City Council

Minutes of the Millcreek City Council January 26, 2026 6:00 p.m. Work Meeting 7:00 p.m. Regular Meeting The City Council of Millcreek, Utah, met in a public work meeting and regular meeting on January 26, 2026, at City Hall, located at 1330 E. Chambers Avenue, Millcreek, UT 84106. The meeting was recorded for the City's website and had an option for online public cornrnent. PRESENT: Council Members City Staff Cheri Jackson, Mayor John Brems, City Attorney Silvia Catten, District I Elyse Sullivan, City Recorder Thom DeSirant, District 2 Francis Lilly, Assistant City Manager Nicole Handy, District 3 Kurt Hansen, Facilities Director Bev Uipi, District 4 Rita Lund, Coinrnunications Director Lisa Dudley, HR-Finance Director Attendees: Rick Hansen, Laura Renshaw, Kathy Blake, Jenny Burgess, Shawn LaMar, Chief Petty-Brown, Sgt. Mike Mays, Detective Brittni Willie, Chief Jon Wilde, Chief Zach Robinson WORK MEETING - 6:00 p.m. TIME COMMENCED: 6:00 p.m. Mayor Jackson called the work meeting to order. 1. Salt Lake County Animal Services Presentation; Carrie Sibert, Office Manager Carrie Sibert highlighted achievements from the previous year. Animal Control Officers responded to more than 19,000 calls for service, supported by a robust volunteer program that includes nationally recognized initiatives such as Hounds Around Town and Book Buddies; overall, 100 volunteers contributed more than 7,500 hours assisting shelter operations. The shelter successfully placed over 2,800 pets into adoptive homes or rescue organizations and, through its in-house veterinary clinic, sterilized more than 4,000 animals. Adjusted statistics showed just over 6,200 animals were taken in, approximately 2,600 were adopted, and more than 2,800 were redeemed in the field, resulting in a 95% live release rate, with 1,311 animals placed in foster homes and 410 transferred to rescue partners. Millcreek-specific data reflected just over 600 intakes, primarily dogs and cats, though a wide variety of animals were received. Field operations handled more than 2,200 calls, licenses sales exceeded 1,400, and Urban Wildlife Program statistics were pending. Key highlights included a fundraising gala that raised over $120,000 for spay and neuter programs, the two-day Petapalooza adoption event that placed 127 animals and featured extensive coininunity participation, and the launch of the P.A.W.S. Pet Millcreek City Council Meeting Minutes 26 January 2026 Page 2 of 8 Assistance on Wheels mobile clinic, which provides free sterilizations, vaccines, and microchips throughout the county with continued funding for an additional year. Mayor Jackson mentioned she had been called about groups of off-leash pets in Canyon Rim Park and asked about enforcement. Sibert said park patrols are common, but it's been an ongoing problem throughout the county. They are looking into various solutions such as randomized patrols and designated officers per shift in parks. Mayor Jackson requested the park be patrolled on Sunday afternoons and weekday mornings. 2. Unified Fire Authority Quarterly Report; Chief Jon Wnde Chief Jon Wilde presented the Unified Fire Authority's fourth-quarter report for October through December 2025, noting an overall year-over-year increase of approximately 350 calls for Millcreek, with nearly 200 of those occurring in the fourth quarter alone. Of the 1,638 total fourth-quarter calls, 37 percent were emergent, with Station 101 remaining the busiest, accounting for 1,429 total responses, including 658 by Medic Engine 101. The most common call types continued to be falls, sick persons, and breathing problems, along with 15 structure fires during the quarter. Emergency response times improved slightly from the previous quarter, with crews arriving within an average of 4 minutes and 31 seconds for 50 percent of calls and within 6 minutes and 51 seconds for 90 percent of calls. The low-acuity unit, implemented in August 2025 and housed at Station 101, responded to 218 calls, 136 of which were in Millcreek; nearly half resulted in transport, confirming appropriate use of the unit while allowing higher- acuity resources to remain available. Additional updates included new UFA Board members, the upcoming Recruit Camp 61 with eight recruits, an expanding paramedic workforce, a February promotional ceremony, and a March Fire School 101 community training. Chief Wilde also highlighted the importance of the 211 community resource system as a non-emergent alternative to 911 and concluded by introducing Station 106, outlining its location, staffing, and apparatus, which include a medic ladder, part-time ambulance, water tender, and wildland engine operating in support of the community. 