-Topics-
- Work Session
- City Council
-Work Session-
Attendance
Present: Mayor Slack, Council President Briggs, Councilors Barrientos, Fitzgerald, Holsapple, Jantz, Schilling, Shein, and Spivey.
Absent: Councilor Blosser
Economic & Community Development Annual Report
The Council heard part 1 of the Economic & Community Development Department’s annual report. Charlie Mitchell is the department’s Director for the City of Dallas and presented information about the Planning, Code Services, and Historic Preservation Divisions.
The Planning Division is responsible for helping to shape the current and future growth of the city. Mitchell reported that 110 land use applications were received in 2025, which is steady with numbers over the last 5 years. Over 1/3 of those applications dealt with zoning compliance reviews.
Applications for 82 subdivisions lots and 3 multi-family projects (totaling 314 units) were received in 2025. Mitchell noted that it usually takes 1-2 years from time of application for subdivisions to be completed. Multi-family projects can take around 2-3 years for completion.
Some discussion between Councilor Holsapple, Schilling, and Director Mitchell noted that most of the current development is on the West of town. Future development will likely be focused more on the East.
Councilor Shein pointed out that due to state requirements a few years ago, the trend of multi-family developments will likely continue. Mitchell agreed and stated Dallas has an abundance of residential land available for development, so the trend might not slow down.
With these new housing options coming to Dallas, the city has still only completed 70% of their target housing production. However this stands tall next to a 46% target completion for similarly sized cities, and 27% completion for the Willamette Valley Region in general. (Information sourced by Oregon Housing & Community Services, pg. 11 work session agenda)
Councilor Schilling pointed out that Dallas is still considered a “Severely Rent Burdened City” under Oregon law. This means that Dallas is, “a city where at least 25% or more of the renter households spend more than 50% of household income on rent”.
Code Services Division aims to teach people about the Municipal and Development Codes in the city through their goal of voluntary compliance. According to the presentation, “The goal of Code Services is to accomplish voluntary compliance, without issuing citations. We strive to treat both the complainant and the party in violation with compassion and respect.”
Mitchell said the city should be proud about the lack of clutter, out of control grass, and junk around the community.
Towing abandon vehicles can be done at no cost to the city. However RVs that need to be towed can cost up to $3,500, which is often not recovered. City staff work hard to take action before towing is required.
Council President Briggs asked if there was any type of lien that could be used to recover RV towing costs. Mitchell responded that there is no way to place a lien on these vehicles. Councilor Shein added these are abandoned vehicle that are rendered as junk. They will never be sold to activate the lien.
Mitchell shared a story about a vacant home having multiple abandoned cars on the lot. The towing company had the block full of tow trucks for removal and the neighbors were out waving and thanking the tow trucks. Mitchell joked, “sometimes we make friends out there”.
Lastly, the Historic Preservation Division and the Historic Preservation Commission work together on efforts to preserve historic buildings in Dallas. Staff are working on building a website for the Historic District which will include a virtual walking tour.
Mitchell also shared that the city is working on getting highway signage to direct people into Dallas’ Historic District. This can help support some tourism for the city. The signs are still on hold while waiting for the Oregon Department of Transportation.
What happened? The Council received the annual report for this department. No official action took place. Part 2 of the annual report will include Building, Economic Development, and Urban Renewal Divisions and is scheduled for Feb. 2, 2026.
-City Council-
Attendance
Present: Mayor Slack, Council President Briggs, Councilors Barrientos, Fitzgerald, Holsapple, Jantz, Schilling, Shein, and Spivey.
Absent: Councilor Blosser
Introductions, Recognitions, Proclamations
None.
Public Comment
- President of Friends of the Dallas Aquatic Center
- Several ways they get money
- $18,000 from company banners
- Donations from patrons
- Variety of donation amounts given
- From $3,000 to $10
- Helped cover spa motor and pump replacement
- Only Aquatic Center in the Valley or Coast with a spa
- Variety of donation amounts given
- Gives away swim passes to other non-profits
- $736 paid back to the pool for redeemed swim passes
- Party packages usually raise $400 – $650
- Due to expenses this year, will only offer 2 party packages
- Often these are not redeemed
- Several ways they get money
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?
- December Financial Report – pg. 4
- Approve the January 5, 2026 Work Session Minutes – pg. 35
- Approve the January 5, 2026 City Council Meeting Minutes – not listed
What happened? This passed unanimously.
