-Topics-
- Work Session
- City Council
-Work Session-
Attendance
Present: Mayor Slack, Council President Briggs, Councilors Barrientos, Blosser, Fitzgerald, Holsapple, Jantz, Schilling, Shein, and Spivey.
Absent:
Police Department annual report
Chief of Police Jerry Mott presented the Police Department’s annual report to the City Council.
In 2025, the department saw an increase in calls and traffic enforcement. Mott explained to the Council that the increase does not mean there are more problems. The increase is due to expanded reporting capacity and in the department’s overall ability to be more proactive. Mott explained the increase in numbers actually show crime prevention.
Police try to balance time for their work and mental health service calls. Due to partnerships with County programs, mental health calls have actually dropped from 665 in 2024 to 563 in 2025. This is an 18% decrease from last year.
Council President Briggs asked if behavioral health calls have dropped because other support services are able to help. Mott agreed and also pointed out that the new 988 line has helped. Better crisis services are available today than in the past. Additionally federal case law has changed response protocols to make sure police are going only when police are needed.
Councilor Holsapple asked if the new Polk CARES center (next to the Academy Building) has been a resource to police. Mott said not directly, because that center is available for people to use to prevent problems ahead of time.
Councilor Barrientos wondered if welfare checks are not being responded to because they are a mental health call. Mott shared the department attempts to send appropriate resources instead of going to sites directly.
Additionally, federal case law has made it so that if someone is alone in a home and can only hurt themselves and police intervene, the police are responsible. Behavioral health personnel are better suited for these situations. Mott shared that police should only be in those situations to protect others. The department is doing the best it can with the current laws they have to follow.
Councilor Shein asked for facts and information behind the federal case that lead to current rules. Mott was aware of the case but didn’t want to try to give a legal briefing.
Councilor Holsapple shared these rules aren’t new and have been around for years. Believed Mott is doing the most to help the community with what the department has.
Mott shared with the Council that according to the Criminal Justice Commission (CJC) the City of Dallas was “not identified as an agency evidencing disparate treatment in any category against any group of persons.” (pg. 9, work session agenda)
When someone is stopped by police, an estimation of their race is documented by the police officer and then collected by the CJC. An annual report called the Statistical Transparency of Policing is produced from the data collected. This report helps to identify if an agency is showing bias in their stops.
Since the state of Oregon does not list people’s race on drivers licenses, officers have to either ask the person’s race or make a guess. Mott shared officers are hesitant to ask people’s race due to possibly offending them.
It was pointed out that the number of stops of Native Americans has been at 0 for several years. This is likely not an accurate number given the proximity of local tribes. This repeated 0 number represents the issue of estimating race.
Councilor Barrientos asked how the Police can go about documenting people’s race better. Barrientos stated Native Americans are stopped more frequently by police, so 0 stops for the past 3 years doesn’t make sense. Mott pushed back and said Native American’s being stopped more frequently didn’t feel true according to professional experience.
Mott said if Oregon added race to drivers licenses it would remove police subjectivity to estimate race. Another way to get better data is to make it a requirement to ask every person’s race when stopped. If everyone is asked, the expectation might prevent offense.
Councilor Barrientos claimed national statistics back up the data on frequency of stops for Native Americans. Barrientos ask if people’s names on licenses can be used to try and determine race. Mott said that won’t always work. Locally, the Grand Ronde Tribal Police Chief’s last name is McKnight, which might not suggest thoughts of a Native American name.
The City Manager added that without laws to record and collect people’s race, it will be hard to do so. The City Manager agreed with Mott’s decision to point out the oddity of the repeated 0 number of stops. Without better methods, making a note of the unusual statistic is helpful.
Councilor Barrientos believed fear of people taking offense is subjective. Barrientos thinks most people won’t be offended by being asked for their race when its used on a citation. Wants to see better methods of tracking race and specifically the number of Native American stops made.
Councilor Holsapple pointed out an extra limitation of the data. None of the information collected identifies people who are multiracial.
Councilor Shein added if someone is multiracial it’s more difficult to decide what category to choose. Going back to the Native American stops, Shein asked if Mott had a gut feeling for what that true number might be. Mott was unsure and worried about giving false data. It was suggested the CJC can come in and present more information if desired by the Council.
