City Council · 2018-07-17

 
City Council Minutes – July 17, 2018 (p.1)  
 
A complete video of the meeting can be found at www.orem.org/meetings 
 
CITY OF OREM 
CITY COUNCIL MEETING 
56 North State Street Orem, Utah 
July 17, 2018 
 
4:00 P.M. WORK SESSION – CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM 
 
CONDUCTING 
Mayor Richard F. Brunst  
 
ELECTED OFFICIALS 
Sam Lentz, Tom Macdonald, Mark Seastrand, and Brent 
Sumner 
 
APPOINTED STAFF 
Jamie Davidson, City Manager; Brenn Bybee, Assistant 
City Manager; Steven Downs, Assistant City Manager; 
Greg Stephens, City Attorney; Karl Hirst, Recreation 
Department Director; Brandon Nelson, Finance Division 
Manager; Bill Bell, Development Services Director; Scott 
Gurney, Fire Department Director; Steve Earl, Deputy City 
Attorney; Paul Goodrich, Transportation Engineer; Ryan 
Clark, Economic Development Director; Charlene Crosier, 
Library Director; Christian Kirkham, Long Range Planner; 
and Jody Bates, City Recorder. 
 
EXCUSED 
Debby Lauret and David Spencer 
 
  
DISCUSSION – Orem Station Area Plan 
Mr. Kirkham stated this project started about a year ago as part of a BRT project and there were 
excess funds they now would like to apply to a UTA project.  This would include the Orem 
Station and things within a half mile of that station.  He turned the time over to Susie Petheram 
with CRSA for the presentation.   
 
Ms. Petheram introduced the partners they had been working with on this project. Those in 
attendance were Benji Becker, ZPFI; Levi Roberts, UTA; Mary DeLamare-Schaefer, UTA and 
Chad Eccles, MAG.     
 
Ms. Petheram proceeded with the presentation and discussed:  
 The what and why of the project, 
 The planning process which included public participation,   
 Planning Concept Scenarios, 
 Initiative and Strategies, 
 Review of the Orem Station Concept Plan including UVU buildings, mixed office, mixed 
residential and other options. 
 
Ms. Petheram and the project partners answered questions from the City Council and discussion 
continued. 



 
City Council Minutes – July 17, 2018 (p.2) 
 
 
A complete video of the meeting can be found at www.orem.org/meetings 
 
Mr. Kirkham indicated this was a study process that UTA was doing, and they were not asking 
the City Council for approval or funding at this time.   
 
DISCUSSION – Orem Family Capital Projects Consideration  
Mr. Bybee reviewed survey questions and responses sent to residential registered along with 
previous survey statistics.     
 
Mr. Bybee showed proposed renderings of the changes to the Orem Fitness Center, which 
included: 
 Family Change Room 
 Suspended Walking/Jogging Track 
 Community/Family/Birthday Space 
 Indoor Playground 
 New Building/Entry Lobby 
 New Childs Watch Area 
 New Fitness & Exercise Space 
 Upgrade Spinning/Yoga/Dance Studio 
 New Racquetball Courts 
 Parking Area change 
 
Mr. Bybee continued to review changes to the proposed Library Hall, which included: 
 New Lobby concept 
 Auditorium Seating options 
 Stage Options 
 Opportunity to expand space for current and future programs 
 
Discussion continued regarding financing options and timelines in order to place the bond on the 
ballot. 
 
Mr. Davidson indicated there were residents that were coming together and getting behind this 
effort who had been historically supportive of recreation and the library. He introduced Dan 
Miller who was a representative and a member of a political involvement committee that was 
willing to help with education and community involvement of this project.  He recognized Mr. 
Miller and thanked him for his involvement and his engagement in this project.  
 
Mr. Miller stated the committee had proponents from both the recreation and library groups that 
had been working together and they were ready to move forward, if the Council approved this 
being on the ballot.  They would do all they could to educate and explain the benefits of this 
proposal to the community.  He felt this was a continual step in providing for the families of 
Orem.   
 
Mr. Lentz expressed concern about moving forward with some bonds and not others, in 
particular a bond regarding UTOPIA. 
 
Discussion continued regarding possible issues being placed on the upcoming election ballot. 
 



