Sandy council overrides mayor's line-item veto of $93,100 water appropriation 5-1-1 and elects Marci Houseman chair
July 7, 2026, 5:15 p.m. · Council Chambers, Sandy City Hall, 10000 Centennial Parkway, and Zoom
The council voted 5-1-1 to override the mayor's line-item veto of a $93,100 appropriation for water capital outlays in the fiscal 2026-27 budget, which required five votes. It also elected Marci Houseman chair and Brooke Christensen vice chair, previewed the Canyon Gate rezone and general plan amendment for 7.2 acres and heard a first reading of a proposal to move to seven council districts. Several speakers backed Central Wasatch Commission funding.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Item 1 · Appointment
Election of council chair and vice chair
Approved
Marci Houseman was elected chair and Brooke Christensen vice chair, for a term ending January 2027, by unanimous voice vote.
Item 2-5 · Appointment
Mayor's recommendations: City Treasurer Mindy Finlinson, City Engineer Richard Benham, Communications Director Rachael Van Cleave and Economic Development Director Carlton Christensen
Discussed
Mayor Zoltanski recommended four department appointments for advice and consent. All four were information items that returned for action July 14. Steve Van Maren supported Carlton Christensen's appointment.
Item 6 · City code
Title 21 amendment on building height
Discussed
Melissa Anderson and James Sorensen presented a proposed amendment, with an architect representing a homeowner whose primary dwelling exceeds the 35-foot maximum height. The homeowner had agreed with the city to pursue either a code amendment or changes to the home. Staff and the Planning Commission, by unanimous vote, recommended denial. Council Member Marci Houseman offered to keep working with residents and asked that the homeowner have more time to explore options. No council action.
Item 7 · General plan
Canyon Gate general plan amendment, Institutional to Medium Density Neighborhood, 7.2 acres (GPA04222026-007196), first reading
Discussed
Jake Warner presented a request by Nathan Boyer of the Boyer Company to change 7.2 acres owned by Canyons School District near 825 East 9085 South from Institutional to Medium Density Neighborhood. The Planning Commission recommended approval and neighborhood meeting feedback was positive. The developer plans a PUD(12) zone; council members discussed a development agreement requiring some units to be sold for homeownership, and the developer was open to talks. Information item.
- Applicant: Nathan Boyer, The Boyer Company
- Acres: 7.2
- Owner: Canyons School District
- Change: Institutional -> Medium Density Neighborhood
- Planning Commission: recommended approval
Item 8 · Zoning
Canyon Gate rezone, R-1-8 to PUD(12), 7.2 acres (REZ04222026-007195), first reading
Discussed
Discussed together with item 7; no separate action was recorded.
- Current zone -> proposed: R-1-8 -> PUD(12)
Item 9 · City code
First reading: redistricting and restructuring council seats
Discussed
Council Member Brooke Christensen proposed moving from four districts plus three at-large seats to seven districts, citing local representation, candidate access and constituent service. A majority supported continued research on redefining district boundaries but was less favorable to a seven-district model. Members noted redistricting will likely be needed after the 2030 census and that Granite-area annexations affect boundaries. Pat Jones supported seven districts. Information item.
Item 13 · Public safety
2025 Justice Assistance Grant public hearing
Discussed
Police Chief Jeff Nigbur said the federal award is $27,773 for computer equipment and body-worn cameras. Kellie Forbes said the allocation sounded good. Information item.
- Grant$27,773
Item 14 · Budget
Reconsideration of Resolution 26-76C: override of the mayor's line-item veto
Approved · 5-1-1
On June 30 the mayor vetoed a $93,100 appropriation for water capital outlays in Resolution 26-61C, restoring funding from the May 5 tentative budget as she explained. Overriding requires two-thirds of the council, or five members. City Attorney Lynn Pace advised at the mayor's request; Council Attorney Tracy Cowdell concluded the mayor lacked authority to line-item veto and re-appropriate funds, since only the legislative body appropriates. Pat Jones, Diane Long, Danny Richman and Kellie Forbes spoke in person and Jude Engracia, Cindy Wright and Leslie Nelson in written comments, all supporting Central Wasatch Commission funding. A call to question and the resolution each passed 5-1-1.
- Budget$93,100
Item 15 · Other
Closed session on an individual's character or competence
Approved
The council voted by roll call to convene a closed session at 11:18 p.m.; breakdown not listed.
Item 10-12 · Other
Consent calendar: June 9, June 16 and June 23 draft minutes
Approved
Approved by unanimous voice vote.
What residents said
Central Wasatch Commission fundingMayor's vetoCouncil districts
Pat Jones supported redistricting and seven districts. Dawn Sidwell supported a printed newsletter and the Historic Sandy Barbecue and commented on agenda order. Rebecca Colley supported the council's decision on Central Wasatch Commission funding and urged an override. Steve Van Maren supported CWC funding and Carlton Christensen's appointment. Lindsey Nielsen supported CWC funding and the mayor's veto.