-Topics-
- Work Session
- City Council
-Work Session-
Attendance
Present: Mayor Slack, Council President Briggs, Councilors Barrientos, Blosser, Holsapple, Jantz, Schilling, Shein, and Spivey.
Absent: Councilor Fitzgerald
Police Station and City Hall Renovation
The Council is moving closer to realizing their goal of a dedicated police building. Cost estimates and funding options were presented for remodeling the old Itemizer-Observer (IO) building for city staff and to turn City Hall into a police station. City Manager Latta presented the findings and recommendations to the Council.
- Project stages
- Stage 1 – Remodel IO building and move city staff
- Stage 2 – Seismic study and early remodel plans for City Hall to become a police station
- Stage 3 – Complete the seismic retrofit and other remodeling as funding is available
The city collected 2 quotes for each of the first 2 stages of the project. Quotes for stage 1 came from Dalke Construction, and Woodburn Construction. Quotes for stage 2 came from AC & Co, and Mackenzie.
City Manage Latta explained the city is budgeting more than the estimates for 2 reasons. There are some missing items from the estimates staff identified. Also, the city is adding a contingency budget for unforeseen issues that might come up during construction.
- Follow the money:
- Stage 1 – Remodel IO building for city staff use
- Stage 2 – City Hall seismic analysis and remodel plans
- Total project estimate
- $2,050,000 – City budgeting for the projects
Councilor Shein wanted to clarified that the designs for the police station in stage 2 would only be a rough design, and not a final plan. City Manager Latta confirmed. Shein asked if the city has any idea of the total cost for a seismic retro fit. Latta said there is no way to know yet. The seismic study will give that estimate. There is a state grant available for seismic work that is up to $3 million. The grant does not require a match from the city.
Councilor Jantz wanted to know if things like security doors would be included in the stage 2 estimate. This would allow police to use the building right away. Latta confirmed there was money for the initial security needs.
Council President Briggs asked if the stage 2 seismic reports would produce a project estimate that the city can use to get construction bids. Latta confirmed it would produce an estimate. The city would then apply for the $3 million state grant with that estimate. Latta noted all work for stage 3 would be done as money is available.
Councilor Shein asked if the council and court room would stay available for use after the building becomes a police station. Latta confirmed the rooms would still be used for council and court meetings.
Council President Briggs wanted to confirm that the $2.05 million budget would remodel the IO building, move city staff over, secure the new police building, and allow police to start using it. Latta confirmed and added that during future seismic work, the police would need to relocate temporarily.
Councilor Barrientos asked why stage 1 is to focus on remodeling the IO building and moving city staff, before doing work on the police building. City Manager Latta explained the IO remodel needs to be completed first so city staff can move out of the building to make room for the police to be able to use it.
Councilor Spivey stated being happy that the city is doing an interfund loan, as it will save interest money from being paid to a bank.
Councilor Holsapple was interested in the opportunities that come from doing an interfund loan.
City Manager Latta shared with the Council that there is enough money in the city sewer fund for an interfund loan of $2.05 million. That interfund loan would pay for all of stages 1 and 2.
What is an interfund loan? An interfund loan is when the the city borrows money from a different city fund and pays it back with interest.
Councilor Schilling mentioned there is a not an immediate need for sewer SDC funds so the interfund loan works. However, the city should keep a healthy sewer fund for any future sewer projects because they can be expensive.
City Manager Latta noted the 1st sewer project for the La Creole Plan cost over $1 million. The city was able to spare sewer SDC funds because $1 million came from the state, thanks to work from our local representative and state senator.
Latta explained the La Creole sewer project phase 2 is next and it will cost over $1 million. The city has asked for state and federal money, and so far is getting $500,000 from the federal government. Latta stated the city looks for sources of funding beyond just city funds for these kinds of projects.
City Manager Latta shared that since the city is the one loaning the money to itself, the Council will set the loan interest rate. Usually, the city follows the local government investment pool. Currently that is 3.5%. Latta also explained that Oregon law limits the length of interfund loans to 10 years.
Money to repay the loan would be generated from a new monthly city fee called the Facility & Equipment Fee.
City staff recommended a 10 year debt schedule option with a $5 monthly fee to pay back the loan. On top of repayment, the $5 fee would also set aside about $225,000 each year for future remodel and seismic work on the police building (stage 3 of the project).
To offset the increased fee, city staff also recommended reducing the stormwater fee by $5. This would net a $0 increase on resident’s monthly bill.
