Pleasant Grove City
City Council Meeting Minutes
Work Session
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
4:30 PM
Mayor: Eric Jensen
Council Members: Dianna Anderson
Cyd LeMone
Dustin Phillips
Todd Williams
Staff Present: Excused: Scott Darrington, City Administrator
Christine Petersen, City Attorney
Neal Winterton, Public Works Director
Wendy Thorpe, City Recorder
Denise Roy, Finance Director
David Packard, Human Resources Manager
Drew Engemann, Fire Chief
Keldon Brown, Police Chief
Carl Nielson, Police Department Lieutenant
Daniel Cardenas, Community Development Director
Soad Sing, Management Intern
Deon Giles, Parks Director
Sheri Britsch, Library Director
Megan Zollinger, Recreation Director
Steve Rogers, City Council Member
Sierra Pierson, Assistant to the City Administrator
The City Council and Staff met in the Community Room, 108 South 100 East, Pleasant Grove,
Utah.
______________________________________________________________________________
4:30 PM WORK SESSION
Mayor Eric Jensen called the meeting to order at 4:42 PM and welcomed those present. Council
Member Rogers was excused.
a. Discussion on Parade Policy.
City Administrator, Scott Darrington, reported that public feedback was received after the 2025
parade about prohibiting placement of chairs in the public right-of-way before the parade. Chairs
were being placed in the right-of-way one to two weeks in advance of the parade. After speaking
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with other cities, Staff proposed, and the City Council adopted a policy prohibiting placement of
chairs in the City right-of-way prior to 3:00 p.m. on the Friday before the parade.
Campaign-style signs were placed in the right-of-way to make residents aware of the change. The
Parks Department removed 50 to 60 chairs Friday morning, most of which had been picked up.
After Strawberry Days, some concerns were expressed regarding the policy. However, Staff
perspective was that the policy was successful, and they believed that compliance would improve
with consistency.
Council Member Andersen recommended extending the parade route to Cook Family Park and
foregoing the signage. In many areas, it was four to five people deep. Extending the route would
alleviate the problem with people setting their things out early because there will be more places
to view the parade. She believed that people put the chairs out early because it is tradition, and
she was not in favor of the policy. It was not nice on Saturday morning, and the City is better than
that. She only saw people encroaching on City property to save their place in one area near the
Church at 200 East and Locust Avenue. The policy costs money to enforce, and it was time to
consider extending the parade.
Council Member LeMone stated that she received great feedback. Two people called to say that
their things were missing, and she told them to check at City Hall. Homeowners appreciated it,
and she received no negative feedback. It was clear and clean prior to 3:00 p.m. In previous years,
she would see chairs in the middle of the sidewalk, which was a safety issue. She was in favor of
educating the public on the new policy and being consistent.
Council Member Phillips stated that he hoped Council Member Andersen’s experience was
isolated. Council Member Andersen indicated that others had similar experiences. Mayor Jensen
stated that police officers are stationed at every intersection, and he hoped that residents would
notify them if an individual was out of control. Administrator Darrington stated that anything that
happened on Saturday morning was not in response to the policy but just people not being good
neighbors. People moving chairs out of the right-of-way on Saturday morning was a different
issue that the police could address.
Council Member Phillips asked how extending the parade route would help those who have
traditional viewing spots. Council Member Andersen stated that it would provide room for new
residents. Administrator Darrington clarified that the Strawberry Days Association runs the
parade, not Pleasant Grove City, but they could discuss extending it. Council Member Phillips
stated that time would help solve the issue as either people would learn the policy or the parade
would be extended to provide more room.
Council Member Andersen stated that the same people have sat in the area her family uses for 30
years, and the people who were rude had never been there before. Administrator Darrington noted
that they had their spots on Friday at 3:00 p.m., so the issue was with people who moved their
belongings on Saturday morning and was independent of the 3:00 p.m. policy. Council Member
Andersen stated that the parade was crowded, and more real estate may help. Administrator
Darrington agreed but recommended retaining the 3:00 p.m. policy in addition to discussing the
possibility of extending the parade. He sits at the end of the parade where it is not crowded as the
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right-of-way in that area is approximately 30 feet wide. Council Member LeMone indicated that
people want to be near the beginning of the parade route because they often run out of candy.
Council Member Phillips was in favor of maintaining the policy and also discussing extending the
route. Mayor Jensen reported that Council Member Williams was watching the meeting online
and was also in favor of keeping the policy.
b. Discussion of City’s Cost for Strawberry Days.