Mayor and council Reports
Reconsider Jan 5th vote
Councilor Fitzgerald read a statement about a vote the Council made on Jan 5th. This vote approved city staff to move forward with gathering more information on option 5 of remodeling the IO building and turning the City Hall into the Police building.
Concern was also expressed about the increase of the fee to pay for the project. Fitzgerald believes the citizens should be able to vote for this fee.
“I think when you need money from your citizens you should ask and not tell.”
Councilor Fitzgerald
Councilor Fitzgerald then offered a motion to reconsider the Jan 5th vote.
Councilor Shein offered a second to the motion stating, “so we can settle it”.
The City Manager offered clarification for the Council, that the motion Councilor Fitzgerald put forth would treat the vote they took on Jan 5th, as if it never happened.
If the Jan 5th vote was reconsidered, the Council could hold the same vote again so Fitzgerald can change votes, put forth a new option to vote on, continue conversations on what to do next, or do nothing at all.
Councilor Shein confirmed intent to vote no on the motion from Fitzgerald. The Jan 5th vote was not to approve the project and start construction. The Jan 5th vote was for city staff to do more investigation work and put together solid numbers to consider. A change on this vote would only delay time.
Councilor Schilling asked for clarification that a yes vote on this new motion would reconsider the Jan 5th vote and “would be getting rid of the work that was done.” The Mayor confirmed that would be the result of a yes vote.
Councilor Shein requested a roll call vote.
What happened? The motion by Councilor Fitzgerald, to reconsider the Council’s Jan 5th vote regarding the Police Station project, was rejected by a 7-1 vote.
Interesting to note that Councilor Holsapple voted against reconsidering the Jan 5th vote. Holsapple was the only vote that day against option 5.
VOTE BREAKDOWN
For reconsidering the Jan 5th vote: Councilor Fitzgerald
Against reconsidering the Jan 5th vote: Council President Briggs, Councilors Barrientos, Holsapple, Jantz, Schilling, Shein, and Spivey.
City Manager report
Alternate Proposal for Basketball and Pickleball Courts at City Park
The new design for 8 pickleball and 2 basketball courts in Dallas City Park were approved by City Council. New updates to the alternate plan include more parking spots, better pathway connections, and re-located covered seating.
Learn more: get the details from the Prep Post about the history of this project.
The Dallas Pickleball Club is supporting this project by contributing $10,000. The rest of the funds will come from a combination of sources, including Park System Development Charges (SDC).
- Follow the money:
- $596,160 – Total cost of updated alternate plan
- $10,000 – Dallas Pickleball Club donation
- $586,160 – Remaining costs paid by Park SDC funds, Capital Improvement Project funds, and Enterprise funds.
Jennifer Ward, Public Works Director for the city, shared that the city ran a survey on their website which had 192 respondents. The Parks Advisory Board also held a public hearing to get updated feedback.
Council President Briggs asked if there was a focused answer in the strongly dislike responses. Ward responded that most of the non-supportive answers fell into 2 categories. 1 – the city doesn’t need more pickleball courts, and 2 – people who felt like the money should be used on other projects. Briggs clarified if the negatives were mostly due to financial concern and not location of the courts. Ward confirmed.
Councilor Holsapple asked about the pickleball court surface. Michael Pierce, Support Services Director for Public Works, stated that an acrylic layer goes on top of the blacktop surface. This will match current surfaces at other pickleball courts in the city.
Councilor Jantz asked if there would be any leveling needed for the courts. Pierce confirmed it’s already level. The future possibility of pickelball courts was taken into consideration during the resurfacing of the original blacktop layer.
Jantz also asked about fencing around the basketball courts. Pierce noted the pickleball courts will be enclosed with fencing. The basketball courts will not have a fence. It was determined that the earth berm along Levens Street was sufficient. If the need arises, then a fence could be installed.
Councilor Jantz asked when the project would be completed. Pierce explained that the basketball courts could start right away. The pickleball courts need to wait for warmer weather (60 degrees and above) due to the acrylic surface.
Councilor Shein asked to clarify if the courts would be ready for summer. Pierce confirmed summer would be a go.
What happened? The Council approved the updated alternate design for pickleball and basketball courts in City Park with an 8-0 vote.
VOTE BREAKDOWN
For: Council President Briggs, Councilors Barrientos, Fitzgerald, Holsapple, Jantz, Schilling, Shein, and Spivey.
