The City Council of Salt Lake City, Utah, met in Formal Session on Tuesday, June 9, 2020 in an electronic meeting pursuant to the Council Chair determination and Salt Lake City Emergency Proclamation No. 2 of 2020 (2)(b).
The following Council Members participated in the meeting:
Chris Wharton Analia Valdemoros James Rogers
Amy Fowler Andrew Johnston Daniel Dugan
Darin Mano
Cindy Gust-Jenson, Council Executive Director; Jennifer Bruno, Council Executive Deputy Director; Erin Mendenhall, Mayor; Rachel Otto, Mayor’s Chief of Staff; Katherine Lewis, City Attorney; and Scott Crandall, Deputy City Recorder participated electronically.
Councilmember Wharton presided at and conducted the meeting.
The meeting was called to order at 7:16 p.m. 7:16:27 PM
OPENING CEREMONY
#1. 7:06:48 PM Pledge of Allegiance (A moment of silence was held while the American Flag/Anthem was displayed on the video screen)
#2. 7:07:34 PM Welcome and Review of Standards of Conduct.
Note: Opening Ceremonies were held as part of the June 9, 2020 combined Local Building Authority, Redevelopment Agency, and City Council Formal agenda.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Note: 7:16:27 PM Public Hearings and General Comments were heard as one item. Comments/materials submitted to the City Council have been included as part of the official record. Click link to view https://www.slc.gov/council/virtual-meeting-comments/
#1. 11:39:44 PM Accept public comment about ordinance amendments to regulate and monitor the City’s storm sewer system. The storm sewer carries rainwater and melted snow through gutters and drains to an underground system that flows to nearby rivers, canals, or creeks. Sometimes pollutants in runoff may enter the storm sewer system and may impact downstream rivers and lakes. While the City has adopted ordinances to protect water quality, the proposed amendments more effectively meet changing federal and State regulations to ensure stormwater quality standards. The amendments also deal with the City's enforcement of the standards. View Attachment
Councilmember Fowler moved and Councilmember Johnston seconded to close the public hearing and defer action to a future meeting, which motion carried, all members voted aye (roll call).
(O 20-7)
Note: Items 2 through 13 were addressed in one motion.
#2. 11:40:55 PM Accept public comment regarding Grant Application: Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Program for Fiscal Year 2020, requesting from the Salt Lake City Police Department for Coronavirus emergency funding in partnership with the Fire Department, Emergency Management and Information Management Services (IMS). The funding would only be utilized to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the Coronavirus. View Attachment
(B 20-3)
#3. Accept public comment regarding Grant Application: Assistance to Firefighters Grant – Supplemental Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), requesting from the Salt Lake City Fire Department for reimbursement of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) purchased as a part of the emergency response for COVID-19 for supplies depleted by the response. The request consists of disposable supplies including masks, gloves, isolation gowns, respirators and filters, and coveralls. View Attachment
(B 20-3)
#4. Accept public comment regarding Grant Application: Justice Court Technology, Security and Training Account - iPads, requesting from the Justice Court that would fund the purchase of 10 iPads to distribute instructions to jurors, attorneys, and court personnel. The tablets will also facilitate video hearing and conferencing. The use of tablets to replace hard copies of instructions that are recycled following each trial also supports the Court’s and the City’s commitment to sustainable practices. View Attachment
(B 20-3)
#5. Accept public comment regarding Grant Application: Justice Court Technology, Security and Training Account – Headsets, requesting from the Justice Court that would fund the purchase of 10 headsets to facilitate video hearing and conferencing. The existing supply of headsets is inadequate to support the new volume of use. View Attachment
(B 20-3)
#6. Accept public comment regarding Grant Application: Global Ideas for U.S. Solutions: Cities Taking Action to Address Health, Equity, and Climate Change 2020, requesting from the Department of Sustainability that would fund two and half years of salary and benefits for a new, full-time Project Manager as well as three months of wages and benefits for the City to host a fellow from the Urban Sustainability Directors Network Equity Diversity Inclusion Fellowship to assist with the project in Fiscal Year 2021-22. The project will include the use of mobile technology and digital platforms to identify strategies to address health equity, and climate change for the City. View Attachment
