-Topics-
- Work Session
- City Council
-Work Session-
Attendance
Present: Mayor Slack, Council President Briggs, Councilors Barrientos, Blosser, Fitzgerald, Holsapple, Jantz, Schilling, and Shein
Absent: Councilor Spivey
Council Goals Quarterly Review
The Council had their 3rd status report from city department heads on the 2025-2027 Council goals.
City Manager Latta told the Council the city is in good shape for completion of these goals. With 33 total objectives tracked, 9 are complete, 7 are complete but continually ongoing, 12 remain in progress, and 5 have been delayed or removed.
These goals were originally set in February 2025 at a weekend work session led by SSW Consulting. The goals were officially adopted by the Council in April 2025. The Council last reviewed their goals in January 2026.
5 GOALS AND THEIR OBJECTIVES:
- Community Safety
- Secure funding, complete design, and build new police station
- Conduct community education and outreach on police station bond measure
- Plan for the future needs of fire response with projected community growth (e.g., Increased height of buildings and access; updates to training and fire code, etc.)
- Improve public outreach with community organizations to support community disaster preparedness
- Increase lighting in parks
- Increase community-led crime prevention efforts (e.g. neighborhood outreach, community partners)
- Balanced Economy
- Adopt the La Creole Master Plan
- Solicit and secure development partner for 791 Main Street Building
- Attract businesses to Dallas
- Complete rezoning for La Creole Node within City limits
- Continue business-friendly environment to support development of local economy
- Develop and adopt the Mill Site development plan
- Community Growth
- Obtain water storage rights permit
- Complete design for Mercer Dam
- Identify and secure funding for Mercer Dam
- Update Transportation System Plan
- Complete phase 2 of sewer access for La Creole Node
- Update Water Master Plan
- Update Sewer Master Plan
- Complete construction of the new Public Works building
- Design and build James Howe Road Water Storage
- Update Storm Water Master Plan
- Complete filter upgrade at the water treatment plant
- Update Parks Master Plan
- Conduct space planning analysis to inform renovation recommendations to increase efficiency at City Hall
- Welcoming Community
- Attract businesses to support recreation tourism
- Develop 2045 Community Vision
- Partner with local and regional organizations to promote tourism in Dallas
- Recreation
- Connect the trail system
- Increase promotion of recreation opportunities (activity guide, social media, etc.)
- Support more community events through community partnerships
- Update Parks Master Plan
- Increase breadth of recreation opportunities for all ages
- Explore development code revision to prioritize larger park space with new developments
View the entire City Council Goals and Objectives chart in the work session agenda, pg. 4-5.
PUBLIC WORKS
Director Jennifer Ward reported on 17 goals assigned to the department. The filter media upgrade project at the water treatment plant is now complete. A new media being used catches larger impurities. Ward noted an operator’s report stated the new filter has increased run time from 48 hours to 80 hours. This increase is a big efficiency improvement.
The water storage rights permit for Mercer Dam remains in progress. Ward said 2 reports are being worked on: a bypass report which details how much water needs to pass the dam to preserve habitat downstream, and a mitigation plan.
The city wants to design the fish passage before the dam design is finalized. The reason for the fish passage design to be done first is so it can be reviewed and confirmed ahead of being included in the final design of the dam.
Councilor Shein asked whether the holdup with the dam was a federal or state issue. Ward said the delay is from the state.
Ward shared the city plans to apply for a Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan that if approved would cover up to 80% of the dam’s construction cost. The city will confirm eligibility for the loan before moving forward with applying.
Phase 2 of the La Creole Node sewer project remains in the design phase.
The new Public Works building is expected to be completed on August 12, 2026. Site work will continue into September and staff will move in around October 2026.
An update to the Parks Master Plan is scheduled for 2026-2027.
Design work on the Rickreall Creek Trail‘s Kingsborough section is complete. A new “Mill Section” of the trail next to the Public Works building and Rickreall Creek is moving forward.
Ward acknowledged that design work for the expansion of the Mercer Dam is still delayed.
Council President Briggs asked what the Council could do to help move it along. Ward said staff is working with the City Manager to press outside agencies for quicker answers without shifting targets. Briggs noted that every year of delay adds millions of dollars to the project in rising inflation costs.
Councilor Holsapple asked whether Newport, Oregon was facing the same issue. City Manager Latta said Newport’s issues are different (soil related). The main problem for the city is that agency goal posts keep moving. The city has set up a meeting with all involved agencies to nail down a single framework for what is required. With a framework, the requirements can’t change again.