 
City Council Minutes – July 17, 2018 (p.3)  
 
A complete video of the meeting can be found at www.orem.org/meetings 
 
Mr. Davidson indicated many communities had had defining decisions.  He felt approving the 
original Recreation Center was one of those defining decisions for Orem.  He felt that when the 
Council failed to act due to disagreements or differences for various reasons, nothing happened 
and projects then became more expensive to accomplish.  He indicated it was imperative the 
Council come together to the best degree possible and support whatever decision was made, in 
the best interest of the residents.   
     
 
5:00 P.M. STUDY SESSION – CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM 
 
CONDUCTING 
Mayor Richard F. Brunst  
 
ELECTED OFFICIALS 
Sam Lentz, Tom Macdonald, Mark Seastrand, and Brent 
Sumner 
 
 
APPOINTED STAFF 
Jamie Davidson, City Manager; Brenn Bybee, Assistant 
City Manager; Steven Downs, Assistant City Manager; 
Greg Stephens, City Attorney; Karl Hirst, Recreation 
Department Director; Brandon Nelson, Finance Manager; 
Bill Bell, Development Services Director; Scott Gurney, 
Fire Chief; Charlene Crozier, Library Department Director; 
Chris Tschirki, Public Works Director; Steve Earl, Deputy 
City Attorney; Christian Kirkham, Long Range Planner; 
and Jody Bates, City Recorder 
 
EXCUSED 
Debby Lauret and David Spencer 
 
 
Preview Upcoming Agenda Items 
No preview was held. 
 
Agenda Review 
The City Council and staff reviewed the items on the agenda. Mayor Brunst reviewed the 
upcoming events, as listed in the agenda packet.    
 
City Council New Business  
The City Council discussed any new business.  Mayor Brunst and Mr. Davidson commented on 
recent meetings they attended in Washington D.C. and how upcoming decisions could affect the 
City of Orem.   
 
The City Council then adjourned at 5:58 p.m. to the City Council Chambers for their regular 
meeting.  
 
 



 
City Council Minutes – July 17, 2018 (p.4) 
 
 
A complete video of the meeting can be found at www.orem.org/meetings 
6:00 P.M. REGULAR SESSION – COUNCIL CHAMBERS 
 
CONDUCTING 
Mayor Richard F. Brunst  
 
ELECTED OFFICIALS 
Sam Lentz, Tom Macdonald, Mark Seastrand, and Brent 
Sumner, *Debby Lauret and *David Spencer (*participated 
electronically) 
 
APPOINTED STAFF 
Jamie Davidson, City Manager; Brenn Bybee, Assistant 
City Manager; Steven Downs, Assistant City Manager; 
Greg Stephens, City Attorney; Karl Hirst, Recreation 
Department Director; Brandon Nelson, Finance Manager; 
Bill Bell, Development Services Director; Scott Gurney, 
Fire Chief; Charlene Crozier, Library Department Director; 
Chris Tschirki, Public Works Director; Steve Earl, Deputy 
City Attorney; Christian Kirkham, Long Range Planner; 
and Jody Bates, City Recorder 
 
 
INVOCATION /  
INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT 
Brandon Stone, a Scout 
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 
Spencer Christensen, a Scout  
 
 
APPROVAL OF MINUTES 
 
Mr. Macdonald moved to approve the June 19, 2018, City Council Meeting minutes as 
amended.  Mr. Lentz seconded the motion. Those voting aye: Mr. Spencer, Mr. Lentz, Mayor 
Brunst, Mr. Seastrand, Mr. Sumner, Mr. Spencer and Mrs. Lauret.  The motion passed. 
 
 
MAYOR’S REPORT/ITEMS REFERRED BY COUNCIL 
 
Upcoming Events 
Mayor Brunst reviewed the upcoming events, as listed in the agenda packet. 
 
Presentation – Walter C. Orem Award – Kenneth “Hawk” and Cheryl Harper 
Mayor Brunst presented Hawk and Cheryl Harper with the Walter C. Orem Award. 
 
Mr. and Mrs. Harper were given a round of applause, and Mayor Brunst posed for a photo with 
them. They then shook hands with all the City Council members. 
 
Presentation – Recreation Volunteer of the Year – Brad and Lori Freytag 
Mr. Hirst recognized Brad and Lori Freytag as the Recreation Volunteers of the Year. 
 
