lopez Chavez asked for language limiting the number of signs on one property to prevent saturation; Council Member Puy suggested tiered sign rules by area.
Item 3 · Parks
Emerald Ribbon Action Plan update
Discussed
Public Lands updated the plan to guide capital investment, operations and maintenance along 10 miles of the Jordan River corridor. The current cost estimate is roughly $9 million, with a total budget unavailable until a final plan. Council Member Mano asked for a cost estimate to build something in all five areas and suggested renaming it the 'Jordan River Plan' because it resembles the Green Loop name. Council Members Young, Puy and Wharton asked about balancing community feedback and safety, continued maintenance and activation; Council Members asked the plan to note the city's added police and outreach resources. Staff said a consultant team would prioritize projects while keeping them geographically equitable, and described plans for community input on the Fisher Mansion. Council Member Petro asked for better communication during construction.
Item 4 · Parks
Glendale Park progress update
Discussed
Public Lands updated Council on the new Glendale park, part of which must open to active use. Council Member Puy spoke about the westside pickleball community's frustration at the lack of courts. Staff said a safety and security plan for Phase II would be put in place when Phase I opens, and described a Strategic Capital Acquisition and Asset Management Plan to schedule projects and maintenance. Council Member Lopez Chavez asked that every project tie to the urban forest.
Item 6 · Other
Great Salt Lake restoration
Discussed
Public Utilities presented lake levels and state and local protection efforts. Council Member Lopez Chavez asked about dust monitoring on the westside, and staff will forward the city's Dust Forum. Council Members Dugan, Young and Puy discussed state funding for secondary water metering, dust mitigation and water banking, ways to increase inflow and the near impossibility of controlling evaporation. Council Member Puy asked for lake updates in the water bill newsletter and continued sprinkler upgrade programs.
Item 7 · Roads and utilities
Reconnecting Communities Grant
Discussed
The Transportation Division updated Council on a federal Reconnecting Communities grant awarded in 2022 to analyze and prioritize transportation solutions around the city's east-west divide. Staff said the program is ongoing and they would keep applying for funds, and that UDOT's project manager would keep the study on schedule. Council Member Petro asked for realistic expectations given federal funding and non-city roads, and for educational materials for the public.
- GrantAmount not given to U.S. Department of Transportation
Item 10 · Other
Closed session
Approved · 7-0
Council voted unanimously to enter a closed session on collective bargaining strategy and attorney-client matters, and to exit. The session ran 5:10 to 5:35 p.m. at the Sorenson Unity Center.
What residents said
Sign saturation in M-1 zoneJordan River safety and maintenanceWestside pickleball courtsDust monitoring