Public Meetings - Sandy, Utah

The regular meeting of the Sandy City Planning Commission, originally scheduled for May 1, 2025, was canceled. A notice was given that all agenda items would be rescheduled and future notices sent to all who previously received notice. No public hearings, discussions, or votes occurred.

The Sandy City Council met on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 5:15 PM in City Hall and online. The meeting included a special recognition of the Sandy Youth Council, public comments on various topics, an informational update on e-bike and scooter regulations, and voting items including a rejected rezone, approved CDBG plan, a failed park strip resolution, and a passed brew pub study resolution. The meeting adjourned at 9:53 PM. Special Recognition: Sandy Youth Council 2024-25 - Council staff Liz Theriault and Chris Edwards presented the program year review. The Sandy Youth Council has 31 members from 10 high schools who provided over 650 volunteer hours. Fourteen seniors were recognized with gifts. Council members and the Deputy Mayor expressed appreciation for the youth's service and leadership. General Citizen Comment Period - Dawn Sidwell spoke in favor of expanding locations where brew pubs can operate, citing a desire for dining options. - Pat Jones praised the city's wildfire information on the website, especially the interactive map, and suggested adding a plug in utility bills and email notices to direct residents to the Fire Marshal link. - Scott Cowdell, former council member, described a contamination issue in Historic Sandy from EPA cleanup in the 1990s. He stated that new testing on his property (part of a six-parcel area) revealed continued contamination, and he requested city help, including forming a committee to review standards and possibly assisting with cleanup costs. - Andrea Mantyla raised safety concerns about a missing sidewalk section on 1700 East near Crescent View Drive, urging the city to install a sidewalk. - Kathleen Ballaine, a crossing guard, urged drivers to be attentive near schools to protect children walking and biking. Discussion Items Informational Item: Amendments to Code Chapter 10-9 – Motor Assisted Scooters and Electric Assisted Bicycles - Megan Sundquist, Risk Manager, presented proposed amendments prohibiting e-bikes on sidewalks (mirroring existing scooter rules). Age restrictions were discussed: e-scooter riders must be 18+, class 3 e-bike riders must be 16+, and no one under 14 may operate an e-scooter or e-bike with motor engaged on public property unless supervised. The item will return for formal action at a future meeting. Voting Item 3: Riverside Park Rezone (File REZ11272023-006661) - Sarah Stringham (Community Development) presented the request to rezone a 1.78-acre parcel at 9016 S. Riverside Drive from CvC (Planned Center – Convenience) to PUD(12) (Planned Unit Development). Applicant Adam Nash spoke in support, emphasizing infill housing and compatibility with adjacent PUD development. He argued the proposed townhomes (roughly 60 daily trips) would have less traffic impact than commercial uses (156-360 daily trips). - Public comment: Jen Archuleta and Jeremiah Johnson opposed, citing safety concerns with the access route (narrow road behind 7-Eleven), lack of sidewalks, and past promises not kept. Johnson noted the area is already difficult for commercial traffic and would be dangerous for residents. - Council discussion: Several members expressed concerns about ingress/egress, water table, and the impact on existing residents. Councilmember Sharkey noted historic issues with the 7-Eleven development. The motion to reject was made by Aaron Dekeyzer and seconded by Cyndi Sharkey. - Vote: 7-0 to reject Ordinance 25-11 (rezone denied). Voting Item 4: 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and PY2025 CDBG Funding - Mike Wilcox (Community Development) requested approval of the Consolidated Plan and first-year Annual Action Plan for Community Development Block Grant funds, as recommended by the Citizen Advisory Committee. The submittal is due May 15, 2025. - Public comment: Brandon Veihl (South Valley Services) thanked the council for funding, reporting that the organization served 3,809 clients with 19,140 services in the last fiscal year. - Vote: 7-0 to adopt Resolution 25-24C. Voting Item 5: Second Reading – Park Strip Resolution 25-15C (Sponsor: Sharkey) - Councilmember Cyndi Sharkey presented a resolution to change the residential design standard so park strips would not be required (one-word change from “required” to “not required”). She reviewed extensive research: discussions with 60+ stakeholders across departments, utility companies, builders, and residents. Key arguments included water waste, sidewalk damage from tree roots, cost savings, and the ability to place trees behind the sidewalk. She emphasized the item was a procedural step to send the concept through the code amendment process. - Council discussion: Members debated competing interests. Councilmember Houseman supported the change as a way to simplify infill development. Councilmember Robinson suggested a