Orem council waives masonry wall at Sunrise Square and adopts tentative 2020-21 budget with no property tax rate increase
May 12, 2020 · Held electronically (56 North State Street, Orem)
The council, with Council Member Terry Peterson excused, unanimously waived a masonry wall requirement at Sunrise Square, 240 North State Street, after the neighboring owner asked to keep a wood fence. It also adopted a tentative 2020-21 budget with no property tax rate increase, a 3.4 percent storm water increase and a higher solid waste rate.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Development
Fence modification at Sunrise Square, 240 North State Street
Approved · 5-0
Smrtchar Ventures, LC asked the council to waive a seven-foot masonry wall required by the 2018 site plan along the north property line. The adjoining residential owner wrote that they oppose replacing their wood fence with masonry and are happy with the buffer. Staff found the request met the three code findings for a modification. Council Member Jeff Lambson asked about future fence repair; planning manager Jason Bench said it would be a matter between the two owners and the waiver does not make the applicant responsible for upkeep.
- Applicant: Smrtchar Ventures, LC
- Zone: C2
- Requirement waived: seven-foot masonry wall next to residential property
Item Public hearing · Budget
Fiscal 2020-21 tentative budget
Approved · 5-0
Finance Manager Brandon Nelson said the budget has no property tax rate increase and reflects pandemic-adjusted revenues, a health insurance increase, a new internal service fund for facilities maintenance, reduced fleet replacement after last year's fire truck purchase and capital projects. There are no water or sewer rate increases. The storm water base rate would rise 3.4 percent, from $7.35 to $7.60 per month per ESU, in line with the master plan, and the combined first can and recycling rate would rise to $15.75. No one spoke at the hearing. A final budget hearing was set for June 16, 2020 at 6 p.m.
- FeeAmount not given
- Fee$16
Item Work session · Parks
Fitness Center and Library Hall project update (work session)
Discussed
Development Services Director Ryan Clark said pandemic delays and change orders push the pools' opening to the first week of August and a soft opening to September 1; the Library Hall is to reach substantial completion October 5 and full completion in November. Library Director Charlene Crozier said an Orem-connected family foundation gave a $50,000 matching grant, $25,000 for each project, to match small resident donations. Fitness equipment from Precor was proposed. The budget presented later that evening gave a soft opening of February 1, 2021 for the Fitness Center.
- Grant$50,000 to Family foundation (not named in minutes)
Item Work session · City code
Facility and street naming policy; Canyon Crossing accessory structure height (work session)
Discussed
Staff previewed a formal policy for naming city facilities and streets and a code change allowing an exception to building height for accessory structures in the Canyon Crossing District.
Item Consent · Appointment
Appointment to Metropolitan Water District
Approved · 5-0
The consent agenda appointed Tim Crandall to the Metropolitan Water District.
Item Council reports · Other
Fire chief search and sales tax update (work session)
Discussed
City Manager Jamie Davidson said three finalists for fire chief were being brought in for face-to-face interviews, and that general sales tax revenue was down 5.5 percent in the first report, with April figures expected to show the full shutdown effect.
What residents said
No personal appearances were submitted.