Orem council reviews Hillcrest Park concepts, State Street design standards and water tank options in work session
February 9, 2021, 4:00 p.m. · City Council Conference Room (held electronically), 56 North State Street
In a work session led by Mayor Pro Tem Jeff Lambson, the Orem City Council discussed concepts for Hillcrest Park, the Watt Smart Communities energy program, State Street design standards and a water infrastructure update. No votes on policy were taken. Mayor Richard Brunst joined at about 5:45 p.m.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
| Item | Result |
|---|---|
| Hillcrest Park concepts | Discussed |
| State Street design standards | Discussed |
| Water infrastructure update and Orem Community Park water tank | Discussed |
| City Council areas of focus follow-up | Discussed |
Agenda, item by item
Parks
Hillcrest Park concepts
Discussed
Landmark Design walked through the three concepts shown at the prior meeting. Members discussed the condition of the media center and gym, the cost of keeping them, and whether to reuse existing pavilions and restrooms. The council agreed to try to schedule a meeting with a private entity interested in the property under the concept that keeps the building. The City Manager said the concepts are suggestions drawn from the Parks Master Plan and resident feedback and the council can ask for other amenities.
Presentation
Watt Smart Communities program
Discussed
A Rocky Mountain Power representative described the free, voluntary Watt Smart Communities partnership to build an Orem community energy action plan, in four phases from leadership buy-in to an implementation approach. Goals include tailoring the plan to Orem and using community energy data. Members discussed engaging residents through social media and the city newsletter.
City code
State Street design standards
Discussed
Staff proposed ordinance changes so owners of existing buildings in buffered sidewalk areas can expand without demolishing, basic design standards for the C2 zone between districts (building access, minimum habitable depth, windows and awnings, facade articulation, materials, utility enclosures), and screening of above-ground utility boxes. The Planning Commission would review on February 17 and the council tentatively on March 9. Members raised parking concerns and costs borne by owners who redevelop.
- Timeline: Planning Commission Feb. 17, 2021; City Council Mar. 9, 2021 (tentative)
Roads and utilities
Water infrastructure update and Orem Community Park water tank
Discussed
Public Works staff reviewed the culinary water master plan, the need for future tanks, bonding, possible tank locations and construction and maintenance costs, and said two neighborhood meetings were planned. Members discussed when to engage the public, the pros and cons of each site, effects on water rates and safety of children walking to school during construction. The City Manager said the state has flagged the need as a deficiency and noted an agreement with federal land funds requiring the park remain open space.
Other
City Council areas of focus follow-up
Discussed
The City Manager revisited the five areas of focus from the council retreat: safe and livable neighborhoods, a thriving and balanced business environment, dependable infrastructure, community-focused government and a skilled workforce. Council Member Debby Lauret said residents want more toddler and family-friendly amenities at the outdoor pool and elsewhere. Council Member Jeff Lambson called it a useful working document.
What residents said
Apartment proposal at 1600 North and 400 WestParking and trafficWater tank public inputHillcrest Park amenities
Written comments were read into the record. Several residents opposed a proposed high-density apartment project near 1600 North and 400 West, citing parking, traffic on 1600 North and 400 West, safety of children, crime and proximity to a single-family neighborhood; one asked for a deeper height-limit buffer along 400 West and for homes to be removed from the North Village District. One resident asked for more open green space and fewer pickleball courts at Hillcrest. One resident criticized the lack of public input before the Orem Community Park water tank location was chosen and asked for a pause. Others asked about activating red-light cameras and thanked the city for maintaining its properties.