The Cedar Fort Planning commission looked at two new minor subdivision applications. But the question comes into play, does Cedar Fort have the infrastructure to support new developments? Cedar Fort has come to Eagle Mountain for assistance to help with some infrastructure problems Cedar Fort is currently facing.
Mayors Meet To Discuss Sewer
In the minutes of the Cedar Fort Town Council meeting, Mayor Cook discussed a meeting he had with Tom Westmoreland the mayor of Eagle Mountain, and Bradley Gurney the mayor of Fairfield. The meeting was not entirely about the sewer, the majority of the time was spent on road planning.
“He and Mayor Gurney met with Mayor Westmoreland of Eagle Mountain and their City Administrator. This meeting was a discussion of Cedar Valley and Eagle Mountain. Nothing has been finalized, but we discussed roads and where they will be planned, trails for horses and ATV’s, etc. They also discussed a sewer system with Cedar Valley and Eagle Mountain; however, Utah County is already looking out here for options for the Cedar Valley area because Eagle Mountain already has 2 sewer plants and is not able to have another since there will be a lot of wastewater to the systems already in Eagle Mountain. Hopefully, Utah County will be able to help Cedar Valley connect or begin a new sewer system. Mayor Cook asked the councilmembers if they know anything about sewer districts, we can start looking into it.”
This meeting was attended by, Wyatt Cook – Cedar Fort (Mayor), Tom Westmoreland – Eagle Mountain (Mayor), Brad Gurney – Fairfield (Mayor), Steve Mumford – Eagle Mountain Assistant City Administrator, Chris Trusty – Eagle Mountain City Engineer, Paul Jerome – Eagle Mountain City Administrator.
Eagle Mountains Response to the meeting
I asked the Communication Manager for Eagle Mountain Tyler Maffitt for a statement on the meeting. “At this time, Eagle Mountain does not see any way to provide sewer service to Cedar Fort. Eagle Mountain is still open to conversations on this matter and will continue looking for a path forward.” Which follows along with a discussion that elected officials had on November 1st with city staff.
In a public meeting held on November 1st, between Eagle Mountain elected officials, State elected officials, and city staff the topic of Cedar Fort and the subject of this meeting came up. Stephanie Gricius, who is one of the State Representatives for Eagle Mountain in Utah House District 50, mentioned that Cedar Fort has more developments coming up. “Cedar Fort has big development plans coming up.” “They have some large developments planned.” The discussion then moved to the possibility of a water and sewer agreement between Eagle Mountain and Cedar Fort. Paul Jerome the Eagle Mountain City Administrator made this comment, “We are going to have to have conversations on that end because that really does not benefit us, to be frank.”
What are the problems that Cedar Fort is facing currently regarding development? They are still under a self-imposed water moratorium on new development hookups. What developments are currently in the works for Cedar Fort? Looking over the Cedar Fort Town Council minutes for the year, I came across two subdivisions that were in the works, and they were both Minor Subdivisions. A minor subdivision is defined by Utah Code as 10 lots or fewer. It can also be approved without a plat if meets the municipalities zoning requirements, does not cross a proposed street, and culinary water and sewer authorities approve. If it is agricultural land, it must remain agricultural.
Water Issues
Water Moratorium
Cedar Fort is still having problems with its culinary water. During the Jan 20th, 2022 city council meeting Mayor Cook gave an update on the Water Moratorium. This update can be found in their approved January 20, 2022 Town Council Regular Monthly Meeting Minutes. The document states, “Mayor Cook discussed the water moratorium with the Town’s attorney. The information he received back from him indicated the water moratorium will not hold up in court with only a motion made that was approved only by a selected few on the council at the time. The attorney mentioned that if we would like to put a moratorium in place, it needs to be done through Land Use and Water Connection Resolution, we would have to implement and vote on.” “Mayor Cook explained it was to stop new water connections until we conduct the updates to the water system and then we would allow new connections to the town system. Right now, our we are at peak water storage capacity. We have two water tanks. One is approximately 150,000 gallons that has been inoperable for quite some time. He believes it is no longer connected to the current water system and it does not seem to be filling. With this tank not working, that affects a lot of things, such as the Town’s fire rating, it may also cause insurance to go up. The Second tank is approximately 350,000 and the only one that is operable. However, with the number of residents we have, we are at capacity.”
Update on Water Project
During a Special Meeting of the Town Council held on March 24, 2022 the water project was discussed. The following details are recorded in the official meeting minutes. Discussion of the Ensign Water Master Plan update, “Ensign Engineering Representatives Tyson Jewkes and Wayne Payne provided the members of the council with an update on the Water Master Plan. Right now, Cedar Fort has 136 connections, 130 residential, and 6 commercial. Over the next few years, we estimate the Town’s growth to be approximately 10 percent according to the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget.” That would be an additional 13 residential connections.
That discussion was followed by a discussion of the water project. “Ensign Engineering Representatives Tyson Jewkes and Wayne Payne provided the members of the council with an update on the Water Project. Mr. Jewkes indicated to start applying for ARPA and Utah Division of Drinking Water. The council discussed funding with both entities. These funds will help build a new million-gallon water tank and redeveloping the collection of water from the Town springs.”
