Lehi City Council Meeting - April 28, 2026

The Lehi City Council met on April 28, 2026, at 7:15 PM to discuss multiple agenda items including a request for funding to improve Dragonfly Disc Golf Course, an update on the Active Transportation Plan, public hearings on annexations, and the creation of a Small Business Advisory Council. The meeting lasted approximately two hours, concluding around 9:20 PM.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved with a motion to remove Item 4 (park tax allocations) for separate discussion. The minutes were amended to clarify a comment about "burning and flooding of the ditch."

Public Comments & Testimony

• Taylor Braithwaite expressed support for trails and e-bike usage, and also voiced support for a potential property tax increase, noting that a median home in Lehigh would see a tax of $419 per year under the proposal—well below inflation-adjusted levels from 2002.
• Richard Hawley requested that speakers use microphones more effectively for audibility.
• Michelle Kaufusi, former Provo mayor and candidate for county commissioner, introduced herself and thanked the council for their work.
• Brian Wyatt, a descendant of Lehigh founder Samuel Mulliner, urged the council to preserve historical landmarks, particularly the mill pond near the sugar factory.
• Bart Christofferson criticized bike lane spending, stating that funding should prioritize road maintenance over bike infrastructure and called for "share the taxes" equity.

Discussion Items

Dragonfly Disc Golf Course Improvements

• Scott (disc golf advocate) presented a request for capital improvements at Dragonfly Park, including shade trees, pathways, boardwalks, restrooms, ADA access, and teepads. He noted the park currently has a 4.2 rating (up from 3.9) and will host the United States Women’s Disc Golf Championship in July 2026, with over 400 competitors from 45 states and 16 international registrations. Economic impact is estimated at $4.5 million in business sales, supporting nearly 800 jobs and over 2,000 overnight attendees (3,600 room nights). He argued that the city's master plan already lists site improvements for Dragonfly and that 80% of residents support funding parking improvements. He asked the city to fund Dragonfly like any other park.
• Steve (Parks Department) stated that volunteer work has created maintenance burdens. He estimated initial improvements at $800,000–$900,000, with ongoing costs for seasonal staff (1–2 employees) and 50–60 hours of tree maintenance per year. He noted that grants could offset costs but the current grant cycle closed in March.
• Scott responded that minimal requests include benches and two teepads (costing about $2,500, funded by the nonprofit).
• Brad (Engineering) noted that the planned extension of Pony Express Parkway will cross the southern edge of Dragonfly Park, potentially impacting the course.
• Council members expressed support for the project but raised concerns about ongoing maintenance and coordination with the roadway project.

Active Transportation Plan Update

• Mike West presented the draft Active Transportation Plan, which includes eight goals for the next 5–10 years, such as updating development codes, adding 20% of missing sidewalks, lighting 16 miles of shared-use paths, creating 11 miles of paved trails and 12 miles of on-street bike facilities, completing murals at undercrossings, and connecting recreational network gaps. Goals are based on public outreach emphasizing safety and connectivity.
• Council members discussed the 700 South bike lane design, with Councilmember Lockhart proposing removal of flex posts as a trial. Councilmember Stallings expressed safety concerns. Brad (Engineering) noted that similar flex posts on Main Street have not been hit in three years, providing behavioral protection.
• Councilmember Freeman asked about the importance of murals; Mike West explained they deter graffiti and encourage trail use.
• Council members expressed interest in prioritizing goals 4, 5, and 8 (connectivity, trail expansion, and gap closure). Mike West invited the council to join a bike ride to experience different facility types.

Annexations

• Cedar Hollow Holdings (400 South Center Street): The council held a public hearing (no public comment). The developer presented a concept plan including a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which would purchase part of the land, reducing density. The annexation with R1-Flex zoning on 15.31 acres was approved unanimously (resolution 2026-32 and ordinance 22-2026).
• Sleigh Holdings (2300 West 300 South): The council held a public hearing (no public comment). The annexation of 4 acres with R1-Flex zoning was approved unanimously (resolution 2026-33 and ordinance 23-2026).

Small Business Advisory Council (Ordinance 21-2026)

• The council discussed and amended the ordinance creating the Lehigh City Small Business Advisory Council and its guiding principles. Key amendments included: gender-neutral language, striking language requiring the city council to respond within 90 days, removing the "past chair" reference, changing the review cycle to at least every three years, clarifying the council liaison role, and striking a clause about the chair being liaison. The ordinance was approved unanimously with all edits incorporated.

CDBG Annual Action Plan

• A public hearing was held (no public comment). Staff reported an additional $9,685 in final allocation, bringing the total for Lehigh City Engineering to $302,424. The final resolution will be presented in May.

Key Outcomes

• Dragonfly Disc Golf Course: No formal vote; discussion only. The council acknowledged the request and will consider funding as part of budget discussions.
• Active Transportation Plan: No formal vote; council provided feedback. Staff will incorporate comments and present a final plan at a future meeting.
• Annexations: Both annexations (Cedar Hollow and Sleigh Holdings) were approved unanimously via resolutions and ordinances.
• Small Business Advisory Council: Ordinance 21-2026 approved unanimously with amendments. Staff will publicize applications with a target first meeting in September 2026.
• Park Tax Allocations (Resolution 2026-31): Approved 5-1. Councilmember Lockhart voted no, citing violation of the 50% operating budget policy and lack of performance benchmarks for Hutchings Museum. Other council members noted the museum's broad community impact and that similar exceptions had been made in the past.