Council weighs development agreement deadline for Fairpark district, merged chair roles and ranked choice voting in work session
December 3, 2024, 2:00 p.m.
In a work session the Council discussed the Dec. 31 development agreement deadline for the Jordan River Fairpark District, a municipal services agreement with the state-created Fairpark district, building code and enforcement changes, the ADA transition plan and Budget Amendment No. 2. Members also debated combining the Council and Redevelopment Agency chair roles, and the Mayor, speaking as RDA executive director, opposed the idea. Two zoning items were postponed.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Item 1 · Presentation
Updates from the Administration
Discussed
The Administration presented community engagement and homelessness updates.
Item 2 · City code
Title 18 building code text amendments, follow-up
Discussed
Staff gave follow-up information on amendments to Titles 2, 5, 18 and 21A of city code that update references to state-adopted code, change the building code enforcement appeal process and add or raise building enforcement fines to match zoning enforcement and cost of operations, as needed to comply with state law. Council Member Mano asked for a review of current demolition requests for boarded buildings and an adjustment of fees for boarded buildings.
Item 3 · Other
Americans with Disabilities Act self-evaluation and transition plan
Discussed
Staff presented a plan assessing city compliance with the ADA and steps to remove accessibility barriers in programs, facilities and public spaces. Council Member Young asked staff to call out budget items that address ADA compliance and to include the total cost of coaching and review for Capital Improvement Program applicants; Council Member Puy suggested cross-referencing CIP and ADA compliance applications.
Item 4 · Zoning
Jordan River Fairpark District zoning and development agreement, follow-up
Discussed
City Attorney Katie Lewis outlined the development agreement: it must be executed by Dec. 31, 2024; it requires the property owner to vest, provides an expedited process and prohibits the city from stadium use; and it carries public benefit commitments from the city and Larry H. Miller Development on inclusivity and nondiscrimination, workforce and family-sized housing. She suggested a team commitment on home-game convenience and the contract period.
Item 5 · Development
Municipal services interlocal agreement with the Utah Fairpark Area Investment and Restoration District
Discussed
Staff briefed the Council on an agreement, required by House Bill 562 (2024) by Dec. 31, 2024, under which the district would reimburse the city for municipal services such as water, sewer, police, fire and homelessness assistance. This would be in addition to the city receiving the base taxable value and 25% of the enhanced property tax from the district boundary; the proposal would have the city keep an additional percentage. The agreement is separate from the Larry H. Miller development agreement, and the Council could consider it Dec. 10. Ms. Lewis urged the Council to consider the future budget needed for a growing population and a new district.
Item 6 · Zoning
Northpoint Light Industrial (M-1A) zoning text amendment, follow-up
No action
The briefing on the council-initiated proposal for a new M-1A light industrial zoning district consistent with the Northpoint Small Area Plan, intended to limit effects on adjacent agricultural and residential properties and native habitats, was not held and was postponed.
Item 8 · Zoning
Sugar House master plan, zoning map and text amendment at 1095 East 2100 South
No action
The briefing on a proposal for a new MU-15 form-based mixed-use zone and Sugar House Master Plan amendment to redevelop the former Wells Fargo bank branch on 1.22 acres into mixed-use residential was not held and was postponed. The Planning Commission forwarded a negative recommendation, so ordinances have not been drafted. The petitioner is Snell & Wilmer for Harbor Bay Ventures.
- Applicant: Snell & Wilmer for owner Harbor Bay Ventures
- Acres: 1.22
- Planning Commission: negative recommendation
- Council District 7
Item 9 · Budget
Budget Amendment No. 2, fiscal year 2024-25, follow-up
Discussed
Council analyst Ben Luedtke presented a follow-up. Members and finance staff discussed full-time employee requests and workload, seasonal vacancies, general fund balance requested by the Justice Court, revenue sources, the Capital City Downtown Revitalization Zone sales tax increase and new vehicle funding. Council Members Mano and Puy asked for information on 911 operator workload and budget needs, and the Chief Financial Officer agreed to provide it.
Item 10 · Other
Council and board leadership structural changes
Discussed
Executive Director Jennifer Bruno presented a proposed resolution combining the Council Chair and Redevelopment Agency Chair positions, with a leadership stipends ordinance ready for a vote. Members discussed streamlined access and clearer decision authority against workload and the need to maintain quality. Mayor Mendenhall, speaking as RDA executive director, said combining the roles would add to an already heavy workload, effectively create a full-time position and would not benefit the city. Council Member Young asked RDA staff for pros and cons.
Item 11 · Other
Ranked choice voting for the 2025 municipal election
Discussed
City Recorder Cindy Lou Trishman discussed ranked choice voting results from the 2021 and 2023 elections, cost estimates for ballots, updates and staffing, the resolution needed to join the state pilot program for 2025, and the Mayor's request for a primary election with a county cost estimate to follow. Council Member Puy asked for Spanish-language education materials, information on requesting a translated ballot and more voter outreach funding.
Item 12 · Other
Council policy manual travel section
Discussed
A former Council director presented possible amendments to the internal policy on travel, training and capacity building.
Item 14 · Other
Housing program loan deferments
Discussed
Executive Director Bruno said payments on loans to two homeowners facing economic hardship were deferred for six months while the Council re-evaluates the process; the Council reviewed and approved those terms.
Item 15 · Other
Closed session
Approved · 6-0
The Council voted 6-0 to enter closed session for attorney-client matters (2:05 to 2:55 p.m.) and 6-0 to exit.
What residents said
Fairpark development agreementCouncil leadership structureRanked choice voting