– Topics –
- Work Session
- City Council
– Work Session –
Attendance
Present: Mayor Slack, Council President Briggs, Councilors Barrientos, Blosser, Fitzgerald, Jantz, Schilling, Shein, and Spivey.
Absent: none.
Police Department Annual Update
Deputy Chief Jerry Mott, presented the Police Department’s annual report to the City Council during their work session. Mott was recently selected to become the new Chief of Police in Dallas Oregon (starting in the summer of 2025).
There was discussion between Council President Briggs, Councilors Barrientos and Fitzgerald, and Mott regarding the tracking of racial data in police stops. Overall, the data from the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission (CJC) shows Dallas is not an “agency evidencing disparate treatment in any category against any group of persons”.
Mott reported the department is fully staffed. That makes Dallas Police one of only a few departments in the state to be full according to Mott. However, there is heavy pressure to recruit officers from other agencies across the state.
Councilor Shein asked if that recruitment pressure is focused towards certain positions. While there is recruitment push for all positions, there is some increased focus on detectives. Dallas has an option for officers to take on a 4 year temporary detective role. This helps someone decide if that role is the right fit. If they don’t continue as a detective, it still helps in cross training officers.
Council President Briggs encouraged future ideas from Mott to help retain our current officers. Councilor Barrientos added most officers leave because of supervisors, and treating people well helps with retention. Deputy Chief Mott agreed and recalled the department’s history of great retention, adding “we retain on culture.”
Did you know? Dallas’ new cadet program will have its first trainees in 2025.
Noting the increased time officers spend on behavioral health calls, Briggs asked about the County’s crisis services. Mott said they are becoming more reliable and will free up time, along with the new 988 phone number. This free state number can be used for anyone in a crisis. Call or text 988, or chat online at www.988lifeline.org/chat
Dallas Tree Management Plan
Jennifer Ward, Administrative Services Manager presented the Dallas Tree Management Plan to the Council. City staff and the Dallas Parks Advisory Board (which also functions as the City’s Tree Advisory Board) worked on the plan throughout 2024.
What is the plan? “The Dallas Tree Management Plan provides a framework to inventory, maintain, protect, and enhance the City’s tree canopy.” – Dallas Tree Management Plan, Mission Statement
Councilor Spivey asked what the timeframe is to inventory the trees in the city. Ward stated this will be driven by available staff time. The city also has an Oregon Department of Forestry intern that will focus on the inventory. Overall, it will likely be a multi-year effort.
Councilor Shein asked if it’s possible to compare the city’s preferred tree types or planting locations against other cities. Ward reported there is no specific data but some general trends. Management of hazard tress and when to remove them is one such trend.
- Protect
- Proactively prepare for Emerald Ash Borer
- Utilize information, guidance and training opportunities from Oregon Department of Forestry to monitor the spread of the pest and apply best response practices
- Cease from planting Oregon Ash on City properties
- Pro-actively plant replacement species in areas where there are mature ash
- Visually monitor ash for signs of EAB infestation on an ongoing basis
- Have a EAB response plan in place should it appear
Tree Management Plan, pg. 31 of the work session packet
Councilor Schilling asked what % of the city trees are Ash. Without the inventory it’s hard to know a % but Ward said they tend to be mostly along the Rickreall Creek.
Schilling also asked about opportunities for staff training. Staff have education and training opportunities through workshops, seminars, and certifications. Ward also said the Dallas Parks Supervisor has a long history and expertise in logging.
City Manager Latta explained this Tree Management Plan will come before the Council in a future meeting for adoption.
– City Council –
Attendance
Present: Mayor Slack, Council President Briggs, Councilors Barrientos, Blosser, Fitzgerald, Jantz, Schilling, Shein, and Spivey.
Absent: None.
Introductions, Recognitions, Proclamations
Arbor Day Proclamation
Mayor Slack read the Dallas Arbor Day Proclamation. The City has free activities for the public to celebrate Arbor Day on Saturday, April 26th 2025.
PUBLIC HEARING
La Creole Node Master Plan Update
After a public hearing was held, the Council voted to approve The La Creole Node Master Plan (The La Creole Plan). You can learn more about the node at the project website.
Council Shein asked about the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) and city limits in this node. City Planner, Chase Ballew noted all of the node is inside of the UGB, but only about 1/3 is currently inside the city limits.
- Public Testimony –
- Lives on Ellendale but not in the city limits
- Concerned with sewer expansion and hook up costs
- Felt there was a lack of information for what this means for property owners
Council President Briggs sought clarification on the requirements for sewer hook ups addressed in the public testimony. Ballew confirmed existing septic tanks can continue to be used without city hook up. After annexation into the city, if they want to upgrade or expand a tank, then they would be required to hook into the sewer. City Manager Latta clarified that the state law affects properties within 300ft of a sewer line regardless of city annexation.
Council Schilling asked for explanation on how re-zoning might affect property taxes. Latta explained when a property is annexed and re-zoned, the new zoning could make the property more or less valuable. That change in value can affect the assessed value which is used in property tax. Re-zoning would be driven by the property owner.
- What’s inside The La Creole Node Plan?
- 90 acres for commercial development
- 39.4 acres for medium-density residential
- 32.9 acres for high-density residential
- 29.94 acres for public right-of-way
- green spaces
- amenities
- infrastructure improvements
What happened? After the public hearing, the Council voted 8-0 to approve The La Creole Plan. An ordinance will come to the Council next meeting to make the items official.
VOTE BREAKDOWN
For: Council President Briggs, Councilors Barrientos, Blosser, Fitzgerald, Jantz, Schilling, Shein, and Spivey.