Against:
Referral of Municipal Code Updates to Standing Committees
The Council assigned their first batch of topics to various Council Standing Committees (sub-committees of the Council) for review. This comes after agreeing to review the full city code in a previous meeting.
Council President Briggs asked if the electric assisted bikes would be a better fit for the Public Safety Standing Committee. The City Manager explained the ordinance is focused on where those bikes are allowed to be used. Street and sidewalk considerations fit more closely with Public Works. Briggs supported the Public Works choice.
Councilor Shein wondered if the current code considers human powered bikes at all. City Manager Latta noted yes, and that non-motorized vehicles (which bikes would be considered) will also be discussed in Public Works (though for a different reason).
Council President Briggs brought up electric scooters and asked if they are considered under the electric assisted bike definition. City Manager Latta said they are not, as electric assisted bikes have their own statutory (legal) definition.
Councilor Shein suggested adding scooters to the discussion in the standing committee regarding electric assisted bikes.
What happened? The Mayor referred the topics to the recommended committees, after hearing no disagreement. The standing committees will discuss the topics further and might propose changes to the Council for consideration in the future.
Joint Work Session with the Planning Commission
Consultants working on the Dallas Transportation Plan update have requested a joint meeting with the City Council and the Planning Commission. This meeting would be to review the progress of the plan and get feedback.
Feb 17th is scheduled for a 5:30pm work session combined with the Planning Commission.
What happened? Information and scheduling was shared and no official action took place.
ORDINANCES
No. 1918 – allow for the reservation of the shelter at Barnard Park
The Council approved adding the new picnic shelter at John C. Barnard Park to the city’s reservation system.
The Parks and Tree Advisory Board considered additional shelters throughout the city but chose to only recommend adding Barnard Park’s shelter to the reservation system.
- Currently available for reservation
- Seibert-Frederickson Memorial Shelter – Dallas City Park
- The Gazebo – Dallas City Park
- Brandvold Kitchen – Dallas City Park
- Rotary Performing Arts Stage – Rotary Park
- Recommended addition
- New Shelter – John C. Barnard Park
What happened? The Council passed the 1st reading of the ordinance to add the new picnic shelter at Barnard Park to the city reservation system. The 2nd reading will be scheduled for a future meeting (likely Feb 2, 2026).
RESOLUTIONS
No. 3556 – Stormwater Fee Updates
The Council approved the resolution to keep the 2026 stormwater fee at $16.00 per month. This is a hold on last year’s fee.
According to the staff report (pg. 45), the current fee of $16 is “sufficient to pay for current operating expenses, and planned capital projects, including setting aside funds for stormwater management projects that are several years in the future.”
Future projects related to flood mitigation issues could use these funds. The funds can also be used for stormwater management projects like widening culverts and ditches. City Manager Latta noted there are some large ticket projects coming that are up to 10 years away.
Resolution No. 3497 was also repealed. This was the previous resolution that included a $2 increase to the fee each year. The stormwater fee previously saw a 60% increase from 2022 to 2025 rising $2 each year from $10 to $16.
What happened? The Council voted to keep the stormwater fee at $16 for 2026.
VOTE BREAKDOWN
For: Council President Briggs, Councilors Barrientos, Fitzgerald, Holsapple, Jantz, Schilling, Shein, and Spivey.
Against:
No. 3557 – sewer Rate Updates
With this resolution, the Council approved lowering the sewer rate in 2026 and made other changes related to commercial category definitions.
The sewer rate has not increased since 2019, holding at $45.21 per month. However, the sewer fund balance has grown larger than is needed for future projects. Currently there is just over $3 million in the sewer fund. Staff analysis suggested a target balance of around $2 million is needed. With a 6% rate decrease, the fund is expected to fall to around $2.4 million by the end of 5 years.
The resolution will also hold the rate in place for 5 years with no automatic increase.
Quick math: A single family home would see a 6% rate drop, from $45.21 to $42.50 per month.
Other changes simplified commercial business definitions listed within the resolution. The Council also repealed Resolutions 3365A and 3433 which were the previous resolutions.
What happened? The Council approved lowering the sewer rate in 2026 by 6% to $42.50 and holding the rate for 5 years.
VOTE BREAKDOWN
For: Council President Briggs, Councilors Barrientos, Fitzgerald, Holsapple, Jantz, Schilling, Shein, and Spivey.
