Lehi City Council Work Session Summary - May 12, 2026

This work session of the Lehi City Council, held on May 12, 2026, covered three main discussion items: a development code amendment for temporary construction fencing, a resolution on public safety retirement contributions, and the proposed Spring Meadows subdivision density calculations. The council provided direction on each item and heard brief administrative and council reports.

Consent Calendar

• No consent calendar items were discussed; the meeting was a work session. However, the fencing amendment (item 2.1) is expected to be routed through the planning commission and then placed on the consent calendar for final approval.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were taken, as the meeting was a work session. At the end of the meeting, Gary Cooper, a resident, addressed the council to request a tour of his land near 12th East and the new well site. The mayor agreed to have Sherry arrange the tour.

Discussion Items

• Item 2.1: Development Code Amendment – Fencing Requirements for Temporary Construction

  • Mayor introduced the item, citing a past incident where a 14-year-old fell 42 feet through a soffit at an unsecured construction site. He stated that 98% of construction sites are already secure, but the amendment would formalize requirements.
  • Kim presented the draft: applies to commercial projects and multifamily residential greater than six units; requires a six-foot chain-link or no-climb fence with locked gates and warning signs; allows modifications by the building official. Violations would result in a stop-work order.
  • Council discussed scope: Councilmember Stallings suggested including large single-family developments (e.g., 30–50 homes) due to similar hazards. Kim noted cost concerns for large acreage but Councilmember Freeman proposed signage as an alternative for very large sites. The council generally supported the draft, with minor adjustments possible.
  • Decision: The amendment will be routed through the planning commission for a recommendation before returning to the council for approval.

• Item 2.2: Public Safety and Firefighter Contributions to Utah Retirement System

  • Allison presented a resolution to pick up the employee side of retirement contributions. The Tier Two rate increased from 4.73% to 5.98%, and the amount is included in the tentative budget. The recommendation is to cover the full amount to avoid employee out-of-pocket costs.
  • No questions or objections were raised. The resolution will be placed on the consent calendar for formal approval.

• Item 2.3: Proposed Spring Meadows Subdivision Density in Lieu

  • Brad presented the engineering department’s density calculations. The 33.17-acre parcel (R1-22 zoning, base density 1.75 units/acre = 58 lots) was adjusted for ESA land dedication (1 unit per 5 acres, yielding 3.7 lots, rounded to 62 total). The city’s required improvements (trail, road widening, right-of-way) totaled approximately $2.4 million, which was divided by the developer’s land cost ($287,000/acre) to yield 8.5 acres worth of density, or 14.9 lots. The city settled on 10 additional lots as a reasonable number.
  • Council questioned the wetland area (10.38 acres): Brad explained it would likely be used as mitigation for Pony Express Parkway, with potential trail integration by Utah County. Councilmember Lockhart raised concerns about long-term maintenance costs for the open space and wetlands. Councilmember Freeman noted the benefit of the trail and open space dedication.
  • Direction: The council expressed general support for the density as proposed, with the technical change to have 610 East rather than 530 East connect to the roadway. The developer is expected to present a formal plan at the May 26 meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Item 2.1: The fencing amendment will proceed to the planning commission for a recommendation, then return to the council.
• Item 2.2: The retirement contribution resolution will be placed on the consent calendar for approval.
• Item 2.3: The council provided direction to proceed with the Spring Meadows subdivision density of 10 additional lots, subject to minor road alignment changes. The developer will present a formal plan on May 26.
• Land Purchase Public Hearing: The council acknowledged a missed public hearing requirement for a significant parcel of real property disposal and will correct the oversight.
• Budget Update: City Administrator Jason noted ongoing budget work following the budget committee meeting, with a draft to be presented to the council soon.

Additional Reports

• Councilmember Newell reported on the Parks, Trails and Trees Committee meeting, noting upcoming events: Open Space and Trails Master Plan community engagement (May 28) and National Trails Day (June 6).
• Councilmember Lockhart highlighted the History Society’s Carter Airport event and the upcoming Lehi Tabernacle talk (May 16).
• Councilmember Stallings mentioned the Arts Council’s productions (Tuck Everlasting through May 16, Frozen in July).
• Mayor reported on the Hope of America presentation and his Jordan River Commission board duties, noting a need for official appointment.
• The council was invited to the Lehi Roundup rodeo parade (last full week of June) and to high school graduations (Skyridge and Lehi High) at BYU Marriott Center the following week.