-Topics-
- Work Session
- City Council
-Work Session-
Attendance
Present: Mayor Slack, Council President Briggs, Councilors Barrientos, Blosser, Holsapple, Jantz, Shein, and Spivey.
Absent: Councilors Fitzgerald, and Schilling
Commercial Indoor Recreation in Industrial Zones
Tyler Ferrari, Economic Development Specialist for the City of Dallas presented an idea to the Council to change industrial zoning. The change to the city Development Code would allow a commercial indoor recreation business to operate in an industrial zone.
Why is this being considered? A local competitive cheer gym is looking to expand outside of their downtown space. They found a large enough location still in Dallas but the building is in an industrial zone. That kind of business is not currently allowed in an industrial zone.
According to the staff report (page 2), a code change would allow this and similar businesses, “an opportunity to find additional space to expand, stay in Dallas, and continue to contribute to the larger community.”
- What would be allowed in an industrial zone under this proposal?
- Gymnasiums
- Athletic clubs
- Health clubs
- Dance studios
- Martial arts studios
- Game halls
- Arcades
Ferrari identified a few reasons why these kind of business might prefer an industrial space. Concrete floors don’t get damaged by dropping weights as much as a wood floor might. Higher ceilings allow cheer teams to practice flips and tosses in a covered space safely.
Salem, Independence, and Monmouth already have codes that allows these businesses in some of their industrial zones.
Councilor Spivey asked for current utilization rates of commercial and industrial land in the city. According to Ferrari, there is low availability of commercial land downtown, with only a few open spots. There is also commercial land that is not developed at all (see the La Creole Plan). Work is still ongoing to get that commercial land ready for development.
Ferrari added there is a good amount of industrial land available but it is under developed or not currently developed. If all the gyms were to move out of downtown into an industrial location, Ferrari estimated that would only occupy 1-2 acres of industrial land. For comparison, the Mill Site Plan is about 40-50 acres of industrial land.
The opportunity for available downtown commercial space would also help meet economic development goals for the city. The staff report states that a move out of downtown would, “free prime downtown buildings for retail, restaurant, and other commercial uses.”
Councilor Spivey asked if commercial and industrial tax rates and building codes are different and which a gym would be considered under. Yes the tax rates are different, but it was pointed out that the County sets the tax rates. More information would be needed to follow up on the other question.
Spivey stated being in favor of the idea for more indoor recreation space in the city because the public wants it.
Councilor Shein also spoke in favor of the idea noting Oregon’s fall and winter weather. With the abundance of industrial land and being short on commercial space, Shein is in favor of this idea.
Councilor Barrientos asked if this would be a domino action for other gyms to move out of downtown. Ferrari said there are no other gyms actively looking to move. However 1 has shown some interest for a larger space that is better suited for a gym.
Councilor Shein asked what are next steps for this idea. Ferrari noted it will go to the Planning Commission next and come back to the Council around Jan 2026. Council President Briggs asked if that timeline is ok with the cheer business currently looking to move. Ferrari reported that this timeline works since the business is not in an urgent need.
What happened? The Mayor asked if everyone was good with the industrial zone idea, and the Council agreed. After future discussion with the Planning Commission (likely at their Nov. 13 or Dec. 11 meeting), this item will come back to the Council in the form of an ordinance for a 1st reading around Jan. 2026.
Public Works Annual Report
Jennifer Ward, Director of Public Works for the City of Dallas, presented the department’s annual report to the Council. Jake Dyer, Public Works Assistant Director also contributed to the report.
Changes were made this year to better organize the various divisions in Public Works. Ward noted that in the past the Park and Aquatic Divisions had their own annual reports to the Council. However since they are 2 of 8 Public Work divisions they will now be covered under the Public Works annual report.
Image from work session agenda pg. 28
- Public Works Divisions and their city webpage links
Aquatics:
There are a total of 5 pools at the Aquatic Center. The center also has party rooms. When not being rented out, party rooms host land fitness classes. Looking forward, the lazy pool will be re-plastered and a new water slide will replace the water fountain.
Water Treatment & Distribution:
The fish landing pad was completed this past year. This allows fish to migrate safely pass the dam.
The next big project is to replace the circa 1947 Ash Street water line. Ward noted this is a critical line to replace, in part so Asst. Director Dyer can sleep easy.
Why is Dyer losing sleep over this project? If the line breaks, it cannot be fixed easily. So it is important to replace it before a break happens.
Street, Stormwater & Wastewater Collections:
The old Public Works building was torn down this year. The new building is currently under construction. Service vehicles now have message boards installed for better communication and public safety.
A new wash & dump bay for the city’s street sweeper will be set up. This is part of site changes being made with the coming new building.
Council President Briggs asked for explanation on what a street sweeper dump bay is. Dyer explained all the debris collected by the street sweeper gets dumped on a site and dried before it is hauled off to a different location.
Parks Maintenance:
With federal grant funding, an intern this year worked to document and record trees in the city. The grant only covered trees located south of Rickreall Creek. Federal grant funding for an intern to complete this work on the north side of the Creek is uncertain.
