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City Council Meeting

Highlights

  • 🗣️ Residents split public comment between warnings about a proposed 500–650 acre UGB expansion, questions about the Brownfield grant total, and strong defenses of staff leadership amid ongoing rumors.
  • đźšś Authorized Resolution 23-19 to buy a Case 580 Super N backhoe (up to $154,926 via the Sourcewell contract) to replace the failed unit that public works relied on during the Garlic Festival derailment cleanup.
  • 🛡️ Reaffirmed that the city manager must stay bonded even though CIS insurance already provides crime coverage, preferring the added accountability despite a $350 annual overlap.
  • 🪑 Set the mayor-appointment ground rules—council president still votes as a councilor but cannot break ties—and scheduled a stand-alone special meeting for Tuesday, Sept 16 at 6 p.m. to interview and deliberate on candidates.

Notes

  • Public Comment & Civic Pulse

    • Speakers pressed council to slow the emergent UGB concept until broader outreach occurs, citing the August planning commission briefing, the earlier RAC process, and fears of data centers overrunning small-town character. Others accused the city of overstating its EPA Brownfield award (staff has consistently cited the pending million-dollar stack, but the federal grant lists $500k), and one Strong Towns member alleged the Western Surety premium still had not been paid.
    • Countervailing voices praised City Manager Bill Monahan for tenant improvement grants, the Brownfield cleanup pursuit, and a budgeting process that discourages “use it or lose it” spending, urging residents to show up so a vocal minority does not define the narrative. Former Mayor Butch Kindel asked for civility even when disagreements surface.
    • Online commenters reiterated concerns about staff initiating a large UGB boundary without an explicit council directive, and warned that bonding lapses could expose the city during the upcoming manager evaluation.

  • Staff & Department Updates

    • Public Works Director Dustin Nilsen thanked crews (and their families) for pivoting from the Garlic Festival to the rail incident, then reported the city’s aging backhoe now fails within minutes and leaks hydraulic fluid—prompting the replacement request.
    • Planning staff clarified that land-use criteria (e.g., for rooftop solar on a nonconforming garage) cannot be waived; such requests require a Type III nonconforming use permit with public notice. Staff is also coaching the North Plains Food Bank through its forthcoming land-use application.
    • Finance Director Chris Bell noted general-fund spending remains within supplemental-budget thresholds. Gas-tax revenue landed close to forecast; any rate increase would require a vote, but new fuel islands could organically boost receipts. Current transportation bond debt runs another ~18 years, though early payoff options may exist and could be revisited in a future work session.
    • Police Chief James Haxton recapped 125 overtime hours at Garlic Festival, two disturbances, five medical assists, and the derailment response. A formal debrief with council will follow once railroad details arrive. National Night Out drew solid turnout, and officers are launching a bicycle-patrol program plus windshield “how to park legally” reminders for crowded neighborhoods.
    • Community programs staff promoted an upcoming participatory art session, inviting all skill levels and promising attendance/survey data to parks and rec for future coordination.

  • Resolution 23-19 – Backhoe Purchase

    • Council debated leasing, buying used, or purchasing new. Staff concluded used units with 3k–5k hours posed too much risk, while renting outstrips buying within a year. The sourcewell quote factors a trade-in for surplus equipment and taps existing capital funds (water, streets, vehicle reserve). Motion passed 5–1.

  • City Manager Bond Requirement

    • After months of discussion and confirmation that CIS insurance already covers employee dishonesty, council still chose to keep the $100k Western Surety bond requirement in code. Supporters called it a personal accountability mechanism; detractors saw redundant cost. The premium stays budgeted until the code is formally amended (if ever).

  • Mayor Appointment Logistics

    • The city attorney outlined parliamentary options while the mayor’s seat remains vacant. Council opted for “Option A”: the council president continues to preside and vote like any other member but cannot break ties. Members agreed to hold a single-purpose special meeting on Tue, Sept 16 at 6 p.m. for interviews and deliberations so the decision is not squeezed into a standard agenda. Staff will notice the session and coordinate availability with candidates.

  • Executive Session

    • Council entered executive session under ORS 192.660(2)(i) for the city manager’s performance evaluation; no votes were taken before the 9:10 p.m. adjournment.

Follow-Ups

  • UGB Outreach: Council to revisit expectations for the concept-planning/UGB work before staff advances any boundary proposal; planning commission awaits direction.
  • Brownfield Grant Transparency: City manager’s office to clarify the EPA award amount versus matching funds so future reports use consistent numbers.
  • Backhoe Procurement: Public works to finalize the Sourcewell purchase, complete the trade-in paperwork, and report the in-service date.
  • Police Debrief: Staff to schedule a Garlic Festival/train incident debrief once the railroad delivers its investigation so council questions can be addressed collectively.
  • Mayor Selection: City staff to notice the Sept 16 special meeting, confirm interview schedules with applicants, and prepare the agreed procedure for the session.
  • CM Bond Compliance: Finance/legal to ensure the 2025 Western Surety premium is processed promptly and provide proof of payment back to council.

Video Recording