Architect pegs Fitness Center rebuild at $50 million-$60 million; council weighs backyard ADUs
July 19, 2022, 4:00 p.m. · American Fork City Hall, 31 N. Church St.
VCBO Architecture told the American Fork City Council that the aging Fitness Center has exceeded its useful life and estimated a modernized center with a community center addition, a 50-meter pool and new parking at $50 million to $60 million, which would require a voter-approved general obligation bond. The council also gave legal staff direction on a detached accessory dwelling unit ordinance, starting with 12,000-square-foot minimum lots and two bedrooms, and discussed developer complaints about the review process.
From the approved minutes.
Decisions at a glance
| Item | Result |
|---|---|
| Detached accessory dwelling units | Discussed |
| Fitness Center options | Discussed |
| Development review standards | Discussed |
| Fraud risk assessment | Discussed |
Agenda, item by item
Item 1 · City code
Detached accessory dwelling units
Discussed
Legal counsel Cherylyn Egner outlined a draft: owner occupancy, single-family lots in approved zones, a permit and recorded notice, no short-term rentals, one per lot, not sold separately, impact fees and separate utilities, one parking space. Barnes said it solved a problem that didn't exist; Carroll and Hunter wanted guidance written. Egner will start with a 12,000-square-foot minimum lot and two-bedroom maximum.
- Draft minimum lot: 12,000 sq ft
- Max bedrooms: 2
Item 2 · Parks
Fitness Center options
Discussed
Brent of VCBO Architecture said the Fitness Center is past its useful life, energy-inefficient and limited by permanent racquetball walls. Concept: community center addition on the north with multipurpose room, stage and kitchen; outdoor pools kept with a 50-meter by 25-yard pool; playground along 400 North; parking on the softball field; elevated track. Cost $427-$479 per square foot, $50 million-$60 million total, about 18 months of construction. The mayor said a GO bond election would be required; Carroll questioned timing alongside a tax increase and fiber.
- ContractAmount not given to VCBO Architecture
- Budget$60.0 million
- Architect: VCBO Architecture
- Estimate: $50M-$60M
- Would require general obligation bond election
Item 3 · Development
Development review standards
Discussed
Bunker said staff and the Planning Commission must recommend based on code, and departing from code exposes the council. Staff complained that developers go to council members and then press staff to adopt concepts that don't meet code; Shelton urged better communication on late comments.
Item 4 · Budget
Fraud risk assessment
Discussed
Bunker presented the State Auditor's fraud risk scoring; the city scored well but lacked a written cash receipting policy, which the finance director will draft.