Orem council hears HUD plan, neighborhood board proposal and fire chief search; no scheduled votes
February 11, 2020 · 56 North State Street, Orem
With no scheduled items on the regular agenda, the council spent the work session on the 2020-2024 federal Consolidated Plan and a proposed Neighborhood Partnership Initiative advisory board, which the council agreed to move forward. The City Manager described how a new fire chief will be recruited. Council Member David Spencer was excused.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
| Item | Result |
|---|---|
| 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan for HUD-funded programs (work session) | Discussed |
| Neighborhood Partnership Initiative advisory board (work session) | Discussed |
| Fire chief recruitment | Discussed |
| Public Works Advisory Commission re-appointments | Approved · 5-0 |
Agenda, item by item
Item Work session · Other
2020-2024 Consolidated Plan for HUD-funded programs (work session)
Discussed
Staff said the five-year plan is being prepared with Provo and Utah County using a shared application process. Council members used play money to rank funding categories; top picks included neighborhood cleanups, homeowner assistance and public housing improvements, street improvements, and infrastructure and commercial renovation. Staff said results partly matched a community survey.
Item Work session · Other
Neighborhood Partnership Initiative advisory board (work session)
Discussed
Deputy City Manager Steven Downs proposed an advisory council with one representative from each of nine neighborhood groups, a Neighborhood Preservation Unit officer and two council liaisons, serving three-year terms chosen by application and interview. Council members asked whether larger areas could produce splinter groups; Downs said nine areas were more manageable than 22. The council's consensus was to move forward, and staff will return with code language.
Item City Manager items · Other
Fire chief recruitment
Discussed
City Manager Jamie Davidson said the city is recruiting statewide and nationally after Chief Scott Gurney's announced retirement. He said the process will be inclusive but not a vote, and that Deputy Chief Jason Earl will serve as interim chief.
Presentation
Orem Justice Court annual report
Discussed
Judge Reed Parkin reported 12,437 case filings in 2019: 82 percent traffic, 13 percent criminal misdemeanors and 5 percent small claims, compared with 428,278 justice court filings statewide. He cited an intensive supervision calendar, online dispute resolution and technology upgrades.
Item Consent · Appointment
Public Works Advisory Commission re-appointments
Approved · 5-0
The consent agenda re-appointed K.C. Shaw, Carol Walker and Tod Hadley.
What residents said
800 North landscapingFirst responder moraleFire chief hiring process
Hal Johnson asked the city to landscape land on the south side of 800 North, offering neighborhood labor if the city supplies materials and a design. Craig Doxey proposed an advisory commission for first responders. Lisa Wilkey and Erik Wilkey spoke about first responder morale and asked that firefighters be involved in choosing a new fire chief.