Administrator Darrington reported that the agreement for Strawberry Days was put in place in
2019. Per the agreement, the City’s financial contribution is primarily in-kind and not to exceed
$60,000 per year. The costs are primarily due to Police, Fire, and Parks Department overtime and
totaled approximately $40,000 in 2026. Costs related to the volleyball and pickleball tournaments,
princess party, queen’s tea, and free swim night were not included in that number. The Miss
Pleasant Grove Pageant is covered under a separate agreement; the City currently provides $30,000
a year to the pageants.
The City supplies fish for Huck Finn Days at a cost of approximately $1,000. Approximately 150
signs were purchased in 2026 to notify residents not to place items in the right-of-way at a cost of
$2,000, but they will be reused every year. Lights and other small items are also the City’s
responsibility. The agreement also allows the Strawberry Days Association to use City property
for the event.
The Strawberry Days Association provides:
• Rodeo, including insurance for the event
o Tickets are provided to the City for distribution to employees
• Scheduling
• Carnival
• Brochure, which features the City logo and Mayor’s letter
• Parade
• Sanitation services
• Independent events including the golf tournament, 5K race, and car show
The City is also responsible for approximately $11,000 in costs associated with the Main Street
concert. The event is managed by the Chamber of Commerce, including finding and managing
the band, food trucks, etc.
Administrator Darrington stated that the last city he worked with paid a special events coordinator
to handle events, and in his opinion Pleasant Grove had a great deal with the Strawberry Days
Association. The volunteers save the City a lot of money, and he was grateful for their efforts.
Council Member Phillips stated that he had assumed that the City ran Strawberry Days, and 50%
of citizens likely make that assumption. He asked if the City had appropriate participation in our
authority over the event. Administrator Darrington clarified that Strawberry Days had never been
a City event; Staff had found agreements dating back to 1946. However, a previous city
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administrator was also chair of the Strawberry Days Association, so the City may have had more
involvement at that time.
Council Member LeMone asked if City Staff meets with the association to discuss the event and
if a City representative sits on the board. They are two separate entities, but the public does not
know that. Mayor Jensen indicated that the Strawberry Days Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
organization with its own board, but they had presented reports to the City Council in the past.
Administrator Darrington reported that Staff meets with the association after the event, and he
recently spoke with Lisa Young about setting up a meeting with all involved departments. If the
City wanted to do things differently, they could revisit the agreement.
In response to a question from Council Member Phillips, City Attorney, Christine Petersen,
reported that the last contract had a five-year initial term with five automatic one-year renewals
but would need to be renegotiated in 2027.
Council Member Phillips asked if it would be practical to have the Chamber of Commerce and
City Council involved in the negotiations. Attorney Petersen reported that a City representative is
present at all committee meetings. Administrator Darrington added that up to two Council
Members could be involved in the negotiations, which he believed would be fairly simple because
only a few changes were needed. Council Member Phillips stated that they are an amazing
organization. Council Member LeMone agreed but noted that the event keeps growing, and the
City needed to both make sure the association has what it needs and be fairly represented.
Attorney Petersen reported that Staff did not see any potential problems with the contract and
asked the Council to relay their specific concerns to Administrator Darrington so they could be
addressed. Administrator Darrington indicated that the debrief would likely occur in August, and
that would be an appropriate time to discuss potential changes.
Council Member Andersen left the meeting at 5:08 p.m. and returned at 5:11 p.m.
Council Member Williams arrived at 5:13 p.m.
c. Staff Business.
Recreation Director, Megan Zollinger reported on the following:
• A candidate had been selected to fill the Sports Coordinator position and would begin work
on July 28.
• Kate Vest was promoted to Fitness Coordinator.
• The Recreation Center partnered with United Angels for the new “Share” adaptive program
for disabled residents age 18 and older. Young adults are taught about finance, cooking,
art, etc. It was currently a summer pilot program, but they hoped to continue it throughout
the year.
• She displayed a video of the July 4 celebration. Placer.ai estimated attendance between
6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. at 18,000 people, but that number may not be accurate.
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Council Member LeMone stated that the fireworks show was the best she had been to. There was
plenty of room for people and parking, and some people set up at their loved ones’ gravesites in
the cemetery. She understood that they may not be able to do a show of the same scale in the
future but Cook Family Park was the best location for it, but future events need more food trucks.
