Council Formal Meeting

0:01I'm like, a champ. What do you do, guys? I drop it. Make stuff like, oh, don't drop it. Is it good? That's impressive, by the way. I literally could not read. I'm good. All right, welcome to today's meeting. We're happy to have you here, whether you're joining in person or online. We hope you'll continue to participate in whichever manner you feel most comfortable and thank you.

1:16First, we will join, please join us for the Pledge of Allegiance. I'd like to introduce to you the flag of the United States of America and to you, probably, for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Okay, again, thank you to everyone who's joining us tonight. Before we move through the agenda, I want to quickly go through registration information, share the reason about how and why we chair these meetings the way we do.

1:53We welcome everyone, regardless of your opinion or any side on an issue, because we will have people with varying opinions on important issues, the council's goals to make the meetings a place where people feel safe and comfortable participating. This is the most local level of government and it is a key value of ours to ensure that we've created a respectful and safe environment so that no one is intimidated out of their free participation.

2:16This also allows us to ensure that the meeting can continue and we can conduct the scheduled city business. We invite each of you to contribute to this space to speak your mind and to welcome others to do the same. In order to create this welcoming and safe space, we will pause the meeting at any action that causes a disruption to our ability to conduct the meeting, or any safety concern involving threats or unprotected speech.

2:36If there are repeated actions or comments, it may result in removal from the meeting. We will not be giving multiple warnings about following the rules. To avoid intimidating others, please avoid the use of threatening and discriminatory language, do not insult others based on religion, ethnicity, race, color, gender, sexual orientation, physical ability.

2:53And whether you agree or disagree with someone's comment, clapping, cheering, shouting, booing, snapping, gesturing, obstructing, or discouraging others from commenting is not allowed. As a reminder, as council members, we refrain from reacting or responding to allow everyone to share their opinions freely. This is to keep our reactions from affecting your ability to share your opinion freely.

3:14If you would like to follow up with any of us, please see Council staff or the Zoom chat for contact info. When making your comments, please address the body, not any individual elected official. If you have a handout for the council, please raise your hand. Council staff will assist you. Council staff are available during or after the meeting to help with any questions or information sharing.

3:32The full meeting rules are listed at the door and our staff will post the link in Zoom. As a reminder of our public comment registration process, individuals may register to comment on schedule public hearing items up until the hearing is closed. For the general comment section, we will accept sign-ups until 7.30 pm. The general comment section is limited to a maximum of one hour and will only include commenters who registered before 7.30.

3:58So if you're here to give general comment, please sign up and remember that it might not be possible that everyone who signs up gets to speak. This brings us now to item A4, which is approving the work session meeting minutes of June 3rd, 2025, July 1st, 2025. I'll look for motion. Madam chair, move that we approve the work session meetings, minute meetings for June 3rd, 2025 and July 1st, 2025.

4:21Second. I have a motion from council member Pley, a second from Dugan, any discussion? All those in favor? Aye. Any opposed? That passes the unanimous. Our next item A5 is to consider adopting a joint ceremonial resolution with Mayor Mendenhall recognizing February as Black History Month in Salt Lake City. I'll turn the time over to council member Young who will read the resolution.

4:41Thank you. I'm pleased to present the joint resolution recognizing February 2026 as Black History Month in Salt Lake City. Whereas Black History Month celebrates the far-reaching contributions made by Black Americans throughout the history of the United States, contributions that have shaped both our nation and our city for the better.

5:04And whereas in 1926, Dr. Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, which he co-founded, established Negro History Week during the second week of February. And whereas building upon his work, Black Educators, Students, and the Black United Student Group at Kent State University proposed Black History Month in 1969 and in 1970, organized the first celebration of Black History Month.

5:38And whereas in 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month and called upon Americans to honor the two often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history. And whereas the contributions by Black Americans have profoundly influenced all aspects of society, including culture, religion, education, business, public service, and the arts which continue to shape our nation.

6:09And whereas the recognition of Black History Month must not waver based on political or social trends, and whereas the heritage, perseverance, and achievements of Black Americans reflect an ongoing American struggle for equality and justice and recognizing this history strengthens our collective understanding of who we are as a society and whereas Salt Lake City and the State of Utah are home to many Black leaders, innovators, and community members whose past, present, and future contributions enrich our city and inspire continued progress.

6:49Now, therefore be it resolved that the Salt Lake City Council and the mayor of Salt Lake City hereby recognize the month of February as Black History Month and affirm its importance as an opportunity to reflect on the complex history of the United States while approaching the future with confidence and optimism. Be it further resolved that the Salt Lake City Council and the mayor of Salt Lake City reaffirm their commitment to expand upon the progress achieved throughout Black History to ensure a positive and equitable future.

7:22History is still being written and by working together to make today better than yesterday, we can create a brighter future or a brighter tomorrow for all. Thank you. I'll look for a motion. Madam Chair, I move that the Council adopt a joint ceremonial resolution with Bearman and I'll recognize in February's Black History Month in Salt Lake City.

7:44Second. I have a motion from Council Member Dugan, a second from Wharton, any discussion? All those in favor? Aye. Any opposed? That passes unanimously. I'd like to now welcome Ms. Janetta Williams, President of the NAACP and Vice President James Yapias, both members of the NAACP Executive Committee here to receive the resolution.

8:07Thank you for being here. Would you care to share a few words? Thank you so very much. And on behalf of the NAACP Salt Lake City branch founded in 1918, we appreciate the recognition given to us by the city council. And the Mayor of Salt Lake City. This is very important to us and we appreciate the recognition. Thank you so much. Would you care to come up and take a picture with us?

8:36I just want to, President Williams, we want to thank you for the work continues. As you know, civil rights and struggles that we face today, without you and the support, we wouldn't be able to do the work. So thank you again for recognizing and we appreciate you. Thank you. Go up here. Madam Chair. May I have a moment of privilege?

10:21Yes. I wanted to highlight, uh, General Williams, uh, you know, and her life commitment to the NAACP, uh, and, you know, I have, uh, became very close friends, uh, with her and the work that she does, uh, to build community and, uh, to build, uh, trust, uh, with different areas of, of, of government and the community.

10:45Uh, I have learned to, uh, look up to you, uh, learn to follow your lead. Um, and I'm very thankful that you have made such an impact in my life and you continue to do so. So thank you for your leadership. Thank you, Council Member Puy. Um, this now brings us to the public hearing section of our agenda. These are specific proposals brought before the Council that require a public hearing.

11:11Your comments should pertain to the hearing item and if you go off topic, we'll ask you to stop your comment. In order to create this welcoming and safe space, we'll pause the meeting at any disruption to our ability to conduct the meeting or any safety concern involving threats or unprotected speech. If there are repeated actions or comments that may result in removal from the meeting, we will not be giving multiple warnings about following the rules.

11:32Also, as a reminder, please avoid comments that include profanity, personal attacks, or discriminatory language. Such comments can be intimidating for others and are not persuasive. If you are on Zoom, please unmute your mic when your name is called. Each person will have two minutes. If you reach the two minute mark, the host will announce time and your microphone will be muted.

11:50We will be calling the names in the order of signup. If you need staff assistance in the room, please raise your hand and someone will be with you. If you are having technical issues in Zoom or need any assistance, message staff support and akshay from our staff can assist you. If you are unable to finish your comment, please share the rest via email, mail or call our office.

12:09Contact information is listed at slc.gov. If you have a handout for the council, please notify council staff who will assist you. Our first public hearing item, B1, is for an ordinance for a zoning map amendment at approximately 265 East 100 South. Before we begin taking comments, I will turn the time over to Brian Fulmer, council policy analyst for a short introduction.

12:34Thank you, Madam Chair. This is a proposal to amend the zoning map for the approximately 2.19 acre parcel at 265 East 100 South in council district for its current MU8 or mixed use zoning to D1 or the central business district zoning. The applicant stated in TAND is to construct a large mixed use development ground floor retail space, residential units above and underground parking.

13:01Thank you. Thank you, Brian. Daffodil, would you please start with our first public comment? Thank you, Madam Chair. We have nine people who registered to speak to this item. First, there will be Elizabeth Hunter followed by Perch and then Alicia. Were you all able to understand those names? You got it. Daffodil, you were kind of cutting in and out. Would you mind just repeating those names for us, please?

13:30Yes, of course. There was Elizabeth Hunter, Perch Cook, and then Alicia Amat. Thank you. And Alicia has been here in person. My name is Elizabeth Hunter. I'm a Deacon at St. Mark's Cathedral. A cathedral is a very unique place and a unique place in our community. And you're going to be hearing about the building. You're going to be hearing about the windows and about the solar.

14:00But I want to talk a little bit about people. Our cathedral focuses on Christianity, of course, and I'm a little bit biased. But I want to talk about some of the ministries we have. And the specific ministry is Hildegard's food pantry. It's approximately 10 feet from the proposed building. And we have, we had last year 42,000 people come to Hildegard's pantry as customers.

14:29And we are open 38 hours a week, excuse me, a month, three days a week and one evening. So that's approximately 100 people that are lining up every hour along that stretch of street. One of our concerns, and we want to be good neighbors. We're not opposed to development. We understand the need for housing, affordable safe housing.

