Sandy City Council Meeting – February 17, 2026

The Sandy City Council met on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 5:15 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included a training on the Council's Rules of Procedure, a recess to convene the Sandy City Redevelopment Agency (RDA), and voting on the purchase and bonding for the Arbor Plaza Office Building. Public comment addressed school closures, state land-use legislation, and neighborhood fencing. The meeting adjourned at 7:47 PM.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Sandra Haak (Sandy resident since 1996) suggested rotating the council chair position to ensure each district representative serves as chair during their term.
• Jacob Shamy (Sandy resident) expressed opposition to the proposed closure of Parklane Elementary School by Canyons School District, citing lack of transparency, potential community weakening, and negative impacts on property values and family stability. He stated he is preparing to sell his home.
• Scott Cowdell spoke against Senate Bill 258, which allows landowners to create preliminary municipalities for development without an election. He referenced a lawsuit challenging the law and its impact on cities like Sandy, specifically regarding the Kane Creek and Echo Canyon developments.
• Brayden Miller (Newcastle neighborhood resident) requested replacement of a fence in the Newcastle area, noting that two sections had recently fallen down. He referenced budget allocations for the project in the FY2026 budget (line 13029, page 142) and emphasized safety concerns for children and residents walking to Silver Mesa school.

Discussion Items

• Council Rules of Procedure Training (Item 26-050): Dustin Fratto, Council Director, presented the biennial training required by state code. He covered parliamentary mechanics, motion types (main, friendly amendment, motion to amend, reconsideration, previous question), the two-meeting rule, and the role of the chair. No questions were raised.
• RDA Meeting – Arbor Building Interlocal Agreement (ILA) Amendment (Items 26-047 & 26-048): The Council recessed to convene as the RDA Board. Kasey Dunlavy, Economic Development Director, presented Resolution RD26-03 for an amended ILA between the RDA and Sandy City for the acquisition of property at 126 Sego Lily Dr. (Arbor Plaza Office Building). Council Member Brooke D'Sousa introduced a revised amendment intended to ensure RDA board collaboration on occupancy decisions while bonds are outstanding. Mayor Zoltanski stated she could not proceed under the proposed conditions, arguing they violated the separation of powers under the strong mayor form of government. After a recess, the attorneys proposed further edits: the requirement for a formal resolution by the RDA board would expire on December 31, 2026, with ongoing good-faith consultation. Council Member Marci Houseman opposed the expiration, stating it removed necessary oversight. The RDA board voted 5-2 to approve the amended resolution RD26-03 (with the attorney-proposed changes).
• Council Approval of ILA (Item 26-048): Following the RDA action, the Council considered Resolution 26-06C to approve the same amended ILA. Council Member D'Sousa requested that the final language be disseminated promptly. After public comment, the Council voted 4-2 to adopt the resolution, including the amendments made during the RDA meeting.
• Arbor Plaza Office Building Purchase and Bonding (Item 26-049): Dan Nelson, Real Property Manager, updated the Council on tenant negotiations and repairs. The Council provided consent for the city to proceed with the purchase and related bonding. A roll call vote passed 4-2.
• Standing Reports: Dustin Fratto previewed the next meeting’s agenda (draft budget priorities, Sandy Amphitheater presentation, closed session). Council members gave updates on the Arts Guild, Historic Preservation Committee, Sandy Youth Council, recreation center naming survey, and legislative committee work. Mayor Zoltanski noted the naming survey and a police swearing-in ceremony. CAO Shane Pace announced an internet safety class on February 23. Jetta Marrott provided a recreation center construction update. Ryan Mecham, Senior Policy Advisor, delivered a legislative report covering SB258 (constitutional challenge), HB236 (property tax bifurcation), SB97 (fund balance caps), HB184 (land use preemption), HB501 (water funding), SB206 (tax increment financing disclosure), and HB48 (wildland urban interface code).

Key Outcomes

• RDA Resolution RD26-03 (amended ILA): Approved 5-2 (Dekeyzer, Christensen, D'Sousa, Stroud, Sharkey voted yes; Houseman, Nicholl voted no). The amendment includes a one-year expiration of the formal resolution requirement for occupancy decisions, with ongoing good-faith consultation.
• Council Resolution 26-06C (ILA approval): Adopted 4-2 (Stroud, Sharkey, Christensen, D'Sousa yes; Nicholl, Houseman no; Dekeyzer excused).
• Consent to purchase and bonding for Arbor Plaza Office Building: Approved 4-2 (same vote line).
• Rules of Procedure Training: Completed; no action required.
• Next Meeting: Scheduled for February 24, 2026, with a quorum of four in-person members expected.