[{"_1":2,"_119":-5,"_120":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,99,109],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6354040,"mediaKeyId","2220684-8b670c5b0b1d562f21af9a2339632edf","parentId",2220684,"title","Council approves Larson agricultural protection area after contentious public comment; neighbors raise concerns about future infrastructure rights","audioSeconds",1235,"startMs",5141000,"endMs",6376000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2220684-8b670c5b0b1d562f21af9a2339632edf&start=5141&end=6376","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2220684-8b670c5b0b1d562f21af9a2339632edf/thumbnail_5141000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6354040/Utah/Council-approves-Larson-agricultural-protection-area-after-contentious-public-comment-neighbors-raise-concerns-about-future-infrastructure-rights","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6354040-e6ac4a48a4e7de655b7edca6372a8577/orig.mp4?Expires=1771006476&Signature=jRu6Q7vDXm7jE3x7yn941PTO8S97hvBTw7oT55AmAoWi2EE63ShWF632CTzdJ54AY8gJLEU9TxXrMzdomNwsJ67vD7CJyWxQSmVeMzJnvY-lS0oAJMzN6XexJf~Jh9Z7DO0LW9WnMYbA~1e-uQTH9-2G3etl6OVTvuZR5LgEl~eWUf0~4Gky-8IpoTQZBdvTFy8cn-8PcvWq9FhBzMqf8agTYIBjQgRkkbozEaVDmJLPW4Cgf9IywUE-qH5k1JBUu1GtUseRAWINltvKpBYiqwJFtk4X7y-a3H~uHiWvStz6IlzSP2S61YJQ1hokrgRAaO5kOGgPk4RmAEDw7npSdg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Spanish Fork, UT","date","2025-02-01T05:48:37Z","article","The Spanish Fork City Council approved an agricultural protection area (APA) proposed by the Larson family on Feb. 4 after more than an hour of staff explanation and public comment from neighbors, agricultural advisory members and state officials.

Why it matters: An APA provides property owners special protections against nuisance lawsuits and restricts some uses of eminent domain for 20 years under state law; opponents argued the overlay can complicate future infrastructure and development decisions and urged the council to deny or add conditions, while supporters said the APA is the primary tool available to protect working farmland.

Staff presentation and timeline: Planning staff reviewed the statutory and municipal APA process, noting that city code requires certain criteria be considered (minimum acreage, contiguous parcels, agricultural use and greenbelt considerations). Staff noted timeline sensitivities — the application was dated in November and the council had statutory time to act; staff presented options to approve as submitted, approve with modifications (for example excluding specific future road or utility corridors), continue for further review, or deny.

Applicant argument: Jackie Larson, representing the applicants, asked council to approve the 41.7-acre APA as submitted and without conditions. Larson noted the proposed APA aligns with the adjacent county-level Leland APA and that the family’s land has a farming history; she asked staff to correct a mapping discrepancy for a small city-owned parcel and asked the council to approve the area as drawn.

Public comment and expert testimony: Neighbors Clint and Janice Harris — who live adjacent to the proposed APA — said they support farmland protection generally but opposed the APA as drafted because they feared the overlay could limit their family’s future development rights and complicate access to utilities. Katie Quavisto, a former Lehi city council member, described Lehi’s experience with an APA that produced protracted legal and development conflicts and urged caution or denial. Dean Ingram, a nearby property owner and developer, said he has been negotiating easements with Larson and supported working with the landowner but flagged the importance of keeping utility corridors available.

Several agriculture experts and advisors supported the APA. Richard Behling, a member of the county Ag Advisory Board, asked the council to approve the APA as submitted, saying the board had approved contiguous protections and that roads included in the boundary reflect typical county practice. Jay Olson, a county planning coordinator with the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, told council that applicants do not have to be on greenbelt (Farmland Assessment Act) to qualify for APA and encouraged Spanish Fork to follow its ordinance and options. Diane Garcia, who conducts farmland assessment work for Utah County, explained greenbelt is a tax designation with a separate lien process and not a prerequisite for APA approval.