Mayor Jensen stated that the band was actually The Salamanders playing under their country name,
Drive. In response to his question, Director Zollinger confirmed that they were in the process of
creating a new health program which Coordinator Vest would report on at a future meeting.
Parks Director, Deon Giles, reported on the following:
• They were hoping for rain, but the controllers for all areas except Downtown Park were
still set at 80%.
Council Member Phillips stated that a resident requested upgraded signs for the Murdock Canal
street crossings. For example, flashing solar lights or perhaps a reminder painted on the road. He
believes that everyone sees the stop sign, but some choose to believe it does not apply to them.
Director Giles reported that Murdock Trail is owned and maintained by Utah County, but the City
can make recommendations. Public Works Director, Neal Winterton, added that the trail itself
follows national guidelines. Usage had increased, and Staff had begun looking at cost-effective
enhancements at City-owned intersections. Director Giles noted that the Wade Springs Trailhead
is the busiest trail counter in the county.
Fire Chief, Drew Engemann reported on the following:
• Fireworks were banned through July 24 due to the dry conditions. Citizens had been very
understanding and compliant.
• In a joint effort with nearby counties, the Utah County SWAT team seized 7,000 opioid
pills and $17,000 in cash. Fire Department medics are usually present supporting SWAT.
• There have been approximately 200 calls per month recently.
• The wildland team was in Montana but should return by the end of the week. Activity in
Utah was higher than normal.
• There will be a badge ceremony for new and promoted firefighters soon.
• He and several crews passed out wildland fire information flyers on the east side of Pleasant
Grove.
• Cook Family Park was a great location for the fireworks show.
Community Development Director, Daniel Cardenas reported on the following:
• Building and planning applications have been electronic for the past nine years. He had
met with companies that can assist in moving the business license application process
online as well. There were 900 business licenses issued in the City in 2016 and 1,700 in
2026, and they expected the number to continue to grow. The software will automize both
the application and renewal processes.
In response to a question raised by Council Member Williams, Director Cárdenas reported that
they were talking to several companies to determine which software will be best for the City.
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Council Member Williams asked about pricing. Council Member LeMone indicated she did not
wait until next year as it would be very helpful to Staff. Director Cárdenas reported that the annual
cost is between $12,00 and $16,000, with an installation fee of $6,000 to $8,000.
Historic Preservation Commission Chair, Laurel Cunningham, reported on the following:
• She thanked Mayor Jensen and Director Cárdenas for participating in the previous
evening’s tour. Between 70 and 80 people attended. Approximately 100 attended the
Strawberry Days tour.
• There are three walking tours each summer. The last tour was scheduled for August 17,
2026, at 6:30 p.m. and would be on 200 South from 100 East to the railroad tracks.
Everyone was invited to attend.
• She offered walking tour books to the City Council and indicated that they should contact
her with any questions.
• The Historic Commission was developing its 2027 project list, and she would present it to
the Council once complete.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: At 5:32 PM, Council Member Williams moved to ADJOURN the Work Session.
Council Member Phillips seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously with Council
Members LeMone, Phillips, and Williams voting “Yes”.
The City Council Work Session Minutes of July 21, 2026, were approved by the City Council on
September 1, 2026.
______________________________________
Wendy Thorpe, CMC
City Recorder
(Exhibits are in the City Council Minutes binders in the Recorder’s office.)
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072126 City Council Meeting Minutes
Pleasant Grove City
City Council Meeting Minutes
Regular Session
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
6:00 PM
Mayor: Eric Jensen
Council Members: Dianne Anderson
Cyd LeMone
Dustin Phillips
Todd Williams
Staff Present: Excused: Scott Darrington, City Administrator
Christine Petersen, City Attorney
Neal Winterton, Public Works Director
Wendy Thorpe, City Recorder
Denise Roy, Finance Director
David Packard, Human Resources Manager
Drew Engemann, Fire Chief
Keldon Brown, Police Chief
Carl Nielson, Police Department Lieutenant
Daniel Cardenas, Community Development Director
Soad Sing, Management Intern
Deon Giles, Parks Director
Megan Zollinger, Recreation Director
Steve Rogers, City Council Member
Sierra Pierson, Assistant to the City Administrator
Sheri Britsch, Library Director
The City Council and Staff met in the Community Room, 108 South 100 East, Pleasant Grove,
Utah.
______________________________________________________________________________
6:00 PM REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
1) CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Eric Jensen called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM and welcomed those present. Council
Member Rogers was excused.
