City Council Wrap Up – June 2, 2025

-Topics-

-Work Session-

Attendance

Present: Mayor Slack, Council President Briggs, Councilors Barrientos, Blosser, Holsapple, Jantz, Schilling, Shein, and Spivey.

Absent: Fitzgerald.

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Leadership Dallas Graduation

Completing its 3rd year, Leadership Dallas graduates had an opportunity to share their experiences and thoughts of the program with the Council.

*Logo for Leadership Dallas was made by a previous graduate of the program.*

Graduates of the program met one Thursday afternoon a month and focused on different topics around the Dallas community. This year’s Leadership Dallas program was planned, organized, and implemented by the previous year’s graduates.

Additionally, as a group project, this years graduates raised money and donations to host coffee breaks for over 400 educators in the Dallas area. Educators, the group believes, is more than just teachers as it include food service employees, bus drivers, secretaries, etc.

*Graduates of Leadership Dallas, picture from the city.*

One graduate explained feeling down because of all the negativity seen on social media. That was the motivation to join Leadership Dallas this year and be a part of a positive change in the city.

Another graduate spoke about wanting more of the emphasis on the leadership part of the program, as there seemed to be more focus on the tourism side of the city. Some shared that they are now leaders because they can share the information they gained with others in the community.

What happened? Graduates overall enjoyed the program and thanked the Council and city for the program.

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2025 Proposed City Fee Schedule

The City of Dallas fee schedule is due to be updated on July 1, 2025. Before any changes are voted on, the Council had an opportunity to discuss the changes and direct staff to make adjustments.

According to the staff report, most fee’s will increase by at least 2.8%. There was discussion on some missing footnotes in the proposal and what indexes were used to calculate rates.

See examples of a few proposed fee changes in the prep post. The full proposed fee schedule changes are available in the work session agenda, pg. 5-14.

What happened? No specific changes were suggested. City staff will compile a list of similar cities and their fee schedule, after a request from Council President Briggs to compare. The proposed fee schedule is due to come back to the Council on June 16, 2025 for a final vote.

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-City Council-

Attendance

Present: Mayor Slack, Council President Briggs, Councilors Barrientos, Blosser, Holsapple, Jantz, Schilling, Shein, and Spivey.

Absent: Fitzgerald.

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Introductions, Recognitions, Proclamations

Ride to Work Proclamation

The Mayor read a proclamation encouraging citizens to ride to work on a scooter, or motorcycle on “ride to work day”, June 10th, 2025.

“NOW, THEREFORE, I, Richard Slack, Mayor of the City of Dallas, do hereby proclaim June 10, 2025 as “Ride to Work Day” and encourage scooter and motorcycle riders to ride to work on that day”

Ride to Work Day Proclamation

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New employee introduction

A new building inspector, Jesse, was introduced to the Council. This position opened up due to an internal staff promotion that fill a previous retirement.

Jennifer Ward, who is currently the city Administrative Services Manager, accepted the Public Works Director position starting July 1, 2025. The current director Gary Marks, is retiring at the end of June.

Fire & EMS Chief April Wallace introduced Carlo, a employee who joined the department earlier this year.

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Recognition of Graduates Entering the Military

The Council invited 2 Dallas High School graduates for special recognition. Garrett Basham will enter the Marine Corps and Quinn Peffley will join the Navy.

While neither were present, the City Manager read a statement recognizing these 2. It was also noted that Quinn’s scholarship to the Navy is possibly the largest scholarship ever received in Dallas, with a total of $500,000.

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PUBLIC HEARING

Application for Community Development Block Grant for the Dallas Food Bank

The Dallas Food Bank, in partnership with Polk Community Development Corporation (Polk CDC), is working towards building a proper food bank in the city. The Council previously agreed to reserve one of its community development block grants (CDBG) for the Dallas Food Bank. However, a public hearing is needed before the city can complete the grant application.

The Food Bank and Polk CDC cannot be the applicants for this grant. Only a local government can apply for and administer the project, so the Council needs to approve the City Manager to apply for a grant.

Learn more about the current building conditions and the new project, in the prep post.

*Dallas Food Bank logo and information.*

Did you know? “In 2024, the Dallas Food Bank served 1,507 unique households comprised of 4,882 unique individuals…” – Polk CDC letter, council agenda, pg. 7-10.

Eddie Nelson of the Dallas Food Bank was on hand to answer questions from the Councilors. Nelson shared the current Food Bank building is 1,800 sq. ft., and the new building would be 3,000 sq. ft. This would allow the Food Bank to efficiently serve more families, in a proper environment.

With the cost of food continuing to rise, the Food Bank expects the need to serve 10,000 individuals is likely.

