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-Work Session-
Attendance
Present: Mayor Slack, Council President Briggs, Councilors Blosser, Fitzgerald, Holsapple, Jantz, Schilling, Shein, and Spivey.
Absent: Councilor Barrientos
Council Goals Semi-Annual Report
5 goals were identified and set by the City Council in their goal setting retreat back in Feb. 2025. Tonight, the Council had their 1st semi-annual review of the progress towards those goals.
Each department presented an update on their assigned objectives. You can read the full summary report from each department in the work session agenda packet:
- Department Summaries:
- Public Works: pg. 6-12
- Economic & Community Development: pg. 13-15
- Police Department: pg. 16-19
- City Manager’s Office: pg. 20-22
- Fire & EMS Department: pg. 22
Public Works – Director Jennifer Ward
Ward spoke about the long term and ongoing progress towards a new dam which will increase the city’s water supply for the future. Currently the city is working towards getting the needed water rights.
Over the next 2 years, the city will be updating a lot of department master plans including Parks, Water, Transportation, and others.
Parks have a bright future with the recent replacement of 25 lights, focused in the Roger Jordan Community Park parking lot along SE Walnut Ave, and in the City Park on the “old side”. 15 additional lights are expected to be replaced this year.
Last year the Parks Department offered 2 weeks of summer camps, but expanded to offer 5 weeks this year. The Dallas Activity guide for 2025 was published and mailed to residents in an effort to promote recreational opportunities in Dallas.
Councilor Shein asked how the progress of the new Public Works building is going. Ward noted it is on track and going well. Shein also asked for a follow up report after an upcoming water rights meeting for the dam project. The City Manager agreed to provide a follow up and explained the meeting is more of a coordination meeting between different agencies involved. No issues are objections are expected to arise.
Regarding the new John C. Bernard Park, Councilor Shein asked if there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony. Ward confirmed there would be and added since the Portland Trail Blazers was involved with the funding, it should be a fun ceremony.
Economic and Community Development – Director Charlie Mitchell
Highlighting some big projects, Mitchell discussed the completion of the La Creole Master Plan, the 791 Main St. project seeking a developer, and relocating Ash Creek as a part of the Mill Site Redevelopment Plan.
Mitchell discussed the ongoing effort to transfer community events to a local group (like the Downtown Dallas Association & Sounds of Summer). While still being a partner for these community events, the city will continue to find organizations to become the hosts.
Councilor Holsapple asked about the 791 Main St. project and if the focus on the citizen’s desired end use (a hotel and restaurant) might be a road block to finding a developer. Mitchell believes it’s best to stay focused on finding ways to attract the desired type of developer instead of starting all over. However, the city would not be opposed to other opportunities if they are presented.
Council President Briggs thanked Mitchell for expanding relationships with groups like the Dallas Chamber of Commerce. Briggs asked what the city is doing to actively recruit businesses to Dallas. There are currently no resources for active business recruitment, so the city relies on other groups like the State of Oregon and Strategic Economic Development Corporation (SEDCOR).
Mitchell added (having past experience in business recruitment) it’s often an expensive task with little results. For successful business recruitment 2 main things are needed: 1 – a willing property owner, & 2 – a ready site. The Mill Site, for example, has a willing property owner, but not a ready site (the Mill Site Plan is working on the readiness issue).
Councilor Shein asked if industrial recruitment is the same as commercial, as the city has both in coming opportunities. Mitchell noted the city hasn’t had a recent past with commercial property being available, so there is not much experience to draw from.
Police – Chief Jerry Mott
Construction of a Police building was recently rejected by voters, so new solutions are being considered to complete this goal. Mott described some things learned regarding past public outreach and education. In any future project, more effort is needed to educate the public, specifically in explaining why construction costs are more expensive than residential or commercial costs, and in combating misinformation.