Mr. and Mrs. Freytag were given a round of applause, and Mayor Brunst posed for a photo with 
them. They then shook hands with all the City Council members. 
PERSONAL APPEARANCES 



 
City Council Minutes – July 17, 2018 (p.5)  
 
A complete video of the meeting can be found at www.orem.org/meetings 
 
 
Time was allotted for the public to express their ideas, concerns, and comments on items not 
scheduled as public hearings on the agenda.  Those wishing to speak should have signed in prior 
to the meeting, and comments were limited to three minutes or less. 
 
(2:19:06) John Durrant stated he was against the change along 1200 West.  They had tried to 
keep the growth and commercial from creeping into this area, so they were not happy with the 
changes that were being proposed.  The traffic and the speed were a great concern and they 
wanted this area to remain a residential single family area.   
 
(2:23:42) John Nelson said when he thought of Orem he thought of Family City USA, and he felt 
that by allowing commercial to be supported in this area it would affect the residents and the 
community.  
 
(2:24:23) Lea Wallen stated her concern with a fire and firework problem they had in the area.   
She stated statistics of other cities and the fireworks and fires they recently dealt with.  She felt 
that city parks should be made available for fireworks, taking them away from homes and 
making it safer and easier to control.   
 
(2:28:05) Becky Harris indicated she had been made aware of a half-way-house located across 
the street from her home.  She was concerned that these types of facilities could become part of 
the neighborhood without the knowledge of the residents.  She felt surrounding home owners 
should have a say regarding this type of home being in their neighborhood.  She felt there was 
going to be a sense of fear and insecurity among the neighbors and property values will decline.     
 
(2:30:05) Jean Eccles stated she was a resident right next door to the home that was now a half-
way-house.  She voiced concern for safety not only for her and her neighbors, but also for the 
school children in the surrounding areas.  
 
Mr. Earl, Deputy City Attorney, discussed the regulations of the types of homes that could be in 
the residential area.  The City did what they could to ensure they were following city guidelines 
but there were federal laws and regulations that regulated the use of those homes.  
 
(2:33:35) Marsha Jenkins voiced her concern with having the half-way-house located in the 
vicinity of schools and parks.   
 
(2:26:47) Jana Bower voiced her concern regarding the property rezoning for commercial use.  
She was frustrated with the continuation of this item.  She felt families were not the most 
important anymore to the City, and the Council was more concerned with commercial business.  
 
(2:39:43) Linda Harlow stated her property was connected to the east part of the proposed zone 
change and had a concern of the parking lot and the increased traffic.   
 
(2:40:59) Jim Tillson voiced his concern with the half-way-house and indicated the 
neighborhood had come together to oppose the use of that home.  He felt this project was in 
violation of the public notice requirements.   
 



 
City Council Minutes – July 17, 2018 (p.6) 
 
 
A complete video of the meeting can be found at www.orem.org/meetings 
(2:44:34) Linda Bergener voiced her concern with the half-way-house being a business in the 
middle of a residential area. They did not want this business in their neighborhood.  
 
 
SCHEDULED ITEMS 
 
CONTINUED ITEM – Rezone from Medium Density Residential to Regional Commercial 
– Randy’s Mechanical 
 
Mayor Brunst moved, to continue the rezone from Medium Density Residential to Regional 
Commercial for Randy’s Mechanical. Mr. Macdonald seconded the motion.  Those voting aye: 
Mr. Spencer, Mr. Lentz, Mayor Brunst, Mr. Seastrand, Mr. Sumner, Mr. Spencer and Mrs. 
Lauret.  The motion passed. 
 
 
COMMUNICATION ITEMS 
 
The Monthly Financial Summary for May 2018 was included in the packets distributed to the 
Council. 
 
 
CITY MANAGER INFORMATION ITEMS 
 
Mr. Davidson had no information items to share.  
 
 
ADJOURNMENT 
 
Mr. Seastrand moved to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Macdonald seconded the motion. Those 
voting aye: Mr. Spencer, Mr. Lentz, Mayor Brunst, Mr. Seastrand, Mr. Sumner, Mr. Spencer and 
Mrs. Lauret.  The motion passed.  
 
The meeting adjourned at 6:47 p.m. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
JoD’Ann Bates, City Recorder 
 
Approved: August 14, 2018