(B 20-3)
#7. Accept public comment regarding Grant Application: Summer 2020 Supplemental Grant for YouthCity – Central City, requesting from the Division of Youth and Family Services that would provide funding support to the YouthCity Central City summer programming for youth and families during the COVID-19 pandemic. View Attachment
(B 20-3)
#8. Accept public comment regarding Grant Application: Summer 2020 Supplemental Grant for YouthCity – Fairmont Park, requesting from the Division of Youth and Family Services that would provide funding support to the YouthCity Fairmont Park summer programming for youth and families during the COVID-19 pandemic. View Attachment
(B 20-3)
#9. Accept public comment regarding Grant Application: Summer 2020 Supplemental Grant for YouthCity – Liberty Park, requesting from the Division of Youth and Family Services that would provide funding support to the YouthCity Liberty Park summer programming for youth and families during the COVID-19 pandemic. View Attachment
(B 20-3)
#10. Accept public comment regarding Grant Application: Summer 2020 Supplemental Grant YouthCity – Sorenson Campus, requesting from the Division of Youth and Family Services that would provide funding support to the YouthCity Sorenson Campus summer programming for youth and families during the COVID-19 pandemic. View Attachment
(B 20-3)
#11. Accept public comment regarding Grant Application: Summer 2020 Supplemental Grant for YouthCity – Ottinger Hall, requesting from the Division of Youth and Family Services that would provide funding support to the YouthCity Ottinger Hall summer programming for youth and families during the COVID-19 pandemic. View Attachment
(B 20-3)
#12. Accept public comment regarding Grant Application: Small Grant Opportunity to Improve Children’s Health and Reduce Disparities, a request from the Department of Sustainability that would support the Salt Lake City Resident Food Equity program, a new initiative from the Department. The aim of the program is to create an equitable community food system through a community engagement process which increases input from marginalized, vulnerable communities. The program also aims to set policy and programming recommendations for the City. View Attachment
(B 20-3)
#13. Accept public comment regarding Grant Application: Arts and Transportation Rapid Response Grant, a request from Salt Lake Department of Community and Neighborhoods and Division of Transportation, in collaboration with Salt Lake Division of Art and Culture and the Salt Lake City Arts Council, that would provide funding for a stipend to an artist chosen by the granting agency to create public art projects in the City that creatively and quickly address pandemic-related transportation challenges. View Attachment
(B 20-3)
Councilmember Johnston moved and Councilmember Rogers seconded to close the public hearing and refer Items 2-13 to a future Consent Agenda for action, which motion carried, all members voted aye (roll call).
COMMENTS TO THE CITY COUNCIL 7:20:46 PM
The following spoke about issues relating to the City’s Police Department/budget: Sarah May, Elizabeth Hawley, Maquira Brock, Rhyannon Rodriguez, Zac Johnson, Erin Moore, Daniel Montoya, Erika Wynn, Emily Alworth, Natasha Wong, Anne Charles, Scout Cohen-Pope, Maya Jolley, Ian Lowell, Sai Parsawar, Isabel Deiss, Stella Puckett, Dayan Castañeda Muñoz, Christin Olson, Katie Mulliken, Nicholas Klein-Baer, Kathryn Van Sleen, Annelise Davis, Francis Taylor, Hanna Larsen, Alexandra Acuna, Alison Rosenbloom, Zachary Mallender, Sara Roller, Kat Athay, Kate Foley, Jake Lyman, James Porter, Blake Newman, Nicole Hemmingsen, Myles Varga, Rusti Stalliviere, Ariel Flores, William Santee, Tatiana Christian, Pablo Gandahari, Tess Bybee, Stephanie Finley, Simone Longo, Aidan Croft, Devon Essick, Elizabeth Chamberlain, Ben Finley, Mario Lopez, Gabbi Lemanski, Gunar Cottle, Hailee Henson, Marina Marqueza, Michael Allen, Jason Carrillo, Natasha Cadet, Megan Hanshaw, Mackenzie Nelson, Cody Kirkland, Helen Lindamood, Henry Hartzler, Emmett Wilson, Eric Milican, Jean Lasarre, Jeramie Mcdonough, Kev Nemelka, Kristina Smith, Kianie DeJesus, Leticia Blanchard, Joanna Lynch, John York, Ashlyn Anderson, Covia Goddard, Emma Roberts, Sierra Knapp, Landon Young, Nina Vought, Dani Nives, Hanna Wilson, Katie Andresen, Casey Donahue, Kyli Rodriguez-Cayro, Nikita Abraham, Olivia Kavapalu, Roah Biesinger, Chris Lancaster, Rebecca Hardenbrook, Charles Athay, Quinten Monson/Shyann Larsen, Willow Skye-Biggs, Amy Mason, Tyler Matsamas, Finn Christensen, Sarah Dyer, Becky Heiss, Lou McKee, Mel Martinez, Emily Golitzin, Kristina Sewell, Angela Charles, Jessica Arthurs, Colette Haslam, Sage Paterson, Elizabeth Borghetti, Jordan Hendricks, Ben Soper, David Kunonez, Erin Van Campen, Oliver Antuna-Valencia, Nora Price, Andrew Pool, Alli Matyja, David B., Saige Wheaton, Katy