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2) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Human Resources Manager, David Packard.
3) OPENING REMARKS
The Opening Remarks were offered by Council Member Phillips.
4) APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA
Mayor Jensen requested that a presentation from Mark Bezzant be added to the agenda after the
Citizen Academy introductions.
ACTION: Council Member Andersen moved to APPROVE the meeting agenda, as amended.
Council Member Williams seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously with Council
Members Andersen, LeMone, Phillips, and Williams voting “Yes.”
5) INTRODUCTION OF CITIZEN ACADEMY PARTICIPANTS BY THE
PLEASANT GROVE POLICE DEPARTMENT
Police Chief, Keldon Brown reported that certificates would be presented to students from the
recently completed Citizen Academy, which is run by Lieutenant Carl Nielson. The academy is a
joint effort with the Fire Department and includes eight weeks of classes. It was a great class.
Lieutenant Nielson thanked the citizens who participated in the academy and learned more about
what police officers do, and how and why they do it. Mayor Jensen stated that it is an excellent
opportunity for citizens. Chief Brown indicated that the program is made possible by the support
of the Council, City administration, police officers, volunteers, and honorary colonels.
Council Member Phillips stated that he gained a great appreciation for the police and fire
departments through the program. The academy offered a small glimpse into what they go through
and the risks they take for the City every day.
Lieutenant Nelson presented the certificates, and photographs were taken with the City Council
and honorary colonels.
Citizen Academy graduate Jamie Rangel stated that she moved to Pleasant Grove from California
and loves living in the City. She constantly worried about her children when she lived in San
Diego, and when she moved to Pleasant Grove, it felt like she was living in the 1950s. She
volunteered to participate in Citizen Academy because she had thought about becoming a police
officer for a long time. She disliked being in the military but really liked serving the public and
protecting people. She was impressed by how real everything was at the Citizen Academy and
appreciated what the Police and Fire Departments do. Everyone who was part of the program was
very enthusiastic and spent a lot of time answering her questions. It was an incredible experience,
and she would recommend the program to others. It was a great opportunity to meet members of
the Police and Fire Departments as well as other residents of the community.
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Chief Engemann stated that it was great working with the Police Department on the program.
Honorary Colonel, Jim Adams, stated that Lieutenant Neilson puts a large amount of time into the
Citizen Academy and thanked him for his contributions. Honorary Colonel, Lisa Coombs,
reported that she participated in one of the first Citizen Academy classes. She loved how much it
had grown and looked forward to it getting better every year.
Mr. Adams stated that Chief Brown had recently completed 40 years as a police officer. He began
his career in Pleasant Grove before moving to Orem and Brigham Young University and then
returning to the City. He had spent 40 years protecting strangers as a public servant with an
excellent record of duty, ethics, and compassion. It was also 40 years of missing birthdays, school
functions, anniversaries, holidays, and personal time, which was the definition of selflessness. He
had seen 1,000 lifetimes' worth of trauma, pain, and despair and got through it with faith, trust,
and strength. Strength came from his family, both blood and blue, who were by his side with
support, love, and compassion. Trust came from the City administration providing essential tools
and resources, as well as his team. Faith came from within. Chief Brown leads by example and
does not ask his officers to do anything he is unwilling to do himself, and he continued to improve
and develop the men and women who protect the City.
Chief Brown was celebrated for his 40 years of service in law enforcement, and his family was
celebrated as well. Mr. Adams thanked them for their sacrifices. Jennifer Brown presented Chief
Brown with a plaque commemorating his service, and Ms. Brown was presented with flowers.
Photographs were taken with Chief Brown and his family.
A Citizen Academy graduate stated that attending Citizen Academy was one of the best decisions
he had made. He has friends who are firefighters, and his brother wanted to become a police
officer. He attended law enforcement classes in high school, and Citizen Academy was an amazing
experience. He wants to become a firefighter. It will be a hard path, but he knows he can do it if
he commits to it. He was grateful for the experience and hoped that more people would support
first responders.
6) PRESENTATION FROM E. MARK BEZZANT
E. Mark Bezzant thanked the City Council and Staff for their service. He received a call in the
middle of the night about a water break, and City employees were there before he was and stayed
in 100-degree heat until the job was completed. That was one example of the collaboration and
spirit of the community. It is easy to complain, but problems can be solved by working together.
