Mayor & Council Message
Resources From Community Action Services
Spring Cleanup 2020
Sign up for Library Newsletter
Changes to Summerfest
Primary Election Information
Rental Licensing & Utility Changes - Effective July 2020
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Happy Birthday, Orem
Business Resources for those Affected by COVID-19
Scera Pool Pass Sale
The City of Orem is Hiring
2020 Census
Calendar of Events
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Mayor's Message
Birds, Bugs, and Beauty
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Early on Saturday morning this past weekend I got up around 6:15 AM and could hear the birds beginning to chirp and sing. It brought happiness to my soul to hear the wonderful sounds of the many birds that live in the trees near to my house.
It made me think of what good and wonderful music does to help soothe our thoughts and bring us to another state of mind. Music has always been a strength and a help to many to lift our thoughts and bring joy to our feelings. At this moment of unsettled times occurring I think it is helpful to all of us to listen to good and uplifting music each day to bring peace to us.
At this time of the Coronavirus pandemic, it reminds me of the many flu bugs that have afflicted us over time. This virus is one of the worst sicknesses of our time. It has affected the health of many and taken the lives of others from us. It has brought financial hardship to most all of us, whether it be employees, business owners, large corporations, local, state, and federal governments, or our national economic landscape. As of this week, over 100,000 residents of Utah have been tested, over 4,343 have been found positive, more than 349 people have been hospitalized, and to date 45 people have died. Our infection rate in 6 weeks has gone from over 2.5 to under 1. Utah has one of the lowest rates of death from the Coronavirus in the nation.
On our Orem website we have tried to keep up with the many financial resources available to our citizens and businesses. Please refer to
orem.org
for updates and the links for businesses to grants and loans to keep our local businesses going. Please refer to the state website
coronavirus.utah.gov
for complete state information, and please refer to
jobs.utah.gov
for unemployment information.
The state of Utah has recently put out the state plan on how to deal with the health and economic effects of the Coronavirus in the "Utah Leads Together" Version 2 plan plus an addendum giving guidelines for opening up various businesses including dine in restaurants, gym and fitness centers, retail outlets, events, and entertainments businesses, all of which are under tight for their operations as listed. Governor Herbert has ordered the state to move from an Extreme Risk color Red phase to a Moderate Risk color Orange phase starting May 1st. Please read details at the
orem.org
website under the "
Resources for Businesses
" section.
The Version 2 plan seeks to protect lives and livelihoods. It provides a dynamic plan for for a dynamic situation. The plan outlines a five step process for utilizing federal financial resources and loans for businesses, it outlines economic phases and health guidance for economic reactivation, it gives an industry summary of color coded health guidance, it lists specific instructions for high risk populations, and it gives key measures and tools in which to begin a safe transition back to our day to day quality of life and vibrant
economy.
I am so thankful to all of the residents of Orem who have worked hard to follow the guidelines to bring down the spread of this disease. If is important that we continue to stay vigilant and keep washing our hands, using sanitizer, covering our mouths when we sneeze, doing social distancing of 6 feet, and using face masks.
I am thankful to all of the businesses who have altered their operations to help in this effort. I know how hard it is to be closed while the expenses keep having to be paid. I am thankful to all of our first responders who are giving so much effort to help those of us in need. I am thankful to our hospitals and care workers that are sacrificing to help us with our health needs. I am thankful to our city staff and employees who have kept the city running and the services occurring for all of us in the city. And I am thankful to our wonderful school teachers who are putting in so much effort to teach our schoolchildren on line.
Lastly, I have thought of beauty at this time of need. I have noticed more fully the beautiful sunsets, the beautiful mountains, the beautiful trees, and the beautiful surroundings of our valley. I have also noticed more fully the beauty of our families as we get to spend more time with them. I believe that it is important to more fully appreciate the beauty of our daily lives in many simple and wonderful ways.
Mayor Brunst
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Message from Councilmember Terry Peterson
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Humble and Kind
Tim McGraw recorded a song 5 years ago entitled, “Humble and Kind.” I have thought a lot about the lyrics in this song as I drive and walk around Orem and witness so many examples of people going out of their way to make other people’s lives a little better. Some people are dropping off food, calling, texting or sending notes to friends and relatives. Some are offering face-time tutoring services to families struggling with online learning.