The Chief has been reaching out to Home Owners Associations (HOAs) and other clubs to improve the city’s disaster preparedness. 1 HOA meeting is already complete with another scheduled. Mott plans to provide a list of evacuation sites through social media in the coming weeks as part of educating citizens.
City Manager’s Office – City Manager Brian Latta
In anticipation of the new Public Works building (currently under construction), the city has been working on remodel plans for parts of City Hall. This will provide a better citizen experience when interacting with the city and will improve staff safety and efficiency. Latta mentioned the analysis and plans have been completed but are still undergoing final review. Work would only be scheduled if and when funds become available in the future.
The city is operating under a 2030 community vision but with that year coming up soon the city needs to work on their 2050 community vision. This new 2050 vision is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
Council President Briggs asked how many city employees will be moving to the new Public Works building once it’s completed. Latta counted 6 employees that would be moved into the new building.
Fire & EMS – Chief April Wallace
As the city grows, Fire & EMS employees are growing and training too. Wallace said employees were recently trained on rope rescue, which is used for taller buildings. The city is also utilizing the Fire Marshall from Polk Fire District 1 for reviewing developments and inspections.
Councilor Shein asked how much a ladder truck for taller buildings would cost (in today’s money). Wallace estimated 3 million, and added it’s currently a 2-3 year build time. However, the current ladder is sufficient for the city’s needs.
Council President Briggs asked to clarify if the current truck can service a 5 story building (as there is one already approved). Chief Wallace said that was hard to answer without seeing the truck actually set up. To be fully extended, the truck would take the full width of the street. For full confirmation, detailed plans and setting the truck up would be required.
The City Manager noted these assessments are considered in the permitting process of buildings. There are also additional standards and codes for larger buildings, like a sprinkler system. Internal systems are intended to suppress the fire so it doesn’t need to be fought from the vehicle. Wallace added that staff are currently being trained on how to fight a fire in a 5 story building, in anticipation of the city growing.
What happened? Information was shared and questions were asked. No action took place.
-City Council-
Attendance
Present: Mayor Slack, Council President Briggs, Councilors Blosser, Fitzgerald, Holsapple, Jantz, Schilling, Shein, and Spivey.
Absent: Councilor Barrientos
Introductions, Recognitions, Proclamations
Swearing-in of Police Chief Jerry Mott
Jerry Mott was sworn in as Police Chief for the city of Dallas, Oregon.
- Read additional stories:
- Dallas promotes Jerry Mott as next police chief
- Itemizer-Observer
- Dallas hires 26 year veteran as new chief of police
- Statesman Journal
- Dallas promotes Jerry Mott as next police chief
Public Comment
- President of the Friends of the Dallas Aquatic Center (FDAC)
- Read an email going out to their mailing list with updates and news
- June 24, 2024 – June 30, 2025 the group raised $37,352
- Completed several projects with these funds
- Itemizer-Observer article quoting Jennifer Ward talking about FDAC and the funds they raise to keep the pool open
- Sep 20, 2025 Moon Fall theater fundraiser with 50 tickets for $20 each
- June 24, 2024 – June 30, 2025 the group raised $37,352
- Read an email going out to their mailing list with updates and news
- Dallas Resident
- Representing several neighbors from SE Ana Ave, & SE Virginia Dr., near Godsey Rd. & Monmouth Cutoff Rd.
- Due to a new industrial business, the neighbors are seeing an increase of industrial traffic
- Expressed concern about the issue, including weight from the larger vehicles causing damage to the streets and drains
- Wants to alert the Council to get some attention and help
- Representing several neighbors from SE Ana Ave, & SE Virginia Dr., near Godsey Rd. & Monmouth Cutoff Rd.
The City Manager responded to the resident and put them in touch with the Public Works Director to discuss more.
Consent Agenda
What’s on the consent agenda?
- Approve the June 16, 2025 Work Session Meeting Minutes
- Approve the June 16, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes
- Cancel the July 21, 2025 City Council Meeting
What happened? This passed unanimously.
