– Topics –
- Work Session
- City Council
– Work Session –
Attendance
Present: Mayor Slack, Council President Briggs, Councilors Barrientos, Blosser, Fitzgerald, Jantz, Schilling, Shein, and Virden.
Police Station polling results
The City of Dallas is looking to build a Police Station. Recently, the city worked with Nelson Research (Nelson) to conduct a poll on the project. A representative from Nelson presented to the council at the work session.
381 Dallas voters were polled, which started at the beginning of Jan 2025. There is a margin of error of 5% with this poll. Overall, the Nelson representative said based on this polling the bond measure has a “reasonable chance of success”. The opinion and interpretation of the data is based on history of doing over 100 similar local polls.
Councilor Virden asked what affect the Polk County Fair Grounds measure will have if it is on the same ballot in May. The Nelson rep. stated it won’t help the Police Building measure.
Councilors Barrientos and Fitzgerald asked questions related to the methods and data in the poll and the success rates of poll outcomes compared to their election results.
What happened? No other action was taken on this item at this point, but did later in the meeting.
Accessory structure setbacks
City staff identified a code to remove from the development code. Staff recommended the setback for accessory structures be eliminated from the zoning code.
Given the difficulty in enforcing the zoning requirement, that non-compliance of this issue is commonplace, that no specific purpose for the setback is identified, and that other relevant codes allow for the practice of a reduced setback while maintaining public safety, city staff recommend the setback for accessory structures be eliminated from the zoning code.
– Planning Commission Staff Report, Jan. 9, 2025, pg. 40 of the work session agenda.
Council President Briggs asked if this affects chicken coops or other structures. City staff stated it does not affect coops, because they have their own codes. Same situation for accessory dwelling units.
Councilor Shein asked about fire regulations. Those have their own codes.
Councilor Fitzgerald confirmed the changes really only affects sheds and metal carports. City staff confirmed. Fitzgerald also spoke about the current importance of knowing what is up against your home, considering the Los Angeles fires right now.
What happened? The council agreed to bring this amendment back for a vote. This will come back to the council in the near future.
Economic & Community Development annual report
Charlie Mitchell is the Economic & Community Development Director for Dallas, Oregon. Mitchell presented part 1 of the annual report focusing on Planning, Code Services, and Historic Preservation.
- What do they do?
- Planning Division – involved in planning for the current and future growth of the city.
- Planning Commission – makes recommendations to the City Council on comprehensive plan amendments, zoning code amendments, and zone changes.
- Code Services – works with other city divisions to enforce both the municipal and development codes of the city.
- Historic Preservation – Works to preserve historic buildings and stories in Dallas.
- Planning Division – involved in planning for the current and future growth of the city.
Mitchell shared pictures of what different types of code enforcement looks like. In removing abandoned vehicles, the city can tow most at no expense to the city but motorhomes can be expensive to remove. It costs approximately $8,000 to remove a motorhome. The city staff does everything they can to lower these costs.
Did you know? The city is working to install a monument at the First Courthouse location (near Les Schwab).
There are 2 open positions in the department. A city planner I position and a code inspector. The city is looking to fill these positions this year.
Councilor Barrientos asked what the main source of code violations is. Mitchell stated the vast majority of code violations come from citizen complaints. This reactive position of the department is due to past directives from the council, and limited staff resources.
Councilor Barrientos also asked what is the best way for citizens to contact the department or file a complaint. Mitchell said the city website and office phone number (503-831-3571) are the best contact methods. Councilor Schilling mentioned the city website has a link for filing all types of complaints not just code violations.
What’s next? Part 2 of the annual report for Economic & Community Development will be on Feb. 18, 2025. Focus of part 2 will be on Economic Development, Urban Renewal, and Building.
– City Council –
Attendance
Present: Mayor Slack, Council President Briggs, Councilors Barrientos, Blosser, Fitzgerald, Jantz, Schilling, Shein, and Virden.
Council appointment and oath of office
There was 1 vacant seat on the city council and 4 people applied. Each candidate spoke for 3 minutes to the council. Candidates also submitted written answers to 16 questions, which can be found in full in the council agenda, pg 6-47.
Candidates for City Council
Nancy Adams
Kirsten Collins
Robert Greenway
Robert Spivey
Each candidate spoke for 3 minutes. The following is a summary of their comments.
Nancy Adams
Just finished a 2 year appointment to the council and has knowledge of what is going on. Spoke about several projects, including building a new dam for increased water capacity, the La Creole Master Plan to bring more housing and businesses to the city, the Police Building, and infrastructure in the city. Adams shared her different experiences on committees and boards throughout the city. Stated she does her homework and comes prepared.
