Sandy City Council Meeting Summary - November 18, 2025

This meeting of the Sandy City Council and Mayor, convened on November 18, 2025, to address fiscal year-end carryovers, a contentious public hearing regarding a property rezoning application following the 2025 general election, and canvassing of election results. The session included extensive public testimony reflecting deep community division over campaign conduct, with citizens offering strong positions of support and opposition regarding the behavior of candidates and the integrity of the recent election. The meeting concluded with a closed session regarding real property discussions after a Zoom technical interruption prevented the recording of subsequent remarks.

Consent Calendar

• Adopted Resolution 25-49-C (Governmental Funds Carryover) unanimously (6-0).
• Adopted Resolution 25-50-C (Governmental Funds Carryover) unanimously (6-0).
• Adopted Resolution 25-51-C (Governmental Funds Carryover) unanimously (6-0).
• Convened as the Sandy City Redevelopment Agency and adopted Resolution RD 25-04 (RDA Budget Carryover) unanimously (6-0).
• Adopted minutes for the July 29, 2025, RDA meeting by voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Patty O'Goot (Applicant): Expressed gratitude for the opportunity to discuss her property's compliance and requested support for the rezoning to resolve long-standing zoning violations. She stated a firm position that the property is intended as a family compound and not a speculative development, and she expressed willingness to spend money to attach structures to achieve compliance if necessary. She positioned herself as a responsible community member committed to resolving issues collaboratively.
• Chad Westover: Expressed strong support for Councilmember Cindy Sharkey and a position of opposition against claims labeling her a "liar" or "criminal." He cited her strict adherence to fair campaign pledges as evidence of her character.
• Carl Luan: Expressed a position that Councilmember Cindy Sharkey should be removed from office due to alleged lies and a cover-up of a lie. He stated that her actions were self-centered and demanded she pay the consequences of her bad acts.
• Nick Milovich: Expressed concern regarding the high monetary cost and partisan nature of the recent election. He expressed a position urging the council to discard past political grievances and work together for the community's best interest.
• Henry Butters: Expressed support for the Police Chief. He voiced concerns regarding homeless encampments and the illegal parking of school buses on residential streets. He expressed a position of offense regarding the Mayor's lack of personal outreach compared to other council members.
• Steve Proctor: Expressed deep appreciation and support for Councilmember Cindy Sharkey. He recounted how she personally assisted him during a fence dispute, contrasting her approach with others.
• Craig Ulrich: Expressed a position that the public comment period following the election was a disgrace. He stated a belief that Mayor Zoltansky's campaign signs violated the Fair Campaign Practices Pledge timeline and advocated for the pledge to be made mandatory.
• Jean Corey and Robin Lee: Both expressed a position of support for Councilmember Cindy Sharkey, describing the recent campaign behavior as bullying. They expressed a desire for civility, unity, and for the council to forgive past grievances.
• Jude and Gracia: Expressed a position that Councilmember Cindy Sharkey was complicit in the actions of a Political Action Committee (PAC) that ran negative ads. They argued that despite signing a pledge, she did not repudiate the attacks and stated that she should resign.
• Telinda Larson: Expressed support for Jude's presentation and a position that the city council must ensure such a smear campaign is not repeated in the future.
• Mary Barton and Phyllis Ackerman: Both expressed unwavering support for Councilmember Cindy Sharkey, citing her integrity, hard work, and history of helping constituents resolve local issues like flooding and street lights. They stated a position that she deserves to continue serving.
• Lance Sof: Expressed full support for Mayor Zoltansky and strong appreciation for Councilmember Cindy Sharkey, stating she is a great asset who votes based on what is best for all of Sandy, not political lines.
• Ken Barton: Expressed support for Cindy Sharkey, highlighting her role in successful annexation efforts and her problem-solving skills without forcing agendas on others.
• Mayor Steve Newton: Expressed a position of disturbance regarding the post-election conduct. He stated that the tradition of generosity in victory was breached and urged the Mayor to lead a move toward civility.
• Heather DuPat: Expressed disappointment regarding the election tactics. She stated a position that the campaign was dominated by smears and paid social media rage-baiting, which failed residents and set a poor example for future generations.
• Tim Shumway: Expressed support for Mayor Zoltansky in a position that urges the council to "lead and squash this" negativity. He stated a belief that the council has an opportunity to move on from the division.
• Rita Lee: Expressed strong support for Councilmember Cindy Sharkey, stating a position that the council should not deny the citizens' right to have their voted-for representative serve. She argued against censure or removal.
• John Lee: Expressed a position that the recent behavior of the council resembled "immature high school students bullying someone." He urged the council to stop the behavior and act like adults.
• Jeff Koch: Expressed support for the election results and a position that the contentious campaign wake up politically "asleep" citizens. He stated a preference for Cindy Sharkey's direction for the city.
• Don Cann: Expressed a position that Councilmember Cindy Sharkey should not resign or step down. He called for the council to support her and work together.
• Susan Updike: Expressed a position that the campaign rhetoric was ridiculous and urged the council to calm down, get along, and treat the situation with civility regardless of political affiliation.
• Patricia Jones: Expressed strong support for Councilmember Cindy Sharkey, citing her personal assistance in resolving jurisdictional and service issues for their neighborhood.
• Andrei Terasov: Expressed appreciation for Sandy City's non-partisan nature compared to county government. He stated a position of support for unity and asked the council to stay together.
• Terry Harakasi: Expressed disappointment regarding the campaign conduct, stating it was unlike the Cindy Sharkey she knew. She argued that if the attacks were not her doing, she should have stepped in to stop them.
• Mike Marker (Online): Expressed a position of concern that the campaign shifted to partisan attacks involving a PAC. He stated that while Ms. Sharkey may not have broken the law, she violated her own pledge regarding ethical campaign behavior and should have stopped the negativity.
• Sandra Hawk (Online): Expressed concern that Ms. Sharkey's behavior was beyond the pale and misrepresented votes. She stated a position that the council should place campaign conduct on the agenda for future regulation.
• Scott Drysdale (Online): Expressed a positive position regarding the new naming of the recreation center as the "Sandy Community Recreation Center," questioning the utility of changing the name to avoid taxpayers' money for naming rights.
• Sid Lannham (Written): Expressed support for Cindy Sharkey, stating a position that it is American for the winner to let the loser serve and that the focus should shift back to serving citizens.
• Curtis Patterson (Written): Expressed support for Cindy Sharkey, citing her honesty, reliability, and ability to solve problems calmly.
• Kathleen King (Written): Expressed a request for the council to address holistic farming for community health.

