Sandy council hears about 60 speakers on Kuwahara Wholesale review; approves Metro Fire agreement 6-0
February 18, 2020, 5:15 p.m. · Council Chambers, 10000 Centennial Parkway
About 60 people spoke on the city's review of Kuwahara Wholesale, most in support of the family business; the council took no action. It approved a revised Metro Fire Agency interlocal agreement 6-0 with Chair Kris Coleman-Nicholl excused for illness. Mayor Kurt Bradburn announced Greg Severson as police chief.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
| Item | Result |
|---|---|
| Community Development briefing on Kuwahara Wholesale | Discussed |
| Metro Fire Agency interlocal agreement (Resolution 20-06C) | Approved · 6-0 |
Agenda, item by item
Item 1 · Other
Community Development briefing on Kuwahara Wholesale
Discussed
Staff described the business review process and Doug Wheelwright presented a chronology. Owners Alex Kuwahara and Sara Morrison presented a book with 11,000 petition signatures, a timeline and site improvements and said the city's requirements exceeded their budget. About 60 speakers, most supportive, cited the family business, its employees and its community role, and asked for grandfathered status, a special agricultural zone or a temporary permit. Former Council Member Dennis Tenney recommended a temporary permit and a small-business ombudsman. Others asked the council to uphold codes. The briefing was informational and no vote was taken.
Item 2 · Public safety
Metro Fire Agency interlocal agreement (Resolution 20-06C)
Approved · 6-0
Fire Chief Bruce Cline presented the revised agreement. Steve Van Maren asked whether Metro Fire meetings are properly noticed and about budget impact; Cline said meetings are noticed through the City Recorder's Office and the assessment does not affect budget members. The council adopted the resolution authorizing the mayor to sign.
Item 3 · Presentation
Special recognition: 100th anniversary of the League of Women Voters
Discussed
Council Member Zach Robinson welcomed Salt Lake League of Women Voters president Kathy Bailey and others and read the resolution into the record. No vote was recorded.
What residents said
Kuwahara WholesaleSmall business compliance costsMetro Fire meeting notice
Steve Van Maren thanked the council for an audio feed of the Feb. 19 special meeting and asked that the new police chief's qualifications be made public. About 60 people spoke on Kuwahara Wholesale.