Lehi council finalizes Pioneer Heights 4-1, starts RAP tax and annexation steps
March 23, 2021, 5:30 p.m. · Council Chamber, 153 N. 100 E., Lehi
The Lehi City Council gave final approval to the 45-lot Pioneer Heights subdivision on a 4-1 vote after a motion with a drainage condition failed, approved Gardner Point Phase 1 and the Worthen zone change, and agreed to a property swap for a road on 600 East. In the pre-council session it agreed to start work toward a November RAP tax ballot question.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Item 1.1 · Presentation
Point of the Mountain and Central Corridor transit studies (pre-council)
Discussed
UTA staff described studies of light rail and bus rapid transit options in Utah County. Eric Rasband said bus rapid transit could use the UTA freight corridor right of way with stations at 2100 North, south Triumph and SR-92, and that MAG helped fund the environmental study. UTA said BRT is easier and quicker to build.
Item 1.2 · Presentation
Metropolitan Water District report (pre-council)
Discussed
John Peterson reported on water trades and purchases over the past year and said the district is looking to buy more culinary sources, including well water rights from private owners.
Item 1.3 · Presentation
Ranked choice voting discussion (pre-council)
Discussed
The council discussed whether to stay in the state ranked choice pilot, with a final decision due at the next meeting. Council Member Katie Koivisto said a primary election is needed to narrow the field.
Item 1.4 · Taxes and fees
Recreation, Arts and Parks (RAP) tax discussion (pre-council)
Discussed
Finance Director Dean Lundell said a RAP tax could raise an estimated $1.3 million to $1.5 million a year for parks and amenities, and that many Utah County cities have one. The council agreed to take first steps toward putting it on the November ballot.
- FeeAmount not given
Item 4 · Budget
Fiscal 2021 budget amendment (Resolution 2021-13)
Approved · 5-0
After a public hearing, the council amended the fiscal 2021 city budget.
Item 5 · Annexation
Resolution 2021-10: intent to annex 0.67 acre on 2100 North (Bullock annexation)
Approved with conditions · 5-0
The applicant explained the history of the property and why she wanted to annex. The council discussed annexing neighboring parcels to eliminate the county island. It approved the intent to annex with zoning to be determined, and directed staff to meet the applicant and surrounding owners about annexing the three other county-island parcels.
- Acres: 0.67
- Proposed zone in notice: R-1-15; zoning to be determined by motion
Item 6 · Subdivision
Pioneer Heights final subdivision, 45 lots, 1452 W. 900 North
Approved · 4-1
Developer Danny Gutierrez said the water concerns were addressed and engineers and the water department approved his plan. A neighbor asked about irrigation water, and a neighboring landowner was concerned drainage and groundwater would affect a detention pond next to his land. Council Member Koivisto wanted that resolved before moving; Council Member Chris Condie did not want to add requirements; City Engineer Lorin Powell said staff could investigate after approval. A first motion by Koivisto, adding that staff work with the developer and neighbors on water drainage from the detention basin, failed 2-3 (Albrecht, Condie and Hancock opposed). Condie's motion without that addition then passed 4-1.
- Applicant: Danny Gutierrez
- Lots: 45
Item 7 · Subdivision
Gardner Point Phase 1 final subdivision, 221 units, 1500 North 3600 West
Approved · 5-0
Final approval for a 221-unit residential development.
- Units: 221
Item 8 · Zoning
Worthen zone change, 2.9 acres at 923 N. 2300 West (Ordinance 14-2021)
Approved · 5-0
Rezoned 2.9 acres from TH-5 (transitional holding) to R-1-22 (residential/agriculture).
- Applicant: Brock Worthen
- Acres: 2.9
- Zone: TH-5 to R-1-22
Item 9 · Contract
Resolution 2021-12: SIRQ Construction preconstruction services for the Dry Creek recreation area
Approved · 5-0
Parks staff updated the council on the project, and it approved an agreement with SIRQ Construction for preconstruction services. The minutes give no amount.
- ContractAmount not given to SIRQ Construction
Item 10 · Other
Resolution 2021-14: vehicle no-idling policy for city employees
Approved · 5-0
Sustainability advocate Todd Munger said the policy is meant for awareness and to set guidelines others in the business community can follow.
Item 11 · Contract
Resolution 2021-15: Barton Excavation agreement for Lower School House Springs development
Approved · 5-0
Public Works Director Dave Norman said crews are rehabilitating the spring pipes to meet current drinking water standards. The minutes give no amount.
- ContractAmount not given to Barton Excavation Inc.
Item 12 · Contract
Resolution 2021-16: sale of 0.91 acre at 580 W. State Street (old police building)
Approved · 5-0
Economic Development Director Marlin Eldred said a counteroffer was agreed to for the sale of the old police building. The minutes name no buyer or price.
- Land dealAmount not given
Item 13 · Contract
Resolution 2021-17: purchase contract for 0.82 acre at 630 W. State Street
Approved · 5-0
Approved a real estate purchase contract for 0.82 acre. The minutes do not give the price or seller.
- Land dealAmount not given
Item 14 · Contract
Resolution 2021-11: interlocal agreement with Utah County for the 2021 municipal elections
Approved · 5-0
The minutes say election costs rose this year, partly because more voters are registered.
- ContractAmount not given to Utah County
Item 15 · Roads and utilities
Resolution 2021-18: property swap agreement for 600 East
Approved with conditions · 5-0
City Engineer Lorin Powell said the swap with a private property owner lets the city build a road through the park. At the owners' request the motion adds indemnification (no longer needed once the city owns the land) and a city-built no-climb fence of about 200 feet along the property line, and gives staff leeway for minor changes.
What residents said
Irrigation waterDrainage and groundwaterCounty island annexation
On Pioneer Heights, a neighbor asked about irrigation water and a neighboring landowner raised drainage and groundwater near a detention pond.