Discussion Items

• Fiscal Year End Carryovers: Staff presented the year-end process for carrying over uncompleted projects and reallocating savings in the governmental funds (Resolutions 25-49-C, 50-C, 51-C) and the RDA (Resolution RD 25-04). No significant dissent was recorded; the items were procedural.
• Creek Road Rezoning (Item 3): Council members debated the rezoning application for the Goot property from R140 to R115A. Councilmember Sharkey and DeKaiser inquired about the history of the zoning and the specific non-compliance issues. Councilmember Robinson noted the uniqueness and complexity of the case, expressing comfort in letting the process work out future compliance issues. Councilmember Sharkey and DeKaiser expressed concern regarding future animal rights (specifically large farm animals) allowed under the new zone and the precedent of zoning for non-compliance. The applicant clarified the intent for the property as a family compound.
• 2025 General Election Results: City Recorder Wendy Downs presented the certified results. Vote totals were read for Mayor (Zoltansky 15,220; Sharkey 9,599), Council at large (D'Souza 15,665), District 1 (Christensen 2,378; Davis 2,033), and District 3 (Nickel 4,385; Williams 3,333). Turnout was noted at 45.2%.
• Public Comment Period (Post-6 PM): The discussion shifted to the contentious nature of the recent election. Multiple speakers addressed the alleged use of smear campaigns, the role of the "Residents for Sandy's Future" PAC, and the violation of the Fair Campaign Practices Pledge. Councilmember Stroud and others expressed a position that the council must address the financial reporting of PACs and campaign conduct before the new year. Mayor Zoltansky reflected on the divisiveness of the campaign, stating that while she did not sign the pledge, her actions were guided by integrity, and she called for the council to regulate PACs and heal the community.
• Admin Reports: The Council received updates on the Public Utilities Management Study interviews, the Historic Committee meeting, Youth Council tour of the fleet building, and the River Oaks coat/food drive. Retirements were announced for Police Chief Severson, Deputy Mayor Bell, and Parks Director Medina.
• Technical Issues: The meeting experienced a Zoom crash during the Mayor's remarks, preventing the recording of her full address and the subsequent public comment. Staff and Council agreed to proceed with a written submission of the Mayor's comments and a closed session to be recorded separately.

Key Outcomes

• Passed: Ordinance 25-26 (Creek Road Rezoning to R115A) with a vote of 4-2 (Mayor Zoltansky, District 3, Robinson, and District 1 supported; District 2 Sharkey and District 5 DeKaiser opposed; Councilmember Stroud abstained). Note: Transcript lists vote count as 4-2 with one abstention, but implies District 5 DeKaiser voted No, Sharkey voted No, Stroud Abstained, and Robinson, Meekham, D'Souza, Houseman voted Yes. Correction based on transcript: "Mr. Robinson, yes, Mr. Meekham. Yes, Ms. T'Susa. Yes, Mr. DeKaiser. No, Miss Stroud. I will be abstaining... Ms. Houseman. Yes. Ms. Sharkey. No." Final tally: 4 Yes, 2 No, 1 Abstention.
• Passed: Adoption of 2025 General Election results (8-0).
• Passed: Motion to adopt resolutions 25-49-C, 25-50-C, 25-51-C, and RD 25-04 (All 6-0).
• Deferred: Discussion on campaign conduct, PAC financial reporting, and the workshop schedule. Council agreed to defer the workshop to a future meeting in December due to meeting length and closed session constraints.
• Agreed: To move into a closed session to discuss the purchase, exchange, or lease of real property following the technical difficulties. The Mayor's written comments will be added to the record.

Standing Reports and Administrative Updates

• Upcoming Interviews: Public Utilities Management Study interviews scheduled for the following Thursday; council members requested to submit scoring sheets by Wednesday night.
• Retirements: Chief Severson (Dec 26), Deputy Mayor Bell (Dec 1), and Parks Director Medina (Dec 29). Captain John Arnold named Interim Chief of Police; Captain Corey Hess extended service to Dec 2026.
• Events: Coffee with a Cop held (Nov 15); Neighborhood Watch meeting scheduled for December; Oath of Office ceremony for Mayor set for January 5.
• Legislative Concerns: Potential state legislation regarding property tax limitations and cost of living adjustments noted as a concern for the next session.
• Expo Center: AI software for safety (facial recognition, weapon detection) to be implemented; study on convention facility needs commissioned by the county.