2009-11 City Council Goals

Goals for 2009-11. Goals set February 2009 and updated (bold) in 2010. Status updated January 2011

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Improve the city's infrastructure to meet current standards and provide for managed future growth
Build the city's tax base by supporting and expanding the business community
Manage growth pressures through careful planning
Build on the city's superb quality of life
Other goals/projects

Improve the city's infrastructure to meet current standards and provide for managed future growth

This Year

• Extend SandyNet fiber to the west side commercial/industrial areas. Status: complete.
• Identify options for relocating the police station, possible in conjunction with a new fire station. Status: site acquired, construction underway.
• Explore westbound traffic access to the Community Center through easements from adjacent properties. Status: Owner of Plaid Pantry property contacted, but they are unwilling to cooperate. Considering other options.

Next Two Years

• Expand SandyNet Wi-Fi service citywide. Status: Wi-Fi mesh extended to most city neighborhoods.
• Secure grant funding to improve the entrances to downtown Sandy (the “Gateway” project), including sidewalk connections to Vista Loop. Status: "Transportation Enhancement" grant application and economic stimulus grant application both unsuccessful but another application is in process.
• Construct a stormwater retention facility in Meinig Park. Status: Bid documents being prepared.
• Improve street connectivity in the northwest area of Sandy (Bell, 362nd, Jewelberry, Kate Schmitz streets). Status: Jewelberry extension complete. High school project will extend Bell.

Long Range

• Extend SandyNet fiber east to the Vista Loop tower.
• Improve the east-west connection between Bluff Road and Ten Eyck Road using Pleasant Street. Status: Community Development Block Grant project completed in 2009.
• Eliminate the barrier to fish passage at the 362nd Drive culvert.
• Pursue options for alleviating Highway 26 traffic congestion, including a corridor plan for a bypass and safe pedestrian crossings in downtown Sandy.
• Support the location of a National Guard Armory in Sandy.

Build the city's tax base by supporting and expanding the business community

This Year

• Encourage development of a destination hotel/restaurant/conference center. Status: Current economy not conducive to destination hotel development.
• Explore the designation of enterprise zone(s). Status: Council approved creation of an enterprise zone in 2010.
• Explore adoption of a form-based zoning code to encourage businesses to expand or locate in Sandy.
• Continue to support all aspects of the Main Street program.
• Consider options for improved downtown parking, including public/private investment in a parking structure, and improved signage.

Next Two Years

• Encourage the development of urgent care and other medical facilities.
• Pursue options for an expanded Visitor Information Center in Sandy.

Manage growth pressures through careful planning

This Year

• Implement a tree-planting program. Status: 350 trees planted in 2009!
• Bring the Sandy River Park into the city limits.

Next Two Years

• Consider expansion of the Urban Growth Boundary.
• Identify locations for an expanded Sandy Post Office.

Build on the city's superb quality of life

This Year

• Expand the use of the amphitheater, downtown plaza and other public facilities for events. Status: plaza used for Farmers' Market; downtown holiday events. Amphitheater used for a Shakespeare play as well as concerts.

Next Two Years

• Complete the master plan for the Sandy River Park and begin improvements. Status: Consultant contract awarded by City Council; work is well underway.
• Seek funding for the connection between the Sandy bike/pedestrian trail system and the Springwater Trail. Status: Project submitted for 2010 federal appropriations process, but few "earmarks" were funded.
• Explore the creation of community gardens in more neighborhoods.
• Expand and improve the Sandy Library. Status: in final design, with construction to begin soon.
• Support agreements with adjacent communities for expansion of the Sandy Transit system.
• Designate a dog park in Sandy.

Long Range

• Explore development of a larger Community Center.

Other goals/projects

This Year

• Begin planning for the celebration of Sandy's centennial in 2011. Status: underway!
• Pursue a pilot project for alternative (sustainable) fuels for Sandy Transit buses, with the long-range goal to convert the fleet.
• Explore ways to encourage the city's growing Spanish-speaking population to participate in city government and community activities. Status: community leadership forum held on 2/20/10. Follow-up included Fiesta En La Plaza in September 2010 .
• Update the city's emergency and hazard mitigation plans. Status: Done.
• Pursue, in cooperation with other agencies, creation of a local radio station that could provide public information during an emergency. Status: Done.