Orem council hears range fire report, utility bond options and Hillcrest park plans; swears in Chief Josh Adams

Decisions at a glance

Agenda, item by item

1. City code

   Commercial day care ordinance changes (work session)

   Discussed

   Planning Division Manager Jason Bench described changes for day cares in residential zones: a 0.24 stalls-per-child ratio plus one stall per full-time caregiver, parking on site only, and possibly making the use permitted instead of conditional. Deputy City Attorney Steve Earl said standards are legally safer and avoid public perception that the council has broad discretion. Council Member David Spencer said eliminating on-street parking answered his safety concerns. A formal ordinance would return at the next meeting.

2. Roads and utilities

   Utility capital project funding and bonds (work session)

   Discussed

   Financial advisor Laura Lewis said Orem has four utility revenue bonds outstanding and could issue two new bonds, in 2021 and 2024, at about 2.98% over 25 years, using about $31 million of saved utility funds. She estimated bonding would save about $55 million versus pay-as-you-go and could avoid rate increases. Council Member Debby Lauret and Mayor Brunst favored bonding; Council Member Tom Macdonald wanted costs spread evenly. No decision was requested.

   • BondAmount not given Possible utility revenue bonds in 2021 and 2024 for water, sewer and storm water projects (about 2.98% interest). Paid from Utility revenue bonds plus about $31 million in saved utility funds

3. Zoning

   HUB District Edge zone amendments (work session)

   Discussed · HUB District along University Parkway

   Bench proposed an Edge zone along University Parkway in the HUB District that removes the three-story minimum so one-story shopping centers can redevelop without renegotiating leases. Council Member Terry Peterson asked about doing the same on State Street. The ordinance would come back at the next meeting.

4. Public safety

   Range fire update (work session)

   Discussed · City public safety range, Orem foothills

   Fire Chief Marc Sanderson said the fire that began at the city's public safety range at 11:56 a.m. on Oct. 17 drew all four Orem stations and several agencies, about 150 personnel, and was 93% contained. No structures were lost; one personal vehicle was in the damage zone and some water infrastructure was damaged. Hunters stuck above the fire line were helicoptered out. A state burned-area team will monitor the hillside for about three years, and the city will review range safety protocols.

5. Parks

   Hillcrest Elementary property purchase update (work session)

   Discussed · About 650 East 1400 South

   City Manager Jamie Davidson said the Alpine School District board unanimously approved a sale of the 9.33 acres at about 650 East 1400 South to the city at $5,605,000 on Oct. 13, including two cell tower leases. Funding would come from Redevelopment Agency money, park impact fees and RDA reimbursements to the General Fund. Landmark Design would prepare park concepts for about 9 acres, and an interested party wants to buy half the land and building. Council Member Terry Peterson called the site a rare chance for a destination park. Final approval was expected Dec. 8.

   • Land deal$5.61 million to Alpine School District Purchase of former Hillcrest Elementary site, 9.33 acres. Negotiated sale. Paid from RDA funds, park impact fees, RDA reimbursements to General Fund

   Follow Hillcrest Elementary property purchase in the development tracker →

6. Item Consent · Appointment

   Consent agenda: appointment of Josh Adams as Police Chief

   Approved · 6-0

   The council approved Josh Adams, most recently Lindon's police chief, as Orem's police chief starting Nov. 2, along with commission appointments and a retention schedule. Adams was sworn in at the meeting.

   Moved by Mayor Richard Brunst, seconded by Council Member David Spencer. Vote: Unanimous, 6-0 among council members; Mayor Brunst also voted yes

7. Item Public hearing · Budget

   CDBG-CV amendment: touchless drinking fountains for Title I schools

   Approved · 4-0

   CDBG Advisory Commission chair Ken Ransom said $197,532.66 remained from the first allocation and recommended $12,000 to Alpine School District for touchless drinking fountains at eight Title I schools in Orem; another $287,940 in CDBG-CV money will be allocated later. No one spoke at the hearing. Council Members Terry Peterson and Tom Macdonald were present but their votes were not recorded.

   • Grant$12,000 to Alpine School District Touchless drinking fountains at eight Title I schools in Orem. Recommended by CDBG Advisory Commission. Paid from CARES Act CDBG-CV

   Moved by Mayor Richard Brunst, seconded by Council Member Tom Macdonald. Vote: Four council members voted yes (Mayor Brunst also yes); votes of Council Members Tom Macdonald and Terry Peterson were not recorded in the minutes.