City Council · 2018-10-23

 
City Council Minutes – October 23, 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 
October 23, 2018 
 
4:30 P.M. WORK SESSION – CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM 
 
CONDUCTING 
Mayor Richard F. Brunst  
 
ELECTED OFFICIALS 
Debby Lauret, Sam Lentz, Tom Macdonald, Mark 
Seastrand, David Spencer, and Brent Sumner 
 
STAFF MEMBERS 
Jamie Davidson, City Manager; Steven Downs, Assistant 
City Manager; Greg Stephens, City Attorney; Recreation 
Department Director; Richard Manning, Administrative 
Services Director; Chris Tschirki, Public Works Director; 
Scott Gurney, Fire Department Director; Charlene Crozier, 
Library Director; Jason Bench, Planning Division Manager; 
Karl Hirst, Recreation Manager; Chris Tschirki, Public 
Works Director; Brandon Nelson, Account Division 
Manager; Sam Kelly, City Engineer; and JoD’Ann Bates, 
City Recorder 
 
 
ANNUAL REPORT – Orem Police Department Victim Advocates 
Renee Flitton indicated the information they present to the council reflects numbers gathered 
over the fiscal year of 2017-2018.   
 They worked with 557 victims in Orem. 162 of those were male and 394 were female.  
  368 of those victims were from domestic violence, 37 were from stalking, 23 were from 
sexual assaults and 15 were from child sex abuse cases.   
She stated they have seen a trend with sexual assaults, a lot of them involving meeting on Tinder 
and other similar social pages.   
 
General discussion ensued regarding the causes of the cases, the ages and types of victims, and 
the grants they receive in order to accommodate and help the victims with shelter and 
professional services.  Discussion continued as to how residents can volunteer their time and 
efforts in assisting in the effort.   
 
 
DISCUSSION – Rank Choice Voting    
Stan Lockhart stated the legislature had been studying this issue for several years, and in the 
most recent legislative session passed House Bill 35 that allows cities to opt into Rank Choice 
Voting (RCV).  He explained that RCV is taking all the candidates and ranking them in the order 
the voter wants, which would then eliminate the primary election process.  He continued to 
explain the process of RCV.   
 



 
 
City Council Minutes – October 23, 2018 (p.2) 
 
 
A complete video of the meeting can be found at www.orem.org/meetings 
Discussion ensued regarding the process of how the votes are counted and determines the 
winners, how the machines calculate the ballots and the cost it will take to upgrade the voting 
machines to accommodate RCV, and the fact that due to the dynamics of process the vote 
numbers would not be final until the actual canvass.  Discussion continued regarding the RCV 
process and the cost to the City for educating the residents. 
 
Mr. Lockhart indicated there are several cities that are looking at doing the RCV process; if they 
choose to do RCV they have to notify the state by the first of the year.  He indicated his main 
reasons for being an advocated are:  
 Ensures broader support 
 More engaged voter 
 
Mr. Lentz inquired as to what they can to do in order to find out what the voters would like to do 
and what direction would they like to go.   Mr. Lockhart responded, he has a survey he would be 
willing to send to the city for them to use.   
 
Mayor Brunst stated he would like to see how it works for cities that choose to administer the 
RCV in the 2019 election and consider it after that time.  He thanked Mr. Lockhart for his time 
and the information he shared.     
 
 
5:00 P.M. STUDY SESSION – CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM 
 
CONDUCTING 
Mayor Richard F. Brunst  
 
ELECTED OFFICIALS 
Debby Lauret, Sam Lentz, Tom Macdonald, Mark 
Seastrand, David Spencer, and Brent Sumner 
 
STAFF MEMBERS 
Jamie Davidson, City Manager; Steven Downs, Assistant 
City Manager; Greg Stephens, City Attorney; Recreation 
Department Director; Richard Manning, Administrative 
Services Director; Chris Tschirki, Public Works Director; 
Scott Gurney, Fire Department Director; Charlene Crozier, 
Library Director; Jason Bench, Planning Division Manager; 
Karl Hirst, Recreation Manager; Chris Tschirki, Public 
Works Director; Brandon Nelson, Account Division 
Manager; Sam Kelly, City Engineer; and JoD’Ann Bates, 
City Recorder 
 
Agenda Review 
The City Council and staff reviewed the items on the evening’s agenda.  
 
Council/Staff Information Items  
Chief Giles relayed information regarding a recent officer involved shooting.  He indicated they 
were called to a house on a family dispute; the mother was having difficulties with her 17 year 
old son.  He continued to explain the situation and information they had received regarding the 
intent and the outcome. Following the shooting, he called the Officer Involved Shooting Protocol 



 
City Council Minutes – October 23, 2018  (p.3)   
A complete video of the meeting can be found at www.orem.org/meetings 
 
Team which consists of officers from different agencies that will come in and conduct an 
investigation. Along with the external investigation the Orem City Police Department is 
conducting an internal investigation.  In the meantime the officers involved will remain on paid 
administrative leave and receive the help they need.   
 