Council President Briggs asked several questions related to the grant amount and restrictions on the use of money. While there would be some administrative costs, most of the grant money would go towards construction.

The location of the future Food Bank is SE LaCreole Dr and SE Academy St, on the north side of Academy. This is between LaCreole Middle School and Dallas United Methodist Church. Briggs asked if a traffic study had been done for this location yet. The City Manager said not yet, but the city is in talks with the school to do a traffic study. Part of the future improvements could include extending Academy St, to connect through to SE Deschutes Dr.

*Location of proposed new Food Bank building*

Councilor Schilling asked who can use the Food Bank. Following USDA guidelines and criteria to judge eligibility, the Food Bank relies on self-reported information (tax returns or other documentation is not needed). USDA guidelines are followed because that is source for most of the Food Bank supplies. Marion Polk Food Share is a secondary source for food.

Councilor Spivey inquired about who will be responsible for ongoing maintenance costs of the building. Nelson confirmed that is a responsibility of the Food Bank.

Council President Briggs wanted to know what safeguards are in place in case of a budget overrun. City Manager Latta noted the grant agreement will detail ownership and responsibilities for that situation. The responsibility would fall on the Food Bank, not the city.

Latta also explained the grant money would not come in 1 large check. Instead, after specific portions of work are completed, there would be a draw on the grant only for that portions amount. So work will be paid for as it’s completed.

Councilor Shein asked if the church currently owns the property in question. Nelson confirmed yes the church owns it and plans to sell that portion of the property. The church prefers to sell to the the Food Bank, as it fits the mission of the church and their James 2 meals already provided every Thursday night.

Nelson reminded the Council the Food Bank plans to buy the property with their own money, so they have an investment in this project.

Councilor Barrientos inquired if there is a back up if not approved. Nelson said there is no back up. They would not be able to serve the community as their current location is expected to go on sale soon.

Council President Briggs wondered if the Food Bank looked at other locations. They have been looking for 2.5 years, Nelson said. This property is the only one that works for their needs in their price range.

Councilor Jantz clarified what the decision that night would do. It was confirmed the vote would only give the City Manager the ability to apply for the grant.

Councilor Shein asked when the new building could be opened by. It’s currently estimated to open in 3 years, if approved.

A resident of Dallas who lives on Academy St. near the site offered public testimony. While this neighbor confirmed being excited for the Food Bank, concern was expressed about the opening and extension of Academy St. since kids currently use that area to play. The City Manager responded that opening the street is an idea for the future, but noted the church and school have expressed approval of the idea. If it were to be developed, it would be a separate process.

What happened? The Council approved the City Manager to apply for the grant in a 7-1 vote. Councilor Barrientos voted against.

VOTE BREAKDOWN

For: Council President Briggs, Councilors Blosser, Holsapple, Jantz, Schilling, Shein, and Spivey.

Against: Councilor Barrientos

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Public Hearing on proposed development code updates

The City Council held a public hearing on proposed changes to the city code relating to residential accessory structure set backs and flag regulations.

What are the proposed 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.

From the staff report, council agenda, pg. 11.

What happened? The Council voted to approve the amendments 8-0. This will come back to the Council in the future as an ordinance to be voted for adopted.

VOTE BREAKDOWN

For: Council President Briggs, Councilors Barrientos, Blosser, Holsapple, Jantz, Schilling, Shein, and Spivey.

Against: none

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Public Comment

Dallas resident
- Spoke in support of the Food Bank building
- Encouraged the Council to vote in favor of it
  - Meant to offer testimony during the hearing

Non-resident of Dallas
- Working in the city this week focusing on the environment and State Parks
  - with Environment Oregon
- Hosting a hike on Friday June 6, 2025
- “Putting an emphasis on connecting with our communities in reconnecting… to our state parks”

President of the Friends of the Dallas Aquatic Center
- Proudly stated that since 2018, this year will be the 1st time they had all projects completed by June 30th
- Planning to bring a $5,000 check to the next meeting to put in the pool fund
- Received a $500 donation last week
Speaking as a Dallas resident
- Hopes the Council will figure out a way to build the Police station
  - Believes we need it more than anything right now
  - Asked the Council to find a way to fund it and get it going

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Approve the May 19, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes

What happened? This passed unanimously.

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Mayor and council Reports

Councilor Barrientos believes the Council has a responsibility to present options to the public. Stated the Council should make decisions and provide options that are best for the citizens. Barrientos thinks people’s current financial hardships and loss of trust in city government affected the vote last month. Encouraged the Council to have trust and mutual town values at the center of police building conversations.

Councilor Spivey reported attending the State of the County, and encouraged everyone to watch it. Pointed out a new potential recreation area on Gooseneck Rd. which would include hiking trails, horse trails, mountain bike trails, and a more defined shooting area.

