Sandy City Council Meeting – February 24, 2026

The Sandy City Council convened in chambers and via Zoom on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, from 5:15 PM to 6:31 PM, with Council Chair Cyndi Sharkey presiding. The agenda included an update on the Sandy Amphitheater, review of draft budget priorities, a consent calendar approval, multiple administrative and legislative reports, and public testimony.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of the January 20, 2026 draft meeting minutes was moved by Councilmember Aaron Dekeyzer, seconded by Councilmember Marci Houseman, and carried by unanimous voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Daniel Kovach (Sandy resident) expressed support for the revenue-sharing model for amphitheater improvements but urged the council not to forget moderately priced events (e.g., movie nights, free concerts) that make the venue special and accessible.
• Nick Stenquist (volunteer, Salt Lake Off-Road Expo) invited the council to the upcoming Off-Road Expo, highlighted land stewardship efforts, and noted the clean-up of Five Mile Pass that removed two dumpsters of debris and 63 tires.

Discussion Items

Sandy Amphitheater Update (Item 26-052)

• Mearle Marsh, Community Arts Director, presented 2024–2025 statistics: average attendance of 2,355 per show, every in‑house production in 2025 sold out; 34,000 social media followers, 15,000 email list subscribers; Google rating increased from 4.5 to 4.78 stars. He proposed adding premium suites and personal seat licenses in partnership with Postfontaine, with no upfront city cost—construction and furnishing would be funded by Postfontaine and repaid over 5–10 years from suite revenues. Councilmembers asked about the number of suites, contract extension, naming rights, and the removal of light poles. Council commended Marsh and his team for their vision and commitment.

City Council Budget Priorities for FY 2026-27 (Item 26-051)

• Dustin Fratto, Council Executive Director, presented a draft of budget priorities based on a previous council workshop, color-coded into three sections. Councilmember Alison Stroud requested stronger language on competitive wages, professional development, and retention strategies. Councilmember Marci Houseman mentioned an initiative that could align with multiple priorities but deferred discussion until the priorities document is finalized. Staff will revise the draft and bring it back for formal adoption.

Mayor's Report

• Mayor Monica Zoltanski thanked the Utah Attorney General's Office for a presentation on internet crimes against children; announced free tax preparation at the Sandy Senior Center every Friday; congratulated Sergeant Ryan Byrd and Animal Services Director Trevor Leslie on their promotions; recognized Sandy Police Explorers for winning first place in the honor guard competition at the 2026 ExCon; and addressed the February 23 shooting at 700 West and 9000 South, noting that the victim is an imam from a West Jordan mosque, and urged anyone with information to contact Sandy Police.

CAO Report

• Chief Administrative Officer Shane Pace announced the Employee Health Fair (February 25) and Employee Luncheon (March 18); reported that a draft feasibility study for the incorporation of Granite area came back positive, prompting Sandy to begin annexation of approximately 50 parcels that previously signed consent letters but were not contiguous—those parcels are now contiguous. The annexation process will proceed through normal procedures, and the council will be kept informed.

Recreation Center Construction Report

• Jetta Marrott, Parks & Recreation, provided an update: steel beams are being connected horizontally; the swimming pool was temporarily drained to install new mechanical lines; the naming survey is open until March 11; tours are available for councilmembers.

Legislative Report

• Senior Policy Advisor Ryan Mecham reported on the final two weeks of the state legislative session. Key bills discussed:
  • HB596 (Homelessness Amendments): preempts local land use on conditional use permits for homeless facilities; increases the annual local contribution limit 15% in 2026 and potentially 50% in 2027; Sandy’s non‑congregate center is minimally affected.
  • SB284 (Local Land Use Modifications): requires cities to post regulations and fees online; allows councils to remove planning commissioners who act with intent to influence a land use decision.
  • HB492 (Transportation Infrastructure and Housing): creates $140 million grant fund for Salt Lake County and $100 million statewide loan fund for water/sewer/stormwater infrastructure, prioritizing owner‑occupied housing.
  • HB236 (Truth in Taxation): requires cities to segregate any new tax revenue until the truth‑in‑taxation hearing in August; mandates a notice explaining the purpose of a proposed tax increase.

Key Outcomes

• Consent calendar approved unanimously.
• Budget priorities draft will be revised per council feedback and brought back for a resolution.
• CAO Pace will place the Granite‑area annexation proposals on a future consent calendar for council consideration.
• The meeting adjourned at 6:31 PM by unanimous vote.