Sandy City Council Meeting – August 26, 2025

The Sandy City Council met on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 5:15 PM in City Hall and via Zoom. The meeting opened with a prayer and pledge led by members of the Sandy Youth Council and Youth Court. Council Member Aaron Dekeyzer was excused. The agenda included the installation of the 2025-26 youth programs, an informational interview for a historic preservation committee appointment, two public hearings for annexations, approval of the consent calendar, a rezone request, and the canvass of the 2025 municipal primary election. The meeting adjourned at 6:33 PM.

Special Recognition

• Installation of the 2025-26 Sandy Youth Council and Sandy Youth Court: The council welcomed 39 youth council members (representing nine high schools) and 14 youth court volunteers. Judge Paul Farr administered the oath of office. The youth council completed over 650 service hours in the prior year. The council thanked the youth for their commitment to community service.

Public Comments & Testimony

• General Citizen Comment (after 6:00 PM):
  • Doug Wismer spoke in support of the proposed gondola project, urging the council and mayor to reverse course on lawsuits and support the infrastructure. He argued it would reduce traffic congestion and boost the local economy.
  • Blair Roxbury (representing her family and neighbors) described a neighboring property in severe disrepair (junk, odor, broken fences, roof damage) and asked the city to strengthen code enforcement. She noted that surrounding cities like Herriman, South Jordan, and Midvale have such codes, while Sandy lacks them. She expressed concerns about health, fire hazards, and property value loss.
• No public comments were made during the annexation or rezone public hearings.

Discussion Items

• Informational Item – Interview of Mark M. Taylor for Historic Preservation Committee: Council Member Alison Stroud introduced Taylor, who expressed enthusiasm for historic preservation, particularly in Historic Sandy. He discussed his research background (e.g., Sandy’s historic rose nurseries) and ideas for building community coalitions, digitizing historical collections, and engaging youth. Council members praised his proactive, solutions-oriented approach. The appointment will be considered at a future meeting.
• Public Hearings and Voting Items:
  • Kershaw Annexation (Ordinance 25-21): Staff presented a 8.85-acre annexation of 24 parcels along 1350 E, 1380/1400 E south of 9400 S, zoned R-1-8. 16 of 24 owners (67%) consented. The Planning Commission recommended approval. No public comment. The council voted 6-0 to adopt the ordinance.
  • Jameson Point Annexation (Ordinance 25-20): Staff presented a 6.5-acre annexation of 10 parcels near Jameson Point Cove, Old Wasatch Blvd., and Little Cottonwood Road, zoned R-1-5. 8 of 10 owners consented. The Planning Commission recommended approval. No public comment. The council voted 6-0 to adopt the ordinance.
  • EmpoweringU Rezone (Ordinance 25-19): Staff presented a request to rezone 2.1 acres at 11339 S. 700 E. from CvC (Planned Center-Convenience) to PO (Professional Office) zone. The applicant, Winslow Burton on behalf of EmpoweringU, sought the change. The Planning Commission recommended approval. No public comment. The council voted 6-0 to adopt the ordinance.
• Council Acting as Board of Municipal Canvassers: City Recorder Wendy Downs presented the results of the August 12, 2025 primary election. For Mayor, Monica Zoltanski (10,517 votes) and Cyndi Sharkey (5,120 votes) advanced to the general election. For Council District 3, Iva Williams (1,158 votes) and Perry Harrison (1,098 votes) advanced. Voter turnout was 32.9% (18,200 ballots). 306 ballots were challenged; 168 were cured. The board voted 6-0 (plus Mayor Zoltanski) to approve the results.
• Consent Calendar: The council approved the following items unanimously:
  • Approval of minutes from July 15, July 22, July 29, and August 5, 2025.
  • Adoption of Resolution #25-42C expressing intent to annex the Fortner property (3 parcels, 1.07 acres) and setting a public hearing date.

Key Outcomes

• Votes:
  • Kershaw Annexation: Adopted 6-0.
  • Jameson Point Annexation: Adopted 6-0.
  • EmpoweringU Rezone: Adopted 6-0.
  • Primary Election Canvass: Approved 6-0 with Mayor’s vote.
  • Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously.
• Directives:
  • The interview with Mark Taylor for the Historic Preservation Committee will be considered for action at a future meeting.
  • The council will hold its third housing workshop on September 2, 2025, focusing on identifying priority issues from previous workshops.
• Council Member Reports:
  • Council Member Houseman noted that the decision to join the UDOT gondola lawsuit was made unilaterally by the mayor, not the council.
  • Council Member Sharkey reported on upcoming legislative issues: expected preemption bills on accessory dwelling units (ADUs and DADUs) and potential water rate increases due to state budget shortfalls.
  • Council Member D'Sousa thanked police and fire for the autism community event.
• Administration Reports:
  • CAO Shane Pace announced three retirements (Ted Kenton, Ryan Grigla, Rhonda Hempel) and a request to reallocate $325,000 from a budgeted dump truck to a paver machine (cost $290,000), which was noted without formal vote.
  • Mayor Zoltanski offered condolences for fallen officers in Tremonton and reminded the public of the Trans Jordan Transfer Station open house.