Sandy City Council Meeting – March 31, 2026

The Sandy City Council met on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 5:15 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting began with a prayer, Pledge of Allegiance led by the Sandy Explorer Post 9550, and introductions. Agenda items included a special recognition of the Explorers, informational presentations from the South Valley Chamber of Commerce and UDOT, a consent calendar with multiple annexation resolutions and proclamations, and a second reading of an ordinance limiting full-time benefited city positions. The meeting adjourned at 7:48 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Resolution #26-45C – Intent to annex a 1.62‑acre parcel at 10275 S Altavilla Dr (Wilcox Annexation). Adopted unanimously.
• Resolution #26-46C – Intent to annex a 1.78‑acre parcel at 2811, 2813, and 2815 E KSEL Dr (KSEL 2 Annexation). Adopted unanimously.
• Resolution #26-47C – Intent to annex a 2.45‑acre parcel at 3002, 3014, 3019, and 3020 E Apple Hollow Cove. Adopted unanimously.
• Resolution #26-48C – Intent to annex a 1.34‑acre parcel at 3046, 3047, and 3072 E Dimple Dell Cir. Adopted unanimously.
• Resolution #26-49C – Intent to annex a 0.50‑acre parcel at 9520 S KSEL Dr (Van Leeuwen Annexation). Adopted unanimously.
• Arbor Day Proclamation – Proclaimed April 25, 2026 as Arbor Day in Sandy City. Adopted unanimously.
• Approval of March 10, 2026 draft minutes – Approved unanimously.
• Approval of March 24, 2026 draft minutes – Approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Darin Butler (representing Salt Lake County Library) spoke about upcoming renovations at the Sandy Library, including a new roof, carpet, lighting, and staff areas funded by a county bond. He also highlighted library events such as all‑ability activity kits, a writers group, a reading‑to‑dogs program, and the America 250 Sandy Community Art Contest on April 11, 2026.

Discussion Items

• Special Recognition – Sandy Explorer Post 9550: Mayor Zoltanski and Interim Chief Arnold recognized the Explorers for winning first place at the ExCon Explorers Competition (February 2026) for their honor guard ceremony. The post logged over 5,000 volunteer hours in 2025, covering traffic control, amphitheater shows, and more. Council thanked them for their service.
• 2025 Annual Report – South Valley Chamber of Commerce: President Jay Francis presented the Chamber’s year in review. Key statistics for 2025 included 14 ribbon cuttings in Sandy, 180,000 sports‑related visitors generating approximately 41,000 room nights and a $66 million economic impact, over 1,275 attendees at Women in Business events, and 430 participants in golf tournaments. Council members expressed strong appreciation for the Chamber’s partnership and community impact. Council Member Houseman shared a personal story of how the Business Accelerator program helped her launch her consulting business.
• Cottonwood Canyons Transportation Update: UDOT Project Manager Devin Weder provided an update on Phase 1 of transit improvements. Phase 1 ($350 million capital budget, fully funded) includes a $125 million mobility hub at the gravel pit, a $56 million intersection improvement, 50 new buses (30 for Little Cottonwood, 20 for Big Cottonwood), enhanced bus service (10‑15 minutes from the gravel pit, 15‑20 minutes from 9400 South), resort bus stop upgrades, tolling (variable pricing aimed at managing demand, not generating revenue), and roadside parking restrictions. Implementation is expected by fall 2028. Phases 2 and 3 (including Wasatch Boulevard widening, snow sheds, and a gondola) are unfunded. Council members asked detailed questions about bus fuel type (diesel vs. electric), tolling enforcement, transfer requirements, and the potential for the gondola. Council Member DeKeyer expressed concerns about trust and the lack of a regional perspective. Council Member Stroud questioned the effectiveness of requiring transfers, calling the plan “set up to fail.” Council Member Sharkey asked about the $1.2 billion cost estimate, which Weder clarified was a projected future cost inflated over 25 years, not a current per‑household assessment.
• Second Reading – Ordinance 26‑06 (FTE Limits): Council Member Houseman proposed an addition to Title 4 of the Sandy Municipal Code establishing a ceiling on full‑time benefited positions. She stated it clarifies the council’s budget authority over personnel costs (60‑70% of the general fund). The ordinance requires administration to seek council discussion before adding new FTEs beyond the adopted staffing schedule but does not require a public hearing for routine adjustments. Council Attorney Tracy Cowdell clarified that overlapping hires for retiring employees would not increase the FTE count. The ordinance passed unanimously on a roll‑call vote (7–0).

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar approved unanimously.
• Ordinance 26‑06 (FTE Limits) adopted by a 7‑0 roll‑call vote.
• Annexation resolutions and Arbor Day proclamation approved as part of the consent calendar.
• Council received informational presentations from the South Valley Chamber and UDOT; no formal action taken.
• Council directed staff to forward the UDOT solutions development study and the Point Development presentation to all council members.
• The next meeting will include public hearings on the annexations and the FY27 budget preview.