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Council appointment and oath of office
After the resignation of Councilor Virden, 4 applicants have applied to fill the vacancy. Each candidate will have 5 minutes to address the Council, and explain why they should be appointed to fill the vacancy.
Learn more about each candidate below, and read some of their answers to questions from the Council.
Candidates profiles
Kirsten Collins
- Occupation –
- Quality Improvement Analyst – Oregon Office of Developmental Disabilities Services
- Volunteer experience –
- Youth groups, Dance teams, 4-H
- Government experience –
- Dallas City Council 2021-2024
- Full application link, pg. 5-10
Michael Holsapple
- Occupation –
- Compliance Investigator – Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training
- Volunteer experience –
- Softball coach: Kid’s Inc. – Dallas, Dallas Lady Dragons, Dallas High School JV (asst. coach)
- Government experience –
- None
- Full application link, pg. 11-19
Tyler Lonsford
- Occupation –
- Family Nurse Practitioner – Salem Health Medical Group, Independence
- Volunteer experience –
- Meals on Wheels, Christmas Cheer, Stamp out Hunger, Dallas Church
- Government experience –
- None
- Full application link, pg. 20-25
Holly Willamson
- Occupation –
- Financial Advisor
- Volunteer experience –
- DAVC secretary, New to Dallas Meetup group, Dallas Days. Leadership Dallas, Local church.
- Government experience –
- Dallas Community School Board – 5 years
- Budget Committee, City of Dallas – Chair – 3 years
- Full application link, pg. 26-32
Candidate questions
Here are the candidates answers to 4 selected questions out of 17 total. All 17 answers can be read in the council agenda pg. 5-32.
A – What inspired you to want to be a Dallas City Council member?
- Collins –
- I was inspired to serve because I believe deeply in the power of local government to shape the daily lives of its residents. My prior experience as a councilor taught me the value of listening closely to community members, lifting up underrepresented voices, and working collaboratively toward practical solutions. This vacancy presents an opportunity to continue serving a city I care about deeply and to ensure that all corners of our community are seen and heard, not just those who already have access to the table.
- Holsapple –
- I’ve been involved in public service for the majority of my adult life. The only time I haven’t worked in public service as an adult were the years that I operated my own company. Recently I have become more involved in what is going on in our city. I’ve testified before council on a few topics facing the city. I’ve been approached a few times over the past several years by friends and neighbors who have asked me about being a part of City Council and, though I have looked into it and thought about it several times it always seemed that the timing wasn’t right. Now I feel there is an opportunity for me to once again give back to the community where I have lived, worked and raised my family.
- Lonsford –
- Having lived in Dallas for most of my life, I have developed a strong sense of pride and connection to this community. My desire to serve on the City Council stems from my commitment to the continued growth and improvement of our city. I believe that by being part of the council, I can participate in shaping policies and initiatives that will enhance the quality of life for the residents of Dallas. Serving on the council will provide the opportunity to bring forward ideas and work collaboratively to address the needs of our community.
- Willamson –
- I really care about Dallas, and hope to help in a positive way.
G – Please share your thoughts about this value statement:
“We are an organization that protects individual rights and honors diversity. Civil communication, respect for others, compassion, and a sense of humor are essential tools in our organization. We value what makes each person unique and strive to respect and treat each other with dignity.”
-A Dallas Strategic plan value
- Collins –
- This value speaks to me deeply. I’ve spent much of my career working in systems that support people who are often overlooked whether because of disability, race, gender identity, or economic status. I believe diversity strengthens us, and civil communication is essential to any productive policy discussion. I also appreciate the nod to humor as public service is serious work, but humility and compassion go a long way.
- Holsapple –
- As a man of faith, I have a core belief that all people are created in the image of God (see Genesis 1:27) and therefore each person has value assigned by their creator. This is echoed in the second paragraph of the Declaration of Independence, which states “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Additionally, when challenged by the leadership of the synagogues who asked Jesus “Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?” Jesus replied “’You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets is based on these two commands. (Matthew 22: 36-40) – this is where I draw the basis of my value of each individual person and why I treat everyone with the respect and honest approach I would expect them to treat me with.