- Follow the money:
- $5 – added monthly Facility & Equipment fee
- $5 – reduced monthly stormwater fee
- $0 – total monthly net change
The proposed $5 decrease to the stormwater fee would create an estimated $500,000 loss to the fund over 5 years. That loss is not expected to impact any projects in the next 5 years, but “it could delay completion of high dollar stormwater projects proposed over the next twenty-year period” (pg. 3 work session agenda). City Manager Latta noted projects 6-20 years in the future might get pushed a couple of years or the city will need to get creative with funding options (like the La Creole sewer funding).
Council President Briggs shared amazement with the creative solution the city came up with. Asked to confirm there would be no overall increase to city fees. Latta confirmed with the increase of $5 and decrease of $5, there is no overall change to fees.
Briggs asked why the fee is only set for 5 years, even though its a 10 year loan. Should it be a 10 year fee? Latta explained capital budgets are only set out for 5 years. Projects 6+ years out got on a list, but no detail or budgets are set. Latta noted even after the $5 reduced fee to the stormwater budget, in 5 years it will still be about $2.5 million.
Council President Briggs wanted to make sure the city wasn’t “robbing the bank” with this interfund loan. City Manager Latta expressed confidence this isn’t robbing the bank. The city is also letting state and federal representatives know about those bigger future projects to try and open more funding options. Latta felt sure this won’t stop those future projects but could delay them a few years.
Councilor Spivey spoke positively about Latta’s creative thinking on funding. The biggest concern from residents was an increased monthly fee. With no net increase, Spivey admired the work.
City Manager Latta recalled it was Councilor Jantz who originally asked if there was any fees that could be lowered to offset costs of a new fee. Latta also thanked the citizens for saying no initially because that got the city to this new idea.
Councilor Barrientos noted the out of box thinking and that things looked good on the financial end. With the IO remodel going 1st it feels like the focus is on city staff. With the original intent being to help the police, Barrientos wondered what short term benefits will come from turning City Hall into the police station.
City Manager Latta noted there are short term benefits. But to start on those short term benefits, city staff need to move out. That is why the IO remodel needs to go first. One of the quotes estimated a 16 week timeline for the IO remodel completion. Then, with new additional space for police, there can be dedicated interview spaces and several large walk-in safes that can be used.
Councilor Barrientos asked if there was a specific date for city staff moving out. Latta estimated mid-fall or November 2026 for dedicated police use of the building.
Councilor Shein said the whole project benefited from creative thinking. Ideas ranging from moving City Hall next door, to the balanced financials to pay for it. With Oregon being used to having limited resources, Shein felt like things are all lining up correctly.
Councilor Schilling acknowledged Barrientos‘ concern with the police being the 1st priority. Pointed out the city is already behind on desired timelines from the original ask in May 2025. Schilling also liked that the fee allows for the city to save money for future remodel needs on the police building. Believed this was a good option.
Councilor Barrientos clarified to being on board with the financials of the project. Believed the more information the police have about this process the better they will be. City Manager Latta said Police Chief Mott is involved and as the project starts to move there will be more communication with staff and police.
Councilor Shein pointed to the 5 year fee timeline. Explained it’s hard to know what things will look like in 5 years and what opportunities will be present. Believed this works and makes sense.
Councilor Holsapple agreed that the end goal is to benefit the police. Wondered what kind of space there is to grow city staff in the IO building. City Manager Latta said there are currently 20 city staff. The remodeled floorplan for the IO building will have 24 offices, with 2 additional spaces if needed. The annex space (currently used by police), could be used for city staff growth in the future. Latta estimated the building could allow for up to 30 employees.
Councilor Shein asked if the IO building sign would be removed during the remodel. Latta confirmed signage on both buildings would be changed.
What happened? No official action took place. City Manager Latta asked if there was an agreement from the Council on how to move forward.
All Councilors agreed on a 10 year interfund loan (with a 3.5% interest rate). They also agreed to a new $5 Facility & Equipment fee and a $5 reduction to the stormwater fee.
Latta said city staff would start the process to bring a resolution to the Council for a vote. The Council could officially vote on this as early as April 2026.
-City Council-
Attendance
Present: Mayor Slack, Council President Briggs, Councilors Barrientos, Blosser, Holsapple, Jantz, Schilling, Shein, and Spivey.
Absent: Councilor Fitzgerald
Introductions, Recognitions, Proclamations
None.
Public Comment
- Non-resident of Dallas
- Owns multiple buildings and businesses in downtown Dallas
- Wanted to share information with the Council about seismic work done on 1 those buildings
- Got 2 grants from the state
- Retro fit cost $735,000 for 5,000 sq. ft.
