Orem council approves COVID-19 grant money for Senior Friendship Center and food bank technology
September 8, 2020, 3:00 p.m. · Orem City Center, 56 North State Street (held electronically)
The council held a work session on utility master plans and CARES Act spending, then a short regular session. It unanimously approved a CDBG-CV plan amendment that includes $132,000 for Senior Friendship Center improvements and about $5,000 for Community Action Services.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Orem's mayor is a voting member of the seven-member council. The minutes count the six council members in each tally and record the mayor's vote beside it, so a council vote of 6-0 with the mayor voting yes is 7-0 with the mayor.
In brief
4 items came up for a decision or discussion: 2 discussed and 2 approved.
The agenda records 2 dollar amounts, the largest $132,000.
This write-up links 2 source documents.
7 members were present.
The previous City Council meeting was on September 1, 2020: Orem council votes 6-0 to buy former Hillcrest Elementary property for $5.6 million; mayor opposes
The next one was on September 29, 2020: Orem council rezones hospital land 6-1, annexes 1.86 acres and approves new public safety pay structure
Decisions at a glance
| Item | Result |
|---|---|
| Water, sewer and storm water master plan update (work session) | Discussed |
| CARES Act spending and City Council policies (work session) | Discussed |
| Consent agenda: board appointments and utility shut-off policy | Approved · 7-0 with the mayor |
| CDBG-CV COVID-19 funding and amendment to 2019-20 Annual Action Plan | Approved · 7-0 with the mayor |
Agenda, item by item
Roads and utilities
Water, sewer and storm water master plan update (work session)
Discussed
Public Works Manager Chris Tschirki and consultant Bowen, Collins & Associates said the 2016 plans are being updated for state-street nodes, higher southwest density, canal abandonment and Vineyard's water disconnection. Needed work includes a new water storage reservoir and more well capacity, nutrient removal and corrosion control in sewer, and sump removal and canal abandonment in storm water. Funding options discussed were impact fees, bonds versus pay-as-you-go, and rate increases. No decision was made.
Budget
CARES Act spending and City Council policies (work session)
Discussed
Deputy City Manager Steven Downs reviewed eligible uses of CARES Act money, including protective equipment, signage, cleaning supplies, police and fire needs, telecommuting equipment, payroll for hospital COVID testing, a Taste of Orem restaurant event and support for the school district, along with spending deadlines. City Attorney Greg Stephens said the council's meeting policies, last updated in 2009, need changes and would return for approval.
Item Consent · Appointment
Consent agenda: board appointments and utility shut-off policy
Approved · 7-0 with the mayor
The council approved board and commission appointments (Neighborhood Advisory Commission, Public Works Advisory Commission, Summerfest Committee, Board of Adjustment), the Finance Department retention schedule, and a resolution updating the policy on shutting off utility accounts.
Item Public hearing · Budget
CDBG-CV COVID-19 funding and amendment to 2019-20 Annual Action Plan
Approved · 7-0 with the mayor
HUD provided Orem $411,983 in CARES Act Community Development Block Grant money. On the CDBG Advisory Commission's recommendation, $132,000 goes to COVID-related Senior Friendship Center improvements and about $5,000 to Community Action Services and Food Bank for technology so staff can work remotely. About $202,032.66 will be allocated later. A Community Action representative thanked the council. No one else spoke.
- Grant$132,000 to Senior Friendship Center
- Grant$5,000 to Community Action Services and Food Bank
What residents said
No public comments were received.