14:50But to have a driveway in the building, 10 feet from where people are lined up for a food pantry, we don't feel it's acceptable. What we would like to see is the developer when something is developed is in communication with us so that the things that are built, the things that are developed, we have a comment and we have an able to participate and comment about the things that are happening.

15:15I know it's a big development. They have every right to build on that site, but we would like to have conversation with the developers so they understand what our concerns about the people that are visiting our property, visiting our food pantry, coming for classes, coming for services, coming for concerts, coming for art exhibits, and we want to make sure that we're good neighbors, but we also want to make sure that they're good neighbors also.

15:42Thank you very much. Next to the Kirk Hook followed by Alicia Amand, and then Annie Isaacson. Our four uncurcous heroes. Okay, my name is Kirk Hook. I'll bend down so you can hear me. I'm an officer with the Episcopal Diocese as well as a 24-year member of St. Mark's Cathedral. The 150-year-old cathedral is primarily made of sandstone.

16:11We experienced some minor damage during the 2020 earthquake, and we've recently discovered that two of our 65-year-old windows in the damaged area now require substantial remediation to ensure their continued life. Future seismic vibrations are a huge concern to us. Another area of concern is parking for the new residents of whatever is ultimately built.

16:32We realize that projections or the portrayals right now may change. We've been told that we park in places reserved for the street-level businesses in each housing unit having one, housing units having one reserved parking place, but with today's rental prices, you know, most rentals could easily require two incomes, and that would be two cars per street parking now around the block is challenging during times of the LDS biannual conferences, and on Pride weekend because we're within walking distance of both places.

17:03Another issue with our particular block is the number of springs in it. The historic records of the cathedral show that the basement has been flooded numerous times since 1870, requiring us at one point in the past to dig a ditch to help drain it. Currently, one of our basement sandstone walls is showing signs of moisture seeping through it due to the underground springs.

17:25When the dialysis in building to our west was built, the foundation excavation unexpectedly accumulated a large amount of water, requiring a change of plans and design to include pumps which are still needed today. A last concern is that any agreement we might currently make may or may not be honored if the property is sold again with new owners.

17:46The new principles may choose to do something entirely different in validating things. So thank you for listening. Next to me, Elisa, our mind followed by Loni Isaacson and then Travis Starr. Elisa is here a person. Thank you. Hello, my name is Elisa Armond. I live on the west side in District 2. I serve on the Board of Directors for Unsheltered Utah, which is a nonprofit organization that works with St. Mark's and with other community organizations to provide humanitarian aid.

18:20And I'm also a parishioner at St. Mark's, although to be clear, I'm not representing St. Mark's today. So for those who may not be aware, Unsheltered Utah and its partner organizations conduct humanitarian operation from St. Mark's Parish Hall during the winter months, serving approximately 70 people each day that we open.

18:40I want to make it clear that as someone who provides humanitarian aid and just as a good neighbor, I have no problem with additional housing. Additional housing lessens the strain on the charity system, including Unsheltered Utah, by making additional units available and driving prices down. But that said, I have some very real concerns regarding how this development may impact Unsheltered Utah's operations and our clients feeling of well, St. Mark's.

19:07And I apologize, I do need to be somewhat non-specific, given some safety concerns for our guests, but I'll email you separately. Given the public forum, that being said, we are concerned that with such a development with luxury apartments and businesses accompanying them, some people may feel unwelcome accessing our services at St. Mark's in particular.

19:32And this could be catastrophic for us both as an organization and for the people who we serve as individuals. And that being said, that's my Unsheltered Ubershop portion, just as a concerned citizen, personally. I'm concerned that the contrast of this site may be a lot in comparison to the surrounding neighborhood. While it is on the edge of downtown, the nearest skyscraper is about two blocks away.

20:00And again, I'm in favor of additional housing. Want to make that very clear? I'm personally concerned though that the development would look out of place in the proposed look. All right.

20:15Next is Annie Asakson, followed by Travis Starley and then Ron Blarnes. Annie's here in person. Yes. Do you guys get a handout? Yes. Okay. So that handout represents this map. Just speak to the microphone. Sorry. Miss Annie, can you make sure that you're speaking into the microphone, please? Yeah. Thank you. Okay. So if you look here at the upper part of the model, come over here, Steve.

20:46These two buildings are the cathedral. They're black and stacking models. They're not showing slope roofs. Although it's zone D1, the whole 200 East corridor is zone D1. That is the edge of downtown. As you go east of that, it's east downtown and it's MU8. Although their property, which was a double property at some time, is now low D1.

21:14They're a local historic landmark. They're never going to knock the building down. It's basically a two-story building that's never going away. So the subject property has just been up zone to MU8, like the rest of this area. And if you look at the map, you could see the split where MU8 and D1 split. And it gets a little confusing depending on how big your lot is off of 200 East.

21:40But my understanding is that the city zone this way, so the downtown has a definite higher height. East downtown is a cushion between East downtown and the next neighborhood that goes down to like MU5, et cetera. So our concern, my concern is that they want to up zone from MU8 to D1. It's not appropriate. The Worthington is a D1.

22:10It's on 200 East. D1 can be a limitless height building. I know they're saying they're going to go for only 200 and something feet. But it sets an inappropriate precedent for the neighborhood and all the neighbors that are MU8. And keep in mind that most of these properties here are one, two, and three-story buildings.

22:28Many are historic and not going anywhere. So if they want to up zone, I ask them to consider generously MU11. Next is Travis Starley followed by Ron Bornes and then Sidney Kroemer. Travis is here. Hi, my name is Travis Starley. I'm here to speak on behalf of the Central City Neighborhood Council. Our neighborhood is not opposed to development, but we are deeply concerned about the scale and precedent of this D1 rezone request.

23:03It pushes high density zoning further east into the historic lower scale neighborhood and risks irreversible impacts on our community's fabric. The most pressing concern is the potential damage to the adjacent Cathedral Church of St. Mark's, a cherished local historic landmark with both structural vulnerabilities and existing solar energy system.

23:30Other historic buildings in the area have undergone major seismic upgrades before construction next door begins. That is not the case here. We are asking that the City Council require more proactive safeguards from the developer. Specifically, hire a third party structural and seismic inspection team to assess the Cathedral's condition and implement any necessary upgrades before construction begins.

23:59These protections are critical to preserving the integrity of a landmark that serves not just as a church, but as a vital community hub. We also urge the Council to consider rezoning the site to MU11, not D1. MU11 is far more consistent with the new zoning map, creates a better transition from downtown, and respects the character of the surrounding neighborhoods.

24:27Finally, we believe any up zone must come with enforceable community benefits, like family-sized housing, four-cell units, active ground floor retail, and adequate parking. Please listen to the voices of Salt Lake City residents who live and work here every day. This project and this rezone will shape our community for decades to come.

24:55Next is Ron Barnas, followed by Cindy Croher and then Christian Graf. Ron is here. Good evening. I'm here to talk about the rooftop solar generation plant at St. Mark's Cathedral. My name is Ron Barnas and I'm a resident of District 3 in downtown Salt Lake. I've worked professionally in the solar energy field for the past 17 years.

25:20I've been a member of St. Mark since 1978 and I knew when I stepped inside it was a very special place, a place soaked in prayer for 100 years by then. In 2020, I championed the construction of the 91 kilowatt, 266 panel solar energy plant, working alongside our clergy and our church board. I raised majority of funds for the project through a Rocky Mountain Power Blue Sky grant.

25:53The size of the plant was determined by the available roof space, up top three roofscapes of our then 15 year old parish hall. Even though it was a relatively new building at that time, we were required to get the approval of the city's historical landmarks commission to put solar on the roof of the parish hall. The project has been in operation for five years, offsetting a little more than 60% of our energy consumption.

26:27Reducing our annual electric bill by about $7,000, I think that number is rising because of inflation in energy costs. In forecasting ahead, the solar plant will provide power needs for St. Mark's for at least the next 40 years. The recovery cost with 3% annual energy inflation should exceed about a quarter of a million dollars.

26:52This will allow St. Mark's to spend that money on ministries to feed the hungry, to shelter the unsheltered and welcome everyone to our Cathedral in spite of race, gender. Next, we'll be Cindy Cromer followed by Christian Graf and Edwin Wilder. Cindy is here in person. Hi, my name is Cindy Cromer. I think everyone can agree with the statement that the surface parking lot at the Silverado site is not wanted here or on any property nearby.

27:30The three-story office building was a bad idea when constructed as it become a worse idea. You're probably still with me. But if I say that this requested change to a D1 zone harms more than the city register site next door, you might have some doubts. I say that the harm extends beyond the property next door because I believe that there are a finite number of D1 type projects to be constructed by 2040.

27:56I don't know what that number is, and I probably won't be around to find out. But the number is not infinite. You have already committed to D1 projects on State Street to continue the glorious Astra and Sky buildings. We have to fill in the holes in the historic downtown core properties currently being held by billboards and surface parking lots.

28:19And the equitable move would be to go west with D1. If you're going to move D1 eastward, then developers will be happy to help because the Tony addresses will reduce their risk. That's why I view this request as more harmful than its impact on the cathedral alone. I do appreciate your recognition of that impact on the cathedral.

28:40But the precedent of this proposed zoning would continue to affect where projects are loaded and where projects are located, making it less likely that they will be where you have already indicated you want them to be. Thank you. Next door we Christian Graff followed by Edwin Wilder. Christian is here in person. Hello.

