– Topics –
- Work Session
- City Council
– Work Session –
Police Station polling results
The City of Dallas is looking to build a Police Station. Recently, the city worked with Nelson Research to conduct a poll on the project. A representative from Nelson will be at the work session to explain the poll, its results, and answer questions.
What will happen? This time is to gather information and ask questions. No action will be taken at this point in the meeting.
Accessory structure setbacks
City staff identified a code to remove from the development code. Staff will recommend the setback for accessory structures be eliminated from the zoning code.
Given the difficulty in enforcing the zoning requirement, that non-compliance of this issue is commonplace, that no specific purpose for the setback is identified, and that other relevant codes allow for the practice of a reduced setback while maintaining public safety, city staff recommend the setback for accessory structures be eliminated from the zoning code.
– Planning Commission Staff Report, Jan. 9, 2025, pg. 40 of the work session agenda.
The Dallas Planning Commission voted unanimously on Jan 9, 2025 to recommend this code removal to the City Council.
What will happen? The council will discuss and vote to start the amendment process, make changes to the amendment, or do nothing.
Economic & Community Development annual report
Charlie Mitchell is the Economic & Community Development Director for Dallas, Oregon. Mitchell will present part 1 of the annual report focusing on Planning, Code Services, and Historic Preservation.
- What do they do?
- Planning Division – involved in planning for the current and future growth of the city.
- Planning Commission – makes recommendations to the City Council on comprehensive plan amendments, zoning code amendments, and zone changes.
- Code Services – works with other city divisions to enforce both the municipal and development codes of the city.
- Historic Preservation – Works to preserve historic buildings and stories in Dallas.
- Planning Division – involved in planning for the current and future growth of the city.
Part 2 of the annual report for Economic & Community Development will be on Feb. 18, 2025. Focus of part 2 will be on Economic Development, Urban Renewal, and Building.
– City Council –
Council appointment and oath of office
There is 1 vacant seat on the city council and 4 people have applied. Each candidate will have 3 minutes to address the council. Candidates also submitted written answers to 16 questions, which can be found in full in the council agenda, pg 6-47.
Candidates for City Council
Nancy Adams
- Occupation – Retired
- Previous work – Publisher of the Molalla Pioneer newspaper and Polk County Itemizer-Observer. Editor of ENI corporate newsletter
- Volunteer experience – Dallas Area Chamber of Commerce, Chair of Dallas Krazy Days, and Dallas Kiwanis Club
- Government experience – Dallas City Council (2023-2024), Dallas Economic Development Commission, Dallas Urban Renewal Advisory Committee, and Dallas Budget Committee
Kirsten Collins
- Occupation – Quality Improvement Analyst
- Previous work – Social Services Provider
- Volunteer experience – Youth Leader at St. Thomas
- Government experience – Dallas City Council (2021-2024)
Robert Greenway
- Occupation – Retired
- Previous work – water well and pump industry experience and a business owner
- Volunteer experience – Salvation Army
- Government experience – none
Robert Spivey
- Occupation – Human Resources Manager
- Previous work – Outside Sales Professional, Account Executive, Service Center Supervisor, and Director of Administrative Services.
- Volunteer experience – Dallas School District Finance Committee
- Government experience – Director of Administrative Services, City of Dallas.
Here are the candidates answers to 3 selected questions:
Question A – What inspired you to want to be a Dallas City Council member?
- Adams –
- “I have served on several council committees. I felt that being on the council would be a wonderful opportunity to have a voice in the final decision-making.”
- Collins –
- “I’ve feel a deep connection to this community. I’ve witnessed firsthand the unique charm of our city—its strong sense of community, the resilience of its residents, and the opportunities it provides for families, businesses, and individuals to thrive. These qualities have inspired me to dedicate my time and skills to making Dallas an even better place to live.
- One of my key motivations stems from my passion for public service and problem-solving. Whether serving on the city council previously or working as a quality improvement analyst in state government, I’ve always been drawn to roles where I can make a tangible difference in people’s lives. Dallas, with its opportunities and challenges, provides the perfect canvas for that passion.
- During my tenure on the council, especially as chair of the safety committee, I realized the immense impact local government has on shaping the day-to-day lives of residents. Improving public safety, ensuring inclusivity, and addressing community concerns reminded me of the power of collaboration and thoughtful leadership. These experiences solidified my commitment to being part of the solutions that help Dallas grow while maintaining its unique character.
- Additionally, I’ve always been inspired by the diverse voices that make up our city. I want to ensure that every resident feels heard, valued, and empowered, and I believe serving on the city council is one of the best ways to achieve that.”