broader review of park strip standards rather than removal, offering a friendly amendment to strike “removal” and use “limiting” (not accepted). Councilmember Stroud raised concerns about snow plowing, pedestrian safety perception, ADA compliance, and the existing variance process. Councilmember D'Souza supported sending the concept for analysis. - Public comment: Steve Van Maren opposed the proposal, citing consistency and suggesting it be deferred to the ongoing major code revision. - Motion to call the question passed 7-0, ending debate. - Vote on adoption of Resolution 25-15C: YES – Houseman, Sharkey, D'Souza (3); NO – Stroud, Robinson, Mecham, Dekeyzer (4). Motion failed 3-4. Voting Item 6: Second Reading – Brew Pubs Resolution 25-16C (Sponsor: Robinson) - Councilmember Zach Robinson presented a resolution directing the city to consider streamlining the permitting process, lowering financial barriers, and expanding locations where brew pubs are permitted. He incorporated feedback from the first reading, including a crime statistics analysis. The deadline for staff recommendations was moved from July 1 to August 1, 2025, after discussion about staff workload. - Councilmember Houseman stated she would not support expansion, preferring to keep current restrictions. - Public comment: None. - Vote: 6-1 to adopt Resolution 25-16C (Houseman opposed). Standing Reports & Council Business - Council Director Dustin Fratto announced the Mayor’s Tentative Budget will be presented next week. - Councilmember Robinson noted he will be absent from next week’s meeting. - Councilmember Stroud and Sharkey reported on Sandy Beautification Day activities, with over 300 volunteers completing 12 projects. - Councilmember Houseman provided updates from the Wasatch Front Waste and Recycling District Board meeting: monthly billing begins January 2026, success of the apprentice program, and retirement of Pam Roberts (September 30). She also shared resident feedback supporting a shift to digital newsletters to save costs. - Deputy Mayor Kim Bell reported on beautification stats and upcoming events: Super Chicks ribbon cutting (May 7) and Wetlands Dedication (May 8). Key Outcomes - Riverside Park Rezone: Denied (7-0). The parcel will remain zoned CvC. - CDBG Consolidated Plan: Approved (7-0). Staff directed to submit by May 15, 2025. - Park Strip Resolution: Failed (3-4). Park strips remain a required residential design standard; no code change initiated. - Brew Pubs Resolution: Passed (6-1). Staff to study streamlined processes and expanded locations, reporting back by August 1, 2025.

The Sandy City Council met on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 5:15 PM in City Hall and via Zoom. Five council members were present (Ryan Mecham and Brooke D'Sousa excused). The meeting opened with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, and Chair Aaron Dekeyzer noted it was Earth Day. The council heard reports, public comments, and discussions on several items, including the Riverside Park rezone, a proposal to expand brew pub locations, a public hearing on the CDBG consolidated plan, and approved an interlocal agreement for Bicentennial Park. The meeting adjourned at 8:31 PM, followed immediately by a meeting of the Alta Canyon Recreation Special Service District Board. Consent Calendar - Approved the draft minutes from March 25, 2025, and April 1, 2025, unanimously by voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - Robert Archuleta – Opposed the Riverside Park rezone, citing traffic and access concerns. He noted that a raised median planned on 90th South would prevent left turns, forcing traffic onto 7th West through a parking lot drive aisle. - Jen Archuleta – Expressed safety concerns about the rezone, including lack of sidewalks, light, and noise impacts. She stated that 7-Eleven's conditional use permit was revoked because adverse impacts could not be mitigated. - Kathy Stark – Requested the city remove dead branches and address neglected trees along the old Salt Lake Canal strip behind her home. She noted that promised work from the previous year had not been completed. - Patricia Jones – Opposed the proposal to broaden brew pub locations, arguing alcohol is an addictive drug that harms community safety and well-being. She urged the council to prioritize safety over sales tax. - Raju Pusapali – Opposed the Riverside Park rezone due to potential increases in noise, light, and safety issues from nighttime activity near his backyard. - Craig Ulrich – Cautioned the council about expanding brew pub locations, citing a recent Salt Lake Tribune article about a Wasatch/Squatters brewery closure and the earlier closure of Hopper's Bar and Grill. He urged thorough research. - Baleigh Dellos (Program Director, Medically Vulnerable People facility) – Thanked the council and CDBG committee for the recommended funding allocation and shared statistics: 383 medically vulnerable individuals served in the past year, with the oldest being 86. She described a success story of a client who received housing after a year of services. - Jason Wheeler (Cis Community Design Center) – Thanked the