New Highland ordinance to allow American Fork to move power lines -- The process was started on May 27 to allow American Fork to move power lines and construct part of their pressurized irrigation pond in Highland. The current public utilities ordinance prohibits other cities from putting utilities in Highland. However, the Highland Planning Commission recommended a code amendment to change the ordinance to change it. They also recommended approval of the general plans and zoning amendment to accommodate American Fork's pressurized irrigation pond.

Andy Spencer city engineer for American Fork said American Fork had about the same sign ordinance as Highland but probably did not have as vigorous an enforcement policy.

The triangular piece of Highland along the Alpine Highway is actually owned by the Utah Department of Transportation. It was created when Second East in American Fork was reconfigured to cross across the Alpine Highway (SR 74 or First East) at 9600 North in Highland.

Now the little more than an acre is landscaped and contains the "Welcome to Highland" sign going north backed by the "Welcome to American Fork" sign going south.

Spencer told the Planning Commission the power lines would be moved to within 12 feet of the highway and the berm for the pond would begin to rise just to the east of the lines. "The land slopes from the north to the south so the berm will be higher on the south," he said.

Commissioner Elizabeth Macfarlane asked if they would put in more landscaping.

Highland city administrator Barry Edwards told her the landscaping plan would be limited by the regulations for dam safety. "Trees and roots tend to erode the structure," he said. He also said the change in the ordinances would not only affect this piece but also the debris basin at the mouth of the canyon.

The pond would be built 60 feet from the south Highland border. This would allow for a road to be constructed if it is ever approved between the Alpine Highway and 4800 West. The pond will cover about 10 acres which is larger than the pond in Lehi located on 1200 East in Lehi on the way to Costco from Highland. Spencer said construction is scheduled to begin in July and completed by Oct. 1. "Realistically it will probably be Dec. 1 but we want it in before winter hits too hard," he said.

National Trails Day -- The public is invited to explore the trails that surround Cedar Hills by joining the festivities on National Trails Day, on Saturday. In accordance with the aim of the American Hiking Society, the city's Parks and Trails Committee has scheduled activities for all residents to encourage outdoor activity on the trail systems. The day begins at 9 a.m. in Heritage Park, 4450 W. Cedar Hills Drive.

Sexually oriented businesses in Cedar Hills -- Cedar Hills currently does not have zoning regulations and ordinances regarding sexually oriented businesses. Larger cities such as Provo and Orem require these businesses to operate in industrial areas only. Because Cedar Hills does not have an industrial area and such businesses cannot be denied a license, members of City Council and the Planning Commission are working to provide guidelines for all sexually-oriented businesses wishing to operate within Cedar Hills.