- As an elected body of representative of the citizenry it is crucial that all viewpoints of the citizenry been given thoughtful consideration without the stain of prejudice. Personal attacks and outbursts of emotionally fueled rants do nothing to further the purpose of the council. Thoughtful consideration should be given to each viewpoint presented. Understanding that for each individual there is a different lived experience and perspective that should be considered when making an informed decision.
- Lonsford –
- I believe this value statement reflects the inclusive, respectful, and compassionate community we should strive to build, where the dignity of all individuals is honored. It sets a standard for both city leadership and the broader community.
- Willamson –
- I agree 100%. I love humor, and I respect and love others from all walks of life! I believe effective communication helps everyone understand each other.
M – When faced with a complex problem with multiple solutions, what process would you use to select the best solution to the problem?
- Collins –
- I use a structured decision-making process:
- Clarify the goal and stakeholders involved
- Gather data and input from all sides
- Evaluate options based on impact, feasibility, cost, and equity
- Pilot small changes if possible, then monitor and adjust
- Communicate decisions transparently
- I use a structured decision-making process:
- Holsapple –
- When faced with multiple options for solving a problem I try to weigh the options based on an analysis of pros and cons. By listing out advantages and disadvantages of the available options, and assigning a weighted scale to those identified traits, I can use a process of elimination to narrow down the solutions until one stands out above the rest. This process allows me to think deeply about each option presented and weigh it on its own merits against the other options presented. This process also goes hand-in-hand with a shared leadership philosophy that allows for multiple viewpoints to be considered when creating the list of pros and cons. After careful consideration of all viewpoints, I can make a well-informed decision when choosing one option over another.
- Lonsford –
- To effectively address a complex problem, it’s essential to first clearly define the root cause and understand its implications. Then gather input from stakeholders. Once the problem is defined, I would prioritize implementing the solution that is fair and beneficial to all concerned with the most efficient use of resources.
- Willamson –
- I believe in listing out the pros and cons, weighing the effects of each, and then choosing the best option that moves us toward the goal in the most efficient manner.
Q – When was the last time that you firmly held a belief or position and received new information that changed that opinion or view?
- Collins –
- During a statewide project I was leading, I initially believed that we needed to implement a specific data-tracking method that I had used successfully in previous roles. I was confident it would provide the consistency and transparency we needed. However, as I collaborated with partners across agencies, I listened to concerns about how that method would impact workflow and data privacy. Team members brought forward valid alternatives that I hadn’t considered – options that would still meet our goals while being more adaptable across programs. Rather than holding firm to my original idea, I facilitated a group decision-making process, weighed the new solutions, and ultimately supported an alternative approach. That experience reminded me that good leadership means being confident enough to lead and humble enough to change direction when others bring valuable perspectives to the table.
- Holsapple –
- During this current election cycle there is a bond for Chemeketa Community College in the amount of $140 million that is projected to cost tax payers $0.27 per $1,000 assessed value on their property for the next 21 years. Initially I was against this bond as there was already a bond passed in 2008. That coupled with the Polk County Fairgrounds bond and the Dallas City Police Station bond seemed like one ask too many to me. After recently attending an informational session. Tim Ray provided a very well drafted and presented information session on the bond and highlighted some of the successes that the previous bond measure was able to accomplish. He pointed out continued efforts to build a trade education center on the Chemeketa main campus as well as provide assistance to students, like my wife and two daughters who all attended Chemeketa Community College. After listening to Mr. Ray’s presentation and learning all that the bond would fund in multiple counties in this region as well as understanding that it would be a continuation of the current bond with no additional tax burden added to what is already being paid I am in full support of this bond measure.
