Orem council amends storm water code with new $1,000 bond; plans school district study release July 12 and August 2 ballot vote
June 28, 2022, 6:00 p.m. · Council Chambers, 56 North State Street, Orem
The council unanimously approved changes to the storm water utility ordinance, including a new $1,000 bond, and amended the fiscal 2021-22 budget. On consent it joined the Utah Valley HOME Consortium, named Council Member LaNae Millet Mayor Pro Tem for July through December, and adopted a retirement contribution resolution. In the work session the council set three public outreach meetings on the Alpine School District split study, which will be presented July 12, with a council vote on a ballot question planned for August 2.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
| Item | Result |
|---|---|
| State fraud risk assessment (work session) | Discussed |
| Utah State Retirement contribution amendment | Approved · 6-0 |
| Utah Valley HOME Consortium participation | Approved · 6-0 |
| Mayor Pro Tem, July through December 2022 | Approved · 6-0 |
| Public outreach for the school district split study (work session) | Discussed |
| Development Review Committee process revisions (work session) | Discussed |
| Parking proximity ordinance (work session) | Discussed |
| Ordinance amending Chapter 23, Storm Water Utility | Approved · 6-0 |
| Public hearing: amend fiscal year 2021-22 budget | Approved · 6-0 |
| City manager updates (work session) | Discussed |
Agenda, item by item
Presentation
Economic Development Strategic Plan (work session)
Discussed
Consultants from Thomas P. Miller and Associates described a plan for the next five to seven years built on four frameworks: business retention and expansion, business attraction, entrepreneurship and innovation, and quality of life, after contact with over 75 people. City Manager Jamie Davidson said it can refine the path under the new State Street zoning. Mayor Young asked how a two-person development team could carry it out and wanted a State Street focus; Council Member Tom Macdonald asked who does the work and how it is funded.
Other
State fraud risk assessment (work session)
Discussed
Finance Director Brandon Nelson said the State Auditor requires an annual review. Areas to improve were online training certificates for governing body members, an annual written commitment to ethical behavior by employees and officials, and a formal internal audit function, which he said most cities do not have.
Budget
Utah State Retirement contribution amendment
Approved · 6-0
HR Director Keri Rugg said the city has covered the employee share of enhanced Tier 2 public safety and fire retirement contributions, which rose from 2.27 percent to 2.59 percent in 2022. The resolution formalizes the city paying the additional amount, already in the upcoming budget.
Other
Utah Valley HOME Consortium participation
Approved · 6-0
The council authorized Orem's participation in the Utah Valley HOME Consortium through a resolution on the consent agenda.
Appointment
Mayor Pro Tem, July through December 2022
Approved · 6-0
The mayor and council appointed Council Member LaNae Millet as Mayor Pro Tem for July through December 2022.
Other
Public outreach for the school district split study (work session)
Discussed
Mayor Young said the study will be released and presented on July 12 with no earlier draft. The council agreed by consensus to hold three outreach meetings on July 13, July 19 and July 28 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Library, and to meet August 2 to vote on whether to put the question on the ballot. Davidson suggested the July 12 meeting move to Library Hall because of expected turnout.
City code
Development Review Committee process revisions (work session)
Discussed
Planning Division Manager Jason Bench described renamed coordination meetings and said applications are not complete until approved by the Design Review Committee. Millet asked whether that is the vesting point. Peterson asked to table the discussion because of pending litigation, and Davidson suggested continuing it offline.
City code
Parking proximity ordinance (work session)
Discussed
Deputy City Attorney Steve Earl presented draft language proposed by Millet and Lauret requiring attached residential developments to assign two stalls per unit within 175 feet of the unit it serves, for safety and accessibility. Development Services Director Ryan Clark worried it would push green space away from buildings and reduce flexibility for apartment managers. Millet said the aim is safety and equal treatment for apartment residents. Spencer asked staff to study unintended effects.
City code
Ordinance amending Chapter 23, Storm Water Utility
Approved · 6-0
The amendments clarify definitions, update titles and links, and add a $1,000 bond to ensure property owners keep complying with storm water rules between construction and landscaping, a developer questionnaire and a map of storm water controls with final approval, and a retrofitting plan for redeveloped properties over one acre and established sites that harm storm water quality.
- Guarantee released$1,000
Budget
Public hearing: amend fiscal year 2021-22 budget
Approved · 6-0
Adjustments include grants, transferring General Fund reserves to the Capital Projects Fund to meet the state's maximum fund balance rule and fund projects, and Senior Citizen Fund help buying a bus after price increases. No one spoke.
Roads and utilities
City manager updates (work session)
Discussed
Davidson said Congressman Curtis included a $3 million appropriation for water reuse in the EPA budget, raising available funding for an $18 million city project from about $9 million to about $10 million with reconciliation still pending. He said the city prefers a through street over two cul-de-sacs requested by some residents, and drilling has begun.
- Grant$3.00 million to U.S. EPA appropriation
What residents said
Alpine School District splitProperty taxesGroup home permittingPedestrian safety on Center StreetLegislative counsel advice
John Barrick presented property tax figures for Alpine School District and supported the study. Ben Wheeler supported a local district. Jill Barrick described conditions at Northridge Elementary. Cissy Rasmussen invited the council to a Facebook group of parents who favor staying with Alpine. A group of neighbors told the council a nonprofit behavioral health company had bought a house in their neighborhood for use as a transitional home, asked how the permit process works and asked the council to help preserve the neighborhood. Heidi Clark said a police officer's vehicle struck a pedestrian in the crosswalk at Center Street and Garden Park on June 16, asked for more transparency from police, and asked the city to reconsider protected left turns. Shauna Mecham said the legislative counsel's advice on the State Street plan, the Planning Commission and the school district led to unnecessary discord.