Council gives direction on Bonanza Park plan heights and five-acre site funding using lodging tax; no votes beyond routine items
January 11, 2024, 4:45 p.m. · City Council Chambers, 445 Marsac Avenue
On January 11, 2024 the council reviewed the second phase of engagement on the Bonanza Park small area plan and the five-acre feasibility study. Members generally supported up to four stories, with some willing to consider five for affordable housing; council discussed funding from the 1 percent transient room tax (about $6.5 million collected since 2017, enough to support roughly $30 million in bonds) and a possible public infrastructure district. Staff will draft a request-for-proposals outline and begin formal talks with the Kimball Art Center and Sundance. The council also reviewed a 2024 legislative platform and approved Sundance licenses and McPolin Farm event sponsorship, 5-0.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Item Work1 · Appointment
Appeal panel interview
Discussed
The council interviewed one candidate; the mayor was excused. Panelists to be decided later. No motion.
Item Work2 · Presentation
2024 legislative policy platform
Discussed
Staff described guidelines allowing action between meetings during the legislative session and noted lobbyists' role, including on the Hideout annexation bill that was rescinded. Members supported the platform. No vote.
Item V · Other
Consent: Sundance convention sales licenses and McPolin Farm special event sponsorship
Approved · 5-0
Type 2 convention sales licenses for the 2024 Sundance Film Festival and city sponsorship of proposed special events at McPolin Farm.
Item VI.1a · General plan
Bonanza Park small area plan: phase two engagement update
Discussed
Engagement included an advisory group, a library community meeting of about 150 attendees and two online surveys. Most attendees supported a four-story height limit with more for affordable housing. Height positions: Ciraco supports added height but wants to see actual heights; Dickey four or five stories depending on the concept; Rubell four; Toly no more than four; Parigian up to four on the five-acre parcel. A majority supported a new zoning district for mixed-use goals. Phase three returns in March. No vote.
Item VI.1b · Development
Bonanza Park five-acre feasibility study
Discussed
Survey priorities were open space, affordable housing and an arts center. The 1 percent transient room tax, in place since 2017 for this parcel, has received about $6.5 million and could support about $30 million in bonds; a public infrastructure district and a community redevelopment area were also described, and staff did not recommend the latter. Ciraco, Dickey and Rubell preferred an RFP; Dickey and Rubell said one concept is sufficient while Toly wanted three; Parigian said housing is the priority and the letter of intent promise should be kept; Rubell said he does not support an infrastructure district here. Staff reported 479 affordable units in the pipeline against a goal of 800 by 2026. Direction: staff will draft an RFP outline for both areas, funding guided by the future transient room tax, and begin formal talks with the Kimball Art Center and Sundance. Recycle Utah said it supports the plans but will need to relocate. No vote.
Item Closed · Other
Motion to close the meeting for property, litigation and personnel
Approved · 5-0
Closed session ran from 9:00 to 10:00 p.m.
What residents said
Building heights in Bonanza ParkRecycle Utah relocationArts center space
Speakers described a community health assessment survey, promoted electric vehicles, supported the Bonanza Park arts focus and housing, raised view corridors and affordability of the plans, and asked that local artists be included.