Cottonwood Heights council hires a new city attorney, 5-0, as its longtime attorney retires Aug. 6 (draft minutes)
July 21, 2026, 7:00 p.m.
Cottonwood Heights' City Council voted 5-0 on July 21 to approve Resolution 2026-58, an employment agreement making Todd Sheeran city attorney as of Aug. 6, and 5-0 for Resolution 2026-57, a transition consulting agreement with retiring City Attorney Shane Topham, who has served since before the city's incorporation. It also adopted Ordinance 470 on the Residential Multi-Family zone, 5-0, appointed a Youth City Council advisor, and continued a Safe Streets for All consulting agreement with Kimley-Horn to Aug. 4. The copy available is unsigned, so it is treated as draft minutes.
From the draft minutes. Updated October 30, 2026.
In brief
5 items came up for a decision or discussion: 4 approved and 1 continued.
This write-up links 2 source documents.
5 members were present.
The previous City Council meeting was on July 7, 2026: Cottonwood Heights council approves a general plan change and rezone for a 1.08-acre parcel and appoints a city attorney, all 5-0 (draft minutes)
The next one was on October 20, 2026: Cottonwood Heights council agenda: Bitcoin ordinance, assistant city manager hire and public safety training facility contract
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Item Resolution 2026-58 · Other
Employment agreement with Todd Sheeran as City Attorney
Approved · 5-0
Mayor Bennion said the city has had Shane Topham's services since before its inception and he is willing to continue as the city transitions to a staff attorney. The minutes do not state compensation.
Item Resolution 2026-57 · Contract
Consulting agreement with Wm. Shane Topham for city attorney transition services
Approved · 5-0
Follows Topham's retirement as city attorney on Aug. 6, 2026.
Item Ordinance 470 · Development
Residential Multi-Family zone: sections 19.34.050, 19.34.060 and 19.34.100
Approved · 5-0
Discussed in the work session; approved without further debate.
Item Resolution 2026-55 · Contract
Kimley-Horn consulting agreement for a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan (Safe Streets and Roads for All)
Continued · 5-0
Continued to the Aug. 4 meeting.
Item Resolution 2026-56 · Other
Additional advisor for the Youth City Council
Approved · 5-0
Council Member Hyland praised the appointee, a middle school teacher.
What residents said
The minutes record no public comment.