- Greenway –
- “Have been going to council meeting for past 10 months I feel they are not receptive to citizen complaints”
- Spivey –
- “I have enjoyed living and raising a family in Dallas for almost 20 years. My wife Mellisa has her business here in town, and two of my children have graduated from Dallas. I still have one at Dallas High who is living the best life a sophomore in high school can. I believe that I have the education, experience, and most importantly the time to be able to give back to the community that I, and my family enjoy so much. I used to work for the city as the Director of Administrative Services. I really enjoyed being part of such an amazing team and working with people who truly wanted the best for the citizens of Dallas. Today, I still see that desire in the current city council. I would love to be part of that team. I don’t have a personal agenda. I don’t have a “cause”, or issues with the city that I need addressed or corrected. I think the city council and city staff are doing an admirable job, and I want to help in continuing to move the city in a positive direction.”
Question H – What do you think are the three most important concerns facing Dallas?
- Adams –
- “Infrastructure maintenance and upgrades, affordable housing, and economic development.”
- Collins –
- “As Dallas continues to grow and evolve, there are several key areas that require focused attention to ensure the city remains a vibrant, sustainable, and thriving community. I believe the three most pressing concerns are:
- 1 – Infrastructure Development and Maintenance. Reliable infrastructure is the foundation of a livable and resilient city. In Dallas, two critical infrastructure areas require attention:
- Water Storage and Supply
- Roads and Transportation
- Godsey Road Improvements
- 2- Developing Commercial and Industrial Opportunities. Economic development is crucial for Dallas to thrive and remain competitive. The city must:
- Expand Commercial and Industrial Areas
- Streamline Development Processes
- Foster Partnerships
- 3 – Ensuring Public Safety. Public safety is a cornerstone of any thriving community. In Dallas, it’s imperative to:
- Build a Police Station
- Support Public Safety Personnel
- Dedicated Fire Marshal
- 1 – Infrastructure Development and Maintenance. Reliable infrastructure is the foundation of a livable and resilient city. In Dallas, two critical infrastructure areas require attention:
- Addressing these three concerns—improving infrastructure, fostering economic development, and ensuring robust public safety—will position Dallas for sustainable growth and enhanced livability. These efforts require strategic planning, collaboration, and the wise allocation of resources. As a city councilor, I would advocate for thoughtful solutions that prioritize long-term benefits while addressing immediate community needs. Together, we can ensure Dallas remains a great place to live, work, and thrive.”
- *the above is only a portion of the full answer
- “As Dallas continues to grow and evolve, there are several key areas that require focused attention to ensure the city remains a vibrant, sustainable, and thriving community. I believe the three most pressing concerns are:
- Greenway –
- “Inadequate or no time put forth address concerns of citizens, 2 – Budget that seems the only way to address is to have fees, even though suggestions have been put forth – action is very little 3- City Managment has a problem keeping there employees in line, especially with Building Dept. & Police.”
- Spivey –
- 1 – Balancing growth while maintaining the culture and feel of a small town.
- My company struggled with this as well. In my tenure as HR Manager, we grew from 100 to 450 employees. Before I came to the organization, the company spent 15 years with less than 100 employees. Growing an organization (or community) without losing that “Family” feel, can be difficult. We found success in retaining existing traditions, (Christmas Party, Company Picinic, Birthday Bonus) and learning to create and add new traditions such as tournaments (Pool, cornhole, etc.) Additionally, we have embraced new policies and programs that allow for our culture of family to be leveraged by a larger population. By keeping some of the old, and adding new, we don’t feel stuck in our old ways, nor forgetful of the community, culture, and family we have built.
- 2 – Healthy economic development, specifically the old Warehouser location. It is a difficult project due to the size and scope. However, a successful rejuvenation of the area could have a significant, positive, impact on the city.
- 3 – Reliable and sufficient infrastructure for citizens and businesses. Streets, water, sewer, and power. All are expensive and cumbersome to update, but vital to the livability of the community. Balancing the needs with the costs is not easy.
- 1 – Balancing growth while maintaining the culture and feel of a small town.
Question O – If there were three things in Dallas you were permitted to do, whether it be to add, eliminate or change anything, what would those be?
- Adams –
- “More staff and dollars for Public Works.”
- Collins –
- “If I were permitted to make three changes in Dallas, I would approach this opportunity with a mix of vision, practicality, and a deep commitment to improving our community. While I’d love to sprinkle pixie dust on our city and make everyone always be kind, challenge their own biases— no matter how well-meaning they believe themselves to be—and strive to do better for their neighbors, the reality is that these ideals, as valuable as they are, aren’t policies we can simply enact. Instead, we need actionable changes that foster these values through systems and structures. With that in mind, here are the three things I would focus on:
- 1 – Add a Standing Equity and Inclusion Committee
- Evaluate how current and proposed policies impact underserved and marginalized communities.
