Council briefed on Justice Court judgeships, nuisance property rules and an alley vacation
September 9, 2025, 4:00 p.m. · Salt Lake City and County Building
The Council's Sept. 9 work session covered a proposal to let the city add Justice Court judgeships, an ordinance on recurring nuisance properties and after-hours alcohol consumption, and a $230,306 HOME-ARP reallocation. Members also heard an alley vacation request and interviewed four Arts Council nominees.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Item 1 · Development
Delta Center parking garage agreement (follow-up briefing)
Discussed
Council staff reminded members the item was on that night's formal agenda. Members thanked the applicant for continued discussion and its commitment to activate the downtown area around the Delta Center.
Item 2 · Other
Alley vacation at Liberty Heights plat (briefing)
Discussed
The Council heard about a petition from an adjacent owner to vacate part of a city alley between about 1430 East and 1500 East and 1300 South and Sherman Avenue. The segment is not used for access by any abutting property and is obstructed in several places. Planning staff noted the Planning Commission's positive recommendation. Council Member Puy asked for a follow-up on the Engineering Division's final alley inventory report. Council Member Petro left during this item.
- Petition: PLNPCM2025-00219
- Council District 6
Item 3 · City code
Justice Court capacity text amendment (briefing)
Discussed
Staff proposed amending city code sections 2.84.020 and 2.84.030 so the city can add authorized judgeships, subject to Judicial Council approval, to keep up with caseloads after the 2024 court restructuring. The Salt Lake County District Attorney and the Salt Lake Legal Defender Association's director joined the discussion on staffing, using judges from other courts, and keeping the court's integrity.
Item 4 · City code
Recurring nuisance properties and after-hours alcohol consumption (briefing)
Discussed
The proposal would allow escalating action against property or business owners for recurring nuisance activity such as unruly parties, and ban alcohol consumption in common areas of commercial and non-residential premises between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. (amending Titles 5 and 11). Council Members, police and attorneys discussed penalties and how to address after-hours calls without affecting private gatherings. Members asked for more information on how the policy would address the nuisance concerns.
Item 5 · Budget
HOME-ARP allocation plan amendment (briefing)
Discussed
Housing staff described a budget-neutral shift of $230,306 in HUD HOME-American Rescue Plan funds into supportive services so contracted organizations can add case management for households receiving tenant-based rental assistance. Next steps are a 30-day comment period, a public hearing and possible Council adoption.
- Budget$230,306
Item 6-9 · Appointment
Arts Council interviews
Discussed
The Council interviewed the applicant, Denise Begue, Pablo Cruz-Ayalo and Nicholas Pedersen for terms ending Sept. 9, 2028. All four names were slated for the consent agenda. Council Member Mano left during the third interview.
What residents said
Justice Court caseloadsNuisance property enforcement