3. Open and PubUc Meetings Act Annual Training; John Brems, City Attorney John Brems presented the council's annual Open and Public Meetings Act training, explaining that Utah law requires the mayor, as the presiding of'ficer, to ensure annual training for members of the council. He emphasized the legislative intent that governmental actions and deliberations be conducted openly, noting that meetings are generally required to be public unless they fall under specific statutory exceptions. Brems reviewed the updated definition of a meeting, which now includes any gathering of a quorum convened by an authorized individual to receive public comment, deliberate, or take action on matters within the body's authority, and clarified that prior statutory references to "chance" or "social" meetings have been removed. He outlined notice and agenda requirements, the role of written minutes as the official legal record, and the limited purposes for which closed meetings may be held, including personnel matters, imminent litigation, real property transactions, or quasi-judicial proceedings. Through practical examples, he discussed appropriate conduct in social settings, electronic communications, site visits, interactions with constituents, and communications with staff, stressing the importance of avoiding pre-determined decisions or collective deliberation outside of noticed meetings. He concluded by cautioning against electronic cornrnunications during meetings that could create Open Meetings Act concerns and reaffirmed best practices to ensure transparency, compliance, and public trust. Millcreek City Council Meeting Minutes 26 January 2026 Page 3 of 8 4. Staff Reports Francis Lilly noted Millcreek City Hall would be a site to host volunteers for the Point in Time Count that weekend. The council and mayor gave their reports. Mayor Jackson mentioned staff updating the information on the city's website regarding the Parley's Canyon mine and an upcoming hearing the Division of Air Quality was hosting regarding it. Council Member DeSirant brought up the annual strategic retreat the department directors and council participated in. The city has also been reviewing applications for art installations on Millcreek Common. The Youth Council attended Local Officials Day at the capitol during the state legislative session. Council Member Handy attended her first Wasatch Front Waste and Recycling District meeting. Council Member Uipi noted the Central Wasatch Comi'nission would be holding a special meeting that week. Council Member Catten presented tlie Treasurer's Report as of January 26, 2026, detailing the City's current financial position. The operating (pooled cash) accounts held approximately $975,262, while the PTIF account balance was approximately $38.7 million, resulting in total cash balances of $39,644,029. Current-year property tax revenues received totaled $11,286,831, and general sales tax revenue for the most recent four-month quarterly period amounted to $5,031,118. Building pen'nit revenues totaled $662,429, contributing to overall General Fund revenues of $23,167,487 to date. The report also noted routine financial activity, including the processing of 167 checks and 14 bank drafts covering two payroll periods. Council Member Catten moved to go into closed session per Utah Code 52-4-205(a) discussion of the character, professional competence, or physical or mental health of an individual at 6:43 p.m. Council Member DeSirant seconded. The Recorder called for the vote. Council Member Catten voted yes, Council Member DeSirant voted yes, Council Member Handy voted yes, Council Member Uipi voted yes, and Mayor Jackson voted yes. The motion passed unanimously Council Member DeSirant moved to go back into the open meeting at 6:58 p.m. Council Member Uipi seconded. The Recorder called for the vote. Council Member Catten voted yes, Council Member DeSirant voted yes, Council Member Handy voted yes, Council Member Uipi voted yes, and Mayor Jackson voted yes. The motion passed unanimously. 5. Discussion of Agenda Items, Correspondence, and/or Future Agenda Items There was none. Council Member DeSirant moved to adjourn the work meeting at 6:58 p.m. Council Member Uipi seconded. Mayor Jackson called for the vote. Council Member Catten voted yes, Council Member DeSirant voted yes, Council Member Handy voted yes, Council Member Uipi voted yes, and Mayor Jackson voted yes. The motion passed unanimously. REGULAR MEETING - 7:00 p.m. TIME COMMENCED: 7:00 p.m. Millcreek City Council Meeting Minutes 26 January 2026 Page 4 of 8 1. Welcome, Introduction and Preliminary Matters 1.1 Pledge of Allegiance Mayor Jackson called the meeting to order and led the pledge of allegiance. 