Council briefed on N Street rezone, Public Services and IMS budgets, and new utility rates
May 20, 2025, 2:00 p.m.
The Council heard FY 2025-26 budget briefings from Information Management Services, Public Services and Public Utilities, and a briefing on a rezone for three infill rental units in the Avenues. It interviewed four nominees for the Planning Commission and Bicycle Advisory Committee.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
In brief
7 items came up for a decision or discussion: 5 discussed, 1 no action, and 1 approved.
The agenda records 1 dollar amount, the largest $49.3 million.
1 item here is tracked in the city's development tracker.
This write-up links 3 source documents and the meeting video.
8 members were present.
Residents raised utility rate increases.
The previous City Council work session meeting was on May 20, 2025: Council opens FY 2025-26 budget hearings, refers them to June 3; ends Budget Amendment No. 5 with an arts legislative intent
The next one was on May 22, 2025: Council briefed on Public Lands, Golf and Economic Development budgets
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Item 1 · Budget
FY 2025-26 budget: Information Management Services
Discussed
IMS staff described personnel changes, new positions, contractual increases, citywide communication and web services. Council and staff discussed software consolidation, use of AI tools, state-mandated efficiency reporting and Workday training. Council Member Puy asked about coordination of community engagement across departments.
Item 2 · Presentation
mySLC update
Discussed
Staff reported steady growth in use of the mySLC app, goals for 2025-26, integration of 10 request types with work-order systems and how users track cases. Council Member Dugan asked for data on repeat versus one-time users.
Item 3 · Zoning
Rezone for infill rental units on N Street near 3rd Avenue
Discussed
A planner described a request to rezone a property in the Avenues Local Historic District from SR-1A to RMF-30 to allow three rental units behind the existing structure, which is rated contributing and would not be altered. Planning staff recommended approval with a condition requiring two bedrooms per unit. The Council discussed parking and buffer requirements. A hearing is set for July 1 with tentative action July 8.
Item 5 · Budget
FY 2025-26 budget: Department of Public Services
Discussed
Staff described the Clean City Program restructured as the Urban Services Division, the Engineering Division moving to Community and Neighborhoods, five new positions, a proposed total budget of $49,273,018, the Smith's Ballpark transition and street maintenance funding. Discussion covered vandalism-resistant treatments for the 300 North pedestrian bridge, mill and overlay projects, the doubling of the Compliance budget and North Temple cleaning teams. Council Member Petro asked how the HEART team is integrated into Clean City.
- Budget$49.3 million
Item 6-9 · Appointment
Board appointment interviews
Discussed
The Council interviewed Lilah Rosenfield, Michael Vela and Jeffrey Barrett (Planning Commission, terms ending May 20, 2029) and Esther Daranciang (Bicycle Advisory Committee, term ending May 20, 2028). Council Member Wharton said each would be on the consent agenda.
Item 10 · Budget
FY 2025-26 budget: Public Utilities rate changes and public engagement
Discussed
Staff covered new water, sewer, stormwater and street lighting rates and demonstrated the rate estimator and customer portal.
Item 11-12 · Budget
Written briefings: Justice Court budget; Title 17 updates
No action
Written briefings only on the Justice Court FY 2025-26 budget and Title 17 code updates aligning with new water, sewer and stormwater rates and regulatory requirements. No discussion was held.
Other
Closed session
Approved · 7-0
The Council voted 7-0 to enter closed session on real property strategy and attorney-client matters (6:05 to 6:17 p.m.), and 6-0 to exit with Council Member Puy absent.
What residents said
Utility rate increases