Sandy City Council Meeting March 24, 2026

The Sandy City Council met on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 5:15 PM in the Council Chambers. The agenda included special recognitions, informational reports, the nomination of a new police chief, first reading of an RV parking amendment, adoption of a housing workshop report, and naming of the new recreation center. The meeting also featured public comments and a closed session.

Special Recognition

• Brian Romrell of the American Public Works Association (APWA) Utah Chapter presented an award to Sandy City Public Works and contractors (Forge Constructors, Galloway) for excellence in completing the Phase II Fleet Building. The 22,000-square-foot facility with seven pull-through bays was completed in 13 months, saving approximately $1.2 million through tilt-up construction.
• Brian Kelley, Financial Services Director, introduced Nick Hales of the Utah Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), who presented two awards: the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting (38th consecutive year) and the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award (22nd consecutive year).

Informational Items

• Annual Audit Presentation: Dave Peaden and Kevin Smith of Eide Bailly presented the Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, issuing a clean audit opinion. They noted one immaterial instance of non-compliance related to budgeting (a fund overspent by about $5,000) and a restatement of general fund balance to remove liabilities dating back to 2015. A new accounting standard (GASBY 101) increased short-term medical leave liability by approximately $400,000.
• Police Chief Nomination: Mayor Zoltanski recommended Jeff Nigbur, former Assistant Chief/Major with the Utah Highway Patrol (25 years experience), as the next Sandy City Police Chief. The nomination was informational only; a formal advice and consent vote will occur at a future meeting. Council members questioned Nigbur on leadership style, community policing, and transition plans.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Pat Jones requested a legislative review of the 2026 session's impact on Sandy City.
• Henry Butters thanked Mayor and Council Member Sharkey for meeting with him and reiterated parking concerns.
• George Tobler spoke in support of Jeff Nigbur's appointment, citing his management experience and de-escalation skills.

First Reading & Council Discussion

• Recreational Vehicle Parking Amendments (Item 26-189): Council Member Christensen proposed adding recreational vehicles (RVs) to Title 14 (traffic code) to allow police to cite vehicle operators directly, rather than only property owners via Title 21 (land development code). Discussion included need for a definition of RV, avoiding double citations, and enforcement process (pink tag warnings first). Council was supportive of bringing the item back for a second reading.

Consent Calendar

• Items 5 (February 24, 2026 draft minutes) and 6 (March 3, 2026 draft minutes) were approved unanimously by voice vote.
• Item 7 ("Building Our Future" Community Housing Workshop Series Draft Final Report) was pulled by Council Chair Sharkey for separate discussion.

Discussion & Adoption of Housing Workshop Final Report

• Council discussed the preferred location for small lot single family homes. A motion to allow such dwellings throughout the city failed 2-5 (Sharkey, Christensen in favor; Stroud, Nicholl, Houseman, D'Sousa, Dekeyzer opposed).
• A second motion to adopt Resolution 26-44C (the report as drafted, which recommended small lot single family homes only in low and very low density neighborhoods) carried 6-1 (Christensen opposed). Council members noted the document is a vision guide and will be refined by consultants during code rewrite.

Meeting of the Alta Canyon Recreation Special Service District Board

• Council recessed and convened as the ACSSD Board. Martin Jensen presented survey results (1,400 responses) on naming the new recreation center. The top single choice was Alta Canyon Sports Center, but combined Sandy-prefixed names totaled 875. Staff recommended "Sandy Recreation Center."
• After discussion, a motion to adopt Resolution ACRSSD 26-01 naming the facility the Sandy Recreation Center carried 4-2 (Houseman, Sharkey, Christensen, Dekeyzer yes; Stroud, D'Sousa no; Nicholl excused).

Key Outcomes

• Public Works Fleet Building received APWA excellence award.
• Finance Department recognized with GFOA awards; clean audit opinion issued.
• Jeff Nigbur formally nominated as Police Chief; final vote pending.
• RV Parking Amendment (first reading) received support; will return for second reading with refined definition.
• Housing Workshop Final Report adopted (Resolution 26-44C) with small lot single family homes preferred in low/very low density areas.
• New Recreation Center officially named the Sandy Recreation Center.
• Closed Session convened at 8:25 PM to discuss character, professional competence, or physical or mental health of an individual; motion carried 6-0. Meeting adjourned immediately after.