Thursday, October 15, 2026TheUtah Ledger

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Orem · City Council

Orem council backs school property sale and America250 committee

January 28, 2025, 3:30 p.m. · Orem City Center, 56 North State Street

Council Member Jenn Gale was absent and Council Member Chris Killpack joined by Zoom. The council consented to an Alpine School District property sale, supported an America250 committee and approved a Geneva Road nighttime construction exemption, after a tour of the new city hall.

From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.

Decisions at a glance

Agenda, item by item

  1. Item Work session · Other

    New City Hall tour

    No action

    The council and staff toured the new city hall, which was expected to open in early spring 2025.

  2. Item Work session · Parks

    Water conservation incentive pilot

    Discussed

    The Central Utah Water Conservancy District asked to run a spring pilot paying Orem residents $1.50 per square foot to replace lawn with water-efficient landscaping, $0.50 per square foot for irrigation conversion and $50 per tree, up to five. Orem residents received about $55,000 in such incentives in 2022. Mayor Young supported it.

  3. Item Work session · Other

    Geneva Road nighttime construction exemption

    Discussed · Geneva Road south of University Parkway

    UDOT asked to allow overnight work on a Geneva Road project south of University Parkway to reduce traffic impacts and bid costs.

  4. Presentation

    Legislative priorities with State Sen. Keven Stratton

    Discussed

    The senator reviewed state Senate priorities and Orem staff raised growth management, Center Street widening funding, trails, short-term rentals and utility transportation fees. Council members including Spencer voiced concern about housing growth and local control.

  5. Presentation

    2025 areas of focus

    Discussed

    Staff presented five 2025 focus areas, including short-term rental regulations, general plan updates, business licensing, legislator outreach and workforce development.

  6. Item Consent · Contract

    Minutes of Jan. 14 tabled to Feb. 11; Geneva Road nighttime construction exemption

    Approved · 5-0 · Geneva Road south of University Parkway

    The council tabled approval of the Jan. 14 minutes to Feb. 11, and approved a resolution allowing nighttime construction on the Geneva Road project.

    Moved by Council Member LaNae Millett, seconded by Council Member Tom Macdonald. Vote: Approved 5-0 among members present; Mayor Young also voted yes. Minutes tabled 5-0; Mayor Young also voted yes

  7. Other

    Consent to Alpine School District sale of career and technical education property

    Approved · 5-0

    Because of the school district split, state law requires consent of Orem, Lindon, Vineyard and Pleasant Grove to sell a student-built house; proceeds return to the program. The other cities had consented.

    Moved by Council Member Tom Macdonald, seconded by Council Member Jeff Lambson. Vote: Approved 5-0 among members present; Mayor Young also voted yes

  8. Other

    Resolution supporting America250 Utah and the Orem UTAH250 Community Committee

    Approved · 5-0

    The resolution recognizes a local committee to plan 2026 events for the nation's 250th anniversary. The minutes list Jenn Gale among the yes votes though she is recorded as absent.

    Moved by Council Member LaNae Millett, seconded by Council Member Tom Macdonald. Vote: Approved 5-0 among members recorded present; Mayor Young also voted yes

What residents said

Short-term rental regulations

Two residents who own rental properties opposed short-term rental regulations.