Council picks Wharton as 2025 chair and Puy as vice chair by straw poll; briefed on legislative priorities and utility rate study
January 7, 2025, 2:00 p.m.
In a long work session the Council nominated Council Member Chris Wharton as 2025 chair and Council Member Alejandro Puy as vice chair by written straw poll, then received national and state legislative briefings, the 2024 water, wastewater and stormwater rate study, and a proposed alley vacation near American Avenue. It also interviewed three nominees for city posts and commissions.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Item 1 · Appointment
Nomination of 2025 Council Chair and Vice Chair
Discussed
Council Member Puy nominated Council Member Wharton for chair, and Council Member Mano nominated Council Member Puy for vice chair. In written straw polls confirmed by the city recorder, all members present supported both nominations; a verbal correction was made to one written vote by Council Member Lopez Chavez.
Item 2 · Presentation
Updates from the Administration
Discussed
Staff presented community engagement highlights and a homelessness update. Council Member Lopez Chavez asked for further discussion of the services the city provides, what happens to belongings of people experiencing homelessness, and a comparison with other organizations' processes.
Item 3 · Presentation
National legislative briefing
Discussed
The city's legislative affairs director outlined 2025 city priorities: the 2034 Olympics, transportation and walkability, the Boise to Las Vegas rail line, a zero-fatality initiative around crosswalks and railroads, homelessness and affordable housing, water and the Great Salt Lake, and maintaining local control. The city's federal advisor briefed the Council on expected plans of the incoming federal administration.
Item 4 · Presentation
State legislative briefing
Discussed
Staff and a lobbyist discussed issues the city is following in the 2025 session: school security, judicial reform, affordable housing, air quality, renewable energy policies and Rocky Mountain Power contracts, moving the elections office out of the Lieutenant Governor's office, GRAMA and data privacy, land use and tax impacts, immigration, and homelessness services.
Item 5 · Taxes and fees
2024 water, wastewater and stormwater rate study
Discussed
Public Utilities staff presented the findings of the rate study, done about every five years, and the recommended water and sewer rates and rate design that will inform the fiscal 2026 budget and the Consolidated Fee Schedule. Members and staff discussed 2025 legislative bills on rates and water pricing, simpler communication with residents, and strategies for explaining how rates are set.
Item 7 · Subdivision
Alley vacation near 373 West American Avenue
Discussed
The Council was briefed on a petition to vacate a city-owned alley next to properties at about 373 West American Avenue. Closing the alley would let the owner of three of the four adjacent properties redevelop the site; the fourth owner also supports it. The alley cannot serve as a mid-block connection because the 900 South viaduct lies directly to the south. The applicant and developer described plans for townhomes along the easement to avoid a blank wall. Council Member Mano asked to review the final plan, saying a blank wall makes a hostile walking environment, and wants the easement to become a friendlier public walkway.
- Council District 5
Item 8 · Presentation
Public Art Program maintenance and conservation report, FY 2024-25
Discussed
The Public Art Program recommended that 20% of fiscal 2025 percent-for-art capital funds, or $40,000, be deposited to the maintenance fund. Council Member Puy asked that urgent and essential projects be highlighted; Council Member Petro requested a follow-up on maintenance, donors and criteria for artists and events.
- Budget$40,000
Item 9 · Presentation
Open meetings law and GRAMA annual training
Discussed
The Recorder's Office presented GRAMA training and the City Attorney's Office presented training on the Utah Open and Public Meetings Act, serving as the annual training for the Council and the RDA board.
Item 10 · Budget
Library Budget Amendment No. 1, FY 2024-25
Discussed
Library staff presented a proposal to re-appropriate $190,000 in the library's fiscal 2025 budget from unused employee benefits to help pay for the Main Library roof renovation, which will waterproof the roof and create an outdoor public area.
- Budget$190,000
Item 11 · Other
Residential waste and recycling route changes
Discussed
Sustainability staff described changes to weekly collection routes starting Feb. 3, 2025, meant to match daily workload to typical crew staffing and improve efficiency and worker wellbeing, with a citywide communication effort.
Item 12 · Appointment
Advice and consent: Chief Human Resources Officer David Buchanan
Discussed
The Council interviewed Mr. Buchanan; his name was placed on the consent agenda for formal consideration.
Item 13 · Appointment
Advice and consent: Director of Community and Neighborhoods Tammy Hunsaker
Discussed
The Council interviewed Ms. Hunsaker; her name was placed on the consent agenda.
Item 14 · Appointment
Accessibility and Disability Commission interview: Nancy Strahan
Discussed
The Council interviewed Ms. Strahan for a term ending Dec. 28, 2026; her name was placed on the consent agenda.
Item 16 · Other
Executive director report
Discussed
Council members may include newsletters in Public Utilities mailings in April, August and December; Council Member Young requested August and Council Members Mano and Puy requested December. A legislative action on accessory dwelling unit height was planned for the evening meeting.
What residents said
Utility ratesAlley vacation walkability