Roxy, Tucky White/Ariel, Alec Gehrke, Call in user 7763/Casey, and Pizairia Warren. Comments included reducing budget by $30 million (reinvest in community programs, social services, housing, public transportation, health care, homeless services, etc.), police brutality/harassment, minorities/persons of color being targeted/harassed, police not being equipped to deal with social problems/homelessness/mental health issues/domestic violence, etc., community distrust of police, enforcing hiring freeze of new officers, raising/mandating education requirements, demanding Police Chief Brown’s resignation/termination, execution/murder of persons of color including Bernardo Palacios, George Floyd, etc., eliminate qualified immunity provision, charge/prosecute/terminate officers involved in Bernardo’s death, suspend officers pensions, violating citizens constitutional rights, excessive number of shots fired at Bernardo, de-escalation techniques, feeling unsafe in community, militarized police force not needed, pursuing efficient/meaningful reform, change current culture (relying on community leaders to address problems rather than militarized police force), opportunity to restructure police functions, delay proposed $84 million budget to discuss/explore funding other programs, police reform followed by abolition (community members being ready to take on more responsibility), police expressing willingness to embrace reform, police practices spreading Coronavirus, increase use of body cameras, distribute funding to organizations that were adequately trained to work with disadvantaged communities, failing politics, empowering community members, providing justice for Bernardo, repealing laws that criminalize the survival of citizens, police violence throughout the country, suspend paid administrative leave for officers under investigation, hire more officers of color, banning choke holds, firing officers with excessive force complaints, City should hold itself accountable (not just police), unjust curfew implemented to discriminate/arrest protesters, continuing acts of violence by police, restitution needed for people arrested unjustly, racial profiling/systemic racism, require good officers to report bad behavior of other officers, dehumanizing community members, Council being willing to review current laws/systems, police wanting to be recognized as heroes, transparency of police officers, de-escalation training and holding officers accountable being ineffective (police reform not working), willfully ignoring citizen demands, listen to constituent needs, independent third-party unbiased review needed of any incident of force, Police Department being overfunded, disproportionate level of police presence at protests, utilization of non-lethal methods to subdue people, giving Civilian Review Board more authority to discipline/terminate officers, limit police labor contract to one year (giving time to develop contract that works for everyone, not protecting police), abolish police unions, release names of officers enacting violence on community members in a timely manner, more transparency from Mayor/Council, police having no legal duty to protect/serve, people of color being more likely to be killed by police, removing police from schools, current policing practices being immoral/unjust, protect marginalized communities, screen officers for any ties to white supremacy groups, nationwide movement to defund police, ban purchase of military equipment, stronger oversight/significant reform, history of racist policing/profiling, provide an itemized budget for transparency (budget being difficult to understand), Salt Lake City being located on stolen land, anger/sadness/hate from both sides being disturbing, and need for re-call laws.
Amy Hartman said she mainly wanted to listen but spoke about the need for additional mental health services which were grossly inadequate (have correct personnel in appropriate positions).
George Chapman spoke about the danger/consequences of defunding police (who would respond to dangerous situations), officers saving lives/providing help, requesting Council/Mayor to publicize actions of the many officers who saved lives, people needing to drop weapons when commanded to do so, and encouraging people to stay involved (attending Community Council meetings to interact with Council/Mayor).
Christin Parks said she was an ex-police officer and found the anger/sadness/hate from both sides disturbing. She said when on the job, she tried to be a positive influence and help everyone in need. She expressed concerns about issues arising from not having an adequate police presence (protecting babies from being molested, keeping streets/neighborhoods safe, etc.). She encouraged everyone to come together from both sides and listen/address issues and understand there were consequences for a person’s behavior.
