Sandy City Council Meeting - April 21, 2026

The Sandy City Council met on April 21, 2026, at 5:15 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included special recognition of the Sandy Youth Council, an annual report from the Fire Department, an update on new state law requiring detached accessory dwelling units (D-ADUs), a public hearing on Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding, approval of an amended Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Shelter the Homeless, and tabling of a resolution to investigate a new Police Department Public Safety Headquarters. The meeting adjourned at 9:27 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously (voice vote) the consent calendar, which included:
  • Second Reading: Ordinance No. 26-40 (Council Member Christensen) amending Title 14 regarding recreational vehicle parking.
  • Appointment: Resolution 26-53C appointing Chad Littlewood to the Sandy City Architectural Review Committee.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Kate Nielsen (Habitat for Humanity Greater Salt Lake Area): Expressed gratitude for CDBG support of critical home repair program, noting three current projects in Sandy assisting low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.
• Joyce Walker (Dimple Dell Preservation Community): Opposed any road extension over Dimple Dell Regional Park, citing a master plan recommendation and environmental costs. Advocated for the 1700 East corridor as a less expensive alternative ($20.4 million vs. $118.9 million for Highland Drive extension).
• Steven Rolf (Legal Aid Society of Salt Lake): Thanked the council for CDBG allocation; his organization serves about 180 Sandy residents annually, including victims of domestic violence.
• Henry Butters: Expressed concern about lack of accessible truck parking in Sandy, noting that a current lot near Costco will become obsolete.
• Patricia Jones (on MOU item): Expressed support for the MVP shelter operating successfully with no fiscal impact on city resources, and proposed adding the words "increase or decrease" to the reporting frequency clause in Section 9 of the MOU.
• Jason Wheeler (Assist Inc): Thanked the council for CDBG funding for home repairs and accessibility modifications, enabling seniors and disabled individuals to remain in their homes.
• Jay Leonard (The Road Home): Requested continued CDBG support for the Medically Vulnerable Populations (MVP) shelter, which served 455 unique individuals in the past year, 11 from Sandy. Funding supports staffing and connection to permanent housing.

Discussion Items

• Special Recognition: Sandy Youth Council 2025-26 Program Year: Staff highlighted the 38 participants from nine high schools, who provided 850 hours of service to the community. Four seniors who participated for four years were recognized, as was program advisor Liz Theriault for her role in creating the program.
• Fire Department 2025 Annual Report: Chief McConaghie presented the report. Total 911 responses exceeded 10,000 for the first time (up from 8,600 in 2023 and 9,400 in 2024). 75% of calls were medical, 25% fire. Response times improved by half a minute since 2023. Council discussed call volume drivers (absorbing Gold Cross ambulance calls, MVP shelter, overall growth), turnout times by station (Station 34 lowest at 51 seconds), and costs associated with false alarms. The department added a fourth ambulance and new Station 31.
• Update on Detached Accessory Dwelling Units (D-ADU): Melissa Anderson presented requirements of new state law SB 284 (effective October 1, 2026), which mandates permitting D-ADUs on residential lots of 11,000 sq ft or greater. Council discussed preferences on five key areas:
  • Where to allow: Most council members preferred starting at the state minimum (11,000 sq ft lots), with some interest in expanding to 10,000 sq ft lots in strategic locations. Council member Dekeyzer advocated for a more nuanced, location-specific approach.
  • Number of ADUs per lot: Split opinions; some favored one ADU total (internal or external), while others supported allowing both an internal and an external ADU (two total accessory units).
  • Parking requirements: Majority favored requiring additional on-site parking (one space for units under 650 sq ft, two for larger). Most opposed reducing requirements near transit stations.
  • Maximum size: Suggestions ranged from following existing accessory structure limits (25% of rear yard, max 750 sq ft) to allowing up to 1,000 sq ft or a sliding scale based on lot size. Council member Christensen proposed limiting size relative to primary dwelling (e.g., 50%).
  • Height and setbacks: General preference for one-story D-ADUs (or one-and-a-half with loft), with height limits to be determined. Setbacks of 10 feet from property line were favored for one-story units; staff to return with draft code incorporating council feedback.
• Public Hearing: CDBG 2026 Annual Action Plan: Jake Warner presented. Total available funding is $429,396 (including $374,000 new grant and $55,000 in reprogrammed prior-year funds). Recommended allocations include:
  • Public services ($56,209 cap): Big Brothers Big Sisters ($6,000), Community Health Centers ($7,300), Legal Aid Society ($15,000), South Valley Services ($12,409), United Way 211 ($10,000), The Road Home MVP shelter ($5,500).
  • Housing: Assist Inc ($100,000), Community Development Corp ($75,000), Habitat for Humanity ($42,187). Staff recommended reducing Habitat's allocation by ~$1,000 to cover increased administrative costs. Decision scheduled for May 12.
• MOU with Shelter the Homeless: Council Attorney Tracy Cowdell presented the amended and restated MOU (Resolution 26-54C). Key changes: on-site medical clinic (Fourth Street Clinic) twice weekly instead of mobile unit; biannual reporting to council. Council member Houseman requested outcome-based data (not just service counts) in future reports. Shelter the Homeless and Fourth Street Clinic representatives confirmed willingness to provide such data.
• Police Department Public Safety Headquarters Feasibility: Council member Nicholl's resolution (26-55C) to authorize investigation and needs assessment was tabled until the next meeting (April 28) due to time constraints and a previously scheduled budget training. Motion carried 4-2.
• Redevelopment Agency (RDA) Meeting: The council convened as the RDA Board and approved Resolution RDA 26-04 authorizing occupancy of the Arbor Building by Community Arts, Parks & Recreation, and the RDA. RDA occupancy was deferred to a later date pending decisions on leasing other suites. Vote was 4-2.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar approved unanimously.
• Resolution 26-54C (amended MOU with Shelter the Homeless) approved 6-0 (Council member Nicholl excused).
• Item 26-234 (Police HQ feasibility) tabled to April 28 meeting by 4-2 vote (Stroud, Dekeyzer opposed).
• RDA Resolution 26-04 (Arbor Building occupancy) approved 4-2 (D'Sousa, Sharkey opposed).
• CDBG public hearing held; final action scheduled for May 12.
• D-ADU update: Staff directed to return with draft code language incorporating council preferences on lot size, number of units, parking, size, height, and setbacks.
• Fire Department thanked for report; council acknowledged increased call volume and station improvements.
• Recreation Center construction reported on schedule; concrete poured for second-floor walking track.
• Council Member reports: Sandy Arts Guild and Amphitheater received Best of State awards (13 total). Water Week is May 3–9. Only 12% of residents signed up for Water Smart app. Sego Lily Guardians youth volunteer group accepting applications.