Councilor Shein asked how much money the city has saved toward the dam project so far. Latta said $5-7 million. The city is doing the right things to save for funding when the project time comes.
An update to the Stormwater Master Plan has been removed from the goal list. Ward explained that the 2016 plan is only 10 years old. After consulting with Jacobs Engineering, staff determined it’s still current and so no update is needed.
Councilor Shein asked about any capital projects in the immediate future related to the Stormwater Master Plan. City Manager Latta said several projects are planned. Funding in the first four to five years of the master plan didn’t keep pace with the need. The funding was corrected and the city is now catching up. Some projects in the master plan didn’t start because of that funding delay.
ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Director Charlie Mitchell began by saying the La Creole Master Plan had been adopted, completing one of the departments goals.
The exclusive negotiating agreement for 791 Main Street did not move forward. Staff continue to work on identifying a new development partner.
Councilor Barrientos asked about the original plans for a hotel at 791 Main St. Mitchell said a hotel above ground-floor commercial space was the original vision. The current economic market doesn’t support a hotel. The project has now shifted its focus to residential units above commercial space on the street level.
Councilor Shein recalled that an earlier report showed numbers didn’t support lodging at that site.
Councilor Barrientos asked who the city is working with now. Mitchell said the city is working with a consultant and is currently in talks with a new developer. The city also continues to seek additional interested developers. Barrientos noted residents are aware of the project and want updates. Mitchell noted the previous developer said it was a great project but the timing was wrong. If the market conditions of 2019 were still present the project would have likely been built. Mitchell acknowledged the economy is different now and the city may need to play a different role in moving the project forward.
Council President Briggs asked if interest rates are the main issue. Mitchell confirmed and added building materials are more expensive, and developers are less willing to take on risk.
Councilor Schilling said he expects interest rates to come down eventually, but noted construction costs are up 58% and banks are requiring 60% cash upfront. That makes projects harder for developers to work with. Schilling believed the city should not get involved and expected 5 to 6 years for the market to turn around.
Councilor Fitzgerald asked how the AutoZone project (325 Main Street) was able to demolish and rebuild despite similar market conditions. Councilor Schilling pointed to different and cheaper materials being used with an open interior. Councilor Shein added it is also a different use type which creates different financial numbers.
Council President Briggs asked whether the Council should consider a different use altogether for 791 Main St.
Councilor Schilling asked the Council what they want to see for the site.
Mitchell continued the department’s report by stating the Transportation System Plan update remains in progress and will affect other projects citywide.
Councilor Shein asked about the earlier code change allowing indoor recreation uses in the industrial zone and if Harvest CrossFit had plans to move locations. Mitchell explained the horizon for a move is about two years due to leases.
Councilor Holsapple spoke with the owner of Harvest Crossfit and said they are working on a project on SE Sky’s The Limit Way. Mitchell clarified that it was a different business that led the code change, and they have already relocated.
Councilor Shein asked about the Ash Creek relocation and whether it would need to be a “first domino” for redevelopment in The Mill Site. Mitchell said the city is trying to find that out and needs more studies and information. There might be another path to start other development work before Ash Creek moves. Mitchell added there is a Memorandum of Understanding with various interested groups to work on the problem, but no funding commitment has been made yet.
The city received a Travel Oregon grant to promote the local wine industry around Dallas. 3 local wineries will be participating. The grant will fund videos and other media highlighting that section of the local economy. Mitchell noted transient lodging tax dollars are being invested into the promotional efforts.
The city is continuing to shift responsibility for community events away from the city and toward community partners like Dallas Downtown Association. However, the city was directly involved in the PacWest Motorcycle Show coming to Dallas this year and expects that involvement to continue in the future.
Councilor Shein asked about the status of the Ace Hardware project, which appears behind its original schedule. Mitchell said the business is working through permitting and hasn’t moved as aggressively as originally planned. The city isn’t holding anything up. The company, who is based in the Midwest, is opening its first Oregon location. Mitchell wondered if they might be stretched thin due to the number of stores opening all at once. However, city staff remain confident it will open and be a quality store.
POLICE
Chief Jerry Mott started by noting work on converting the current City Hall building into the future Police building is ongoing. Design work for the conversion had funding approved and is now in progress.
Disaster preparedness is an ongoing task. Work continues on improving and advertising the city’s notification system and evacuation routes.
Councilor Shein asked how many buildings in town give the Police access to their home security cameras. Mott clarified the department doesn’t have direct access. They only have a list of homeowners who the department can call to ask them to check their own camera footage. Shein asked if it was more of a directory. Mott confirmed.