council for grant funding recommendation and described his organization's emergency home repair and accessibility retrofit services for low-income seniors and people with disabilities. - Kate Nielsen (COO, Habitat for Humanity) – Thanked the council and CDBG committee for funding to repair homes for low-income homeowners, noting that over the past year they served 200+ individuals across the valley and 19 families in Sandy alone. - Steve Van Maren – Expressed support for the CDBG committee's recommended funding allocation. Discussion Items - South Valley Chamber of Commerce 2024 Annual Report – CEO Jay Francis presented highlights: 10 major tourism events drew over 100,000 visitors and generated $24.7 million in economic impact; 196 new chamber members (37 from Sandy); programs including Women in Business, Jr. WIB (25 graduates with $1,000 scholarships), Business Institute, and government advocacy. Council thanked the chamber for its partnership. - Riverside Park Rezone (File REZ11272023-006661) – Jake Warner (Community Development) presented the applicant Adam Nash's request to rezone one parcel from CvC (commercial) to PUD(12) for 19 residential units. The property is located at 9016 West Riverside Drive. Staff noted the property was originally envisioned for commercial use. The Planning Commission recommended denial in May 2024, then forwarded a positive recommendation by split vote in January 2025 after access changes. Council members raised concerns: incompatible with the new General Plan (designated Light Commerce), inadequate emergency access, raised median on 90th South preventing left turns, and pedestrian safety on a parking-lot drive aisle. Adam Nash responded that the south access is a 27-foot road with a sidewalk, not a parking lot, and that UDOT wants the access moved for safety. He offered to host a site visit. The item was informational and will return for a vote. - Brew Pubs First Reading – Council Member Zach Robinson proposed directing staff to draft amendments to municipal code to streamline processes, lower financial barriers, and broaden permitted locations beyond the Cairns District and industrial zones. He emphasized focusing on restaurant-brewery combinations (e.g., Bohemian, Garage Grill) that already meet state regulations. Council feedback varied: Member Houseman supported reducing administrative barriers but opposed expanding locations, preferring to keep brew pubs in the Cairns. Member Sharkey questioned why brew pubs are treated differently from full-service restaurants with bar licenses. Member Stroud favored a measured, scaled approach. Chair Dekeyzer expressed full support for staff to review the code. The item will return as a second reading with staff recommendations. - CDBG 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan – Jake Warner presented the five-year plan and proposed PY2025 funding allocation. Estimated available CDBG funding is $352,069 (subject to HUD final award). The committee recommended shifting focus toward housing goals. Proposed allocation: administration $61,174; public services $27,083 (South Valley Services $8,125, Senior Charity Care $5,416, Road Home MVP $13,542); housing $242,145 (Assist: Aging in Place $100,000, Habitat for Humanity $142,145); neighborhood projects $0 (contingency). Upwards Care (child care technical assistance) requested $64,000 but was not recommended due to lack of an economic development goal and lower priority. Council Member Houseman suggested adding a child care access goal to align with the city's economic development master plan. The plan will be up for a vote on April 29. - Bicentennial Park TRCC Funding Interlocal Agreement – Dan Medina (Parks & Recreation) presented Resolution 25-13C for an agreement with Salt Lake County to use $700,000 in TRCC funds (Tourism, Recreation, Convention, Culture) plus $624,000 city funds for a $1.3 million upgrade: new playground, two tennis courts, four pickleball courts, lighting, shade structure, hammock station, corn hole, and slack line. The concrete pour used post-tension cables to ensure 50–75 year lifespan, requiring 37 concrete trucks. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar – Approved unanimously (voice vote). - Bicentennial Park Resolution 25-13C – Approved 5-0 (roll call: Stroud, Robinson, Houseman, Sharkey, Dekeyzer yes; Mecham and D'Sousa excused). - Brew Pubs – Council directed staff to draft amendments to municipal code to streamline the process, lower financial barriers, and broaden permitted locations. The item will return as a second reading. - Riverside Park Rezone – Continued as informational; council will review planning commission notes and consider the proposal further. Applicant offered a site visit. - CDBG Plan – The council will vote on the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan on April 29, 2025. - Alta Canyon Recreation Special Service District Board – The board (composed of council members) adopted Resolution ACRSSD 25-01 authorizing capital improvements to district property via contractor Leighton Construction, and approved the July 23, 2024 draft minutes. Both motions carried unanimously.

