Sandy council establishes Civic Engagement Award; inaugural honoree to be recognized next week

The Sandy City Council unanimously adopted a resolution Tuesday establishing the Sandy City Council Civic Engagement Award and authorized presenting an initial honoree at the upcoming Noel Bateman dinner.

Councilmember Zach Robinson, who helped lead the proposal, said the award formalizes a council role in recognizing residents’ civic contributions. “This is hopefully the last step to formalize this process for us as a council,” Robinson said, noting the council office and the Noel Bateman committee helped craft criteria and a selection process.

Under the resolution (No. 25-43C), the award will be an annual council-selected recognition presented alongside the city’s existing Noel Bateman dinner program. The resolution lays out a process for council members to nominate candidates and for the council to meet in a closed session to discuss and select a recipient. Council members said nominations will come from council members rather than through a public application process.

Mister Caddell, speaking for the Noel Bateman committee, voiced support and recalled the community service of the first recommended honoree. He described Don Gertie as a longtime volunteer who “volunteered at the elementary school... volunteered at the city... he was... a very cerebral person” and said committee members were enthusiastic about the council-led award.

Councilmember Marcy Hausman moved to adopt Resolution 25-43C; the motion passed 6–0. Council members said the council office will finalize presentation arrangements and that the first recognition of Don Gertie will take place next week at the Noel Bateman dinner.