Chief Giles related another shooting which recently occurred. His understanding is that a 
homeowner went outside his home early in the morning, he heard and saw someone in his 
detached garage.  He returned to his home and retrieved his .22 pistol.  As he returned to the 
garage he confronted the individual and gave him a command to get on the ground so he could 
call the police.  The suspect came at the home owner with something in his hand, wherein the 
homeowner fired a shot into the ground in order to stop him.  The suspect continued to move 
toward the homeowner, which he then fired directly at the suspect.  The suspect had lived down 
the street and has been known to have some mental issues. 
        
Mr. Davidson stated the manner in which the chiefs and their employees respond to these types 
of situations are exemplar.  What begins as a relatively innocent type of interaction can quickly 
turn into something very challenging in a matter of seconds. He felt there are situations where 
the officers don’t have the opportunity beforehand to have notification rather the situation is 
innocent or will turn into something more, they always have to be on the lookout. These officers 
are prepared for any situation and are prepared to exercise whatever force necessary for the 
preservation of life.  When they are faced with a life and death situation they are trained to make 
those decisions and he is thankful for that.  His hope is that the residents and the community 
understands, they don’t do this every day and there are so many positive things the Police 
Department does on a daily basis.     
 
Chief Gurney stated they had responded to someone being stuck in a culvert. From what they 
understand, a woman climbed in the culvert, they assume for shelter, someone heard her yelling 
for help and they called 911.  They were able to extract the woman but do not know at this time 
the status of her condition.  Chief Giles indicated their system was down and they do not have all 
the details yet. 
  
Mr. Davidson stated he had received a notice that Utah County is considering a 28% increase in 
property taxes. The city has had several calls regarding this notification, so they called the 
county and inquired as to the nature of the increase.  They were told it was to cover the increase 
in costs of services.     
 
The City Council then adjourned at 5:52 p.m. to the City Council Chambers for their regular 
meeting.  
 
 



 
 
City Council Minutes – October 23, 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 
Debby Lauret, Sam Lentz, Tom Macdonald, Mark 
Seastrand, David Spencer, and Brent Sumner 
 
STAFF MEMBERS 
Jamie Davidson, City Manager; Steven Downs, Assistant 
City Manager; Greg Stephens, City Attorney; Karl Hirst, 
Recreation 
Department 
Director; 
Richard 
Manning, 
Administrative 
Services 
Director; 
Brandon 
Nelson, 
Accounts Manager; Scott Gurney, Fire Department 
Director; Gary Giles, Police Department Director; Charlene 
Crozier, Library Department Director; Chris Tschirki, 
Public Works Director; Kirby Snideman, Long Range 
Planner; Pete Wolfley, Communications Specialist; and 
JoD’Ann Bates, City Recorder 
 
 
INVOCATION /  
INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT  
Peter Van Orman 
 
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE  
Keno Callis   
  
 
APPROVAL OF MINUTES 
 
Mr. Macdonald moved to approve the minutes from the September 18, 2018, City Council 
meetings.  Mr. Spencer seconded the motion. Those voting aye: Richard F. Brunst, Debby 
Lauret, Sam Lentz, Tom Macdonald, David Spencer, and Brent Sumner. The motion passed. 
 
 
MAYOR’S REPORT/ITEMS REFERRED BY COUNCIL 
 
Upcoming Events 
Mayor Brunst reviewed upcoming events. 
 
Report – Orem Arts Commission 
Charlene Crozier, Library Director introduced the Orem Arts Council Board Members and 
turned the presentation over to the board.   
 
Kate Monson gave an overview of the Woodbury Roots to Branches Art Exhibit, which included 
different artists from the area, along with an onsite mobile dance series, and a choir from 
Timpanogos High School. The Orem stories project featured portraits and other art from Orem 
students. The art was displayed at the Orem Library. 
  
Adam Robertson stated they worked with students to create Orem’s art entry for the Utah County 
Fair this year.  The Summerfest entertainment was reviewed by the Arts Council and was able to 
have all the performers perform for free.   



 
City Council Minutes – October 23, 2018  (p.5)   
A complete video of the meeting can be found at www.orem.org/meetings 
 
 
Dave Blackinton reviewed the summer concert series indicating the committee reviewed about 
30 applicants and 7 groups were choose to perform, with a wide variety for everyone.  Some of 
the improvements they made this year was to hire a qualified sound engineer, and purchase some 
new sound equipment.  They also had food trucks that added to the evening, which brought in 
about 150 people every Monday night.   
 
