Sandy City Council Meeting - September 1, 2026

The Sandy City Council met on September 1, 2026, beginning at 5:15 PM. The meeting included a special recognition, informational presentations on public utilities and fraud risk, discussion of a rezone application and code amendments for accessory dwelling units, approval of the consent calendar, a vote on an argument in favor of a general obligation bond for the former Crescent View Middle School property, selection of the 2026 Civic Engagement Award recipient, and a closed session. The meeting adjourned around 10:29 PM after the closed session.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously by voice vote: Resolution 26-89C to cancel the October 27, 2026 Council meeting; Resolution 26-86C authorizing an individual to manage PTIF accounts; and approval of the August 4, 2026 draft minutes.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Henry Butters expressed concerns about an issue involving the Mayor and her use of county property.
• Adele Clark opposed the proposed rezone of three parcels on Hagan Road from R-1-20 to R-1-20A, stating she does not want to live next to a farm and that the property should not receive agricultural rights.
• A written comment from Steve Andrus was read into the record, expressing concerns with traffic noise and dangerous motorists near his property, stating that the issue has not been resolved by police.
• During the voting item on the bond argument, a written comment from Jason Nicholl was read, encouraging the Council to reconsider the bonding for the purchase of Crescent View Middle School and questioning why the City was paying almost double the appraised value. He listed several reasons for opposition.

Discussion Items

• Special Recognition (Item 1): Barbara Tagoa’i, Sandy City Deputy Recorder, was recognized by the Utah Municipal Clerks Association for earning her Certified Municipal Clerk designation, which requires over 100 hours of education and years of experience.
• Public Utilities Management Study (Item 2): Matrix Consulting Group presented the 2026 General Management and Operations Study of the Sandy City Public Utilities Department. The study reviewed three functional areas and included 57 recommendations. Key priorities included full adoption of Cityworks asset management software, updating policy manuals, completing a public-facing dashboard, adopting cost-of-service methodologies, and addressing project management capacity for the five-year capital improvement plan. Council members expressed appreciation for the study and staff.
• Fraud Risk Assessment (Item 3): Brian Kelley, Administrative Services Director, presented the annual State Fraud Risk Assessment. Sandy City scored 355 out of 395 points, ranking as Low Risk, one point away from Very Low. Council noted that management studies commissioned by the Council could help further lower risk.
• Hagan Road Rezone (Item 4): Jake Warner presented a rezone application for three parcels (1.79 acres) from R-1-20 to R-1-20A to allow farm animals. The Planning Commission forwarded a positive recommendation. Council members expressed varying views: Council Member D'Sousa opposed due to potential nuisance for neighbors; Council Member Christensen supported, viewing it as a value add. The applicant, Matthew Grant, spoke in favor, stating the request brings consistency with the neighborhood and provides education for his children. This was an informational item and will return for a decision on September 15.
• Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Code Amendments (Item 5): Melissa Anderson presented proposed amendments to Title 21 of the Land Development Code to comply with SB 284, effective October 1, 2026. The state requires cities to allow detached ADUs on residential lots of 11,000 sq ft or larger. Staff recommended a maximum of one detached ADU per lot, with owner occupancy required, setback and height limitations, and parking requirements. The Planning Commission made several recommendations, including reducing the minimum lot size to 10,000 sq ft and allowing breezeway connections. Council members debated: some favored starting with state minimums and revisiting later (Stroud, Sharkey), others supported more flexibility (Houseman, Dekeyzer). Council provided feedback and staff will bring back a revised ordinance for a future meeting.
• Standing Reports and Council Member Business: Council Member Sharkey updated on the Convention Facilities Advisory Board (discussion of expanding the expo center by 25,000 sq ft) and the Legislative Policy Commission (20% new legislators, topics include starter homes, data centers, AI, and small lots). Council Member Christensen expressed condolences to a family who lost a child in a tragic accident and thanked fire and police. Council Member D'Sousa requested an update on occupancy and vacancy in the Arbor Building.
• Mayor's Report: Read by Susan Wood: The Mayor directed River Oaks Golf Club to remove all Callaway merchandise after a company advertising campaign that used violence against women as a hook. The city seeks a refund and hopes for accountability and meaningful change from Callaway.
• CAO Report: Martin Jensen confirmed all Callaway merchandise was removed and thanked Council for attending Chief Nigbur's swearing-in. He also thanked staff for response to recent monsoon flooding.
• Recreation Center Construction Report: Ben Hill provided an update with photos showing brick, windows, insulation, and tile installation. He invited Council to tour the site.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously by voice vote.
• Resolution 26-90C – Argument in Favor of GO Bond for Crescent View Middle School: After extensive discussion and line-by-line edits, the Council voted 6-1 to approve the resolution (with Council Member Sharkey voting no). The argument in favor will be submitted to the city elections official, who will select between two submitted arguments. Council directed staff to provide recommended changes to the Voter Information Pamphlet, including adding a sentence about ongoing operation and maintenance costs, and other minor edits.
• Resolution 26-85C – 2026 Civic Engagement Award: The Council selected Rebekah Cowdell as the recipient. The resolution passed 6-0 (Council Member Dekeyzer excused).
• Closed Session (Item 11): The Council voted 6-0 to convene a closed session at 10:29 PM to discuss the purchase, exchange, or lease of real property or the character/professional competency of an individual. The meeting adjourned immediately following the closed session.