Listed are his statements and then the facts:

“Cast aside working relationships with the District and neighboring communities, including canceling public meetings that were held regularly for many years.”

FACT: Due to Covid, prior city councils held no meetings for two years. The first meeting after Covid was scheduled then postponed as it was decided a more productive conversation would occur once the study draft was completed. Mayor Young and DEC consultants had a scheduled meeting with ASD to review the Feasibility Study. Alpine requested the meeting be rescheduled to after July 12th — the study release date.

“Restructured the city’s legal counsel to appoint a political ally as a Council-specific attorney outside standard hiring practices and with negligible experience in municipal law.”

FACT: Orem City Legal Counsel has not been “restructured.” The Office of Legislative Counsel was created to assist the City Council with issues: urgent zoning changes before the high density apartment moratorium expired, review issues from a resident perspective vs a city government perspective, assist city council with requested research, etc.

The statement of “appoint a political ally” is inflammatory rhetoric. A second legal opinion to present diversity of thought is a valuable tool for Orem. The hiring process was in line with code.

“Departed from the city’s standard bid selection process to award the feasibility study to the least qualified consulting firm that bid, despite their admitted bias to split districts.”

FACT: In an email to City Council, City Manager Jamie Davidson stated in part: “…in researching a potential school district split Consultant…given the nature of the proposed study as a “professional service,” it is not necessary to go through a formal bidding process.” The contract was administered per appropriate Orem City code as a Professional Services contract. Residents and teachers requested a study with an educational component. DEC was the most qualified to provide a strong financial and educational component. Furthermore, the experience DEC had in the Canyons/Jordan split was a strength the other bidder did not possess.

“Used city staff and resources to perform elements of the study that should have been completed independently by the consulting firm.”

FACT: The GRAMA process outlines for both parties the requirements of the records requested, and assures timely receipt. It also ensures the accuracy of information. The integrity of the Comprehensive Feasibility study was of utmost importance and the GRAMA process ensures that.

“Quietly hired a separate PR firm (Intrepid) before the feasibility study was completed to advocate for an issue they intended to send to the ballot.”

FACT: As the results of the Comprehensive Feasibility Study could lead to one of the most important ballot decisions impacting Orem citizens, Orem City wanted to make sure it was doing everything to help residents understand this important issue.

Orem City brought in someone with an outside perspective to provide insights, and determine how to inform the citizens and share that information in the best way.

“Misrepresented the safety and state of our schools, ignoring significant investments the District has made to rebuild and renovate Orem schools.”

FACT: Since the 2006 Seismic Study, ASD has not fully remediated Orem schools that have the worst seismic rating: Windsor, Sharon, and Orem Jr.High. In the last 20 years, $174 million dollars of Orem property taxes have gone to build schools outside of Orem. Had Orem tax dollars stayed in Orem, those schools could have been rebuilt.

“Modified the structure of Council meetings and public hearings to limit opportunities for citizens and even dissenting Council members to voice their concerns.”

FACT: Structure of Council meetings has not been modified and is administered per City policy and procedures. Opportunities have not been limited, in fact, the Council meeting agenda limits public comment to 15 minutes, in every meeting Mayor

Young has extended that period, not limited it. Every Council member is able to voice their concerns and comments.

“Added a controversial vote to the Council meeting agenda with no prior communication to the rest of the Council.”

FACT: The City Council receives the agenda from the City Recorder and all Council members are notified at the same time.

“Blocked portions of Council meeting broadcasts to conceal public comments and inappropriate Council actions related to a ballot proposition.”

FACT: No portions of public meetings were blocked. Meetings have been held and the public was in attendance during the entire meeting. City Council actions have been deemed appropriate by the Utah State Attorney General’s office.

I hope this brings truth and clarity.

LaNae Millett is a member of the Orem City Council.