Sandy City: Latest News

Sandy's Sister City Receives Humanitarian Aid Through Volunteers and Local Organizations

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:41:00 -0700

In 2002, Sandy City signed a Sister Cities agreement with Piedras Negras,
Mexico. This agreement formalized a relationship which had been in place between Sandy residents and those in Piedras Negras since the early 90's. Since the formal Sister Cities relationship began, Sandy citizens have volunteered their time and resources in a variety of ways to help the people of Piedras Negras and forge a stronger humanitarian relationship between the cities.

Since 2002, Piedras Negras has experienced several tragedies. In 2004, a deadly flash flood devastated the city when heavy rains filled the Escondido River and washed away 300 homes, taking the lives of 36 people. In 2007, a deadly tornado hit the area, destroying property and killing three people. Most recently in 2010, Hurricane Alex hit the city. As the mayor of Piedras Negras and other officials were inspecting the hurricane damage from the air, the plane they were in crashed, killing all seven passengers on board.

After each tragedy, humanitarian aid was collected and sent by local organizations and volunteers to help the victims and assist the poor in Piedras Negras. Continuing this tradition of Sandy residents helping those in Piedras Negras, the Sandy Ridge Community Church will be hosting fundraisers for the community of Piedras Negras this coming March.If you are interested in getting involved, contact Pastor Travis Mitchell at Sandy Ridge Community Church by calling at 801-572-0044 or by email.

Questions about Fluoride Use for Infants

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:11:00 -0700

For many years, studies have shown that the use of fluoridation in drinking water decreases the possibility of tooth decay. In 2000, Sandy residents passed the countywide resolution which required all water services to add fluoride to their systems. Sandy City Public Utilities is in charge of the water for Sandy residents and would like to share some recent information from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) regarding the use of tap water for infant formula.

The CDC recommends using low fluoride bottled water some of the time, if using powder formula. High levels of fluoride in formula for infants may result in mild dental fluorosis. Fluorosis refers to the changes in the appearance of tooth enamel from exposure to high levels of fluoride while the teeth are forming, usually during the first eight years of life. For more information regarding fluoridated water and infant formula, please visit the http://www.cdc.gov/fluoridation/safety/infant_CDC's website.

Sandy City Ranked 62nd Safest City for 2011

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:15:00 -0700

In December 2011, CQ Press released its annual list of safest cities in the United States. Sandy was ranked 62nd nationwide out of 400 cities that have a population of more than 75,000 residents. The statistics used for this ranking were derived from FBI crime statistics using a point system from categories of crimes such as murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary and motor vehicle theft. Sandy City, according to the list, was the second safest city in Utah and the safest in the Salt Lake Valley.

The Sandy Police Department is grateful for the help of the citizens for their hard work in making the city a great place to live and work. Citizen involvement in programs such as: Volunteers in Policing, Neighborhood Watch and Business Watch have been instrumental in Sandy's success. It is truly a team effort.

Residential burglaries continue to be a high crime statistic in the city. Through the past year, there has been a trend of thefts from unattended open garages and vehicles. Criminals look for easy opportunities to steal items and target open garages or unlocked cars with valuables that are visible. The Sandy Police Department would like to urge residents to take extra precaution in securing their home and property as well as their neighborhoods. If you see suspicious activities, please contact the Sandy Police Department at 801-840-4000.

Help Us Choose Our Summer Line Up

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:30:00 -0700

It is that time of year again! We are so excited to be lining up the summer fun for our "Movies in the Park" series.

Please help us by choosing the movies you want to see by taking our survey!

Thank you for your time. We hope to see you this summer!

Reminders about Yielding to an Emergency Vehicle

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:52:00 -0700

Emergency responders want to get to the scene of an accident as quickly as possible. Being prepared as a driver to know what to do in the event you meet an emergency vehicle will help keep the roads and intersections as clear as possible so responders arrive as quickly as they can.

