Council hears budget briefings, a kolache shop loan and a state-law fix for appeals and variances
June 3, 2025, 1:00 p.m.
At the June 3 work session the Council received briefings on the Fire Department and Arts Council budgets, a $200,000 loan for a Sugar House kolache restaurant, and a zoning text change to end public hearings on land use appeals and variances under House Bill 368. Members also sorted open legislative intents from past years by straw poll and began deciding how to spend remaining budget money. No formal votes were taken except on the closed session.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Item 1 · Presentation
Updates from the Administration
Discussed
Weston Clark covered community engagement and citywide project updates. Andrew Johnston reported on Homeless Resource Center capacity, a resource fair, community block parties, summer emergency shelter capacity and summer cooling options at libraries and recreation centers.
Item 2 · City code
Zoning text amendment on public hearings for appeals and variances
Discussed
Staff explained the proposal removes the public hearing requirement for appeals of land use decisions and variance requests, as House Bill 368 from the 2025 Legislature requires; the law took effect May 7, 2025. Planning Director Nick Norris described the intent, data on appeals and variances received, and variance requirements. Members asked whether hearings were helpful, what other ways exist to gain public information, and how often variances occur. Public hearing was scheduled for July 1 with action expected July 8.
- Petition: PLNPCM2025-00327 (from the June 10 consent agenda)
- Timeline: briefing June 3; hearing July 1 at 7 p.m.; tentative action July 8
Item 3 · Taxes and fees
Economic Development Loan Fund loan for Hruskas LLC
Discussed
The Council was briefed on a $200,000 loan to Hruskas, LLC, a takeout restaurant selling kolaches, for its new location at 1751 South 1100 East. The loan is expected to create two jobs in the next year and retain nine. Economic Development Manager Peter Makowski said the business has a long presence in Sugar House and the loan would help renovate the new space.
- Payment$200,000 to Hruskas, LLC
Item 4 · Budget
Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget: Fire Department
Discussed
Chief Karl Lieb described requested programs, including an increase in the uniform allowance and a Social Work Intern, plus data collection and possible expansion of the Community Health Access Team and wildfire preparation for residents. Members discussed fire staff visits to assess residential fire risk and community risk reduction assignments. Council Member Puy asked for data on how much department resources go to homelessness, mental health and overdose calls; Lieb said it would be provided. Council Members Petro and Lopez Chavez arrived during this item.
Item 6 · Budget
Budget: responses to open legislative intents from prior years
Discussed
Staff walked the Council through open legislative intents (formal requests the Council makes of the administration) and members indicated by straw poll which to keep open or close. Staff and members supported closing the FY25 zero-based budgeting item c, the FY25 compensation plan, FY25 electric vehicle charging stations, the FY21 police reporting ordinance, FY24 attorney pay parity and the FY23 boarded building fee; most others stayed open, including noise enforcement, Jordan River water quality, golf fees and the Open and Public Meetings Act item, which got a May 2026 deadline. All members present supported each poll; Council Member Young joined during this item and was absent for some.
Item 7 · Budget
Budget: unresolved issues follow-up
Discussed
Council staff and finance officials discussed new growth revenue estimated at about $2 million, judgment levy revenue, keeping the fund balance at 13%, the city's AAA bond rating, fleet fund and street maintenance needs, and funding for the Legal Defenders Association. At Council Member Young's suggestion, members agreed to wait for final tax revenue numbers before deciding allocations.
Item 9 · Appointment
Board appointment interview: Racial Equity in Policing Commission
Discussed
The Council interviewed Aleksei Hernandez-Nietling for a term ending December 27, 2027. Council Member Wharton said the name would be on the consent agenda that evening.
Item 10 · Budget
Budget: Arts Council Division
Discussed
Staff presented division goals, revenue, contractual obligations, special projects, CIP and CRA art funding, The Blocks cultural core and citywide mural updates. Council Member Petro asked for metrics on public engagement and audience development. Council Member Puy asked for details on staff time and programming allocation, the definition of outreach, the split among events, concerts and public art, comparison with other cities, and the number and cost of art pieces installed last year. Staff said the information would be provided.
Item 13 · Other
Closed session
Approved · 7-0
The Council went into closed session to discuss pending or reasonably imminent litigation and privileged attorney-client matters, meeting from 5:49 p.m. to 6:49 p.m. No action was reported.
What residents said
Wildfire preparednessFund balance and property tax revenueLegislative intents