American Fork formally opposes Utah Lake Authority bill
February 8, 2022, 7:00 p.m. · American Fork City Hall, 31 N. Church St.
The American Fork City Council unanimously adopted a resolution opposing H.B. 232, which would create a Utah Lake Authority, and development of Utah Lake, after the local irrigation company president warned it threatened water rights. It also approved site plans for Roderick Catalyst Business Park Buildings 4 and 5 and honored two officers for a house-fire rescue.
From the approved minutes.
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Item PH · Development
Public hearing: vacation of 1100 South right-of-way between 9 West and 42 East
No action
No comments. (Adopted Feb 22.)
Item 2 · Presentation
Life Saving Award to Officers Ron Bibeau and Phil Valadez
No action
Fire Chief Aaron Brems honored the officers for their efforts at a house fire.
Item Consent · Development
Common consent: Jan 4 minutes; acceptance of 900 West Phases 1.2A and 1.2B improvements; payment ratification (Jan 19-Feb 1)
Approved · 5-0
Approved; payments not itemized.
Item 1 · Other
Resolution opposing H.B. 232 and development of Utah Lake (Resolution 2022-02-03R)
Approved · 5-0
Adopted a resolution opposing H.B. 232, which would create a Utah Lake Authority, and development of Utah Lake. The council retitled it to name H.B. 232 and replaced 'dredging' with the bill's own language. Irrigation company president Ernie John and resident Royce Shelley urged opposition.
Item 2 · Appointment
Appointments: Stan Colby (Senior Citizens Board) and Christine Anderson (Planning Commission)
Approved · 5-0
Approved.
Item 3 · Other
Beer/alcohol license, Gourmandise (H&H G5 LLC)
Approved · 5-0
Approved.
Item 4a-b · Development
Roderick Catalyst Business Park Buildings 4 and 5 site plans (Ordinances 2022-02-08, -09)
Approved with conditions · 5-0
Approved industrial buildings similar to earlier Roderick Catalyst buildings; staff said code was met.
Item 5 · Other
Uniform term end dates for city boards (Resolution 2022-02-04R)
Approved · 5-0
Adopted.
What residents said
Utah Lake Authority bill and lake developmentWater rightsStalled annexation for a home lot
Laura Shelley (Annexation): Bought a lot 18 months ago and needs annexation to build; was told in November the city was not accepting annexation applications. Royce Shelley (Utah Lake Restoration project): Opposed the project and urged the council to adopt the resolution. Wes Huggins (Recreation): Said he was trying to acquire space for recreational amenities in the city. Ernie John, American Fork Irrigation president and water master (H.B. 232): Said the bill contradicts itself, fails to address water rights and housing planning, and could cost the city millions.