Sandy City Council Meeting – September 9, 2025

The Sandy City Council met on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 5:15 PM in City Hall and via Zoom. The meeting included a presentation on the Salt Lake County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, approval of a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a management study of the Public Utilities Department, and the establishment of a new Civic Engagement Award. Two members of the public provided comments during the general citizen comment period. The meeting adjourned at 6:32 PM.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Steve Andrus, a 16-year resident of Sandy, expressed strong concerns about excessive speeding and traffic noise along Wasatch Boulevard near 9400 South. He reported speeds often exceeding 60 mph and noise levels frequently above 95 decibels from motorcycles, supercars, and modified exhausts. He requested enforcement, lower speed limits, lane reconfiguration, and a ban on jake brakes in residential areas. He stated that his complaints over 12 years have gone unanswered.
• Dave Egelund expressed full support for Emergency Manager David Larsen, praising his emergency preparedness meetings and urging all residents to attend. He noted that the information provided is valuable for every Sandy resident.

Discussion Items

• Emergency Management Division Presentation (Item 25-279): David Larsen, Sandy City Emergency Manager, presented the 2025 Salt Lake County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP). The plan, required every five years under the Robert T. Stafford Act, covers 19 natural and human-caused hazards. Larsen noted that the Sandy annex mirrors resident concerns identified in a pre-hire survey. The top-ranked hazard by monetary risk is earthquake, followed by wildfire. Councilmember Sharkey questioned the ranking and learned that earthquake risk is weighted higher due to potential infrastructure damage, while wildfire is considered higher probability. The plan will return for formal adoption at a future meeting. Larsen also noted that only 45 active flood insurance policies exist in Sandy, and the city is working on floodplain map updates.
• Public Utilities Department Management Study RFP (Item 25-278): Justin Sorenson, Council Assistant Director, presented a draft RFP for a general management and operations study of the Public Utilities Department, as part of a 10-year departmental study schedule adopted in 2023. The RFP is similar to the previous fire department study. Councilmembers discussed the scope, including deliverables, integration with other departments, and the exclusion of a citywide fleet policy review. The study is budgeted at $75,000 ($50,000 from prior year, $25,000 newly appropriated). No public comments were received. The council voted 6-0 to direct staff to issue the RFP.
• Establishment of Sandy City Council Civic Engagement Award (Item 25-270): Councilmembers Robinson and Stroud presented a resolution to create a new annual award to be given at the Noal Bateman dinner. The award recognizes residents for civic engagement, with nominations and selection by the council. The first award will be given posthumously to Donald Gerdy, inspired by his service. The Noal Bateman Committee expressed overwhelming support. The resolution includes a timeline for selection by the first council meeting in August each year. Councilmembers discussed flexibility in recognizing quiet leaders. The award will be engraved and presented at the upcoming dinner on September 16, 2025. The resolution passed 6-0.

Key Outcomes

• Vote on Public Utilities Management Study RFP: Motion to issue the RFP as presented carried 6-0 (Councilmember Ryan Mecham excused). The RFP will be released, with contract award expected by end of November 2025 and work starting no later than January 15, 2026.
• Vote on Civic Engagement Award Resolution: Motion to adopt Resolution 25-43C carried 6-0. The award program is established, with the first award to be given to Donald Gerdy at the Noal Bateman dinner on September 16, 2025.