– Topics –
– Work Session –
Attendance:
Present: Mayor Woods, Council President Schilling, Councilors Adams, Barrientos, Briggs, Collins, Fitzgerald, Jantz, Shein, and Virden
Public Works Shops Tour
The council and city staff had a private tour of the Public Works shop. This was for gathering information only and no council discussion took place.
Public Works Annual Report
Gary Marks, the Public Works Director, present his departments annual report on Tuesday night. Marks focused on several projects that were completed this past year and projects coming up.
- What did Public Works work on this past year?
- Clay St Water Main Replacement Phase 1
- Replacing the UV disinfectant system at the Wastewater Treatment center
- This will save money and make the system more efficient
- A new flashing crosswalk and curb extensions on LaCreole Drive at Academy Street.
- Public works support services attained 90% compliance rate for the backflow testing program
- Six miles of crack sealing on city streets were completed
- Asphalt patching helps prevent water from getting in cracks and making things worse. This extends the life of the street, which is otherwise very expensive to replace and repair.
- and many more!
In addition to the ADA ramp replacements coming from ODOT, the city is planning to replace several of their own near the High School. Marks also commented that some areas of the city have an aging water system and those are more prone to breaks. Water lines breaks in these old sections have been a huge time commitment for the department.
- What’s in the works for Public Works?
- Bid and build the LaCreole Node Sewer Extension Project
- Design the Clay St. Water Main Replacement Project, Phase 2
- Water Master Plan Update Project
- Sewer Master Plan Update Project
- and many more!
Councilor Collins asked for an update on SE Godsey Rd. There was ODOT money awarded for this project in 2017. Originally, ODOT asked the city to let that 2017 agreement go, but the city did not let it go. The 2017 award money is good for 10 years (expiring in 2027). Still, that 2017 amount is not enough for the full project today. ODOT agreed the city can re-scope the project. The city will do the most of the street repairs with the same 2017 funds. The bridge would not be part of the adjusted project.
The city is now waiting for the state to approve that updated agreement. The city council will also have to approve the new agreement, so it will come back before the council. The new project will repair and improve the whole street (sidewalks, curbs, bike lanes, etc.) on the road south of the bridge.
What about the Godsey bridge? The bridge is being planned for and is high on the ODOT priority list. The bridge will be funded by federal money. The project will be more restrictive on who can build it because of the federal funds.
SW Levens St and W Ellendale Ave intersection. The city applied for a Safe Routes to School grant. The city has passed the two rounds needed and is now waiting to find out if the project is awarded or not. They should hear by Jan 2025. If the city doesn’t win the grant award, the plan would be to build the signaled intersection through other funds.
– City Council –
Attendance:
Present: Mayor Woods, Council President Schilling, Councilors Adams, Barrientos, Briggs, Collins, Fitzgerald, Jantz, Shein, and Virden
Introductions, Recognitions, Proclamations
None.
Public Comment
- President of the Friends of the Dallas Aquatic Center
- The group is in fundraising mode.
- They have raised $6,500 so far!
- This is just over one third of the $15,000 total needed for sand filter replacement.
- She also wanted to give praise for the new Japanese Garden and the parks department overall.
- Dallas resident – various complaints
Consent Agenda
- What’s on the consent agenda?
- Approve the October 21, 2024 Work Session Minutes
- Approve the October 21, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes
What happened tonight? Passed unanimously.
Mayor and council Reports
- Councilor Shein – recently attended the LPSCC (Local Public Safety Coordinating Council). Got updates about Polk Health Services. Dialing 988, connects you to a mental health crisis line. The group will be reorganizing to provide better services. Shein said he would send the council an overview of the groups operation.
- Councilor Briggs – Wants to look at making some changes with the Order of Business. Regarding public comment, he suggests changing the wording about time length. Proposed changing it to 3 min with “additional time added by mayor” (instead of 5 min, unless by changed mayor).
- City Manager Latta said this can come to the Admin Committee to discuss. The committee will be reviewing changes to propose at the start of the new city council in January 2025.
- Mayor Woods – Read a statement he shared at The Mid-Willamette Valley Area Commission on Transportation (MWACT). The statement was about the dangerous intersection of Hwy 22 and 51, and the Perrydeal Rd. and Hwy 22 intersection.
City Manager report
Highways 22 & 51 Interchange Project Update
Representatives from Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) updated the council on the interchange project at Highways 22 & 51. Right now, only the design portion of this project is funded.
There are 2 reviews currently underway. A Value Engineering review looks for ways to save money without compromising overall project. The second is an Environmental Review. Some known considerations are the Historic Brunk House, local businesses and residents, and the McNary Creek and other waterways.
- What will ODOT do right now to make this intersection safer?
- Restrict left turns out of OR51 onto OR22
- Converting 55th to right in right out (similar to Doaks Ferry
Road) - Improving signage and reducing sign clutter
- Renewed striping
Speed enforcement grants were recently awarded to Oregon State Patrol and Polk County Sheriff to pay for overtime work for speed enforcement at this intersection. ODOT is coordinating with these groups and Salem Police to have a highly visible enforcement operation.
Learn more and get updates by visiting the project website.
FEMA Biological Opinion: Pre-implementation Compliance Measures
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has a coming mandate that affects all cities that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program. Dallas is within the mandated area.
What is the mandate? Basically, it restricts what can be done on a property within the Special Flood Hazard Area. This FEMA mandate requires better management of the flood plains to ensure that protected species in the riparian corridors are not negatively impacted by development.
In the future, there will be a single FEMA mandate that will be followed by all on this issue. Until then, the city needs to choose 1 of 3 interim options to prepare for the final mandate.
What are the 3 interim options?
- Model ordinance – This is moderately restrictive, and would apply one code for all instances.
- Permit-by-permit – Least restrictive option. Gives the most flexibility since its reviewed on each instance. Burden of work falls on the developer not the city.
- Prohibited outright – prohibits any and all work, period. This is the most restrictive option.
There is a December 1, 2024 deadline to select 1 of the 3 pre-implementation measures. If the city doesn’t meet this deadline it will likely result in consultation and technical assistance from FEMA in the process.
What happened tonight? Tonight the council learned about the mandate and the three interim options. This will come back to the council next meeting to discuss.
Ordinance reading
No. 1900 – Illegal discharges
What is the ordinance?
- The ordinance covers illegal discharges, intentional dumping, illegal connections, and protection of waterways.
- The ordinance allows the City to lead with education for violations, and opportunities to correct.
- The ordinance includes appropriate penalties for repeat or intentional violations.
What’s happening tonight? The 2nd reading of the ordinance passed unanimously.
What’s next? The ordinance becomes effective on Dec. 4, 2024.
– More Information –
- Councilor Collins Facebook video recap
- Work session YouTube video archive
- Council Meeting YouTube video archive
- Work session full agenda
- City council full agenda
