Sandy council adopts FY 2026-27 budget 7-0 and confirms Martin Jensen as chief administrative officer

Decisions at a glance

Agenda, item by item

1. Item 1 · Presentation

   Recognition of Shane Pace, CAO

   Discussed

   The Utah City Managers Association presented its City Manager of the Year award to Pace for 36 years of service, and Council Chair Cyndi Sharkey and Vice Chair Alison Stroud presented a resolution of recognition. The mayor and council members offered remarks.

2. Item 2 · Parks

   Crescent View Middle School update

   Discussed · Crescent View Middle School, about 17 acres

   Ryan Mecham reviewed three scenarios: buy the whole 17-acre property, part of it or none. Ben Hill covered community center and park use, Mearle Marsh Arts Guild use and Dan Nelson costs for each scenario. Mecham said a bond would be needed and outlined the timeline. Mayor Zoltanski supported the purchase. The notes state no price. In public comment Brian Noelle, Wayne Day and Taylor Miller supported buying the property for open space, Wayne Day specifically Option 1; Pat Jones opposed Option 2; Mark Ciullo and Kelly Forbes asked that voters decide.

   Follow Crescent View Middle School property purchase in the development tracker →

3. Item 3 · City code

   Title 4 amendments combining Public Works and Public Utilities

   Discussed

   City Attorney Lynn Pace presented the amendments and reviewed the changes. Information item; it returns for action.

   Follow Public Works and Public Utilities merger (Title 4) in the development tracker →

4. Item 4 · Budget

   Resolution 26-65C: FY 2026 year-end General Fund adjustments

   Discussed

   Brian Kelley reviewed the adjustments to increase FY 2026 appropriations. Information item.

5. Item 5 · Contract

   Interlocal agreement with Salt Lake County for a traffic signal (Resolution 26-59C)

   Approved · 11700 South and Wasatch Boulevard

   Adopted on the consent calendar. The attachments concern a traffic signal at 11700 South and Wasatch Boulevard.

   Moved by Council Member Brooke Christensen, seconded by Council Member Brooke D'Sousa

6. Item 6 · Budget

   Continued public hearing: FY 2026-27 budget (Resolutions 26-61C, 26-62C, 26-69C to 26-72C)

   Approved · 7-0

   Brian Kelley reviewed the adjustments in Exhibit A of Resolution 26-61C. Speakers largely supported Central Wasatch Commission funding (including Danny Richardson, Lindsey Nielsen, Janet Kinneber, Mike Marker, Jack Stauss of Save Our Canyons and John Adams) and the Historic Sandy Barbecue (Dawn Sidwell and Sandra Haak); Doug Wismer opposed CWC funding. Pat Jones thanked administration for no property tax increase and supported raising council salaries; Laurie Wilson and Laurel Livezey opposed cutting the mayor's salary; Zach Robinson opposed using fire fleet savings for other items and supported a grant writer, the chamber remodel, Senior Center equipment and CWC. Votes: the Stroud amendment (26-69C) passed 6-1 with Sharkey opposed; the D'Sousa amendment (26-70C) 7-0; the Dekeyzer amendment (26-71C), amended to make the grant management and compliance position a one-year contracted role, passed 4-3 with Nicholl, Houseman and Sharkey opposed; the Christensen-Nicholl amendment (26-72C), which asked for information on the Historic Sandy Barbecue's measurable impact, passed 5-2 with Stroud and Dekeyzer opposed. The final budget (26-61C), which fully funds the PIO position in the new Communications Department, passed 7-0, and the Alta Canyon Recreation District budget (26-62C) passed 7-0.

   Moved by Council Member Brooke Christensen, seconded by Council Member Brooke D'Sousa. Vote: 7-0 on Resolution 26-61C and on 26-62C

7. Item 7 · Appointment

   Advice and consent: Martin Jensen as chief administrative officer (Resolution 26-66C)

   Approved

   Sandra Haak supported Jensen in public comment. The council approved the appointment by roll call; the breakdown is not in the notes.

   Moved by Council Member Brooke D'Sousa, seconded by Council Member Kris Coleman-Nicholl

What residents said

Central Wasatch Commission fundingCrescent View Middle School purchaseHighland Drive corridor studyMayor's salary

Nineteen speakers addressed the council. Many thanked Shane Pace. Speakers supported Central Wasatch Commission funding (including Dani Poirier of Back Country Alliance, Jack Stauss, Josh Chandler, Jude Engracia, Iva Williams and Steve Van Maren); several supported buying Crescent View Middle School property for open space and fields, and Kelly Forbes and Mark Ciullo asked that voters decide; Bryan Chamberlain supported a Highland Drive corridor study while Sandra Haak opposed funding it; Zach Robinson supported advice and consent for Martin Jensen; Craig Ulrich said the council may appropriately scrutinize the mayor's salary; Dawn Sidwell supported the Historic Sandy Barbecue; Kelly Forbes opposed the chamber remodel.