Sandy City Council Meeting - March 3, 2026

On Tuesday, March 3, 2026, the Sandy City Council held a regular meeting starting at 5:15 PM in the Council Chambers and via Zoom. All seven council members were present. The meeting included presentations on two rezone applications, public comments, reappointment considerations for the Planning Commission, a first reading of a code amendment, and approval of a consent calendar with numerous annexation resolutions. The meeting adjourned at 7:48 PM.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Daniel Derricott expressed concerns about the precedent set by the Fortner rezone for other parcels and its impact on the predominantly single-family residential community.
• Ron Larson, a direct neighbor to the west of the Fortner property, opposed the higher-density rezone, citing concerns about traffic, street parking, and decreased property values. He noted that when he subdivided his property, he was told no multifamily would be allowed.
• Shannon Maynard, a resident nearby, opposed the Fortner rezone, stating the area is mainly single-family homes and that 10 new single-family homes were built in the last seven years. She worried about rentals and safety.
• Paul O'Brian opposed the Fortner rezone, calling the intersection of 1000 East and 8600 South dangerous and stating that many residents spoke against the proposal at the Planning Commission meeting.

Consent Calendar

• Unanimously approved (motion by Brooke Christensen, second by Kris Nicholl) the following items: City Council Budget Priorities for FY2026-2027 (Resolution 26-08C); minutes from January 27, February 10, and February 17, 2026; and 28 annexation resolutions (Resolutions 26-09C through 26-37C) indicating intent to annex various parcels, setting public hearing dates. The annexations ranged from 0.26 acres to 13.12 acres.

Discussion Items

• 106 Church Rezone (File #REZ01132026-007102): Jake Warner presented a request to rezone 1.94 acres at 166 E 10600 S from R-1-40A to R-1-10. Applicant Matt Sneyd of Muve Group proposes to keep the existing church building and subdivide to add three residential lots (including the existing caretaker home). The Planning Commission forwarded a positive recommendation. This was an information item; a vote is scheduled for March 10, 2026.
• Fortner Rezone (File #REZ11202025-007084): Jake Warner presented a request to rezone 0.65 acres at 8564 S 10000 E from R-1-10 to RM(12). Applicant Ben Child of Stanson Development proposes six units (a duplex and a fourplex). The property was annexed in 2025 with R-1-10 zoning. The Planning Commission recommended approval (4-2 vote). Josh Becker, representing the applicant, stated the property owner (Jolene Fortner) plans to reside in one unit and the others will be sold. Public works improvements on 1000 East and 8600 South are planned. Council discussion included concerns about owner-occupancy, rental conversion, density, and neighborhood continuity. Council members expressed differing views on whether to consider an alternative zone (R-2-10) or approve the request. This was an information item; a vote is scheduled for March 10, 2026.
• Planning Commission Reappointments: Mayor Zoltanski recommended reappointing Dave Bromley (two terms, professional background in property development) and Ron Mortimer (three terms, civil engineer) for additional terms. Council expressed support. These are information items; votes scheduled for March 10, 2026.
• First Reading: FTE Amendment (File #26-065): Council Member Houseman proposed an addition to Title 4 of the Sandy Municipal Code to require that any increase in full-time benefited positions be adopted through the budget process or by a budget amendment approved by the council. Discussion included concerns about flexibility for seasonal and part-time hires, and the mayor's ability to manage staffing. The city attorney noted the current language requires the same procedure as budget amendments. Houseman acknowledged feedback and will revise the language for a second reading.
• Standing Reports: Included agenda planning (joint workshop with Planning Commission on land development code rewrite, draft housing workshop report), council member business (Wasatch Front Waste and Recycling District update, including $1.82 million in savings and Harriman withdrawal negotiations), mayor's report (intersection safety team at Alta High School, Coffee with Cops event), CAO report (annexation process, Granite community study), recreation center construction (pillars and roof installation, basketball court concrete poured), and legislative update (bills on homelessness, property tax, land use, housing).

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar approved unanimously.
• All other items were informational and will return for votes at the March 10, 2026 meeting (except the FTE amendment, which will return at a future date).