Sandy council rejects reserve-funded pay plan 3-4, then backs a benchmark-based compensation plan 4-3
June 23, 2020, 5:15 p.m. · Online meeting (Sandy City Council, 10000 Centennial Parkway)
The council voted 3-4 against Council Member Monica Zoltanski's proposal to fund public safety and market pay increases for six months from council reserves and other cuts. It then voted 4-3 for a proposal by Council Members Kris Coleman-Nicholl, Marci Houseman and Alison Stroud to fund compensation using Houseman's benchmark approach, fund the Central Wasatch Commission at $90,000 and bring budget resolutions back by June 26. About 30 residents commented. The budget hearing was continued 6-1.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
| Item | Result |
|---|---|
| Fireworks safety and permitting (information) | Discussed |
| Electric scooter ordinance (information) | Discussed |
| Consent calendar: June 9 and June 16 minutes | Approved · 7-0 |
| Budget Option 4 (Council Member Zoltanski) | Denied · 3-4 |
| Benchmark budget proposal (Council Members Coleman-Nicholl, Houseman and Stroud) | Approved · 4-3 |
| Public hearing: FY 2020-21 budget adoption | Continued · 6-1 |
| Recess to the Redevelopment Agency | Approved · 7-0 |
Agenda, item by item
Item 1 · Public safety
Fireworks safety and permitting (information)
Discussed
Fire Marshal Robert DeKorver covered commercial sales permitting, restricted-area signage, extra staffing, and education and enforcement of discharge times and locations. No vote was taken.
Item 2 · City code
Electric scooter ordinance (information)
Discussed
Deputy Mayor Evelyn Everton presented a proposed ordinance based on the city's operating agreement with Lime Scooter, covering where scooters may be ridden and parked, rider eligibility, insurance and data sharing. No vote was taken.
Item 3-4 · Other
Consent calendar: June 9 and June 16 minutes
Approved · 7-0
The consent calendar passed with all seven members voting yes.
Item 5 · Budget
Budget Option 4 (Council Member Zoltanski)
Denied · 3-4
Zoltanski proposed paying for the FY 2020-21 public safety step and grade increase and the civil service market increase for six months by using the full $360,800 council capital contingency balance and the $56,000 FY 2020-21 contingency contribution, cutting council professional services by $30,000 and capital projects by $76,167, dropping the 2% council pay increase, eliminating pickleball and Central Wasatch Commission funding, and keeping fleet reductions and benefit increases approved June 9. Finance Director Brian Kelley questioned how compensation would be funded after six months. Speakers in favor included Jodi Monaco, Graham Tinius, Cathy Spuck, Chris Welch, Ryan Bird, Ian Williams and Bruce Cline; Steve Van Maren raised concerns about the Central Wasatch Commission cut and Jim Edwards said water funds should not pay for non-water items.
- Budget$360,800
- Budget$56,000
Item 6 · Budget
Benchmark budget proposal (Council Members Coleman-Nicholl, Houseman and Stroud)
Approved · 4-3
The motion amended the June 9 budget direction: fund the compensation plan using Houseman's benchmark approach, maintain funding for vacant positions, reduce fleet purchases, fund the Central Wasatch Commission at $90,000, and direct staff to bring resolutions back by June 26. A motion by Christensen to call the question passed unanimously. Many speakers were skeptical; Danny Schoenfeld asked that step-in-grade be funded now and the 2% for other employees later, and Adam D'Sousa spoke in favor. Written comments were read into the record.
- Budget$90,000 to Central Wasatch Commission
Item 7 · Budget
Public hearing: FY 2020-21 budget adoption
Continued · 6-1
Speakers included Sandra Haak, who asked about matching funds for the historic committee's grant, Kellie Forbes, who urged reconsideration of the last vote, Cathy Spuck, who supported moving forward, and a firefighter's family member who was disappointed with the council's direction. The hearing was continued to June 25.
Item 8 · Other
Recess to the Redevelopment Agency
Approved · 7-0
The council recessed to convene the Redevelopment Agency, which continued its budget hearing. Official RDA action is in the RDA minutes.
What residents said
Public safety compensationCentral Wasatch Commission fundingWater fund useFireworks safetyElectric scooters
Dozens of residents and city employees spoke on the compensation options, including Jodi Monaco, Graham Tinius, Cathy Spuck, Seth Drew, Ryan Bird, Chris Welch and Danny Schoenfeld.