Ellen Birrell
About
Ellen Birrell's platform focuses on infrastructure safety and urban planning, specifically regarding the development of major transit corridors. She prioritizes public safety in transportation design and advocates for critical oversight of state-led infrastructure projects within Cottonwood Heights.
Contact
Campaign promises (1)
- infrastructureOppose the current UDOT Wasatch Boulevard plan, citing concerns that the design is dangerous.
Voice
- Meetings spoken in
- 38
- Total speaking time
- 7:07:20
- Avg per meeting
- 11:15
- Segments
- 5569
Want every word Birrell has said?
The OpenCity MCP for Claude.ai answers questions like “what has Birrell said about housing this year” with one prompt — full speaking history, with YouTube timestamps.
Voice summary
District 4 Council Member Ellen Birrell on the recordAI-generated · 13 meetingsCouncil Member Ellen Birrell consistently prioritizes fiscal responsibility and transparency, frequently advocating for long-term financial analysis, business planning for capital projects, and public deliberation on municipal expenditures. Her legislative work centers on infrastructure and environmental issues, as evidenced by her support for regional transit connectivity, pedestrian safety, canyon protections, and renewable energy initiatives like the Utah Renewable Communities program. Throughout these sessions, she has maintained a rigorous oversight role, regularly scrutinizing city planning processes and service contracts to ensure they align with the city's long-term sustainability and economic goals.
Top issues during term (20)
Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget
Modifies municipal revenues and expenditures for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.
Stormwater Infrastructure Resilience and Funding
Capital stormwater budget increased by over $1.25 million for emergency projects and rebudgeted items.
Residential Infill Development
Generates new property tax base and housing inventory with minimal new public infrastructure costs.
Old Mill Historic Preservation
Estimated project costs range from $7.5 million for stabilization to $46 million for reconstruction, with potential master development shortfalls exceeding $6 million.
Old Mill Study Status
Funding allocated for a professional engineering and structural assessment study.
Ivory Bengal Blvd & 2300 East Subdivision (SUB-26-004)
Standard property development costs and municipal review fees.
Emergency Preparedness
None identified.
Resync LC Home Massage Therapy Permit
None.
Local Campaign Contribution Limits
No direct municipal financial impact.
Childcare Facility Conditional Use Permit
Permit fees and potential local economic activity from childcare services.
Enactment of Bitcoin Ordinance (Ordinance 479)
Undetermined local economic and regulatory compliance impact.
Non-conforming structure expansion
None on city funds.
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Code Updates
Youth City Council Engagement
The exact cost to the city budget will be disclosed in the upcoming report posted on the city website.
local election analysis
This could change how much money candidates can raise for local elections.
Acquisition and Repair of Fire Station 110
Transfer of county property plus $300,000 in funding for city-managed repairs.
Decisions during term (187)
Recorded while Birrell was in office — not necessarily decisions they moved, spoke to, or voted on.
CUP-26-020: The Play Lab Childcare Conditional Use Permit
SUB-26-005: South Brady Subdivision Plat Amendment
SUB-26-005: Frontage Exception Recommendation
SUB-26-007: North Brady Subdivision Plat Amendment
ZTA-26-004: Accessory Dwelling Unit Zoning Text Amendment
Adoption of Ordinance 479 (Bitcoin Ordinance)
Adoption of Ordinance 480 (Assistant City Manager Compensation)
Approval of Resolution 2026-71 (Historic Committee Appointment)
Adoption of Resolution 2026-73 (Budget Adjustment)
Adoption of Resolution 2026-74 (Surplus IT Equipment)
Adoption of Resolution 2026-75 (Surplus Badge and Firearm for Sergeant Garcia)
Adoption of Resolution 2026-76 (Arts Council Appointment)
Adoption of Resolution 2026-77 (Citizen Budget Advisory Committee Appointments)
Approval of the minutes for the City Council Work Sessions and Business Meetings of August 18, 2026, September 1, 2026, and September 15, 2026.
ADJOURN CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING
Approval of Rear Deck Addition at 2365 East Campus Drive
Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes
Approval of Minutes
Voting record (76)
Oldest to newest — hover a bar for the item.
Adoption of Ordinance 479 (Bitcoin Ordinance)
Approval of Assistant City Manager Appointment
Adoption of Ordinance 480 (Assistant City Manager Compensation)
Approval of Resolution 2026-71 (Historic Committee Appointment)
Adoption of Resolution 2026-73 (Budget Adjustment)
Adoption of Resolution 2026-74 (Surplus IT Equipment)
Adoption of Resolution 2026-75 (Surplus Badge and Firearm for Sergeant Garcia)
Adoption of Resolution 2026-76 (Arts Council Appointment)
Adoption of Resolution 2026-77 (Citizen Budget Advisory Committee Appointments)
Project CUP-26-016 (LovinNest Childcare)
Resolution 2026-63: Arts Council Reappointment
Ordinance No. 475: Park Center Drive Rezone
Ordinance No. 476: Title 19 Code Amendments
Ordinance No. 477: Rezone at 2196 East 6450 South
Ordinance No. 478: General Plan Amendment
Resolution 2026-65: Fire Station 110 Transfer
Recess into Closed Meeting
Consideration of Resolution 2026-61 - Appointments to the Arts Council Committee
Consideration of Resolution 2026-62 - Appointment to Health in the Heights Committee
Adoption of Resolution 2026-60 (Surplus Police K-9 Dave)
Table Resolution 2026-55 (Kimley-Horn Consulting Agreement)
Ordinance No. 2026-473: Property Tax Levy and Rate Reduction
Voted against the reduced tax increase, favoring the higher 42% rate to address long-term maintenance and funding needs.