- Completely took apart 2nd floor for seismic work
- After consultation, went with big bolts in brick method
- Whole roof had to come off
- Stripped everything down to the studs
- Believed a new construction build for the police station would have been a better option
- City needs to think about where the police will go during and seismic work on the building
- Probably looking at 6-8 weeks
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?
- Approve the March 2, 2026 City Council Meeting Minutes – pg. 3-4
- February 2026 Financial Report – pg. 5-36
- Parks Advisory Board Appointment – pg. 37-39
Council President Briggs asked to remove the Financial Report for more discussion.
The other 2 items were approved with unanimous consent. Then discussion started on the financial report.
Council President Briggs explained questions were sent in before the meeting so there was time to get answers. Cecelia Ward, Financial Director for the city, answered questions.
- Why is the computer services over budget?
- Things can be seasonal or change due to 1 time revenues or purchases
- This budget had software upgrades that were already paid for and therefore show as over budget since the year isn’t over yet
- Ward explained there is 6k left in the budget and that would carry through the end of the fiscal year
- Windows 11 upgrades across the city will affect other budgets similarly
- Why is the fire department over budget in staff costs?
- Due to various staff leaves, overtime is being used to cover
- Some changes with fringe benefits due to staff turnover
- The Council will see a budget amendment in the future to make an adjustment for this
- Library, parks, and police are all under budget
- Some of these budgets will change by the end of the fiscal year due to capital projects
- City Manager Latta shared big payments usually come at the end of the year
- Vehicle purchases and other end of year items will tighten those gaps
- Why is the Aquatic Center over budget on staffing?
- There is still some revenue to be collected before end of fiscal year
- This overage should be smaller
- However, Council will see a future amendment for this budget
Council President Briggs thanked Ward for answering the questions.
What happened? The final item of the consent agenda was approved with unanimous consent.
Mayor and council Reports
Councilor Shein commented on the Library’s great programs. The 2nd Nerdcon was a big success. Believed this could be a good long term event for the city. Thanked the Library staff.
Councilor Barrientos attended the Mid-Willamette Valley Council of Governments with City Manager Latta. Awards were given out and Dallas was recognized for partnership with the county related to The Wall that Heals tour. The city received a plaque and was told that Oregon and Dallas set the bar for how to do things.
Councilor Schilling gave an update from the Mid-Willamette Valley Area Commission on Transportation.
Construction on a roundabout at Highway 223 and Hwy 22 will begin this summer. Bids for work are back and a construction award needs to be made.
Intersections along E. Ellendale Ave at Fir Villa Rd. and Barberry Ave. are being looked at.
Hwy 51 and Hwy 22 are back on the radar after another death and more accidents at the intersection. Schilling explained the complete project has been broken down to 9 different segments. The first is for an left turn overpass from Hwy 22 to Hwy 51, similar to how Hwy 22 and 99W at Rickreall is set up. An overpass for turning left from Hwy 22 to Doaks Ferry Road will also be constructed.
City Manager report
Friends of the Dallas Aquatic Center
Ann Hurd, President of Friends of the Dallas Aquatic Center (FDAC) spoke to the Council about some recent improvements to the Dallas Aquatic Center (DAC). Dean Sprague, who does media for FDAC was also present.
Since December 2025, FDAC has raised $27,000. $12,000 went towards the spa replaster, and $15,000 went towards the whale slide installation. Hurd shared that the little kids love the new slide.
The replastering work took off the pool surface, in some places down to the rebar. There were 3 new layers of plaster added. The plaster healed under water and some chemicals were added to help the curing. Hurd shared the water looks sparkly and blue now with the new plaster.
Sprauge shared there will soon be 5 new videos running as advertisement in the Independence Theater. Drone videos showing off the aquatic center will replace the old, static banner ad currently showing.
Hurd also shared FDAC recently received a $5,000 donation in honor of Avery Shipley who died in Jan 2026.
FDAC was also given a $1,050 donation from Republic Services. They plan to use it to buy free swim passes and party packages that can be sold at non-profit auctions. Specifically, Hurd mentioned CASA (who supports kids in foster programs) uses these to raise funds.
Video link showing off the newly replastered pool: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1CuopdwwKM/
Councilor Shein asked what the whale slide replaced. Hurd explained it was a fountain made of different color pipes with wheels at the bottom that could affect the water flow. Sprauge mentioned they were a constant maintenance issue and cost a lot of money.
The staff report also noted 2 projects did go over their estimated budget. To help offset the overage, 2 future projects were moved out 1 year, and some money was contributed by FDAC.