Council deliberation and motion: Council members discussed concerns about mapping and the city’s existing transportation and utility master plan corridors; staff said they can correct parcel descriptions and that city-owned parcels can be removed from the APA if the council so directs. Councilman Marshall moved to approve the proposed APA “as submitted to the county,” citing that the proposal met the municipal and state criteria for consideration. Councilman Carden seconded. The council voted unanimously in favor on roll call (Council members present voted yes), and the ordinance was approved.

What the APA does and next steps: The APA will provide the landowners a 20-year protection that notifies nearby property owners of agricultural operations within 300 feet and gives the landowners a statutory defense to certain nuisance claims and additional consideration when eminent domain or infrastructure is proposed. Staff said they will follow up on the mapping clarification requested by the applicant, and that future infrastructure work (rights-of-way, easements) will remain negotiable — council members emphasized the city’s preference to work cooperatively with landowners and developers prior to any condemnation action.

The council did not attach conditions to the approval beyond standard mapping corrections; staff will prepare ordinance language and legal descriptions consistent with the council’s vote.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Spanish Fork City Council - February 4, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Spanish Fork City Council approved a 41.7-acre agricultural protection area (APA) on Feb. 4 after extended public comment and expert testimony.","taxTitle","Spanish Fork City Council, Spanish Fork, Utah County, Utah","taxId",67304,"location","Utah","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6354045,"Council approves annexation of roughly 6.5-acre parcel at about 200 N., 920 W.; zoning to be rural residential",502,4631000,5133000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2220684-8b670c5b0b1d562f21af9a2339632edf&start=4631&end=5133","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2220684-8b670c5b0b1d562f21af9a2339632edf/thumbnail_4631000.jpg","/articles/6354045/Utah/Council-approves-annexation-of-roughly-65-acre-parcel-at-about-200-N-920-W-zoning-to-be-rural-residential","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6354045-ce6f88c6408388dc40d7f76ed4ff9275/orig.mp4?Expires=1771006476&Signature=HZOLti5075O~rLgbUig7Az1Biss4ly7icSMX2Old1gsGZSKzdwOSGDKz1SuaYlkuFhnbCYZde58tEGV4ji1Bu~YypisYZeub0q0-~~-ezSBVnbBVmJ8rJ3PTmRuaBgN6RibZiUM13ppRbgkwt1iz1uj4pO7XD2GN-SxPO1dh3M-4V4kjm6dHksNx8YuaRk2JuEooLEVUVNwSz7w4MHvzER~5X~UE~0WVZhnAIX-b4JBYr9AtRd18aAU9WBUCfMlOfJndSlrbhRSXyJWvfLYxb2GSzRnhArnKXK-OOpQmqKVHs5VRMet4U6UapnbQ6ReW0pPuWOVNkSzMFzM3d1KoeA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Spanish Fork City Council voted unanimously on Feb. 4 to annex approximately 6.5 acres located near 200 North and 920 West and to assign a rural-residential zone as a holding classification until a development proposal is submitted.

Why it matters: Annexation expands the city’s municipal boundary and establishes local zoning and development review jurisdiction; staff and the applicant said the property is designated medium-density residential on the city general plan, a designation that anticipates 3.5–8 housing units per acre.

Planner David G. Anderson told the council the parcel abuts the Sunset Park subdivision and is included in the city’s annexation policy. Anderson flagged two infrastructure constraints the city and developer will address during development: sewer service in that area may require either a lift station or substantial fill to raise grades, and the existing dead-end local access (920 West) is limited under city rules to 35 homes without constructing additional connections.

Applicant Austin Pritchett, representing the landowner, said his group controls or partners on more than 200 acres in the city and intends to follow the city’s general plan: “We’re asking for medium density residential, exactly like the general plan goes,” he said, and noted the landowner has historically farmed the land and now seeks to advance residential plans.

