Sandy City Council Meeting - October 13, 2026: Water Conservation Plan, Bulky Waste Discussion, and Consent Calendar

The Sandy City Council met on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 5:15 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting included a public hearing on the draft 2026 Water Conservation Plan, discussion of the Wasatch Front Waste & Recycling District's proposed bulky waste program, and unanimous approval of the consent calendar. Council members also gave updates on community events and city services. The meeting adjourned at 6:11 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Determination of Impracticability for Station Area Plans (Item 26-463): The Council approved Resolution #26-92C, declaring it impracticable to prepare station area plans for Sandy City's portions of the Kimballs Lane and Draper Town Center station areas, as permitted under Utah Code.
• Police Property Transfer (Item 26-464): Resolution 26-94C was approved, authorizing the interdepartmental transfer of certain property from the Police Department Evidence Room to the Sandy Police Patrol Unit.
• Approval of Minutes (Item 26-465): The draft minutes from the October 6, 2026 Council meeting were approved.

All consent items were approved by a unanimous voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• General Citizen Comment: Henry Butters addressed the Council, expressing frustration that public officials should own up to their mistakes. He referenced a DUI incident involving a council member (unnamed) and questioned the city attorney's role in pressing the county for answers on a mayoral matter. He also noted that a police officer was courteous when he was pulled over for a broken blinker. No other public comments were received in person or online.
• Public Hearing on Water Conservation Plan: No members of the public testified during the public hearing for the draft Water Conservation Plan.

Discussion Items

• Presentation on Draft 2026 Water Conservation Plan (Item 26-466): Myrna Groomer (Public Works Business Services Manager) introduced consultants Rochelle Plaizier and Keith Larson of Bowen Collins & Associates, who presented the required five-year update to the city's Water Conservation Plan. Key points included:

  • Sandy's current water use is 200 gallons per capita per day (gpcd), with a baseline average of 217 gpcd (2015-2019).
  • Proposed conservation goals: 14% reduction from baseline by 2030, 21% reduction by 2040, and 28% reduction by 2065.
  • The plan includes a long-term indoor water use target of 45 gpcd for residential users by 2065.
  • Conservation efforts since 2000 have saved the average household approximately $440 per year in avoided water system costs.
  • New programs to achieve further reductions will rely largely on existing staff and resources, with only a $20,000 cost for a water rate study (rates schedule expires in 2029).
  • The plan must be submitted to the state by December 31, 2026; adoption is expected after this public hearing.
  • Council members asked about breakdowns of indoor vs. outdoor conservation and the realism of further reductions. The consultants confirmed that both indoor and outdoor conservation are factored into the goals.

• Wasatch Front Bulky Waste Program: CAO Martin Jensen reported that the Wasatch Front Waste & Recycling District proposed a new bulky waste program that would duplicate Sandy's existing bulk waste service for the approximately 2,200 parcels (annexed or in the district) within city boundaries. Council members discussed:

  • The preference to ask Wasatch Front to exempt Sandy residents from their new bulky waste program and rely solely on Sandy's program.
  • The expectation of a corresponding fee reduction for Sandy residents if the service is eliminated.
  • Concerns about customer confusion, legal liability, and the complexity of having two service providers on scattered parcels.
  • Council consensus was to send a letter requesting exemption and fee reduction, reflecting the input that the district has publicly acknowledged cost savings from this change.

• Council Member Reports:

  • Council Member Kris Nicholl noted low attendance at Crescent View Bond open houses, but said attendees had good questions.
  • Council Member Cyndi Sharkey reported from the Convention Facilities Advisory Board: the Utah League of Cities and Towns (ULCT) Fall 2027 conference will be held at the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy. The Salt Palace ranked #1 in sustainability among 50 convention centers, and the Expo Center ranked #3. She also noted a comparison of medical incidents: FANEX (130,000 attendees) had 2 incidents, while a recent Sandy concert (35,000 attendees) had 11 incidents.
  • Council Member Brooke Christensen reminded that the Sandy Arts Guild production of Tuck Everlasting runs through the weekend at Mt. Jordan Middle School.

• CAO Reports:

  • Storm response: Hurricane Rachel remnants brought rain, but the storm drain system worked as designed with no significant flooding. A sandbag station was well-used.
  • Breakaway Concert: City staff met with America First Field staff to discuss lessons learned and best practices for future concerts; the meeting was positive.
  • Newcastle Fence: Replacement of a fence on city property along Newcastle Road began today; a contractor will notify affected homeowners. Council expressed interest in possibly gifting the property to homeowners to avoid future city maintenance.
  • Public Safety Open House: Scheduled for Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at 7 PM at City Hall to educate residents about crime prevention programs.

• Council Office Director's Report: Dustin Fratto announced small group meetings with Council members to discuss the Chamber remodel concept plans. He also noted that Council meetings on October 27 and November 3 are cancelled due to the ULCT conference and the election.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimous Approval: The consent calendar (three items) was approved by voice vote.
• Public Hearing Held: The public hearing on the Water Conservation Plan was opened and closed with no public testimony. The plan is expected to be brought back for formal adoption at a future meeting.
• Direction on Wasatch Front Bulky Waste: Council members expressed support for sending a letter to the district requesting exemption of Sandy residents from the new bulky waste program and a corresponding fee reduction. The CAO will finalize the letter reflecting Council feedback.
• Meeting Adjourned: The Council unanimously voted to adjourn at 6:11 PM.