Kirsten Collins
Stated support for Adams to be appointed to the council. Expressed concern with opening up the vacant seat to anyone, instead of people who were on the previous ballot. Warned councilors who avoid social media they are missing what’s going on. Stated they are handing power to people hiding behind the keyboard. Concerned this process empowers individuals who thrive on division among the people. Reminded the council that Adams has votes from the citizens. Adams has built relationships, including with the new mayor. Collins believes Adams is the right choice.
Robert Greenway
He desires to drain the swamp. 8 people are in the swamp, with 1 new member. 2 of the 4 candidates were in the swamp as well. Claimed the council can’t move forward if they are drowning. Greenway stated he wasn’t there to win, but to speak. Citizens have been screwed by the action and inaction of the council. Complained the council won’t sit down with him or others, to address harms caused. Supported voting for the new guy (Spivey), in order to get new blood in the swamp. Greenway said it was his personal vendetta to hold the council accountable.
Robert Spivey
Moved to Dallas 20 years ago with his wife and kids. Stated he was applying to r council because of wanting to give back to the city that gave him and his family so much. In his job, the hiring process is trying to answer 3 questions: Can you do the job, will you do the job, and will you add positively to the project and group? Spivey explained why he can answer yes to those 3 questions, to joining the council.
Councilor Virden thanked those who applied, knowing the time and effort it takes.
What happened next? The majority of councilors voted for Robert Spivey to be appointed to the vacant council seat. The final vote was 7-1, with 1 vote for Adams.
VOTE BREAKDOWN
For Spivey – Council President Briggs, Councilors Blosser, Fitzgerald, Jantz, Schilling, Shein, and Virden
For Adams – Councilor Barrientos
Spivey then took the oath of office and took his seat with the council. The council is now full with all 9 seats appointed after the addition of Councilor Spivey.
Introductions, Recognitions, Proclamations
City Manager Latta, presented recognitions to some of the city’s fleet services staff. Not only do they work on city vehicles, they also work on surrounding cities and even state vehicles, all bringing in revenue for the city.
Recently, with the Los Angeles fires, 3 Dallas vehicles were sent to help California. Dallas vehicles passed the emissions and other tests with flying colors, thanks to the Fleet Department.
- Those recognized:
- Gary Marks, Public Works Director
- Kent, Fleet Supervisor
- Spencer, Mechanic
- Devin, Mechanic
They received a standing ovation from the council and audience.
Public Comment
- Dallas resident
- Advocated for son and other families regarding the coming accessible playground at John Bernard Park. This park has been in plans for years but is still not completed.
- Wanted a follow up on the sidewalks near the high school missing ADA cutouts. Stated she asked and the school was not aware of plans for the sidewalks.
- Stated its odd the city is willing to give out citations for garage bins being on the sidewalks while ADA sidewalks aren’t even present.
- Requested any follow up be giving in writing.
- Dallas resident
- Thanked the councilors for serving.
- Commented that Dallas is a great place for most people. Noted strides have been made to make the city a better place for some citizens who have been marginalized. Asked the council to keep striving to make Dallas more inclusive.
- Thanked former Councilor Collins for her work to make Dallas a better place for more people.
- President of the Friends of the Dallas Aquatic Center
- The pool is doing great.
- 15 swim certificates have already been given to the Polk Resource Center.
- Thanks to 1 single donation of $1,748, even more swim lesson certificates will be available for area children.
- Dallas resident
- Congratulated 2 new council members.
- Complaint about city fees (water, sewer, but specifically garage fees).
- Complaint about work on a rain garden.
- Dallas Resident
- Stated feeling like there is a budget shell game with city budget. Spoke about the city adding a service fee on city/water bill, but then increased the public services.
- Was excited about the Police Building being brought up and was supportive. Was confused where the additional ask for a new fire truck came from in the polling. Asked who authorized it?
- Polk County did a citizens committee. Stated the city should create a citizens committee and then they would win his vote back.
- Dallas Resident –
- Introduce himself to the new councilors. Works with the Chamber of Commerce and introduced other Chamber board members.
- Stated City Manager Latta and departments in the city have forged a strong relationship with the business community early on.
After public comment closed, City Manager Latta gave a few responses to issues brought up in public comments.
- John Bernard Park –
- Due to the source of funds for this project it had to go through additional studies. The city had 12 bids for construction and is now on schedule to begin construction this summer. This will be an all abilities play park.
- Sidewalk ADA ramp project on Ash St. –
- City is working with the school to sign a contract for work (more presented on this later).
- Garbage bin placement issue –
- will be discussed in a sub-committee.