Motion language and vote: Councilman Kevin Tooke moved to approve the annexation “based on the following findings: (1) the subject property is located within the city’s annexation policy and growth management boundary; (2) the city’s general plan land-use designation for the annexation area is medium density residential,” and with the condition that the site be zoned rural residential on annexation. Councilman Euler seconded. The council voted yes on the roll call (Councilmen Tooke, Carden, Euler, Marshall and Councilwoman Beck), and the ordinance passed.

Next steps: Because no development plan has been submitted, staff will treat the rural-residential zoning as a holding zone while the applicant evaluates site-specific engineering (sewer, access) and returns with a formal subdivision or development application. Council acceptance of an annexation does not itself approve a subdivision, density, or final development plan.","The Spanish Fork City Council voted unanimously on Feb. 4 to annex about 6.5 acres near Sunset Park and assign a rural-residential holding zone, citing that the property fits the city's annexation boundary and general plan for medium-density residential use.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6354049,"Spanish Fork announces Main Street open houses as city studies safety, congestion and design options",0,3177000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2220684-8b670c5b0b1d562f21af9a2339632edf&start=3177&end=3177","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2220684-8b670c5b0b1d562f21af9a2339632edf/thumbnail_3177000.jpg","/articles/6354049/Utah/Spanish-Fork-announces-Main-Street-open-houses-as-city-studies-safety-congestion-and-design-options","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6354049-1f4d33321c9064774d30de17fdf89056/orig.mp4?Expires=1771006476&Signature=BN9um3lfblrms15v6hYiyeeua9W4lRcQjeCr~z0~0YxHolHWifpNyx-ewDi~F4kmzJWrFTeg7PAG81oJDo2tnIgShCl3fFoSiVKF3iT0cDOisCKivQmcdlIKr~P9C9JcnMfu4eXWeeQf~NnG3g2x56L1yaFZOXprFGRNzLMCTCF2LH-1y7kCEQu2FAqAqPC7RRQBuFTagocwiE5LJ~~qADaKLndKgvLzmNFSqlLY8KmgO-Ta7r~QmlFa2jJ0XU-STB27Cu5uQE5kesPGAbonMPI5A~sCsC4GTbiYtyc3jBG4OT5k6bddqwkgvfjBfoMf-DCsCbGxGzWRISU9rcb2CA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Spanish Fork City leaders previewed concepts for Main Street on Feb. 4 and announced two open houses to solicit public feedback on design alternatives intended to improve safety, traffic flow and the downtown business environment.

Why it matters: Main Street is one of the city’s primary commercial corridors and has drawn recurring attention for congestion and crashes; the design choices discussed could shape mobility and the economic environment for businesses along the street.

City staff and consulting engineers described a multi-phase approach that began with master planning, federal and state grant applications and a funded first phase from 600 North to 10th North. Staff said an additional grant could pay for work from Fourth North to Sixth North, and that those funds could also be used as a local match for a larger federal grant to extend improvements down to Third South if a future grant application is successful.

Chris Thompson, a former city engineer now working with the consultant team, said planners are seeking public input on concepts that balance safety, traffic movement and Main Street’s historic character. The council announced a business-only open house in the morning and a public open house from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the library’s Heritage Room; a project website and an input portal (u.input.utah.gov/spanishforkmaine) will host renderings, background and email updates.

Council members noted Main Street’s long history as a congested corridor — Mayor Mike Mendenhall read a 1931 city ordinance that already designated Main Street between First South and Fourth North a “congested district” — and urged residents to review the proposed concepts and provide feedback during the open house.