- Follow the money:
- $85,000 – Estimated cost for 2 projects
- $131,200 – Actual cost
- $46,200 – Difference
- $16,200 – FDAC funds
- $30,000 moved from future project funds
- 2 projects moved to next year’s budget
- Replacing the locker room floors
- Tint the natatorium windows
- 2 projects moved to next year’s budget
- $46,200 – Difference
What happened? No official action took place. The Council got information from the Friends of the Dallas Aquatic Center about recent projects at the pool.
NW Jasper St. and W Ellendale Ave. Intersection
Improvements to the intersection at NW Jasper Street and W Ellendale Avenue were discussed but action was postponed by the Council. Michael Peirce, Support Services Supervisor, answered questions.
The need for improvements at this intersection came as a result of a Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) study. The study was completed because of the nearby Tokola Properties development on James Howe Road. Pierce pointed out that the northwest part of the city continues to grow.
With the removal of parking on W Ellendale Ave, dedicated east and west turning lanes could be added. A flashing beacon would also be installed with the crosswalks. Plus, a center queue lane for traffic entering and exiting the Jasper Crossing shopping center would be added.
Councilor Holsapple asked about the bump out crosswalk on the west side of the intersection and if that narrowed the bike lane. Also, Holsapple asked if there were reasons for the bump out other than pedestrian visibility. Pierce said that standard widths are being used and there is no narrowing. Pierce also explained that bump outs reduce the time it takes for a person to cross the street. This can help traffic flow due to reduced wait times for pedestrians.
Councilor Spivey ask if the study included the new a traffic signal at Levens St. and W Ellendale Ave. Pierce stated the TIA did account for that signal. The signal allows for little breaks in traffic for cars to pull out at Jasper. This intersection change will improve safety and still allow for breaks.
Councilor Spivey said this route is driven daily due to living on the west side of Dallas. Asked if the neighbors who live on this road were notified. Pierce said door signs were passed out. Spivey was a little concerned about taking away parking from people, but since no one offered public comments in the meeting they must be ok with it.
City Manager Latta explained notice was given, but not a lot of time. Suggested a delay is possible to allow for a longer public comment time.
Councilor Shein and Holsapple agreed to waiting.
Council President Briggs asked if everyone in the area has an off street parking spot. Pierce and Latta confirmed off street parking on the south side of the road. Due to living on the west side of town, Latta has been paying attending to parking when driving through this area. Latta expressed being ok with delaying to give more time for public comment. Briggs agreed.
Councilor Shein asked if there would be any benefit to traffic coming off Jasper by syncing up lights at Levens St. with the Ellendale Ave and Hwy 223 intersection. There might be an issue with max distances between timing intersections, but Pierce will discuss with Oregon Department of Transportation and find out.
Councilor Barrientos pointed out that staff call this is a safety issue. Asked if there are police reports on accidents or tickets for this intersection. Would like to see the data to back up the safety concern. Pierce agreed to follow up with that information.
Council President Briggs mentioned there was a death a few year ago. City Manager Latta confirmed and noted the pedestrian was not in a crosswalk area.
Councilor Schilling asked if the intersection improvement matches up with the new Transportation System Plan. Latta believed it did but will check if it’s compatible.
What happened? The Council did not vote on intersection improvements at NW Jasper Street and W Ellendale Avenue. Instead, the Council wanted to give neighbors more time to give public comment on the topic.
The Council sent this topic to their Public Works Standing Committee for more discussion. The city will send out letters to the neighbors and the topic will come back to the Council in the April 20, 2026 meeting.
ORDINANCES
No. 1920 – Removing the Prohibition of Non-Motorized Vehicles in the Central Business District
The Council passed the 1st reading of an ordinance to repeal a ban of non-motorized vehicles on downtown city sidewalks.
The codes (Dallas City Code Section 6.700 & 6.710) ban scooters, skateboards, roller skates, and bicycles on sidewalks on specific streets in downtown. It also included fines for those found guilty.
Background on the code review: In Jan. of this year, the Council started their full review of city codes. The first 3 topics were then assigned to standing committees of the Council for discussion.
The Public Works Committee (standing committee of the Council) discussed this topic in their Feb. 2026 meeting and agreed to suggest its removal.
What happened? The Council passed the 1st reading of the ordinance to repeal the ban of non-motorized vehicles on downtown sidewalks. A 2nd reading and vote to adopt is scheduled for April 6, 2026. If adopted, it would be effective on May 6, 2026.
-More Information-
- Work Session full agenda
- Work Session YouTube video archive
- City Council full agenda
- City Council YouTube video archive