Councilor Schilling asked about the residential camera program called Surveillance Camera Registration & Mapping (SCRAM). Mott confirmed the program is for residents rather than businesses.
Councilor Shein asked Mott how many registrations the program has and if there are any areas of concentration of camera coverage. Mott said he couldn’t give hard numbers. Shein asked whether the program has helped. Mott said early on it did help solve a robbery. The program has no extra cost to the city or residents who participate.
CITY MANAGER
City Manager Latta reported the space planning analysis on City Hall would not be used now that it will become a Police building. However, the company who did the original space planning (AC & Co Architecture) won the new Police building design work contract. They had the benefit of knowing the building already from their earlier report.
Latta also shared the city has started to look for a consultant to work on the 2045 Community Vision project with the Council.
FIRE & EMS
Chief April Wallace said predicting future fire response needs is an ongoing process as the city grows. Fire staff track new developments across the city to assess building heights and access needs for neighborhoods.
A new training structure on the south side of the property will give staff different training opportunities. The simulated structure offers varying roof pitches and building access points for search and rescue as well as aerial operations training.
Councilor Fitzgerald commented that the Fire department stayed busy with the Oakdale fire, on August 4, 2026.
-City Council-
Attendance
Present: Mayor Slack, Council President Briggs, Councilors Barrientos, Blosser, Fitzgerald, Holsapple, Jantz, Schilling, and Shein
Absent: Councilor Spivey
Introductions, Recognitions, Proclamations
Fleet Services Employee Introduction
Fleet Services Supervisor Spencer Hise introduced Dante, a new employee in the city’s Fleet Services department.
PUBLIC HEARING
CDBG Grant Application for Dallas Food Bank
The City Council held a public hearing on whether the city should apply for a 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for the Dallas Food Bank. The grant will help fund a permanent home for the Dallas Food Bank at 565 SE La Creole Drive.
Learn more: Find out why the Food Bank needs a new home in the prep post.
Staff Report
City Manager Latta explained the city is eligible to have 2 CDBG applications active at the same time. Currently the city has no active applications. This is the city’s 2nd attempt applying for this grant. Last year’s application for the Dallas Food Bank was unsuccessful.
The application is due in September. Latta explained the hearing itself is a required formality for the application. No written testimony was received by the city ahead of the meeting.
Councilor Barrientos was concerned about public safety. Noting that if the Food Bank serves 10,000 people, that could break down to roughly 1,000 visits a month on La Creole Dr. Barrientos wondered what public safety mitigation would take place during the Food Bank’s operating hours. Particular concern was expressed with the potential increased traffic near LaCreole Middle School. City Manager Latta said pedestrian improvements in the area are already complete, with more planned.
Councilor Barrientos said the concern is that drivers don’t always follow the posted speed limit. Latta noted the city has a traffic safety officer that could be utilized in that area.
Council President Briggs asked whether this grant is for public use, since the Food Bank isn’t city-owned. City Manager Latta confirmed a food bank still qualifies as a public use under the grant program.
Councilor Barrientos asked how the estimate of 10,000 people being served by the Food Bank was determined. City Manager Latta said that figure was generated by the Food Bank itself, and representatives would testify shortly.
Councilor Barrientos continued by asking about plans to expand La Creole Dr. given the added traffic. Latta said it’s already a wide road and a major collector in the current Transportation System Plan. Improvements to La Creole will happen with or without the Food Bank.
Councilor Barrientos then asked about the project timeline. City Manager Latta said a grant award would likely be announced by December 2026 to January 2027. Construction could potentially start as early as summer 2027.
Council President Briggs asked how the Food Bank project might interact with future development on Academy Street when it’s fully connected. City Manager Latta said a connection of Academy St. wouldn’t be triggered by this project.
The city will eventually pursue that connection of Academy St. separately. The church next door already signed an agreement to help contribute to future street work. The Food Bank now owns the property and has also signed a similar agreement.
The city could form a local improvement district with properties along that corridor. The properties would then contribute to the costs of that street connection. Latta again confirmed that this hearing and grant application won’t trigger that process now.
Public Comment
- Dallas Resident
- Volunteered with the Dallas Food Bank since 2014
- Supports the application
- Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) did interviews last week featuring Dallas Food Bank
- Interviewed
- Dallas Food Bank
- James 2 Community Kitchen
- Kindness Club
- Asked why they came to Dallas
- OPB said Dallas is a unique rural community with multiple services
- Food bank
- Community dinner
- Backpack program
- OPB said Dallas is a unique rural community with multiple services
- Interviewed
- Dallas Food Bank is open 5 days a week
- But only 3 hours a day
- Low-impact
- Willing to work with neighbors on any concerns
- But only 3 hours a day
- Thanked the Council for moving forward with the grant application
- The city needs a permanent home for the Food Bank
Discussion
Councilor Barrientos believed on the surface this is a great idea and supports the Food Bank’s efforts. However the project needs to be done safely, especially for kids walking to school. City Manager Latta said the project will go through land use planning review, where traffic impacts will be considered and mitigation can be required if needed.
