Council straw polls support $3.1 million Green Loop design release; Ivory University House terms favored 5-2 in straw poll
January 21, 2025, 3:00 p.m.
In a work session the Council backed, by unanimous straw poll, releasing $3.1 million in capital funds for Green Loop design and guidelines, and favored new terms for the Ivory University House student housing project 5-2, with Council Members Chris Wharton and Daniel Dugan opposed. Members were also briefed on winter shelter plans, Budget Amendment No. 3, the Emerald Ribbon plan for the Jordan River corridor and a library collective bargaining resolution. A rezoning in Emigration Canyon was removed at the applicant's request.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
| Item | Result |
|---|---|
| Winter shelter plans update | Discussed |
| Zoning map amendment at about 3052 East Emigration Canyon Road | Withdrawn |
| Budget Amendment No. 3, fiscal year 2024-25 | Discussed |
| Collective bargaining resolution for the Salt Lake City Public Library | Discussed |
| Emerald Ribbon Action Plan update | Discussed |
| Green Loop guidelines and next steps | Discussed |
| Ivory University House terms (straw poll) | Discussed · 5-2 |
| Advice and consent: City Recorder Keith Reynolds | Discussed |
| Executive director report | Discussed |
Agenda, item by item
Item 1 · Public safety
Winter shelter plans update
Discussed
Andrew Johnston reviewed the city's winter sheltering plans. Members and staff discussed educating the public about the full cost of emergency shelter beds, potential future shelter sites and community hesitancy to host them, and safety and security plans. Members commended the report and Mr. Johnston's leadership.
Item 2 · Zoning
Zoning map amendment at about 3052 East Emigration Canyon Road
Withdrawn
A briefing on a request to rezone property from FR-2/21,780 Foothills Residential to RMF-75 High-Density Multi-Family Residential, which would increase development potential, was removed from the agenda at the applicant's request. The Planning Commission had forwarded a negative recommendation. The petitioner is ANA Enterprises, representing the property owner.
- Applicant: ANA Enterprises for the property owner
- Current zone → proposed: FR-2/21,780 → RMF-75
- Planning Commission: negative recommendation
- Council District 6
Item 3 · Presentation
Downtown Alliance updates
Discussed
The Downtown Alliance, funded by a special assessment of downtown commercial properties for economic promotion and holiday lighting since 1991, gave program updates. Members discussed options and steps for expanding the Central Business Improvement Assessment area and the Downtown Ambassadors program.
Item 4 · Budget
Budget Amendment No. 3, fiscal year 2024-25
Discussed
Staff briefed the Council on the amendment, which includes infrastructure on the Fleet Block, vehicles including a Justice Bus mobile courtroom, and protecting the Great Salt Lake watershed. Items discussed: A-1, a $285,800 one-time rescope of Public Lands vacancy savings for vehicles, equipment and events, of which $188,700 goes to the Fleet Fund (members discussed equipment storage security and autonomous mowers); A-2, two Information Management Services positions, a full-time cybersecurity engineer and conversion of a part-time graphic designer to full-time, at $85,242 from fund balance then ongoing (more information due Feb. 4); G-2, $239,050 in grant funds for a Community Wildfire Protection Plan update; and I-1, $150,000 one-time from general fund balance to accelerate treatment of diseased sycamore trees, which Council Member Dugan said was an investment in a capital asset. Council Member Dugan asked for a timeline, update frequency and 2025 preparedness status for the wildfire plan.
- Budget$285,800
- Budget$85,242
- Grant$239,050
- Budget$150,000
Item 5 · Other
Collective bargaining resolution for the Salt Lake City Public Library
Discussed
The library's executive director and board president presented a resolution, adopted by the library board on Dec. 16, 2024, that would let the library begin a collective bargaining process with a union if employees vote to form one. Council Member Young said she looked forward to finalizing a resolution benefiting employees. Council action was tentatively set for Feb. 4.
Item 6 · Parks
Emerald Ribbon Action Plan update
Discussed
Public Lands staff and consultants updated the Council on the plan guiding capital investment, operations and maintenance along 10 miles of the Jordan River corridor. Members discussed whether the Cottonwood Park revitalization qualified for a FEMA levy timeline, the timeline and scope of governance agreements, maintenance and mowing funding impacts, city roles and responsibilities, the public safety plan and the project's name.
Item 7 · Roads and utilities
Green Loop guidelines and next steps
Discussed
The Administration asked the Council to release $3.1 million in Capital Improvement Program funds for the planned Green Loop: project development and public space management guidelines, a conceptual design of the 200 East section from 350 South to 450 South, and a layout of the 500 West section from 600 South to 900 South. Members discussed document costs, the reason for designing 500 West, whether the next CIP request should focus on the Civic Campus, and making sure contractors understand bids are not for final design review. The Council said the straw poll would not commit it to a timeline; all members present supported releasing the funds.
- Budget$3.10 million
Item 8 · Development
Ivory University House terms (straw poll)
Discussed · 5-2
Staff asked for a straw poll on accepting new terms for the Ivory University House student housing project. Members asked whether utilities are included in rent and whether the agreement can be renegotiated to let more students afford housing; staff said an annual report is due to the city that allows renegotiation. Council Members Puy, Mano, Petro, Lopez Chavez and Young supported the new terms; Council Members Wharton and Dugan opposed.
Item 9 · Appointment
Advice and consent: City Recorder Keith Reynolds
Discussed
The Council interviewed Mr. Reynolds; his name was placed on the consent agenda.
Item 11 · Other
Executive director report
Discussed
Council Member Dugan, chair of the Utah Renewable Communities board, gave an update.
What residents said
Green Loop fundingStudent housing affordabilityWildfire preparedness