Council leans toward wholesale fiber model and weighs density at Thanksgiving Point and in the general plan update
October 6, 2020, 4:30 p.m. · Lehi City Administration Building, 153 North 100 East
In a work session, all five council members who spoke favored a wholesale rather than retail model if Lehi builds a fiber network; a consultant put the network at about $71 million in bonds plus roughly $8 million in startup costs. In a joint session with the Planning Commission, members said they were not yet sold on the density in the proposed Thanksgiving Point area plan amendment, and discussed new density areas in the general plan update. No votes were taken.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Item 2 · Roads and utilities
Fiber feasibility study from Magellan Advisors
Discussed
John Honker of Magellan reported that many cities build a fiber network and lease it to providers. Based on a survey and market study, he said state rules are heavy for a city retail product and lighter for a wholesale model, that telecommunications companies often oppose city-run projects, and that this creates political risk. A wholesale/partner build would run about two years of construction beginning in 2022, with first customers in March 2022 (as recorded) and about three more years to reach most of the market. The network bond would total about $71 million, plus about $8 million in startup costs for engineering and working capital. City Administrator Walker said a retail model would require starting public notices now. Council Members Koivisto, Southwick, Condie and Albrecht said they prefer wholesale; Council Member Albrecht wanted more detail. Choosing wholesale now would not preclude retail later.
- ContractAmount not given to Magellan Advisors
- Bond$71.0 million
- Budget$8.00 million
Item J1 · General plan
Thanksgiving Point area plan amendment (joint session with Planning Commission)
Discussed
Nathan Ricks presented the latest proposal, focused on the east side of the FrontRunner tracks with more density, added office, and residential over ground-floor retail in a walkable setting. A Hales Engineering traffic study of two scenarios without a Clubhouse Drive extension favored the one with less office, more residential and no hotel. Ryan Hales said a mix of uses balances traffic and that Triumph Boulevard widening and a Clubhouse Drive extension are needed by 2050 regardless, with the project accelerating the second by about 10 years. Council Member Koivisto asked to redefine the density legend, to see amenities, for Stack Development to build the roads, and for a formal application and fee first, and said she was not comfortable with the density. Council Member Hancock wanted to settle who pays for regional roads before approval and said more residential to offset overbuilt office was concerning. Council Member Condie felt the project is on the right track but was not sold on density. Council Member Albrecht wanted more on traffic impact and financing. Council Member Southwick was concerned about density but called it a good transit-oriented development site. Mayor Johnson said staff must still run infrastructure calculations.
- Applicant representative: Nathan Ricks
- Developer named: Stack Development
Item 3 · General plan
General plan update: proposed new density areas
Discussed
Community Development Director Struthers asked whether new density areas match the council's vision before staff begins infrastructure calculations. Assistant Engineer Ross Dinsdale said current buildout projections are about 140,000 people and the update would raise that to about 170,000 to 200,000. Council Member Hancock favored holding near 140,000 to 150,000 and concentrating density in transit-oriented areas; Council Member Condie was concerned about anything over 150,000. Mayor Johnson suggested moving density from green areas to the transit areas. Planning commissioners spoke for focusing on transit areas, keeping housing variety and preserving the city's agricultural character. City Engineer Powell said staff would revise the map and return.
What residents said
Density at Thanksgiving PointCost of regional road improvementsPopulation growth in the general plan updateMunicipal fiber cost and regulation