– Topics –
- Work Session
- City Council
-Work Session-
P.A.T.H.S. presentation
In a county wide effort to “respond to and address chronic homelessness”, the Partners Aligned Towards Housing Solutions (P.A.T.H.S.) advisory committee was formed in 2022. This groups consists of representatives from Polk County, the cities of Dallas, Falls City, Independence, Monmouth, & Willamina, the Confederated Tribes of the Grande Ronde, & the Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency.
Important link: P.A.T.H.S. 5 year strategic plan document
The committee received a state grant for $1,000,000 to help the pilot program in addressing and preventing homelessness. As part of the grant, a homelessness response office and 5 year strategic plan were established. Ryan Pollard with Polk County will present P.A.T.H.S. work and future plans to the Council.
-City Council-
Introductions, Recognitions, Proclamations
Public Works employee introductions
Employees from Public Works will be introduced to the Council.
Forestry Creek Trail
No known information on this upfront.
Public Comment
This is your time to speak to your City Council, Mayor, and city staff.
Consent Agenda
This is a quick action, meant to pass routine procedural items.
What’s on the consent agenda?
- Approve the July 7, 2025 City Council Work Session Minutes
- Approve the July 7, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes
- Approve the July 21, 2025 City Council Work Session Minutes
- June 2024 Financial Report
Whoa, slow down! If any Councilor has a question, issue, or wants to discuss something, they can “pull” the item from the consent agenda. This would give everyone time to talk specifically about that item.
Mayor and council Reports
This is a time for Councilors and the Mayor to give any reports they have.
City Manager report
The Wall That Heals
A Vietnam Memorial will be visiting Independence on Sep. 18 – 21. The Wall That Heals is a replica of the memorial located in Washington DC, and travels around the country. Billy Whisenant, a Vietnam veteran, and co-chair of The Walls That Heals committee will present information to the Council.
Ordinances
No. 1910 – Amending City Code, relating to the membership of the Economic Development Commission
The Economic Development Commission in Dallas has recommended a change to the city code that adds a member to their commission. This change affects city code Section 2.905.
What is the proposed change to the city code?
Increase the membership of the Economic Development Commission from seven (7) to eight (8) members with one member being an ex officio (non-voting) member affiliated with Polk County Government
What will happen? This is the 1st reading of the ordinance. If passed, the 2nd reading and vote for adoption is scheduled for Aug. 18, 2025. It would become effective on Sep. 17, 2025 if adopted.
No. 1911 – Removing references to permits for original art on buildings
This ordinance is to remove a reference to a non-existent permit in the city code. In 2021 the city updated Chapter 8.900 with the goal to set standards for murals or original art on buildings without needing a permit. Recently, it was discovered that a single reference to a permit was left in section 8.910. This ordinance will remove that part from the code.
What will happen? This is the 1st reading of the ordinance. If passed, the 2nd reading and vote for adoption is scheduled for Aug. 18, 2025. It would become effective on Sep. 17, 2025 if adopted.
RESOLUTIONS
No. 3554 – Adopting policy for the approval and installation of memorials and public art in parks and public spaces
The Council will be presented with a new policy for the, “Approval and Installation of Memorials and Public Art in Parks and Public Spaces”.
“The policy aims to balance the desire to commemorate groups, events, and
ideas with the need to maintain the integrity, accessibility, and aesthetic value of public spaces for all residents and visitors.”
- Policy purpose statement – pg. 49 of the council agenda
The Parks Advisory Board and the Public Administration Committee (a sub-committee of the Council) reviewed this policy and both recommended approval. The policy sets definitions, application & review processes, and criteria for approval.
Important link: Read the full policy document pg. 49-51 of the council agenda.
What will happen? The Council can discuss and vote to approve the resolution for the new policy.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The executive session allows the Council to meet and discuss a topic closed to the public. This executive session will be regarding the following topic: negotiate real property transactions.
-More Information-
Signal schedule update: Wrap Up Posts will now be published on the Wednesday following Council meetings (or 2 days after the meeting). This change is made with a desire to maintain the longevity of The Dallas Signal, and bring about some expanded coverage in the future. Thanks for your understanding!
Learn more: View the entire work session and council meeting packet for a lot more information.
Attend the meeting: Come attend the City Council meeting in person. On Monday, Aug. 4th, 2025. Work session starts at 6:00 pm and city council starts at 7:00 pm, at the City Hall in downtown Dallas, Oregon. You are free to come and leave whenever during the meeting.
Livestream the meeting: You can watch the livestream on the City’s Youtube page.
Speak to your city council: Everyone is welcome to speak to your city council, for 3 minutes towards the beginning of the meeting.
Congratulations! You just summarized 53 pages. What was your favorite Dallas Days parade group?
