Council weighs artificial turf rules and a Warnock Avenue alley vacation, and reviews Opportunity Zone picks and budgets
June 2, 2026, 2:00 p.m.
The June 2 work session covered a proposal to allow artificial turf in some required landscaping, an alley vacation near Warnock Avenue, a mobile business code update, the city's Opportunity Zone nominations, and several budget briefings. The Planning Commission forwarded a negative recommendation on the landscaping amendment. No votes were taken apart from a 6-0 vote to enter a closed meeting.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Item 1 · Presentation
Updates from the Administration
Discussed
Weston Clark covered the shape.slc.gov engagement platform and city projects. Andrew Johnston reported the Homeless Resource Center at functional capacity, encampment mitigation work, a June 12 resource fair, the reopening of Community Corner on Mondays and Tuesdays, and Justice Court mobile court on June 5. Members discussed Community Corner's impact and micro-shelter construction. Council Member Petro asked about the bridge closure at Cottonwood Dog Park, citing safety and accessibility.
Item 2 · City code
Landscaping and Buffers chapter text amendment
Discussed
Deputy Planning Director Michaela Bell presented changes to Title 21A that would allow artificial turf in required front and corner side yards, require at least 33 percent of required landscaping to remain live vegetation, keep the ban on artificial turf in required buffers and park strips, and set standards for tree root protection, aesthetics, permeability and turf quality. The Planning Commission forwarded a negative recommendation. Members discussed water conservation, effects on neighbors, neighborhood character, enforcement trends (most artificial turf cases are on the west side), and clearer language. Council Member Wharton asked how other cities regulate artificial turf; staff will also provide an FAQ.
- Hearing tentatively July 14; council action July 21
Item 3 · Development
Alley vacation near 567 East Warnock Avenue
Discussed
Planner Aaron Barlow presented a petition to vacate a city-owned alley, 16.5 feet wide and 80 feet long with no public access, between Warnock Avenue and the Interstate 80 right-of-way, to be split between the two neighboring owners. It holds power poles and lines for both properties. The Planning Commission gave a positive recommendation. The applicant described a proposed townhome development and the process of acquiring land from UDOT and the abutting owner; members asked about the community space in the development.
- Petitioner: Jill Genessy for property owner Gray Willow, LLC
- Council District 7
- Hearing tentatively July 14; council action July 21
Item 4 · City code
Mobile business text amendment
Discussed
Principal Planner Seth Rios presented changes to Title 21A for mobile businesses on private property to comply with state law changes from 2017 and 2023, including removing the 'mobile food court' definition and adding licensing, location, design and county health approval requirements. The rules apply to all mobile businesses, not only food vendors, and not to the public right-of-way. Council Member Petro asked staff to track the types of mobile businesses operating after implementation.
- Hearing tentatively July 14; council action July 21
Item 5 · Presentation
Opportunity Zone program update
Discussed
Economic Development Director Lorena Riffo-Jenson and Colin Gibbs described changes to the federal Opportunity Zone program, including incentives focused on long-term investment, local hiring, anti-displacement and public reporting. The city must give recommendations to the Governor's Office by June 10, nominating one census tract from each of seven areas. Proposed priority order: Ballpark, Poplar Grove North (including the Power District), Northwest Quadrant, Glendale, Fairpark, Rose Park and Central City Northwest, with the Glendale tract chosen based on community feedback and readiness. Staff said the tax incentives do not affect city tax revenue.
Item 6 · Budget
Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget: Office of the City Attorney
Discussed
City Attorney Mark Kittrell and staff presented the General Fund portion of the Attorney's Office budget, with accomplishments, technology improvements and savings. Members and Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill discussed whether two requested new full-time positions would meet staffing needs, recruitment and retention, and reduced victim advocate grant funding.
Item 7 · Budget
Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget: Insurance and Risk Management
Discussed
Staff presented the fund covering employee insurance, Human Resources, Attorney and Finance budgets. Human Resources staff described PEHP health plan changes and renewals, increases in Utah Retirement Systems Tier II contribution rates and dental renewals; about 75 percent of employees chose the Star 1 plan and 25 percent Star 2. Members discussed competitive bidding for coverage, the employee clinic and HSA contributions.
Item 9 · Budget
Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget: Sustainability Department and Refuse Fund
Discussed
Sustainability Director Debbie Lyons presented the department and Refuse Fund budgets, including a proposed 9 percent increase to residential garbage service fees. Members discussed garbage can sizes and fees, recycling requirements for multi-family and business properties, glass recycling and climate plan work. Council Member Puy asked which Environment and Energy programs could be paused or eliminated during the budget shortfall, given their effect on the tax increase.
- FeeAmount not given
Item 10 · Taxes and fees
Public Utilities update and consolidated fee schedule ordinance
Discussed
Public Utilities Director Laura Briefer presented proposed changes to Title 17 and the Consolidated Fee Schedule updating water, sewer, stormwater and street lighting fees and rates. Members discussed enforcement against users violating drought restrictions and ways to encourage conservation by high-volume users such as multi-family and institutional properties.
Item 11 · Budget
Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget: unresolved issues follow-up
Discussed
Jennifer Bruno said follow-up on unresolved issues for Fleet, Sustainability, Public Lands and Police would be taken up June 9, and staff is reviewing possible council office reductions and the property tax impact for residential and commercial properties if the proposed increase were reduced by $1 million. Council Member Petro asked for a summary of city fee increases residents would face under the proposed budget and tax increase.
Item 12 · Appointment
Board and commission appointment interviews
Discussed
The council interviewed Christopher Shope (Metropolitan Water District Board), Emmanuel Oshitoye Jr. (Human Rights Commission) and Daryl McCall and Atiyah Appline (Racial Equity in Policing Commission). Council Member Puy said each name would be on the consent agenda.
Item 16 · Budget
Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget: Governmental Immunity
No action
Written briefing only; no discussion was held.
Item 19 · Other
Executive Director report: August scheduling
Discussed
Jennifer Bruno said the August 11 Truth in Taxation hearing must be the only meeting that evening. Members supported holding the capital improvement program discussion on August 25.
Item 20 · Other
Closed meeting motion
Approved · 6-0
The council voted to enter a closed meeting on collective bargaining strategy and attorney-client matters; it ran from 5:51 to 5:59 p.m.
What residents said
Artificial turf and neighboring propertiesGarbage fee increaseWater conservation by large users