Lehi City Council Regular Session and Pre-Council Meeting - September 9, 2025

The Lehi City Council met in Pre-Council at 5:30 PM and Regular Session at 7:00 PM on September 9, 2025, at the Lehi City Council Chambers. The pre-council included a presentation on the Lehi East-West Transportation Study, while the regular session featured a Constitution Week proclamation, citizen input from local high school students, and action on a consent agenda, multiple ordinances, resolutions, and a grading permit. Key themes included traffic congestion, infrastructure planning, property rights, and state-mandated code changes.

Consent Calendar

• Item 4.1: Purchase orders were approved unanimously by voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Rachel Anderson (resident): Asked about infrastructure lagging behind growth and what the city is doing to lessen the traffic gap. The mayor explained that impact fees fund roads after growth occurs and noted a federal transportation study is pending.
• Lily Leighton: Suggested that pedestrian flashers are more effective than flaggers at crosswalks.
• Emiliano Botaro: Raised concern about main traffic spilling into residential areas and asked for future projects to redirect traffic away from neighborhoods.
• Isabella Black: Questioned the prolonged road work on 2300 West (near Willow Creek) with cones but no workers. Staff explained that shoulder work continues and safety requires keeping lanes closed, with completion expected by end of September.
• Mike Dixon: Asked what the city’s second biggest concern is after traffic; the mayor cited growth management.
• Corgan Reeves: Asked for safety improvements at 1200 West near Fox Hollow Elementary after his brother was hit by a car. Staff committed to having the traffic engineer study the area.
• Claire Jensen: Asked about delays on North Dry Creek Way construction; staff cited gas line, water pipe, and structural work, with paving targeted for October weather permitting.
• Carter Johnson: Asked about actions to improve air quality; the mayor cited the Environmental Sustainability Committee and the city’s aggressive involvement in clean air organizations.

Presentation: Lehi East-West Transportation Study

• Josh Gibbons of Hales Engineering presented the study, which looks at current and projected traffic demands through 2050 and full build-out. Key data points: combined population of Lehi, Saratoga Springs, Eagle Mountain, and American Fork is currently at about one-third of full build-out; MAG projections to 2050 reach about two-thirds. At full build-out, east-west demand through Lehi is estimated at 183,000 cars per day. Currently programmed roads (Main Street, Pioneer Crossing, Pony Express) can only handle about 82,000 cars per day, leaving 101,000 cars of unmet demand that would spill onto local roads. The presentation compared three freeway scenarios:
  • Scenario 1: Freeway along Pioneer Crossing – carries ~115,000 cars/day
  • Scenario 2: Freeway along Pony Express Parkway – carries ~116,000 cars/day
  • Scenario 3: North Lakeshore Freeway – carries ~91,000 cars/day (best overall network capacity, also allowing Pony Express to handle ~30,000 local trips)
• Councilmembers discussed the need for multiple corridors, the impact of I-15 closures, and the importance of planning now to preserve right-of-way. The mayor emphasized the risk if a bridge across Utah Lake cannot be built. The study results will inform future federal funding requests.

Discussion Items & Key Outcomes

• Item 2.1 - Constitution Week Proclamation: Read by Mayor Johnson and presented by Katie Madsen (DAR). Proclaimed September 17–23 as Constitution Week.
• Item 5 - Resolution 2025-65 (Strata Networks Agreement): Approved unanimously (5-0). Clarifies an existing practice in the agreement.
• Item 6 - Ordinance 57-2025 (Bridge Safety): Tabled by motion (5-0) for further review after council discussion about whether to prohibit jumping/obstruction or to use a sign-based approach. Staff will redraft to address obstruction concerns.
• Item 7 - Resolution 2025-66 (Real Estate Exchange with S&P Lewis Properties): Approved unanimously (5-0). Allows widening of sports fields at Mellor Rhodes Park and better parking access.
• Item 8 - Ordinance 49-2025 (Setback Reduction for Remodels/Additions in RA-1 and R-1-15): Approved with amendment (5-0). The motion, made by Councilmember Newell and seconded by Councilmember Paul, included: approval of the setback reduction for RA-1, R-1-15, and also R-1-22 (added by amendment); elimination of the two-year waiting period for reduced setbacks in all zones where such reductions are allowed; requirement that the addition occur after a certificate of occupancy is issued to the owner (preventing developers from taking advantage). The DRC comments were included.
• Item 9 - Ordinance 50-2025 (Renewable Energy System Regulations): Approved with amendment (5-0). Motion by Councilmember Michelle to remove conditional use references, except retain a noise study requirement for larger facilities (section 19.04, 10+ acres). DRC comments included.
• Item 10 - Ordinance 48-2025 (Tandem Parking): Approved unanimously (5-0). State-mandated change; council expressed frustration but complied. DRC comments included.
• Item 11 - Vivian Estates Phase 3 Extension: Approved unanimously (5-0). Extends plat approval that expired April 11, 2025, for one year due to construction delays on 600 East. DRC comments included.
• Item 12 - Resolution 2025-64 (Grants Corner Development Agreement Amendment): Approved amended (5-0). Allows automotive accessory installation and accessory services (e.g., window tinting, audio systems) – not general automobile repair. The approved motion (by Councilmember Chris) included language from the Planning Commission specifying allowable services. DRC comments included.
• Item 13 - Ordinance 56-2025 (Maverik Zone Change): Approved unanimously (5-0). Changes 0.72 acres at 520 West Main Street from Mixed Use to Commercial to allow a credit union (not a fueling station). Planning commission and DRC comments included.
• Item 14 - Auburn Springs Grading Permit: Approved (5-0). Allows grading on approximately 34 acres at 400 South 2500 West by Edge Homes. The applicant explained plans to import fill material, access via Jordan Willows neighborhood (Riverway) temporarily, and eventually use a stub road to the east once that property is acquired. Councilmember Newell, a resident of the adjacent neighborhood, expressed concern about truck traffic on narrow roads, but the permit was approved with DRC comments. The applicant agreed to seek the eastern access as soon as possible.

Administrative Report

• City staff reported a successful bond ratings trip; strong ratings expected within two weeks.
• Upcoming events: Constitution Week (Sept 17–23), Lehi Day of Service on Saturday, and Heritage Day photo request.