-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: None
P.A.T.H.S. presentation
Ryan Pollard from Polk County presented to the Council the work of the Partners Aligned Towards Housing Solutions (P.A.T.H.S.) advisory committee. Formed in 2022 to respond to and address chronic homelessness, the group has representatives from Polk County, the cities of Dallas, Falls City, Independence, Monmouth, & Willamina, the Confederated Tribes of the Grande Ronde, & the Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency.
The committee received a state grant for $1,000,000 to help this pilot program address and prevent homelessness in rural Polk County. The Rapid Rehousing program was started to help those who are experiencing homelessness. Pollard explained that each person and family is vetted to confirm a tie to Polk County (through a job, school, family, or residency).
Since the start of the Rapid Rehousing program in 2023, 247 people have been housed. That includes 118 children, 79 parents, and 50 single individuals. The program helps people with deposit & rental assistance as well as ongoing case management to help them become self sufficient.
Pollard noted they also help people with Section 8 vouchers. Helping them find places to live and overcome any barriers like applications, credit issues or past evictions.
What is Section 8? It’s a federal program that, “helps low-income families, elderly persons, veterans and disabled individuals afford housing in the private market” (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development).
The committee also works with Polk County Behavioral Health to help those dealing with addiction and get referrals for recovery.
In rural Polk County in Jan. 2025, there were 308 people who are experiencing homelessness or at-risk of homelessness. 135 people unsheltered, 81 sheltered, and 92 at risk of homelessness.
- What are the difference?
- Unsheltered Homeless
- Sleeping outside, in a vehicle, RV, or someplace not intended for human habitation
- Sheltered Homeless
- Sleeping in a temporary or emergency shelter, transitional housing, or a hotel
- At Risk of Homeless
- Couch surfing, sleeping in unsafe or tumultuous housing, facing eviction, or currently in jail
- Unsheltered Homeless
What about homelessness specifically in Dallas? Jan. 2025, there were 96 people who were experiencing homelessness or at-risk of homelessness. 46 people unsheltered, 36 sheltered, and 14 at risk of homelessness. Pollard confirmed that of the 96 people, 87% (84 people) have a verified tie to the area. Pollard pointed out that Dallas does have a higher count due to the parole and probation program.
Important link: P.A.T.H.S. 5 year strategic plan document
Councilor Fitzgerald asked for a definition of what being self-sufficient means. Pollard shared that it means someone can pay rent on their own.
Council President Briggs asked, of the 92% of people who are moving towards self-sufficiency under the Rapid Rehousing program, how many are currently self-sufficient. Of the 247 people, 45% (111 people) are currently self-sufficient according to Pollard’s estimation.
Councilor Holsapple wondered if the number of people who refuse or decline service is tracked. Pollard confirmed there have been around 39 people who were exited from the program because they did not follow through.
Councilor Barrientos asked what the wait time is for a Section 8 voucher. The current wait is 1-2 years. In Jan. 2025, there were over 1,000 people in Polk County on the wait-list for Section 8. During those 1-2 years waiting, applicants must follow through with all the mailing they receive on the program or they could get purged from the wait-list.
Councilor Schilling asked how the money gap is covered that’s created from the Section 8 voucher $ amount vs. the actual rent $ cost. Pollard said the program is able to help cover that money gap, while helping the person to get a job or apply for social security in order to cover the gap on their own.
Councilor Holsapple asked if sex offenders in the parole and probation program are counted in the numbers. Pollard confirmed they would be under the “at risk of homeless” numbers.
Council President Briggs asked for some clarification on the parole and probation program and what that means. These people are actively working with their parole/probation officer on their goals. 87% of those people have a verified tie to Polk County.
Pollard shared the success story of 4 families who have recently exited the Church @ the Park home in Dallas and are now permanently housed. 2 of the 4 families were from Dallas. 1 of the 2 family relocated to Independence, and the other stayed in Dallas. The kids in the families are now stabilized and back in school.
The City Manager asked if they try to keep people in the their original community. Pollard confirmed keeping people in their community is always the goal. Engagement from landlords and community groups is needed to help make this work. The group does network with landlords to help find vacancies and housing for people.
Pollard spoke about the Rent Well program which helps teach people financial skills like budgeting, how to talk to a landlord, and how to get jobs.
