Sandy City Council Meeting - August 11, 2026: Bond Election for Crescent View Middle School Property

The Sandy City Council met on August 11, 2026, from 5:15 PM to 7:53 PM, to discuss and vote on Resolution 26-78C, which would place a general obligation bond on the November 3, 2026 ballot to fund the acquisition and renovation of the former Crescent View Middle School property. After extensive deliberation and public comment, the council ultimately passed a motion to set the bond amount at $30 million, with a vote of 6-1.

Consent Calendar

• The council unanimously approved the consent calendar, which included the approval of the July 14, 2026 draft minutes.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Henry Butters thanked the council for their service, complimented the police department, and criticized the mayor for allegedly chastising him.
• Paul Godot thanked the council for allowing voters to decide on the bond and called for educating the public on purchase and operation costs. He also mentioned he planned to review appraisals via a GRAMA request.
• Diane Nicholson asked for clarification on the motion made regarding the bond amount.
• Don Cann, a 40-year resident, expressed concern about tax increases and a potential advertising campaign influencing voters. He suggested a mixed-use development with commercial uses.
• Paul Goddat supported the purchase, stating that community centers enhance property values and community well-being.
• Marilyn Barriger supported the purchase, arguing it would benefit the city and surrounding neighborhoods, and prevent increased traffic and safety issues from further housing development.
• Monica Barriger, a resident of Crescent Wood Village mobile home park, expressed concerns about property value and lot rent increases if the land were developed. She emphasized that residents should have the opportunity to vote on the issue.
• Phil Snyder's comment (read by staff) opposed the purchase, stating that the proposal asks residents to commit tens of millions without answered questions about value, purpose, and funding.

Discussion Items

• The council discussed the bond resolution at length, focusing on whether to authorize $30 million or $21 million. Council members expressed varying perspectives.
  • Councilmember Marci Houseman supported $30 million, arguing it would provide full flexibility and allow voters to decide on the entire vision.
  • Councilmember Aaron Dekeyzer supported $21 million, citing fiscal conservatism and trust in the administration's recommendation.
  • Councilmember Brooke D'Sousa expressed dissonance, feeling that the decision was being made in a vacuum and that the 21 million option was not transparent.
  • Councilmember Alison Stroud favored a lower amount (17-21 million), emphasizing the need for a plan and not overburdening residents.
  • Councilmember Cyndi Sharkey supported $30 million, arguing it would protect taxpayers from unknown future costs and a "bait and switch."
  • Councilmember Brooke Christensen initially preferred $21 million but later moved to reconsider the $30 million to ensure the public gets a vote.
  • Councilmember Kris Nicholl expressed concerns about the lack of community representation and noted that District 3 did not strongly support the purchase.
• Mayor Zoltanski expressed support for the $21 million amount but remained open to the council's decision.
• Bond Counsel Randy Larsen and Financial Advisor Jason Burningham answered questions about bond issuance, tranches, repayment, and legal requirements.
• The council also discussed the voter information pamphlet, the need for transparency, and the potential for selling other city-owned properties to offset bond costs.

Key Outcomes

• The council voted on three motions:
  1. Motion to set the bond at $30 million (made by Marci Houseman, seconded by Kris Nicholl) failed 3-4 (Yes: Houseman, Sharkey, D'Sousa; No: Stroud, Nicholl, Christensen, Dekeyzer).
  2. Motion to set the bond at $21 million (made by Alison Stroud, seconded by Aaron Dekeyzer) failed 3-4 (Yes: Stroud, Christensen, Dekeyzer; No: Nicholl, Houseman, Sharkey, D'Sousa).
  3. After a recess, a motion to reconsider the $30 million amount (made by Brooke Christensen, seconded by Marci Houseman) passed 6-1 (Yes: Christensen, Houseman, Sharkey, D'Sousa, Dekeyzer, Stroud; No: Nicholl).
• The council adopted Resolution 26-78C, setting the general obligation bond amount at $30 million for the November 3, 2026 ballot. The bond will be used for acquiring and renovating the former Crescent View Middle School property.
• The voter information pamphlet will be prepared, with council input, and will include the distinction that operations and maintenance costs are not covered by the bond.