Sandy City Council votes Tuesday, Sept. 29, on an agreement with Salt Lake County that finalizes the Nov. 3 special bond election for the former Crescent View Middle School site.

The agreement, Resolution 26-88C, would authorize Mayor Monica Zoltanski to execute a deal under which Salt Lake County administers the election and Sandy pays its share of the cost. That share is estimated at $14,448, according to the council's meeting agenda. City Recorder Wendy Downs is presenting the item.

The vote is a procedural step, but it carries weight. Without it, the $30 million general obligation bond question cannot appear on the ballot.

The council voted 6-1 on Aug. 11 to place the bond before voters.

Only Council Member Kris Nicholl voted no. The bond would finance the purchase and renovation of the 17-acre former middle school site at 11150 Vista Way, owned by Canyons School District. The purchase price is $17 million; the remaining bond funds would cover capital improvements.

As first reported by Building Salt Lake, the Aug. 11 vote came only after two failed motions. Council Member Aaron Dekeyzer said at that meeting that he preferred the $21 million option, calling it more fiscally responsible. The council ultimately reconsidered and approved the $30 million figure.

For the average Sandy homeowner, the bond would cost about $58 per year over 20 years. "This is Sandy's decision," Mayor Zoltanski wrote in her Aug. 20 Z News newsletter, adding that the bond covers capital costs only, not ongoing maintenance.

Building-height code change faces opposition

The council also takes up a proposed amendment to the Land Development Code that would change how building height is measured on steep lots.

Applicant Jeff Knighton, representing property owner Dave Hunt, wants to allow homes on lots with slopes of 30% or greater to be measured from natural grade instead of finished grade. The current citywide residential height limit is 35 feet.

The request stems from a specific property at 3351 E. 9980 S. A home there was built taller than its approved plans. Sandy and the property owner signed a temporary occupancy agreement on Feb. 6 requiring Hunt to either secure a code amendment or renovate the home to meet code by Dec. 31.

Both city staff and the Planning Commission recommend denial. The Planning Commission gave a negative recommendation on June 4, finding the proposal does not comply with the Land Development Code's purpose of promoting public health, safety and welfare. Zoning Administrator Melissa Anderson is presenting the item.

The council first heard the proposal as an informational item on July 7.

Other agenda items

Council Member Christensen is scheduled to interview Jan Wangsgard for a seat on the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Committee. The committee has four vacancies. A formal appointment resolution would come at a future meeting.

Sandy voters will decide the Crescent View bond question on Nov. 3. If the council denies the building-height amendment, Hunt must renovate the home at 3351 E. 9980 S. to meet city code by Dec. 31.