Orem council members voice opposition to code change that would allow a 16-unit townhome project near 975 North and 100 West

Decisions at a glance

Agenda, item by item

1. Item W1 · Contract

   Sports tourism and Ironman 70.3 bid

   Discussed

   Library and Recreation Director Bryce Merrill said Lakeside Park draws 765,000 visits a year, 65,000 from over 50 miles away, and park rental revenue rose from $50,000 to about $400,000 in three years. Orem is considering a bid with Explore Utah Valley to co-host an Ironman 70.3 in May 2027 under an initial three-year contract, projected to bring 3,000 competitors, 10,000 hotel nights and about $11 million in economic impact, with the run finishing at the festival street in the Heart of Orem. It would require an expected six-figure commitment of cash and in-kind police and public works services, and the bike course would affect major corridors for up to 5.5 hours on a Saturday morning. Officials said it could help secure transient room tax funding for projects such as the Mount Timpanogos entryway and Heart of Orem.

   • ContractAmount not given to Explore Utah Valley (partner) Proposed bid to co-host an Ironman 70.3 in May 2027; city cost described as a six-figure commitment in cash and in-kind police and public works services. Paid from City general funds (proposed); possible transient room tax

2. Item W2 · Roads and utilities

   Engineering and facilities projects update

   Discussed

   City Engineer Taggart Bowen said utility work is being aligned with the $2 million to $3 million annual road budget, the MAG-funded roundabout at 1200 North and 400 East is complete (in-house management saved over $200,000 in consultant fees), and the wastewater reuse project now irrigates parks such as Lakeside. Assistant City Manager Ryan Clark said Northridge Park added four pickleball courts, the 10-million-gallon tank is structurally complete with a pump station delayed to December, Freedom Plaza at the new City Hall is targeting a November 18 tree planting, the fire training facility's burn buildings are finished, and the police building is getting a new roof, boilers and chiller.

3. Item W3 · City code

   501(c)(4) organizations and candidate disclosure

   Discussed

   City Attorney Steve Earl reported that several states require disclosure of donors by any group spending above set thresholds on election communications; courts have upheld such laws in four cases and struck them in two, and the 10th Circuit upheld New Mexico's. He advised that donor disclosure is best handled by the state. Mayor Young proposed a stop-gap check box on candidate disclosure forms asking whether the candidate has received contributions or benefits from a 501(c)(4), and Council Member Spencer supported it as no harm. Council Member Millett supported the check box and wanted more detail, including disclosure of donations over $250, and asked to place it on a future agenda. Council Members Lambson, Gale, Killpack and Macdonald opposed pursuing it, saying a local 501(c)(4) had done nothing illegal, that the issue was using city staff time on suspicions, and that candidates may not know who is spending on their behalf. No motion was taken in the work session; Millett estimated the sentiment at 4-3 against.

4. Item R1 · Presentation

   Mayor's message, Constitution Month, legislative report and recognitions

   Discussed

   Mayor Young led a moment of silence following the killing of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University and recalled a candlelight vigil of about 3,000 people organized by the city. The council heard a veteran's remarks on the oath to the Constitution, Constitution Month art contest winners, a report from state Representatives Lisa Shepherd and David Shallenberger, the Library Advisory Commission, the city's ranking as a Top Workplace (49th among large employers) and the swearing-in of the Youth Council.

5. Item 10.1 · City code

   Amendment to Article 22-21, special exceptions for multi-family dwellings in single-family zones

   Pending · Near 975 North and 100 West

   Planning Manager Jared Hall and the applicant proposed changes to the rule that lets multi-family housing be built on vacant lots surrounded by multi-family properties in R-6, R-6.5 and R-7.5 zones: raise the maximum lot size from 20,000 to 48,000 square feet, replace the all-surrounding-lots test with 75% of properties in the block (or a 300-foot contiguous area for blocks over 10 acres), allow one unit per 2,950 square feet (about 14.75 per acre) plus a 5% bonus for superior construction, and add wood and fiber cement board as materials. It would apply citywide and, the applicant said, to perhaps six properties; his proposal is a 16-unit townhome project on just over one acre near 975 North and 100 West that he said is not marketable for single-family homes. The Planning Commission recommended denial. Council Member Millett noted a project under the amendment would go to the Board of Adjustment and Planning Commission rather than back to the council, limiting resident comment. Residents opposed over parking and traffic on 100 West and 185 West, the precedent of changing code for one project, and neighborhood character; the applicant's son said younger residents are priced out and cited school enrollment decline. Members opposed or doubted the change: Lambson wanted single-family stability, Spencer said the R-6 lot can hold about six new homes, Gale said she was conflicted but "not quite there yet," Millett opposed spot zoning, and Mayor Young said more density does not bring affordability and rentals are already 42% of housing. Spencer moved to deny, seconded by Macdonald; the minutes list all seven as voting no and say the motion did not pass, which conflicts with the discussion (needs human check).

   • Applicant: Zumbrena (private applicant, per minutes)
   • Site: just over one acre, zoned R-6
   • Proposed project: 16 townhome units
   • Planning Commission: recommended denial
   • Requested changes: lot size cap 48,000 sq ft, 75% multi-family block test, 14.75 units per acre

   Moved by Council Member David Spencer, seconded by Council Member Tom Macdonald

   Follow Article 22-21 multi-family special exception amendment (townhome proposal) in the development tracker →

6. Item Closed · Other

   Motion to adjourn to closed session

   Approved · 6-0

   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.

   Moved by Council Member LaNae Millett, seconded by Council Member Chris Killpack. Vote: 6-0

What residents said

Parking and traffic on 100 WestSpot zoningNeighborhood character and density400 South traffic safetyCampaign signs on canal fences501(c)(4) disclosure

A Sunset Heights resident asked the city to finish ground cover at Heritage Park and objected to a telecommunications contractor's fiber installation near a tree; the city manager said the company holds a historic right to the easement but the city can enforce construction standards. One resident urged branding Orem as a center of dialogue after the Kirk killing; another asked that the City Hall clock be named "Charlie." A Vineyard resident asked for traffic calming and single-city control of 400 South after pedestrian crashes. A resident asked candidates to remove campaign signs from canal fences after one canal company requested it; the mayor and Council Member Millett said other canal companies allowed signs and removals followed the complaint. The same resident thanked the city for publishing grant information. At the public hearing, residents opposed the Article 22-21 amendment citing parking, congestion, spot zoning and precedent.