- Proactively identify and address disparities in access to city resources, programs, and opportunities.
- Work to embed inclusivity and fairness into the city’s decision-making processes.
- 2 – Eliminate Antiquated and Exclusionary Practices
- Remove Barriers to Public Participation
- Modernize Governance
- 3 – Invest in Public Safety Infrastructure and Community Well-Being
- Constructing a Modern Police Station
- Enhancing Public Amenities
- Addressing Housing Needs”
- *the above is only a portion of the full answer
- 1 – Add a Standing Equity and Inclusion Committee
- “If I were permitted to make three changes in Dallas, I would approach this opportunity with a mix of vision, practicality, and a deep commitment to improving our community. While I’d love to sprinkle pixie dust on our city and make everyone always be kind, challenge their own biases— no matter how well-meaning they believe themselves to be—and strive to do better for their neighbors, the reality is that these ideals, as valuable as they are, aren’t policies we can simply enact. Instead, we need actionable changes that foster these values through systems and structures. With that in mind, here are the three things I would focus on:
- Greenway –
- “1 – Adjust city portion of expenses put toward Aquatic Center
- 2 – Adjust water, sewer, & garbage fees to be equal for all citizens
- 3 – That if council is asked a question that at least 1 council person is assigned to address.”
- Spivey –
- “Again, I don’t have an agenda for joining the city council, so I wouldn’t want to change anything without consulting the council and city staff. I can’t imagine that I have insight into all the issues, nor the best solutions. If I did, a council would not be needed. However, things I would inquire about:
- Is the city on track with the staffing, budget, and facilities needed for the projected growth of Dallas?
- Is the city on track in regard to the expansion, maintenance, and repair of the city’s infrastructure?
- With regards to the city, what keeps you up at night?”
- “Again, I don’t have an agenda for joining the city council, so I wouldn’t want to change anything without consulting the council and city staff. I can’t imagine that I have insight into all the issues, nor the best solutions. If I did, a council would not be needed. However, things I would inquire about:
All answers, in full, can be found in the council agenda, pg 6-47.
What will happen? Each Councilor will vote for the person they want to appoint. If someone gets 5 votes, that person will be appointed. If there is a 4-4 tie, the Mayor will cast the deciding vote. If no one gets 5 or more votes, the Council will discuss and vote again.
Once someone has been appointed, they will take the oath of office and start immediately as a Councilor.
Introductions, Recognitions, Proclamations
There will be a recognition from Fleet Services.
Public Comment
This is your time to speak to your city council, Mayor, and city staff!
Consent Agenda
This is a quick action to pass routine procedural items. 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.
What’s on the consent agenda?
- Standing Committee Assignments
- December 2024 Financial Report
- Approve the January 6, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes
Committee assignments for the Councilors were determined by Mayor Slack.
Mayor and council Reports
This is a time for councilors and the Mayor to speak about any item they would like.
City Manager report
Audit presentation
Financial statement audits of local governments are required each year under Oregon law. Brad Bingenheimer from SingerLewak will present results to the council for the fiscal year ending on June 30, 2024.
- What is a fiscal year?
- Calendar year – 12 consecutive months beginning January 1 and ending December 31.
- Fiscal year – 12 consecutive months ending on the last day of any month except December.
- Information from IRS.gov
What will happen? This is time for Councilors to gather information and ask questions. No other action will happen.
Police Station ballot measure referral
The city has held community meetings, conducted polling, and received feedback from the community. With all this, the council will finally consider sending a bond measure to the voters for a new Police Station.
What will happen? If the council agrees, they can direct the city staff to prepare a resolution. That resolution will come back to the council at the next meeting (Feb. 3, 2025) to be voted on.
To get on the May 2025 ballot, the city must pass the resolution by Feb. 28, 2025.
RESOLUTIONS
No. 3541 – Ratifying a loan
To buy the property at 791 Main St., the city loaned funds to the Urban Renewal Agency. This resolution ratifies that loan. Repayment to the city is expected to begin July 2025, and will total $394,254.71 (which includes interest).
This is not a new loan. This only finishes actions already taken by the council.
OTHER BUSINESS
No known items upfront.
– More Information –
Congratulations! You just summarized 151 pages from the agendas. What local business will you shop at this weekend with that time saved?
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 Tuesday, Jan 21st, 2025. Work session starts at 5:30 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.
Speak to your city council: Everyone is welcome to speak to your city council, for 3 minutes towards the beginning of the meeting! The time is yours to address your city and be heard!