Councilor Barrientos stated feeling uneasy about no number under the column for Native American stops in the last 3 years. Would feel better if there was any number. Mott agreed and said it would be better to have stronger data to use. Mott also shared that some family are tribal members and have been stopped. The true number can’t realistically be 0. Barrientos expressed being upset with the method, not with Mott.
Council President Briggs confirmed there would be some personal offense if asked to identify race during a stop. Briggs noted being 25% Native American but not belonging to a tribe. If the person being stopped did something wrong, race shouldn’t matter.
Councilor Shein explained the caution around offense is due to the current awareness of disproportionate treatment of people based on race. This is an attempt to try and measure data to identify possible unfair treatment.
Council President Briggs agreed it is an official statistic.
Moving on to the police fleet inventory, Chief Mott explained 2 vehicles will be replaced this year. A 2010 back-up patrol vehicle and 2009 Lieutenant’s vehicle will both be replaced with 2026 models.
Councilor Barrientos asked if the department has ever thought of getting a motorcycle. Mott said it was considered several years ago. There are 2 issues. The first is the cost of gear to operate the motorcycle. Any new rider would require new training and all new gear to be fitted. Also, motorcycles are not multipurpose vehicles. For example, it can’t transport arrested people.
Councilor Barrientos thought a motorcycle used as traffic patrol could work with use of a back-up car for transport. Mott shared that would require 2 people on shift to report to 1 call. Currently a motorcycle lacks utility for a department the size of Dallas.
Councilor Shein asked to clarify if the Chaplain vehicle is under the Fire & EMS department. Mott confirmed it is.
Councilor Holsapple wondered if they are getting another pickup truck since the current one is a 2006 model. Mott would like to replace the ’06 truck, but will get more life out of it for now.
The City’s Fleet Maintenance was given praise for performing “top notch” and keeping the police fleet up and running. Mott specifically shared that a dealership couldn’t figure out a problem with their pump on the Dodge. The Fleet Maintenance team was able to solve and fix the issue in-house.
- Dallas Police staff
- 27 – Department staff
- 4 – Civilians
- 3 – Records (2 full time; 1 part time)
- 1 – Property & Evidence (1 part time)
- 23 – Sworn officers authorized
- 13 – Patrol Officers
- 1 – School Resource Officer
- 2 – Detectives
- 4 – Patrol Sergeants
- 1 – Detective Sergeant
- 1 – Lieutenant
- 1 – Chief of Police
- 4 – Civilians
- 27 – Department staff
Councilor Shein loved hearing that the city is not losing staff to other agencies. Mott noted the department is even recruiting from bigger agencies, so they are doing something right. Mott however cautioned that staff getting recruited away by other agencies is still an ongoing challenge.
Councilor Holsapple pointed out that with the numbers coming out of Oregon State Patrol academy, it is good the department is not losing people.
Chief Mott also shared there is a partnership with Dallas School District on use of emergency evacuation locations in the event of disasters.
Someone being homeless is not a police issue but does impact police service. Efforts are focused on connecting unhoused people with services. Mott explained, “If a homeless person is doing a crime that a housed person would expect to go to jail for, the unhoused person needs to expect to go to jail for it as well.”
“We police behavior, not status.”
Dallas Police Chief Jerry Mott
City Manager Latta added Mott missed 1 missing major success this year, which was the hiring of Jerry Mott as the new Chief of Police.
What happened? The Chief of Police gave the department’s annual report to the City Council. No official action took place.
-City Council-
Attendance
Present: Mayor Slack, Council President Briggs, Councilors Barrientos, Blosser, Fitzgerald, Holsapple, Jantz, Schilling, Shein, and Spivey.
Absent:
Introductions, Recognitions, Proclamations
None.
Public Comment
- Dallas Resident
- Replaced toilets in home last month
- Learned about High-Efficiency Toilet (HET) rebate after installation
- Called utilities company and they were unsure about the rebate
- Suggested contacting the city council
- As the city’s water provider, asked the Council to consider offering this rebate
- People might rethink their water usage for a $75 toilet rebate
- Replaced toilets in home last month
Consent Agenda
The consent agenda is used to pass procedural items. If any Councilor has a question or wants to discuss something, they can pull the item to discuss.
What’s on the consent agenda?