Against: None
Public Comment
- Dallas Resident
- Complained about the city’s franchise agreement with Republic Services
- Complained about the method used for sewer rate charges
- President of the Friends of the Dallas Aquatic Center
- Reminded the Council of a members donation that paid for 65 swim lessons. Vouchers for lessons are available at Polk’s Resource Center
- The group has received other large donations including a $3,200 donation.
- Presented the city with a $5,000 check for the pool fund
- Expects another $5,000 check to come soon
- Dallas Resident
- Spoke regarding the The La Creole Plan and their concerns
Consent Agenda
- Approve the March 17, 2025 Work Session Meeting Minutes
- Approve the March 17, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes
What happened? This passed unanimously.
Mayor and council Reports
Councilor Barrientos serves on the Mid Willamette Valley Community Action Committee. Reported there is a new $8,000 grant that is available to people under financial stress. Applications are now open and being accepted.
City Manager report
Councilor Virden Resigns
Councilor Virden resigned her seat on April 3, 2025. There is now a vacancy on the City Council.
Virden resigned citing, “other matters which need and deserve my full focus right now”. City Manager Latta read Virden’s full letter and said that a topic later tonight would address how to fill the new vacancy.
“It has been both and honor and a privilege to serve my beloved community.”
– Debbie Virden
Budget Committee Appointment
The vacancy on the Budget Committee has now been filled. This completes all the citizen positions on the committee. Previously, the council approved 3 candidates for 4 open positions in January.
Did you know? Unlike other committees, The Budget Committee members are selected by the Council, without recommendation from the Mayor.
What happened? The Council voted 8-0 to appoint the 4th member to the committee. They will serve until Dec. 2026.
VOTE BREAKDOWN
For: Council President Briggs, Councilors Barrientos, Blosser, Fitzgerald, Jantz, Schilling, Shein, and Spivey
Against: None
Council Goals
Goals that were set by the Council in Feb. 2025 were approved and adopted. The goals were set during a session led by SSW Consulting.
View the entire Goals & Action Report in the council agenda, pg. 122-143.
What happened? The Council voted 7-0 to adopt their 2025-2027 goals.
VOTE BREAKDOWN
For: Council President Briggs, Councilors Barrientos, Blosser, Fitzgerald, Schilling, Shein, and Spivey.
Not Present: Councilor Jantz (was out of the room during this vote)
Godsey Road Funding Agreement Amendment
A portion of SE Godsey Road will be reconstructed after the Council approved an updated 2017 agreement with Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).
Learn more about the project and Godsey Bridge from the prep post for this meeting.
The portion targeted is from SE Olive Street to Monmouth Cutoff Road. Public Works Director Gary Marks noted the 2017 agreement funds expire in 2027. Construction would be scheduled in the Summer of 2026.
Council President Briggs and Councilor Barrientos clarified the project numbers and portions of responsibility.
- Follow the money
- 1.4 million from ODOT
- The original 2017 agreement amount
- 1.7 million from the city Streets System Development Charges (SDCs)
- 1.4 million from ODOT
- The road reconstruction will include:
- a new and wider road surface
- bike lane
- storm drains
- curbs
- sidewalks
- ADA ramps
- street lighting
What happened? By a 8-0 vote, the Council approved the City Manager to sign the new amendment. Construction is expected to being in Summer 2026.
VOTE BREAKDOWN
For: Council President Briggs, Councilors Barrientos, Blosser, Fitzgerald, Jantz, Schilling, Shein, and Spivey.
Against: None
Ordinance reading
No. 1907 – Exception to city water to a property outside the city limits
The exception to the city code regarding access to city water was approved for the property owner of 2255 Elliott Rd. Properties outside city limits require an agreement to have access to city water.
Learn about this history of this agreement from the prep post.
Special Projects Manager Tom Gilson, noted the city has been servicing this property for many years. The city was able to find a meter start date of June 1920, but no official agreement.
Council President Briggs wanted to confirm the property owner is current on their bill. It is believe they are current, since service are not shut off, but City Manager Latta will confirm that.
What happened? The Council passed the 1st reading of the ordinance. The 2nd reading is scheduled for April 21, 2025.
RESOLUTIONS
No. 3546 – Amendments to the Dallas City Council Rules of Procedure
The Council approved changes to the Council Rules of Procedure. These changes were recommended from the Administration Committee (a sub-committee of the Council).
- What are the changes?
- Related to use of electronic devices during Council Meetings
- Adding Section 6.6
- Summary – use of electronic devices is discouraged
- Adding Section 6.6
- Public Comment to only require speakers state whether they live within Dallas city limits
- Changing 7.6 (e)
- Outlining a procedure to fill a council vacancy
- Adding Section 13
- Summary – Closely follows the process followed in Jan. 2025 to fill that vacancy.
- Seek applicants
- Complete applications and written answers to pre-selected questions
- Applicants present to the Council individually
- Council votes to appoint someone
- Summary – Closely follows the process followed in Jan. 2025 to fill that vacancy.
- All changes can be reviewed on pg. 189-190 of the council agenda
- Adding Section 13
- Related to use of electronic devices during Council Meetings
Councilor Schilling asked about an emergency clause which was discussed in the Administration Committee. This clause would allow the Council to declare an emergency and have flexibility to change the process to fill a vacancy. This clause was not a part of the proposed resolution but was added.
What happened? The Council voted 8-0 to approve the changes to Council Rules and Procedure with the added emergency clause.
VOTE BREAKDOWN
For: Council President Briggs, Councilors Barrientos, Blosser, Fitzgerald, Jantz, Schilling, Shein, and Spivey.
Against: None
What’s next for the Council vacancy? Expect application questions to be discussed and approved in the next City Council meeting (April 21, 2025). Once the questions are approved, the city will advertise and start accepting applications.
– More Information –
- Work session full agenda
- Work session YouTube video archive
- City Council full agenda
- City Council YouTube video archive