29:05My name is Christian Graff and I'm the representative from Lotus Company. We are the owner of the Lotus Republic Apartments straight across the street on 300 east of this development. As a fellow developer, we are not opposed to development and we're also not opposed to the height let alone the D1 zone. However, we are opposed to it with a current design that is proposed on this building and we would want additional design restrictions on top of it.

29:31This is because although the D1 zone actually does not restrict height, the planning commission but a 225 foot cap to this building, we think probably in effort to make it not stand out so much in the neighborhood. However, the big miss here was that the width was not addressed. If you actually look, the depth of the parcel is 330 feet and the building will run along the entirety of that depth.

29:53So the building is 300 feet wide and 225 feet tall. To put that in perspective, University of Utah fans were talking about a football field wide building, 225 feet up in the air. Salt Lake City is no stranger to wide buildings. We have Wells Fargo tower, we have Hyatt Regency, however these are tall buildings that offset the width and we feel that a very wide wall in Central City is not going to be a fit item here.

30:22So the impact of this offensively wide design will have in the neighborhood is simply not being recognized. And we just think that's an oversight of the design review. The lack of building the height ratios and city design guidelines is also not preserving the character of neighborhoods and instances like this rezone.

30:39In conclusion, as neighbors and developers ourselves, we welcome development. We want to see development. We want to help participate in building community. However, that is only done with thoughtful design. Our concern is that not much thought outside of financial gain and performance is being put into the current design.

30:55To preserve the neighborhood and set precedence for better design principles in our city and going forward, we request that the conversation continues and the exact building design is not going forward.

31:09Next will be Edwin Wilder. Edwin is here in person. All right. Thank you for the time to speak. Salt Lake City needs more affordable housing. We need more condos. We need more simple housing without all these fancy things on the exterior of them. And we also need more taller structures. This petition was first brought before City 14 months ago.

31:36To me, that's too long. City Council needs to direct their staff and interested builders. They should consider MU 11 or condos at earlier stages. Devading this today is far too late. The parking lot, the current site is a blight. Parking spot count is scheduled for remain at parity with the surface level. Parking currently available on the lot.

31:58170 parking spots is too few for this complex. Vibrations have been a major topic of discussion. The church will be subject to sustained vibrations for the potential tracks expansion along first south. Also, we reside on a fault line that activates approximately every 1000 years. There needs to be more time to deliberate this and to establish peace between neighbors.

32:24Council needs to delay the next potential action for this petition from February 17th to at least March to allow more time for parties to discuss. Thank you for your time. That was the final registered calendar for this item. Thank you, Daffodil. Anyone else? If you'll just come here, this is since this is a dedicated hearing.

32:52We can do it. Will you read your name into the record for us, please? Hi there. My name is Ashley Kinzer. I own an operator business directly across the street at five 50. I'm sorry, two 58 East. It's called friendship. I've also been organizing with neighbors who care for the last two years. Neighbors who cares in organization that has built crossroads out of frustration of what's been happening directly on this block across the street from the projected Silverado project.

33:18We are primarily cleaning up this block specifically, but I would note that even after two years, we are still cleaning up human feces and syringes and tin foils. There's a lot of issues that already exist in this neighborhood. My issue and concern with this project is that it feels kind of like throwing a wrench in the work we've already been trying to do here.

33:43I think prioritizing this scale of luxury apartment as opposed to providing resources, the community that already exists there feels kind of like in bad faith. I would love it if you would reconsider rezoning this property. Thank you. Would you also please read your name into the record? Hello, I'm Ben Hayden. I'm representing Silverado today and just wanted to come up and let everybody know that we're here.

34:11We're present. Very aware of the issues that have been brought up today and we've had great meetings with Ashley with Ron and with Kurt at the church and I think we're making great progress at everyone. But just wanted to re-express our commitment to work on these issues, whether that makes the rezone take longer. We still see this as a positive benefit to the community, to the city.

34:34And just wanted to acknowledge that we're aware of the issues and willing to use the tools like a development agreement to make this project work for everybody because we really respect what the church does. We have a lot of respect for what they do and the last thing we want to do is to make this bad for them. We're willing to work with people who are willing to use a development agreement, whatever it needs to happen.

34:59So appreciate your time and invite anyone to reach out to me with questions. Thank you. All right, we good now? All right. Thank you to everyone who commented. I'll look for a motion. Madam Chair. I just wanted, if I may have a point of personal privilege before we do motions then. Yeah, first of privilege. Thank you. I'd like to make a motion. I move that the Council continue the public hearing to future Council meeting.

35:25Second. I have a motion from Councilwoman Lopez-Chavas, a second from Council Member Puy. Discussion Councilwoman Lopez-Chavas. Thank you. The comments from that we heard today are discussion points that we also brought up during our work session. And so I look forward to seeing the Silverado Project come forward with some new amendments.

35:45I think we've heard it pretty clearly here today that the Central City neighborhood, along with the rest of our neighbors, are not opposed to the density, but are opposed to these type of projects that interrupt the type of development and shared spaces that we have in this neighborhood. I look forward to continuing the hearing. I think that we are lacking some information to even close and defer this at this point.

36:11Thank you. Thank you, Council Member Puy. Yes. To echo what Council Member just spoke about and the community raised, I cannot in good conscious vote for this at the moment until we get reassurances that there are going to be good neighbors to an incredible good partner to so many good areas of what the city does. And so I'm looking forward to understand the impacts to the historic building, the impacts on the driveway, the impacts of the width of the building.

36:45It's certainly, and I always speak for myself, I've been incredibly supportive of height and density in my time on the Council because I believe that we need more housing options and we need quantity to track some of the issues that we see with the house population and the affordability of our city, but every time we got to solve these issues with the good neighbors.

37:12So looking forward that this time will buy us to ensure that we can solve those problems. Thank you. Thank you. Any other discussion? All right. All those in favor? Aye. Any opposed? That passes unanimously. Our next item B2 is for an ordinance for a zoning administration text amendment. Before we begin to comment, I'll turn the time over to Brian Fulmer, Council Policy analyst to give a short introduction.

37:39This is a proposal requested by the Planning Division to amend sections of the zoning code. Proposed changes reflect current review processes, cleans up the code and brings the city code into compliance with state code. Thank you. Thank you, Brian. Daffodil, please start with our first public comment. Thank you, Madam Chair.

38:03We have no people registered to speak to this item. All right. I will look for a motion. Madam Chair, I move that the Council close the public hearing adopt ordinance. Second. I have a motion from Council Member Pooh, a second from Dugan. Any discussion? All those in favor? Aye. Any opposed? That passes unanimously. Our last public hearing item B3 is for an ordinance on Budget Amendment number four for fiscal year 2526.

38:30Before we begin, I'll turn the time over to Kate Wurret, Council Policy analyst for a short introduction. 16.6 million in revenues and 16.8 million in expenditures. This includes 8.6 million from the general fund. The amendment proposes changes to seven funds and adds eight FTEs to the Justice Court. During work sessions, the City Council has held straw polls for six Budget Amendment items. Thank you.

39:05Thank you, Kate. Daffodil, please start with our first public comment. Thank you, Madam Chair. We have six people registered to speak to this item. First, it'll be Janet Heming followed by Eric Griffin and then Sophia Ocha. Janet is online. Janet, you may not mute. Was that named Janet Daffodil? Yes, that's correct. Yes, we can hear you. Go ahead. Good evening.

39:38I would like to speak in support of the new Police Mobile Command Center and Budget Amendment number four. I believe this will modernize Salt Lake City's crime fighting capabilities and give our police force so many new tools to make our city's own. We'll save the art communications equipment. It will exponentially improve the department's ability to apprehend criminals, especially in high crime areas.

40:04Assist with search and rescue operations and large events that made security support. I also believe it will enhance the police department's drone efforts. I attended a meeting downtown recently where an individual who lives in the Avenue... Just a moment. I'm so sorry. We have staff in the hall willing to help you with that. Thank you. Janet, be a baby. Continue.

40:32I just wanted to share a situation that I came upon. I attended a meeting downtown recently where an individual who lives in the Avenue shared a story about multiple Salt Lake City police officers. Salt Lake City police cars racing into his neighborhood. They were looking for an individual who had messaged that this was the last social media post they were going to make.

40:58Sounding very ominous, suggesting a possible suicide situation. The police deployed drones and found the individual rescuing them before any cell farm. This saved a life. This modern equipment can survey and detect potential trouble beyond human capabilities and go to places that are often difficult for officers. I hope you will approve this request. Thank you.

41:22Next will be Eric Gryfins followed by Sophia Ochoa and then Jean Mallet. Eric is also on the line. Eric gave me a moment. There we go. Hi, Council. Yes, I have so many thoughts continually about the marriage of technology and the police force. But today I'm kind of more curious and also just want to talk to these budget amendments.

42:00For the first point, I think for public transparency, there's like 17 amendments like tucked away in the transmittal, but the summary only says a couple. For example, it does highlight the million dollar mobile command center for police, but then does not mention the $4.8 million requested for both over time and I believe retirement seems to me like, you know, doubling the overtime budget for the year shows that that was budgeting budgeted very incorrectly. Is there any kind of like data like as a citizen? How do we understand like why that happened?

