Sandy City Council Meeting - August 5, 2025
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Sandy City Council Meeting - August 5, 2025
The Sandy City Council convened on August 5, 2025, at 5:15 PM in City Hall and via Zoom, with six members present (Council Member Brooke D'Sousa excused). The meeting covered an informational rezone proposal, consent calendar approvals, interlocal agreements for road resurfacing and property purchase, public comments on transit, public safety, and nuisances, and routine reports. The meeting adjourned at 6:13 PM.
Consent Calendar
- Item 25-245: Approved the admission of the City of Holladay to the Central Wasatch Commission via Resolution 25-38C.
- Item 25-246: Approved three resolutions (25-35C, 25-36C, 25-37C) permitting interdepartmental transfer of property from the Police Evidence Room to Public Works, Facilities, and Police IT. Both items were adopted by unanimous voice vote.
Public Comments & Testimony
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General Citizen Comment (after 6:00 PM):
- Doug Wismer (Sandy resident) expressed strong support for the Little Cottonwood Canyon gondola, calling it the only long-term solution to traffic and emergency access; urged the council to stop opposing the project. Mentioned cost estimates of $729 million (not $1.2 billion) and cited examples of gondolas in other cities.
- Will Shiflett (Sandy resident) raised urgent public safety concerns about speeding on 150 East, reporting speeds up to 55 mph, lack of speed limit signs on the Sandy side, and insufficient police patrols. Requested flashing speed signs or other immediate solutions.
- Randy Nielsen (Sandy resident) described a rabbit infestation in the area from 90th South to 88th South, between 7th East and 30th East, causing property damage. Requested city assistance beyond available traps and repellents.
- Mark Mason Taylor (Sandy resident, co-op president) praised city employees, then presented climate vulnerability data (NDVI index) showing Historic Sandy as most vulnerable; proposed using the city's 501(c)(3) to create an endowment for heat mitigation, shifting burden from taxpayers.
- Shannon Ritzman (Sandy resident) echoed speeding and safety concerns on 150 East, describing threats and fear for pedestrians and children; pleaded for police presence.
- Dave Egelund (online) thanked the city for the Night Out Against Crime event, praising coordination by Amy Bryant and the Police Department; suggested extra arm protection for future dog demonstrations.
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Comments on Voting Items 5 and 6:
- Steve Van Maren (Draper resident) commented he was surprised the city was buying the entire parcel at 10101 South State Street; clarified by staff that only approximately 640 square feet is being purchased for future right-of-way.
Discussion Items
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Informational Item 1: EmpoweringU Rezone (REZ05192025-006970) – Jake Warner (Community Development) presented a request to rezone 2.1 acres at 11339 S 700 E from CvC (Planned Center-Convenience District) to PO (Professional Office District) for an adult day care program serving adults with developmental disabilities. Representatives Jane and Peter from EmpoweringU presented the program (hours M-F 9-5, capacity initially 15-20, low noise, structured environment). The Planning Commission forwarded a positive recommendation. Council members expressed support; Council Member Stroud noted the building is nondescript and the use is appropriate. The item will return for a vote on August 26, 2025.
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Voting Item 4: Interlocal Agreement with South Jordan for Asphalt Resurfacing – Ryan Kump (Public Works) presented Resolution 25-40C authorizing an agreement with South Jordan City to mill and overlay approximately 200 feet of Scheels Lane (Sandy side) while South Jordan's contractor is in the area. Council questions confirmed South Jordan's contract and bonding, and that the cost fits within the existing 13th East overlay budget. Approved 6-0.
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Voting Items 5 and 6: Interlocal Agreement for Land Purchase at 10101 South State Street – Kasey Dunlavy (RDA Director) presented Resolution 25-41C and RDA Resolution 25-03 for the purchase of about 640 square feet for future right-of-way (extending Dimple Dell Trail and potential pedestrian bridge over State Street). The property is within the TOD project area. After public comment, both resolutions were approved 6-0. Council then recessed the council meeting, convened as the RDA board, approved the RDA resolution, and reconvened.
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Council Member Business:
- Council Member Robinson thanked the Police Department for Night Out Against Crime.