- Arbor Day Proclamation – pg. 4
- Approve the March 16, 2026 Work Session Minutes – pg. 5
- Approve the March 16, 2026 City Council Meeting Minutes – pg. 6-7
What happened? This passed unanimously.
Mayor and council Reports
Mayor Slack shared information about the City’s Arbor Day Celebration. Saturday, April 18th will host a service project on the Rickreall Creek Trail, and 2 events for children at Delbert Hunter Arboretum. National Arbor Day is celebrated on April 24th.
Councilor Schilling had some information and corrections from The Mid-Willamette Valley Area Commission on Transportation (MWACT).
An event on Tuesday April 7th at E. Ellendale Ave. and La Creole Dr (near Dutch Bros) would be held with Rep. Andrea Salinas. This event was to award the city $1 million dollars secured for the La Creole sewer and water project.
The work on Center Street Bridge into Salem will be delayed until Sep. 2026.
The timeline of work is changing for the Perrydale Road and Highway 223 intersection. The work to improve the intersection at Perrydale Rd will begin in May 2026. The roundabout at Hwy 223 and 22 will now begin in 2027. The roundabout should only take 1 year to complete.
Councilor Shein shared many people are thrilled about the new traffic light at Levens Street by Lyle Elementary.
Councilor Fitzgerald shared some residents were confused by the double turn arrows when there is only 1 turn lane.
Councilor Holsapple said sometimes those double signals are for bigger vehicles to see from further away, but that didn’t seem to apply at this intersection.
The City Manager shared the lights were done according to standard, but confirmed it is wonky.
City Manager report
Dallas Volunteer Recognition Program
The Council agreed to start a new Dallas Volunteer Recognition Award program. The annual awards night will honor 3 winners who excel in city volunteering. The awards will highlight a youth volunteer, a committee or board volunteer, and an outstanding volunteer.
“The City of Dallas recognizes that the strength of our community is built upon the selfless service of its residents. These annual awards are designed to honor those who give their time, talent, and heart to make Dallas a better place to live, work, and play.”
Program Overview – (pg. 9, council agenda)
This idea came from the Public Administration Standing Committee (a standing committee of the Council).
Two of the 3 awards have official names to honor previous volunteers to the city: the Bob & LaVonne Wilson Committee, Commission or Board (CCB) Volunteer of the Year, and the Bollman Family Outstanding Volunteer of the Year. The Council voted on these names in an internal survey.
Review the full plan: Dallas Volunteer Recognition Award program (pg. 9-11, council agenda)
A night of recognition will be held in April of each year, with the months Dec. – March used to promote, nominate, and review nominations from the public. Winners of the awards will get a short presentation from the Mayor or a Councilor highlighting their volunteer work and take home a physical award or memento.
- Follow the money:
- $750 – estimated annual cost for the program
- Award night food
- Physical award or memento
- $750 – estimated annual cost for the program
Councilor Shein asked, since it is already April, if this program would start next year. The City Manager confirmed and added this year there will be a city wide volunteer appreciation event to thank everyone who contributes to the city.
What happened? The Council voted in favor of the new Dallas Volunteer Recognition Award program. All 9 Councilors voted to approve.
VOTE BREAKDOWN
For: Council President Briggs, Councilors Barrientos, Blosser, Fitzgerald, Holsapple, Jantz, Schilling, Shein, and Spivey.
Against:
ORDINANCES
No. 1921 – Repealing Development Fee Waivers
The city code currently allows the City Manager to waive development fees for qualified businesses. However, the Council passed the 1st reading of an ordinance to remove development fee waivers in the city code.
The Public Administration Standing Committee suggested this code be removed. In the committee’s discussion, it was pointed out that according to memory, no fee waiver has ever been requested.
- Fees currently available for waiver:
- Sign permit
- Demolition permit
- Driveway permit
- Sidewalk permit
- Water and sewer service connection charges above actual cost of materials used
- Cost of oversizing public works infrastructures, including, but not limited to, costs for water lines larger than six inches, sewer lines larger than eight inches, storm sewer lines larger than 18 inches, and streets wider than 34 feet
- City code 9.850, section 2
The code offers other incentives like up to $5,000 in credits for each new employee position a business planned to create.
One specific challenge the code presented was a need for the city to cover the lost cost of any System Development Charges (SDC) waived.
City Manager Latta explained removing this section from the code doesn’t remove the Council’s ability to offer waivers. Those can still be offered on a case by case basis.