Council President Briggs thanked people who worked on the Police building campaign. Noted not only time spent on the effort, but also money donated for signs and newspaper ads. Briggs also shared a belief that there is a time to speak out on topics but then the Council needs to be one voice. Briggs read, “Effective Councils are those in which Councilors maintain their individually and yet work effectively as a collective body.”

Councilor Shein added his agreement to Brigg’s statement. Noted the Council did act as 1 in their effort for the Police building, voting 9-0 in favor of it.

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City Manager report

Cybersecurity Grant Agreement

The Council agreed to accept a $50,000 grant to upgrade the computer firewall at the Water Treatment Plant. This will help align the system with state security standards, among other things.

The award money comes from a State and Local Cybersecurity Grant from the Oregon Department of Emergency Management.

Councilor Shein asked Gary Marks, the current Public Works Director, if $50,000 was enough to fully upgrade the system. Marks confirmed it was, and noted Polk County IS determined the level of security needed.

What happened? By a vote of 8-0, the Council approved the City Manager to sign the grant agreement.

VOTE BREAKDOWN

For: Council President Briggs, Councilors Barrientos, Blosser, Holsapple, Jantz, Schilling, Shein, and Spivey.

Against: none

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City Manager’s Cost of Living Adjustment

Since 2023, the City Council decides whether to increase the City Manager’s salary to keep up with the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). However, this year the City Manager has requested no increase to salary, even though the proposed city budget has a 1.4% COLA.

Council President Briggs said it was admirable for the City Manager to reject a COLA increase given the tight city budget. Stated appreciation for the sacrifice and noted the Council will not forget or overlook it in the future.

What happened? No action was taken, and the City Manager will not have a COLA increase this year.

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Police Station Next Steps

The voters of Dallas appear to have rejected the May 2025 Police building bond by about 500 votes. The City Council needs to decide what to do next and discussed several ideas going forward to get a proper Police building.

Councilor Shein recommended making this a future work session agenda item so the Council can have more time for discussion.

Council President Briggs noted timing is an issue if they want to go to back to the ballot. The City Manager explained possible future dates for a ballot issue are Nov. 2025, May 2026, or Nov. 2026. Each of those have deadlines when paperwork would need to be submitted to get on the ballot.

Briggs suggested some ideas to look at going forward. First was to value engineer the current project, or in other words to find ways to adjust materials or parts of the project to lower costs. Second, get quotes on repurposing the current Itemizer-Observer (IO) building. Lastly, Briggs suggested adding services to a levy and using those freed funds to build the Police station.

Recalling how some citizens were shocked at the high cost to build, City Manager Latta noted residential building costs are much lower than commercial and public safety building costs. Latta also cautioned, there are certain code standards a public safety building needs to meet, so value engineering can only go so far.

Councilor Barrientos shared a few ideas in next steps for the building. First, tours could be offered of new public safety buildings in the local area, so the public can see what they should expect. Additionally, if the blueprints are owned by the city, Barrientos suggested shopping the cost of those plans for second opinions. Lastly, citizens should be more involved in the process, so a citizen committee should lead the effort with an emphasis on investing in our future.

Councilor Holsapple believed it’s better to build a new police station instead of remodeling something, as fixing things only moves problems down the road. Investing for the future means building a new Police building. Council President Briggs agreed, but isn’t sure if the citizens agree.

*Rendering of the proposed police building.*

A conversation started on ways to potentially save money on the current project. With Councilor Shein asking, “what can we afford to live without”. Councilor Barrientos suggested removing the secured parking. Councilor Spivey asked about building on a different property. Councilor Schilling wondered if the design team had suggestions on ways to cut back.

City Manager Latta responded that secured parking was made possible due to the building layout and design, so a re-design would be necessary to remove it. A 2 story building is a bigger cost, so it would be less expensive if they could stick to a 1 story building. Latta noted the design process was based on a needs study done years ago (though refreshed), and recommended getting a second opinion on the previous design.

Councilor Barrientos commented that some citizens lost trust with the leadership of the Political Action Committee (PAC). Barrientos cautioned that a lot of the conversation so far has been about costs and numbers, and not citizen involvement.

The City Manager expressed the need for City Councilors to be the PAC members. Mayor Slack agreed that is makes sense for the Council to be the PAC, and for them to discuss the Police building in every meeting. Council President Briggs suggested hiring a firm to help with marketing and advertising.

Councilor Schilling suggested looking at increasing the public service fee. The City Manager noted this option would be a lower individual cost as there are more people who pay the public service fee than there are tax payers. Schilling added it might also allow for a shorter time commitment, as he does not like a 30 year term.

What happen? The Council generally agreed for the City Manager to come back with more information on the following ideas.