� Yield the right of way to a vehicle with lights flashing
� Drive to the far right edge of the roadway
� Clear the intersection
� Stop

When you see an emergency vehicle approaching, pull to the right side of the roadway if possible. If you can't pull to the right, then drivers are asked to leave room for the emergency vehicle to get by. If you are already stopped, drivers need to stay stationary. Once the emergency vehicle has passed, be sure to re-enter the travel lane with caution. Always keep the intersection clear because emergency vehicles may be turning in any direction. Finally, if you come to an intersection blocked by emergency vehicles, slow down! Watch for directions given by police personnel on the scene and proceed as directed.

Often, drivers who don't adhere to these basic laws are unaware of the effect their actions have on the peace and safety of those around them. Educate yourself and follow the proper procedures when you see an emergency vehicle.

Plan for Sandy City Corridor to Encompass 30-Year Vision

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:02:00 -0700

Since the 1980s, the Civic Center corridor of Sandy City has been the key component of a long-term vision to create a strong, vibrant commercial tax base. Implementation and improvements to this vision are still taking place decades later. In 2009, Mayor Dolan invited a group of business owners, civic leaders, property owners and economic development professionals to discuss the future of the civic corridor in the city. The focus group produced a report that, in summary, called for improvements to transportation and access, and a diversification of the land uses in the area including more residential. Sandy City has hired a firm to help utilize the findings of the group as well as create a 30 to 50-year strategy on implementation based on the recommendations created by the focus group.

Creating a Destination
Over the past two years, the city has been partnering with DDRM Great Place to generate a long-term plan based on the report generated by the focus group. The plan will help Sandy create a destination platform that will allow the civic corridor to develop to its full potential. From a marketing standpoint, the city has a unique advantage to re-design, develop and market the corridor as an international destination due to the close proximity to four major ski resorts.

30 Year Vision
DDRM, along with additional consultants and city staff, have worked together to complete the initial phase of the project through a conceptual plan, vision book and associated development code that provides for and plans the future of the area. The vision book is being created primarily as a marketing tool for the overall project area. The concepts that are being created are considered "outside the box" of traditional city planning. However, each of the concepts has been tested in other markets and has proven to be successful. The implementation of the plan includes strategic phasing, dedicated project funding, costs and the development of codes to guide form and style. The plan also addresses branding and marketing of the area and identifies a specific targeted tenant mix of businesses. Many of the projects being discussed in the conceptual plan will include a variety of quality mixed land uses such as high-rise residential, office, commercial, hotels and entertainment.

New Development and Amenities
The city is evaluating a "form based code" for the area, where proposed developments will be regulated by building type and style, which is different from traditional zoning. New public spaces such as plazas and courtyards along with the addition of parks, open space and trails will also be included to enhance the quality of life aspect along the corridor. Amenities in the residential components could include the display of public art or an art walk in open spaces. Enhancements to existing infrastructure and developments will also be part of the overall plan. Along with new residential and commercial land uses, a
higher-end mix of retail opportunities would be added that would appeal to local residents, businesses and visitors. The atmosphere along the corridor would be inviting for outdoor festivals and live entertainment, creating a nightlife component similar to developments found in other destination markets.

Transportation and Accessibility
As key components of the plan are being researched, the most important key is transportation. The plan calls for significant changes and additions to the current transportation system. These enhancements include a transit system, re-alignment and extension of Monroe Street, improvements to the I-15 corridor and construction of new roads to provide greater access to the area. Transportation into and out of the Civic Center corridor will be designed to reduce congestion, increasetransit ridership and provide seamless
access for all modes of transportation.

Public Participation
The city and DDRM are presenting these concepts and findings to property owners, civic groups, investors and residents for their feedback. The public is invited to attend open houses that will take place in March and April (see agenda below). Additionally, the master plan and development code changes are beginning the public review process with the city planning commission.We invite all to participate and share their perspectives on the plan.

Results from Communications Survey Now Available

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 13:53:00 -0700

Through August and September, Sandy City conducted a survey of residents dealing specifically with the topic of communications. The survey was offered in a variety of formats for residents to respond to that included phone, email and mail. More than 600 residents participated in the survey that included 28 questions. The city wanted to gather information about how news from the city is currently received and wanted input from residents on their preferred methods of communication to create a communications plan for the coming years.

