Council briefed on airport lost-property rules, Jefferson Park alley closure, water district and public utilities budgets
May 5, 2026, 2:30 p.m.
The council's May 5 work session was devoted to briefings: a code change for lost property at the airport, an alley closure inside Jefferson Park, the Metropolitan Water District budget, and the proposed $427.8 million Public Utilities budget. Two Housing Authority board interviews were held, and a closed meeting followed with a 6-0 vote to enter it. No other votes were taken.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Item 1 · City code
Lost and mislaid property at airports text amendment
Discussed
Airport staff and the city attorney's office described a code change to comply with Senate Bill 172 from the 2026 legislative session, formalizing how the airport receives, inventories, stores and disposes of lost property. The state law applies only to airports with a federally required law enforcement presence. Council members asked how unclaimed property that becomes airport property is disposed of. Public hearing is set for May 19.
- Affects city code Chapter 2.10 and Section 16.10
- Tentative council action June 2
Item 2 · Roads and utilities
Indefinite alleyway closure in Jefferson Park
Discussed
Public Lands staff proposed closing a 16-by-275-foot north-south alley and part of a 15-by-100-foot east-west alley that lie entirely within Jefferson Park, so the park's parcels can be combined into one lot for park improvements, including stormwater detention. The work is funded by the Parks, Trails, and Open Space general obligation bond and capital improvement funds. Staff said no properties rely on these alleys, and the segment residents on 200 West and Goltz Avenue use is not affected. Council members asked whether future park parcel consolidations and alley closures could be grouped; staff said other parks need similar actions but team capacity requires handling them one at a time.
- BudgetAmount not given
- Hearing set for June 9 at 7 p.m.; tentative action July 14
Item 4 · Budget
Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget: Metropolitan Water District
Discussed
Board Chair Tom Godfrey and General Manager Annalee Munsey presented the district's proposed budget, covering revenue, spending, major capital projects and infrastructure needs, water supplies from Deer Creek Reservoir, Little Cottonwood Creek and Jordanelle Reservoir, plans for future bonding, and a likely property tax increase in fiscal year 2027-28 to pay for capital projects on aging infrastructure. The council appoints a majority of the district's trustees, who have final authority over the budget. Staff said statewide conservation efforts do not change the district's budget because of flat-rate billing.
Item 5 · Budget
Fiscal Year 2026-27 proposed budget: Department of Public Utilities
Discussed
Public Utilities Director Laura Briefer and staff presented a proposed $427.8 million budget covering water, sewer, stormwater and streetlighting funds, capital investment, federal loans and grants, rate drivers and sample monthly bill impacts. Council members discussed federal funding, rate comparisons with other places, the risk to bond ratings and water security of not raising rates, Great Salt Lake protections through conservation pricing, lower rates for multi-family and commercial customers after indoor and outdoor meters are separated, a $20,000 General Fund contribution, and street lighting equity. Council Member Petro asked for coordination to educate residents on utility rates. Council Member Lopez Chavez left during this item.
- Budget$427.8 million
Item 6 · Appointment
Board appointment: Housing Authority of Salt Lake City, Deborah Chiquito
Discussed
The council interviewed Deborah Chiquito, a Salt Lake County resident, for a term ending May 5, 2030. Council Member Puy said her name would go on the consent agenda.
Item 7 · Appointment
Board appointment: Housing Authority of Salt Lake City, Turner Bitton
No action
The interview was moved to a future council meeting.
Item 10 · Other
Closed meeting motion
Approved · 6-0
The council voted to enter a closed meeting on the character or competence of an individual, collective bargaining strategy and attorney-client matters. Council Member Lopez Chavez was recorded absent for this vote and attended the closed meeting, which ran 4:49 to 5:26 p.m. Executive Director Jennifer Bruno also told members that budget-season packets would be delivered Fridays, meetings would start at 1:00 p.m., Thursday meetings would be added starting May 14, and CRA budget would be taken up May 19.
What residents said
Great Salt Lake protectionUtility rate increasesWater district property tax increase planned for FY 2027-28