Decision
What happened? The Council voted, with 1 opposed, to approve the City Manager applying for the 2026 Community Development Block Grant. The grant will help fund a permanent home for the Dallas Food Bank at 565 SE La Creole Drive.
VOTE BREAKDOWN
For: Council President Briggs, Councilors Barrientos, Blosser, Holsapple, Jantz, Schilling, and Shein
Against: Councilor Fitzgerald
Public Comment
- President, Friends of the Dallas Aquatic Center (FDAC)
- Reported a quiet summer
- Board members are traveling
- Therapy pool’s temperature dropped in June
- Classes currently meeting in the leisure pool
- Waiting on a replacement before it can reopen
- New tables and chairs have arrived for the party rooms
- Tables can fold up
- Makes more room for aerobics class
- Tables can fold up
- The lobby air conditioning is now working
- Spa drain was leaking
- Fixed in-house with a gasket replacement
- FDAC is waiting to see what the next fix will be
- Reported a quiet summer
Consent Agenda
- Approve the July 20, 2026 Work Session Minutes – pg. 7
- Approve the July 20, 2026 City Council Meeting Minutes – pg. 8
What happened? This passed unanimously, 8-0.
Mayor and Council Reports
Public Safety Coordinating Council Update
Councilor Shein gave an update on the quarterly Local Public Safety Coordinating Council meeting. A number of grants are being consolidated into a single program, with the hope of streamlining the process and reducing staff work.
City Manager report
Economic Development Commission Appointment
The Council voted unanimously to appoint David “Cole” Bestes to fill the vacant seat on the Economic Development Commission. This approved Mayor Slack’s recommendation.
Bestes will also automatically join the South Dallas Urban Renewal District Advisory Committee, since its membership mirrors the Economic Development Commission’s. The term runs through December 31, 2026.
What happened? The Council voted to appoint Cole Bestes to the Economic Development Commission in an 8-0 vote.
VOTE BREAKDOWN
For: Council President Briggs, Councilors Barrientos, Blosser, Fitzgerald, Holsapple, Jantz, Schilling, and Shein
Against:
Coin Design Approval
The Council approved the “Community Excellence” Challenge Coin Program and the final coin design, featuring city namesake Vice President George Dallas.
Learn more about this challenge coin program in the prep post.
What happened? The Council voted to approve the Challenge Coin Program and coin design with all 8 Councilors voting yes.
VOTE BREAKDOWN
For: Council President Briggs, Councilors Barrientos, Blosser, Fitzgerald, Holsapple, Jantz, Schilling, and Shein
Against:
Priorities for 2027 Legislative Session
City staff introduced the League of Oregon Cities’ (LOC) 27 potential legislative priorities for the 2027-2028 session. The Council will select its top five priorities in a future meeting. Councilors were encouraged to ask questions or request more information from staff before that future meeting’s vote.
- 2027-2028 legislative session options
- Broadband, Cybersecurity, AI, and Telecommunications
- Promote the Equitable Development of Sustainable Telecom Infrastructure
- Maintain Local Control of a Safe, Modern Right of Way
- Support Equitable Access to Technology
- Support Responsible Municipal Use of Technology
- Support Municipal Cybersecurity Proficiency
- General Government
- Administrative Procedures Act Reform
- Public Meetings Law Clarity
- Housing, Land Use, and Community Development
- Funding and Coordination for Shelter and Homeless Response
- Full Funding And Streamlining For Housing Production
- Land Availability And Land Use Streamlining
- Energy and Environment
- Invest In Community Energy Resilience/Disaster Planning
- Support Expedited Local Renewable Energy Generation
- Support Increased Energy Transmission Capacity
- Maintain Affordable Energy While Supporting Grid Hardening and Modernization
- Resource Programs For Energy Efficiency Planning and Project Development
- Support Administrative Capacity
- Finance, Taxation, and Economic Development
- Targeted Prevailing Wage Changes
- Alcohol Revenue Modernization
- Emergency Communication System Resources
- Strengthening Economic and Workforce Development
- Transportation
- 2027 Transportation Package
- Cautious Adoption of Autonomous Vehicles
- City Supported Street Sign Traditions
- Water and Wastewater
- Infrastructure Funding
- Water Reuse
- Ratepayer Assistance
- Water Workforce Development
- Broadband, Cybersecurity, AI, and Telecommunications
Read all the proposals and their descriptions in the council agenda, pg 20-39
Councilor Shein asked what the drop-dead date is for a decision. City Manager Latta said September 21, 2026 is the last day for a vote to pick the Council’s priorities.