Emily Holt spoke in favor of not defunding police, being grateful for officers in neighborhoods (being responsive), and being proud of how policed handled rioting/looting. She asked elected officials to listen to long-term residents (not transient students) in making long-lasting decisions. She said she agreed limiting police contracts might be a good solution to consider (reevaluate each year).
Mac (no last name) talked about listening to vast majority who support police, people being afraid to speak out for fear of hate/backlash for having a different view of small minority, police being essential to citizen safety/wellbeing, constant presence of criminals, and negative impact of defunding police (minority not understanding value of police).
Sherry Cardon and Kinsee Sprague said they only wanted to listen.
The following were not available when their names were called (either left the meeting or had audio problems): Caitlin Lopez, Tana Frechem, Chanel Gates, Anthony Roberts Jeremy Stockman, Kerry Lehtinen, Kelsey Jensen, Katie Warner, Caroline Lewis, Anna Gallegos, Kathy Adams, Andrew Alba, River Jude-August, Jacqueline H., McKenna Gunderson, and Carlos Herrera.
QUESTIONS TO THE MAYOR FROM THE CITY COUNCIL
There were no questions.
POTENTIAL ACTION ITEMS
#1. 11:42:49 PM Adopting an ordinance amending the final budget of Salt Lake City, including the employment staffing document, for Fiscal Year 2019-2020. Budget amendments happen several times each year to reflect adjustments to the City’s budgets, including proposed project additions and modifications. The proposed amendment includes $2 million to repair damage to City-owned buildings caused by the 5.7 earthquake series and $1.5 million from the Volkswagen diesel emissions settlement to replace 11 of the City’s diesel trucks, among other changes. The Council may also consider funding for public safety overtime and emergencies response costs incurred to-date (Budget Amendment No. 6). View Attachment
Councilmember Johnston moved and Councilmember Dugan seconded to adopt Ordinance 17 of 2020, ordinance amending the Fiscal Year 2019-2020 final budget of Salt Lake City as proposed by the Administration, except Item D-7 which was previously adopted, and two Council-added items as shown on the motion sheet.
•I-1: Release $150,000 from Holding Account for 2020 Jurisdictions with Halfway House and Parole Violator Centers Grant;
•I-2: Funding for Public Safety Overtime and Emergencies Response Costs Incurred to-date ($988,000 from Fund Balance to Non-departmental), which motion carried, all members voted aye (roll call).
(B 20-7)
NEW BUSINESS
#1. 11:45:06 PM Approving the appointment of Lisa Shaffer as the Salt Lake City Chief Administrative Office. View Attachment
Councilmember Fowler moved and Councilmember Rogers seconded to approve the appointment, which motion carried, all members voted aye (roll call).
(I 20-16)
#2. 11:46:35 PM Approving the appointment of Aaron Bentley as the Salt Lake City Chief Information Officer (Director of Information Management Services or IMS). View Attachment
Councilmember Fowler moved and Councilmember Valdemoros seconded to approve the appointment, which motion carried, all members voted aye (roll call).
(I 20-17)
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
#1. 11:47:46 PM Approving a resolution authorizing the issuance and sale of not more than $200,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Public Utilities revenue bonds, series 2020, related to water, sewer, and storm water capital improvements. The Council's action includes authorizing the execution of a supplemental indenture, a bond purchase agreement, and other documents as required. View Attachment
Councilmember Johnston moved and Councilmember Dugan seconded to adopt Resolution 19 of 2020, authorizing the issuance and sale of Public Utilities revenue bonds related to water, sewer, and storm water capital improvements and setting a public hearing date of July 7, 2020, which motion carried, all members voted aye (roll call).
(Q 20-1)
CONSENT 11:49:07 PM
Councilmember Fowler moved and Councilmember Mano seconded to approve the Consent Agenda, which motion carried, all members voted aye (roll call).
#1. Setting the date of Tuesday, July 14, 2020 and Tuesday, August 11, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. to accept public comment and consider adopting a resolution for project funding allocations in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP), which involves the construction, purchase or renovation of buildings, parks, streets or other physical structures. Generally, projects have a useful life of five or more years and cost $50,000 or more (Capital Improvement Program Projects). View Attachment
(B 20-1)
The meeting adjourned at 11:50 p.m.
This document is not intended to serve as a full transcript as additional discussion may have been held; please refer to the audio or video for entire content pursuant to Utah Code §52-4-203(2)(b).
This document along with the digital recording constitute the official minutes of the Salt Lake City Formal Session held June 9, 2020.
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