The Sandy City Council met on April 15, 2025, at 5:15 PM in City Hall and via Zoom. The meeting included a legislative report, informational items on a TRCC grant for Bicentennial Park and an economic development update featuring the Cairns Housing Transit Reinvestment Zone (HTRZ) proposal, a consent calendar, standing reports, and council member business. The meeting adjourned at 6:46 PM. Public Comments & Testimony - Steve Van Maren (Draper resident) spoke during the General Citizen Comment period (opened after 6:00 PM). He cautioned the Council about proposed annexations, noting that creating two separate islands of annexed land could complicate county snow removal and garbage collection. He urged the Council to proceed cautiously. Informational Items - Parks and Recreation – TRCC Funding for Bicentennial Park: Dan Medina, Parks & Recreation Director, presented Resolution 25-13C and an Interlocal Agreement with Salt Lake County for a $700,000 Tourism, Recreation, Cultural, Convention, and Airport Facilities (TRCC) grant. The total project cost is $1.3 million, funding improvements including pickleball courts, tennis courts, LED lighting, a playground with astroturf and cushion surfacing, and a full shade structure over the playground. The project is on track to open in June 2025, in time for the Historic Sandy Barbecue. The item is informational and will return for action at a future meeting. - Economic Development Update and Cairns HTRZ Proposal: Kasey Dunlavy and Rob Sant provided an update on economic development projects and the proposed Housing Transit Reinvestment Zone (HTRZ). Key 2024 statistics for Sandy City: over 700 new business licenses issued, 1,600 new jobs created, 3% unemployment, and $3.3 billion in taxable sales (top five in the state). They reviewed several projects including The Compass, Sandy Shulsen, Centennial Village, Redsky, The Summit, and the Utah Hockey Club practice facility. The HTRZ proposal covers approximately 25.5 acres around the FrontRunner station, aiming to deliver 1,500 housing units (178 affordable) at 58 units per acre. The zone would capture 80% of tax increment for 25 years per phase (up to 45 years total). The application will be submitted to the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO) in the coming weeks, with a committee hearing anticipated in late summer. Council members discussed the importance of a pedestrian/cyclist bridge to directly connect the Cairns area to the FrontRunner station, which is seen as critical for the HTRZ application. The bridge is currently planned as an active transportation connection, with transit capability considered less feasible due to right-of-way changes. Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously by voice vote (7-0). Items included: - Resolution 25-12C: Intent to annex a contiguous 5.5-acre area at 10665 S. Dimple Dell Road and 3075 E. Deer Hollow Drive (Hidden Hollow Annexation), setting a public hearing and directing publication. - Approval of March 18, 2025 Draft Minutes. - Proclamation of April 26, 2025 as Arbor Day in Sandy City. - Reappointment of Bruce Bryner to the Board of Adjustment as a regular member (Resolution 25-02M). - Appointment of Josh Chandler to the Board of Adjustment as an alternate member (Resolution 25-01M). Key Outcomes - The Council received the informational items (TRCC grant and HTRZ proposal) with no formal action taken; the TRCC item will return for a vote, and the HTRZ proposal will be submitted to the state after further refinement. - The Consent Calendar was approved unanimously. - The Mayor reported on the One Sandy Awards, topping-off ceremonies for Fire Station 31 and the Utah Hockey Club practice facility, and upcoming events (Food Truck Nights, Sandy Beautification Day on April 26, 2025). Police Chief Severson outlined officer training on de-escalation and autism awareness, including a community autism event planned for August. - Council Member Cyndi Sharkey noted that the Sandy Arts Guild won four Best of State Awards and the Sandy Amphitheater won two, marking 10 total Best of State awards for the Arts Guild since 2022. - Council Director Dustin Fratto reminded council members of state-mandated training for special service district board members and encouraged use of remaining council cash for employee recognition. Standing Reports - Council Director Dustin Fratto reviewed the upcoming agenda planning calendar, including the April 22 meeting with the South Valley Chamber annual report, a Riverside Park rezone item, a first reading on brew pub code amendments, the TRCC grant action item, and a public hearing on the CDBG annual action plan. He also reminded members of Sandy Beautification Day on April 26 and council cash balances.