Staff said safety is a high priority because “there are a lot of accidents on Main Street,” and the concepts focus on reducing conflict points for pedestrians and vehicles while supporting adjacent businesses. No binding decisions were made at the Feb. 4 meeting; staff invited public comment at the upcoming open-house sessions and will use the feedback to refine a recommended plan for council consideration at a later date.","Councilmembers and staff previewed Main Street improvement concepts and scheduled public open houses to show potential designs intended to improve safety, reduce congestion and support local businesses.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":91,"_43":102,"_45":102,"_47":103,"_49":104,"_51":105,"_53":106,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":107,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":108,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6354053,"Spanish Fork unveils 'Fit City Center' brand for new recreation complex; soft openings targeted this fall",3624000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2220684-8b670c5b0b1d562f21af9a2339632edf&start=3624&end=3624","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2220684-8b670c5b0b1d562f21af9a2339632edf/thumbnail_3624000.jpg","/articles/6354053/Utah/Spanish-Fork-unveils-Fit-City-Center-brand-for-new-recreation-complex-soft-openings-targeted-this-fall","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6354053-3464ec2521f185f7b15a9083a790c2b7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771006476&Signature=UPTIepk5UFmykCCRTTjZebAWvOZEBQQxGwvG1agyKqW7geKVd7aOjacyzy3XDSAOWIh7oYjmJghy8N53WMWW06gBpVp8J5fZ5JqF8OZP27aZJU2EKY6DOY-M0uhYIaVTrZ6YdamLjhDZyt9oDxfG7FD352QZnJZ8FApsh6kWBGrdNWTfkQSMIANrqg1DqEFhIecHcRowFVTxi35n8B2UQS0fTZVxlOA3KA8EZvWLfcUJTRgwAN8Ab2u61RVvxiob8FL8PtMy8OiIlHBIzBldjF0QXl~7QssvpUYODATwMPRpuh6ztTLqE3gdJqvLRmCREtvNLJK~p0TkD6QYhUmNsQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Spanish Fork City presented branding and an opening timeline for its new recreation complex on Feb. 4, unveiling the name Spanish Fork Fit City Center and the facility’s primary logo.

The nut graf: city parks and recreation officials said the brand and signage are a milestone for the facility’s public rollout; staff also outlined construction progress, pool sequencing and an anticipated schedule for soft and grand openings.

Dale Robinson, the city’s parks and recreation director, walked council members through the logo, color palette and intended uses of the brand across uniforms and promotional material. Robinson said the interior construction is on track for substantial completion this fall and that staff are planning soft openings in October with a target grand opening in November, “assuming everything goes okay.”

Robinson said the project includes multiple pools inside the building — he described “six different pools” that require specialist subcontractors — and an outdoor aquatic area that will open later, likely the late spring or summer after the facility’s indoor portion opens. “We are planning right now to open the indoor portion of the facility… then the outdoor aquatic center… will open probably late spring and summer the next year,” Robinson said.

City Manager Seth Perrens and Robinson answered questions at the meeting about membership and fee timing. Robinson said proposed membership and admission fees have been posted and will be proposed formally as part of the city’s budget process; the council would review those rates during the budget hearings (staff identified July as the normal budget approval time). Perrens said the posted fees are “proposed” until the council approves them as part of the budget.

Council members pressed staff on the items that remain on the critical path: Robinson cited the pool contractors and the wood gym floors (the floors must be installed last and require long cure times) as scheduling sensitivities. He also described the senior-center amenities — banquet room, stage, art room and kilns — and said senior programming will be expanded in the new facility.

The presentation included renderings and a style guide created by Redcor Brands (the same firm the city used for its earlier municipal rebrand). Robinson said the outdoor aquatics component will include a program pool, a lazy river, a zero-depth area and tall water slides. He said the project team will post updates on the city’s website and social channels as construction progresses.

