Sandy City Council Meeting – May 13, 2025

The Sandy City Council met on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 5:15 PM in City Hall and online. The meeting included a special recognition for Don Gerdy, an informational interview for a CDBG committee appointment, and detailed budget presentations from the Police, Fire, Parks and Recreation, Administration, and Economic Development departments for Fiscal Year 2025-26. Council members expressed strong differences with the administration over the proposed increase in communications spending, particularly the Every Door Direct newsletter, amid cuts to other departments and positions. The meeting adjourned at 8:53 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of April 15, 2025 Draft Minutes (Item 4, 25-134): Approved unanimously by voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Kirk Petersen: Expressed strong support for employee retention, stating all his dealings with city staff have been great. He opposed subsidizing the golf course, preferring funds go to parks. He praised the Fire Department for professional service during a personal emergency and suggested reducing printed mailers in favor of the city website.
• Tim Gibson: Followed up on previous comments about what he termed “inappropriate conduct” by a council member, asking whether the behavior was acceptable or if accountability would come. He requested clarification on what would be done.

Special Recognition: Don Gerdy

• Council Members Robinson and Stroud presented a Resolution of Recognition honoring Don Gerdy’s 25+ years of service on the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Committee. Key facts: He helped direct approximately $10.5 million in CDBG funding to projects including the Sandy Senior Center. The resolution was adopted unanimously (6-0). Council Member Robinson announced plans to bring forward a future resolution creating a “Don Gerdy Award for Volunteerism.”

Informational Item: CDBG Committee Appointment

• Council Members Stroud and Robinson recommended Paul Mismaque to serve as a regular member of the CDBG Committee. Mismaque introduced himself, highlighting his nonprofit and grant experience. Council members asked about teamwork and resource allocation. No vote was taken; the appointment will be considered at a future meeting.

Discussion Items: Department Budget Presentations for FY 2025-26

Police Department (Chief Greg Severson)

• Proposed a 3% COLA increase, three sergeant reclassifications (including one from a retiring sergeant to staff a new cover shift), an additional crossing guard, and $740,000 for fleet replacement (8 marked, 3 unmarked vehicles). Eliminated the animal shelter manager position (savings of $6,522) due to redundancy. Noted future challenges: employee compensation, AI and technology integration, hostile vehicle mitigation (estimated $200,000 for mobile barricades), and facility space. Council members praised the department’s data-driven approach and use of drones and AI. Council Member Houseman questioned why the eliminated position wasn’t replaced with a requested animal services officer; Chief Severson explained the shelter manager is a different role.
• Key Outcomes: Council requested additional information on fleet O&M costs. No final budget decisions made.

Fire Department (Chief Ryan McConaghie)

• Requested ongoing increases for overtime, ambulance billing, and Medicaid assessment; one-time funds for PPE, hazmat equipment, a type 6 brush engine (partially funded by $200k in wildland deployment reimbursements), and the final payment on a ladder truck lease. Noted future needs: staffing restructure, uniform allowance increase, training travel, and software/maintenance contracts. Chief emphasized that cuts were minimal (about 0.1-0.2%) and necessary to support competitive compensation. Council Member Stroud asked about the departmental fleet replacement schedule; Chief confirmed this is a slim year, with larger purchases expected in future years.
• Key Outcomes: No votes taken; discussion only.

Parks and Recreation (Director Dan Medina)

• Presented ongoing requests for seasonal pay, fertilizer, and one-time items for capital equipment. The Alta Canyon Sports Center (ACSC) rebuild budget was adjusted for an anticipated closure on August 16, 2025. Deputy CAO Martin Jensen announced the Larry H. Miller Family Foundation committed at least $1 million to the ACSC project. Council Member Houseman recommended returning to 2024 spending levels for events and consolidating the two Historic Sandy festivals into one (Heritage Festival) to save approximately $30,467, citing conflicting messaging when cutting positions while increasing event spending. Council Member D'Sousa echoed concerns about prioritizing events over fleet and core services.
• Key Outcomes: Council asked for details on the playground replacement location and uniform costs. No votes.

Administration, Mayor’s Office, and Communications (Deputy CAO Martin Jensen and Communications Director Barb Smith)

• The Communications budget proposed a $136,771 increase for the Every Door Direct printed newsletter, based on a survey that showed 57% of residents preferred printed newsletters. Council members strongly criticized the increase, noting it came while positions were being cut in other departments. Council Member Robinson stated the survey violated the council’s survey approval ordinance. Council Member Sharkey questioned the value of the increased spending compared to the cuts. Council Member Houseman argued that the $136,000 could fund a needed animal services position. CAO Shane Pace defended the newsletter as essential for reaching all residents, particularly those without internet access, and noted the cost was in line with neighboring cities ($3.97 per household per year). The administration offered to negotiate on cost and frequency.
• Key Outcomes: Council requested copies of both 2024 and 2025 surveys. No decisions made; further discussions expected. Council also noted the overall increase in Administration/CAO/Communications combined budgets of about $160,000 vs. cuts elsewhere.

Economic Development (Director Kasey Dunlavy)

• Highlighted a third consecutive year of budget cuts (3% administrative reduction) due to expiring project areas. Proposed one-time funding for an Economic Development Strategic Plan and an RDA participation agreement for Red Sky. Noted ongoing work on a potential small business microloan program, which would be brought back for approval. No new general fund requests; budget reductions were achieved through reallocation and cuts to memberships and professional services.
• Key Outcomes: No votes. Council Member Stroud requested a future presentation on property and sales tax calculations, forecasting, and information on the certified tax rate versus current rates.

Standing Reports

• Agenda Planning Calendar (Council Director Dustin Fratto): Upcoming items include Comcast Rise grant presentation, budget presentations from Public Utilities, Public Works, Administrative Services, Legal, Courts, and Non-departmental next week; a first reading on ticket policy amendments; and a possible closed session.
• Council Member Business: Members reported on attendance at various community events, including a UDOT 9400 South study open house, Wetlands Dedication, Food Truck Night, and an SEG stakeholders meeting.
• Mayor’s Report: Announced a Wildland Urban Interface community event at Bell Canyon on Saturday. Shared a story of heroism: Public Works supervisor John Butcher rescued an elderly couple from a house fire before fire crews arrived.
• CAO Report: Shane Pace noted the retirement of Facilities Manager Dave Goldgart and invited council to his farewell.
• Council Cash: Council Director Fratto awarded “Council Cash” to the budget services team for their work on the budget balancing tool.

Key Outcomes

• The Consent Calendar (April 15 minutes) was approved unanimously.
• A resolution honoring Don Gerdy was adopted 6-0.
• No final budget votes were taken; discussion will continue at the May 20 meeting when additional departments present.
• Council requested a follow-up presentation from finance on property and sales tax calculations and forecasts.
• The communications budget and newsletter issue will be revisited with additional survey data and potential alternatives.