Sandy City Council Meeting Summary – May 27, 2025

The Sandy City Council met on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 5:15 PM in City Hall and via Zoom. The meeting included a presentation on the Metropolitan Water District of Salt Lake and Sandy (MWDSLS) FY 2026 budget, approval of prior meeting minutes, a closed session for real property discussion, and various council and administrative reports.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The council unanimously approved the draft minutes from the April 22, 2025, April 29, 2025, and May 6, 2025 City Council meetings. The motion carried by a voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Kris Nicholl: Expressed a need for the Environmental Impact Study (EIS) on Highland Drive to be funded and conducted, citing increasing traffic. She suggested redirecting $134,000 from the communications budget, which she called "completely insane," to cover the EIS cost. She also raised concerns that Mayor Zoltanski may be using taxpayer funds for her re-election campaign, citing examples such as the mayor's photo on the amphitheater marquee, glossy newsletters featuring her photo, and promotional items (custom jewelry pins with red hats, stress balls with red hats).
• Steve McKinion: Reported witnessing two contractors dumping waste (leaves and railroad ties) on Sandy streets during bulk waste pickup. He questioned the contractors and noted that one claimed a resident said it was allowed. He urged the city to address the issue.

Discussion Items

Metropolitan Water District FY 2026 Budget Presentation

• Annalee Munsey, General Manager of MWDSLS, presented the tentative FY 2026 budget. She introduced board members, including Sandy-appointed trustees John Kirkham and Florence Reynolds. MWDSLS was created in 1935 (90th anniversary in August 2025); Sandy joined in 1990. Water sources include the Provo River Project, Little Cottonwood Creek, Central Utah Project, and others. Total available water in a perfect year is 108,700 acre-feet.
• Proposed Water Rate Increase: 5% for member cities, generating an additional $342,907 for Sandy. No increase to the certified tax rate (currently 0.0035). The budget includes a bond issuance for three projects: Little Cottonwood Conduit Creek Intake, completion of the Cottonwoods Connection Project, and design for the Little Cottonwood Treatment Plant rebuild.
• Uses of Funds: Total $111 million, including $37 million for capital projects, $24 million for debt service. O&M includes $4.7 million for the Provo River Water Users Association, a 4% merit salary increase, and utility cost increases.
• Councilmember Robinson asked about impacts of federal funding cuts to the Central Utah Project. Ms. Munsey responded that cuts would likely not increase costs for Sandy, based on discussions with CUP. Robinson confirmed no impact on Sandy obligations.
• Councilmember Sharkey queried how capital project costs are apportioned between Sandy (28%) and Salt Lake City (72%). Ms. Munsey explained the interlocal agreement, noting that decisions are discussed monthly with city directors and that the board has historically operated collaboratively. She stated that all infrastructure benefits both cities.
• Councilmember Mecham asked about balancing rate increases and property taxes. Ms. Munsey noted the board aims to keep both balanced and avoids maxing out the tax rate (currently 0.0035 of a maximum 0.005). Property taxes are used primarily for capital projects.
• CAO Shane Pace commended the MWDSLS board members for their diligent representation of Sandy.

Council Member Business & Standing Reports

• Council Director Dustin Fratto reviewed next week's agenda, including a potential rezone (Jordan Credit Union), sales tax projections, a council code of conduct informational item, a Utah 250 resolution, council member budget proposals, and public hearings related to FY 2026 budget adoption.
• Councilmember Robinson announced a vacancy on the Sandy Ambassador committee and asked the council to consider appointments.
• Councilmember Mecham announced he will not seek re-election due to increased work commitments (doubling production hours). He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve.
• Councilmember Houseman reported attending the Sandy Senior Center Memorial Day barbecue and thanked Councilmember Sharkey for volunteering. She also attended the Larkin Cemetery Memorial Day event with Lieutenant Governor Deidre Henderson.
• Council Chair Dekeyzer read a statement apologizing for his demeanor during the April 29, 2025, City Council meeting, attributing it to a health issue. He took full responsibility, stated he is seeking support, and expressed commitment to supporting a future council code of conduct.
• Councilmember Stroud announced that the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) allocation increased by 9.4% (from ~$332,000 to ~$355,000) this year, benefiting supported programs.
• Councilmember D'Sousa updated on the Sandy Senior Center Advisory Board's concerns regarding the return of a glass recycling dumpster near the amphitheater parking lot, including logistical and safety issues. She relayed concerns to Public Works Director Ryan Camp. She also noted the retirement of Senior Center Director Charles Otis, with Cindy Delau as the new point of contact.
• Mayor Zoltanski reported that Sandy was ranked 109th among top U.S. cities for livability by U.S. News & World Report. She attended the Beehive Academy graduation as keynote speaker and congratulated the Sandy Police Explorers on their 50th anniversary. She recognized Memorial Day observances and thanked veterans and their families.
• CAO Shane Pace reported that bulk waste cleanup is going well and should finish next week. He noted the upcoming road overlay on 1300 East from 9400 South to Siege Lillie, expected to take 1.5–2 weeks with lane closures.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimous Approval of Minutes: The consent calendar, including minutes from April 22, April 29, and May 6, 2025, was approved by a unanimous voice vote.
• Closed Session: The council voted 7-0 to convene a closed session at 6:04 PM to discuss the purchase, exchange, or lease of real property, followed by an offsite property tour. The meeting adjourned immediately after the closed session.
• Upcoming Actions: Next week's agenda includes a potential rezone, a council code of conduct informational item, and public hearings on the FY 2026 budget adoption.