Lehi City Council Work Session – August 5, 2025

The Lehi City Council held a regular work session on August 5, 2025, at 4:00 PM in the City Council Chambers. The agenda included a consent agenda, a presentation of the draft Parks and Recreation Master Plan, a review of proposed amendments to the noise control ordinance, and an administrative report on federal transportation funding. All council members were present.

Consent Calendar

• Item 2.1: Approved a purchase order for the PI Metering Project. The project involves installing approximately 14,000 meters; 8,300 have been installed, leaving fewer than 6,000 to go.
• Item 2.2: Approved Resolution #2025-56 authorizing the automatic renewal of the Utah Valley Home Consortium Agreement, adding language requested by the federal agency.
• The consent agenda was approved unanimously (all five council members voting yes).

Discussion Items

Parks and Recreation Master Plan Preliminary Draft

• Presentation: Anna Layborn and Jennifer of Design Workshop presented the draft plan, developed over the past 1.5 years. The plan is based on extensive community engagement: over 7,200 website visits, 2,800 in-person participants, and more than 2,200 survey responses. The plan’s vision: “Enriching Lehigh with vibrant spaces and services that reflect our community and prepare for future generations.”
• Key Findings: Lehigh manages over 1,670 acres of parkland (52 developed parks, 1,000+ acres of natural areas). The current level of service is 4.1 acres per 1,000 residents. The Legacy Center is at capacity, with waitlists and limited program space. The population (87,000) is expected to reach 100,000 by 2028. The plan identifies needs for a second indoor recreation facility, expanded aquatic amenities, and improved trail connectivity. 79% of survey respondents expressed willingness to support future funding for parks and recreation improvements.
• Five Themes: Engaging Outdoor Experiences, Diverse Play and Programming, Community Identity, Matching Resources to Growth, and Nurturing Nature. The plan includes 24 goals, 82 prioritized action items, and a vision map showing priority areas for future park investments (e.g., Northeast Lehigh, East Central Corridor, west of the Jordan River).
• Council Discussion: Council members asked about use of previous polling data, the role of HOA facilities, potential partnerships with neighboring cities and school districts, funding mechanisms (bonds, impact fees, user fees), and the need for a feasibility study for the Legacy Center. Councilmember Michelle expressed support for focusing on nature-based programming and urged caution against expanding scope too quickly. Councilmember Heather highlighted the importance of updating facilities and exploring a 70/30 split in park tax funding. Councilmember Chris inquired about organizational recommendations and staffing needs. The council agreed the plan should guide future budgets and CIP decisions.

Review of Proposed Amendments to Lehigh Municipal Code Chapter 3 – Noise Control

• Presentation: Staff presented proposed amendments to the noise ordinance, focusing on “low-hanging fruit” changes: updating zoning references (from “industrial” to “light industrial”), clarifying that noise measurements are taken from the property receiving the noise (most restrictive zone), and adding exemptions for typical roadway traffic noise (excluding defective mufflers) and for athletic events with permits.
• Council Discussion: Council members discussed enforcement challenges, the need for decibel measuring devices, and the potential for retroactive application. Bo presented options for noise monitoring equipment: renting high-end solar-powered devices for $2,000/month, purchasing them for $20,700 (plus annual subscriptions), or using simpler 24-hour recording devices for about $1,000 each. Council directed staff to explore acquiring less expensive devices first and to report back. The council also discussed code enforcement processes, noting that there are currently 37 active code enforcement cases and a need for a dedicated civilian code enforcement officer. Staff agreed to schedule a meeting to streamline the process.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved as presented.
• Parks Master Plan: The draft plan was received and discussed. It will serve as a guiding document for future capital improvements and budgeting. No vote was taken; the plan will be used to inform staff recommendations and council decisions.
• Noise Ordinance Amendments: Staff will prepare the proposed amendments for formal adoption at a future council meeting. Staff will also demo noise measurement devices and bring back a recommendation for acquisition.
• Code Enforcement: A meeting will be convened to improve the code enforcement process, potentially including a dedicated civilian position. Funding for such a position (previously discussed at $150,000 from ice skating rink funds) remains available.
• Transportation Study: The council was informed that a $2.5 million federal grant (partial funding of a $4 million request) has been awarded for a transportation study along the north shore of Utah Lake, which will evaluate alignment options for a potential lake crossing. The council expressed support for continued lobbying efforts.
• Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at approximately [time not specified in transcript].