American Fork council denies two annexations, vet clinics and bigger church lawns

Two annexation petitions were denied by the American Fork City Council on Oct. 27, one over a missed state notice step and one over river, road and infrastructure concerns, the meeting video shows. ^[1][2]

The American Heritage Plat B petition, about 0.91 acres near 1200 East 700 North, was denied because the city had not received the certificate of mailing that state law requires for notices to affected property owners. Staff said the petition could return once the procedural requirements are met. ^[1][2]

The Christensen-Harbor Road Plat A petition, about 9.6 acres near 800 South 100 West, was denied after staff cited a river crossing, road connections and the order in which infrastructure and growth are added. The motion cited the city's annexation code and the Oct. 13 staff report. Minutes had not been posted as of Nov. 4. ^[1][2]

The council unanimously rejected a code change that would have allowed veterinary clinics in the SC-1 shopping-center zone. Staff had recommended against it, saying those zones are meant for retail that generates sales tax and that other zones already allow veterinary clinics. ^[1][2]

It also kept the 20% limit on lawn area for institutional uses such as churches and schools, rejecting a proposal to raise it to 33%. One resident told the council the change would add more than 150,000 gallons of water use a year at a single chapel and asked for a delay. ^[1][2]

Also at the meeting

Approved 5-0 was a first amendment to the interlocal agreement with Utah County that adds $790,390 in funding for the 200 South and 300 West intersection project. The video describes it as Mountainland Association of Governments money passed through the county, tied to costs that rose after the city bought and demolished a house. ^[1][2]

Also approved, 5-0, were an ordinance moving the Policies and Procedures Manual out of city code so routine updates can be made administratively, and manual updates that pay maximum-range employee bonuses in quarterly installments. Votes on a site-plan ordinance cleanup, a surplus-property resolution and a Storrs Avenue sidewalk reimbursement agreement with Rockport Industrial also passed. ^[1][2]

A resolution revising the pressurized irrigation shareholders discount agreement was pulled before discussion and is to go to a work session, the video shows. Two residents had spoken against the draft during public comment. The council then voted 5-0 to enter a closed session on pending or reasonably imminent litigation. ^[1][2]