Council holds straw polls on budget cuts, drone pilot funding fails 3-4; short-term rental license rules briefed
June 16, 2026, 2:00 p.m.
Ahead of budget adoption, the council took a series of non-binding straw polls on police, Public Lands and other budget lines, including a 3-4 poll against restoring the full drone pilot position. Members also heard the short-term rental licensing ordinance and a briefing on the state-required waiver of proximity for a pizzeria near Liberty Park.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Item 1 · Other
Waiver of proximity for Via Veneto Pizzarium, 511 East 900 South
Discussed
Nick Norris and Nick Tarbet explained that, as of May 2026, state law requires a city waiver of proximity before the state alcohol agency issues a liquor license near a community location; here the restaurant is across from Liberty Park in District 5. A public hearing is required at least 30 days before approval. Members discussed notice to nearby residents, a consistent process for businesses, and that the waiver does not apply to schools or churches. Council Member Carlsen asked for clear timeline expectations for applicants.
Item 2 · City code
Short-term rental business license ordinance
Discussed
Tammy Hunsaker and Arturo Garcia presented a proposed Chapter 5.13 covering eligibility, limits in multifamily buildings, a two-night minimum stay, recordkeeping, enforcement, fines, suspension and revocation. Members discussed the link to future zoning rules, enforcement resources and lodging-tax revenue, effects on long-term housing supply and state-law limits. All members present supported requiring self-certification of carbon monoxide detectors in a straw poll, and Council Member Puy asked about smoke and CO detector requirements.
Item 3 · Budget
Fiscal year 2026-27 budget: unresolved issues and straw polls
Discussed
Jennifer Bruno reported lower-than-estimated new growth and judgment levy revenue, offset by savings from the finalized AFSCME agreement. Members took straw polls, which are informal. Unanimous support: a one-time $34,121 cut to the Council Office operations budget; funding the police drone pilot for about five months instead of ten; restoring $311,600 for seasonal Public Lands staff; keeping Park Ranger staffing; cutting the IMS Innovation Program from $100,000 to $65,000; restoring urban trails to $450,000; and moving $125,000 of Fire salary funding to the property tax proposal. Split polls: restoring the drone pilot as the mayor proposed failed 3-4 (for: Dugan, Puy, Young); the license plate reader subgrant 6-1 (Petro opposed); restoring the police leadership program 5-2 (Carlsen and Napier-Pearce opposed); moving $50,000 for cameras to the property tax proposal 6-1 (Carlsen opposed); moving $68,000 for the drone pilot there 4-3 (Carlsen, Wharton, Napier-Pearce opposed); moving all $136,000 of line 24 there 5-2 (Carlsen and Napier-Pearce opposed); and restoring tree maintenance at $31,475 6-1 (Petro opposed). Council Member Petro requested a legislative intent on efficiencies and data privacy, and Council Member Puy asked for a future discussion of alternative response programs. After a break, members reviewed legislative intents on UTA ridership, mobile vendors, Park Ranger efficiency, privacy and improved efficiency.
Item 4 · Taxes and fees
Tentative property tax impact schedule, fiscal year 2026-27
Discussed
Council Member Puy noted the schedule was available online for the public.
Item 6 · Other
Executive Director report: artwork deaccession
Discussed
Lehua Weaver said a piece of artwork would be removed from the city inventory but remain in its current location with reduced maintenance.
What residents said
Property tax increaseShort-term rentalsPolice drone programAlcohol license near park