Signal Burst
A quick burst of information on this week’s agenda
Ranked by how much your voice can still shape the outcome
- Full Signal – High impact. Now is the time for public input
- None this week
- Moderate Signal – Important things are happening, but there is still time to act
- LOC’s Priorities for 2027 Legislative Session
- The Council could vote on the city’s top 5 legislative priorities for the state’s 2027 session. A final vote is due by September 25 either way
- LOC’s Priorities for 2027 Legislative Session
- Low Signal – Items to keep an eye on
- Street sweeper purchase
- A $447,590 street sweeper purchase is up for approval. It was already planned in this year’s budget
- Ordinance No. 1926 – Spectrum Pacific West franchise agreement
- 1st reading of a renewed cable franchise agreement with Spectrum
- Ordinance No. 1927 – Forged Fiber 37 franchise agreement
- 1st reading of a new franchise agreement with Forged Fiber 37
- Ordinance No. 1928 – Background checks for city employees and volunteers
- 1st reading of an ordinance to formalize background-check rules for city employees, volunteers, certain vendors, and ride-along participants
- Street sweeper purchase
- No Signal – For your information only
- Resolution No. 3577
- A resolution repealing old traffic sign requirements now replaced by a traffic signal
- Resolution No. 3577
Full Signal
High impact. Now is the time for public input.
Nothing rises to Full Signal this week.
Moderate Signal
Important things are happening, but there is still time to act.
LOC’s Priorities for 2027 Legislative Session
Why Moderate Signal: Council could vote this meeting on which of the 5 priorities the city wants. Now is the time to make your voice heard, since no direction has been set yet.
The League of Oregon Cities (LOC) has 27 legislative priorities for the upcoming 2027 Oregon Legislative session. Every member city needs to rank their top 5 choices for the LOC to pursue. The City Council reviewed the LOC priorities in the previous meeting and was asked to raise any questions before this meeting. If Councilors are ready, they could vote at this meeting on the 5 priorities they support. If a vote doesn’t happen this week it would move to the next meeting. A final vote is needed by September 25, 2026.
Learn More: Read the League of Oregon Cities’ 27 legislative priorities for the 2027-2028 session.
YOUR SIGNAL: You can speak during the Public Comment section, towards the beginning of the meeting. Each person has up to 3 minutes to speak.
Low Signal
Items to keep an eye on.
Street Sweeper Purchase
Why Low Signal: This equipment purchase was already built into the budget for this year and is being presented in the consent agenda.
The Public Works department is asking the City Council to approve a new street sweeper for $447,590. This would replace the current 6 year old sweeper. The normal life span of a sweeper is 5 – 8 years. The current sweeper won’t be retired but will stay on as a backup. Staff compared 3 quotes for new sweepers. The most expensive unit (from SWS Equipment) was selected because of its larger water tank and bigger debris bin. Staff believe it should run more efficiently over the life of the vehicle. This purchase was already budgeted in this year’s capital improvement plan.
YOUR SIGNAL: Testimony can be given during the Public Comment section, towards the beginning of the meeting. Each person has up to 3 minutes to speak.
Ordinance No. 1926 – Franchise Agreement with Spectrum Pacific West, LLC
Why Low Signal: First reading of a franchise renewal ordinance. It includes small changes on insurance coverage requirements.
Spectrum Pacific West, LLC (an indirect subsidiary of Charter Communications) is renewing their franchise agreement. The Public Administration Committee asked staff to propose new insurance requirements in the agreement to Spectrum back in their July meeting. Spectrum agreed to raise its insurance coverage and require contractors and subcontractors to carry insurance for their work. The franchise fee will stay at 5% of gross revenue (cable fees are capped by federal law). In 2026, the 5% fee brought in about $65,000.
YOUR SIGNAL: Comments are accepted during the Public Comment portion towards the beginning of the meeting. Each person has up to 3 minutes to speak.
Ordinance No. 1927 – Franchise Agreement with Forged Fiber 37, LLC
Why Low Signal: This is a 1st reading of an ordinance for a new franchise agreement. Staff are still working on the insurance requirement, which will be added before the 2nd reading.
The City Council will consider a new franchise agreement with Forged Fiber 37 (a wholesale fiber infrastructure subsidiary of AT&T). They want to build, operate, and maintain telecommunications services in the city. The Public Administration Committee asked staff to require Forged Fiber’s subcontractors to carry their own insurance. That insurance language is not complete yet but will be added before the 2nd reading. This telecommunication franchise agreement would carry a 7% fee on gross revenues.
YOUR SIGNAL: Comments are accepted towards the beginning of the meeting during the Public Comment time. Time is limited to 3 minutes per speaker.
Ordinance No. 1928 – Background Checks for City Employees, Volunteers, Vendors, and Program Participants
Why Low Signal: 1st reading of an ordinance to formalize required background-checks. This will match up with state law.
This ordinance would add a new section to Dallas’s municipal code for criminal background checks on prospective city employees, volunteers, certain contracted vendors, and people signed up for emergency services ride-alongs. The ordinance follows the current law under ORS 659A.360 and OAR 257-010-0025. The ordinance also details how long records are kept (Answer: 3 years) and who inside the city can see them (Answer: authorized persons with official need).
YOUR SIGNAL: People can provide testimony during Public Comment. Each person can speak for 3 minutes.
No Signal
For your information only.
Resolution No. 3577 – Repealing Resolution 3440
Why No Signal: Housekeeping step to update old requirements at the new Levens St. and Ellendale Ave. intersection.
Back in 2020, Resolution 3440 set up the requirement to have a stop sign and a yield sign at the intersection of SW Levens Street and W Ellendale Avenue. That intersection was updated with new traffic signals in December 2025. This resolution formally repeals the old street sign requirement (Resolution 3440), since it no longer applies.
Make your voice heard
- Attend in person:
- Monday, August 17, 2026 – City Hall in downtown Dallas, Oregon
- No Work Session this week
- City Council starts at 7:00 pm
- Monday, August 17, 2026 – City Hall in downtown Dallas, Oregon
- Speak at the meeting: Public comment happens near the start of the meeting. Everyone gets up to 3 minutes
- Submit public comment by phone: Dial +1 (253) 215-8782, enter Meeting ID 213 855 0622, then press #. Log in before 7:00 pm to make sure your comment is received
- E-mail the Mayor or a Councilor: Contact your representatives to share information
- Watch live or later: The meeting streams on the city’s YouTube page live and is then archived afterward
Congratulations!
You’re all caught up on this week’s agenda, which was 88 pages. Now, are you ready to get involved?
Do you want to be the Mayor or a City Councilor? Filing deadline is August 25, 2026. Currently, all 5 candidates for Mayor and City Council will run unopposed.
See information on running for office on the city website, and the stay tuned to election coverage and information on The Dallas Signal’s election page.
