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.
Decisions at a glance
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 · 6-0
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 · 6-0
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.