Sandy City Council Meeting: Dec 17, 2025

The Sandy City Council convened on December 17, 2025, for a holiday meeting marked by the conclusion of the calendar year and the formal farewell to outgoing Councilmembers Zach Meekham and Ryan Robinson. The session featured public gratitude, updates on major city construction projects, personnel changes, and emotional speeches of appreciation from the Mayor, incoming members, and the outgoing councilmembers themselves. The meeting concluded with the presentation of Sandy street signs to the departing members and a motion to adjourn.

Consent Calendar

• The Consent Calendar was adopted unanimously via a motion with a second, resulting in a voice vote where no members opposed (Aye: [Unanimous]).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Scott Earl (Resident of Grand Peak Drive): Expressed overwhelming gratitude to the City Council, Mayor, and staff for their hard work and achievements, specifically citing the new Fire Station, Public Works facility, and the Recreation Center (funded without a tax increase) as major accomplishments. He stated he views the new recreation center as the final piece that completes the Parks and Rec vision.
• Henry Butters: Expressed frustration regarding an interaction with the Mayor. He stated, "You don't come barking at me and telling me I can't say how I feel," emphasizing that he wants the right to criticize council members without being ordered otherwise. While expressing gratitude for the Mayor's willingness to talk and resolve issues, his position was a firm refusal to accept restrictions on his ability to speak his mind. He affirmed, "I'll be on your side if you work with you."

Discussion Items

• Recreation Center Update: Councilmember Jeddah reported that the building permit was obtained, a major concrete pour of footings (approx. 15 trucks) was completed the previous Friday, and formwork for foundation walls is underway. He noted he hopes the weather holds to allow more concrete pouring.
• Year-End Reports: Councilmember Dustin noted this was the final meeting of the year, with the next meeting scheduled for January 6. He expressed appreciation for Councilmembers Meekham and Robinson.
• Sandy Ambassadors: Councilmember Robinson shared feedback from the Sandy Ambassadors group, noting a desire to bridge a disconnect between the group and the Council. He recommended the incoming appointee take a more active role in facilitating communication.
• Community Partnership: Councilmember Robinson highlighted "Soap to Hope," a 501(c)(3) non-profit supporting victims of homelessness and sex trafficking, encouraging council and public support and noting they collect data now required by the state.
• Youth Council: Councilmember Allison reported on the Youth Council's final meeting of the year, highlighting their preparation to meet legislators in January and presenting 25-30 students.
• Historic Committee & Legislative Breakfast: Councilmember Allison noted the Historic Committee's ongoing work on structure tiers and praised the Legislative Breakfast for fostering direct one-on-one contact with representatives.
• Housing Workshop: Councilmember Aaron thanked the planning group for the final housing workshop completed in July, expressing anticipation for council action in the new year.
• Police Department: Councilmember Aaron praised police safety messaging and shared his positive experience attending a "Coffee with a Cop" meeting with outgoing Chief Greg Severson and looking forward to working with Interim Chief Arnold.
• Public Works: Councilmember Cindy praised the Public Works Department for their continued work (tree trimming, ceiling cracks) despite the lack of snow.
• Mayor's Report: Mayor Zoltanski announced a Menorah lighting event in Draper, the retirement of the Health Center Theater debt 10 years ahead of schedule, and a new organizational role in the Mayor's office for Katie Atkinson. He also announced a retirement celebration for Parks Director Dan Medina.
• Outgoing Member Tributes: Mayor Zoltanski and Councilmembers delivered farewell remarks honoring Zach Meekham and Ryan Robinson for their service, highlighting accomplishments like the Fire Station, Public Works facility, and Alta Canyon project. Zach Meekham expressed gratitude for the eight years of service, acknowledging the difficulty of the work and the support of staff and colleagues. Ryan Robinson thanked the community for their trust, emphasized the importance of compromise in governance (using a Czech Republic historical anecdote), and expressed deep gratitude for the team's unity.
• Street Sign Presentation: The Council presented custom Sandy street signs to Councilmembers Meekham and Robinson as a token of appreciation for their long-standing service, with a plan for a group photo in the overflow room.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar Adoption: The consent calendar was adopted unanimously.
• Personnel Change: Katie Atkinson was confirmed to transition to a new position as Community Affairs Director in the Mayor's office, creating a vacancy for the Community Events Director role.
• Upcoming Events: A legislative survey will be sent to the community to gather input for representatives due to scheduling conflicts preventing a traditional pre-legislative breakfast. The debt retirement for the Health Center Theater was officially finalized with a transfer scheduled for December 17 at 2:00 PM.
• Honors: Councilmembers Zach Meekham and Ryan Robinson were formally honored with Sandy street signs for their service.
• Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned upon a motion and second, with no opposition.