1.2 Unified Police Department Millcreek Precinct Officer of the Month for December 2025 Chief Petty-Brown announced Sergeant Mike Mays as the Officer of the Month for December 2025. Sergeant Mays currently serves as the Detective Sergeant for the Millcreek Precinct, where he supervises three detectives, a victim advocate, a community-oriented policing detective, and four scliool resource officers. In addition to his supervisory duties, he led a comprehensive investigation into numerous complaints regarding illegal massage establishtnents within the city, which included allegations of prostitution and other unlawful sexual activity. Sergeant Mays dedicated significant effort to studying applicable state laws and regulatory requirements, worked closely with Millcreek Code Enforcement, coordinated with the Department of Professional Licensing, and developed a thorough understanding of all massage-related businesses operating in the city. His investigation identified multiple establishments that were out of compliance and potentially engaged in criminal activity, leading to collaboration with the City Attorney to initiate business license revocations. As a direct result of his work, the city amended its municipal ordinance to require background checks for employees of massage-related businesses. Chief Petty Brown noted that Sergeant Mays has spent the majority of his career serving Millcreek, is a vital asset to the precinct, maintains strong relationships with city staff, and consistently demonstrates dedication, initiative, and exceptional service. Chief Petty-Brown introduced Detective Brittni Willie as the new Community Oriented Policing detective. 1.3 Public Comment Laura Renshaw, Millcreek Library Manager, reported on the library's collaborative efforts with Millcreek Promise to support citywide educational goals, particularly improving GPA and graduation rates at Cottonwood High School. In December, library staff conducted an on-site outreach event at the school, signing up 31 students for library cards and highlighting library resources that support academic success, with plans to return for additional outreach in February. The library is also working with the William Penn Elementary PTA to organize class field trips and is exploring ways to address statewide concerns regarding third grade reading proficiency. Additionally, staff are partnering with the Millcreek Futures Program to introduce high school students to career opportunities in libraries, including summer internships offered annually at each branch. Renshaw also announced the upcoming Winter Reading Program in February, a month- long initiative in which participants who complete 20 reading and activity-based tasks receive a free book. She concluded by emphasizing the library's enthusiasm for community engagement and its willingness to support city initiatives wherever possible. Kathy Blake, Woodland Avenue, addressed the council to congratulate the mayor on her appointment and to emphasize the value of civic engagement, noting that speaking up can lead to meaningful change. She expressed strong opposition to the proposed transportation utility fee, characterizing it as an additional tax rather than a true fee and  Millcreek City Council Meeting Minutes 26 January 2026 Page 5 of 8 expressing concern that it would represent the fiffh such charge assessed to her. Blake noted that despite claims of no property tax increase, the fee would still result in higher overall costs for residents, including those who work from home and already contribute to reducing traffic and pollution. She questioned the justification for the fee, particularly the reliance on examples from other cities outside Salt Lake County and raised concerns about whether those jurisdictions offset the fee by reducing other charges. Blake also expressed discomfort with tlie pace of the proposal, stating that it felt rushed and driven by budget timelines rather than thoughtful public consideration. She urged the council to slow the process, allow residents more time to understand the proposal, and consider delaying implementation to a future budget cycle, concluding by asking the council to care'fully consider public input before making a decision. 