Sandy council confirms five department heads, rejects Canyon Gate plan change on 3-3 vote and asks for development agreement
July 14, 2026, 5:15 p.m. · Council Chambers, Sandy City Hall, 10000 Centennial Parkway, and Zoom
The council gave advice and consent to the treasurer, city engineer, communications director, economic development director and police chief, and heard that the proposed Crescent View Middle School purchase is $17 million for 17.24 acres. A motion to adopt the Canyon Gate general plan amendment for 7.2 acres failed 3-3; the council then voted by roll call to direct staff to draft a development agreement with the Boyer Company. Salt Lake County council members briefed the council on county services.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Item 1 · Presentation
Salt Lake County Council presentation
Discussed
County Council Members Suzanne Harrison and Dea Theodore explained county government structure, funding and services. They noted that all county islands must incorporate or annex into a city by July 2027 and that the county holds a AAA bond rating.
Item 2 · Parks
Crescent View Middle School update
Discussed
Deputy CAO Ryan Mecham reported on a community meeting, with a second set for July 15. The proposed purchase is $17 million for 17.24 acres, and the deadline to put a general obligation bond on the ballot was Aug. 20. Four concept options were presented. CAO Martin Jensen stressed community and council engagement and council members asked that community feedback be shared. Parks Director Ben Hill said many residents want more open space. Shelly Gillwall of Legacy Soccer supported the purchase, saying over half the league's games are played at the school.
- Land deal$17.0 million to Canyons School District
Item 3 · City code
First reading: codifying the advice and consent process
Discussed
Council Member Brooke Christensen proposed a process for advice and consent and a time limit for interim department heads before council confirmation is required. The council supported a second reading.
Item 4 · City code
First reading: Title 7 amendments on surplus real and personal property
Discussed
Council Member Brooke D'Sousa's amendments update state-law compliance, inventory and reporting, distinguish real and personal property and add the real property manager's role. The council supported a second reading; CAO Jensen supported annual reporting to the council.
Item 5-9 · Appointment
Advice and consent: City Treasurer Mindy Finlinson, City Engineer Richard Benham, Communications Director Rachael Van Cleave, Economic Development Director Carlton Christensen and Police Chief Jeff Nigbur
Approved
Matters 26-369, 26-370, 26-372, 26-373 and 26-375 were adopted, confirming all five. No mover, seconder or tally is recorded.
Item 10 · General plan
Canyon Gate general plan amendment, Institutional to Medium Density Neighborhood, 7.2 acres (Ordinance 26-51)
Denied · 3-3
Jake Warner presented the request for a proposed 86-unit townhome development on the Canyons School District site near East 9085 South. Council members discussed a possible development agreement with the Boyer Company and no one spoke in the hearing. A motion to adopt the ordinance failed on a 3-3 vote, and Dustin Fratto explained the council's reconsideration process.
- Applicant: Boyer Company
- Acres: 7.2
- Units: 86 townhomes proposed
- Change: Institutional -> Medium Density Neighborhood
Item 11 · Zoning
Canyon Gate rezone, R-1-8 to PUD(12), 7.2 acres (REZ04222026-007195)
Continued
Jake Warner said the Planning Commission recommended approval and neighborhood meetings were supportive. Council Attorney Tracy Cowdell explained the development agreement process and Spencer Moffat of the Boyer Company supported working on one. The council voted by roll call to direct council staff, the city attorney's office and planning staff to draft a development agreement for council consideration; the breakdown is not recorded. No one spoke.
- Current zone -> proposed: R-1-8 -> PUD(12)
Item 12 · Other
Closed session
Approved
The council voted by roll call to convene a closed session at 8:50 p.m. and adjourn afterward; breakdown not recorded.
What residents said
E-bike safetyCrescent View purchaseOvercrowding and noise
Christine Leesburg raised concerns about overcrowding, noise complaints and e-bike safety and enforcement. Shelly Gillwall of Legacy Soccer supported the Crescent View purchase. Henry Butters raised concerns about government transparency.