He thanked the City for the America250 celebration and shared a story from the country’s 200th
anniversary. He had noticed that areas at the rear of the military monument were not completed,
and Director Giles told him that the spaces were set aside to honor first responders, firefighters,
police, and the City’s pioneers. They should not wait for a tragedy to finish the monument.
Mr. Bezzant presented a piece of pioneer art as a thank-you gift to the City. His great-great-
grandfather came to Pleasant Grove on a wagon trail when he was 10 years old. A lot of progress
had been made, but the pioneers should not be forgotten. His son, David, had made his convertible
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available for the Strawberry Days parade, and his daughter-in-law had volunteered to refurbish the
Memorial Day wreath. They were committed to completing the memorial. His family thanked
the City Council for everything they did to make Pleasant Grove a better place to live.
7) OPEN SESSION
Mayor Jensen opened the Open Session.
Wayne Woodfield introduced himself as a candidate for State Senate. As part of the Forward Party,
he focused on pragmatic solutions to state and local issues instead of partisan politics. He believes
that good representation starts with listening, and as such he introduced himself to City leaders
throughout the district. He will be emailing the Council about meeting to discuss the City’s
priorities and answering questions about his campaign and was especially interested in discussing
how to address Pleasant Grove’s needs with the new school district.
There were no further public comments. The Open Session was closed.
8) CONSENT ITEMS
A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. City Council Minutes for the May 19, 2026, and June 2, 2026, Meetings.
To Consider for Approval Change Order No. 1 for Geneva Rock Products,
Inc., for the Battle Creek Trailhead Parking Lot Improvements Project.
To Consider for Approval Payment No. 9 (PR3 for 2026 CY) to Geneva Rock
Products, Inc., for the 2025 Pavement Preservation (2026 CY) Project.
To Consider for Approval Payment No. 5 to Geneva Rock Products, Inc., for
the Battle Creek Trailhead Parking Lot Improvements Project.
To Consider for Approval Payment No. 4 to Condie Construction Co. LLC,
for the 800 North Area Waterline, Drainage and Reconstruction Project.
To Consider for Approval Payment No. 3 to Black Forest Paving for the 1100
East Area Waterline and Roadway Reconstruction Project.
To Consider for Approval the Final Payment to FX Construction for the
American Fork River Diversion Reconstruction Project.
Payment Approval Reports for June 25, 2026, and July 9, 2026.
MOTION: Council Member Phillips moved to APPROVE the Consent Items as written on the
agenda. Council Member LeMone seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously with
Council Members Andersen, LeMone, Phillips, and Williams voting “Yes.”
9) BOARD, COMMISSION, COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
A. None.
10) PRESENTATIONS
A. None.
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11) PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS
A. Public Hearing to Consider Ordinance (2026-021) to Amend City Code Section
10-15-28 to Create a New Section for Water Efficiency Standards and to
Amend the Landscape Requirements included in Chapters 6, 9, 10, 11, 12 and
14. The City is proposing to include new landscaping requirements with the
intent to conserve the public’s water resources by establishing Water
Conservation Standards for the installation of grass and turf as outdoor
landscaping in all residential, commercial, and industrial zones. Presenter:
Director Cárdenas.
Community Development Director, Daniel Cárdenas, presented the item and indicated that the
amendment would affect multiple zones.
The Central Utah Water Conservancy District’s (“CUWCD”) Slow the Flow program offers
landscape incentives to residents of participating cities. Pleasant Grove residents were currently
eligible for reduced incentives in the following amounts:
• Lawn Replacement: $1.50 per square foot
• Switch to Drip: $0.50 per square foot
• Treebate: Up to $50 per tree for up to 10 trees per project
In response to a question raised by Council Member Williams, Director Cárdenas clarified that the
Treebate program is for planting new trees that comply with the program’s standards.
If the City adopted the proposed water efficiency standards, incentives would increase to:
• Turf Replacement: $3.00 per square foot
• Switch to Drip: $1.00 per square foot
• Treebate: Up $50 per tree for up to 10 trees per project (no change)
The following required regulations for new developments were included in the proposed Code
Text Amendment:
A. Lawn shall not be less than eight feet wide at its narrowest point.
B. Lawn shall not be installed on slopes greater than 25% or a 4:1 grade.
C. Lawn shall not exceed 50% of the total landscaped area in the front and side yards
of new residential construction.
a. Small residential lots, which have no back yards, in which the total
landscaped area is less than 250 square feet, and in which the front yard
dimensions cannot accommodate the minimum eight feet wide lawn area
requirement, are exempt from the eight feet minimum width lawn
requirement and maximum of 50% lawn requirement.