2. Planning Matters 2.1 Discussion and Consideration of Ordinance 26-07, Amending Title 18 of the Millcreek Municipal Code for the Purpose of Removing Public Noticing Requirements for Community Councils Francis Lilly explained that the item represented the second step in the process to repeal the City's formal relationship with coini'nunity councils, specifically addressing amendments to the zoning code that reference comi'nunity councils and therefore require a separate statutory review and approval process. He noted that the proposed changes were fonnally reviewed by the corni'nunity councils and the Plaru'iing Coinrnission, with only one coinmunity council providing comments, which were included in the staff report. The Planning Commission unanimously recoinmended approval of the amendments while encouraging staff to continue developing innovative methods for public engagement. In response, staff proposed neighborhood open houses as an alternative engagement tool, with the first scheduled for the following Tuesday at City Hall to coincide with upcoming Planning Commission applications. Lilly explained that the amendments also adjust noticing deadlines to 21 days prior to the first public hearing, aligning notice timing with the new open house fonnat. He further identified a minor technical amendment to remove remaining references to coinrnunity councils in a specific zoning code section, 18.14.090(a) to fiilly reflect the City Council's intent to maintain an informal relationship with community councils while clarifying updated public notice and engagement procedures Council Member Handy moved to approve Ordinance 26-07, Amending Title 18 of the Mfflcreek Municipal Code, in addition to striking the second clause in 18.14.090(a), for the Purpose of Removing Public Noticing Requirements for Community Councils. Council Member Uipi seconded. The Recorder called for the vote. Council Member Catten voted yes, Council Member DeSirant voted yes, Council Member Handy voted yes, Council Member Uipi voted yes, and Mayor Jackson voted yes. The motion passed unanimously. 3, Business Matters 3.1 Discussion and Consideration of Resolution 26-01, Accepting the Jordan River Recreation Zone Grant in the Amount of $55,000 to ASSiSt in the Installation of the Adventure Path Amenity Along the Jordan River Trail, Located at the Jordan River Trailhead Near 3900 S, Mfflcreek, Utah Lisa Dudley explained that the resolution concerned a $55,000 grant awarded to Millcreek and it was previously discussed during the City's strategic planning meeting. Mincreek City Council Meeting Minutes 26 January 2026 Page 6 of 8 She noted that the resolution before the council would fon'nally accept the grant, which was awarded by the Utah Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands. The funding is designated to support the Adventure Path project along the Jordan River Parkway. Dudley also acknowledged the significant efforts of staff in securing the grant and noted that the grant requires a relatively small city match of $1,100. Council Member Handy asked about the funding for the Jordan River Trail. Council Member Catten said it has been done piecemeal; Millcreek has used city funds and grants to get the trail in Millcreek. This amenity on the trail was from a grant. Dudley said each amenity has had its own funding source. Council Member Catten moved to approve Resolution 26-01, Accepting the Jordan River Recreation Zone Grant in the Amount of $55,000 to ASSiSt in the Installation of the Adventure Path Amenity Along the Jordan River Trail, Located Near 3900 S. Council Member DeSirant seconded. The Recorder called for the vote. Council Member Catten voted yes, Council Member DeSirant voted yes, Council Member Handy voted yes, Council Member Uipi voted yes, and Mayor Jackson voted yes. The motion passed unanimously 3.2 Discussion and Consideration of Resolution 26-02, Approving an Appointment to the Planning Commission Francis Lilly said there was a vacancy on the commission from Dwayne Vance resigning with about a year and a half left of his term. A committee comprised of Lilly, Planning Commission Chair Shawn LaMar, Council Member DeSirant, and Mayor Jackson interviewed applicants and selected their nomination, Jenny Burgess, for council approval. Mayor Jackson said all of the candidates were good and it was a tough decision. She thanked those who applied and for their willingness to serve the city. Council Member Uipi moved to approve item 3.2, Resolution 26-02, Approving an Appointment to the Planning Commission. Council Member Catten seconded. The Recorder called for the vote. Council Member Catten voted yes, Councn Member DeSirant voted yes, Council Member Handy voted yes, Council Member Uipi voted yes, and Mayor Jackson voted yes. The motion passer1 "%uuuiuyi!il)ii 3.3 Discussion and Consideration of Resolution 26-03, Approving Appointments to the Historic Preservation Commission Francis Lilly said the resolution was to reappoint three existing commissioners who expressed a willingness to continue serving, Melissa Coy, Ryan Lufkin, and Tiffany Hunter Greene. Mayor Jackson appreciated the historical articles the commission submits for publication in the city's newsletters. Council Member Uipi moved to approve item 3.3, Resolution 26-03, Approving