No formal council vote was required or taken on branding; Robinson said staff will bring membership fee proposals to the budget process for formal council action.","City staff unveiled the name and visual brand for the new recreation center, now called the Spanish Fork Fit City Center, and staff gave construction and opening estimates including soft openings in October and a possible grand opening in November, with outdoor aquatics expected the following spring.",{"_33":110,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":111,"_41":91,"_43":112,"_45":112,"_47":113,"_49":114,"_51":115,"_53":116,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":117,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":118,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6354055,"Spanish Fork honors two residents for river rescue; lieutenant governor presents recognition",303000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2220684-8b670c5b0b1d562f21af9a2339632edf&start=303&end=303","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2220684-8b670c5b0b1d562f21af9a2339632edf/thumbnail_303000.jpg","/articles/6354055/Utah/Spanish-Fork-honors-two-residents-for-river-rescue-lieutenant-governor-presents-recognition","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6354055-fcae9e1e076a71bf0d0e628adba8ce5a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771006476&Signature=dK2QgP3QY3PFIlDyrb7cq-UJ1LMunKeJEVjRROBUOghpZE4s2oEpRIz5N~lCQprKRIHtCPITBR8UU4R9vo-pWbQ4Yu5NqE5Dmb~VMf8EpyZaj9Pt3MNPd-9OJQBhI-WWX-~j-AK0tvxkiYE4xxl~QMKRYhyfklVXOCm-OoiRZuRVL2eX~R5SSnOCpPxpFXJUZZwzxv~RJ0lMdE7Uu6MbfsSGkfXlNHm9Xf~DzJRZiGQr-xZGzlWJAxpNZwKJc4llSZQ9hQA-pqYgKkJBjoaICmR4DEluX1fw1OHfbwFUZsBvUYhTZFCBY6Demn1PJfPVZ9DN77WOiim4JrQsp4mIZQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Spanish Fork City recognized two residents tonight for rescuing a man from an overturned vehicle submerged in the Spanish Fork River on Jan. 10, 2025.

The city’s fire chief, Eddie Hales, said Preston and Stephanie (last names not specified in the meeting record) “didn’t think about the danger. They just saw someone in need and they went to action.” Hales presented lifesaving awards and departmental challenge coins at the Feb. 4 city council meeting.

The council’s nut graf: the council and emergency personnel said the pair’s actions exemplify the kind of neighborly courage the city wants to recognize. Lieutenant Governor Deidre Henderson, a Spanish Fork resident, attended and presented certificates from the governor’s office in recognition of the rescue.

According to Chief Hales, the rescuers encountered the crash on a cold, snowy night. Hales described the vehicle as rolled down an embankment and partially submerged; both rescuers entered freezing water, broke vehicle windows and pulled the driver free. “They put their lives above their own to save another man’s life,” Hales said.

Preston and Stephanie told the council they were at the right place and the right time. Stephanie, who the chief said is also a member of the Unified Fire Authority, said she and Preston worked together to get the driver out and render aid until emergency responders arrived. Preston and Stephanie accepted framed plaques and challenge coins from the Spanish Fork Fire and EMS department.

Henderson said she was proud to be there “as a resident of Spanish Fork” and presented certificates “on behalf of the governor” to the two rescuers. Mayor Mike Mendenhall and council members also thanked the families in the audience and noted the event as an example of community service.

The council paused its regular agenda to acknowledge the awards before moving to scheduled business. No formal council action was taken on the recognition item; the presentation was a ceremonial acknowledgement and did not change policy or city budgets.

The city posted a photograph session after the presentation and moved on to the regular agenda.","Spanish Fork City council and emergency responders presented lifesaving awards and state certificates to two residents who rescued a submerged driver from the Spanish Fork River on Jan. 10, 2025.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves Larson agricultural protection area after contentious public comment; neighbors raise concerns about future infrastructure rights

Council approves annexation of roughly 6.5-acre parcel at about 200 N., 920 W.; zoning to be rural residential

Spanish Fork announces Main Street open houses as city studies safety, congestion and design options

Spanish Fork unveils 'Fit City Center' brand for new recreation complex; soft openings targeted this fall

Spanish Fork honors two residents for river rescue; lieutenant governor presents recognition