Orem council adopts sign code changes for 800 North as pandemic reshapes budget and events
March 31, 2020 · Held electronically (56 North State Street, Orem)
The council amended the sign code, including a new Sign Zone D for properties on the east end of 800 North, in a meeting held electronically. In work session the council agreed to have staff negotiate an extension of the Sleepy Ridge golf course lease, and city staff described pandemic budget cuts, park and building closures and plans to scale back Summerfest.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Item Public hearing · City code
Sign code amendments: Sign Zone D on 800 North and wall signs in PO zone
Approved · 5-0
Planning Division Manager Jason Bench described three changes to Section 14-3-3: parcels without a designated sign zone that are in commercial zones, or that are in residential zones with a legal non-residential primary use such as churches and schools, would be Sign Zone D; wall signs would be allowed in the PO zone; and Sign Zone D would be applied to properties generally at 825 East, 950 East, 1020 East, 1040 East, 1068 East and 1145 East 800 North to match other commercial and office properties on the east end of 800 North.
Item Consent · Contract
Interlocal agreement with Utah County for election ballot boxes
Approved · 5-0
The consent agenda approved a resolution for an interlocal agreement with the Utah County Election Office to purchase election ballot boxes. The minutes give no amount.
- PurchaseAmount not given to Utah County Election Office
Item Work session · Contract
Amended contract with Sleepy Ridge golf course operator (work session)
Discussed
Golden Landscaping, which operates the city-owned Sleepy Ridge course, said it has struggled to recoup its investment and asked to extend the lease past 2046. Consultants Lewis Young Robertson & Burningham reviewed course and clubhouse suite income and said neither party would likely fully recoup its original investment even with an extension, and that cities rarely profit from owning golf courses. City Manager Jamie Davidson said the land was always envisioned as open space and that the arrangement costs the city almost nothing out of pocket; the main question is whether the city wants to be in the golf business in 2046. The council's consensus was to have staff meet with Golden Landscaping and bring an amended lease back for review and approval.
Item Work session · Budget
Fiscal year 2019-20 and 2020-21 budget discussion (work session)
Discussed
Finance Manager Brandon Nelson said departments were asked to cut about 3 percent from ongoing operating budgets other than personnel, and that sales tax effects of the pandemic are uncertain. For 2020-21, property tax revenue may rise if the current rate is held, and the only proposed fee increases were for storm water and solid waste, tied to the master plan and a vendor increase. City Manager Jamie Davidson said all figures assume a July 1, 2020 start for public safety Tier II retirement changes and will change as conditions develop.
Item Work session · General plan
Southwest Orem area: other temple sites (work session)
Discussed
Staff reported what surrounding areas look like at the Draper, Mount Timpanogos, Jordan River, Ogden, Oquirrh Mountain and Payson temples. Public meetings were not possible because of the pandemic. Davidson said the council will need to discuss the general plan soon.
Item City Manager items · Other
Pandemic response and Summerfest
Discussed
Deputy City Manager Steven Downs said the Summerfest committee wants to cancel large-gathering events such as the carnival and parade, hold some events separately in late summer or fall, and hold fireworks around Labor Day. Davidson said parks that residents were not using under guidance were being closed and city buildings were under a hard closure, with services available by phone, email and chat, expected for 15 to 30 days.
What residents said
No one spoke; comments were taken in writing.