Orem council adopts updated Parks Master Plan, massage business rules and Orem High parking permit area in outgoing mayor's last meeting
December 14, 2021, 5:00 p.m. · City Council Conference Room (work session) and Council Chambers (regular session), 56 North State Street
At the last meeting before the new mayor and a new council member took office, the Orem City Council unanimously adopted an updated Parks, Recreation, Trails and Open Space Master Plan, a massage establishment ordinance, and a residential parking permit area around Orem High School. It also accepted the fiscal 2020-2021 audit, which reported one finding that the general fund balance exceeded the state limit, and approved CDBG-CV grants for a food bank at the Orem Senior Center. Council Member Jeff Lambson took part electronically.
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
7 items came up for a decision or discussion: 7 approved.
The agenda records 1 dollar amount, the largest $25,000.
1 item here is tracked in the city's development tracker.
This write-up links 3 source documents and the meeting video.
7 members were present.
Residents raised residential parking and park access and trails.
The previous City Council meeting was on November 23, 2021: Orem council clears agenda as Sienna Villas rezone is pulled; UDOT outlines Geneva Road, State Street and 1600 North plans
The next one was on January 4, 2022: New Orem council presses legislators to keep housing decisions local and flags tax and transportation priorities
Decisions at a glance
| Item | Result |
|---|---|
| Fiscal year 2020-2021 audit report | Approved · 7-0 with the mayor |
| CDBG-CV projected use of funds and amendment to 2019-2020 Annual Action Plan | Approved · 7-0 with the mayor |
| Residential parking permit area, Orem High School neighborhood | Approved · 7-0 with the mayor |
| Ratifying Sunset Heights residential parking permit area (Resolution 2021-0019) | Approved · 7-0 with the mayor |
| Parks, Recreation, Trails and Open Space Master Plan update and General Plan amendment | Approved · 7-0 with the mayor |
| Massage establishment ordinance (Orem City Code 12-5-14) | Approved · 7-0 with the mayor |
| Consent agenda: 2022 meeting schedule, opioid settlement participation and voter participation areas | Approved · 7-0 with the mayor |
Agenda, item by item
Budget
Fiscal year 2020-2021 audit report
Approved · 7-0 with the mayor
Finance Director Brandon Nelson said the pandemic forced the city to nearly redo the budget and that the year was financially better than expected. The auditor reviewed financial statements, internal controls and compliance with state law and federal uniform guidance. It reported one finding: the city's general fund balance exceeded the maximum state law allows, which the city will need to address. The auditor said the city is in good standing and its controls are effective.
Budget
CDBG-CV projected use of funds and amendment to 2019-2020 Annual Action Plan
Approved · 7-0 with the mayor
Staff recommended funds for water bottle filling stations at Westmore Elementary (amount not stated in the minutes) and $25,000 to Community Action Services and Food Bank to set up a food bank in a closet area of the Orem Senior Center. A food bank representative said the group now operates out of Provo and could use the space for refrigerated goods and cleaning supplies, and that $25,000 would be enough to start with mostly volunteer staff. The funds must be allocated by the end of 2023.
- Grant$25,000 to Community Action Services and Food Bank
- GrantAmount not given to Westmore Elementary
Public hearing
Residential parking permit area, Orem High School neighborhood
Approved · 7-0 with the mayor
City Attorney Heather Schriever said the police chief recommended expanding the Orem High parking permit area after a traffic study. One speaker, who lives near another high school, suggested clearer signage so students do not assume a school permit allows parking in permit areas.
Public hearing
Ratifying Sunset Heights residential parking permit area (Resolution 2021-0019)
Approved · 7-0 with the mayor
Schriever said the council had already approved the permit area but a required public hearing was missed because of a miscommunication; holding it now ratifies the earlier action. No one spoke.
Parks
Parks, Recreation, Trails and Open Space Master Plan update and General Plan amendment
Approved · 7-0 with the mayor
Consultant Lisa Benson of Landmark Design said the update adds an arts and culture chapter and that residents want more trails and upgraded parks. Orem has 299.02 park acres and already meets projected needs through 2030 but would need about 57.8 more acres by 2050. Residents asked for dog parks, pickleball courts, splashpads and mountain bike trails. The plan's focus areas are expanding trails, upgrading parks and securing land. Mayor Brunst asked for a park usage survey and noted the CARE tax agreement that gives the city about $1 million a year for recreation comes up for renewal in about two years. No one spoke at the hearing.
City code
Massage establishment ordinance (Orem City Code 12-5-14)
Approved · 7-0 with the mayor
Deputy City Attorney Steve Earl said the ordinance is meant to weed out problem massage establishments. Council Member Terry Peterson said such businesses are not welcome in Orem. No one spoke at the hearing.
Other
Consent agenda: 2022 meeting schedule, opioid settlement participation and voter participation areas
Approved · 7-0 with the mayor
The council approved the 2022 meeting schedule, a resolution authorizing Orem to take part in settlements with distributors and Janssen over the opioid epidemic, and a resolution adopting the existing voter participation areas.
Presentation
Work session: Watt Smart Commission energy action plan
Discussed
The commission presented its final Communities Energy Action Plan with goals for residential and new-construction outreach, small business financing and renewable energy in city facilities. Council Member Spencer asked whether it related to HB411, and the city attorney said it did not and that Orem had chosen not to take part in that program.
What residents said
Residential parkingPark access and trails
One resident thanked Mayor Brunst and Council Member Brent Sumner for their service. One speaker at the parking hearing suggested clearer signage.