Council reviews final Fairpark development agreement terms; straw poll backs three-tier Jordan River buffer for Northpoint zone
December 10, 2024, 4:00 p.m.
In a short work session the Council heard City Attorney Katie Lewis review the final terms of the Larry H. Miller development agreement for the Jordan River Fairpark District, warning that without an agreement by Dec. 31 the state district board could take over the city's land use authority there. Members also backed a three-part Jordan River buffer in the Northpoint light industrial zone by straw poll and were briefed on a $350,000 loan to Frontier Fruit and details of Budget Amendment No. 2.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Item 1 · Public safety
Winter shelter plans update
No action
The item was not held.
Item 2 · Zoning
Jordan River Fairpark District zoning and development agreement, follow-up
Discussed
City Attorney Katie Lewis gave an overview of House Bill 562, which created the Utah Fairpark Area Investment and Restoration (UFAIR) District, detailed the three things the law requires and reviewed all final terms of the proposed development agreement. She said that if the city did not execute an agreement with the property owner, the Larry H. Miller Group, by Dec. 31, 2024, the UFAIR board could assume the city's land use authority in that district. Council Member Petro said the plan responded to recent legislation, that the Council intended to comply with the law, and that she believed it served all Salt Lake residents.
Item 3 · Zoning
Northpoint light industrial (M-1A) zoning text amendment, follow-up
Discussed
Planner Krissy Gilmore described a proposed Jordan River buffer now split into three zones: 0 to 100 feet a strict no-disturbance area; 100 to 200 feet where fences or patios but no structures or paving could be allowed; and 200 to 300 feet a transition area allowing any use in the underlying M-1A zone except commercial parking lots and stormwater retention or detention, subject to a riparian corridor permit. In a straw poll, all members present supported the three-zone buffer.
Item 4 · Contract
$350,000 Economic Development Loan Fund loan to Frontier Fruit, LLC
Discussed
Staff briefed the Council on a $350,000 loan to Frontier Fruit, LLC, a taproom offering craft beer and artisanal spirits, meant to create 19 jobs and retain 11. Staff said it would benefit the 300 West corridor and Ballpark neighborhood businesses. Council Member Puy asked for reporting on loan fund applicants, including history and whether more staff is needed; staff said analysis was coming and that they were working with the Mayor's Office on staffing.
- Payment$350,000 to Frontier Fruit, LLC
Item 5 · Budget
Budget Amendment No. 2, fiscal year 2024-25, follow-up
Discussed
Staff clarified several items: $100,000 one-time from the transportation sales tax fund for 3200 West complete street additions, where the state, Salt Lake City and West Valley City each own part of the right-of-way and are each contributing; $7 million for landfill projects, budget neutral through county reimbursements, to complete a methane collection well project beginning in spring 2025; $103,000 in capital funds and $43,000 in transportation impact fees from a canceled project for the Kensington Neighborhood Byway; Prosecutor's Office changes ($280,000 back to general fund balance, removal of a city prosecutor position, and $50,000 for a structural study of City Hall's fifth floor); two 911 positions reclassified at no cost; a $4.2 million University of Utah donation for Sunnyside Park; and a $2.1 million transfer for police and fire wages. Council Member Puy asked for further discussion and possible legislative intent on the Prosecutor's Office, and on 911 vacancies.
- Grant$4.20 million to University of Utah
- Budget$7.00 million
- Budget$100,000
Item 6 · Other
Council and board leadership structural changes, follow-up
Discussed
Council Member Puy asked about the leadership stipend; Executive Director Jennifer Bruno said staff asked that it be placed on the first formal meeting in January 2025. Council Member Petro suggested a subcommittee of members to gather information and reach their own conclusions rather than relying on staff.
Item 7 · Appointment
Art Design Board interview: Nate King
Discussed
The Council interviewed Nate King for a term ending Dec. 10, 2027; his name was on the consent agenda.
Item 8 · City code
Campaign finance amendments (written briefing)
Discussed
A written briefing on removing political action committee and political interest committee reporting from city code chapters 2.46 and 2.68, along with housekeeping changes to definitions, contribution limits language and declarations. No discussion was held.
Item 10 · Other
Executive director report
Discussed
All members present supported Council Member Mano attending the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials conference in Washington, D.C.
Item 11 · Other
Closed session
Approved · 7-0
The Council voted 7-0 to enter closed session for privileged attorney-client matters (4:18 to 5:00 p.m.) and 7-0 to exit.
What residents said
Fairpark development agreementJordan River buffer