Council President Briggs asked if Rent Well was a volunteer program or required to access services. Pollard said it is volunteered since they can’t force people into it.
Councilor Holsapple asked what they do to make it easier for people to attend those meetings. The meetings are offered remotely, and people can make up missed meetings.
Important link: A community resource guide for services and help with needs like clothing & food, legal services, job readiness, and health services.
Councilor Barrientos noted the current 5 year plan ends in 2027, and asked if the next 5 year plan is being worked on. Pollard said the next plan is being thought about, but future funding is uncertain. Funding for staff will vary what can be done in the future.
Noting the success of the program and model, the City Manager asked how that success is being reported to the Oregon Legislature (who is funding this pilot program). The numbers and data collected are being shared with the state annually.
Councilor Barrientos asked about the recent stabbing at a shelter in Salem, and how the group is mitigating those risks in Polk County. Pollard noted they can’t control behavior, but they do a lot of upfront vetting of people (including background checks). The front end work is done before letting someone into a shelter.
Councilor Shein commented that with housing being a hot button issue, the committee & the Rapid Rehousing program must be on the Governor’s radar, and asked if there was any evidence of that. Pollard commented no, since they are waiting to hear back on continuing the program. However, they will work to help get people self-sufficient no matter what the future holds.
Councilor Fitzgerald noted the $1,00,000 original funding doesn’t go far and asked what other sources of funding the P.A.T.H.S. committee has. Pollard stated small grants, Church @ the Park, and other organizations contribute to funding. Currently only 2 positions are funded for the next 2 years under an emergency declaration by the Oregon Governor.
The City Manager closed by thanking P.A.T.H.S. and said the numbers show their positive work, and hoped the program continues.
-City Council-
Attendance
Present: Mayor Slack, Council President Briggs, Councilors Barrientos, Blosser, Fitzgerald, Holsapple, Jantz, Schilling, Shein, and Spivey.
Absent: None
Introductions, Recognitions, Proclamations
Public Works employee introductions
Michael Pierce was announced as a new supervisor within the Public Works Department.
Forestry Creek Trail
New concrete paths in Dallas City Park are finished along Forestry Creek. These new paths connects the park in a more accessible way. The paths also lead visitors to the recently re-opened Japanese Garden.
The City Manager gave a special thank you to Michael Pierce, Owen Barth, and Cooper Hise for their work on this project. Pierce & Barth were presented with a certificate of appreciation.
Public Comment
- Dallas Resident
- Shared complaints about a neighbor
- Vehicles being worked on outside for extend periods of time
- Spilling oil on the asphalt
- Sanitary issues in the back yard relating to pets
- Noise disturbances
- Vehicles being worked on outside for extend periods of time
- Shared complaints about a neighbor
- President of the Friends of the Dallas Aquatic Center (FDAC)
- Sep. 20th fundraiser at Moonfall Theater is sold out
- Shared an Aug. update that was emailed to subscribers
- Will be replacing ceiling lights
- LED lights will replace current bulbs
- Expected to cost $10,000
- Paid for with donations
- Work to be done in Sep.
- 3 hours after sending the email, the group received a $250 dollar donation
- Will be replacing ceiling lights
- Gave the city a $5,000 check to add to the pool fund
Consent Agenda
What’s on the consent agenda?
- Approve the July 7, 2025 City Council Work Session Minutes
- Approve the July 7, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes
- Approve the July 21, 2025 City Council Work Session Minutes
- June 2024 Financial Report
What happened? This item passed unanimously.
Mayor and council Reports
Councilor Shein thanked the Friends of the Dallas Aquatic Center (FDAC) for the work they do and for “plugging funding gaps” for the center.
City Manager report
The Wall That Heals
The Wall That Heals is a 3/4 replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial located in Washington DC, and travels around the country. The memorial will be located in Independence, Oregon on Sep. 18 – 21.
Billy Whisenant, a Vietnam veteran, and co-chair of The Walls That Heals committee shared information with the Council. Independence was 1 of 30 sites chosen across the country. Whisenant said Independence had the very first Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Oregon & West of the Mississippi.