Councilor Shein asked if the different color dots (shown in the image above) represent different species of trees. Ward confirmed they do.
Looking ahead, John C. Barnard Park will have a ribbon cutting ceremony this Saturday, Nov. 8 at 10 am.
Support Services:
This division acts as a support to all the divisions and people in the Public Works department. Some projects worked on this past year include the Levens St. and Ellendale Ave. intersection.
Councilor Shein asked about the timeline for the completion of this intersection project. Ward confirmed the equipment needed for installation is expected this winter. Completion of the project is scheduled during school’s winter break.
Phase 2 of the Hawthorne/La Creole Node sewer project is now in planning. This will bring the sewer line into the area for future commercial and residential development.
Important link: Learn more about construction projects around the city with this interactive construction project map.
Wastewater Treatment:
This work is contracted out to Jacobs. The new UV disinfection system that was installed this past year is seeing an 11.2% reduction in energy use. This will save the city money. One future project will be to improve the ability to remove solids left in the drying ponds.
Council President Briggs asked if there is enough land on the drying pond property for expansion. Ward noted there is available land for expansion. The current facility is not at capacity and is able to handle the expected growth of the city in the future.
Councilor Shein asked to confirm that the existing facility is not at capacity. Ward confirmed.
Fleet Maintenance:
2 vehicles were purchased this past year, a backhoe and dump truck. Fleet Maintenance plans to add a vacuum truck and forklift this coming year.
Did you know? Fleet Maintenance is a revenue generating division for the city.
Facilities Maintenance:
The chimney on City Hall was stabilized this past year. This avoids the risk of a fall and damage to the building. The hope for the coming year is to have this division fully staffed.
Discussion:
Ward concluded the annual report by noting that 2 Master Plans will be completed in the coming year (sewer and water). Also, work on Godsey Rd. (south of the bridge) will begin in 2026.
Council President Briggs wanted to know if the water was spilling over Mercer Dam yet. Dyer confirmed water is spilling over. Following up later, Briggs asked if there will be a decrease in staffing needs when the new dam is completed. Ward said it was hard to say since the new dam isn’t design yet. Dyer noted the new dam would prevent staff from needing to adjust water flows throughout the summer months.
Councilor Shein wanted to get a status update on the 2 open positions for Public Work supervisors. Ward noted a coming 2nd round of interviews for Facilities Maintenance. Hiring for the Water Treatment position will be harder. Dallas isn’t big enough to have a separate Distribution and Treatment division. Finding someone with experience and certifications in both is difficult. Ward mentioned, “we may need to get creative.”
Councilor Shein also asked about a project to upgrade the 1200 AMI radios. Dyer answered this is the last part in a multiple year project. So it is only completing an already started process.
Councilor Holsapple asked what the status is for approval processes on the new dam project. The mitigation study was submitted and Ward recently learned the state has no comment on it. So the mitigation study is good. The bypass study required more field work. Ward said that field work will be done in a couple of weeks and the bypass study will then start to be finalized.
Citing an article regarding California water rights, Council President Briggs asked about the water rights for the new dam. Does the city own the water rights? Dyer confirmed the City of Dallas owns senior water rights. Briggs wondered if there were any state laws that could take the water rights. Dyer mentioned being in contact with the Water Master (NW region, Dist. 22), and stated no concerns.
What happened? No action took place. This was only to share information with the Council.
-City Council-
Attendance
Present: Mayor Slack, Council President Briggs, Councilors Barrientos, Blosser, Holsapple, Jantz, Shein, and Spivey.
Absent: Councilors Fitzgerald, and Schilling
Introductions, Recognitions, Proclamations
Introduction of new Police Lieutenant
This was moved to a later date.
Introduction of Student Advisor
A member of the Dallas Youth Advisory Council was introduced to the Council. Daniel sat with the Council and was invited to participate in the discussions, but could not vote on any motion.
Public Comment
- Dallas Resident
- Spoke about and for children with disabilities
- Play is more than just recreation
- It is a basic developmental need
- All abilities park doesn’t include adaptive swings
- This isn’t just about excluding park features
- It’s about excluding children
- When parks are accessible, children with disabilities show high social engagement
- A child should never have to watch other kids play from the sidelines
- Dallas Resident
- All abilities playground include:
- Wide pathways for wheelchairs and walkers
- Transfer platforms
- Smooth surfaces
- Discussed different types of play equipment
- They allow children with all abilities to play together
- Dallas has 27 swings in the city
- Resident can swing on all 27
- Brother cannot swing on any
- Brother can only watch others swing
- Resident can swing on all 27
- Disappointed the ADA swing is not going into the new John C. Barnard Park
- All abilities playground include:
- Dallas Resident
- Handed out letters to the Council and Mayor
- Going to a park and swinging together helps bring son joy
- Playing together with family and friends is important
- Passionate about son
- Explained history with advocacy work in the disability community
- Families with disabled kids feel isolated
- Might not stay in Dallas due to lack of park access
- Also struggling with the school
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 October 20, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes (pg 3-4 council agenda)
What happened? This passed unanimously.
