Council hears utility-scale clean energy opt-out plan, bond capacity and police public safety update in work session

Decisions at a glance

Agenda, item by item

1. Item 1 · Other

   Utah Renewable Communities program update

   Discussed

   Sustainability staff described the 19-community program aiming for net-100% clean electricity by 2030, which residents may opt out of. Staff estimated an opt-out fee of $3 to $4 per month, adjusted for low-income households, and said residents could keep or redirect Blue Sky renewable credits. Members thanked Council Member Dugan for representing the Council on the Public Service Commission, whose hearing was set for Dec. 16, 2025.

2. Item 2 · Taxes and fees

   Consolidated Fee Schedule amendment for Public Lands

   Discussed

   The Public Lands director proposed renaming the Max Galaxy system in the fee schedule to ActiveNet and adding the OpenCounter payment system to the programs exempt from credit card surcharge fees, saying the benefits would outweigh the costs. There was no further discussion; council action is tentatively set for Jan. 13, 2026.

3. Item 3 · Budget

   Bond capacity and anticipated projects

   Discussed

   The chief financial officer reviewed general obligation, local building authority, sales tax, impact fee and other bond types. Staff confirmed a $115 million GO bond in three tranches would not raise taxpayer payments. Local building authority bonds fund fire stations and cost more. Council Member Petro asked for a 2032 projection of taxpayer savings if the city forgoes the proposed $15 million GO bond, and the executive director asked for an analysis of the 1/5 of 1/5 bond in the sports and entertainment district.

   • Bond$115.0 million Potential general obligation bond issued in three tranches. Paid from GO bond; staff said no increase in taxpayer payments

4. Item 4 · Public safety

   Public Safety Plan update

   Discussed

   The police chief presented the Connect Program, crime patterns, citywide crime statistics and a partnership developing policing strategies. Discussion covered the value of citations, victimization near shelters, a Real Time Crime Center, and license plate readers and drones. Members raised concerns about mass surveillance and civil rights. Staff confirmed data from police technologies would be owned and controlled by the department and not shared with Flock Safety or U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Council Member Lopez Chavez asked for data on online reporting, Council Member Young for the department's key budget needs, and Council Member Petro for an option to decommission the plate readers if a triggering condition is met.

5. Item 5 · Zoning

   Temporary zoning for Volunteers of America Youth Resource Center (written briefing)

   Discussed · About 888 South 400 West

   The Council received a written briefing on a temporary zoning regulation letting the youth resource center raise its capacity to up to 50 people, within building and fire code limits, for up to 180 days. No discussion was held.

6. Item 6 · Appointment

   Interview: Historic Landmark Commission appointee

   Discussed

   The Council interviewed Mark McGrath, a District 7 resident, for a term ending Dec. 9, 2029. Council Member Wharton said he would be on the consent agenda.

7. Item 9 · Other

   Closed session

   Approved · 5-0

   The Council voted 5-0 to enter closed session (4:12 to 4:49 p.m.) to discuss real property strategy and attorney-client matters, then voted 5-0 to exit. Council Members Petro and Puy were absent for these votes.

   Moved by Council Member Darin Mano, seconded by Council Member Eva Lopez Chavez. Vote: 5-0; Council Members Petro and Puy absent

What residents said

License plate reader data and surveillanceOpt-out fee for renewable program