- Lonsford –
- Initially, I was concerned about the cost of a new police station in Dallas, questioning the need for such an expensive building. However, after visiting the current station, seeing the lack of space, and observing that interviews are conducted in public hallways, I realized the significant challenges faced by our police force. Conversations with officers and reviewing the plans for the new station made it clear that this investment is crucial. A new police station is necessary to retain and attract officers, while also supporting the growth of our community.
- Willamson –
- Over the years, I have experienced many times where new information has changed my opinion—in areas of health, parenting, business, relationships, church, finance, and more. Even learning more about our city through Leadership Dallas has helped shape how I view and think about things related to the city. Education is very helpful in all of these areas. You may think you have a clear understanding of something, but then learn more about it and change your original opinion.
Selection process
All candidate will have 5 minutes to present to the Council. Note that each applicant will give their presentation separately while those still waiting to present will be asked to remain outside the room.
Questions from applicants to the Council or vice versa are not permitted. Only the 5 minute presentation from the applicant is allowed.
So what will happen and how will the new Councilor be chosen? Following the presentations, the City Council can discuss and will vote to appoint a new Councilor. They will vote by ballot. A candidate needs 5 or more votes to be appointed.
As soon as someone is appointed, they will be sworn in and take a seat as the newest Councilor.
Introductions, Recognitions, Proclamations
No known items upfront.
Public Comment
This is your time to speak to your City Council, and Mayor.
Consent Agenda
This is a quick action, meant to pass routine procedural items. However, if any Councilor has a question, issue, or wants to discuss something, they can “pull” the item from the consent agenda.
What’s on the consent agenda?
- April 2025 Financial Report, pg.33-55
- Approve the May 5, 2025 City Council Work Session Minutes, pg. 56
- Approve the May 5, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes, pg. 57-58
- Recommend approval of the OLCC Limited On-Premises liquor license for Gather Food Park, pg. 59-62
Mayor and council Reports
This is a time for Councilors and the Mayor to give any reports they have.
City Manager report
Presentation from the Youth Advisory Council
After spending the year focusing on Safe Routes to School, the Dallas Youth Advisory Council (YAC) will present a letter of support to the Council for several related projects.
Did you know? The YAC’s membership is made up of students from Dallas High School’s Leadership Classes.
The YAC, which meets 2 times a month with city staff to discuss student focused issues, requested a meeting with the Public Works Department to learn more about the city projects.
The letter of support points to specific projects to improve dimly lit streets, and unsafe sidewalks. The letter is addressed to both the City Council and Dallas School Board.
“We are writing this letter to express our concerns about sidewalk safety and our support of the Safe Routes to School Program. As students, our main priority is the safety of our peers and community.”
-The Leadership Classes and Youth Advisory Council at Dallas High School
What will happen? Members of the YAC will present their letter to the City Council.
Vacation of SW 11th Street at Cherry Street
The city is looking to complete the vacation of a property on SW 11th St. between Cherry St. and Oakdale Rd that started in 2019. According to the staff report, this action will “…return the land to the tax rolls, facilitating development and increased assessed value.”
What is a vacation of property? Vacation formally removes the public’s interest in the control of the right-of-way and returns control of the land to the underlying owners (League of Oregon Cities). In other words, the city gives its claim on the land back to a private owner.
In 2019, the Council approved the original vacation request for this property. It was later identified that of the total 60ft vacated only 40ft was actually in the city limits and 20ft was in the county limits. That meant 20ft could not be vacated by the city.
However, in 2024 the Council held a public hearing and approved annexing the remaining 20ft into the city, when the property next to it was annexed. Now with the the last 20ft in city limits, the rest of the vacation can be completed.
What will happen? The Council can approve city staff to begin a legislative street vacation for the property. This would come back to the Council in the form of an ordinance and public hearing.
-More Information-
Learn more: View the entire council meeting packet for a lot more information.
Attend the meeting: Come attend the City Council meeting in person. On Monday, May 19th, 2025. 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 67 pages. Are you looking forward to summer or already missing the rainy season?