Linda Van Orman reviewed programs they would like to highlight in the next year for the 
centennial. The Orem Stories Program which continues to involve the school students have been 
asked to do original pieces of art that will be recognized at an event on January 14, 2019, and 
displayed in the Library for a number of weeks.  Some other ideas are 1) making a decorative 
piece to enhance the outdoor stage with a work of art by Cassandra Christensen; 2) potential 
mural project with local artist Jess Smart Smiley, and 3) an Orem Centennial song for elementary 
school choirs to sing that was written by herself.  
 
Mayor Brunst thanked the Arts Council for their hard work and dedication. 
 
 
PERSONAL APPEARANCES 
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. 
 
There were no personal appearances.  
 
 
SCHEDULED ITEMS 
 
6:00 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING 
ORDINANCE – Adopting the 2018 Orem Moderate-Income Housing Study as Appendix I 
of the General Plan  
 
Kirby Snideman, Long Range Planner stated the purpose of this study is to understand the 
current challenges in the housing market and examine the options available to provide a 
reasonable opportunity for a variety of housing, including moderate income housing. Strategies 
that will encourage affordable housing in Orem are recommended, and it is intended that this 
study will be the basis for ongoing discussions by the City Council to develop a moderate-
income housing plan and ensure that Orem remains a City where everyone is welcome. In 
addition, this study will be a general resource for the latest information related to population 
growth and housing needs for the City of Orem. This will bring the City in compliance with Utah 
State Code 10-9a-403 which requires that qualifying municipalities shall have a moderate-
income housing element as part of the General Plan that provides a realistic opportunity to meet 
the need for additional moderate-income housing.   
 
Mr. Sumner inquired of the land trust property purchase, if there are any tax benefits for the 
property owner to participate in that process.  Mr. Snideman indicated if they would purchase 



 
 
City Council Minutes – October 23, 2018 (p.6) 
 
 
A complete video of the meeting can be found at www.orem.org/meetings 
property, they would purchase it at market rate.  They then would be providing a discount long 
term to someone that would lease the property build affordable housing.   
 
Mr. Seastrand stated he liked the format of the study and appreciated the work that had gone into 
compiling the information.   
 
Discussion ensued regarding issues that may come back for approval and the priority of those 
issues.   
 
Mayor Brunst opened the public hearing at 6:34 p.m.    
 
Lynell Smith, Director of the Housing Authority in Utah County, she commended the City of 
Orem for their support in affordable housing.  She appreciated the city looking at issues and 
trying to come up with some creative solutions to those issues and being supportive to their 
developments in the past.  She commented, the Housing Authority is currently leasing property 
from Lindon City and they do not pay taxes, due to the structure owner being tax exempt, so it 
would just depend on the owner of the structure.   
 
Hearing no further comments, Mayor Brunst closed the public hearing at 6:36 p.m. and brought 
the item back to the City Council for further discussion.     
 
 Mr. Seastrand moved to approve an ordinance adopting the 2018 Orem Moderate-Income 
Housing Study as Appendix I of the General Plan.  Mr. Macdonald seconded. Those voting 
aye: Richard F. Brunst, Debby Lauret, Sam Lentz, Tom Macdonald, Mark Seastrand, David 
Spencer, and Brent Sumner. The motion passed. 
 
 
6:00 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING 
ORDINANCE – Amending the Fiscal Year 2018-2019 Budget     
 
Brandon Nelson, Accounting Division Manager stated the Fiscal Year 2018-2019 City of Orem 
budget has many adjustments that occur throughout the fiscal year.  These adjustments include 
grants received from Federal, State, and other governmental or private entities/organizations and 
adjusting CARE Tax accounts due to reconciling Fiscal Year 2017-2018 to actual taxes received.  
 
Mayor Brunst opened the public hearing at 6:39 p.m. Hearing no comments, Mayor Brunst 
closed the public hearing and brought the item back to the City Council for further discussion.     
 
Mr. Seastrand moved to approve an ordinance amending the Fiscal Year 2018-2019 Budget.   
Mrs. Lauret seconded. Those voting aye: Richard F. Brunst, Debby Lauret, Sam Lentz, Tom 
Macdonald, Mark Seastrand, David Spencer, and Brent Sumner. The motion passed. 
 
 
COMMUNICATION ITEMS 
 
There were no communications items.  
 
 



 
City Council Minutes – October 23, 2018  (p.7)   
A complete video of the meeting can be found at www.orem.org/meetings 
 
CITY MANAGER INFORMATION ITEMS 
 
There were no items discussed. 
 
 
ADJOURNMENT 
 
Mr. Spencer moved to adjourn the meeting.  Mr. Lentz seconded the motion. Those voting 
aye: Richard F. Brunst, Debby Lauret, Sam Lentz, Tom Macdonald, Mark Seastrand, David 
Spencer, and Brent Sumner. The motion passed.  
 
 
The meeting adjourned at 6:41 p.m. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
JoD’Ann Bates, City Recorder 
 
Approved: November 13, 2018