Against:
No. 3558 – water Rate Update
In the final resolution for the meeting, the Council approved a 6% increase to the water rate for 2026 and additional changes to categories and other fees.
Over the last 4 years, the water rate has increased 59% in an effort to save money for the future Aaron Mercer Reservoir dam. Each year the city has raised about $1.5 million for this project through the water rate.
After completing a review of the coming 5 years of costs, debts, and expenses, city staff recommend keeping a water fund balance between $1 – 3 million each year. The water rate would need an increase of 6% each year to keep the target balance overall. This includes planning for $2 million in cash payments for projects in 2029.
The resolution also created 2 base rates for different meter sizes in single family homes. One group is for meter sizes .75″ & 1″, while the second group is for 1.5″ & 2″ meter sizes. The larger sized meters will have a higher water base rate.
Remember: All base rates include the 1st 300 cubic feet of water.
City Manager Latta noted that 99% of all single family residential homes use .75″ & 1″ meters. Checking with other cities, most charged on meter sizes while Dallas did not. Larger meters have more expensive replacement and maintenance costs which Latta said makes it logical to have a higher rate.
There will be a $0.04 increase for the 2026 water rate for the .75″ & 1″ single family home meters from $34.96 to $35.00. The new 2026 1.5″ & 2″ meter rate starts at $42.40.
Quick math: A single family home would see a 2027 6% rate increase, from $35.00 to $37.10 per month. Larger meters will start at $42.40 increasing to $44.94 in 2027.
The water rate would continue to increase 6% each year until the Council voted to stop the increase.
- Changes to the water resolution:
- Water service fees have been removed from the rate resolution
- Definitions have been added to the rate resolution
- Base rates are proposed to be charged according to meter size
- Commodity (usage) rates are proposed to be uniform for all customers
Councilor Fitzgerald asked for confirmation that the 6% increase was each year until it is stopped by the Council. City Manager Latta confirmed, the Council would need to stop the increase.
Council President Briggs asked to clarify if the Council would consider the increase each year. Latta stated it would not automatically come before the Council each year.
Councilor Schilling recalled the previous 2023 target balance of $2 million was set anticipating funds needed to cover fees with building the new reservoir. Schilling asked if the $1.5 million target balance is the new number needed to cover each year. City Manager Latta stated it’s hard to know future total project costs and outside funding sources today. The $1.5 million balance is likely the average needed for debt service on a future reservoir loan.
Councilor Shein added that no one likes fees, and the Councilors have to pay them too. Stated there is a pressing need for the reservoir. As the city grows, supply and demand will require infrastructure to grow with it. Believes the closing of the Mill, and it being the largest user of water, might have bought the city time to avoid this water issue.
The Council that created this reservoir in the first place was looking at the future, and we should as well.
Councilor Shein
Councilor Schilling reminded the Council that the 2023 decision to increase the fee was to save for the reservoir. The Council is trying to be proactive instead of reactive. Not saving for the reservoir now will only increase a future fee required to pay for the project.
City Manager Latta believes the 2023 decision was the right one to start saving for the reservoir project. The city wants to save ahead of time to keep the monthly cost low. The city does not want be caught with a massive project but no money to pay for it. Latta said some small communities have $100-$150 per month bills for just water in order to pay for those large projects.
Councilor Schilling pointed out Newport, Oregon. They are now looking at a $250 million dam. Luckily, Dallas’ geology allows for a cheaper earthen dam.
What is an Earthen Dam? According to the city website on the Mercer Reservoir, “Earthen dams are a type of embankment dam. These dams are constructed to hold water in a reservoir. Embankment dams are constructed from compacted soil and/or rock and are the most common type of dam in the U.S. They have been used for centuries and are still the preferred choice for many locations.”
City Manager Latta shared a cost breakdown of all the proposed changes with rates, for a single family residential home (using the city average of 5 water units). A resident would see a $2.71 savings on sewer, while water would give an increase of $2.62. This leaves a $0.09 savings for the resident in the first year.
The Council also repealed Resolution 3497 which was the old resolution setting water rates.
What happened? The Council approved slightly increasing the 2026 water rate and increasing the rate 6% each year starting in 2027.
VOTE BREAKDOWN
For: Council President Briggs, Councilors Barrientos, Fitzgerald, Holsapple, Jantz, Schilling, Shein, and Spivey.
Against:
-More Information-
- Work Session full agenda
- Work Session YouTube video archive
- City Council full agenda
- City Council YouTube video archive
