Orem council approves T-Mobile stealth antenna on State Street credit union building, 6-0
May 24, 2022, 6:00 p.m. · Council Chambers, 56 North State Street, Orem
The council approved a conditional use permit for a T-Mobile antenna enclosure on top of the Alpine Credit Union building at 1510 North State Street, and approved fiscal 2022-23 CDBG funding. The fines for civil infractions resolution was pulled from consent and continued to June 14. In the work session, the council supported a lease for a T-Mobile cell tower in City Center Park, though Council Members Terry Peterson and Jeff Lambson raised health and safety concerns, and asked for redesign of Hillcrest Park restrooms. The council toured water infrastructure at Alta Springs before the work session; Council Member Tom Macdonald was absent from the tour.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Contract
City Center Park cell tower lease (work session)
Discussed
Deputy City Attorney Steve Earl said T-Mobile asked to build a coverage tower, not 5G, in City Center Park, paying the city the same amount as its current site. Such agreements typically run 25 years with a 4 percent annual escalator, and the tower would use little ground space. Peterson said for the record he worried about tower safety; Lambson said some residents shared health concerns and asked the city to verify the safest technology would be used. The council supported moving ahead with the agreement.
- ContractAmount not given to T-Mobile
Parks
Hillcrest Park design update (work session)
Discussed
Blu Line Designs showed an updated design with expanded walking paths, a splash pad, an outdoor plaza, lit pickleball courts, one added parking bay and one access point tied to the BRT crosswalk on University Parkway; a well is not funded now but a site is reserved. The restroom plan has 14 enclosed gender-neutral stalls with shared sinks and two large family rooms. Council Members LaNae Millet and Debby Lauret said the shared layout was uncomfortable and asked for some women-only restrooms and at least four family rooms; Council Member David Spencer asked for separate men's and women's restrooms; Peterson shared the concern. Mayor Young asked the designers to return with cost-effective redesigns.
Other
Consent: FY2022-23 CARE tax revenues ordinance and Utah Lake Authority representative
Approved · 6-0
The council approved an ordinance on fiscal 2022-23 CARE tax revenues and a resolution appointing a representative to the Utah Lake Authority. The minutes do not name the appointee or the amounts. A resolution on fines for civil infractions was pulled and continued to June 14.
Appointment
Neighborhood Advisory Board appointment
Approved · 6-0
The council appointed Linda Parkinson.
Budget
Public hearing: fiscal 2022-23 CDBG use of funds
Approved · 6-0
Staff recommended funding for Orem Police Victim Services, homeless services, Community Health Connect, Kids on the Move, Mountainlands Community Health Center and Family Haven. Staff told Lauret that Meals on Wheels had found county funding. The Family Haven director said the money supports programs treating child abuse and trauma.
Development
Conditional use permit: T-Mobile stealth antennas on Alpine Credit Union building, 1510 North State Street
Approved · 6-0
Rage Development, contracted with T-Mobile, asked to add a stealth enclosure around an antenna that T-Mobile already has the right to place on the roof. The representative said it is for appearance and that federal law bars denial on health grounds. Peterson asked about health effects. A neighborhood-area resident said neighbors found the enclosure somewhat unsightly but preferred it to exposed antennas.
- Applicant: Rage Development for T-Mobile
- Zone: C2
Roads and utilities
City manager update: City Hall timeline
Discussed
City Manager Jamie Davidson said the city will design the new City Hall with Method Studios and Layton Construction before bidding it out, with construction planned for March 2023. An asbestos review of the current building has begun. He also discussed the water tank at 400 South and 400 West.
What residents said
Cell tower health concernsHillcrest Park restrooms
Courtney Packer invited council members to join the 100 Women Who Care giving group. Cody Hale, a founder of Hale Center Theater, thanked the city for its support over the years.