Council gets final briefing on Smith Entertainment Group participation agreement and 0.5% sales tax ahead of evening votes
October 1, 2024, 2:00 p.m.
Ahead of formal votes that evening, the Council was briefed on the participation agreement with Smith Entertainment Group for the Capital City Revitalization Zone and a citywide 0.5% sales and use tax. It also heard briefings on the 754 South State Street rezone, a Brooklyn Avenue vacation, a rezone at 1816 South State Street, three business loans of $100,000 each and the HUD consolidated plan.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Item 2 · Development
Capital City Revitalization Zone participation agreement, project area and citywide 0.5% sales tax
Discussed
City Attorney Katie Lewis recapped the July 9 endorsement, the Revitalization Zone Committee's September 17 approval, and the Council's possible votes that evening on a resolution approving the final agreement and designating Smith Entertainment Group, LLC as project participant, and an ordinance imposing the 0.5% citywide sales and use tax under state law. She said a clause was added so that if both teams leave, Smith Entertainment would be liable to repay the bond; the Delta Center sits on RDA-owned property leased to an SEG partner; and three blocks around the arena form the core district. Negotiated community benefits include jobs and apprenticeships, youth sports, public gathering spaces, a Japantown rebuilding commitment, affordable ticket fees, public safety and public art, and a non-discrimination clause. Council Member Petro thanked staff and said she was confident in taking this step. Members also discussed a home game covenant and future deliberation on ticket fees.
- FeeAmount not given to Smith Entertainment Group, LLC
Item 3 · City code
International Center maximum fence height zoning text amendment
Discussed
A privately initiated amendment would raise the maximum front yard fence height from four feet to six feet in the M-1 zones of the Salt Lake City International Center. The Planning Division recommended approval. Staff said Delta Air Lines requested the added height for a new training building that operates 24 hours a day and has a safety concern.
Item 4 · Zoning
754 South State Street rezone follow-up
Discussed
Staff said the Planning Commission recommended approval with conditions in 2023 and 2024. The proposal would rezone nine parcels from D-2 to D-1; Intermountain proposed ground-floor activation along State Street, 700 South and 800 South and a food truck park, with driveway standards in the development agreement. Council Member Petro asked staff to confirm with the applicant that it approves the proposed terms.
Item 5 · Subdivision
Street and alley vacation and subdivision amendment at Brooklyn Avenue
Discussed
The proposal would amend the Brooklyn and Dolan subdivisions to vacate part of Brooklyn Avenue and an adjacent city-owned alley, selling the pieces at fair market value to the owners of two adjoining properties on 500 West. Petitioner is Jonah Hornsby of Jodah One, LLC; the site is in Council District 5. Requested conditions include a Public Utilities easement, public improvements on 500 West and Fayette Avenue, and a fire-code turnaround. The Planning Commission recommended approval.
Item 6 · Zoning
Zoning map amendment at 1816 South State Street
Discussed
Property owner the applicant asked to rezone the site from BP (Business Park) to CC (Corridor Commercial) so the building can be leased for more commercial uses such as restaurants and retail. Staff said the request is supported by the Central Community Master Plan and the General Plan. The applicant said private businesses were already interested. The site is in Council District 5.
Item 8 · Other
2025-2029 HUD Consolidated Plan update and timeline
Discussed
Staff outlined the five-year plan for four federal grants (CDBG, ESG, HOME, HOPWA). Proposals include raising the minimum award from $30,000 and funding 50/50 sidewalk repairs and childcare. Council Member Lopez Chavez asked that Trolley Square be included in a target area to avoid over-saturating the west side, and members want to review the target map more often.
Item 9 · Budget
Budget Amendment No. 1 follow-up
Discussed
Two open items were removed. New items: $450,000 one-time from the governmental immunity fund, and $50,000 from General Fund balance to support Sugar House road construction, including a construction pause from November 15 through the end of December so customers can reach businesses. Council Member Young said the items were needed to keep local businesses open; Council Member Puy asked that the terms of the Sugar House item be extended even if it costs more, and Council Member Petro agreed.
- Budget$450,000
- Budget$50,000
Item 10-12 · Contract
Economic Development Loan Fund loans: Botanika SLC, Exotic Fast Foods, City Cakes SLC
Discussed
Council was briefed on three $100,000 loans: Botanika SLC, LLC, a small grocer of non-alcoholic wines and healthy foods at 353 West 200 South (one new job, one retained); Exotic Fast Foods, LLC, a Eurasian restaurant at 55 North Redwood Road (six new jobs, three retained); and City Cakes SLC, LLC, a vegan and gluten-free bakery at 1860 South 300 West (four to six new jobs, eight retained). Council Member Young thanked staff for reaching niche communities; Council Member Dugan and staff discussed repayment.
- Contract$100,000 to Botanika SLC, LLC
- Contract$100,000 to Exotic Fast Foods, LLC
- Contract$100,000 to City Cakes SLC, LLC
Item 13-15 · Appointment
Board interviews: Planning Commission, Cultural Core Finance Committee, Library Board
Discussed
Council interviewed McCall Christensen (Planning Commission, term to October 1, 2028), Seth Brown (Cultural Core Finance Committee, term to October 1, 2028) and Polina Konuchkova (Library Board, term to June 30, 2027). All three were placed on the consent agenda.
Item 18 · Other
Closed session
Approved · 7-0
Council voted 7-0 to enter a closed session on collective bargaining strategy and attorney-client matters (4:20 to 5:25 p.m.). The vote to exit was 6-0 with Council Member Darin Mano recorded absent; the minutes list him as not among those in attendance at the closed session.
What residents said
Revitalization zone sales taxSugar House construction impact on businesses