Mayor and council Reports
Councilor Holsapple shared thoughts after a recent ride-along with the Fire & EMS department. Wanting to understand an average workday for the staff, the day started with responding to a roll over accident. That call was for a neighboring jurisdiction that need assistance, which is a common occurrence.
Inter-facility transfers performed by ambulance (i.e. West Valley Hospital to Salem Hospital) typically generate revenue for the city after insurance pays for the service. Holsapple inquired if there was enough revenue from these transfers to keep that unit staffed during all shifts.
All Councilors were encouraged to do a ride along with the Fire & EMS department.
“What I witnessed should make every citizen in Dallas feel confident in their Fire & EMS Department and the dedicated men and women who serve the community daily. I saw compassionate professionals who were highly trained working as a cohesive team to address the needs of every person they contacted.”
Councilor Holsapple
Councilor Holsapple also requested a review of the city’s noise ordinance 5.020, based on a citizen complaint. No enforcement from Police was given to this citizen due to the code not being applicable between the hours of 7am – 10pm. Holsapple cited recent protests in Portland as a reason to enact enforcement on noise caused by amplified means (i.e. speakers) during all hours of the day. An increase to the bail amount for this civil infraction was also requested to be considered.
The Mayor referred this topic to the Administration Committee (a City Council sub-committee) which is meeting at the end of July.
City Manager report
No items.
Ordinances
No. 1906 – Amending City Code regarding accessory dwelling setbacks and flags
The Council voted to adopt changes to the city’s development code after passing their second reading of the ordinance.
What are the code changes?
- Setbacks for Residential Accessory Structures (DDC.2.2)
- The purpose of this amendment is to be more permissive in allowing uninhabited accessory structures to be constructed up to the property line. The amendment sets the setback to zero, except for accessory dwellings, which remains at three feet.
- Sign Code regulations for Flags (DDC.3.6)
- The purpose of this amendment is to be more permissive in the regulation of flags, which currently only allows flags endorsed by a government body. The amendment creates a definition of flags, and creates an allowance for flags up to 15 square feet in residential zones, and up to 45 square feet in commercial zones.
See all the changes in the council agenda, pg. 10-40.
What happen? The Council passed the second reading and voted 8-0 to approve the ordinance.
VOTE BREAKDOWN
For: Council President Briggs, Councilors Blosser, Fitzgerald, Holsapple, Jantz, Schilling, Shein, and Spivey.
Against: none
No. 1908 – Amending City Code regarding Itinerant Merchants
All itinerant merchant licensees are good up to 12 months after the Council voted to approved this ordinance. Mobile vendors are also added to the category of itinerant merchants who can stop work for 14 days without losing their license.
What is an itinerant merchant? “A person who sells or offers for sale to the public at large, goods, wares, or merchandise, other than from door-to-door or from place-to-place, from a motor vehicle, trailer, cart, wagon, or stand, on a non-permanent or non-continuous basis.” Dallas City Code Section 7.850 – 7.860
You can review all the approved changes in the council agenda, pg. 42-44.
What happened? The Council passed the second reading and voted to approve this ordinance.
VOTE BREAKDOWN
For: Council President Briggs, Councilors Blosser, Fitzgerald, Holsapple, Jantz, Schilling, Shein, and Spivey.
Against: none
No. 1909 – Vacating portion of SW 11th Avenue and declaring an emergency
The Council passed their 2nd reading of the ordinance for this property vacation. This ordinance had an emergency clause, which allows it to move faster through the process.
What happen? The Council voted to adopt the ordinance after passing their second reading.
VOTE BREAKDOWN
For: Council President Briggs, Councilors Blosser, Fitzgerald, Holsapple, Jantz, Schilling, Shein, and Spivey.
Against: none
-More Information-
- Work Session full agenda
- Work Session YouTube video archive
- City Council full agenda
- City Council YouTube video archive