Highlights from the survey include information about:

Newsletter
77% of respondents included the newsletter as one of their top three preferred ways to receive information from the city - the most of any communication method.

Other Communication Methods
After the newsletter, residents listed their top three preferred ways to receive information from the city: direct mail (75%), information in the utility bill (48%), and through the website (47%).

Website
59% of those surveyed have visited the Sandy City website.
32% of those visiting the website were looking for recreation/park information.
Likewise, 32% were looking for utility billing information. 28% of visitors to the website were looking for community events and/or amphitheater information.

Mobile Devices
54% of respondents stated that they have some type of mobile ready device.
Of those, 22% responded that they would prefer to receive information from the city through their mobile device.

Social Media
12% of respondents have a Twitter account. 32% of those who have a Twitter
account are interested in following the city via Twitter. 62% of respondents
stated they have a Facebook account, and of those, 50% said they would be interested in becoming a fan of a Sandy City Facebook page.

The city has been researching making information more accessible on mobile devices for residents. Important information regarding the effectiveness of making this available was obtained through the communications survey to
understand how to proceed.

For a complete copy of the survey questions and results, click here.

If you have additional information, or were not able to participate in the survey and have information to share, please contact Trina Duerksen, communications manager at 801-568-6072 or by email.

Thank you to the residents who participated in the survey. It is our hope to continue to improve our communication with you.

We are Your Holiday Headquarters

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 12:36:00 -0700

We are having an "After Christmas" Sale

Blow out sale for some great golf equipment including:
� Clubs from Titleist, Callaway, Taylormade, Mizuno, Nike and More
� All drivers, fairway woods, and hybrids starting at $79
� Winter outerwear at or below wholesale pricing
� All golf shoes at clearance prices
� Sun Mountain speed carts on special warehouse pricing
� Wedges in all lofts on sale now for $100 (Reg. $129)
We also offer custom club fitting on all golf equipment.

North Driving Range is Heated!

We also have some great specials on our North Driving Range. We are offering all the balls you can hit for an hour in a heated bay for just $20. We are still offering winter golf lessons and gift certificates.

Now is a great time to purchase a yearly range pass. We have passes available for individuals as well as a family range pass for the best prices in the valley! Call 801-568-4653 for more information or to book your tee time.

Information Please...

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 09:01:00 -0700

Sandy offers a variety of different methods for residents to receive information. Please visit these other sources to see what's happening in Sandy.

Email
We offer information through email that includes city council agendas, emergency preparedness messages in the event of a disaster and the Sandy Newsletter. To sign up for emails, please visit our email notification page and select the information you are most interested in receiving.

Twitter
If you are a Twitter fan, be sure to follow us on Twitter @cityofsandy for a list of events, emergency information, and other important updates such as construction or weather. The city also shares important information for visitors
@UltBaseCamp.

Website
Sandy offers two websites. The first is a website for residents, www.sandy.utah.gov that contains important information for residents and businesses. The second website is www.ultimatebasecamp.com catering to visitors by showcasing how Sandy is truly the Ultimate Base Camp no matter the season.

If you have a preferred method of receiving information from the city, please contact Trina Duerksen by email or by phone at 801-568-6072.

Sandy Youth City Council Spends Time Serving Community

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 15:08:00 -0700

Serving the community and helping those less fortunate is a goal of the Sandy Youth City Council. They brought that goal to life on Dec. 20 when they volunteered their time and labor to help feed the homeless at the Rescue Mission of Salt Lake, located at 463 South 400 West.

After attending part of a worship service that is required of the homeless before they are served dinner, the council were led to the kitchen where they cut potatoes, opened cans of vegetables, cut meat from turkeys that had just been cooked, wiped off tables and chairs, swept the floor, served the food to the homeless, and washed dishes. They council worked hard and loved every minute of it because giving service to others is one of their favorites things to do as a youth council.

If you are interested in learning more about the Sandy Youth City Council, please visit them online or contact Marsha Millet at 801-568-7114.