Council straw poll 6-1 favors largest park bond tranche, about $49.3 million
November 25, 2025, 2:00 p.m.
In a work session of briefings, Council Members indicated 6-1 support for a $49,336,400 second issuance of the parks, trails and open space general obligation bond. They also heard about the water conservation plan, public art maintenance funding, the Climate Forward SLC plan, fee schedule corrections and the West-East Connections Study. A closed session on security deployment and attorney-client matters followed.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Item 1 · Other
Briefing: 2025 Water Conservation Plan
Discussed
Staff presented the updated plan, which sets 5-, 10- and 40-year water conservation goals and was developed under the state Conservation Plan Act. The Planning Department recommended it positively. Members and staff discussed public education and steps commercial and residential users can take. The public hearing was set for Dec. 2.
Item 2 · Presentation
Briefing: Public Art Program maintenance and conservation report
Discussed
Public Art Program staff recommended depositing 20% of fiscal year 2025-26 capital improvement percent-for-art funds ($33,475) into the Maintenance Fund. Council Member Petro asked for a report on funds needed to cover projected maintenance costs before the 2026-27 budget discussions, which staff agreed to provide.
- Budget$33,475
Item 3 · Presentation
Briefing: Climate Forward SLC plan update
Discussed
The Sustainability Department presented data, goals and survey results for an update to the city's climate strategy, which is in early development with adoption expected in 2026. Discussion covered outreach, actions to reduce climate impact and consolidating utility departments for more control over clean energy. Council Member Petro asked how environmental goals could be weighed against other priorities such as affordable housing.
Item 4 · Taxes and fees
Consolidated Fee Schedule corrections follow-up
Discussed
Staff briefed the Council a third time on corrections to the fiscal year 2025-26 Consolidated Fee Schedule, including adding the title "Fire Lines" and description "Per Inch" to a Public Utilities rate table. Discussion covered rate terms, projected cost increases, who bears fire line service costs and communication with affected customers. The Council asked to continue the straw poll discussion at the Dec. 2 work session.
Item 6 · Roads and utilities
Briefing: West-East Connections Study (WE Connect), Phase One
Discussed
Transportation staff presented phase one results of the study, funded through the U.S. DOT Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program, which looks at west-east travel across the I-15 and railroad divide. Discussion covered engagement, limited community representation in phase one, and blocked train crossings affecting West Side businesses and residents. Staff said phase two would expand engagement and translated materials. Council Member Petro asked that a north-south divide element be included; Council Member Young suggested scoring community representation in the procurement.
Item 7 · Parks
Parks, trails and open space general obligation bond: second issuance
Discussed · 6-1
The Council reviewed first-issuance projects and the administration's request to approve a second issuance (Series 2026), which would fund $26 million to $49 million of new projects including Glendale Park construction. Voters authorized up to $85 million in 2022. Mayor Mendenhall cited public support and little or no property tax increase. Staff presented three funding scenarios. In a straw poll, Council Members Young, Mano, Puy, Wharton, Dugan and Lopez Chavez supported scenario three, a $49,336,400 tranche, and Council Member Petro voted against. Council Member Puy proposed a legislative intent for a shovel-ready report and a way to notify the Council of timeline or scope changes; Council Member Lopez Chavez proposed one reviewing rescoping of funds to scenario three. Council Member Petro asked for wage data on cost-of-living effects.
- Bond$49.3 million
Item 8 · Other
Review of 2026 annual meeting calendar
Discussed
Staff reviewed the draft 2026 calendar for the Council, Community Reinvestment Agency and Board of Canvassers and confirmed tentative dates with members. The executive director said tentative meetings were added so city business could be addressed.
Item 9 · Appointment
Interview: Community Development and Capital Improvement Programs Advisory Board appointee
Discussed
The Council interviewed an appointee for a term ending June 5, 2028. Council Member Wharton said the appointment would go on the consent agenda.
Item 12 · Other
Closed session
Approved · 7-0
The Council voted 7-0 to enter closed session to discuss deployment of security personnel, devices or systems and attorney-client matters (6:06 to 6:26 p.m.), then voted 7-0 to exit.
What residents said
Blocked train crossings on the West SideUtility rate increasesParks bond cost