A 53′ trailer will convert into an education center with exhibits and videos that accompanies the memorial. The trailer will drive through Dallas on its way to Independence. It is planned to be escorted in the city by the Dallas Police Department on Sep. 16th around 1:30 pm (more details will follow from the city).
Ordinances
No. 1910 – Amending City Code, relating to the membership of the Economic Development Commission
The Economic Development Commission in Dallas recommended the city code be updated to add another member to their 7 person commission. This change affects city code Section 2.905.
Council President Briggs asked about a previous member who was with Polk County but is no longer on the commission.
Councilor Shein wanted to know who asked for the new member to have non-voting status. The City Manager noted the non-voting status was from the committee’s motion but the voting status was not a specific topic of discussion.
Councilor Fitzgerald asked how long the commission has had 7 people. City Manager Latta stated 3-4 years. The commission used to have 15 members, but was made smaller and given more defined roles.
Councilor Schilling inquired about the attendance and voting patterns of the current commission. It was noted there is a good attendance and consensus within the group. Schilling suggested the new member be given voting status.
Councilor Shein agreed with giving voting status. Latta recalled there was no specific discussion about wanting a non-voting member and thought it would not be an issue with the commission.
Councilor Barrientos agreed with giving voting status so the member isn’t just a seat warmer but is part of the commission’s decisions.
What is the proposed change to the city code?
Increase the membership of the Economic Development Commission from seven (7) to eight (8) members with one member being an ex officio (voting) member affiliated with Polk County Government
What happened? The 1st reading of the ordinance passed with the change to voting status. The 2nd reading and vote for adoption is scheduled for Aug. 18, 2025. It would become effective on Sep. 17, 2025 if adopted.
No. 1911 – Removing references to permits for original art on buildings
This ordinance will remove a reference to a non-existent permit in the city code. In 2021 the city updated Chapter 8.900 with the goal to set standards for murals and original art on buildings without needing a permit. Recently, it was discovered that a reference to a permit was left in section 8.910. This ordinance will remove that part from the code.
What happened? The 1st reading of the ordinance passed. The 2nd reading and vote for adoption is scheduled for Aug. 18, 2025. It would become effective on Sep. 17, 2025 if adopted.
RESOLUTIONS
No. 3554 – Adopting policy for the approval and installation of memorials and public art in parks and public spaces
After discussion on some wording, the Council approved a new policy for memorials and public art in parks and public spaces. This policy sets definitions, application & review processes, and criteria for approval. The Parks Advisory Board and the Public Administration Committee (a sub-committee of the Council) had previously reviewed and approved the new policy.
“The policy aims to balance the desire to commemorate groups, events, and ideas with the need to maintain the integrity, accessibility, and aesthetic value of public spaces for all residents and visitors.”
- Policy purpose statement – pg. 49 of the council agenda
Councilor Barrientos suggested adding wording to the section of “Criteria for Approval” that would prohibit offensive imagery against protected classes.
After some discussion between Councilors Barrientos, Holsapple, Fitzgerald, Shein, Council President Briggs, and the City Manager, it was decided the current language would be ok. Additionally, the City Council has voting approval over any art piece.
Councilor Barrientos was satisfied with the current wording & overall voting approval process.
What is the current wording for Criteria for Approval?
The following representations are prohibited:
- Profanity
- Nudity or sexual themes
- Images or language related to gangs or hate groups
- Images or language promoting violence, abuse or torture
- Religious iconography
Important link: Read the full policy document pg. 49-51 of the council agenda.
What happened? The Council voted 9-0 to approve the resolution for the new policy.
VOTE BREAKDOWN
For: Council President Briggs, Councilors Barrientos, Blosser, Fitzgerald, Holsapple, Jantz, Schilling, Shein, and Spivey.
Against: none
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The executive session allows the Council to meet and discuss a topic closed to the public. The media can attend but cannot report on what was discussed. This executive session was regarding the following topic: negotiate real property transactions.
What happened? The Council voted to move forward.
-More Information-
Signal schedule update: Wrap Up Posts will now be published on the Wednesday following Council meetings (or 2 days after the meeting). This change is made with a desire to maintain the longevity of The Dallas Signal, and bring about some expanded coverage in the future. Thanks for your understanding!
- Work Session full agenda
- Work Session YouTube video archive
- City Council full agenda
- City Council YouTube video archive