Appointments to the Historic Preservation Commission. Council Member DeSirant seconded. The Recorder called for the vote. Council Member Catten voted yes, Council Member DeSirant voted yes, Council Member Handy voted yes, Council Member Uipi voted yes, and Mayor Jackson voted yes. The motion passed unanimously Mfflcreek City Council Meeting Minutes 26 January 2026 Page 7 of 8 3.4 Discussion and Consideration of Ordinance 26-06, Declaring Approximately 0.44 Acres of Real Property and the Building Located at or Near 3260 South Highland Drive, Millcreek, Utah, as Surplus; Establishing a Minimum Bid; and Establishing a Method to Determine the Highest and Best Economic Returns to the City John Brems explained how the city purchased the SLC Fitness building then leased it back to the owner to operate the gym. Then the city bought the Fine Art Inn and will rent the business space next to the old city hall to operate in. The gym will move into the Fine Art Inn, and the Fine Art Inn will move back into the new Millcreek Common East project in two years. Council Member DeSirant and Mayor Jackson expressed excitement at having gallery space on Millcreek Coinmon. Council Member DeSirant moved to approve Ordinance 26-06, Declaring Approximately 0.44 Acres of Real Property and the Building Located at or Near 3260 South Highland Drive, Millcreek, Utah, as Surplus; Establishing a Minimum Bid; and Establishing a Method to Determine the Highest and Best Economic Returns to the City. Council Member Handy seconded. The Recorder called for the vote. Council Member Catten voted yes, Council Member DeSirant voted yes, Council Member Handy voted yes, Council Member Uipi voted yes, and Mayor Jackson voted yes. The motion passed unanimously 4. Reports 4.1 Mayor's Report Report was given in the work meeting. 4.2 City Council Member Reports Reports were given in the work meeting. 4.3 Treasurer's Report Report was given in the work meeting. 4.4 Staff Reports There were no reports. 4.5 Unified Police Department Report Chief Petty-Brown presented the December 2025 police report, noting that staffing levels remain strong with zero vacancies currently allocated to Millcreek and only two anticipated patrol vacancies as new officers complete training or onboarding. All specialty positions have been filled, including the community-oriented policing assignment. Response times in December averaged 6.25 minutes for Priority 1 calls, 6 minutes for Priority 2, and 6.75 minutes for Priority 3, while total cases declined slightly from November to 732. The department continues to see increased use of its online reporting system for non-emergent crimes, helping reduce in-person responses and allowing officers to focus on higher-priority calls. December activity included 427 calls for service, 735 police repoits, 56 transient-related calls, and 63 mental health-related calls, with the mental health unit remaining very busy and supported by a social work intern. Traffic enforcement resulted in 371 citations, 17 DUI arrests, 85 accidents, and six Millcreek City Council Meeting Minutes 26 January 2026 Page 8 of 8 involving pedestrians or bicyclists. Crime statistics sliowed no homicides or robberies, with notable activity in assaults, domestic violence, fraud, and larceny. Of 51 cases assigned to detectives, 18 were submitted for charges. Chief Petty-Brown also highlighted the 2025 accomplishments of the Directed Enforcement Unit across Millcreek, Midvale, White City, and Holladay, including 251 arrests, significant drug and firearm seizures, recovered stolen vehicles and cunency, and extensive use of license plate reader technology. She concluded with an update that a UPD 101 presentation for the council is scheduled for February 23. 5. Consent Agenda 5.1 Approval of January 12, 2026 Work Meeting and Regular Meeting Minutes 5.2 Approval of January 14, 2026 Special Work Meeting Minutes Council Member DeSirant moved to approve items 5.1 and 5.2. Council Member Uipi seconded. Mayor Jackson called for the vote. Council Member Catten voted yes, Council Member DeSirant voted yes, Council Member Handy voted yes, Council Member Uipi voted yes, and Mayor Jackson voted yes. The motion passed unanimously 6. New Items for Subsequent Consideration There was none. 7. Calendar of Upcoming Meetings @ City Council Mtg. 2/9/26 7:00 p.m. ADJOURNED: Council Member Uipi moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:39 p.m. Council Member DeSirant seconded. Mayor Jackson called for the vote. Council Member Catten voted yes, Council Member DeSirant voted yes, Council Member Handy voted yes, Council Member Uipi voted yes, and Mayor Jackson voted yes. The motion passed unanimously. APPROVED: Cheri Jackson, Major Attest: ly , City Recorder