Sandy City Council Meeting - July 28, 2026

The Sandy City Council met on July 28, 2026, at 5:15 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting included updates on the Medically Vulnerable People (MVP) facility, a biannual council policy review, a presentation on the new Sandy Recreation Center's membership and fees, and a detailed discussion on the potential purchase of the Crescent View Middle School property. Key votes included the approval of the consent calendar and a failed motion to request bond language for multiple project scenarios. A closed session regarding real property was held at 10:19 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of July 7, 2026, and July 21, 2026, Draft Minutes – Unanimously approved by voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Debbie Jordan (ARUP Blood Services) – Announced an August 8th blood drive event featuring an AirMed helicopter landing. Encouraged blood donation.
• Tamara Wulle – Expressed support for accessible, affordable, and integrated housing for people with disabilities, emphasizing the need to move away from shelters. Noted Disability Pride Month.
• Allen and Jeanette Payne (written comment read into record) – Voiced concerns about the financial feasibility of purchasing Crescent View Middle School, citing three different appraisals ($10M, $8M, and $17M), potential renovation costs, and ongoing maintenance expenses. Questioned the rush to decide.
• Jude Engracia (written comment read into record) – Corrected a potential misinterpretation of FlashVote survey results, noting that 53% of verified Sandy residents supported a bond to purchase the property, contrary to a council member's statement that a majority did not want a tax increase.

Discussion Items

• Medically Vulnerable People (MVP) Facility Mid-Year Update – Presenters from Shelter the Homeless, The Road Home, and 4th Street Clinic provided a detailed update.
  • Kelly Coster (Road Home) – Reported 464 unique individuals served, 59 moves to permanent housing or long-term care, 100% with case plans. Average age of residents is 62. The MVP is a nationally recognized model.
  • Janice Olson (4th Street Clinic) – Noted 279 patients served, 73% male, 27% female. Highlights: 84% of diabetic patients with stable/improved A1C, over 5,100 medications delivered, 69% improvement on PHQ-9 depression screener. Achieved national medical respite care certification with a fidelity score of 99/100.
  • Dan Aston (Medical Director) – Described improvements in EMT services, including patient rounding and high-utilizer interventions. Transport rate increased from 60% to 80%, indicating more appropriate EMS calls. Top six medical complaints consistent with elderly population.
  • Shelter the Homeless – Updated on security and facility improvements, including 24/7 security, ADA upgrades planned for fall 2026.
  • Sandy Police and Fire – Reported $725,000 in state mitigation funds for five positions (2 police, 3 fire) and partial ambulance purchase. Over 3,100 homeless-related calls citywide in the past year, 51% within one mile of MVP.
  • Mayor Zoltanski – Expressed gratitude and noted that 68 affordable housing units (by D.R. Horton) are planned next to the MVP site, with groundbreaking expected in August.
• Council Policy Biannual Review – Dustin Fratto presented a comprehensive overview of the council policy manual, including attendance, legislative process, code of conduct, media/social media policies, and electronic meetings. No changes were adopted; policies may be amended later through the legislative process.
• Sandy Recreation Center Memberships and Fees – Ben Hill, Jetta Marrott, and Lois Stillion presented the center's operating budget and fee structure.
  • Fee Structure – Three-tier system: non-resident (highest), Sandy City resident (discounted), and Alta Canyon Tax District resident (additional 10% off). Group fitness classes will be included in all memberships. Negotiations are underway with top senior fitness plans (SilverSneakers, etc.).
  • Operating Budget – $1.4 million in revenue (taxes, memberships, programs) against $2.2 million in expenses, resulting in a $871,000 deficit for the six-month opening period (January to June 2027). Administrative charges from the general fund account for $712,000 of expenses. Cost recovery rate estimated at 44-62%, depending on whether tax district revenue is included.
  • Council Questions – Discussion focused on covering the deficit, administrative charges, family membership definitions, summer rates, and the possibility of eliminating the taxing district. Council members suggested higher fees and corporate memberships. A ribbon-cutting event is planned for January 4, 2027, though some council members preferred a daytime event for better attendance.
• Crescent View Middle School Property Update – Ryan Mecham presented public feedback results and answered council questions. Bond counsel Randy Larson and financial advisor Jason Burningham provided legal and financial context.
  • Public Feedback – 606 total comments received from open houses, online forms, and a FlashVote survey. Among 425 verified panel members, 58% supported purchasing the property, 31% preferred no tax increase, and 53% were willing to bond at least $17 million. Council members debated the validity of the survey and the accuracy of communications.
  • Financial Details – The school district has two other offers at $17 million and is not negotiating. The city's appraisals were $10M and $8M. Operating costs for the school are approximately $234,000 per year. Bond funding cannot cover ongoing maintenance. Options for operations include redirecting existing parks and recreation building utilities ($165,000), using one-time budget funds ($200,000), and growth in sales tax revenue.
  • Bond Process – Key date: Bond language must be finalized by August 11th, with the election resolution due to the Lieutenant Governor by August 20th. Tax impacts would begin after bond issuance (likely January 2027). Bond counsel clarified that the ballot proposition must be specific enough for voter understanding but broad enough for flexibility. Multiple bond scenarios could be presented.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar – Approved unanimously.
• Motion for Bond Language Scenarios – Broke Christensen made a motion, seconded by Alison Stroud, to request bond language for three scenarios: (1) purchase and update of Crescent Middle School only, (2) purchase/update plus construction of a public safety facility, and (3) only a public safety facility. The motion failed by a vote of 3-3 (Yes: Christensen, Stroud, Nicholl; No: Dekeyzer, Sharkey, Houseman).
• Closed Session – A motion to convene a closed session to discuss real property purchase, sale, exchange, or lease was approved by a vote of 5-1 (Yes: Christensen, Stroud, Nicholl, Houseman, Sharkey; No: Dekeyzer). The meeting adjourned immediately after the closed session at approximately 10:19 PM.