Lehi City Council Pre-Meeting and Regular Session - March 24, 2026

The Lehi City Council held a pre-council meeting at 11:30 AM and a regular session at 7:00 PM on March 24, 2026. Key topics included the Park Tax Committee recommendations, budget amendment, Thanksgiving Point participation agreement, a feasibility study for an ice center, updates to the power standards manual, and mixed-use zoning requirements. The regular session featured public comments, approval of four ordinances, and further discussion on mixed-use zoning.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Eileen Miller (Utah Valley Home Builders Association) promoted the upcoming Parade of Homes (June 4–20) and cautioned against excessive rock mulch based on builder experiences with heat/cold radiation and maintenance issues.
• Glenn Rimkus and Susie Remkes (Willow Park Pond residents) opposed a proposed paved walkway around the pond, citing rural character, smooth existing gravel, and concerns about catfish destroying the fishery, litter, and vandalized rocks. They requested tree planting and phragmites removal instead.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved with items 1, 3, and 5 removed (later addressed individually). Items included routine approvals such as fleet surplus declarations.

Discussion Items

• Park Tax Committee Recommendations (Lindsay Gaiman, Chair): Reviewed 34 applications from 16 organizations. The committee recommended $541,004 in awards (from a $600,000 budget), leaving ~$59,000 unallocated. Full funding was recommended for 15 applications (e.g., Hutchings Museum storage, Lehigh Arts Council, Roundup Rodeo, Habata of Utah County, Grassroots Shakespeare Company, and others). Partial funding was recommended for 4 applications (Hutchings Museum support staff, Historical Society, Wrap the World with Quilts, Thanksgiving Point Grow Tech Gardens). No funding for 15 applications (e.g., FUTSOL, Utah Floorball Association, some Lehigh Arts Council items). The committee unanimously opposed using park funds for general fund allocations first, stating it was inconsistent with voter intent. Councilmembers expressed varied views on the definition of cultural organizations and use of reserve funds ($568,000 in fund balance). Direction was given to have each councilmember submit their own funding preferences for compilation and later discussion.
• Budget Amendment #4 (Dean – Finance): Three items: $70,000 COPS grant (police salaries), $630,000 for Oak Hollow well relining (from water reserves), and $300,000 for police overtime related to UVU shooting. Two additions were noted: $153,000 wildland fire reimbursement (with ~$50,000 set aside for future equipment) and $11,500 for police equipment subscription. The amendment will go to council on April 14 with a public hearing.
• Thanksgiving Point Participation Agreement (Ryan Thomas – Stack Real Estate): Presented a simplified agreement after council rejected a development agreement earlier. Key issues discussed: force majeure language (councilmember Stallings sought to narrow exceptions), affordable housing enforcement (to be defined), increased increment cap ($152.7M vs. original $122M projection), and ability to add land (requires HTRZ amendment through council). Councilmember Freeman expressed concerns about fiscal impact and requested more time; Councilmember Lockhart pushed for a vote in April. Council agreed to compile feedback for staff and work toward an April 14 vote.
• Feasibility Study for an Ice Center: Discussion centered on a proposed $33,000 study by Babcock Design. Councilmembers Harrison and Stallings opposed, citing concerns about bias (design firm not economists), low profitability of ice rinks, and existing city financial needs (parks, police, fleet). Councilmember Lockhart supported the study as a way to gather data and potentially diversify revenue. Mayor noted a majority (3-2) opposed moving forward, and the item was shelved indefinitely.
• Updates to Power Standards Manual (Brett Thomas – Power Department): Clarified customer responsibility for protecting electronic equipment, aligning with 2020/2023 National Electric Code surge protection requirements. No questions from council; item moved forward.
• Mixed-Use Zoning Requirements (Kim – Planning): Proposed requiring 10% commercial for projects over 2 acres; smaller projects (under 2 acres) could be residential if within 600 feet of existing commercial, under 6 units, or with phasing provisions. Councilmembers provided feedback: Councilmember Newell supported higher commercial requirements and individual ownership provisions; Councilmember Freeman opposed the proximity exception for smaller parcels; Councilmember Stallings expressed concerns about mixed-use as a high-density workaround and wanted final decisions at city council level; Councilmember Lockhart sought more emphasis on commercial. Staff was asked to refine the draft.

Key Outcomes

• Park Tax: Councilmembers will submit individual funding allocations; further discussion at next meeting.
• Budget Amendment #4: Added two items; final vote on April 14.
• Thanksgiving Point Agreement: Council feedback will be incorporated; target vote on April 14.
• Ice Center Feasibility Study: Rejected by majority; no further action.
• Power Standards Manual: No concerns; will proceed.
• Mixed-Use Zoning: Draft to be revised based on council feedback; future discussion.
• Ordinances Approved (unanimous):
  • Ordinance 10-2026: Flood damage prevention (FEMA compliance).
  • Ordinance 11-2026: Development code amendment removing maximum setback exception for parking modules.
  • Ordinance 12-2026: Vivian Estates Phase 5 zone change (TH5 to RA1) on 11.58 acres at ~2125 N 600 E.
  • Ordinance 13-2026: Development code amendment limiting rock mulch to 60% (with amendment clarifying transportation project exemptions).