What happened? The Council passed the 1st reading of the ordinance to repeal development fee waivers. A 2nd reading and vote for adoption is scheduled for April 20, 2026. If adopted, it would be effective on May 20, 2026.
No. 1920 – Removing the Prohibition of Non-motorized Vehicles in the Central Business District
After a 2nd reading, the Council voted to repeal the ordinance banning non-motorized vehicles on sidewalks in downtown.
Specifically, the soon to be removed codes (Dallas City Code Section 6.700 & 6.710) banned scooters, skateboards, roller skates, and bicycles on sidewalks on specific streets in downtown. It also set fines for those found guilty.
The Public Works Standing Committee discussed this topic in their Feb 2026 meeting and agreed to suggest its removal.
What happened? The Council voted to remove the ban of non-motorized vehicles on downtown sidewalks. It becomes effective on May 6, 2026.
VOTE BREAKDOWN
For: Council President Briggs, Councilors Barrientos, Blosser, Fitzgerald, Holsapple, Jantz, Schilling, Shein, and Spivey.
Against:
RESOLUTIONS
No. 3562 – Storm Water Fee
The Council voted unanimously to lower the stormwater monthly fee by $5. This fee reduction completed the 1st of 2 steps for funding the remodel of the Itemizer-Observer (IO) building into the new city hall and turn the old City Hall building into a Police station.
Get caught up: The latest update for the Police building project.
The stormwater fee reduction will lower residents’ cost from $16 to $11. This will result in a planned reduction to the stormwater fund by $500,000 over 5 years. An ending balance of $2.5 million would still remain in the stormwater fund.
Lowering this fee is meant to offset a new $5 fee that would specifically fund the Police building project now and into the future. That new fee is considered by the Council in the next resolution.
What happened? The Council voted 9-0 to approve the resolution to reduce the stormwater fee by $5.
VOTE BREAKDOWN
For: Council President Briggs, Councilors Barrientos, Blosser, Fitzgerald, Holsapple, Jantz, Schilling, Shein, and Spivey.
Against:
No. 3563 – Establishing a Facilities and Equipment Fee
In the final step to complete funding of the Police building project, most of the Council agreed to create a new fee called the Facilities and Equipment Fee.
The new fee is a monthly $5 fee residents pay on their city bill. This new fee was offset by the lowered stormwater fee, which the Council approved in the last resolution.
Specifically, this Facilities and Equipment Fee will go to, “provide for needed facilities and equipment for the city’s general fund-supported departments.” (Resolution No. 3563, pg. 26 council agenda)
- Follow the money:
- $5 – added monthly Facility & Equipment Fee
- $5 – reduced monthly Stormwater Fee
- $0 – total monthly net change
This new source of funding will first pay for the remodel of the IO building for city staff use. It will also pay to get a seismic study and initial remodel plans for the new Police building inside the old City Hall.
The $5 fee is expected to generate about $474,000 each year. According to the previous staff report, about $225,000 of that will be set aside annually to save for the future seismic work and renovations on the Police building.
Councilor Fitzgerald expressed appreciation to the city staff for the clever way to get this project done and supports the project overall. However, Fitzgerald was still unsure about creating a new fee and had expressed concern about it previously. Also noted concern with unknown future costs of the building.
Even with no overall change to costs for residents, Fitzgerald was uneasy about creating a new fee without voter input. Fitzgerald stated intention to vote no.
Councilor Spivey addressed Fitzgerald’s concern of not going to the public, by stating part of the Council’s job is to represent the residents of Dallas. Not everything can go to a direct vote of the people. It is the Councilor’s job to act for the people, as hard as that may be sometimes.
Councilor Fitzgerald expressed agreement with Spivey’s comment but still planned to vote no.
What happened? Most of the Council voted to create a new $5 monthly Facilities and Equipment Fee. This fee will go towards funding the IO building remodel for city staff use and seismic work and remodeling the Police building over time.
VOTE BREAKDOWN
For: Council President Briggs, Councilors Barrientos, Blosser, Holsapple, Jantz, Schilling, Shein, and Spivey.
Against: Councilor Fitzgerald
-More Information-
- Work Session full agenda
- Work Session YouTube video archive
- City Council full agenda
- City Council YouTube video archive
