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.
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
6 items came up for a decision or discussion: 3 approved, 2 discussed, and 1 no action.
This write-up links 3 source documents and the meeting video.
6 members were present and 1 absent (Council Member Jenn Gale).
Residents raised short-term rental regulations.
The previous City Council meeting was on January 14, 2025: Orem council debates planning commission reappointment, then approves it
The next one was on February 11, 2025: Orem council keeps one planning commission liaison; Whitestone Estates rezone withdrawn
Decisions at a glance
| Item | Result |
|---|---|
| New City Hall tour | No action |
| Water conservation incentive pilot | Discussed |
| Geneva Road nighttime construction exemption | Discussed |
| Minutes of Jan. 14 tabled to Feb. 11; Geneva Road nighttime construction exemption | Approved · 6-0 with the mayor |
| Consent to Alpine School District sale of career and technical education property | Approved · 6-0 with the mayor |
| Resolution supporting America250 Utah and the Orem UTAH250 Community Committee | Approved · 6-0 with the mayor |
Agenda, item by item
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.
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.
Item Work session · Other
Geneva Road nighttime construction exemption
Discussed
UDOT asked to allow overnight work on a Geneva Road project south of University Parkway to reduce traffic impacts and bid costs.
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.
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.
Item Consent · Contract
Minutes of Jan. 14 tabled to Feb. 11; Geneva Road nighttime construction exemption
Approved · 6-0 with the mayor
The council tabled approval of the Jan. 14 minutes to Feb. 11, and approved a resolution allowing nighttime construction on the Geneva Road project.
Other
Consent to Alpine School District sale of career and technical education property
Approved · 6-0 with the mayor
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.
Other
Resolution supporting America250 Utah and the Orem UTAH250 Community Committee
Approved · 6-0 with the mayor
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.
What residents said
Short-term rental regulations
Two residents who own rental properties opposed short-term rental regulations.