42:39Now speaking to the command center itself, the transmittal gives like a pretty brief description of why this is necessary. This is supposed to be a mobile command center. For me, it kind of sounds like reading between the lines here that this is actually wanted to potentially combat anticipated protests. If you know, protests continue in our current political climate based on what's happening and what has not yet come fully to Salt Lake City, but we anticipate.

43:08But the reasoning there is pretty thin. It's pretty weak. Like if I was going to ask mom and dad for a million dollars, I would expect to have a pretty well thought out reason for the, you know, it states that previously a trailer was used. Are we buying a million dollar trailer? Are we buying things from a specific vendor? I urge you to, you know, deny this proposal without a more definitive, you know, use of expenditures.

43:34Million dollars is a lot. Like I don't think giving police more toys at this time like helps public trust. Next will be Sophia Ocho followed by Dean Millet and then Margaret Holloway. Sophia is here. Hello, my name is Sophia. I'm a resident of District 6. I currently work at the University of Utah and I work with pediatrics.

44:09So my concern is that previously you guys have stated that the state, the city of Salt Lake will not participate with ICE. And I want to believe that. And I believe that as a council, your responsibilities is an expectation and it is your duty. And I would like to see that reflected in actions and that I think can be more clearly seen through your budget.

44:32Like the person before stated, it is not very clear to see how particularly safety in police drones is a hot topic that deserves its own little section in your FY26 Salt Lake budget. I would like to see that and submit that request. I would like to also submit a request that there should be a link directly to those things.

44:56When I look through, I see that the parking meter has a full report. I feel that that can be applied to the safety and police topic especially so that we can be well informed on what you are doing. I think that is a responsibility between us, the constituents and you, the district, and I feel as a reasonable request that we can have.

45:15On top of that topic, we would like to discuss the, sorry, I don't like cameras. So speaking of that, I don't like cameras on the flat camera. I would like to have more information on that information. I think we need more information on that. I see NCIP. I would like to see that utilized for sidewalks and perhaps why there are blackouts in Rose Park and public growth.

45:45I would also like to have more oversight and understanding of what data privacy is and as someone who does do research, that is incredibly important to me and to the public in general. So that I think is a bare minimum of what I can request. Additionally, as many seconds in the art project, there should be equality and you shouldn't have it to your resume professionally.

46:10If you would like to leave comments or concerns, our staff would be happy to take them and make sure we get them.

46:17Next, we'll be Dean Mellowtt followed by Margaret Holloway and then Jeff Olson, Dean of the Evers.

46:26Fellow citizens. My name is Dean Mellowtt. I reside in District 7. I am a Salt Lake City homeowner. And I am for the budget proposal, budget amendment number 4. I'm in agreement with that mobile command center for the police department to use for natural disasters. I'm also for the budget for the wildfire. A little dry outside has been schemes okay, but you know, it could be better.

46:54And I'm also for the improvement of signs. The signs that are listed for the updated parking signs, ensuring clear instructions. I'm almost parked and probably would have got a ticket because I wasn't sure exactly the clarity, but I know where to park in the city to come to City Council, the city hall, for free parking for two hours.

47:15I'd also like to reference budget, recommend maybe a future budget for signs in Liberty Park. I believe those signs can be updated, the rusted ones, the ones with stickers, the ones with graffiti. Maybe even some money to clean up the park of the trash, the disrespectful people that leave trash all around. That would include hiring more employees for the parks.

47:44The parks are very important. Liberty Park is for all of us. Liberty Park is a beautiful place, but it needs to have some attention. The S line, I walked the S line. There again, the city does clean up with the weeds, but that S line has been cleaned up with people camping overnight and in the mornings. But there's signs, signs with stickers, lots of graffiti and the trash.

48:11So that would require more full-time employees with Salt Lake City. But back to the signs. There were other places in the city. I'd like I said, reside in District 7 and thank you for your time. Appreciate it. Next will be Margaret Holloway followed by Jeff Olson. Margaret is here in person. I have to meet the new Council person.

48:38Everybody else knows me. I'm curious on why this wasn't thought up before the budget was presented, the Senate amendment. We are going to be, you want property taxes increased. The county is going to increase the property tax. We're going to vote. You voting for the next section of the parks, public lands money, which we all voted for.

49:07We all want to know that. But we don't know how much all this is going to cost. I just hear more, more, more, more, more. Everything is that they never object to what you want. But can you at least give us how much it's going to be before November? It's all rounding up and I'm not against what you guys want to do on some of this stuff.

49:32But we never hear about anything. Oh, this program's not working. We're going to cut this out. I'm sorry, but I do not like the park rangers program. It's like $2 million a year that to me, clouds, feeding ducks, I'm sorry. I'm just totally against that amount of money and the micro grants. I've seen where that money goes.

49:53I've seen people that use it and it's not being used as intended. There's just other programs I think that can be cut and then we're adding more and more and more. But we really want to know how much our property tax is going to go up before November. And even though there's not elections this year, it all adds up, ma'am.

50:16You guys, you guys control the budget. You can stop some of this stuff. And I was told you guys always approve whatever said. And that's where the line should be drawn. Okay, some of this stuff can go. Why are we still spending money on this? I know, but I was told you guys always approve the mayor's budget and bring the questions for the next year.

50:37So I'm questioned. I'm next. Don't be Jeff Olson. Jeff is here. My name is Jeff Olson. I'm a resident of Fair Park and have been deeply involved for several years in trying to help reduce. It's a wonderful community. I really love it. But we do have an issue with crime. And there's a group that meets every other week.

51:11And Salt Lake City has been wonderful at supporting that group. People from the mayor staff and staff members and members of the City Council come and we talk about how to address those issues. And as we've met, it's become apparent that if we had really strategic use of a mobile command center, it would really help us to protect the people of Fair Park.

51:36One where there are appropriate restrictions such as it's only used in the vicinity of a reported crime to deal with that or a reported emergency and where the data is very carefully managed. It would allow the police to be able to respond much more quickly to the needs of the members of our community than they've been able to do in the past.

52:03And it's a challenge for the city to focus so much police effort in one neighborhood in Salt Lake City. So it hopefully would even free them up. So anyhow, I'm here to support that budget amendment. Thank you. Thank you. And thank you to all those who commented. I'll look for a motion. Madam Chair. I move that the Council close the public hearing and adopt the following items.

52:36And it's a small list of items. It's not the full list. Item A6, which is the pedestrian bridge over the Surplus Canal on the Glendale Golf Course. A10, backhoe for public services street division and tractor for the public lands parks division. A14 police overtime funding for FY2026. A17, Council support to proceed with the appointment process for the Sixth Justice Court Judge.

53:03And D5, Street's G-O bond interest relocation for FY2025 and 2026. And the item that I added to the Council in last meeting, which is $50,000 in support of the program that the mayor already has, which provides legal support to the community that needs legal support. This is an additional $50,000 to pitch in into the project that the mayor is supporting.

53:32And the last line. And the fraction on the remaining items. Okay. I have a motion from Council Member Puyin, a second from Dugan. Discussion on the motion. Councilwoman Lopez-Chavas. Thank you, Chair. I was just wondering if first, if they could help clarify what's not being voted on tonight? Essentially everything that is not in that list.

53:53So anything that is part of the transmittal that's not on that list is deferred to a future meeting. And since I have the microphone, Council Member Puyin, can I clarify, did you intend, did you read item A14? Okay. Yes, I did. I read all of them. Great. Thank you. Okay. Just, sorry. I was hoping you would say just, let me ask this question then.

54:15Is the Command Center in this vote? No. No. It is not. Thank you. Any other discussion? We'll call the question. All those in favor? Aye. Any opposed? That passes unanimously. All right. This now brings us to Section C, potential action items, and we have no potential action items. Section D is comments. Mayor Rachel, thank you for being here.

54:45Are there any questions for the mayor? Mayor, I'm going to ask you an open-ended one since we've been getting a lot of things. Is there anything you would like to put on the public record that you haven't felt that you've been able to recently? We've gotten a lot of quick. I'm putting on the spot. I'm sorry. Feel free to abstain.

55:07But I had a unique opportunity, an annual opportunity last week on this night, Tuesday night last week, to say a lot. So I don't have anything burning at the moment that I didn't get to say in those 45 minutes. And if anybody didn't have a chance to hear that, it's the annual state of the city address and you can watch it on the city's YouTube.

55:29Thank you, Mayor. Thanks, Council Member. Okay. So this means that we're now at the general comment portion of our agenda. This section is for the public to comment on any city business that's not scheduled for a public hearing. It is limited to a maximum of one hour and to only those individuals who registered to speak before 730.

55:46Our meeting rules apply. As a moment of personal privilege, I'm having a request to adjust the agenda. Sorry, I should put it on the record. I was asking you if you would consider putting all the other items ahead of this item. They're very quick. They're not laid long items and see if. Would you care? Would you all care to move to new business?

56:16Just getting them all done and then we can. And then we can. And then send agenda and then ending with general comment. Does that work? I don't know. Are we within? Okay. Then let's we will we will come back to that. All right. We will move to section E temporarily with a placeholder to new business so that the next new business item, E one is for the advice and consent for the new Salt Lake City Chief Information Officer, Zach Posner.

56:48I'll look for a motion. I move. I move. I move that the Council approve the appointment of Zach Posner as the Salt Lake City Chief Information Officer. Second. I have a motion from Councilwoman Lopez Chavez and a second from Council Member Wharton. Any discussion on the matter? All those in favor? Aye. Any opposed? All right.

