Sandy council appoints Ryan McConaghie fire chief and adopts Willow Creek open space structure and microschool ordinances
July 30, 2024, 5:15 p.m. · Council Chambers, Sandy City Hall, 10000 Centennial Parkway, and Zoom
The Sandy City Council appointed Ryan McConaghie as fire chief, adopted FY 2024-25 budget adjustments funded by a state shelter mitigation grant, and adopted Ordinance 24-14 on microschools and Ordinance 24-15 on accessory structures in the Open Space District, which allows the Willow Creek maintenance facility, over opposition from neighbors. Roll call results are not itemized in the minutes.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Item 1 · City code
Committee assignments policy proposed by Council Member Aaron Dekeyzer
Discussed
DeKeyzer presented a policy with exceptions for the Utah League of Cities and Towns Legislative Policy Committee, the Sandy Youth Council and the Salt Lake County Convention Facilities Advisory Board. Discussion covered whether appointments occur in January or three times a year. He will return with a revision.
Item 2 · Budget
FY 2024-25 budget adjustments: increase appropriations, amend staffing schedule and adjust fees (Resolution 24-33C)
Approved
Finance Director Brian Kelley said the funds come from the Homeless Shelter Cities Mitigation Grant and will pay for public safety staff for shelter-related calls. No one spoke at the hearing. The resolution was adopted; the notes give no dollar amounts or tally.
- GrantAmount not given to State of Utah (Homeless Shelter Cities Mitigation Grant)
Item 3 · Appointment
Appointment of Ryan McConaghie as fire chief (Resolution 24-34C)
Approved
The mayor nominated McConaghie. No one spoke. A retired fire chief presented the chief's helmet, and a formal swearing-in was set for Aug. 26. The resolution was adopted; the tally is not itemized.
Item 4 · City code
Microschools, micro-education entities, charter and public schools, Title 21 (Ordinance 24-14)
Approved
Anderson presented; the Planning Commission recommended approval. Steve Van Maren said the legislature took too long to make the change. The ordinance was adopted; the tally is not itemized.
Item 5 · City code
Accessory structures in the Open Space District, Title 21 Chapter 10 (Ordinance 24-15)
Approved
Anderson presented; the Planning Commission recommended approval. Amy Walker, an attorney for affected residents, and residents Lenny Furus, Vivian Vonk, Erin Harries, Steve Harries, Brad Fogg and Steve Fehlauer opposed it. Brent Bateman, an attorney for Willow Creek Country Club, spoke in support. After a recess the city attorney advised on the effect of the council's decision. The ordinance was adopted by roll call; the tally is not itemized.
Item 6 · Other
Closed session on real property
Approved
The council voted to convene a closed session at 7:42 p.m. on the purchase, exchange or lease of real property and adjourned afterward. The tally is not itemized.
What residents said
Willow Creek maintenance facilityMicroschools
Pat Jones commented on Sandy's No. 22 national ranking. Residents and attorneys spoke on Ordinance 24-15 as described above.