Orem council approves city manager contract and rezone for Citadel Storage at 1385 West 1600 North
April 23, 2024, 6:00 p.m. · City Council Chambers, 56 North State Street, Orem
The Orem City Council voted unanimously to approve an employment agreement with City Manager Brenn Bybee at an initial salary of $200,000 and to rezone 1385 West 1600 North for the Citadel Storage climate-controlled storage project. It tabled two items, one on the status of legislative counsel and one amending sections 2-15-4 and 2-15-6 of the city code. In the work session it reviewed a $17.1 million capital improvement budget.
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: 3 approved, 2 discussed, and 2 tabled.
The agenda records 2 dollar amounts, the largest $17.1 million.
2 items here are tracked in the city's development tracker.
This write-up links 3 source documents and the meeting video.
7 members were present.
The previous City Council meeting was on April 9, 2024: Orem council rezones 1960 North State Street to PD-53 and raises formal bid threshold to $50,000
The next one was on April 25, 2024: Orem and Lindon councils meet on shared utilities, school district split, fire contract and 1600 North
Decisions at a glance
| Item | Result |
|---|---|
| Capital improvement budget for FY2025 | Discussed |
| Construction standards (APWA specifications) | Discussed |
| Heritage Advisory Commission appointment | Approved · 7-0 with the mayor |
| City manager employment agreement | Approved · 7-0 with the mayor |
| Citadel Storage rezone at 1385 West 1600 North (HS to PD-28) and code amendment | Approved · 7-0 with the mayor |
| Status of legislative counsel | Tabled · 7-0 with the mayor |
| Amendment of city code sections 2-15-4 and 2-15-6 | Tabled · 7-0 with the mayor |
Agenda, item by item
Item Work session · Budget
Capital improvement budget for FY2025
Discussed
Finance Director Brandon Nelson and Acting City Engineer Taggart Bowen presented proposed capital spending of $17,139,261: CIP fund $4,018,000, water $1,944,588, water reclamation $4,165,650, storm water $2,040,645 and streets $4,970,378. Park projects total $2,720,000 and include Windsor Park improvements ($1,750,000), Center Street and 800 North landscaping ($450,000) and Heritage Park cabin restoration ($200,000). Other items include a $448,000 library administrative remodel, $607,875 in building maintenance and about $4.97 million for street overlay, sealing and ADA work. The CIP fund draws on a $412,000 federal land and water grant reimbursement, $1,468,000 in CARE tax and $500,000 in Lakeview Parkway funds.
- Budget$17.1 million
Item Work session · Roads and utilities
Construction standards (APWA specifications)
Discussed
Acting City Engineer Taggart Bowen explained that the city uses the 2017 American Public Works Association specifications, supplemented by an Orem document, for public and private projects, and that a resolution adopting the standards would follow.
Item Mayor's report · Presentation
Orem birthday service day, Arbor Day and recognitions
Discussed
Staff announced a May 4 birthday service day at Nielsen's Grove Park, including a new 20-foot flagpole. Mayor David Young proclaimed April 26 Arbor Day; Orem has been a Tree City USA for 31 years. The council also heard the Natural Resources Stewardship Committee annual report, received a Governor's Office award as one of 100 Utah companies championing women, and swore in two fire battalion chiefs.
Item Consent · Appointment
Heritage Advisory Commission appointment
Approved · 7-0 with the mayor
The council approved the appointment of Rod Crockett to the Heritage Advisory Commission and the April 9 minutes.
Item Scheduled · Appointment
City manager employment agreement
Approved · 7-0 with the mayor
Management Services Director Keri Rugg presented an ordinance approving an employment agreement with City Manager Brenn Bybee. He serves at the pleasure of the council at an initial salary of $200,000, with the council setting later adjustments; benefits include a city vehicle and additional retirement contributions. One resident spoke favorably at the public hearing.
- Payment$200,000 to Brenn Bybee
Item Scheduled · Zoning
Citadel Storage rezone at 1385 West 1600 North (HS to PD-28) and code amendment
Approved · 7-0 with the mayor
Assistant Development Services Director Jason Bench presented ordinances adding interior climate-controlled storage as an optional permitted use, rezoning 1385 West 1600 North from HS to PD-28, and adding concept plans and elevations for the Citadel Storage development to Appendix L. Two concept plans are included, with the final choice depending on an easement with UDOT. The building would have storage on the lower floors and offices on top and look like an office building, with light traffic. The planning commission recommended approval. Developer Norman Avery said there will be landscaping and the company will use the top-floor offices.
- Applicant: Norman Avery (Citadel Storage)
- Current zone → proposed: HS → PD-28
- Planning commission: recommended approval
Item Scheduled · Other
Status of legislative counsel
Tabled · 7-0 with the mayor
The council again tabled a resolution on the status of legislative counsel.
Item Scheduled · City code
Amendment of city code sections 2-15-4 and 2-15-6
Tabled · 7-0 with the mayor
The council tabled an ordinance amending sections 2-15-4 and 2-15-6 of the city code.
What residents said
One resident spoke in favor of the city manager at the contract hearing; the Citadel Storage developer spoke at its hearing.