57:07That brings us to our unfinished business, which item F one is a resolution for the collective bargaining for the Salt Lake City Public Library Union. I will look for a motion. Madam Chair, I move that the Council adopt a resolution approving the proposed memorandum of understanding between Salt Lake City Library Board and the American Federation of State, County and municipal employees, local 1004 representing eligible library employees.

57:39Second. I have a motion from Council Member Wharton and a second from Councilwoman Lopez Chavez. I'm pretty sure there's going to be a few comments on it. Yeah. Councilman Lopez Chavez, you seem to be here. I just want to say I have a few of my friends that actually work for our library system. And so I've had the great honor and pleasure of representing a lot of them in District 4.

57:57I'd like to thank each of you in the front row, like to think. It's me that you're present here for helping a lot of our library workers, not just sustain, but also advocate for themselves and the employees and the security and well-being of all those that enter into our library system. So just want to say thank you. Congratulations.

58:17I'm understanding we're the first public library to unionize in the state of Utah. So just a round of applause for some. All right. Well, sorry. That was technically a breach. But you know, Madam chair, that was my fault. I'm the one in breach. She's a rabble razzer. Okay. Anyone else? Councilwoman Young and then Council Member Puy.

58:40Yeah. I just also want to offer my congratulations and appreciation for AFSCME. I know that in going through this process and you can see it on your faces that you're like, oh my gosh, let us be there. And you really, truly have put in a ton of work to be able to bring this across the finish line. That is work that is above and beyond your service to the city, but will benefit future generations to come.

59:09And so I hope that although they're not in this room today, that you know that this is taking a legacy of commitment to collective bargaining in Salt Lake City and bringing it to all of the future employees of the library and all of those individuals and myself as well. I just want to express our incredible gratitude for the fact that you're not only looking out for your fellow workers, but you're looking out for our future.

59:35So thank you. I'm Chair. This is a historic day for the city and that we have the hundreds of employees that the library system has in Salt Lake City that are unionized members of matching the rest of the city employees. By the way, this is the only city in this in the state that has agreements with unions to negotiate as pairs about benefits of our protections, about salaries.

1:00:06And it is unique of our city. And it's a right that we have in our city, although it was, you know, for a moment it was almost gone because of the legislature. But we're glad that we're here, that we're fighting together, that, you know, we respect and value unions. This is a commitment of this city. And the moment, this moment right now should be remembered by you because there is no way back from this.

1:00:35And we are very happy for the work that you put in. It wasn't easy. It really wasn't. But that is how it's meant to be, right? That pull and push between unions, the community, employees and its government and negotiating as pairs is an incredible moment. So I'm very thankful for this opportunity. Anyone else? Council Member Wharton?

1:00:59Just what a year it's been. It was about a year ago that we were here giving preliminary approval. Then following day the legislature passed a bill that took that away. Then there was a lot of signature gathering and a lot of talking to residents. And I want to thank Council Member Poi for being a part of that and helping send a very strong message to people across the state of Utah that, even though people don't really think of Utah very often when they think about pro union state.

1:01:36But I think that the response from the public showed that we do believe in collective bargaining. We do believe in the rights of workers to organize and be able to come together and ask for safer conditions and ask for better wages. And I really hope that because of this year long journey that we've had, you guys are the first to make it through after all of these changes.

1:02:05But I hope that there will be other cities that follow suit. And I hope there will be other government entities and other groups of workers that choose to organize because this was a right that was taken away from us. And now we have it back. And that is something to celebrate, especially in these times. So congratulations on your hard work.

1:02:26And it's a pleasure to vote again. Finally, in favor of this. Anyone else? I just want to thank our unions and the people who initiated this petition for giving us a chance to feel like we can build things. It's such a weird season where trying to figure out how to play defense is a constantly moving target for us to have a chance to actually build towards the progress that we want to see that protects working families and thank you to our union leaders who are, you know, have a history in the trench now now, initiating some new union members.

1:03:01Thank you for, for your faithfulness to progress and for staying even when it's tedious, even when it's annoying, even when we're debating an or an or an and and it seems stupid and we should just get past it. Thank you. I appreciate you. So we'll call the question. All those in favor. Hi. Any opposed? That is unanimous.

1:03:21Welcome. Let's do the motion for the consent agenda at this point. Move to approve the consent agenda. Second. I have a motion from council member queen and a second from council member Dugan. Any any conversation? All those in favor. Hi. Any opposed? All right. The consent agenda is passed unanimously. Thank you for your patience.

1:03:50We have now come back to the general comment session. Our meeting rules apply to these general comments. Please avoid disruptions or threats. We'll ask a staff member to assist you at a meeting. Also as a reminder, comments include profanity, personal tax intimidation or discriminatory language or not persuasive or compelling.

1:04:06They are not helpful to creating a respectful and safe environment. We will be calling the names in order of sign up. If you're on zoom, please unmute your mic when your name is called. Each person will have two minutes to help make sure that as many people can speak during the hour, any one in person should feel free to come.

1:04:22Feel free to come up, stand in line when you hear your name called. Please avoid interruptions so that we can use time for as many people to comment as possible. If you reach the two minute mark, the host will announce time and your microphone will be muted. If you need staff assistance in the room, please raise your hand.

1:04:38Someone will be with you. If you're having technical issues in zoom or need any assistance, message, staff support and akshay from our staff can assist you. If you're unable to finish your comment, please share the rest via email, mail, call or office. Contact information is listed at slc.gov. If you have a handout for the council, please notice by council staff who will assist you.

1:04:57Daffodil, you can begin with the first general comment. Thank you, Madam Chair. We have 24 people registered for general comment. First is Kaya Pierre, followed by Nicole McLachlan, and then in Canada. Kaya is here in person. Was that Kaya? Kaya? Kaya? Kaya? Kaya? Kaya Pierre? All right, it doesn't appear that anyone here is responding to that name.

1:05:31We'll come back at the end if you, if Kaya is here and missed it. Okay, next is Nicole McLachlan, followed by N Canada, and then Kaley Alsina, and Nicole is online. Nicole, in the unmute. Good evening. My name is Nicole McLaughlin. I live at 2724 South Lake Street. My neighbor, Josh Schurman spoke about the tow truck company operating out of address 2731.

1:06:01On our street, in general, comments back on October 21st, 2025. After many months of inability to address through Salt Lake City Code. In the first paperwork submitted that evening, we detailed a second operation from the same home for selling what looked to be an impounded vehicle. Since October 21st, the tow truck company issue has been addressed, and we would like to thank our city council members for assisting in this complaint.

1:06:27However, the second issue regarding impounded vehicles has worsened. Illegal registrations were forwarded with pictures on several of the cars. Aside from the two vehicles parked there today, there have been reported six other parked vehicles unused, mechanically worked on, cleaned and moved in and out of that address to date.

1:06:46Proof to all of this have been provided to our city code with the latest email thread, forwarded to our district seven council rep yesterday. As we believe what is occurring, it's still tied to the tow truck company. We ask for further items of consideration. Immediate removal of any non personal vehicles from that address to the Ruth E.

1:07:05Mano Salt Lake City and or Oram Yard locations, where all vehicles from their business should be stored. And for business licensing office to investigate if the evidence of ownership of the vehicles is sufficient. Now, illegal business activities are addressed by Salt Lake City Planning Division with the support of Salt Lake City Code Enforcement for continued education on how to maintain and ensure the zoning for this address is not for operation of any business activity, not licensed to do so from a neighborhood.

1:07:34This will finish addressing the initial complaint. And as was stated in the email, I do believe if the tenants are properly educated, they will again take steps for their business operation to be run only out of their tow yards and will work to keep our neighborhood zoned. Appropriately. Thank you. Next is on Canada followed by Carrie Alsino and then Kiyoko Jones on this here in person.

1:07:59And Canada District two. Well, this comes after too long. It is progress that the city council is creating a working group on what they can do against ice. I need you to remember that each day that passes Trump and ICE are trying to build power to harm our community. Each day you wait to take bold action and increase the danger within the city.

1:08:19We need to ensure ICE does not take any of our community members away from us. Local organizers led by TJ blocked the ICE detention center. I'm happy the mayor followed our lead and committed to many of our demands. Now you must do your part in doing everything you can do to support us and fight back against ICE. To make it very clear, a 56% majority of Americans, a 77% majority of Democrats and a 47% majority of independents support abolishing ICE.

1:08:50This committee should reflect that larger population's desire and not overstate the opinions of lawyers, business owners and nonprofits. People do not want reform. The country has its eye on abolition. This city council should too. We deserve details on this working group and demand transparency in the process. I reached out to every council member to discuss our demands and how the city could defend our community against ICE.

1:09:17Only Ava, Erica and Chris met with me and I want to credit them publicly. No other council member engages me, San Sarah, who I approached. My own representative, Chair Pooley, has never moved me once, not once. That level of disregard for a constituent is not just disrespectful. It raises serious questions about accountability.

1:09:38Finally, I remind you of the remaining demands. These are all within the city's legal authority. At a public hearing on restoration of unlimited public comment and on the city's interaction with ICE, passing a resolution calling for the abolition of ICE, I'm not going to get through them. Maintaining public reporting on interaction with federal agencies and the rest are on my Instagram.

