Council briefed on Jordan River Fairpark rezone for Larry H. Miller Development; straw poll favors moving council pay proposal forward
November 12, 2024, 3:30 p.m.
In a work session the Council received a briefing on a proposal to create a Jordan River Fairpark zoning district on about 93 acres near 1500 West North Temple, with buildings up to 400 feet, and on a related development agreement that must be reached by Dec. 31, 2024 under state law. Members also heard about Public Utilities revenue bonds of up to $225 million, a temporary closure of part of 1000 West, and held a straw poll on council compensation.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Item 1 · Zoning
Jordan River Fairpark District zoning map and text amendment
Discussed
Planning staff and the petitioner, Snell & Wilmer on behalf of Larry H. Miller Development, presented a proposal to create the Jordan River Fairpark (JRF) District and rezone about 93 acres across 32 parcels. The district would allow buildings up to 400 feet tall with no minimum lot size, setbacks or open-space requirements, and developments would be exempt from the city's general plans. A companion development agreement covers Jordan River access, open space, roads, infrastructure and review processes. Under new state law, an agreement must be reached by Dec. 31, 2024 for expedited review related to a qualified stadium, or the district will not be subject to city zoning. Members discussed the Planning Commission's recommendations, the share of affordable family housing, and a contingency plan if no stadium is built. Larry H. Miller representatives said they would return for further discussion. Council Member Puy asked for written language on a public benefit agreement, city remedies if the project or benefits are not delivered, and deadlines; Council Member Dugan asked for more discussion of the area-median-income percentage and the number of family-sized units. Staff also noted member requests on free expression, nondiscrimination, warehouse uses, local contractors, workforce development, 24/7 river access and riparian corridor protection.
- Applicant: Snell & Wilmer, representing Larry H. Miller Development
- Acres: about 93 across 32 parcels
- Height: up to 400 feet
- Petition: PLNPCM2024-00982
- Timeline: hearing Nov. 19, tentative action Dec. 3, 2024
Item 2 · Presentation
Updates from the Administration
Discussed
The Council received the weekly community engagement highlights and the homelessness update. Council Member Dugan noted that the Public Lands Department was taking public comment on the Donner Park project. Council Member Puy left during this item.
Item 3 · Taxes and fees
Central Business Improvement Area designation and Board of Equalization
Discussed
Staff presented the protest tally and the option to designate the Central Business Improvement Area (CBIA25), an assessment area for downtown economic promotion and holiday lighting from April 2025 to April 2028, and to appoint a Board of Equalization to hear objections. Formal action was scheduled for the evening meeting.
Item 4 · Budget
Public Utilities revenue bonds, Series 2025
Discussed
Public Utilities staff briefed the Council on a parameters resolution authorizing the sale of up to $225,000,000 in revenue bonds to fund part of water and sewer capital improvements, including the City Creek Water Treatment Plant and the city's new water reclamation facility. Members asked about public engagement and conservation, the five-year project plan and 2027 completion dates. Council Member Young asked Public Utilities for more information to broaden awareness of the city's needs among residents.
- Bond$225.0 million
Item 5 · Taxes and fees
Consolidated Fee Schedule: utility stabilization fee waiver
Discussed
The Council discussed adding language that lets the Department of Public Utilities waive stabilization fees on certain accounts that are not in use. Council Member Wharton thanked Public Utilities for the review and said residents were appreciative.
Item 6 · Roads and utilities
Temporary closure of 1000 West between South Temple and about 15 South
Discussed
The Council was briefed on an ordinance temporarily closing this segment of 1000 West, for up to two years under state law, so the city can fix the rail crossing. The Federal Railroad Administration suspended the Woods Cross Quiet Zone after finding the crossing's safety measures inadequate. Staff said a repair plan would go to the FRA in December 2024, that a waiver application had been filed to speed the process, and that crossings in North Salt Lake also need repairs. Mayor Mendenhall thanked the Council for the original quiet-zone plan.
Item 7 · Other
Council compensation follow-up
Discussed
Executive Director Jennifer Bruno reviewed the council compensation proposal. Council Member Petro supported it as a step forward and suggested basing pay on district population; Council Member Puy said the position should be open to people regardless of their financial standing; Council Member Wharton said an external committee should review it but the issue should not stall; Council Member Dugan opposed the proposal, citing possible friction over differing stipends and the size of the budget request. In a straw poll, all members present favored moving the item forward for action with an effective date and prorating language; Wharton said the straw poll did not commit anyone to a future vote.
Item 8 · Appointment
Arts Council appointment interview: Cuauhtemoc Sandoval
Discussed
The Council interviewed Cuauhtemoc Sandoval for a term ending Nov. 12, 2027; his name was placed on the consent agenda.
Item 9 · Appointment
Community Development and Capital Improvement Programs Advisory Board interview: Dallin Jones
Discussed
The Council interviewed Dallin Jones for a term ending June 7, 2027; his name was placed on the consent agenda.
Item 10 · Zoning
Temporary zoning regulation: Volunteers of America Youth Resource Center
Discussed
Executive Director Bruno briefed the Council on an ordinance temporarily raising the maximum capacity of the youth resource center to 50 people, if building and fire codes allow, until May 1, 2025.
Item 11 · Roads and utilities
S-Line conveyance of significant parcels (written briefing)
Discussed
Written briefing only on swapping city and RDA parcels along Simpson Avenue and Sugarmont Drive to support extending the S-Line streetcar to Highland Drive and an adjacent transit-oriented development. The properties were declared surplus Aug. 30, 2024; a hearing was planned for Dec. 3.
Item 14 · Other
Closed session
Approved · 7-0
The Council voted 7-0 to enter closed session to discuss deployment of security personnel, devices or systems and attorney-client matters (6:12 to 6:45 p.m.), and 7-0 to exit and adjourn.
What residents said
Fairpark zoning heightAffordable family housingRail quiet zone