New Development
Jeavons Minor Subdivision
The subdivision was discussed by the planning commission on Marth 8th, 2022. “Tim and Ashley Jeavons explained to the Commission why they have submitted a Minor Subdivision Application. They are subdividing off five acres so they can build a greenhouse, they plan on growing plants and vegetables in hopes of selling to the residents. Potentially in the future they may build a home, but unsure at this time. They have no intention of doing a major subdivision with small lots. They understand the community and respect it and they want to keep that in mind for any future building, where if they do continue to subdivide it would be five-acre lots. They have no intention of going smaller than that. They have previously deeded the 28 feet required approximately a year ago. They are working with SITLA currently for an easement for the front of the property.”
The Jeavons minor subdivision application was discussed with the Town Council during the March 10th Town Council Regular Monthly Meeting. “The Jeavons minor subdivision application, was straightforward. They wanted to subdivide out five acres out of a 40-acre parcel. They previously deeded a 28-foot road right of way to the town along the north side of their parcel. The issue that they still have to resolve prior to coming to the town with any requests for the building of any kind is they need an access. Right now, they have no access, and it would be probably across the SITLA land.”
The subdivision was passed by all town council members. Minor Subdivision Application No 14 for Tim and Ashley Jeavons.
Yates Minor Subdivision
This subdivision was discussed in the March 8th 2022 planning commission meeting. “Commissioner Murphy explained to the Commission he is representing Carol Dean Yates. This is parcel is located on 100 North or Field Road, this is kitty corner across from Doug Noland. Chairman Anderson had called with a question wondering why the parcel looks like it does. If you look at it on the maps, it is a little bit confusing because on the far north where it makes that notch it looks like the property line goes through, but if you move up to the top part of that parcel on the county maps it’s the same parcel number, and it’s approximately 11.6 acres. The proposed new subdivision line is approximately 660 feet to make that bottom parcel five acres, leaving 6.86 acres left to the north. It is in the RA5 zoning, according to our Town ordinance this will be two buildable lots.”
The subdivision was tabled by the town council during the March 10th Town Council Regular Monthly Meeting. It was then tabled again during the town council’s April 28th, meeting. The Town Council approved this subdivision during their Aug 18th town meeting.
De-Annexation
With the problems with the water and growth in Cedar Fort, there have been several requests for parcels to be removed from the town limits of Cedar Fort and annexed into the borders of Eagle Mountain. It is unknown for sure if water was the main reason, that information was not found in the available documents.
Allen Family
This was discussed by Darin Allen during the March 10th, 2022 Town Council Meeting.
“The Allen family is looking to de-annex into Eagle Mountain. Mr. Allen explained Cedar Fort does not currently provide utilities to their parcel on Pole Line Road. He indicated the wheels are already in motion, their attorney is in the process of making sure everything is in line for the de-annexation process to begin. He believes Eagle Mountain wants Cedar Fort’s blessing on it. They don’t want to cause any hardship.
The council members discussed amongst themselves what this will mean for the other parcel owners down Pole Line Road.”
Oquirrh Wood Ranch, LLC
This was discussed by the Town Council during their April 28th 2022 council meeting. “
Mayor Cook provided a brief overview of Oquirrh Woods Ranch moving forward with their development. They already have their site plan in with Eagle Mountain. I asked a little while ago for them to give us some time to work out maybe infrastructure. They’re trying to get going now. So, they’re asking if we would be open to a boundary adjustment or a De-Annexation of the property on the south end of town that borders Eagle Mountain.
Josh Wagstaff explained that they would prefer only doing the boundary line adjustment where there are no utilities to the parcel, but Eagle Mountain has all the utilities to the parcel, and we own the surrounding property in Eagle Mountain. If we don’t end up doing the boundary line adjustment, then we will move forward to De-Annex. He isn’t expecting a decision at tonight’s meeting but would like one as soon as possible. He does not want to continue to hold the development up any longer.
The council discussed amongst themselves that if this parcel De-Annex’s it may cause a chain reaction for other landowners along Pole Line Road. They do now want to see this take place and need to start looking at what we can do as a Town and an interlocal agreement with Eagle Mountain. Mayor Cook would like to have his meeting with Mayor Westmorland of Eagle Mountain before providing any decision for a De-Annexation for Oquirrh Wood Ranch, LLC.”
This item was tabled by the Town Council.
Supporting Documents
Mike Kieffer is an IT geek by hobby and trade, with a BS in Information Systems & Technology. He is a proud father of 10, a grandpa, an author, a journalist, and internet publisher. His motto is to “Elevate, Inspire and Inform”, and he is politically conservative and a Christian. Mike has a passion for technology, writing, and helping others. With a wealth of experience, he is committed to sharing his knowledge with others to help them reach their full potential. He is known for his jackassery or his form of self-expression that encourages boldness, creativity, and risk-taking. It can be a way to push the boundaries and challenge traditional norms, leading to creative solutions and positive change.