Many families are hurting from loss of income, emotional stress, sickness, and concerns for their future. One family I know painted their windows with messages of hope for their neighbors. I have witnessed drive-by birthday parties, outside window visits to rest homes, and honk and wave drive byes. Others are reaching out to people they haven’t talked to for years. A kind lady in Orem has been checking on friends to find out what she can do for them and then she is picking up and dropping off items they need. She keeps her trunk full of supplies for others. A local Orem business just donated 5,000 hand sanitizers to Orem’s First Responders and city workers.
There are so many ways we can show appreciation. It brightens our lives when we can lift another. Thanks to our first responders for their continued protection. They are amazing and they deserve our support and kindness! Smile and wave or drop something by to our Fire Fighters and Police. Do all in our power to support Orem businesses. We have great places to order food for take-out or to be delivered. Look for ways to support other businesses. Wear a face-mask to protect other people and yourself.
Let’s continue as citizens to be humble and kind. We will get through this, and we will be stronger as we unite together.
Terry D. Peterson
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Resources from Community Action Services
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The Orem Spring Clean-Up has a few weeks left. If you're going to use the free dumpsters in City Center Park, make sure you are following all the rules.
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Sign up for the Library Newsletter
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The Orem Public Library has revamped the monthly newsletter that is the go-to source for all of the great events, activities, services, and resources our Library has to offer. Sign up today so you are always in the know.
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Changes to Orem Summerfest
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Due to COVID-19, Summerfest 2020 has been postponed. We are currently in the process of planning a highly revised Summerfest event that could take place in late Summer. We are still in the early stages of planning and will announce more information as it becomes available.
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Primary Election Information
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The Primary Election is June 30,
2020 and will look very different this year.
- Every eligible voter will receive a ballot by mail.
- Ballots will be mailed the week of June 15th.
- There will be no in-person voting.
- No early voting.
- No in-person voting on election day.
- There will be no same-day registration.
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Rental Licensing & Utility Changes - Effective July 2020
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In December 2019, the Orem City Council passed an ordinance requiring that the City of Orem utilities (water, sewer, street light, etc.) for all residential properties must be in the name of the property owner, even if said properties are being used as rentals (this does not impact your electric & gas utilities). In addition to the change for utilities, the City will begin requiring all residential properties being used as rentals to have a rental dwelling license. All property owners must be in compliance with these new policies by July 2020.
The cost of this license will be $50 per year, per property owner (it does not matter how many rental properties you own). At the end of July 2020, a bill for the rental dwelling license will be sent to the utility account holder, which should be the property owner. The bill will be due within 30 days of bill issuance. If the utilities are not in the name of the owner, they will be required to be put in the owner's name before a license will be issued.
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For more information and to see many of the frequently asked questions, visit:
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On May 5th, Orem will turn 101 years old. Happy Birthday to the best city we know!
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Business Resources for those
Affected by COVID-19
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The most up-to-date information for Orem businesses can be found
here.
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The Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act
is a comprehensive Guide explaining everything you need to know about the economic relief available to you from the CARES Act. Please read through the Guide and pursue any resource that applies to you and your business. The Guide has links that will take you directly where you need to go to apply. Some highlights of the CARES Act are that there are funds available to businesses to help them pay their employees instead of laying them off. Check the document above for more information.
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The Utah Leads Together Small Business Bridge Loan Program
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The Utah Leads Together Small Business Bridge Loan program
uses approximately $8 million in repurposed state economic development funds. Additionally, the Utah Department of Workforce Services has contributed $500,000 to the program. Loan amounts range from $5,000 to $20,000 with 0% interest for up to a 60-month period. Loans cannot exceed three months of demonstrated operating expenses. Loan payments are deferred for 12 months, and GOED will use at least 25% of the program funds to support rural Utah businesses.
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There are many resources available to Orem businesses during these times of uncertainty. For those businesses looking for low-interest business loans to make it through these tough times, apply at
sba.gov
.
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The City of Orem is Hiring
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We are hiring for multiple full-time and part-time positions. To view a list of available job openings and to submit an application, follow the link below.
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If you haven't had a chance to complete your Census yet, please do so soon. We've had a great initial response rate but we've still got a long ways to go to make sure everyone in Orem gets counted.
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In the City of Orem, there are always plenty of events to keep you and your family busy! Keep up with all Orem City events by following the link below.
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