Council hears West High School rebuild, alley vacation, rezone and fee-waiver briefings
August 19, 2025, 2:00 p.m.
At the August 19 work session the Council was briefed on the Power District transportation study, zoning changes and a street vacation for the West High School rebuild, building-preservation incentives, an alley vacation near American Avenue, a rezone at 247 North 800 West, building permit fee waivers for two affordable housing projects and a non-represented employee pay plan change. Hearings were set for September 2. No votes were taken apart from closed session.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Item 1 · Roads and utilities
Power District Transportation Study
Discussed
The Wasatch Front Regional Council and a consultant presented a study of transportation options within a mile of the Power District along North Temple between I-215 and about 1000 West. Council Members raised the plan's limited scope and dependence on a baseball team and stadium, unsafe crossings and bottlenecks, lack of Westside transit investment, and coordination with the West-East Connection Study. Council Member Dugan preferred an alternative to a steep grade at the proposed 200 South/650 West below-grade rail crossing, Council Member Puy noted the Navajo Street extension could create a dead end, and Council Member Petro raised safety risks of the South Temple extension west.
Item 2 · Zoning
West High School zoning text amendment and street vacation
Discussed
Planners presented a Public Lands zone text amendment changing height limits, buffering and allowed uses and exempting new construction from Historic Preservation Overlay review (PLNPCM2025-00320), plus vacating a 130-foot-wide, 530-foot-long portion of 200 North between 300 West and 200 West already within the campus (PLNPCM2025-00321). The Planning Commission gave conditional approval. Council concerns included a narrow sidewalk at the south end, neighbor feedback on building height, design along 200 North, student displacement during construction, and safety on 300 West, a state highway, including a proposed sky bridge. A school district official noted open houses planned for September 8 and 9. Hearing set for September 2.
- Petitions: PLNPCM2025-00320 (text amendment), PLNPCM2025-00321 (street vacation)
Item 3 · City code
Zoning incentives for building preservation and adaptive reuse
Discussed
Planners described amendments to Title 21A that would expand modifications reviewable administratively through design review and planned development, clarify new construction standards and allow a one-year extension of preliminary approval. Hearing set for October 7, with action tentatively October 21.
Item 4 · Development
Alley vacation at approximately 373 West American Avenue (follow-up)
Discussed
Planners presented a proposal to vacate a city-owned alley next to four properties, three owned by the petitioner, to allow redevelopment; the other adjacent owner supports it, and the alley cannot serve as a mid-block connection because the 900 South viaduct lies to the south. The Planning Commission gave conditional approval. Discussion covered the alley's role in a future Orange Line connection and activating a pedestrian corridor. Council Member Mano asked the applicant and planners to draft development agreement language, and Planning Director Nick Norris said the agreement could require activation measures before the vacation is approved.
- Petitioner: the applicant
Item 6 · Zoning
Zoning map amendment at approximately 247 North 800 West
Discussed
Staff and the Planning Commission recommended rezoning from R-1/7,000 and SR-3 to R-1/5,000 and SR-3 to allow development west of an existing single-family home, accessed from Hoyt Place, a private road. The owner's representative recommended that utility responsibility for shared areas and easements be settled before an agreement is finalized. Council Members expressed general support. Hearing set for September 2.
- Current zone → proposed: R-1/7,000 and SR-3 → R-1/5,000 and SR-3
- Petitioner: Bert Holland, representing the property owner
Item 7 · Contract
Building permit fee waivers for Alliance House and First Step House
Discussed
The Council was briefed on waiving building permit fees for two nonprofit deeply affordable housing projects: Alliance House's 16 one-bedroom units at about 1805 South Main Street for households at or below 30% of area median income, and First Step House's 67 one- and two-bedroom units at about 44 North 1000 West for households at or below 40%. The Community and Neighborhoods Department recommended approval. Members discussed aligning building permit and impact fee waivers after the Housing Appeals Board was dissolved, long-neglected Madsen Park, and concerns about concentrating deeply affordable housing. Action tentatively set for September 2.
- FeeAmount not given to Alliance House Inc.
- FeeAmount not given to First Step House
Item 8 · Budget
FY2025-26 compensation plan amendments for non-represented employees
Discussed
The Administration proposed amendments to improve operational efficiency and retention and correct retirement contribution provisions. Staff and members discussed the cost of the city paying the full public safety employee retirement contribution; staff said state retirement rules would not allow lower amounts and public safety employees would pay no additional contributions in 2025. Action tentatively set for September 2.
Item 9 · Appointment
Board appointment interview: Library Board
Discussed
The Council interviewed Charlotte Dubiel for a term ending June 30, 2028. Council Member Petro thanked her for her interest in serving.
Item 11 · Other
Executive Director report
Discussed
Jennifer Bruno asked members to recommend candidates for a vacancy on the Metro Water District Board, and Council Members Dugan and Petro volunteered for a subcommittee to fill an opening on the Citizen Compensation Advisory Committee. Members were generally supportive of a code change so that filling a vacancy does not count toward a two-term limit on boards.
Item 12 · Other
Closed session
Approved · 7-0
The Council met in closed session from 4:58 p.m. to 6:05 p.m. on strategy for the purchase, exchange or lease of real property and attorney-client matters. No action was reported.
What residents said
Safety around West High SchoolWestside transit investmentConcentration of deeply affordable housing