Councilor Schilling said if all the Councilors come prepared, the Council could decide as early as September 8, 2026. The Council has done that in past years. City Manager Latta agreed and added that questions asked earlier in the process are better.
Council President Briggs asked if the legislative priorities vote happens annually. City Manager Latta said it happens every other year, timed with Oregon’s longer legislative sessions. Briggs then asked whether the Council could get a status review on priorities in the off year. Latta said yes and added that all 27 priorities are tracked by LOC staff even if they were not the top priorities selected.
What happened? No action was taken. The Council discussed the League of Oregon Cities’ proposed legislative priorities and the process to select Dallas’ top five. Those 5 priorities will be voted on at a future meeting, either September 8 or 21, 2026.
City Attorney Contract Extension
The Council approved a 2-year extension to the City Attorney contract with Sherman, Sherman, Johnnie and Hoyt.
Learn more about what a City Attorney does and how much the city pays them, in the prep post.
City Manager Latta told the Council that staff has been pleased with the firm’s work.
What happened? The Council voted to approve the 2-year extension of the City Attorney contract with an 8-0 vote.
VOTE BREAKDOWN
For: Council President Briggs, Councilors Barrientos, Blosser, Fitzgerald, Holsapple, Jantz, Schilling, and Shein
Against:
ORDINANCES
No. 1925 – E-Bike Speed Limits in Parks and on Trails
The 2nd reading passed and the Council voted to adopt an ordinance setting a 10 mph speed limit for E-bikes on paved and unpaved park trails.
Councilor Shein confirmed the changes made by the Council during the 1st reading were included. The Council had amended the ordinance to allow all 3 classes of E-bikes on paved and unpaved trails with the 10 mph speed limit. City Manager Latta confirmed that change was reflected on this final version.
What happened? The Council passed the 2nd reading of the ordinance setting an E-bike speed limit in city parks with all 8 Councilors voting in favor of adoption. The ordinance takes effect on September 4, 2026.
VOTE BREAKDOWN
For: Council President Briggs, Councilors Barrientos, Blosser, Fitzgerald, Holsapple, Jantz, Schilling, and Shein
Against:
RESOLUTIONS
No. 3575 – Nuisance Assessments Against Real Property
The Council approved adding 6 new liens to the city’s docket for unpaid bills to remove obnoxious vegetation.
Learn more about obnoxious vegetation and how the city handles the issue in the prep post.
Council President Briggs asked whether any of the properties already had existing liens. City Manager Latta said he wasn’t sure, but Finance Director Cecilia Ward confirmed there were properties with multiple liens.
What happened? The Council voted to add 6 new liens to the city’s docket with an 8-0 vote.
VOTE BREAKDOWN
For: Council President Briggs, Councilors Barrientos, Blosser, Fitzgerald, Holsapple, Jantz, Schilling, and Shein
Against:
No. 3576 – Floodplain Development Permit Fee
The Council approved updating how the city charges for floodplain development permits. City Manager Latta explained the city is moving away from in-house processing to contracting those reviews to the Mid-Willamette Valley Council of Governments (COG).
COG reviews and approves permits at $150 per hour. City staff previously charged development fees at a flat $567.10 but recommended changing to a $200 deposit plus actual expenses. The deposit would be applied toward the overall cost.
City Manager Latta explained the COG will charge the city for each permit, and the city will collect payment from the applicant before issuing the permit.
Councilor Holsapple asked whether the city would be covered for their own staff time under the new agreement. City Manager Latta explained staff time is minimal under the new process. Applications are submitted electronically, saved, and forwarded to COG for review. The permit is sent back to the city to connect with the applicant. Latta believed that amounts to less than an hour of staff work per permit.
Councilor Schilling asked how many of these permits the city processes. City Manager Latta said about 4 a year.
What happened? The Council voted to approve the new floodplain development permit fee structure with all 8 Councilors voting yes. It will take effect September 1, 2026.
VOTE BREAKDOWN
For: Council President Briggs, Councilors Barrientos, Blosser, Fitzgerald, Holsapple, Jantz, Schilling, and Shein
Against:
-More Information-
- Work session full agenda
- Work session YouTube video archive
- City Council full agenda
- City Council YouTube video archive