- Council Member Houseman requested a staff presentation on adding a cell tower in the Willow Creek area to address a coverage dead zone (safety concerns for families). Council Member Sharkey noted an existing request from Verizon near Alta Canyon Sports Center for a cell tower.
- Council Member Mecham reported on Sandy Club board meeting, noting federal funding drying up for Boys & Girls Club, potential pressure to send more kids to Sandy Club.
- Council Member Stroud attended MVP shelter garden ceremony, Quad ribbon cutting, Sandy Museum Car Show, Canyons School District new teacher orientation, and Night Out Against Crime.
- Council Member Dekeyzer contrasted the different format of Night Out Against Crime this year (held at Fuchuck Nights vs. neighborhood locations); plans to provide feedback.
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Standing Reports: Council Director Dustin Fratto announced that a comprehensive list of housing issues from workshops is being compiled; a questionnaire will be sent to council members. The next two council meetings (August 12 and 19) are canceled for the Primary Election and a Public Safety/Autism event. The next meeting on August 26 will include youth council/court installations, public hearings for annexations, and a vote on the EmpoweringU rezone. The third housing workshop is scheduled for September 2.
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Mayor's Report: Deputy Mayor Kim Bell promoted the Balloon Festival at Storm Mountain Park (Friday and Saturday mornings at 7 AM, glow at 7 PM).
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CAO Report: CAO Shane Pace announced the return of former employee Benjamin Cameron to the police force.
Key Outcomes
- Consent Calendar Items 25-245 and 25-246 – Approved unanimously.
- Resolution 25-40C (Asphalt resurfacing interlocal with South Jordan) – Approved 6-0.
- Resolution 25-41C (RDA interlocal for land purchase) – Approved 6-0.
- RDA Resolution 25-03 (same land purchase) – Approved 6-0.
- EmpoweringU rezone – Informational item; scheduled for vote on August 26, 2025.
- Cell tower request/Willow Creek – Staff to prepare a presentation for a future meeting.
- Public safety concerns on 150 East – Referred to Police Department and Public Works for potential speed signs and patrols.
- Rabbit infestation – Referred to Animal Control for further advice.
Meeting Transcript
I think that might be a good idea. That's the entire thing. This one's great. I doubt we're going to probably do anything about trying to do that. Welcome back. Mr. Chair, we're ready to go whenever you are. Very good. Let us begin tonight at our council meeting. Welcome out to our uh council meeting on August the fifth. My name is Ryan Meekham. I'm council vice chair. Uh we're going to excuse Councilmember D'Souza, who was out of town. And so with that, I'm looking for a volunteer for a prayer and a pledge of allegiance in that order. Any volunteers for the prayer? Okay, Councilmember House, if you would. No, I saw your hand first. So you're good. Our dear Father in Heaven, we are grateful to gather, grateful for the many gifts that thou has bestowed upon each of us and the ability we have to come together, share those gifts with one another, and uplift and elevate the experiences that our fellow community members are having in Sandy. We ask thy blessing to be upon us that we will recognize the things we can learn from one another and also recognize opportunities to step forward and offer learning and through the gifts that we have been given. We're grateful for the ability we have to influence others and pray that thou will guide us as we do so. And we say this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. Excellent. Thank you. We all remember that from third grade and exactly every day, right? All right, perfect. Let's go to introductions. Mr. Fratta, we'll start with you. Thank you, Mr. Chair. My name is Dustin Fratto. I'm with the City Council office. There are a couple other city council staff members in the back of the room, Justin Sorensen and Liz Cherio. My name's Tracy. I'm back from a two-week vacation, and I'm counsel for the council. It's good to be back. Chris Edwards with the Council Office. Zach Robinson, District Three. Marcy Houseman, District Four. Ryan at Meekham, District 1. Allison Stroud, District Two. Cindy Sharkey at large. Kim Bell is sitting in for Mayor Zoltanski. She'll be unable to attend tonight. Shane Pace, uh City Manager. Jeff Robinson sitting in for Lynn Pace. Wonderful. Well, thank you all for being here, and thank you all for being here.
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