D. In commercial, industrial, institutional, and multi-family development common
area landscapes, lawn areas shall not exceed 20% of the total landscaped area,
outside of active recreation areas.
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Director Cárdenas reviewed aerial images of new homes in Pleasant Grove and reported that most
homes were already below the 50% maximum lawn area, partially due to their large driveways.
For example, one property had 29% grass in addition to xeriscaping, and the property next door
had no xeriscaping, but its total lawn area was still only 45%.
CUWCD previously required a maximum of 35% residential lawn coverage and offered no
incentives for residents of cities that did not adopt that standard. Regarding the commercial
standards, Director Cárdenas noted that developers never request more grass. Landscaping would
still be required for commercial development with a maximum of 20% lawn.
Director Cárdenas reported that CUWCD offered recommendations in addition to the four required
standards, but the amendment would only address the items required for residents to be eligible
for the full incentives. CUWCD Water Conservation Manager, Amanda Strack, attended the June
25, 2026, Planning Commission meeting and was also present to answer questions from the
Council. The Planning Commission forwarded a unanimous recommendation of approval for the
four new landscaping regulations.
In response to a question raised by Council Member Phillips, Director Cárdenas confirmed that
the regulations would apply to new businesses. However, most businesses already limit lawn area.
For example, the new hotel has less than 10% grass.
Mayor Jensen opened the public hearing. There were no comments. The public hearing was
closed.
Council Member Williams stated that when the Council considered adopting the CUWCD
standards approximately three years previously, they were very restrictive. There were now two
tiers. Residents could already take advantage of the lower tier, which was a positive step, and the
incentives could not be doubled by adopting limited restrictions. He was unsure how many
residents would take advantage of the program, but he was in favor of adopting the resolution.
Mayor Jensen indicated that education will be required to inform citizens of the program. Council
Member Phillips added that residents must meet inspection and other requirements, which should
be emphasized in the messaging.
In response to a question raised by Council Member Williams, Director Cárdenas clarified that
Pleasant Grove does not allow artificial turf in front yards. Lawn could be replaced with native
plants or xeriscape. Artificial turf creates heat, is hard to maintain, and is ineligible for incentives.
ACTION: Council Member Andersen moved to APPROVE Ordinance 2026-021 to amend City
Code Section 10-15-28 to create a new section for Water Efficiency Standards and to amend the
Landscape Requirements included in Chapters 6, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 14. Council Member Phillips
seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously with Council Members Andersen,
LeMone, Phillips, and Williams voting “Yes.”
Council Member Andersen was excused from the meeting at 6:52 p.m.
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12) ACTION ITEMS READY FOR VOTE
A. To Consider Resolution (2026-36) – Authorizing the Mayor to Sign a Special
Warranty Deed in favor of Valley Grove IV, LLC to relocate certain rights of
way for property located at 1008 South North County Boulevard, Pleasant
Grove, Utah County, Utah for 368 square feet (0.008 Acres). Presenter:
Attorney Petersen.
City Attorney, Christine Petersen, reported that the resolution was for an exchange of real property.
An aerial map was displayed indicating the areas that will be deeded to Valley Grove IV, LLC and
the City. The exchange will clean up right-of-way boundaries to allow for road construction
related to development of the adjacent parcel and a new signal being installed by the Utah
Department of Transportation ("UDOT"). The property being deeded to the City did not require
Council action, but a resolution was required to deed the 0.008 acres of City-owned property. The
resolution specified that the deed would not be recorded until the deed was received for the new
City property.
ACTION: Council Member LeMone moved to APPROVE Resolution 2026-36 Authorizing the
Mayor to sign a Special Warranty Deed in favor of Valley Grove IV, LLC to relocate certain rights
of way for property located at 1008 South North County Boulevard, Pleasant Grove, Utah County,
Utah for 368 square feet (0.008 Acres). Council Member Williams seconded the motion. The
motion carried unanimously with Council Members LeMone, Phillips, and Williams voting “Yes.”
B. To Consider Resolution (2026-37) – Amending the Personnel Policies and
Procedures Previously Approved by the City Council. Specifically, Amending
Section XVI “Leaves of Absence” Section 2 “Vacation Leave” increasing the
number of vacation hours employees may carry forward from calendar year
to calendar year. Presenter: Attorney Petersen.