- Fire truck included in the Police Building poll –
- The fire truck idea was not brought to council. Addition to the poll was to explore the idea and get a feeling from the citizens. The city plans to ask the council to only refer the Police Building to a ballot measure (more presented on this later).
Consent Agenda
What’s on the consent agenda?
- Standing Committee Assignments
- December 2024 Financial Report
- Approve the January 6, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes
Committee assignments for the Councilors were determined by Mayor Slack.
Council President Briggs asked to remove the December 2024 Financial Report from the consent agenda. The council voted to approve the consent agenda, without the Financial Report.
Briggs wanted more information on a line item for professional services for facilities (pg 55) that is over budget. City Manager Latta stated its not over budget, but appears that way now due to the timing of projects completed in the beginning of the year. The city expects to be under budget by the end of the fiscal year.
The gas franchise income was Briggs next question. It shows the amount due to the city running at zero. Latta confirmed some franchises are paid differently. Gas is paid once a year, so a zero is expected for now.
Lastly, Briggs asked to break out mutual aid revenue separately to more easily track it. Finance Director Cecilia Ward, confirmed it is bring broken out under General Fund Revenues – Other State Revenues.
What happened next? The council voted to approve the Financial Report.
Mayor and council Reports
Councilor Schilling asked for clarification on the Sidewalk ADA ramp project on Ash St. (from public comments). Specifically, wanted more detail on what starting work “soon” means. Asking, “I know how government works… Is that 3 months, 4 months, 6 months?”
Gary Marks said he is working with Bob Archer, Maintenance Director at the Dallas School District on a joint project. The School District will replace the sidewalks on Holman Ave. and Ash St. (school fronting streets) as well as new ramps. The city will be doing the opposing side ramps and sidewalks. Expects the contract in 1-2 months and construction to begin when school is out this summer.
Councilor Barrientos expressed thanks for the new councilors, noting new members always bring new energy. He encouraged councilors to not be afraid to voice themselves and speak out. Barrientos also noted he has had a phone conversation with Mr. Greenway for over an hour. He believes the council is listening to the citizens.
Councilor Fitzgerald also shared her previous contact with Greenway. Seeing him outside, she took a tour of his home and spoke with him about his issues. Stated her concern he feels the way he does.
Councilor Virden shared her only experience with Greenway in public is him shouting names at her.
Councilor Shein believes the council does listen. Greenway speaks each week and the council listens.
City Manager report
Audit presentation
Financial statement audits of local governments are required each year under Oregon law. Brad Bingenheimer from SingerLewak presented results to the council for the fiscal year ending on June 30, 2024.
What happened? The presentation showed an audited, unmodified report. This means the financial statements show no significant issues. It’s the most positive type of audit given.
1 item pointed out was the city’s net pension liability (PERs). This is largely outside of the city and council’s control. The amount increased $2.9 million from last year, to a total of $12.6 million.
Did you know? Dallas’ PERs amount of $12.6 million represents only .0675% of Oregon’s total PERs amount.
Councilor Shein congratulated city staff on a good report for the audit.
Council President Briggs asked about catch up funds for PERs and if any are currently available. City Manager Latta said there are none now, but the city does look for them when available.
Councilor Barrientos asked about the affect Baby Boomers will have on the future PERs amounts. The SingerLewak representative stated that retired people are living longer, drawing more from the PERs system. So it will be a while before it turns around.
Police Station ballot measure referral
The city has held community meetings, conducted polling, and received feedback from the community. With all this, the council finally considered sending a bond measure to the voters for a new Police Station.
City Manager Latta recommended the council move forward with the Police Building only and not the fire truck asked about in the poll.
What happened? The council agreed unanimously to move forward and prepare a resolution for the bond measure to build a Police Building. The resolution will come back to the council on Feb. 3, 2025.
To get on the May 2025 ballot, the city must pass the resolution by Feb. 28, 2025.
RESOLUTIONS
No. 3541 – Ratifying a loan
To buy the property at 791 Main St., the city loaned funds to the Urban Renewal Agency. This resolution ratifies that loan. Repayment to the city is expected to begin July 2025, and will total $394,254.71 (which includes interest).
This is not a new loan. This only finishes actions already taken by the council.
What happened? The council voted unanimously to pass the resolution.
VOTE BREAKDOWN
For: Council President Briggs, Councilors Barrientos, Blosser, Fitzgerald, Jantz, Schilling, Shein, Spivey, and Virden.
Against: None
– More Information –
- Work session full agenda
- City council full agenda
- Work Session YouTube video archive
- Council Meeting YouTube video archive
