Sandy City Council Meeting – September 22, 2026

The Sandy City Council met on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 5:15 PM in the Council Chambers. Council Chair Marci Houseman presided. Six members were present (Brooke Christensen, Alison Stroud, Kris Nicholl, Marci Houseman, Cyndi Sharkey, Brooke D'Sousa); Aaron Dekeyzer was excused. The meeting included informational items, a public hearing and public meeting on a proposed $30 million general obligation bond for the Crescent View Middle School property, and standing reports. Key discussions covered the Fire Department's wildland mitigation grant, a proposal to move up the Police Department management study, and a request from the Mayor to reconsider a housing development. The meeting adjourned at 7:14 PM.

Public Comments & Testimony

• General Citizen Comment: Henry Butters alleged that Mayor Zoltanski lied to an animal control officer about an off-leash law and called for body cameras on animal control officers. Utah State Representative Tracy Miller thanked the Council and Administration for their service and offered assistance during the upcoming legislative session.
• During the Bond Public Hearing (Item 5): Pat Jones spoke against the bond, arguing that the property acquisition was not an essential city necessity, that residents' resources are limited, and that only 1.35% of the population (1,229 responses) expressed feedback; she stated she would have supported taxes for essential services like public safety. Paul Godot spoke in support, stating that government should provide community benefits when the market does not and that the core question is what kind of community residents want.
• During the Bond Public Meeting (Item 6): Paul Gadot argued that voting for the bond aligns with the Mayor's vision and that government provides services believed to benefit the community. Steve Van Maren appreciated the argument against the bond but expressed concern about its formatting and font, urging that voters decide.

Discussion Items

1. Interlocal Agreement for Special Bond Election – Wendy Downs presented Resolution 26-88C to authorize the County to administer the 2026 Special Bond Election at a good faith cost of $14,448. This informational item will return for a vote.
2. Fire Department Deployment and Wildland Mitigation Update – Chief Ryan McConaghie reported on a three-year, $486,500 grant for mitigation projects including fuel breaks, defensible space, and evacuation signage. He summarized deployments to Oregon and Washington and noted that deployment reimbursements funded $150,000 of a $250,000 brush truck. The department is fully staffed due to prior council support and management study recommendations. Council expressed appreciation.
3. Metropolitan Water District Board Vacancy – Justin Sorenson formally notified the council; applications are due by October 30th, with interviews scheduled for November.
4. Proposal to Amend Management Studies Schedule – Council Member Houseman proposed moving the Police Department management study from the next year to December/January. Chief Jeff Nigbur supported an earlier study, citing the opportunity of new leadership to evaluate staffing, structure, fleet, policy, and facility needs. Council members discussed timing: some preferred to wait for the Think Architecture facilities assessment (due November) and allow the Chief more time, while others supported planning and identifying funding. Consensus emerged to set aside funding (possibly from carryover) and draft an RFP, with the study timeline contingent on the facilities assessment. Staff will bring funding recommendations.

Bond Election Public Hearing and Public Meeting

• Purpose (Items 5 and 6): The city held a public hearing on issuing up to $30 million in General Obligation Bonds for the potential purchase of the Crescent View Middle School property, and a public meeting to hear arguments for and against the ballot proposition. Administrative Services Director Brian Kelley stated that the estimated impact on the average home would be $5 per month (or $9.09 for commercial property) over up to 21 years, subject to market rates.
• Arguments Read into Record (read by Executive Director Dustin Fratto): The Argument FOR the bond emphasized preserving 17 green acres, community control, and the success of past bond-funded amenities, and noted that two private developers offered the same $17 million purchase price. The Argument AGAINST cited appraisals of $8.5–$10 million versus the $17 million asking price, ongoing operating costs of at least $465,000 per year with no identified funding, duplication of existing facilities, and insufficient public outreach. Rebuttals were also read.
• Following the readings, additional public comment was taken (see above).

Key Outcomes

• No formal votes were taken on informational items; the interlocal agreement will come back for council action.
• The council generally supported planning and funding for a Police Department management study, with the launch date to be determined after the facilities assessment is delivered.
• The public hearing and public meeting for the $30 million general obligation bond were completed; the bond proposition will appear on the ballot for voter decision.
• Mayor Zoltanski asked the council to reconsider the rejection of the Canyon Gate development (86 townhomes) and negotiate with the developer.
• The meeting adjourned at 7:14 PM.

Council Member Business & Reports

• Council Member Sharkey reported on the Heritage Festival, the Legislative Policy Committee (property tax caps, license plate readers, AI in plan reviews), and requested follow-up on allegations made by Mr. Butters.
• Council Member Christensen shared positive resident feedback about city staff responsiveness.
• Council Member Stroud updated the CDBG committee, praised the Heritage Festival and Police Banquet, and congratulated Detective Pomeroy as Officer of the Year.
• Council Member D'Sousa also noted resident appreciation and thanked staff for the autism community event.
• Chief Administrative Officer Jensen announced Passport Palooza on Friday and a Dolly Parton movie event.
• Parks & Recreation Director Ben Hill updated Recreation Center construction progress, including exterior metal panels, sidewalk, outdoor pool renovations, tile work, and power scheduled for October 5th.

The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote to adjourn.