Attorney Petersen reported that the amendment would increase the number of vacation hours that
employees may carry over. Currently, up to 168 hours of vacation leave could be carried over
each calendar year. However, employees who had more than 168 unused vacation hours on their
anniversary date would forfeit the overage. This was a matter of concern for a number of
employees and had been raised by public safety employees in exit interviews. It was significantly
less than other communities and created a barrier to recruiting and retaining public safety staff.
Director Packard performed a study of surrounding cities, and the new recommendation
represented a middle ground. Some cities with higher vacation caps included all paid time off, but
Pleasant Grove allowed up to 960 hours of sick leave in addition to vacation leave. When
considered together, the City’s offering would be comparable to the market.
Council Member Phillips stated he had had conversations with public safety employees about
mental health issues. While carrying over leave is an important benefit, he hoped that the City
would find ways to encourage and facilitate employees’ ability to take their time off. The effort
to implement the proposed tax increase would help alleviate any pressure they may feel to forego
taking their earned leave. Attorney Petersen indicated that Staff had received the same feedback.
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Although employees have leave available, it is difficult to do so when the department is short
staffed because they feel like they are leaving their team members in the lurch. She agreed that
the issue could be resolved with adequate staffing.
ACTION: Council Member Williams moved to APPROVE Resolution 2026-37 – Amending the
Personnel Policies and Procedures previously approved by the City Council. Specifically,
Amending Section XVI “Leaves of Absence,” Section 2 “Vacation Leave,” increasing the number
of vacation hours employees may carry forward from calendar year to calendar year. Council
Member Phillips seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously with Council Members
LeMone, Phillips, and Williams voting “Yes.”
C. To Consider Resolution (2026-38) – Authorizing the Mayor to Sign the 2026
Recreation Grant Agreement between Utah County and Pleasant Grove City
for the Pleasant Grove Library Events Pavilion. Presenter: Director Giles.
Parks Director, Deon Giles, reported that the agreement had been approved at a previous meeting,
but a payment of approximately $5,000 for the 2025 grant was being rolled over into the current
year.
ACTION: Council Member Williams moved to APPROVE Resolution 2026-38 Authorizing the
Mayor to sign the 2026 Recreation Grant Agreement between Utah County and Pleasant Grove
City for the Pleasant Grove Library Events Pavilion. Council Member Phillips seconded the
motion. The motion carried unanimously with Council Members LeMone, Phillips, and Williams
voting “Yes.”
13) ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
A. Continued Items from the Work Session, if Needed.
Police Chief, Keldon Brown, reported on the following:
• He was pleased with the City’s response to July 4 fireworks. They anticipated that the July
24 weekend would be slow as people understand the restrictions and had been mostly
compliant.
• National Night Out will be held on August 4 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. There will be a
party in the park with hot dogs, music, a candy cannon, and possibly a dunk tank.
• New hire testing was scheduled for the following week.
• The reserve officers were making a positive impact by teaching and mentoring the new
hires, finding DUIs, and making the streets safer.
14) REVIEW AND DISCUSSION OF THE AUGUST 4, 2026, CITY COUNCIL
MEETING, AND THE AUGUST 11, 2026, CITY COUNCIL TRUTH IN
TAXATION MEETING.
Administrator Darrington reported that there would be public hearings on two Code Text
Amendments as well as a request for the Agricultural Overlay at the August 4, 2026, meeting. The
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Truth in Taxation Hearing was the only agenda item for the August 11, 2026, meeting.
15) MAYOR AND COUNCIL BUSINESS
Mayor Jensen thanked Timpanogos School District Board Member Guy Fugal for attending the
meeting.
16) SIGNING OF PLATS
No plats were signed.
17) REVIEW CALENDAR
Administrator Darrington reported that the City pool party was scheduled for Thursday, August 6,
2026, at 6:00 p.m. The event will include dinner and swimming.
18) ADJOURN
MOTION: At 7:04 p.m., Council Member Andersen moved to ADJOURN the City Council
Meeting. Council Member Phillips seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously with
Council Members Andersen, LeMone, Phillips, and Williams voting “Yes.”
The City Council Minutes of July 21, 2026, were approved by the City Council on
September 1, 2026.
______________________________________
Wendy Thorpe, CMC
City Recorder
(Exhibits are in the City Council Minutes binders in the Recorder’s office.)
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