1:10:00Thank you. Next we'll be Kaylee Elcina, followed by Keilke Jones and Marina Price. Kaylee is here on Thursday. Okay, so my name gets worse and worse every week I come back. So I'm going to say it's racist until it's right. It's Kylie Aquina. Okay. So our demands are simple and achievable yet consistently slowed by municipal lawmakers who don't consider themselves the frogs in boiling water.

1:10:25For those of you who believe you are untouchable and don't really care about everyone else at risk, ICE is costly. As of 2024 data per the ICE.gov website, ICE is a key component to the DHS layered defense approach to protect the nation. Its annual budget is approximately 9 billion. So it is quite costly on top of being quite terrible.

1:10:47Each decision you have made, including the ones that you drag out when lives are on the lines, informs us of how we need to defend each other, whether or not you guys are included in the equation. Hoping enough time passes for people to forget is how we completely lose innocent people altogether. Anything short of the abolition of ICE is a repeated cycle of violence, no matter how performative you are about it.

1:11:09If reform were effective for anyone, it would have worked by now. What we know is that it doesn't. And what we know is that reform is very effective and very fast at keeping wealthy neighborhoods happy by expanding the legal definition of how poor, brown and black people can be assumed criminals. Let's wrap this up quickly.

1:11:28Please, more clapping. We've asked you before. We need to make space for all comments. If you have a comment, we have council staff that will be happy to help you. Can you call the next commenter, please? Can we hit the next commenter, please? We can go ahead and recess if there's a problem and we need council staff to help give it.

1:11:51Can we get the next commenter? Let's just Keoko Jones followed by Bermuda Price and then Vayne Harris. Keoko is a in here in person. Mr. Mayor, my name is Keiko Jones. I live in a very friendly community on the West Side. I love my community and my neighbors. Many of us are immigrants and diversity makes the community strong and more accepting.

1:12:25I was here two weeks ago and there were many people who were angry and frustrated. But you are not the enemy. We are on the same side. I know that. I know you will do everything you can to protect the residents. We should have all gone up to the hill. I wish I could understand the legislature. Many people don't know what to do with the legislature.

1:13:00I caught a little bit of Governor Cox's speech and it sounded like he was speaking at a church. He was saying they need to have virtue. Virtue is not anything specific. Is it virtuous for him to want to build a detention center in Delta? Or like Trevor Lee's house bill 287? Is it virtuous to want to take the basic privilege to drive from a certain group of people?

1:13:48I wish I could understand the legislature and speak up on the hill. Anyway, I really appreciated your comments at the end of the previous meeting. Kiko, feel free to email us or we will meet with you after if you care. Next is Marina Price followed by Jane Harris and TJ Young. Marina is here in person. Hi. I'm Marina and I'm from Glendale.

1:14:26I wrote down my comments because I ramble. So forgive this. First off, I want to thank you all for your work. I know you had to face an angry and unruly mob of us. I know that's not easy and I'm sorry. But I'd like to explain that anger at least as I know it. Right now, federal agents are committing illegal acts, actions and atrocities while top government officials excuse and condone these actions with lies telling us not to believe our own eyes.

1:14:57Ice agents are being recruited from the very worst pockets of our society so it's no wonder that they are committing these lawless and sadistic brutally actions. But the recent offer to call off the dogs in exchange for private data from voter rolls in Minnesota shows that their agenda is not simply immigration enforcement.

1:15:20The lies are proof that they are not interested in the truth. The illegal acts are proof that this isn't about the law. It is with this in mind that I ask you to understand this anger for what it is, a fearful and desperate cry from everyone with a heart who love our neighbors and are not alone. I know many of you are doing what you can.

1:15:40Thank you. I'm here to ask you to create ordinances to preemptively combat the lawlessness we are seeing in other cities. Specifically, I'm asking you to create a separation ordinance for the police, ban the use of city resources including funds, facilities and data systems, and an accountable system. And accountability mechanism to hold ice agents who break the law accountable.

1:16:11I know that in an effort to keep salt lake city safe there's a hesitancy to take a stand but I'd like to point out that point out to Portland. Unlike Minnesota and Illinois, Oregon only weekly address. Hi. We would love the rest of your comments if you would care to send them to us. Next will be fame Harris followed by TJ Young and then Cali Voris.

1:16:38Fame is here. My name is Fauna Harris. My name is Fauna Harris and I might suggest maybe we can have a pronunciation thing on the sheet since so many of us got our names mispronounced. But I live in Salt Lake and I work in district four at an LGBTQ plus resource center. Like I mentioned two weeks ago, I'm a proud dotted immigrants and my concerns are always about my loved ones, but also my comrades.

1:17:01We need to do all that we can to protect our constituents who consistently put their bodies on the line and make it last and it starts in the small things. I want to recognize that the mayor and city council are taking meaningful steps towards not cooperating with ICE. However grateful I may be. It's important to acknowledge that there's still more to do to make sustainable and long lasting change.

1:17:20And it goes by the following. By restoring unlimited public comment you show that there's priority for voices of the people. By passing a resolution to abolish ICE we take an official stand against federal tyranny. By mandating transparency about all interactions with federal agencies ensuring no city staff are used for civil immigration enforcement services.

1:17:38It shows that there's no alignment with ICE and their tyranny. And lastly, by platforming and collaborating with mutual aid and human rights organizations and seeking training from them, you can make an informed decision that allows for sustainable and consistent stands against fascism in all its forms, including increased police budgets, criminalization of homelessness, lack of autonomy for trans people.

1:18:00The world is on fire because it's all connected. This work cannot just stop with ICE. That's only one weed, not the root. And it's important that a city council you make a commitment that reflects that. We want to make sure that whatever is created is long lasting and these actions will move us into that. Thank you for your time.

1:18:15Rest in peace Jamie Garcia, Keith Porter, Renee Goode and Alex Prady and all those that have been murdered by ICE this year. Thank you. No clapping. Let's move on. Next will be TJ Young followed by Calvin Flores and then Margaret Holloway. TJ is your numbers. Hi, I'm TJ Young, resident of Sugar House and I run a daily ice watch in the Salt Lake Valley.

1:18:40I want to thank you mayor and council members for your statements and your efforts to oppose the proposed site for the mega ICE detention center in Salt Lake City. While the Richie group said in their public statement that they and their investors have no plans to sell or lease the property in question to the federal government.

1:18:58I have a reason to be concerned that the proposed site or other warehouses nearby could still be at risk of being purchased by DHS. I ask that you continue to be vigilant and verify that no further developments happen at that site or others within the city, regardless of their press release. There are at least 80 million dollars of reasons why DHS wants that site as I'm sure you know.

1:19:23Separately but not really that separate. I urge you to reconsider your investment in surveillance technologies for SLCPD right now. Given the current political climate and concerns over who'll truly have access to technology and data. LPR's license plate readers for example track all of us, not just criminals. And the definition of criminals seems to be changing by internal federal memo these days, not by changing laws.

1:19:50By the department's own reporting crime in Salt Lake City is at its lowest level in nearly a decade. So I ask that you please prioritize fiscal restraints, privacy and constitutional values before approving that part of the budget request. Thank you for your time. Next will be Calvian Forest followed by Margaret Holloway and Meg Rose.

1:20:13Colvin's here. Good evening council. Madam Mayor. Good to see you all. Happy New Year. Just wanted to get up here and again re-enter ourselves, the Carpenters Union, right? We've been around since 1897. Some of my constituents are back there. Some of my colleagues, some of the hardest working folks in this great community.

1:20:39I usually do the general because there's a lot of stuff that goes on that kind of influences what it is I want to say. One of the biggest ones was the St. Mark's Cathedral. I personally actually worked on the Diocese building that was there and held regards pantry, right? My fingerprints are literally on that concrete.

1:20:56So I do not envy your position in trying to find a equitable solution for that project because on the flip side the project next door is work for people of my make. And it's hard. I remember when they did Legacy Highway years ago. That was work. But I was conflicted because I was like, well that's sensitive wetlands and all these other things.

1:21:21And it's so hard to come to a balance point for all that kind of stuff. So this being the capital city, you're going to be in that position probably more than most with everything else. The library, congratulations. You know, AFSCME, awesome union, right? Lastly, we represent a lot of people from a lot of different walks of life in this industry.

1:21:50Pretty much if you want to come out here and get your hands dirty and put in a good day's work, then come on over to the carpenter's union. So we are also against all of the activity that is breaking apart communities and taking people off of their jobs when they're just trying to go out there and make a good living. So I applaud you in your efforts.

1:22:12I know personally that you are, you do not like to see that kind of stuff happen. So again, anytime you want to reach out and get our opinion on stuff. Next, we'll be Margaret Holloway, falling by a rose, and then hailing on Freddie. Margaret is here in person. I forgot I put it in the other slip. But that's okay because I always have lots of things to say.

1:22:41This one is about the Dave Riverside, Anderson, Foothill, and the- Miss Margaret, can you pull the microphone down so we can hear you better? What? Because I'm short. Okay. We were presented with a survey and a work session for the three libraries, Anderson Foothill, Dave Riverside, and for the ballpark. And I don't understand why Dave Riverside on the west side is being put in with the other two.

