Orem council debates planning commission reappointment, then approves it
January 14, 2025, 3:30 p.m. · Orem City Center, 56 North State Street
Council members disagreed over whether to approve the routine reappointment of Planning Commission chair Madeline Komen or delay it to review the appointment process. A motion to table failed and the council approved the reappointment along with a 1600 North nighttime construction exemption. It also amended the budget by about $1.7 million. Council Member Jenn Gale joined the regular session by Zoom.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
| Item | Result |
|---|---|
| Healthy Orem plan | Discussed |
| 1600 North nighttime construction exemption request | Discussed |
| Reappointment of Madeline Komen to the Planning Commission, with other consent items | Approved · 6-0 |
| Fiscal 2024-25 budget amendments (about $1.7 million) | Approved · 6-0 |
Agenda, item by item
Item Work session · Other
Healthy Orem plan
Discussed
Staff presented a health improvement plan with four priorities: a city health website in English and Spanish, free health classes, an annual health fair and continued grant writing.
Item Work session · Other
1600 North nighttime construction exemption request
Discussed
UDOT and the city asked to allow overnight work on the 1600 North widening, which city code restricts near homes from 10:30 p.m. to 7 a.m. UDOT said almost all of 33 homes have been purchased, it wants funding in place by April 1 to bid, and night work would save at least a year.
Item Work session · Presentation
EPA brownfields grant closeout; conflict of interest disclosure law; CARE tax policy; Gold Star monument
Discussed
Staff summarized results of the EPA brownfields grant, explained a new state law (HB 80) requiring annual conflict-of-interest disclosures filed with the city recorder in January, proposed CARE grant threshold and schedule changes, and said $52,000 has been raised for the Gold Star monument.
Presentation
Emergency preparedness report; ULCT legislative priorities
Discussed
The emergency manager said about 44,000 people were accounted for in the city drill. A Utah League of Cities and Towns representative said housing, homelessness, public safety and external accessory dwelling units were key bills.
Item 9.3 and consent · Appointment
Reappointment of Madeline Komen to the Planning Commission, with other consent items
Approved · 6-0
A motion to approve all consent items (minutes, four Events Advisory Commission appointments, Komen's reappointment, and the 1600 North nighttime construction resolution) failed 2-4 among council members. Council Member Chris Killpack then moved to table Komen's reappointment and approve the rest. Killpack, Macdonald, Lambson and Gale said they wanted to review the process for planning commission appointments, not Komen's service; Killpack and Gale said they wanted earlier notice of expiring terms and a way for all members to propose names, and Lambson wanted to review the process with staff. Millett and Spencer said a routine reappointment of the chair should not be delayed and that process changes could follow. Community Development Director Gary McGinn praised her work. The motion to table failed, and the council then approved all consent items, including the reappointment and the 1600 North resolution.
Budget
Fiscal 2024-25 budget amendments (about $1.7 million)
Approved · 6-0
Amendments covered grants and donations, bond interest in two construction accounts, Senior Friendship Center fire alarm and flagpole lights, facilities maintenance pay, a passport money order fee, wildland fire funds, bike trails phase III from CARE funds, and Major Crimes Task Force vehicle sale proceeds. No one spoke.
- Budget$1.70 million
What residents said
Planning commission appointment processOvernight construction on 1600 North
No personal appearances.