Mayor and council Reports
Councilor Shein gave a brief report on the latest Local Public Safety Coordination Council. Still dealing with getting and staying fully staffed. Also trying to avoid budget cuts.
City Manager report
Solar farm concept on James Howe Road
Oregon Clean Power Cooperative (OCPC) is asking to lease 7 acres of city property on James Howe Road to consider a site for solar arrays. Assistant City Manager Gagner asked for guidance from the Council regarding the 2 year agreement.
The agreement would allow the group to do due diligence and site surveys on the property. A future proposal could be considered for building a solar facility on the site, but it would require separate Council approval.
The City of Dallas bought this property in 2020 to build a finished water tank. That project is currently under design and the solar project area would not conflict with it.
The potential energy collected from a future solar site would be sent to the Pacific Power grid. It’s estimated this site could generate up to 1.25 megawatts. That is enough energy for about 128 homes in Oregon according to the Solar Energy Industries Association.
Council President Briggs recalled a discussion about a potential sports field or road connection on this property. Suggested to send this topic to the Administration Committee (a sub-committee of the Council) for more discussion.
Councilor Holsapple also expressed some concern about the residential developments next to this site.
Councilor Spivey asked why the language about the annual donation of $10,000 was removed from the agreement. The City Attorney answered that those terms would be negotiated at the time of a development agreement.
Asst. City Manager Gagner explained the project site is 7 acres while the property has a total of 30 acres.
Council President Briggs stated not being opposed to the idea but wanting more information before making a decision.
Councilor Shein pointed out that the agreement tonight was only to allow information gathering. All details would come out after this time. Shein stated being in favor of the project. Asked about the timeline for building the finished water tank on the property. Timing is unclear since federal funding is uncertain for that project now.
Councilor Barrientos asked if other sites besides James Howe Rd were considered. Dan Orzech, General Manager for OCPC answered there was a private property further south on James Howe Rd. but it was more expensive to buy. Also the project site is limited to 10 acres only, so there would be too much unused land for that higher price.
Orzech explained there is a timeline for this agreement and future project, due to timing requirements from Pacific Power. An agreement would need to be reached by this Dec. and a proposal to build would likely follow in Feb. 2026. Construction, if approved, would begin by the end of 2026.
The property is surrounded on 3 sides so the visual impact to residential neighbors will be limited, according to Orzech. There was also some previous talk with the City Manager about curving the proposed road connection, though no plans exist yet.
Council President Briggs asked what the power lines will look like coming out of the site. Councilor Shein asked if they would be underground. Power lines will not be underground. The 1st mile of wire on James Howe Rd would be upgraded from 2 lines to 4 lines. New lines would be installed on the property along the dirt road and likely include 2 new poles.
Councilor Hosapple asked if the west side of James Howe Rd. would be above ground wires. The wires will be above ground due to their voltage. Hosapple expressed concern for the visual impact of panels on nearby homes. Orzech noted that visuals for nearby homes will be considered and things like plantings and shrubs will help reduce impact.
Councilor Shein pointed out that this agreement is only for fact finding and a building proposal would be 1-2 years in the future. Council President Briggs corrected that timeline, and noted Orzech said a building proposal would likely come in Feb 2026.
Councilor Spivey asked if the city will do checks on OCPC and their background. Asst. City Manager Gagner explained Pacific Power had a good history and report for OCPC. The city will also reach out to other groups who have worked with OCPC for additional feedback.
Councilor Barrientos wanted confirmation Dallas residents will not be paying for this project, which Orzech confirmed. Funding for the solar project will come from individual home owners who opt into this program. Initial investment will be paid off through a credit on their electric bill over the years.
Council President Briggs checked with the City Attorney that when the building agreement comes back in Feb. the Council can still say no. The City Attorney confirmed.
Read the agreement: page 8-12 of the agenda.
What happened? The Council voted to approve city staff to enter into the initial agreement with OCPC.
VOTE BREAKDOWN
For: Council President Briggs, Councilors Barrientos, Blosser, Holsapple, Jantz, Shein, and Spivey.
Against:
Ordinances
Ordinance No. 1917 – Adding to the Municipal Code establishing the responsibilities of the Historic Preservation Commission
The Council had their 2nd reading for the ordinance to amend the city’s municipal code regarding the formation of the Historic Preservation Commission and its duties.
The commission’s provisions will be put in the city’s municipal code instead of the development code. That matches all the other city committees, commissions and boards.
Read the full ordinance: pg. 14-17 of the agenda.
What happened? The Council passed the 2nd reading of the ordinance and voted 7-0 to adopt. It will become effective on Dec. 3, 2025.
VOTE BREAKDOWN
For: Council President Briggs, Councilors Barrientos, Blosser, Holsapple, Jantz, Shein, and Spivey.
Against:
-More Information-
- Work Session full agenda
- Work Session YouTube video archive
- City Council full agenda
- City Council YouTube video archive
