Orem council adopts utility master plans, trims CDBG plan after $30,000 federal cut, and agrees on two-term limit for commissions
May 27, 2025, 3:00 p.m. · 56 North State Street, Orem
The Orem City Council adopted the utility master plan and associated financial plans on the consent agenda and approved a revised fiscal 2025-26 CDBG plan after HUD cut the allocation by $30,000 to about $569,000. In the work session, members agreed to codify a limit of two three-year terms for board and commission members, heard UTOPIA's annual report, and learned of new state candidate-filing and mail-ballot rules. Council Member Jenn Gale was absent.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Item W1 · Presentation
UTOPIA and Utah Infrastructure Agency annual report
Discussed
UTOPIA Executive Director Roger Timmerman said the network has nearly 75,000 subscribers, Orem is its second-largest city, and Orem adds about 26 customers a month. Orem holds a 22.3% share of the original UTOPIA bond, which is guaranteed by city franchise tax revenue; its payments escalate 2% a year but UTOPIA and the agency are absorbing the increase. A $4 million increase in debt payments is expected next fiscal year, and the original bonds should be paid off around 2040-2044. He estimated savings of about $29 a month per household and asked to provide a debt summary to the city.
Item W2 · Roads and utilities
Municipal wastewater planning program report
Discussed
Assistant Public Works Director Reed Price said the state-required survey found sufficient revenue, no treatment violations in the past year, and one sewer backup. The treatment plant has 13.5 million gallons per day capacity with flows of about 8.3 million.
Item W3 · City code
Boards and commissions handbook and term limits
Discussed
Staff reported changes including eliminating the Alcoholic Beverage License Hearing Board and the Public Safety Advisory Commission, turning three groups into subcommittees, and standardizing three-year terms. The council agreed to codify a limit of two three-year terms for all commissions. Council Member Macdonald suggested a phased transition for members already past the limit; members who exceed it on the inactive CARE Commission would be done immediately. Staff will draft code language and list affected members.
Item W4 · City code
New candidate filing requirements
Discussed
Deputy City Attorney D. Jacob Summers said House Bill 504 requires candidates to file a conflict-of-interest disclosure, Senate Bill 54 sets how names appear on ballots, and House Bill 300 requires mail ballots to be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day rather than postmarked. The filing period is the first five business days of June.
Item R1 · Presentation
Recognitions and reports
Discussed
The council heard the swearing-in of four newly promoted fire captains, Miss Orem introductions, a state Outstanding Pretreatment Program award for Public Works, Building Safety Month, the summer reading program, the police autism picnic, the 20th anniversary of Sleepy Ridge Golf Course, an Oremfest preview (July 7-12, with $92,500 in cash sponsorships) and a Historic Preservation Advisory Commission report. Sleepy Ridge's operator said the city contributes land and water, and 5% of gross revenue goes to a reserve fund accumulating $150,000 a year.
Item Consent · Roads and utilities
Resolution adopting the utility master plan and associated financial plans
Approved · 5-0
The council adopted the utility master plan and associated financial plans for water, sewer and stormwater on the consent agenda.
Item 10.1 · Budget
Community Development Block Grant projected use of funds, fiscal year 2025-26 (revised)
Approved · 5-0
Management Analyst Heather Cox said a $30,000 HUD reduction brings the total to about $569,000, with cuts made mostly at the regional level. Orem allocations for police victim services ($30,000), critical home repair ($57,000) and low- and moderate-income playground equipment (about $280,000) remain largely unchanged; four other programs absorbed the largest reductions.
- Grant$569,000
Item Closed · Other
Motion to adjourn to closed session
Approved · 5-0
The council voted to close the meeting to discuss pending or reasonably imminent litigation, the character or professional competence of an individual, or the purchase or lease of real property.
What residents said
Short-term rental limitsCampaign financeNew city building safety
Shari Soelberg, a short-term rental host, opposed the proposed 182-night limit, 1,000-foot spacing rule and 100-license cap and asked for collaboration. James Brown criticized the opening of the new city building over safety and accessibility concerns, presented campaign finance figures for three council members, and urged preserving the farm.