1:23:09Anderson Foothill has already been redone twice since it was built. And the ballpark, now understand they do need a nice library, but that whole area is being redeveloped. But the Dave Riverside needs upgraded. It needs a new room for the young people to be in so they're not right smack in the middle of the center of the library from three o'clock to seven o'clock.

1:23:30They need their own section, and we have the land. And that is unusual to have the land already. But to put us at a ten-year loop, which is what they told us, in order to be done because they have the other two in that group is totally unfair. Dave Riverside needs to be upgraded. I think it was built in 91. But Anderson Foothill's already been redone.

1:23:54And they said, well, that's because it's on the east side with the richer people. And okay, and I understand the ballpark, but why can't ballpark be done separately when they're redeveloping that whole area? I'm just fighting it for the west side because Dave Riverside is a really good, and it needs expanded. It needs some help to help with the community, with all the apartments and all the extra people that are over there.

1:24:17We feel like we're left out of it because the kids come in there, which we'd rather have them in there than on the street. But they kind of need their own area, and we have the land to do it. So please, can you please think about that? Thank you. Next will be Rose, followed by Hailing Mont-Freddy, and then Cindy Cromer, Rose is here at first.

1:24:40The first thing I'd like to ask is whether anybody in here actually believes any of this shit. So let's do a little recap of everything that's happened so far tonight. The first thing that happened was we got an absolute circus of some of the most performative progressivism I've ever seen in my life. Then we got confirmation of the fact that the real estate industry owns this city.

1:25:05Then we get any expansion of the police in their surveillance state. And then Pooley over here decides to move the only progressive thing on their agenda right up to the top, right before General Common, to soften the blow of all of that and make us look a little bit shittier for coming up and yelling at them afterwards.

1:25:23I think that's just incredible. That's like some of the greatest politicking I've ever seen. I just am surprised that anybody is falling for it. This is exactly how the Democratic Party operates, ladies and gentlemen. They give you scraps and they expect you to be grateful for it. We are not asking for reforms. We are demanding abolition for ICE to call for us to talk right to our senators.

1:25:50And our representatives is to imply that we are still living in a functioning democracy. And we are not. We haven't been for quite some time. And we all need to see that and accept it. I know it's hard to do that because it took me a long time to. But we have to. And we have to start building institutions parallel to the state.

1:26:11We have to understand that they are not going to save us. They're not. They're going to tweak with ICE. They're going to do little reforms and they're going to expect us to be grateful for them. And they're going to treat abolition like a silly childish fantasy. As if this agency isn't less than 25 years old. As if ICE is some immutable part of reality that cannot be bent or broken in any possible capacity.

1:26:41Don't buy it. This is not. These are not. Time. Thank you. Let's move on to the next commenter. Next will be Haley Montfretti followed by Cindy Cromer and then been told a web. Haley is here in person. Hi. I live in Rose Park and I'm from Glendale. I've seen he say that you're concerned and that you want to protect our city.

1:27:11I've seen some of you show up when there are cameras and crowds of people. We need you to show up where it matters protecting the people in our city. There are so many organizations, mutual aides and community members that have consistently shown up for the people in our community. And across the world of Palestine. There are so many organizations, sorry.

1:27:36They've created safe places, taught us our rights. They've given us resources and they've provided real aid to the people who need it. They're doing the work to solve the problems that you should be solving. My community and I are asking simple requests that will lead to the lasting changes to make life better for everybody.

1:27:59We're here because we need you to pass a resolution to abolish ICE. If you stop the problem completely, you won't have to put your body on the line. ICE is harassing members of our community every day. They are actively causing harm, fear and trauma to our black and brown communities. I'm sure all of you have chosen to do this job because you want to help people.

1:28:25It's time for you to listen to the people. What we actually need and do something about it. Stop giving money to cops. You are harming our poor black and brown community members. Stop backing out of community led actions. Do the right thing to protect our people. Especially our black and brown communities who make Salt Lake City the amazing city it is.

1:28:49Thank you. Next will be Cindy Kroner followed by a mental web and then brought us say Cindy's here in person. I think we actually saw Cindy leave. We can move on to the next one. Okay. Next is mental web and brought us say and then Jake and told us here in person. Thank you for the opportunity to speak. I was here a couple of weeks ago and after all the comments that were really heated and very well given.

1:29:25There was a comment that was made that has not left my mind. And that was we are in a good spot where there's no finger on us pointing at us. Like let kind of the feeling was let's not push it because we have a good thing right now. And it really bothered me and I've been thinking on that nonstop one because I'm not the type of person that looks at others.

1:29:51Ms. Forgens as a blessing on myself because that's not the kind of person that I want to be in the world. Second is it's the same language that was has been used so many times for people that are survivors of abuse. So many especially children. Myself being a survivor or child sexual abuse. I remember that comment. Don't make waves.

1:30:14Let's be quiet. Let's make ourselves smaller as a way of protecting the abusers. And the fact that that comment was made by my city council sickens me to my very core. You need to stand up for the people that cannot stand up for themselves. You are the protectors because you have been voted to be the protectors and you need to do that.

1:30:36That is your job. Despite what we were told last meeting that is your job. You were elected for that. You need to stand up to the abusers. You need to put a resolution out saying we will not accept us. We will abolish it because that is what's right and what's correct. I just can't have not been able to let that go. Now I feel like you are part of that abuse because you are not standing up and saying I will not take that.

1:31:08I will not allow that for my constituents, for my community. We're all doing that for each other. I understand you are in a difficult position. You spend the end of the meeting telling me. Thank you. We will not be doing that next commenter. Next will be Bob Asse followed by Jake and then Tim Funk. Brad is here in person.

1:31:31Thank you. Brad Ase, the executive director for Ask Me, local 1004 and the vice president of the U.T.A.A.L.C.I.O. and definitely we live in tough times. But what took place here with you passing that resolution for our library workers is a bright spot in a dark world right now. We deeply as a union appreciate our working relationship with you, with Salt Lake City.

1:31:59It was a wonderful experience working with the library to get this done. When you said it was historic, it truly is. There are many across the country right now that we're waiting for this resolution tonight. This will ripple across the nation and this will give hope to many other workers that they can do it. Especially if we can do it in Utah, we can do it anywhere.

1:32:24But we stand proudly with Salt Lake City with you to stand for working families, to have the only collective bargaining in the state for public workers, and how we stand together against those that would tear down workers, tear down unions, and democracy, which unions stand for. So again, our heartfelt thanks to you. Look forward to continuing our work with you and moving our great city forward.

1:32:51Thank you so much. Next will be Jake followed by Tim Funk. Then Michael Hong. Jake is here in person. This body has told us on multiple occasions that they are not our enemy. They've pointed to the people up on Capitol Hill and the people in Washington, D.C., who, yes, very much, are very clearly the enemy. But enemies and allies, it's not a binary.

1:33:24And they would very much like for you to think that that's a binary. They're leaving out an important category, cowards and enablers. Which is what I hear when I see that they are even remotely considering as they claim to share the citizenry's concern about rising authoritarianism, yet they want to flood our streets with even more dystopian tools of insidious mass surveillance and state violence like this ridiculous mobile command center.

1:33:53It's an insult to this community that they are even considering it. A non-existent crime wave, once again being leveraged by this city to enable more fascism, whether we're talking about the federal, state or local level, doesn't really seem like these people are our friends, does it? And I mean what I would say is abstain.

1:34:18What I think about when I see all this is the historical precedent when other countries have experienced what we're experiencing, that consistently you'll find in the historical record that the function of liberal politicians in a fascist society is to falsely convince you that they're going to do something about it so that you do nothing about it.

1:34:41These people are not your friends, only we can save us. We have to organize with each other in our workplaces, in our communities, our neighborhoods, our families, our social circles. These people are not going to protect you, they are useless charlatans. Thank you, next comment here. Next will be Tim Funk, followed by Michael Horn, and then Bill Bitter, Tim is here on Chris.

1:35:11Hi, I will try to be brief and to the point. Crossroads Urban Center was called upon on the west side to help study or support or look at the bio. I'm really tired and have lost track. We give you this short memo. Attached, please find the two documents. The first is an email sent to me, Tim Funk, at Crossroads Urban Center on last Wednesday, January 28, listing four major concerns about the bio tower projected being proposed at approximately Pierpond Avenue in 10th West in the poplar Grove neighborhood.

1:36:14The poplar Grove neighborhood council was holding its regular January meeting that night. The email was sent by two persons directly concerned from the neighborhood. I was asked to present at least support those proposed concerns at the Wednesday meeting, so I could not be there because I got confused and went to another meeting instead.

1:36:37I thought the information in the email should be presented for further discussion, so here it is. The second document, which is entitled, what's that smell? Order and corrosion mitigation in Salt Lake City was produced in 2020 about the same concern. How best to mitigate the order and corrosion at the Pierpond site in the poplar Grove neighborhood.

1:37:08As the email states, the project currently has been proposed by city staff, might not be the best one. It is stated that the original bio tower proposal presented by the city may indeed be the best. Tim, it was sadly a time, but we would love to talk to you more about this. And we have the things, so thank you for bringing this.

1:37:36And we have the documents, so thank you. We would love to talk to you more about this. Thank you, sir. Next will be Michael Huang followed by Bill Bitter and then all of Peterson Jacoby, Michael is here on person. Hello, I am not a politician and I am not as well spoken as many of my community members here today. And today I am not brave enough to speak many of my own words, but I am brave enough to echo many of our beliefs that have already been said.