The Sandy City Planning Commission held a regular session on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at 6:15 PM in the City Council Chambers. The meeting followed a field trip and executive session. The commission reviewed three land-use items: a subdivision preliminary review, a site plan for a convenience store, and a public utility station (site plan and conditional use permit). All items were approved with conditions. No public comments were made. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the meeting. The chair called for public comments for each item, both in-person and via Zoom, and none were offered. Discussion Items - 90th South Wadsworth Subdivision (Preliminary Review) – Staff presented a 3.37-acre undeveloped parcel at 694 W. 9000 S. St. The proposal would divide the lot into two: one for the adjacent convenience store and one for future sale. The site has significant grade changes (40 feet east to west) and access restrictions (right-in only from 9000 South, right-in/right-out from 700 West). Staff recommended approval with three conditions. Commissioner Kitterman noted that condition 2 and condition 4 appeared redundant; condition 4 was struck. The applicant, Elizabeth Cole of Wadsworth Development, confirmed the lot is developable. The commission approved the motion unanimously (7-0). - 90th South C-Store (Preliminary Site Plan Review) – The site plan for a Chevron gas station and convenience store on the same parcel was reviewed. The design includes a right-in only access from 9000 South and a right-in/right-out from 700 West, with a 530-foot raised median on 700 West restricting southbound left turns. City Engineer Brittany Ward explained the median length is based on projected traffic from the Jordan Bluffs development (buildout by 2040). Commissioner Kitterman expressed concern that the median would force traffic to make U-turns or loop through parking lots, potentially increasing congestion. After discussion, the commission added a condition allowing the developer to shorten the median immediately, with the city retaining the right to reinstall it at its discretion. The motion also included a revised condition on parking stall count (remove four stalls or seek administrative approval for extra parking). The applicant, architect Gary Hunt and owner Kamal J, indicated the project has been 13 months in planning; EV charging (level 3) is being pursued with Tesla. The motion passed unanimously (7-0). - Enbridge Gas Public Utility Station (Preliminary Site Plan Review & Conditional Use Permit) – Enbridge Gas proposed an above-ground automatic shutoff valve station on a school district parking lot at 9725 S. State St. The station would be enclosed with an 8-foot precast concrete wall on the west, south, and part of the north sides, and wrought iron fencing on the remaining sides. Staff recommended a modification to the required 15-foot setback (reducing to 12.5 feet) due to site constraints. The applicant (Angela Barber, property agent) and engineer Chad Leah explained safety features: locked valves, chains, and secured electrical cabinets. Commissioner Kitterman asked about security against high school students; the engineer confirmed the facility is locked and protected. The commission approved both the site plan and conditional use permit unanimously (7-0 each), with a condition to coordinate landscaping with the existing parking lot plants. Key Outcomes - 90th South Wadsworth Subdivision – Approved (7-0) with conditions, with condition 4 struck as redundant. - 90th South C-Store – Approved (7-0) with amended conditions: median on 700 West may be shortened at applicant's discretion, with city's right to reinstall; four parking stalls to be removed or administratively justified for up to 10% increase. - Enbridge Gas Public Utility Station – Site plan approved (7-0) with landscaping coordination condition; conditional use permit approved (7-0) with two findings and one condition. - Administrative Business – Minutes from March 20, 2025 were approved by voice vote. The next meeting (April 17) was canceled; the next regular meeting is May 1, 2025. Staff noted that the city's stationary plans were certified by Wasatch Front Regional Council, and code updates for those plans will begin after July 2025 budget finalization.