City Council Meeting - January 23, 2024

Meeting Summary

The January 23, 2024 City Council meeting opened with a substantial work session covering two major regional infrastructure matters. Timpanogos Special Service District (TSSD) staff presented an update on the Westside Interceptor project, a large-scale sewer infrastructure project installing a 66-inch main line from Saratoga Road to Lehi Center Street to handle growing wastewater capacity demands from west Lehi and Saratoga Springs. The TSSD Executive Director then presented the district's long-range master plan, which outlines approximately $522 million in Phase 1 capital improvements — with over $86 million in grants already secured or in pursuit — including a water reclamation facility, biosolids processing improvements, and potential expansion of engineered wetlands along Utah Lake. The Council also discussed updates to the PARC (Parks, Arts, Recreation and Culture) tax grant program, identifying potential policy refinements around volunteer hour valuations and matching fund requirements. During the regular session, the South Freeway Corridor Study dominated discussion. Hales Engineering presented three alternatives for improving east-west connectivity in southern Lehi: expanding Pioneer Crossing, developing Pony Express Parkway (1900 South), or constructing a new north lakeshore freeway. Mayor Johnson expressed strong reservations about widening Pioneer Crossing to freeway scale, citing disruption to residents and commercial properties, and voiced a preference for a single freeway alignment supported by multiple arterial roads. Several residents addressed the Council during public comment to urge prioritization of sidewalk construction, particularly along 400 East and 400 North, noting that children walk to school along those roads without sidewalks. The Council approved several routine items unanimously, including a plat amendment for Alpine School District's West Lehi Elementary property creating five lots for a student-built homes program (with recommendations to address parking, fencing, and a potentially uncapped well); a plat amendment allowing Gardner Company to divide a lot near 1940 North 3600 West to accommodate a future extended-stay hotel; and Ordinance #04-2024, a development code amendment updating Lehi's subdivision review process to comply with new state law requirements. The next major decision point for the South Freeway Corridor alignment is expected to involve public engagement and further Council deliberation.