1:38:10Rest in peace, Jamie Garcia, Keith Porter, Renee Good, Alex Pretti, and the other people murdered by ICE this past year. The mayor and city council have taken meaningful steps toward not cooperating with ICE. However, these commitments will still fall short of protecting our community. The council and the mayor have the power and the duty to enact the following.

1:38:33Add a public hearing on restoration of a limited public comment and on the city's interactions with ICE, passing a resolution calling for the abolition of ICE, mandating public reporting on interactions with federal agencies and ensuring salt Lakers can verify city statements, free or contingency legal services for salt Lakers whose constitutional rights have been violated, funding community advisory bodies that monitor human rights, ensuring no city staff are used for civil immigration enforcement beyond what federal law strictly requires, and details on how Salt Lake City will block any new ICE facilities.

1:39:13Enacting 37 and a half percent of our demands is a great start, but we need 100% of your power utilized to protect us from federal tyranny. Stand up to fascism and do all you can within your legal power to fight back. Thank you. Next will be Bill Bitter followed by all of Peterson Jacobine and then Alec Concolle, who is here in person.

1:39:38Hello, my name is Billy. I live in District 7 and I'm a Westside community worker. I'm here today because my community is being actively tormented by the presence of ICE in our city. From children to parents, members of our community are afraid. They're afraid to leave their homes. They're afraid to go to school or work, afraid to shop, afraid to play, and afraid to live their lives openly. They are afraid of violent detainment. They are afraid their family will be ripped apart, and they are afraid that their names will be added to the growing list of human beings who have been targeted, brutalized, or murdered by immigration enforcement. Council members, I'm asking what are you willing to do to protect our communities?

1:40:26I am asking you to do more. I'm asking the Council and the Mayor to use your power to enact the following, to pass a resolution calling for the abolition of ICE, to mandate public reporting on interactions with federal agencies, and to ensure Salt Lakers can verify city statements. I am asking for free or contingency legal services for Salt Lakers, whose constitutional rights have been violated, and to fund community advisory bodies that monitor human rights.

1:40:55I am asking you to ensure no city staff are used for civil immigration enforcement beyond what federal law strictly requires, and for details on how Salt Lake City will block any new ICE facilities. Finally, I am asking that you add a public hearing on the restoration of unlimited public comment on the city's interactions with ICE.

1:41:16We need 100% of your power utilized to protect us from federal tyranny, and to stand up to fascism to do all you can within your legal power to fight back. Thank you.

1:41:29Next we'll be all of the next commenter. Next we'll be all of Peterson Jacoby, followed by Alec Conkel, then Ashley Kinzner, all of this hearing person. Hello, my name is Olive Peterson Jacoby, and I live in the Maven District. In the past, you've said that you will collaborate with ICE operations involving violent criminals.

1:41:50But when government officials can label anyone they don't like a terrorist or violent criminal, how can you risk voluntary cooperation? These terms have become a button the system can press to vanish anyone it doesn't like. Instead, you need to pass a resolution calling for the abolition of ICE. The city cannot willingly, in any capacity, cooperate with federal immigration enforcement, and it must provide free legal services to any residents whose constitutional rights are violated.

1:42:20Do not give the police more tools for them to brutalize us with either. Instead, invest in us. Create a plan to ensure that all salt lake residents have access to food, water, housing, and health care. This burden can no longer fall to our mutual aid groups, especially in the event that ICE descends upon Salt Lake as they have Minneapolis.

1:42:42And the council must pressure other municipalities to do the same. Councilwoman Lopez Chavez said two weeks ago that they look to us as the capital city, and we should be taking advantage of that. Finally, I'd like to address Councilman Poi directly. Four weeks ago you said that you are not our enemy. I'm asking you now to stop treating us like we are.

1:43:02We actually ask that you don't address individuals if you would like to address that to the whole council. This is- Thank you for your feedback. Thank you. Please continue. This insistence on decorum is a form of policing and by extension violence. And interestingly enough, it isn't universally enforced. This combined with the limited public comment and the council has fostered an adversarial environment between itself and this assembly.

1:43:29And while our anger is justified, your censorship and inaction is not. Thank you. Can you get the next comment? Next will be Alec Conkle followed by Ashley Kinzer. Thank you. Can you get the next comment? Next will be Alec Conkle followed by Ashley Kinzer. And then can you, Oka, Alec is here in person? A little bit different, but bike lanes.

1:43:56So my name is Alec Conkle and I'm resident of District 4. I'm here tonight because I'm really concerned about the actions that our state legislature is taking with a recent bill that is currently moving through the ranks right now, HP 242, and forgive me if that's wrong. It literally just came out today. I am terrified of this bill.

1:44:21This bill is stripping our rights away as cyclists, pedestrians, people that just get around the town. The state legislature seems to think that they have this authoritarian rule over our city and they don't. We get to make our own choices about how we get around town, whether that's driving, whether that's walking, whether that's biking.

1:44:44So today I'm just putting a little thought in your heads. Maybe no bike lanes, no lupics. I mean, honestly, like, why should we have the gun held to our head by the state legislature when we are the economic backbone of the state? Like, they're looking to us to make their money. And in my opinion, I think that we should be using that to our advantage.

1:45:09Ultimately, we really do need to invest in clean, safe, equitable infrastructure for cyclists, pedestrians, people walking to school. I just saw a news report the other day about somebody that got hit up on, what was it, 13th East? I'm sure everybody can remember a couple years ago when a child was killed in their neighborhood.

1:45:33And we've made really great strides in the city towards Vision Zero initiatives. And I am backing this city council. We do not need to stand for the state legislature's authoritarian rule over our transportation choices. So thank you. Next will be Ashley Kinzer, followed by Kamioka and then Anthony. Ashley is here in person.

1:46:02Ashley? Is there an Ashley? All right, doesn't it seem to be here? All right, next is Kamioka followed by Anthony. Kami is also here in person. Hi, Council. I am, this is my first time doing this. My name is Kamioka and I'm here to speak truth to power. I'll be repeating some of the things that my fellows have spoken behind me, but they're very important, so reiterating.

1:46:39I ask that you add a public hearing on the restoration of un-momented public comment. Add a public hearing on the city's interactions with ICE, pass a resolution calling for the abolition of ICE. This is the most important thing. Mandating public reporting on interactions of federal agencies and entering salt acres can verify city statements.

1:47:06Free or contingency legal services for salt acres whose constitutional rights have been violated. Funding community advisory bodies that monitor human rights. Enjoying no city staff are used for civil immigration enforcement beyond what federal law strictly requires. And clarify how Salt Lake City will deny new ICE facilities.

1:47:33I'm a licensed clinical social worker and work here in Salt Lake City. And I'm also a descendant of ancestors who are US citizens and were forcibly removed from their homes and taken to Heart Mountain and Menadoka Japanese internment camps, really incarceration concentration camps. Utah shares this shameful history with Topaz.

1:48:06My position makes me keenly aware of the terrors that are already happening and are yet to happen. So I ask that you do the bare minimum which has been reiterated multiple times and abolish ICE. Thank you. Can we get another comment? Next will be Anthony. Daffodil, is there anyone else? Yes, Anthony. First and foremost, I am a student on behalf of my fellow student leaders and representatives who couldn't make it.

1:48:56And thousands of other students from high schools ranging from Cyprus and Magna to Corner Canyon and Draper to American Preparatory Academy, Alta, Cottonwood East, Granger, Highland, Hillcrest High and Junior High, Murray, Olympus, Skyline, Taylor's Hill, and last but not least, Murray High and it is still growing. We are all set on a mission to protect our students, our families and our neighbors from the inaction on fascism and ICE encroachment. We will collectively walk out this Friday from 11.20 to 1.20 pm, and we will plan to do so much more. And we come with a list of demands.

1:49:26We demand our schools pledge to protect students from any attempt at ICE intervention at our schools. We demand our districts to pledge to protect our schools in this right and to protect their students when it comes to public transport. Furthermore, we demand that teachers will be allowed to voice their concerns and support students in matters of safety without fear of retaliation from our districts and schools.

1:49:46We demand that our state government pledge to keep ICE away from our great state and for our representatives to not support this fascist agenda of fear dictated by a wannabe king. Finally, we demand that our federal government, Congress and the House of Representatives and anyone with real tangible power to make change to exercise their duty to fight this dictator, to abolish ICE and to fight the real issue. We don't need a poorly trained military force here to sniff out our undocumented friends, seeking out families and hardworking people. See, this walkout is so much more than just a time for students to get mad and loud.

1:50:18We come with a real list of demands that will be heard and met. We will strive from the depths of hell and beyond to reach it so long that we make our nation better and that we have our voices heard. We, the students of America, will not be ignored as we see our nation kill people in cold blood, capture our fellow Americans, kill the soul of American, nor will we be taken lightly.

1:50:39We are a student organization dedicated to the fight to abolish the evil institution of ICE and we will demand real change from our representatives. We need all the support we can get for the sake of our cause, our state, our families and friends. We implore you to spread the news and be expected to be heard. Thank you.

1:50:56How is our final registered commentary? Is that it, Daffa? Yes, that is our final registered commentary. Daffa, is that the final commenter? Yes. All right, thank you. With that, we stand adjourned.